Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Mystic Falls- January 4, 2012 C.E:

The clasp on her purse clicks shut, her eyes lifting from the deep green leather as the door to the convertible is opened. Her hazel eyes land on an outstretched hand, her features taking on a look of disapproval. A few months prior the gesture would have made her smirk. Poking playfully at the man about chivalry having been dead for centuries. Now however, her brother's offered hand grates on her nerves. She had thought they were on the same page concerning their blond brother. Though his recent call had proven she was very wrong about that.

"I'm glad you came." Elijah comments, a slight smirk pulling at his lips that only deepens her annoyance.

He doesn't even react to the glare she sends him in response. The fire in her eyes burning brightly even as she takes his hand. Allowing him to help her out of the ridiculously expensive car he had gifted her. He handed her the keys almost exactly one year prior. The Jaguar XKR in her favorite shade of emerald green, it's interior rich black leather with stitching to match the exterior paint. She had loved it, still does. Even if she does happen to be contemplating ripping his heart from his chest at the moment.

"I'm glad you called. Though, I fail to see why you are once again working with Niklaus." She says, raising a brow at him as she drops her hand from his and begins fussing with her dress.

"You'll see soon enough, all I ask is that you remain cordial for the evening." He says, offering her his arm as he steps past her to shut her car door.

"I'm not sure I can, Elijah. I don't understand why you are so willing to forgive him after what he did. We've spent nearly a century planning his downfall and you throw it all away in a matter of months?" She argues too calmly, crossing her arms over her chest as she glares at him.

"He lied, Astrid. He never dropped their bodies in the ocean, they're here." He informs her, her features softening slightly.

"Kol's here?" She questions, disbelief clear in her voice.

"He is, as are Rebekah and Finn. For the time they remain daggered— however Niklaus has given me his word that our family will be whole again soon." He confirms, stepping closer to her.

"I want to see him." She says, shaking her head lightly as she takes a small step away from him. Hurt flashes through Elijah's eyes at the reaction, though he doesn't say anything.

"It's not you that I distrust, Elijah. I don't need to remind you that Niklaus has a proclivity for lying about our siblings." She defends, sighing softly.

"Not this time. I've seen their coffins, I saw Kol's body with my own eyes just this morning. They are truly here, Astrid." Elijah insists, once again offering his arm to the woman.

"When will he undagger them?" She asks, hesitating briefly before looping her arm in his.

The metal band around her right bicep presses lightly into the back of his own. His eyes glancing down to find that the piece of jewelry is hidden beneath her top. A look of confusion crossing his features as his muscles tense in her hold for just a moment. The question behind his eyes going unasked and her question going unanswered as he leads her into the mansion.

The sound of her heels echo harshly against the quiet as they make their way through the foyer and into the dining room. Stepping into the arch way her eyes land on two men she doesn't recognize, the pair sitting awkwardly with Klaus. Her brother's blue eyes widening just slightly as he looks at her. Her own eyes raking over the three men, her face clearly reflecting that she's not impressed with anything she finds. The other two men at the table don't even attempt to hide their confusion as they take her in.

The skin tight bodice of her dress is cut low enough to show off ample amounts of cleavage. Beneath however, she wears a white dress shirt with only the top most button undone. The sleeves fully cover her arms, her bag hanging from a delicate gold chain that's draped over her forearm. The skirt of the dress is looser, flowing more and ending just above her knee. The emerald green of her stilettos matching both her dress and her bag perfectly. The curls of her black hair fall too perfectly around her shoulders.

"Astrid, I wasn't aware you were-" Klaus begins, glaring lightly at Elijah.

"Alive?" The woman interrupts with a raised brow, pulling his gaze back to her.

"I was going to say in town, but now that you mention it..." He corrects, his eyes once again shifting to Elijah as he awaits an explanation.

"Did I forget to mention her undaggering? It must have slipped my mind, it has been a few years after all." Elijah says simply, leading her to the table and pulling out the only remaining chair.

"Astrid, I would like you to meet Damon and Stefan Salvatore." He begins, gesturing to each sibling before motioning for her to sit.

"Salvatores, Astrid Mikaelson. The elder of our beloved sisters." Elijah finishes introducing, resting his left hand on the back of the chair.

"There were only five coffins." Stefan says, a scowl coming to his face as he looks between the siblings.

"Yes, the last time she was daggered Elijah decided to have off with her coffin. It was, in part, the reason for our falling out." Klaus explains, glaring at his brother as Damon furrows his brows.

"I thought that was over you dumping their bodies in the ocean." Damon says, though his tone is more of a question as he looks at Klaus.

"Niklaus was growing more paranoid by the day and I knew the only way I would remain undaggered was with leverage. As a result, I had Astrid's coffin moved. He threw the others into the ocean in response to that decision— or so he told me." Elijah explains casually, leaning lightly against the chair.

"Yes, which leaves us with the question of when she was undaggered. Perhaps my paranoia was more warranted than you like to claim." Klaus accuses, raising a brow at his brother.

"Not until you told me our other siblings were lost to us." Elijah answers as Astrid picks up the half-full wine glass beside his now abandoned plate.

"It was the first thing he did— wake me and pass along the news. Truth be told, I didn't take it well." Astrid says, drawing the men's attention to her as she swirls the wine.

"I really should apologize for how I reacted– but then– I never would have destroyed your precious Belaga had I known Kol was safe." She adds, her tone mocking.

"I should have known then. Elijah wouldn't butcher an entire district, even in the throes of grief. He lacks the... creativity of you and I." Klaus comments, causing her to scoff.

"On the contrary, Niklaus. We simply lack his impulse control." She corrects with a smirk, a knowing look dancing behind her eyes as she looks up at Elijah.

She's fully aware that her destruction of Belaga was exactly what he had intended. They had discussed it not long after the fact. Her brother apologizing for using her in that way as she waved him off. Assuring him that she's have destroyed the district whether he wanted her to or not. His hand slides off the back of the chair, landing on her shoulder and squeezing lightly. A barely there smile pulling at the corners of his lips.

"Yeah, remind me not to piss her off." Damon comments, looking at Stefan who is still studying the new original.

"Why don't we move this evening along and discuss the terms of this proposal?" Elijah suggests, moving his hand to rest between her shoulder blades as his right takes the glass from her own.

"Oh, well, that's simple. Klaus gets his coffin back. In exchange, he and the Original extended family leave Mystic Falls forever. Me, Stefan, and Elena live happily ever after. No grudges." Damon answers, his words directed at Elijah as the original takes a drink of his wine.

"The deal sounds fair, brother." Elijah reasons as Klaus rolls his eyes.

"I don't think you understand. Elena's doppelganger blood insures that I will always have more hybrids to fight those that oppose me. I will never leave her behind." Klaus begins, pushing himself to his feet and beginning to pace.

"Let's say I do leave her here, under your protection, what then? How long before one of you turns her into a vampire? Or worse, how long before she dies caught between your feuding? You see, each one of you truly believes that you're the one that can protect her and that is simply a delusion. Gentlemen, the worst thing for Elena Gilbert is the two of you." Klaus argues, looking at the Salvatores in annoyance.

"I'm gonna get some air." Damon mumbles, pushing himself from the table and leaving the room.

"Let me deal with this." Elijah sighs, handing his wine back to Astrid and following the elder Salvatore.

The three that remain in the room fall into a tense silence. Astrid's eyes looking at the wine as she once again swirls it. The woman not caring to hide her look of boredom as Stefan continues to stare.

"Well, I guess the only reason you agreed to this evening, Klaus, is to drive a wedge between me and my brother." Stefan reasons after a few minutes, looking pointedly at the hybrid.

"Oh no, you're doing that well enough on your own. Because of Elena, you're gonna lose your brother and you'll only have yourself to blame." Klaus corrects, as Astrid takes a drink of Elijah's wine.

"What do you say, Klaus? It's time for you to put something on the table. We've made our offer, now you counter." Damon says, the elder siblings stepping back into the room.

"Okay. I offer Elena's future happiness. You see, what she needs right now is to be rid of you lot and to fall in love with a human. Maybe that nice football player, you know the blond one?" Klaus suggests, looking to his siblings like they may know who he's talking about.

"Matt Donovan, really?" Damon scoffs, glaring at Klaus.

Astrid's eyes bounce to each man as they speak, mild amusement entering them.

"Yeah, why not? They'll marry, live a long and fruitful life, and pop out a perfect family." Klaus questions, stepping back towards the table.

"And continue the Petrova bloodline. Every few hundred years, you'll have a new doppelgänger to drain and never run out of hybrids, right Klaus?" Stefan questions, easily catching on to the other man's idea.

"Consider it a small return on my investment in her well-being. See, after you hand me back the coffin, I'll ensure her safety for the rest of her natural life. You know it's what's best for her." He defends, looking expectantly at the younger Salvatore as he stops in front of the fireplace.

"So, what do you say Stefan, hmm? Do we have a deal?" He adds as Stefan steps towards him.

"What are you doing?" Damon questions, watching Stefan take the hybrid's outstretched hand.

"Nice try, Klaus. But no deal." Stefan says, the far too confident look on his face causing Astrid to laugh.

Klaus looks to her once, seeing the anticipation on her face as she leans forward in her seat. Her brother momentarily hesitating at the look before he turns back to Stefan. The hybrid breaking the young vampire's arm as well as his knee. Easily shifting him to shove his hand into the fire. Astrid's gaze moves to Elijah as he stops Damon from interfering with a hand on his chest, pinning him to the wall.

"What are you doing?" Damon asks, his eyes briefly leaving his brother to look at Elijah in confusion. A question that goes unacknowledged by both of the original brothers but causes Astrid's brows to furrow slightly.

"Stop." Damon orders, turning his attention back to Klaus and Stefan.

"Now, bring me my coffin before I burn him alive." Klaus orders, looking over his shoulder at the brunette men as he pushes Stefan's hand further into the fire.

"I'll get it." Damon agrees as Elijah slowly drops his hold. The younger vampire shoulder checking him on the way out of the room.

"Go with him, brother. You keep him honest and when you return, I will make good on my promise to you and I will hand over our family." Klaus directs, Elijah's eyes briefly moving to Astrid before he leaves the room. The look behind them causing her own to widen briefly as she realizes he's not working with Klaus at all.

"Go ahead and kill me. I know you'll do it when he brings the coffin." Stefan spits, glaring at the hybrid.

"That's not really his style. When he's killing people's loved ones, he prefers to do it in front of them." Astrid says, the hybrid once again looking to her as she sips the wine in her hand.

"You're still here?" He questions in mock surprise, earning a sarcastic smile and hum of confirmation from her.

"By all means, brother. Do carry on. This is the best entertainment I've had in months." She encourages, motioning for him to continue as Stefan struggles weakly in his hold.

"Where's the fight, Stefan? Where's the ripper?" Klaus asks, his tone almost disappointed as he looks back to the man and pulls his hand from the fire.

Dropping his hold, he pushes the younger vampire. A smug look coming to his face as Stefan shoves him back. His attention being pulled to the door as Elijah enters again. A clearly compelled blonde woman standing to his left with a serving tray in her hand.

"Elijah. Why haven't you left?" Klaus questions in confusion, evidently not seeing the betrayal coming despite Astrid's arrival.

"Where are your manners, brother? We forgot dessert." Elijah comments, removing the cover from the tray the blonde is carrying. A single dagger coming into view.

"What have you done?" Klaus questions, anger entering his tone as Astrid watches in surprise. She knew he had something planned but she didn't expect him to wake their siblings himself.

"You see, I've learned not to trust your vulgar promises, Klaus. We're doing this on my terms now." Elijah explains.

"Besides, what kind of brother would I be if I didn't get my sister a birthday present? After all, you only turn 1,029 once." He continues as a smirk pulls at his lips.

Klaus looks at him in confusion, Astrid's eyes filling with hope. A second later Kol steps into their line of sight. The look in his eyes downright murderous as he locks his gaze on Klaus. The look softening immediately as it moves to Astrid.

"Kol." His name passes Astrid and Klaus' lips at the same time. One laced with disbelief, the other with fear. Both full of anticipation.

"Hello again, darling sister." Kol greets with a smirk.

Astrid doesn't speak as she sets the near empty wine glass back on the table. Her heels clicking against the floor and interrupting the tense quiet that overtook the room. Everyone's eyes are on her as she approaches Kol, her hand reaching out to touch his right forearm. A grin pulling at her lips, relief flooding through her as her fingers feel the metal band that hides beneath his sleeve.

"It's good to have you back, brother." She sighs, her hand sliding down his arm to take his own.

It remains silent for a moment as the pair stare at one-another. A conversation happening between them without a single word being exchanged. Elijah smiles as Astrid's gaze finally leaves Kol to meet his own. The elder of the originals nodding slightly, seemingly giving her the permission she needs to turn her look to Klaus.

"Don't." Klaus begins, backing away from the pair slightly.

His attention being drawn away from them as Finn appears beside him, putting a dagger through his hand.

"Finn-" Klaus begins, turning away from him only for Rebekah to be in his way.

"This is for our mother." She reasons, stabbing Klaus with her own dagger.

Kol leaves Astrid and Elijah's sides as Rebekah removes the dagger. He catches Klaus as he falls, holding him in place as he looks to Astrid with a wicked smirk.

"You're free to go. This is family business." Elijah says, looking to the Salvatores as he removes an antler handled knife from his suit jacket.

Damon's grip on Stefan tightens as he pulls him towards the door. His eyes lingering on the siblings for just a moment longer before they leave. Elijah turns his attention to Astrid, holding the knife out for her. She takes it without hesitation, the handle far too comfortable in her palm. She lets her fingers dance across the knife as she slowly approaches Klaus. Noting that the leather wrapped where the handle meets the tang is in far better condition than it was the last time she held it. Finn and Rebekah instinctively step out of her way as she approaches Klaus. The hybrid struggling against Kol's hold, a scream leaving his lips as she digs the tip of the blade into the skin just below his collarbone.

Chapter Text

Mystic Falls- January 4, 2012 C.E:

Klaus' screams turn to frantic gasps for breath as Astrid pulls her blade from his skin. It's ironic actually. Her using that blade to carve into his skin. The knife has been in her possession for most of their lives. Klaus himself had made it, gifted it to her as a way of saying thanks. All but the blade itself having been altered by one of their siblings in some way. The changes being made not long after he'd given it to her.

She knows that the significance of the blade probably hurts more than the actual cuts. They all do. Kol and Finn hadn't seen the events leading to her retrieving the gift but they had seen the aftermath. They had all seen it on their skin for weeks following the incident. And, looking into Klaus' eyes, she knows he's seeing it again. Seeing the girl who stepped in to protect him when Elijah wouldn't dare, now looking down at him with hatred in her eyes.

She can't even remember why Mikael was so upset, just that he had been more angry than ever before. But she remembers the rest. Klaus being curled into a ball on the ground when she intervened. Elijah steping in front of her, giving her a quiet warning not to do anything stupid. She had simply pushed past him. Sending him a disappointed look over her shoulder as he stood back beside Rebekah. The pair watching as Astrid, only twelve years old, came to Niklaus' defense. Their father had barely even looked at her at first. Told her to get out of his way or he'd put her in her place as well.

Astrid's response had been to square her shoulders and pull the small, skinning knife from her belt. Her stance didn't faulter as she stared the man down and pride had filled his eyes even as he swung. She was doing an impressive job at avoiding the blows, dodging most of his attacks well. It was when she decided she'd had enough and started fighting back that things went south. Mikael had froze the moment her blade caught his cheek. She did too, they all did. None of them even daring to breath as they watched him.

His fingers had slowly moved to catch the blood that dripped from the wound. And when he pulled his hand away, his eyes landed on the red liquid and he snapped. His hand moved faster than she could react and wrapped around her loose curls. His fist slamming into her face again and again. He didn't stop until she quit struggling against his hold. Only then did he drop her without a care. Leaving Niklaus, Elijah, and Rebekah to look on in horror. Her eye had swollen shut. Her brow and nose bleeding heavily. Her bottom lip had been split. Her pale skin covered in fast forming bruises as she struggled to get up.

Her siblings were frozen in spot even as Mikael turned to walk away. Their eyes fixated on her as she pushed herself to her feet and called him a coward. Her voice had been strong despite the fact that she had to spit out a mouthful of blood to say it. The word made him turn back, the man slowly walking towards her. But she didn't back down. Told him that his lack of self-control brought more shame on the family than any of the siblings ever could. As soon as the words left her she went quiet, waiting for him to step into her space. A wicked glint had appeared in her eyes when he did and she spat a mouthful of blood in his face.

If his anger hadn't already been renewed by her words, it certainly was by that. His fists connected with her body repeatedly as she tried in vain to defended herself. Her fight hadn't left her until she physically couldn't stand for another minute. And even then, a smirk pulled at her bloody lips as he walked away. Klaus' hand sliping into hers as Elijah and Rebekah ran to their sides.

He had gifted her the knife a few weeks after that. Their faces and bodies still covered in slowly healing bruises. She carried it with her everywhere, always keeping it secured safely to her belt unless it was in use. And she continued to use it even after they were turned. Even when, by all accounts, it became entirely unnecessary.

She relished in the feeling of it against her palm. The way it cut through flesh and tendon with ease even after so many years. Found it therapeutic to care for it after each use. It was almost meditative for her. She'd sit with a rag and a wet stone. Carefully wiping the blood from the grooves Finn had carved into the handle to prevent it from slipping in her grip. Ensuring the Elder Futhark carving of, "stand with honor," that Klaus had made was still legible on the blade.

Sharpening it back to it's prime when it began to dull even slightly. She took great care with it's sheath as well, never allowing it to get dirty or damaged. She would stare for hours at the small, half-finished, etchings of animals in the leather. Each made by Henrik who would get bored halfway through and abandon his work. Occasionally replacing the piece of thread that holds the tinny, fox shaped charm Rebekah had attatched to it.

More often replacing the leather wrapped where the tang of the blade entered the handle. Though, she never did that herself. When that needed done she would take it to Elijah, silently handing him the knife and a piece of leather. And each time he would dutifully cut a strip from the leather. Wrapping it around the junction point just as carefully as he had the first time. Leaving the knife with a neat, even, and annoyingly perfect barrier between the handle and the blade.

Whenever she was daggered, her siblings were sure to tuck the knife and sheath safely into the coffin beside her. After her and Kol's stint in London in late 1888, however, Elijah had taken it. Finally deciding that her continued use of the blade in her attempts to quell her bordem was more concerning than it was endearing. She never thought she'd see it again, especially after he'd woken her in Belaga.

He wanted her to take out her rage and grief there. Yet he still withheld her beloved knife. Perhaps it was because of it's connection to Klaus. Maybe he thought it would end up as another innocent victim of her rage. No matter the reason, she'd had to result to instinct in that moment. Ripping flesh from necks with her teeth. Pulling limbs from torsos with her bare hands. Destroying buildings with her magic. Perhaps the blade wouldn't have helped with that last one. But the point stands, she thought he destroyed the knif. Or hidden it away permanently. But as it would turn out, he was simply saving it for a special occasion.

She's pulled from her thoughts by the sound of shattering ceramic. Her eyes leaving Klaus' bleeding torso as Rebekah's voice fills the air. Her tone harsh and bitter as she picks up another vase.

"I love what you've done with the new place, Nik." She comments, throwing the vase into a painting.

"I wanted it to be for all of us! A place we could call home. A place we could all be a family. None of us would ever have to be alone again." Klaus insists, his voice tight. Though she can't quite tell if it's from emotion or pain.

"Well, you're right. None of us will be." Elijah says far too casually.

"You're staying behind." Finn agrees, stepping closer to Astrid to ensure their brother can see him.

"We're leaving you, Nik. Right after I kill that doppelganger wench. Then you will be alone, always and forever." Rebekah hums.

The promise she, Klaus, and Elijah made to one another is hollow as it passes her lips. Almost as hollow as it has, always and forever, sounded each time it reach the ears of those who'd been excluded.

"If you run, I will hunt all of you down." Klaus threatens, anger entering his voice.

"Then you will become everything you hate." Elijah comments and Astrid laughs lightly.

"Perhaps he truly is Mikael's son after all." She hums, lazily pressing the blade into his skin again as she looks back at Elijah.

"I am the hybrid! I cannot be killed! I have nothing to fear from any of you!" Klaus rages, his eyes darting frantically between the siblings that keep taunting him.

"You will when we have that coffin." Elijah insists, the sound of the front door opening drawing all the siblings eyes to the hall.

Each of them freezing as Esther walks in. Their mother looking over her children for the first time in over a millennium. Her eyes far more gentle than they should be for the scene she finds. More than they had ever been before they were turned.

"Mother?" Rebekah says, confusion and pain filling her voice.

As Esther walks further into the room her eyes lock on Klaus. Finn grabbing Astrid's arm and pulling her out of Esther's path as Kol releases their brother. Klaus's eyes immediately find the ground as Kol moves to Astrid's other side.

"Look at me!" Esther commands, waiting until he does as she said before continuing.

"Do you know why I'm here?" She asks, Klaus' eyes filling with tears as he stares up at her.

"You're here to kill me." He confirms, his voice cracking slightly.

"Nikalus, you are my son and I am here to forgive you." Esther says softly, her hand gentle as she touches his cheek.

The words shock everyone in the room. Their eyes going wide as they look between eachother, their mother, and their terrified brother on his knees.

"I want us to be a family again." She announces, looking at her children with a soft gaze.

Less than an hour after their mother's arrival, Astrid realizes that what Klaus had said was true. He truly did want the siblings to live in the home together. The hybrid leading the siblings through the second story, showing them each to their rooms. Finn's with soft tan walls and minimal decor other than the bookshelves full of history books.

Rebekah's decorated with tasteful florals, a fully stocked vanity and walk in closet awaiting her. She hadn't seen Elijah's room– given that he's been here for a few days now– but she can practically see it, the deep gray walls and dark furniture within. Without a doubt also decorated minimally, simply due to the fact that it's what he tends to prefer.

Astrid and Kol's rooms are the final ones on their little tour. The other siblings had split from the group already. Their anger at Klaus overriding any interest they had to see the other rooms. Klaus looks almost giddy as he pushes open the door to Astrid's room. The hybrid stepping inside as he motions to the room he's revealed. The sage green paint job with an emerald green accent wall. The queen sized bed clad in a black blankets and silk sheets. Booksheves full of journals and grimoires she'd collected over the years. Each one having gone missing much like her knife had on the occasion she'd been daggered before hiding them. A desk with far more drawers than most would deem necessary, which Klaus explains is full of different magical components.

Klaus grins, taking long strides to a door on the wall across from her bed. Opening it to reveal Kol's room. Soft grey walls, bookshelves much the same as her own. A large desk with blank sheet music layed across the top, a few trinkets she recognizes scattered on various surfaces around the room. The queen bed draped with deep blue bedding, a grand piano tucked into the corner. He'd really put in the effort to make sure each of them had a space that truly felt like their own.

"I know how you struggle to sleep when you're alone. I'd entertained the idea of giving the two of you one room, but I thought you'd each enjoy your own space from time to time. So, I figured conjoining rooms would be a nice middle-ground." He reasons, looking between them for a few seconds as they both stare at him in surprise.

"Thanks, Nik." Astrid breathes, still looking between Kol's room and her own.

Klaus nods and makes his way out of the the room. Astrid moving to the desk as soon as the door clicks shut behind him. She pulls open the drawers, her eyes landing on various magically relevant odds and ends. Crystals, empty jars, candles, a pouch filled with bones, another with rusty nails. A jar of graveyard dirt, small containers of various herbs. Her eyes finally finding a bundle of sage, her fingers gentle against the dried leaves as she removes it from the drawer. She lights it wordlessly, setting it in a small glass dish on top of the desk.

Kol is on her before she even has the chance to finish turning towards him. His lips meeting hers in heated kiss. His hands landing on her hips and pulling her flush against him as she threads her fingers through his hair. Both of them savoring the taste of one another. Basking in the feeling of finally being reunited.

It always seems to go like this when they're undaggered. Their actions all heat and desire and impatience as soon as they can find themselves alone. Rough hands grabbing at eachother harshly. Holding on tight, like they're afraid the other might disappear. Making out and pawing at each other like a couple of horny teenagers until their minds can catch up. Their hands slowing in their paths when they finally do.

This time is no different. Kol's hands slide from her hips to her ass, squeezing the soft flesh. Her own hands tugging hard at his hair, lips eagerly swallowing the moan that falls past his lips. His fingers move up her spine, her hands leaving his hair to unbutton his shirt. Pushing it and his jacket from his shoulders in one smooth motion. His hands returning to her hips and wandering to her thighs as soon as they fall from his arms. Only for his hand to move a second later, caressing her face as their kiss goes from desperate heat to gentle passion.

His lips move away from her own, trailing soft kisses across her cheek and over her jawline. A soft, content sigh leaving her as she she trails one hand down his chest. Her fingers stopping just over his heart to trace the X shaped scar on his skin. The only scar any of them still have on their bodies. A promise she made to him while they were still human. While magic was still a stranger to her control. While the only enemy they knew was their own father.

"I've missed you, brother." She says, her voice as soft as his actions as he peppers her throat with kisses.

"How long has it been?" He questions, pulling away from her just enough to look her in the eyes.

"Nearly a century since we were daggered, it's 2010 now. I've been awake 88 years." She says, one hand moving to brush a strand of hair from his forhead.

"They've never undaggered us separately before." Kol comments, his brows furrowing as he looks at her in confusion.

"In 1922, Nik and Elijah got into another fight. Elijah had my coffin taken and when Nik found out he lost it. Told Elijah he tossed all of you into the ocean when he found me missing. Elijah took me to Belaga, woke me and told me what happened. I destroyed Nik's precious little retreat and then some. Elijah and I have been planning Nik's death together since." She explains, using her fingers to smooth his furrowed brow before tracing across his features.

"I thought I'd lost you." She adds, her voice nothing more than a whisper as her eyes moving across his face.

"You didn't, darling. I'm still here, I'm still yours." He comments, pressing another soft kiss to her lips.

"And I, yours." She hums happily, her fingers treading through his hair as she pulls him into another kiss.

Chapter Text

Mystic Falls- January 5, 2012 C.E:

Astrid sits in an armchair beside Rebekah, the pair getting their nails done as their brothers are fitted for new tuxedos. The sisters had been fitted for their dresses earlier that morning. A louder than necessary argument having taken place between them when Rebekah picked out a deep green dress. One that matched the exact shade of Astrid's own. Kol of course had gotten involved, agreeing with Astrid that Rebekah should get her dress in another color.

Klaus argued that perhaps Astrid should be the one to change her choice. Finn, ever the peacekeeper, said they both pick something else to keep one from being jealous. A suggestion that had earned him scoffs from the two younger Mikaelson brothers and glares from both sisters. Elijah had shocked them all then, telling Rebekah to pick a different shade if she insisted on wearing green. Reasoning that the current shade has been Astrid's color since they were still human and that shouldn't change now.

That had all but settled the argument, though Rebekah is still pouting that Elijah hadn't taken her side. Despite that, they don't speak about it any more as they get their nails done. Rebekah opting for a simple manicure and clear coat. Astrid, a full set of acrylics painted the exact shade as her dress. Astrid's eyes don't leave Kol for more than a few seconds at a time as the tailor makes adjustments to his jacket.

"Rebekah? Tell me how handsome I am." Kol says, the blonde not even looking up from her magazine.

"Oh, Kol. You know I can't be compelled." She says with a pitying tone, her words causing Elijah and Finn to grin.

Kol's pout earns a small chuckle from Astrid, his lips pulling into a grin as he looks at her through the mirror.

"You went after Elena? What is wrong with you?" Klaus seeths as he comes into the room, stopping abruptly in front of Rebekah.

"Here we go." The blonde sighs rolling her eyes as he glares down at her.

"Do you want another dagger in your heart?" He questions, narrowing his eyes at her.

"Again with the dagger threats. Don't you have any other tricks?" Kol questions, taking off his suit jacket and beginning to roll up the sleeves of his dress shirt.

"Now, Kol. Do try to be a bit more sensitive." Astrid scolds lightly.

"You know what they say about old dogs." She adds, her voice a stage whisper as she cringes like saying it aloud is painful.

"Oh, go back to staring at one another." Klaus spits in annoyance, barely glancing at them.

"Gladly." Kol comments, his eyes moving across Astrid's body in appreciation.

Kol walks towards her chair slowly. Looking at her as though he wants to rip her clothes off right then and there. Astrid's eyes remain on his, a pleased smirk pulling at her lips. Her attention only leaving him when Finn moves. Her gaze going to their eldest brother just in time to see his jaw clenching as he turns away in disgust. Elijah's brows furrowing at the interaction as he watches Astrid roll her eyes.

The mansion is filled with people laughing, talking, and frankly gawking. Taking in the elaboratly removated mansion and the well dressed siblings that live in it. Astrid's hand rests on Kol's arm as he leads her towards the mayor and the dark haired Salvatore. The hem of her dress sweeping across the floor with each step, her hair half tied up in intricate braids that fall down her back.

"Mayor Lockwood, we haven't formally met. Kol Mikaelson, this is my darling sister, Astrid." Kol introduces, his opposite hand moving to cover hers. His thumb brushing over her knuckles as he turns his attention to her.

"We're hopeful your lovely town embraces us as much as we plan to embrace it." He continues, turning back to the pair before him with a charming smile.

"Damon Salvatore, have we met?" Damon introduces, holding his hand out for Kol to shake.

"We've met a lot of people. You don't particularly stand out. Excuse us." Kol replies, ignoring the vampire's outstretched hand and leading Astrid away calmly.

They wander through the crowd for a while. Occasionally stopping or being stopped by someone to have predictable and incredibly boring small talk. Their attention more focused on one another than any of their guests throughout the conversations. The ringing of metal on glass drawing them to the main staircase. The pair moving to join their siblings on the steps as usual for the beginning of a Mikaelson hosted party.

"If everyone could gather, please." Elijah requests as Astrid and Kol pass him.

His eyes lingering on the gold band around Astrid's bicep that is proudly on display. Astrid and Kol stop just a few steps above him. Their mother and Finn coming down the stairs to stand beside them as well.

"Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance." Elijah announces as their guests look up at the family.

"Tonight's pick is a centuries-old waltz. So if all of you could, please, find yourselves a partner and join us in the ballroom." He continues, motioning to the joining room.

Astrid once again takes Kol's arm as he leads her into the ballroom. Their hold on eachother only shifting as they move into position for the waltz. Astrid stands a bit too close to him. Her hand resting on the back of his neck rather than his shoulder, her fingers threading through his hair. Kol's own hand moving to sit too low on her back. The tips of his fingers sliding casually past the silk of her dress where it rests just above her hips. The open laced back not providing enough access to her skin for his preference.

"I've not seen you wear a sleeveless dress in public since we were human." He observes casually as the music starts, his voice just above a whisper.

"Your thoughts?" She prompts, knowing exactly what he's hinting at.

"Elijah's noticed already, it won't be long before he asks. If anyone other than Finn were to put any meaning to it then it would certainly be him. And we both know Finn's opinion on the subject." He says, annoyance entering his tone as he mentions their eldest brother.

"That's not what I asked, brother." She laughs softly, raising a brow at him as they move with practiced ease.

"Are you suggesting we tell them?" He asks, studying her features.

"I'm suggesting we simply stop hiding. For nearly a century I believed you were dead, Kol. Elijah and I only had each other and– no matter how hard he tried– he could not even begin to understand my grief." She explains, his hold on her tightening in response as his eyes darken possessively.

"And exactly how hard did he try?" He comments, his jaw clenched.

"Not in that way, Kol. But I won't lie to you, the thought did cross my mind." She admits with a sigh.

"Did the thought simply cross your mind or did you act on it? Did you pursue him?" He questions harshly, each word dripping with jealousy as she leans closer to him.

"I never pursued him, Kol. And I never removed my armband. Even when I imagined his hands on my skin, I never stopped being yours." She informs him, the words nothing more than a breath against his ear as her fingers tighten in his hair.

His step falters at the admission, anger flashing through his eyes before he fully registers the statement. Something shifting in his features as he looks to her band on display.

"You believed me dead for a century and– of all the men in the world– your thoughts wandered to Elijah." He comments, a smirk pulling at his lips as amusement laces his words.

"You certainly have a type, darling." He adds with a laugh that's just a bit too loud.

The sound briefly drawing the attention of a few of the nearby couples, including Elijah and Finn. The brothers looking at he pair as a smile appears on Astrid's face. She doesn't dare to put distance between herself and Kol. Perfectly content to be seen in his arms, their cheeks nearly pressed together as they whisper to one another.

"It would seem so, brother. It would also seem that you never answered my question." She laughs quietly, pulling back just enough to look in his eyes.

"We've lurked in shadows and behind closed doors for long enough." He agrees, a possessive look coming to his eyes as he looks down at the band on her arm again.

The two only separate when the dance requires it. All the siblings had spoken before hand and strategically chosen where in the room they would dance. All so they would know who would be dancing with who after the switch. Her hand lands on Finn's shoulder as they look to one another in confusion. Their steps faltering for just a moment as their eyes move to Elijah. Confusion briefly moving behind his eyes as well as he greets Carol Lockwood.

All three siblings move their attention to Kol, where he stands with Finn's dance partner as previously intended. The younger of the brothers clearly pleased with himself for ensuring that Astrid did not end up in Elijah's arms. The siblings recover quickly, falling back into step as though nothing had happened. Finn's hold on her too perfect, his posture incredibly rigid as he ensures there is an adequate amount of distance between them.

"You're wearing it openly." Finn says tightly, refusing to look at the armband even as he addresses it.

"It's a truth that I'm tired of hiding." She says simply.

"You used to care what people may say." He comments, glancing to the room of people around them.

"A century of grieving a husband no one knows you have changes you." Astrid explains simply.

"He is your brother, Astrid. Not your husband." He hisses, his eyes narrowing as he sneers.

"He's both, Finn. You of all people know that." She corrects calmly, causing him to shake his head.

"You were young. Nieve to the realities of the situation. You didn't know what you were doing when you bound yourselves." He argues and she scoffs quietly.

"I willingly took two lives before we even dared to act on our feelings. We had both nearly died by father's hand more than once. We knew the intricacies of village politics and what the consequences would be if we were discovered. We may have been young, Finn, but we were far from nieve. We chose to be with one another then and continue to choose it now knowing full well what it entails." She insists.

"Your choice ended in 1001 and we both know it, Astrid. You didn't choose to remain loyal even in death because you couldn't bare the thought of moving on. You chose him because you knew what would happen if he returned to find you with another man." Finn says quietly, calmly, the implication causing her to freeze mid step. The break in smooth movements causing Kol's attention to move to her even as she regains her composure.

"I do not fear anyone, Finn. And if I did, it certainly wouldn't be him. I chose not to move on out of love, out of loyalty that does not falter." She corrects, her voice tight.

Her eyes are alight with anger as she steps further into his space. Hoping to cause him some of the discomfort he's causing her.

"You can tell yourself that all you like but Niklaus told me about those whores in Whitechapel. You and Kol didn't plan that did you? He was impusive. He was bored. And he acted without carring about the consequences. Even if it resulted in your pain." He continues, a pleased look entering his eyes when she clenches her jaw instead of speaking.

"He's so willing to take another but he's not afforded you the same liberties. And he won't, Astrid. Even if you asked him for a single night of that same freedom, he'll deny it. He wouldn't dream of letting another man touch you. Not in the way he touched all those other women." Finn insists, not caring that he's causing just as much hurt as Kol's cheating had.

"He would. If being with another would bring me happiness, he would support it." She says a bit too weakly, unable to keep her mind from wondering to their time in Southern France.

Kol insisting the servant they had invited to bed with them was allowed look but not touch. His mocking tone as he told the man that he was lucky Kol had allowed him to get himself off to her. The pleased look in his eyes after draining the blue eyed man and re-joining her in bed with blood dripping down his chin. The fact that the servant was one of many they'd had over the years. Men they invited to their bedroom at her request. Men that Kol had killed before they got the chance to touch her. Often before they even attempted it.

"You speak so proudly of remaining loyal to him when he doesn't provide you the same courtesy. The Astrid I knew would have gutted any man who dared to betray her even once." He continues, easily picking up on the crack in her resolve.

"Stop." She orders, her nails digging harshly into the back of his hand.

"He's a poison to you, sister. Weakening you. Killing you so slowly you haven't even realized it yet. And by the time you do come to your senses, it will be far too late. Because he will never let you go." He continues, his hands falling from her as soon as the final note of the song echos through the room.

She finds herself grateful that he doesn't say another word as he turns to leave. His figure retreating into the crowd as Kol comes to her side. His hand moving to her bicep, resting there as he gently rubs his thumb across the skin just below her armband. Both of their eyes focused on Finn as he moves up the stairs and out of their view.

Chapter Text

Mystic Falls- January 5, 2012 C.E:

Kol's touch is gentle as he leads her into a study a few rooms away from the ball. His eyes scanning the room briefly before shutting and locking the door behind them. His hand moves from her arm to her hip as he guides her further into the room. Turning her to face him as her features take on a mix of shock and horror.

"I hesitated to defend you." She breathes, disbelief lacing the words.

"So you did." He confirms, annoyance clear in his tone despite it not quite reaching his eyes.

"I swear to you, Kol. There is no doubt in my mind of your love." She says, her hand moving to his arm.

"I know, darling. And I know you are well and truly in love with me." Kol says, as he wraps his arms around her waist.

"More than anything in this world." She confirms, relaxing slightly in his hold.

"You thought I was lost to you and still you chose not to pursue Elijah, why?" Kol questions, causing her muscles to go tight once more.

Realization crosses his features as she looks at him with apprehension for the first time in centuries. She knows that the truth will hurt him more than Finn's words had hurt her. But she also knows that they're at a fragile point in their relationship. And she refuses to do any damage by lying to him. Not when she'd be doing so to protect his ego. Certainly not when he would see right through it. He knows her far too well for her to successfully hide it. So, she doesn't. Even as tears force their way into her eyes, she doesn't lie.

"Because I knew if you came back and learned of it you would be hurt." She whispers, watching as guilt flashes across his features.

Kol doesn't say anything as he wraps his arms around her shoulders. Her own arms wrapping around his waist as she buries her face in his chest. A few stray tears falling down her cheeks as she fights the urge to scream. Several sharp, quick noises sound through the room as darkness envelops them. Lightblubs cracking in their fixtures in response to her emotional turmoil. Screws slowly loosening themselves from their spots. Wallpaper beginning to peel at the seams. Kol pulls away slightly, his hands cupping her cheeks. Looking her in the eyes and searching for something as he speaks.

"Perhaps you should explore a relationship outside of us." He suggests, the words feeling like a knife in her heart.

The lightbulbs shatter, glass crumbling to the ground as a few screws vacate their housing completely. The wallpaper peeling further down the walls as she shakes her head.

"There's nothing to explore, Kol. There is no choice to be made. I love you, I want you. It's that simple." She insists as his thumb brushes across her cheek to catch a tear.

"And I, you. That's not going to change. You're not going to loose me. You'd simply be choosing to pursue someone else as well. I'm not going anywhere, darling. I swear it." He soothes despite the slight hesitation in his voice.

"There's no one else I could possibly want the way I want you, Kol." She insists, a strip of wallpaper falling to the floor with a soft thud.

"There is, you've already admitted as much." He reminds, the slow acting chaos around them freezing in response.

Screws stop half way out of their spots, perfectly still as her mind finally processes what he's saying. Pieces of wallpaper defy gravity, hanging mid-air as her magic abruptly pauses it's destruction.

"Are you suggesting I go to Elijah?" She questions, surprise and disbelief lacing her tone. Her brows furrowing slightly as she looks at him in shock.

"He has your interest. As much as I hate to admit it, Finn is right. You've granted me freedoms that I've been far too selfish to offer you." He insists.

"Do you realize what that would entail? I'm not even sure how he would react to my advances, Kol. He prides himself on being noble, respectable. Incest aside, a relationship with a married woman is likely to be out of his comfort zone. And even if he is willing to entertain this, he's not one to give himself freely." She rambles, causing Kol to give her a pointed look.

"Neither are you, darling. And the fact that you know where his hesitation would be tells me you've thought about it more than you'll admit." He says far too calmly for a man who is talking about his wife's interest in his brother. In her brother. Their brother.

"Explore what you have with Elijah. Flirt, tease, stand too closely, talk in hushed whispers, give your heart over to him completely. All I ask is that you don't rip your heart away from me in the process. So long as you still love me, return to me." He continues, no longer able to keep the tears from his eyes.

He places a soft kiss to her lips. One that's too full of emotion, too final. One that says he's not sure he'll ever get the chance again. He doesn't wait for her to say anything as he pulls away, his hands leaving her as he moves to the door.

"Kol." She says softly, causing him to stop with his hand on the door knob.

"Is this a test if I'll choose to love you alone or permission to love you both?" She questions hesitantly, his posture going rigid and his jaw clenching tightly.

"Permission, I won't lose you over something as fragile as ego." He assures her, his voice tight. His eyes not moving back to her as he leaves the room.

Astrid watches the door shut behind him, the suspended pieces of wallpaper falling as the screws hang half way in place. A few falling to the floor with soft ticks as she takes several deep breaths to center herself. She's not sure how long she stands there, gathering her thoughts. But eventually her hands wipe the last stray tears from her cheeks before moving to smooth her dress. A final deep breath passing her lips as she opens the door and steps back into her family's party. The laughter and cheerful music feeling something like a personal attack as she pushes through the crowd. Her eyes landing on Elijah where he stands near the front door, speaking to the latest doppelganger.

"It has me asking questions I never thought I'd ask. Can I depend on you to tell me what she says?" Elijah asks, his eyes briefly moving to Astrid as she approaches.

He's clearly– to her at least– surprised to see her despite continuing his conversation without hesitation. A fact that seems to surprise the young doppelganger who's eyes linger on her for a moment.

"Astrid, have you had the chance to meet Elena?" Elijah questions, looking to her again and raising a brow as he realizes the cocky look in her eyes is absent.

"I've not had the pleasure." Astrid answers, turning her attention to the teen and extending a polite hand.

"Astrid Mikaelson, I'm afraid I must apologize for interrupting. Especially when I've done so with the intent of stealing Elijah away." She introduces herself, the teen blinking at her for a moment before hesitantly taking her hand.

"It's alright, I have something I need to do anyway. I'll find you later, ok?" Elena says, looking to Elijah at the last line and waiting for him to nod before leaving.

"I'm surprised you're not with Kol, I hear he's having words with Rebekah's date." Elijah comments, his eyes following the doppelganger as she heads for the stairs.

His words cause Astrid's magic to spike slightly, still too on edge from her and Kol's conversation to retain complete control. Micro fractures appear in the glass in Elijah's hand, the light of the chandelier above them dimming slightly. It's not enough for their guests to notice, or even most of their siblings, but it's enough for him. His eyes immediately moving back to her as he sets his glass on the tray of a passing waiter.

"Come with me." He directs, not giving her an opportunity to argue.

His hand moving between her shoulder blades as he guides her through the crowd. His touch leaves her skin as they enter the library, the elder original closing and locking the doors behind them. He watches her carefully as she walks to the bar cart in the corner. The woman not hesitating to pour two glasses of bourbon, her hand a bit too heavy. He remains quiet as she steps towards the armchairs in the center of the room. Allowing her time to process the storm in her head, just as he had so many times after Belaga. She silently hands him one of the glasses and sits down. Motioning to the chair across from her when he remains standing.

"I want to tell you something that I've not told anyone. But I need you to listen and recognize why I didn't say anything sooner, Elijah. Please, understand that I wanted to tell you but it's not my truth alone. It felt like a betrayal to speak about it without mutual agreement." Astrid says, barely glancing up from her glass. The combination of her words and her tone causing him to finally sit.

"Of course." He assures her, causing her to half laugh and half scoff as he rests his glass on his knee.

"You say that now." She mumbles, taking a drink of the bourbon before sighing.

"I'm married, Elijah. I have been for a long time. It was a secret marriage but it was binding and willful. An elder stood witness on behalf of the community. And, despite his disapproval, Finn stood witness in father's place." She begins, her eyes moving between Elijah and her glass as his fingers tighten slightly on his own.

"Finn knows." Elijah breathes, his tone causing her to wince.

"I'm not entirely sure why he agreed to witness us, or why he kept our secret for so long, but he did. I've wanted to tell you so many times, Elijah. I wanted to show you the band, to tell you about the ceremony. But we promised one another we would keep our bond secret." She continues, stopping to look at him with apologetic eyes as hurt flashes across his features.

"What changed? Why tell me now?" He questions quietly, his brows furrowing.

"We've decided it's time we stop hiding. You're the first person I wanted to tell, Elijah. You deserve to know and I should have told you a long time ago." She replies, her voice just as quiet.

"Finn knows, I assume Kol does a well. I'm hardly the first person you've told." He says, hiding his hurt behind a pointed look.

"Finn caught us together. Even when we were human, when he and I were still close, he would have been the last person I told." She corrects, looking him in the eyes.

She takes another drink, her grip tight on the glass as she lets out a shakey breath. She knows that his response to what she's about to say will shape the rest of the conversation. Determine how much more she reveals. Decide whether she tells him about Kol's suggestion. And especially if she tells him that he's the one she wants as a lover.

"As for Kol, it's difficult to be married without anyone knowing. But it's impossible to be married without your own husband knowing." She states, bracing herself for whatever reaction he may have.

Elijah goes impossibly still, his jaw clenching as he processes her words. She can practically see him putting the pieces together. The too long looks and too comfortable touches. The way they never fail to disappear or arrive within minutes of one another. Her refusal to entertain suitors over the years. The armband concealed beneath her sleeve. Her grief that always seemed like more than a sister mourning her siblings.

Minutes seem to stretch by as she waits for him to say something, to do something. To call her a disgrace, an abomination, to storm out of the room to tell Klaus and Rebekah. To sneer and glare and tell her she needs to break the bond at once. To go straight to their mother and demand their heads. She can't take the suspense, not now.

"Elijah?" She says softly, her nerves getting the better of her.

"Why tell me now?" He reiterates, his tone too calm for the hurt in his eyes.

"You deserved the truth long ago, Elijah. Even more so in the past century. But I couldn't speak it. Now I can and I intend to answer every question you have." She explains, the words seeming to sooth some of the sting of her secrecy.

"How long?" He asks, his jaw still clenched. His eyes fixed on the glass in his hands.

"Do you remember when I joined the Celestal Circle? The night that I killed Adoette and came back with those scratches? Kol and I left and didn't return until morning?" She asks, watching him nod in confirmation.

"That was the first time, it was part of my initiation— and before you ask, I'm the one who suggested it. Kol and I both agreed beforehand that it was about more than the ritual. We married a few days after we were turned, Elder Elu was the one to preform the ceremony." She continues, several more minutes passing in silence as he processes her words.

"Are you content?" He questions, studying her features. Looking for the slightest sign that her answer isn't genuine before she can even speak.

"It's a hell of a time to be answering that question. But generally, yes." She laughs awkwardly, taking a drink of her bourbon as he looks at her expectantly.

"Generally?" He prompts causing her to sigh.

"Finn made an interesting point during the waltz. Ones that have previously been points of contention in our relationship." She says, already knowing what his next question will be.

"What point, exactly?" He asks as she takes another drink.

"Loyalty. Specifically, Kol's infidelity." She answers, the words almost too quiet as she sighs.

"He was unfaithful." Elijah says, his eyes searching hers for a moment as she nods.

"Did he confess it?" He questions, before he can stop himself. His jaw clenching a moment after.

"No, I caught him. It was like he wanted me to. He brought them where he knew I'd find them together before it could truly progress." She answers, annoyance entering her tone as she scoffs.

"Have you confronted him?" He presses as anger flares in his eyes, his shoulders straightening as the woman nods in response.

"I have and we came to an agreement." She confirms, with a small nod.

"Has there been any issues since?" He asks.

"No, but evidently that particular bruise is more tender than I believed. All it took for Finn to irritate it was pointing out that Kol's never afforded me the same freedom that I've granted him." She grumbles, earning a raised brow.

"I know how this sounds, but it would seem his words made Kol realize his hypocrisy. He offered me that freedom, in a way." She continues with a sigh, crossing her ankles as she leans forward slightly in her chair.

"It's different for me than it is for him, of course." She elaborates, watching him closely as he once again freezes.

"Different in what way?" He asks, his tone suggesting he has his own theory.

"Kol and I have rules for how he interacts with his play things. We both know he'll never feel anything beyond physical attraction for them. So our rules are based in the physical. No feeding from them. No bringing them where I could catch them together. Certain acts are off limits, that sort of thing." She says, shrugging casually.

"And for you?" He prompts as she adjusts herself in her seat.

"I'm not as impulsive as he is when it comes to attraction. He knows that, so he suggested I take a lover. So long as I don't pull away from our relationship, I'm free to explore a relationship with another." She answers, easily spotting the disbelief in his eyes.

"Suggested you take a lover or suggested a lover for you to take?" He questions after a moment of hesitation.

"Both. I was a bit hesitant to entertain the idea at first, so he mentioned a name." She admits, looking pointedly at him.

"And you think he truly knows what he's proposing?" He questions, finally lifting his glass to his lips.

"He knows what it's going to entail. Told me that this is him inviting me to love in addition to himself." She insists, humming lightly as she takes another drink.

"And have you considered if they'll be willing to allow it?" He questions, as he lowers his glass. Clearly picking up on what she hasn't explicitly said.

"Call me an optimist or call it a fantasy. Either way, if they'll allow it, I know it will take time. Neither of us are known to rush into things like this." She confirms with a smile, relieved that he didn't immediately shut it down.

Chapter Text

Mystic Falls- January 5, 2012 C.E:

A moment passes in silence, the two study other. Astrid's emotional storm slowly dissipating even as she watches Elijah's own form. His eyes betraying the fight taking place in his mind as he processes her words.

"Take as long as you need. After all, we have eternity." She encourages, pushing herself from her seat and setting her glass on the coffee table between them. The woman barely resisting the urge to run her hand across his arm and shoulder as she passes on her way to the door.

Her hand lands on the door handle for just a moment before she turns back. Her heels clicking softly against the floor as she approaches the armchair he's in. A strand of her hair falling in her face as she leans close to his ear.

"He only suggested you because I told him I've imagined it, you know." She whispers, grinning to herself when his glass stops half way to his lips. His shoulders tensing as his breath catches slightly.

"There's a difference between imagination and action, Astrid." He comments, his tone giving away his measured restraint.

"There certainly is and in my experience, acting is far more satisfying." She agrees with a hum, letting her lips brush agianst his ear before she pulls away. The soft click of her heels sounding through the room again as she walks back to the door.

She doesn't have to turn to know who's behind her as she stands at the bar. History alone gives it away. Kol's always touchy after a particularly emotional moment between them. He will always approach from behind if it was a fight or conversation full of more complicated emotions. He'll lightly kiss her neck to test if she's open to his presence or still needs time to process. Then he'll drape himself around her if she doesn't pull away. It's a predictable and comforting patern to her at this point.

Sure enough, she feels the ghost of a touch on her skin as he brushes her hair from her neck. His's hands settling on her hips, lips brushing against her neck for just a second. He pauses, waits for a reaction before he resting his chin on her shoulder. His arms wrapping around her waist to pull her flush against him. Clearly not caring about the public display being anything other than sibling behavior.

"The destruction seems to have been limited to the study even after I left. I take that as a good sign." He comments, his voice too amused for the tension in his hold.

"Do you regret it?" She questions, not having to specify what as her hand moves to rest on his arm. Her brow raising as she turns her head towards him.

"How I approached it, yes. But not my words. I will not allow my desire to keep you close be the reason you pull away." He sighs, lifting his head from her shoulder to look at her.

"Good, because I spoke with Elijah." She informs him, his hold tightening on her waist as she turns in his arms.

"I told him about us. And your suggestion that I take a lover." She elaborates, her hands moving to his chest. Her fingers smoothing out his already wrinkle free suit jacket.

"You've never been one to hesitate when it comes to taking what you want." He scoffs, an amused but uncomfortable smile pulling at his lips.

"I wanted to gauge his reaction." She reasons, her eyes moving across his face as his searches hers.

"And?" He prompts, his jaw tightening in anticipation.

"He's thinking it over. He's not explicitly against it but it's clear he has reservations." She says causing him to scoff.

"The ones you mentioned?" He questions, something between relief and annoyance filling his eyes.

"I doubt he'll even let himself entertain the idea until he knows our relationship is secure. He won't want to be a reason we fight." She tells him, allowing her fingers to still and her palms to rest against his chest.

"That was seriously his response to you approaching him?" He asks in disbelief, shaking his head like he's disappointed in their older brother.

"Not in so many words, his response was essentially– and I am paraphrasing hear– to call me bold." She explains, unable to stop the smile that pulls at her lips when he rolls his eyes. Her hand tapping his chest lightly in a gentle warning to behave.

"Elijah and his precious morals, always so inconvenient." He scoffs.

"I'm fairly certain you're the first husband who has a problem with those particular morals." She comments with amusement, looping her arms around his neck.

His eyes lighting with a different kind of possessiveness than they had earlier at the sound of the title. His hand leaving her hip to brush a strand of hair behind her ear as he leans closer to her ear.

"That's because I'm the first one to be confident his wife will return." He whispers, not a doubt behind the words as his lips brush against her ear.

"As you should be." She hums, her hand sliding from his neck to the gebo rune that scars the skin over his heart.

Her fingers tracing over the spot without needing to think about exactly where it is beneath his shirt. A soft sigh passes his lips as he smiles, his eyes holding nothing but love as he watches her fingers move over the rune.

"You could give your soul over to him tonight, darling. It won't change the fact that you put your claim on mine a millennium ago." He murmurs, his hand moving to her face as he leans his forehead against her's.

"Everything I choose to give to Elijah will be because I love him. Not because I've fallen out of love with you." She assures him softly, pressing a bit harder on the rune. The words sounding like a promise falling from her lips.

"Careful, darling. You speak as though loving him is inevitable." He laughs, brushing his thumb across her jaw.

"We both know I don't believe in the inevitable." She hums, her eyes only leaving his as his forehead leaves her's. Their attention being drawn to Elijah as he clears his throat from a few feet away.

"I appreciate that 1000 years is a long time to keep your love a secret. But perhaps you could avoid scandalizing the whole town before we've even been here a full 24 hours?" Elijah suggests, looking pointedly to Mayor Lockwood who is practically snarling at the pair.

Astrid allows her hands to fall from Kol as he drops his from her face. He takes half a step away from her, his hand sliding from her hip to her lower back.

"If this town is scandalized so easily, I fear it may not survive our family." Astrid comments, her eyes following Elijah's gaze to the blonde woman as she raises a brow.

"Needn't worry, Elijah. We'll be on our best behavior the rest of the evening." Kol says, his tone genuine as he meets Elijah's eyes. An innocent look on his face despite his hand sliding beneath her dress to grab the soft skin of her ass.

"I see that the meaning of that particular phrase remains quite flexible in your mind." Elijah comments, his gaze briefly moving towards Kol's hand.

"I'm sure the rest of our siblings have remained perfectly composed this evening." Astrid scoffs sarcastically, despite adjusting her stance so Kol's hand placement isn't obvious to the entire room.

"They've had their share of scandals tonight. Though none have been quite as spectacular as being seen with their hand down their sister's dress." Elijah retorts, his eyes once again moving to Kol's hand.

His gaze lingering a bit longer than necessary before he turns his attention back to Kol with a raised brow.

"Sounds like they've made rather boring choices then." Kol comments with a smirk, not breaking eye contact with Elijah as he squeezes her skin roughly.

"They understand that these events are supposed to be boring." Elijah insists, stepping closer to the pair.

"Now, I don't particularly care if Mayor Lockwood likes us or not. However, I would prefer if her dislike was based in fear rather than didain." He continues, Kol's hand sliding out of her dress and to her waist even as he rolls his eyes.

Astrid's hand lands on top of Kol's, gently removing it from her hip. Her other hand moving behind her back to lace her fingers through his. She moves their joined hands to hang at her side, making sure to brush the back of his hand across the silk covering her ass in the process. Her other hand smoothing over her dress a bit too slowly. A smirk pulling at the corner of her lips as Elijah's eyes follow her movements.

"Perhaps we should save the theatrics for private rooms." She suggests, her eyes focusing on Elijah's despite the words being directed at Kol.

"That sounds like a good idea." Elijah comments, his tone casual despite the storm of emotions that still rages behind his eyes.

Kol opens his mouth to speak, only for the ring of metal on glass to once again chime through the room. Their attention turning to their mother where she stands at the balcony with Finn at her side. Both of them holding glasses of champagne as they look down over the crowd.

"Good Evening, Ladies and Gentleman. Waiters are coming around with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy than to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening, cheers." Esther announces, her eyes moving across the room. Her gaze briefly landing on Klaus and Rebekah before sliding to Elijah, Kol, and Astrid.

A smile pulls at their mother's lips as the siblings take glasses from a waiter that stops in front of them. Their glasses clinking together as they cheers, Astrid's eyes moving between her brothers as they look pointedly at one another.

Astrid and Kol wander away from the party not long after. Their hands clasped tightly as Astrid leads them up the stairs. Finn's jaw clenching tightly as he watches them approach from his place at the banister.

"I had hoped you'd learned something in our last conversation, Astrid." He comments as they move behind him.

"And I'd hoped you'd be more like the Finn I remember. The one I've missed dearly. The one I've spent countless nights trying to convince Nik and Elijah to wake. But as it turns out, we can't all get what we want." She replies, stopping in her path despite Kol's grip on her hand tightening.

"Don't pretend you've missed me, Astrid. We've not been close since Henrik's death." He scoffs, practically glaring holes into her.

"Kol, would you give us a moment?" She asks quietly.

"I'll be in my room." He confirms, squeezing her hand once more before he lets go.

Finn watches him go as Astrid steps to the banister. Her hands gripping the wood as she looks over the party below them. The sound of Kol's door shutting and piano music reach their ears a moment later. A wordless assurance that he won't be listening in on what they have to say.

"We've not been close since that night because you've not allowed it, Finn. I know that you don't approve of Kol and I being together. And I understand why, but you've not cared enough to even attempt to understand our side." She says softly, watching as Rebekah walks out the front door.

"What is there to understand? I found you on top of him as Henrik was dying, Astrid." He says, tone full of disgust.

"Do you think that's where we'd have been if we had known about Henrik? Do you truly believe we're so absorbed in one another? So self obsessed that we would rather have time alone than be with our dying brother?" She questions, hurt clear on her features as she looks at him.

"The entire reason you caught us together is because you were coming to tell us what happened." She reminds as he sighs.

"I understand that, Astrid. And if it was anyone else in the village– but it wasn't, Astrid. This is Kol we're talking about. Your own brother." He argues.

"He's the only one who's ever seen me for who I truly am, Finn." She tells him, his brows raising in response.

"We all see you, Astrid. We always have, and we love even your flaws because that's what siblings do." He insists, a bitter laugh leaving her at the words.

"No, you don't. Even then you didn't. You saw a girl with anger issues and a crude sense of humor. A girl who took care of her siblings because it was her duty as the eldest daughter. Elijah's the only one who saw my caretaking for what it was. And he still believed me to be something that needed fixing. Kol is the only one who's truly saw my flaws and embraced me as I am." She counters, gripping the railing a bit tighter to keep her anger from her voice.

"Perhaps the rest of us failed you, Astrid. But that doesn't mean you marry him, he is still your brother." He says simply.

"I don't love him as one. My love for him shifted from familial far before we were turned." She explains.

"Because you never attempted to love any one else. You had plenty of potential suitors over the years, Astrid." He counters, shaking his head lightly.

"Like who, brother? Which of them would you have had me bound to for eternity?" She questions, irritation slipping into the words.

"Kele was always devoted to you." He says, earning a scowl.

"Kele was a pig. He attempted to get himself off to me during Astas initiation to The Circle. And he did so successfully during mine. He's lucky that Kol only broke his hand before we framed him for Adoette's death." She spits.

"Atohi then." He says, firmly believing that there was someone better for her than Kol.

"And when he inevitably learned that I was the one who killed his sister?" She asks, causing him to sigh in annoyance.

"You could have waited. Found someone outside of the village, we are immortal you had time. There was no need for you to marry, the rest of us still haven't. Not even Rebekah." He insists.

"I didn't marry Kol out of obligation, Finn. I married him because I love him more than I ever thought possible. Because the very thought of him marrying another drives me mad." She explains, hoping that he sees the sincerity in her eyes.

"Then perhaps you married him for the right reasons. He says, clearly reluctant to admit it.

"But that doesn't change the fact that he has hurt you time and again. You can't tell me that he hasn't, or that he won't in the future. Perhaps it's time you broke the bond." He continues, his eyes full of pity.

"We've been together for more than a millennium now, of course we've had our issues. Any couple would and have far more in far less time. Kol and I are happy, Finn. We spoke about his infidelity centuries ago, we came to an agreement. There's not been any issues since." She informs him.

"Yet it's still a sensitive matter. You've clearly thought about being with someone else. You wouldn't have reacted the way you did to our conversation if not. All I'm saying is that it may be best, for both of you, if you spent some time apart." He reasons.

"Kol's suggested that I take a lover, which I intend to do. However I will not be leaving him, so long as I still love him this band will remain on my arm." She says, watching as surprise overtakes his features.

"Surely he doesn't mean it. He's simply trying to avoid an argument." He says, though he seems to doubt the words himself.

"He means it, brother. He's setting aside his pride to make sure I'm happy. I just hope that you can see this as it is. You failed to see me all those years ago, don't do the same now. I truly have missed you, Finn. And I would like to he able to call you my best friend again now that I have you back." She says, squeezing his bicep lightly before she leaves.

Chapter Text

Mystic Falls- January 6, 2012 C.E:

"Astrid, a moment." Elijah says from the stairs as she makes her way towards the living room.

Her path immediately being redirected to follow him when she sees the look of concern on his face. She's slightly surprised when he leads her to her own bedroom, opening the door and waiting for her to enter before following after her. Before she gets a chance to say anything he motions for her not to speak and directs his eyes to the mostly burned bundle of sage on her dresser. She nods, lighting the herb and letting it smoke for a moment.

"We don't have much time." She says, slightly nervous that this conversation will be about their discussion at the party.

"Mother has been sneeking around a bit too much for my liking. She asked Elena for a meeting last night and Elena said she'd keep me informed. She lied to me about what exactly they discussed." He says quietly despite the silencing spell in the air.

"You think they're plotting something." She realizes, watching him reach into his pocket and pull out a half burned bundle of sage vary similar to the one on her dresser.

"I found this in the upstairs study." He explains, a frown pulling at her lips at the words.

"You trusted this doppelganger to tell you the truth?" She asks, causing him to scoff.

"I thought she'd at least be smart enough not to attemt lying." He explains.

"Does she trust you?" She questions, raising a brow at him.

"I had thought so, evidently she trusts our mother more." He says with a sigh.

"Do you think you could get her to follow you to the tunnels?" She questions, pursing her lips slightly as she thinks.

"She's far too nieve for her own good. She'll follow easily enough." He replies, tilting his head slightly as he glares down at the sage in his hand.

"She's more fragile than you or I, a bruise hurts her far more." Astrid hums, glancing to the burning bundle on her desk.

"What exactly do you have in mind?" Elijah questions, following her gaze to see that they're nearly out of time.

"Apply some preasure to one of her bruises and she'll cry out. From what I hear, when she cries the Salvatores come running to make it better." She hums, smirking when he smiles in silent agreement.

"You'll be willing to help?" He asks, causing her to nod.

"Of course." She confirms, waiting for him to slip out the door before extinguishing what remains of the sage.

Astrid exchanges her chunky heeled boots for a pair of combat boots. The woman deciding that even she won't sacrifice comfort in the name of fashion when she'll be walking through the woods.

As she makes her way to the living room she finds Kol and Klaus sitting across from one another. The older of the two focusing intently on the sketchbook in his hands as Kol looks like he's about to die from boredom. Not even two seconds after she enters the room Rebekah walks in, still wearing the dress she wore the previous night. Kol's eyes lighting with mischief when he takes in the sight of their younger sister.

"Well, well, well, there's our girl." He calls causing the blonde to sigh and try to walk past without acknowledging him. Kol quickly moving to stand in front of her before she gets the chance to escape the room.

"Get out of my way, Kol." She huffs, already looking like she's two seconds from throwing a punch.

"Out all night and returning in last night's dress, what a scandal!" Kol gasps dramatically, glancing at Elijah as he walks into the room behind Astrid.

"We can't all be perfect little angels with our innocence in tact. Some of us would actually like to enjoy our eternal lives." Rebekah retorts, sending a pointed look to Astrid that has Kol laughing to himself.

"Believe me, Bekah, she's not nearly as innocent as you think." He comments, turning towards his other siblings to wink at Astrid which Rebekah uses as her chance to escape.

"I'm bored." Kol announces, looking between Astrid and Klaus expectantly.

"Our sister is a strumpet, but at least she's having fun." He adds when neither suggests a solution.

"What are you waiting for? Go on, have at it." Klaus insists, waving dismissively at him.

"Sorry, Kol. If you can't talk Nik into going out then you're on your own. Elijah and I are going for a walk." Astrid says, returning his resulting pout with a mocking one of her own.

The woman deciding that– despite their decision not to hide their relationship– it's probably best not to kiss his pout away. Given that Klaus has yet to be informed, he'd likely react badly. And despite how amusing that may be, she and Elijah have a problem to solve.

"It's not fun to go alone. Join me, Nik. It's the least you could do after sticking a dagger in my heart." Kol insists, slightly annoyed that his pout didn't work on Astrid.

"Why not? I didn't have nearly enough to drink last night, what with you trying to murder Rebekah's date." Klaus sighs, dropping his sketchbook on the couch and pushing himself to his feet as Kol grins.

"Don't do anything stupid." Astrid instructs, her tone holding a warning.

"I wouldn't dream of it, darling." Kol hums, moving to stand in front of her.

He presses a kiss to her cheek that lands just a bit too close to her lips. Not that Klaus is paying enough attention for it to matter.

"I've heard that before, Kol." She sighs, causing him to cup her face in his hands.

"I promise, I won't do anything stupid." He says, staring into her eyes. Looking for any sign that she doesn't like the idea of them going out.

"I cannot, however, promise that I'll keep Nik from doing something stupid." He adds with a smirk when he finds no such sign.

"It may be best for me to wait for you at the tunnels." Astrid suggests, placing a hand on Elijah's arm as he opens the passenger door of his car for her.

"Don't get shy on me now, Astrid." He says, a slightly teasing tone to his voice.

"I wouldn't dream of it. But Elena doesn't know me, she has no reason to trust me. In fact the very knowledge that I'm part of this family is reason enough for her to be warry." She reasons, sliding her hand down his arm as she settles into the car.

"The fact that you're showing up at my side is reason enough for her not to see anything amiss." He insists, sending her a pointed look before closing the door.

"If this plan goes south because you're too stubborn for your own good, I reserve the right to say I told you so." She teases as he gets into the driver's seat.

"I'd expect nothing less, however it will not be necessary." He says with a half-hearted sigh of annoyance.

"We'll see." She hums, smiling when he rolls his eyes.

Her eyes scan the home in front of them as they approach. The white two story house having been built in the same civil war era style as seemingly everything else in the town. She still prefers the French influenced architecture of New Orleans, but she can certainly appreciate the wrap around porch. Her gaze moving to the slightly chipping paint that covers the porch swing as Elijah knocks. The pair only having to wait a few moments before it opens to reveal the doppelganger.

"Elena." Elijah greets, smiling kindly at the teen.

"Elijah." She says, surprise evident in her voice as her eyes slide over to Astrid in confusion.

"We don't mean to intrude, Elena. I was hoping you might accompany us, I want to show you something." Elijah says politely, the doppelganger only hesitating for a moment before nodding.

"Let me get my jacket." She says, dissappearing into the house for a few minutes before returning.

"I forgot how much I missed this land." Elijah comments, looking around them.

Astrid's lips pulling into a smile as she runs her palm beneath the branches of the weeping willow. It's the only tree in the clearing, nestled safely in the small section of the ground there that the tunnels don't cut through.

"As did I." Astrid says, allowing her hand to drop from the branches of the willow and brush against his.

The gesture causing him to look down at his hand briefly. Understanding flashing in his eyes as he realizes it's the second time she's initiated contact since they left the house. It's intentional, of course it is, she's never been one to touch him so casually. Not when they were human and not after they turned. They'd never had that kind of relationship, where casual touches were the norm, expected even. And she certainly never allowed herself to change that when she realized she's interested in him.

"I can't even imagine what it must have been like a thousand years ago." Elena comments, seeming genuinely interested to hear about the land.

"You know your school was built over an indian village? Where I saw my first werewolf. The town square was where the natives would gather to worship. Matter of fact, near that was a field where wild horses used to graze." Elijah informs her, coming to a stop.

"That's incredible. Do you know this place too?" The doppelganger asks, her eyes turning to Astid as the woman steps between her and Elijah.

"I do, below us is a cavern we used to play in as children." Elijah confirms, glancing to the willow that still holds Astrid's gaze.

"Kol and I married here. Beneath the weeping willow." Astrid says, her hand once again brushing his as she lifts it to motion to the tree. Both Elijah and Elena's eyes following her gesture to look at the willow.

"It's a beautiful spot for a ceremony." Elijah comments, smiling softly.

His eyes moving back to her as she begins speaking again.

"It's even more beautiful at night. I wish you'd been there to see it. The way the moonight streamed through the branches was breathtaking. There was a breeze that night, it had been still all day and yet during the ceremony it was there. Like it came specifically to carry our vows to the ears of the gods. To ensure the stars could hear us." She hums, her eyes shining with joy as she recalls that night.

"Perhaps you could have a renewal while we're in town. It would be nice to see the two of you so happy." Elijah suggests, his soft smile growing when Astrid grins.

"It'd be nice to have someone there that doesn't despise our relationship. Finn may have done his duty as witness but he hated every second of it. And as much as I love him, as much as I trusted him with everything back then, he shouldn't have been there that night. He shouldn't be at any renewal we have." She says, frowning slightly at the image of him at the ceremony.

Her eldest brother, her closest friend for so many years, dressed simply despite the occasion. His lips pulled into a sneer as he watched them exchange vows and bands. His grip nearly crushing on the bowl of ash and earth as they sealed their bond before the universe itself.

"I will gladly take Finn's place." Elijah offers, his fingers brushing the back of her own and causing her smile to return.

"I didn't realize you married into the family." Elena says, her brows furrowing slightly.

"I didn't." Astrid says simply, not seeing any reason to elaborate further.

"This cavern connects to a series of tunnels, you know. They stretch across the entire area." She adds, the doppelganger's interruption reminding her why they're there.

"Perhaps it's nature's way of providing us with shelter against the savagery of the full moon. Mother always said there must be balance." Elijah says, a look of concern crossing Elena's features at the words.

"Elijah, I should probably go home." The doppelganger announces.

"I admire you, Elena. You remind me of qualities I valued long before our mother turned us. It's not in your nature to be deceitful, and yet, when I asked about your meeting with our mother— you lied to my face." Elijah says, ignoring the teen's statement.

"That's not true. I told you that all your mother wanted is a new start." She argues.

"We can hear your heartbeat, Elena." Astrid informs her, stepping around her.

"It jumps when you're being dishonest with me. You lied to me at the ball, you're lying to me now. Tell me the truth." Elijah insists, stepping into the teen's space.

"I never wanted this to happen." She says, her voice genuine.

"You never wanted what to happen?" Astrid presses, leaning around the girl's shoulder and looking at her expectantly.

"We were told that whatever was going to be in that coffin was going to kill Klaus. When we found out that it was your mother, we didn't know what to think." She insists, causing Astrid to sigh in annoyance.

"Since her return she says she only wants this family whole again." Elijah informs her, waiting far more patiently than Astrid for an explanation.

"When she asked to see me, I- I thought I could help. That she would find a way to kill Klaus, but it's not just Klaus she wants to kill." Elena finally tells them.

"She wants to kill us all doesn't she? She wants to undo the evil she created." Elijah says more than asks, frowning as he looks to Astrid.

"I'm so sorry, Elijah. I wish there was something I could do." Elena says, almost seeming sad.

"You know, one thing I've learned in my time on this earth..." Elijah begins, trailing off as he stomps on the earth beneath them.

The earth crumbles into the cavern below. Elena steps back slightly, turning look down into the freshly formed hole in fear.

"You should be careful what you wish for." Astrid finishes Elijah's sentence, kicking the doppelganger in the back.

The teen screams as she falls into the cavern. Elijah sighing, looking at Astrid in mild annoyance as Elena's groan of pain reaches their ears.

"What? It's not like she's dead." Astrid defends, shrugging as if it was inevitable.

"Could mother truly have the power to kill us?" He asks, deciding it's not worth arguing over.

"No, not all at once-" She begins, cutting herself off as she remembers a cult she and Kol had found in their travels.

One who's leader was a powerful witch. A man who'd built a following with the sole purpose of preforming a ritual. One that required mass sacrifice. He'd known that it's much easier to convince one person to die than a group. Something he used to his advantage, linking his followers to his most trusted devote. Slipping her blood into the wine he'd served at the final dinner befor the ritual. Wiping out the entire cult with a single slice of his blade against the woman's throat. Her mother's toast and pleased look when the siblings drank the champagne they'd been offered coming to mind. The light pink tinge to the liquid, the metallic taste that lingered just beneath it's floral notes.

"What?" Elijah questions, recognizing the look in her eyes as they start back towards the car.

"Finn. She can kill us all by linking us and using a willing sacrifice. Who better to kill than the man who despises both what we are and our actions over the years." She says, practically growling out the words.

Elijah pulls out his phone, not saying a word until Rebekah's voice answers on the other end.

"Our mother's trying to kill us. Astrid and I will take care of it but you need to get to the tunnels. Keep an eye on Elena, don't harm her unless she tries to run." He orders, hanging up before the blonde can respond.

Chapter Text

Mystic Falls- January 6, 2012 C.E:

Astrid sits on the arm of the chair with her legs crossed. Her arm resting across Elijah's shoulders as she leans half on him and half against the back of the chair. Her eyes wander around the room, taking in the tall booksheves and nearly Medieveal decor. Elijah's locked in a staring contest with the elder Salvatore brother. A bored look on his face as the younger vampire repeatedly clenches and unclenches his jaw.

"I can't find her anywhere." Stefan announces as he walks into the room.

"Hello, Stefan." Elijah greets casually as Damon turns to look at his brother.

"He has Elena." The Salvatore spits, causing Astrid to hum in disagreement.

"Rebekah has her, actually." She corrects, the brothers glaring at her in response.

"Yes, and– as I'm sure you can imagine– my sister is dying to tear her throat out. So, if you want to save Elena's life, I need you to help me stop my mother." Elijah informs them.

"I'm a little embarrassed to admit it, by when it comes to killing thousand year old– resurrected witches, I'm a little rusty." Damon says, anger lacing the words.

"Unfortunately, even when killed our mother doesn't seem to want to stay dead. Not with the spirits of nature at her side." Elijah says casually as Stefan crosses his arms.

"So, what are we supposed to do?" The younger Salvatore asks, grinding his teeth.

"She's drawing her power from the bloodline of the witches who released her. You need to sever that line." Astrid informs them.

"Sever?" Stefan asks, looking to his brother.

"Yeah, she means-" Damon trails off, dragging a finger across his throat.

"You want us to kill them." Stefan says, turning his eyes back to Elijah.

"You know, we'd do it ourselves but I have absolutely no idea where they are. Besides, seeing Astrid or myself, they'd immediately know our intent. They won't expect to be harmed by the likes of you. In any case, you have until six minutes after nine to find them." Elijah explains casually.

"Oh, how super specific of you." Damon scoffs.

"By nine-o-seven the moon will be full, our mother will have all the power she needs to kill us and our family. If you do not stop her before then, Rebekah will kill Elena. So, we all have our timeline?" He elaborates, looking between the brothers.

"I'd get started if I were you." Astrid suggests, pushing herself off Elijah and the armchair.

The pair walking out as the Salvatores stand in silence.

"You're sure they're at the grill?" Astrid asks casually, twisting the tip of her knife against her pointer finger.

"It's the only bar in town, the next closest one is near Richmond. Kol wouldn't have gone that far without telling you." Elijah confirms, reaching over to take the knife from her hand. The woman reflexively pulling it out of his reach.

"I just got it back, you're not taking it again." She says firmly, her tone suggesting there's no room for discussion.

"As soon as we find Kol and you know he's safe, I'll give it back to you. I just replaced that guard. I'd prefer that your own blood soaking it isn't the reason I have to replace it again anytime soon." He tells her, holding his hand out expectantly.

Astrid purses her lips, looking down at the knife. Sure enough, the tip of her finger is smeared with blood. A single thick line of red runs down the metal, dissappearing into the guard. Staining the leather with a darker color than the rest of the strip. She sighs in annoyance, switching the knife to her left hand and holding it towards Elijah.

"Thank you." Elijah breaths, sounding relieved as the metal touches his palm.

She puts pressure on the blade as she hands it to him, just enough to leave a small nick on his skin. His eyes leaving the road to glare at her for a moment as she smiles.

"Oops." She says, batting her lashes in mock innocence.

"Was that entirely necessary?" He asks, holding eye contact a bit longer than necessary before turning her gaze back to the road.

"Perhaps not, but it was so easy." She hums, licking the blood from her now healed finger.

"Kol is fine, Astrid. He's more than capable of protecting himself." Elijah comments even as his eyes flick to her lips.

"I'm quite well aware of what he's capable of, Elijah." She says, eyes scanning the area as they pull into the square.

"Then perhaps you shouldn't worry so much." He says, glancing over at her again.

"Who said I was worried?" She questions lightly, pulling her eyes away from their search.

"You did, by bleeding in my front seat." He answers, scanning the area as they near the grill.

"Perhaps I was doing it for sport." She suggests, turning her attention back to the sidewalks.

"And perhaps mother's not trying to kill us after all." He comments sarcastically, a smile pulling at her lips as she glances back to him.

"Perhaps." She hums, looking across the street and lightly slapping his shoulder at the sight.

"They're certainly here." Astrid informs him, pointing out Klaus.

The hybrid sitting on a bench talking to the blonde he'd invited to the ball. She doesn't seem particularly thrilled about it but she's not trying to escape his company either.

"Kol's likely still in the grill then." Elijah says, pulling over in front of the bar and restaurant.

Astrid gets out as soon as the car is parked, stepping onto the sidewalk while Elijah takes the time to wipe the blood from her blade. She doesn't get more than two steps to the building before a too familiar pain shoots through her chest. Her body falling to the ground roughly as she too suffers the affects of one of her siblings being daggered.

Her eyes open quickly, a sneer pulling at her lips as she pushes herself to her feet. Elijah appearing at her side and placing his hand on her arm in a silent question.
Astrid nods, not hesitating to take the knife from him as he offers it back. The sound of a neck snapping reaching their ears from the alley behind the bar. The two share a look, rushing into the alley to see Klaus stepping towards Damon. Stefan and a man Astrid doesn't recognize laying unconscious on the ground as Kol pushes himself to his feet.

"Leave him! We still need them, Niklaus." Elijah commands, walking down the steps with Astrid still at his side.

"What did mother do? What did she do, Elijah?" Klaus demands, looking between Elijah and Astrid for answers.

"You tell me where the witches are or I'll have my sister kill Elena right now." Elijah says, ignoring Klaus as he stares at Damon and takes his phone from his pocket.

"You told me we had until after nine." Damon argues, tilting his head to look at the clock tower.

"I don't think Bekah would mind moving up the time frame." Astrid informs him bitterly as she steps to Kol's side. Her eyes landing on the hole in his shirt where the dagger had been.

Astrid walks between Kol and Elijah, Klaus at Elijah's other side as they move towards the witches house. Their mother and Finn standing together in a ring of six burning torches.

"My children, come forward." Esther beckons, Finn's arm moving in front of her when she goes to step towards them.

"Stay beside me, mother." He says, concern clear in his voice.

"It's okay, they can't enter." She assures him as the siblings approach.

Kol steps forward to try and enter anyways. The torches burning brighter as he's forced back. A look of annoyance crossing his features as he moves back to Astrid's side.

"That's lovely. We're stuck out here while the favorite son plays sacrificial lamb. How pathetic you are, Finn." He spits, gesturing to their eldest brother.

"Be quiet, Kol. Your brother knows virtue you cannot even imagine." Esther seethes, sneering at him.

"Please, don't do this, Finn. I meant everything I said to you last night. I've missed you so much, it's not too late for us to truly be a family again." Astrid says, not looking to Esther for a second as she looks at Finn with hopeful eyes.

"I'm sorry, Astrid. It must be done, we never should have become this." Finn argues despite the hesitation in his voice.

An approving smile pulling at Esther's lips as she looks to her eldest son.

"Whatever you think of us, killing your own children would be an atrocity." Elijah states, pulling their mother's attention to him.

"My only regret is that I did not let you die a thousand years ago." She says.

"Enough. All this talk is boring me, end this now, mother, or I'll send you back to hell." Klaus insists.

"For a thousand years, I've been forced to watch you. Felt the pain of every victim, suffered while you shed blood. Even you, Elijah, with your claim to nobility. You're no better. All of you, you're a curse on this earth stretched out over generations. If you've come to pleed for your life, I'm sorry, you wasted your time." Esther says.

"Touching speech, mother. Maybe you could do it again, this time like you actually loved us at some point." Astrid says, her tone bored as Esther glares at her.

"You don't get to speak. You're the worst of my children. An abomination far before I turned you. And of course you had to force Kol down with you." Esther spits, her lip turning up in disgust as she looks at her daughter.

"I've never forced Kol to do anything, mother. All I did was suggest I'd prefer to break a different taboo." Astid says with a smile, Kol smirking beside her.

"It's true, all the ritual required was for us to have sex. Going down was actually a creative choice on my part." He announces proudly, his smirk deepening at the looks of horror on his mother and Finn's faces.

Klaus is looking between them in shock, his eyes wide and brows furrowed. Elijah's eyes close briefly, a sigh passing his lips. The sound making it seem as though he intends to down a bottle of something strong when this is over.

"That's enough. I'm ending this now." Esther seethes, raising her hands to her sides and closing her eyes as she looks up to the sky.

Her brows furrow in confusion, her breaths leaving her quickly.

"No." She whispers, panic clear in her voice.

"No! Sisters, do not abandon me!" She yells, as Finn stepps closer to her.

"Mother!" He yells as the torches flare.

The siblings outside the circle having to cover their eyes and back away slightly. Their attention only returning when the flames die back down. Before them is nothing but an empty ritual circle, Finn and Esther no where to be seen.

"Well, that went poorly." Kol comments casually, stepping into the vacant ring of torches.

Elijah pinches the bridge of his nose, his eyes sliding shut again. A small smile pulls at Astrid's lips, watching Kol go about his business. The man acting as though he didn't just shift Klaus' entire view of them with a single sentence.

"Must you turn every family revelation into a performance?" Elijah questions, sounding positively exhausted.

"Must you turn every performance into a lesson?" Kol questions back with a smirk.

"With a brother like you, it often feels necessary." Elijah informs him, looking to Astrid incredulously when she laughs.

"I'm sorry, this is all just ridiculous. Our mother and Finn just tried to massacre us. Nik looks as though his world is actively falling apart around him. Rebekah is still blissfully unaware of our relationship. And you've chosen this exact moment to scold Kol for being dramatic." She explains with an amused smile.

"You knew about this?" Klaus asks, in mild horror as he looks at Elijah. His hand motioning between Kol and Astrid.

"As of last night, though Astrid was much more tactful with her announcement of it." Elijah confirms.

"And you believed her? They're lying, Elijah. This is just another one of their games." Klaus scoffs.

"You tell me right now if this was just some way to provoke mother." He orders, turning a sturn glare to Astrid and Kol.

"It's not a game, Nik. She's been my wife for just as long as we've been vampires." Kol says, rolling his eyes as he steps back to Astrid's side.

"You seriously expect me to belive this has been going on for more than a thousand years? We'd have found out. One of us would have caught you together at some point if it was true." Klaus insists, looking at Elijah for some sort of agreement.

"Finn did, he found us together the day Henrik died. Did you not think it strange that he stopped excusing our behavior as an act? That he completely stopped engaging with me unless provoked?" Astrid asks, watching as his wild eyes shift between them again.

"How long did you intend to keep this secret? No, that's not- If you truly love eachother why hide it in the first place?" Klaus pushes, a bit if disbelief still in his words.

"Some people in our family don't exactly have a great record of acting rationally, Nik. Especially when they receive information that makes them uncomfortable." Astrid scoffs, looking at him pointedly.

"Don't. Don't try to blame me for your deciet. You're the ones who married each other." Klaus spits, motioning between them.

"You say that as though we misplaced something important. And I can assure you, nothing about this has been a mistake." Kol says, offence clear in his tone as he steps towards Klaus.

"Can we, please, discuss the fact that two people who want us all dead have vanished?" Elijah questions, raising his brows as he looks between the trio.

"As important it is to have this conversation, Elijah's right. Mother and Finn are still out there and we're all still linked. If they can come up with some way to kill him then the fact that Kol and I are married will be irrelevant, because we'll all be dead." Astrid says, looking between Kol and Klaus.

"Thank you, Astrid." Elijah says, yet another sigh passing his lips as he motions to her.

"Then we do a locator spell. Track them down, kill our mother, and lock Finn in a cage until we can break the link." Klaus says, looking to Astrid expectantly.

"I'll do one as soon as we're back at the mansion. But I highly doubt that it will amount to anything. Mother will likely be be expecting it." She agrees easily.

"Then we'll find another way." Klaus insists.