Forever After Goodbye (II)
~Summary:Â The reader has taken some off to mend her heart and move on. What she didnât plan was falling in love and finding her happily ever after with the powerful original, Elijah Mikaelson.
~A/N: Dear Readers,
Wow, long time. Thank you for patiently waiting for the second part of the The Last Goodbye. As promised, I opted for two alternative endings; one where the reader ends up with Klaus and other other where the reader ends up with Elijah. Elena is not the main lead, I do not have anything against her, its just for the plot. Your feedback is always welcome! Happy Reading xx
~You can refresh on the story here:
The Last Goodbye
Forever After Goodbye (I) - Klaus Mikaelson
~Characters and Pairings:Â Elijah Mikaelson x Reader, Damon Salvatore x Reader(Platonic), The Mystic Gang and The Mikaelsons
~Warning:Â Swearing.
~Third Person POV:
âFUCK!â Y/N exclaimed, her forehead meeting the steering wheel with a dull thud. Her mind felt like it had split in twoâone half applauded her for finally choosing herself, for walking away from the chaos that had consumed her life. The other half screamed at her to call everyone back, to reassure them, to slip back into the role of the ever-dependable, ever-sacrificing Ms. Goody Good.
She leaned back in her seat, staring at the dashboard, and exhaled sharply. Why am I like this? she wondered. Was this an ingrained habit or the psychological fallout of years spent bearing everyone elseâs burdens? Shaking off the thought, she forced herself upright and took a long, steadying breath.
The vibrant energy of New Orleans surrounded herâthe French Quarter buzzed with life, its colorful streets alive with the soulful wail of jazz, the clinking of glasses, and the allure of trinkets sold at eclectic shops. A faint smile tugged at her lips. For a moment, she allowed herself to lean into the part of her subconscious that patted her on the back. Sheâd done it. Sheâd taken a step toward herself.
But the path forward wasnât easy. She had years of grief to unravel, years of pushing down her pain. Since her parentsâ untimely death, Y/N had been in survival mode. She had attended their funeral while shouldering her brother Jeremyâs grief, navigated the endless drama the Salvatores brought into her life, and even let herself fall for one of themâa choice she now regretted deeply. Sheâd lost so many people along the way, but worst of all, sheâd lost herself.
Yet, before she could truly embrace this second chance, there were two things she needed to do: call Jeremy and find Elijah.
Digging through her tote bag, she found her phone, which she had turned off the moment she fled Mystic Falls. With a sigh, she powered it back on, bracing herself for the barrage of missed calls and texts. The notifications flooded in, her screen lighting up with names that once brought her comfort but now only stirred frustration.
Her thumb hovered over Damonâs name as she read his text.
Damon:Y/N, come back home. Everyone is freaking out⌠Elena is all over the place. Sheâs very upset. Weâll figure something out. Come home.
A scoff escaped her lips. âFuck you, D,â she muttered under her breath before hitting speed dial for Jeremy. The phone rang only a couple of times before his worried voice came through.
âY/N!â Jeremy exclaimed, the relief and panic clear in his tone. âWhere the hell have you been? Are you okay? Are you hurt? Whatâs going on?!â
âHey, J-bear,â she said softly, her voice calm despite her racing heart.
âWhat the fuck, Y/N/N? Iâve been losing my mind! Where are you? Are you safe?â he ranted.
âJ... J, stop,â she interrupted gently but firmly. âLet me talk. Please.â
She ran a hand through her hair and sighed. âAre you alone?â
âNo,â he replied hesitantly. âBonnie, Caroline, and Stefan are here.â
Of course, she thought, biting back a groan. âFine,â she said, resigning herself to the lack of privacy. âIâll just get it over with. Look, Iâm fine. I needed to leave Mystic Falls, J. I know the timing isnât ideal, but I had to do this. I need spaceâfrom everyone and everything.â
âEveryone?â Jeremyâs voice held a note of hurt.
âNot you, J,â Y/N said quickly, her tone softening. âI love you, and I need you to understand. Please, respect my decision.â
There was a pause on the other end, and Y/N could picture Jeremy processing her words, torn between his protective instincts and his love for her. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter. âI love you too, sis. Just... take care of yourself, okay? And keep me updated. I canât lose you.â
Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, âThank you, J. Take care of yourself too.â
She could hear the commotion in the backgroundâthe gasps and hurried whispers of the Mystic gangâbut she didnât care. For once, their opinions didnât matter.
She ended the call, leaned back in her seat, and glanced at her reflection in the rearview mirror. She looked like a mess. Her lavender silk dressâpicked out by the brideâwas wrinkled, her makeup was smudged, and her hair was dishevelled.
âJeez,â she muttered, grabbing a makeup wipe from her bag. âIâm not going on an Elijah hunt looking like this.â
Once she had tidied herself up, she stepped out of the car and surveyed her surroundings. The memory of her last meeting with Elijah played in her mindâthe feel of his arms around her waist, his warm hand brushing her cheek as he whispered promises of loyalty and love. It had been her lifeline then, and it was her guiding star now.
She adjusted her handbag on her shoulder, took a deep breath, and started walking through the French Quarter. The lively streets were packed with people, but Y/Nâs focus remained on the task at hand. She passed by charming cafĂŠs and quaint shops, mentally noting which ones sheâd revisit when she had more time.
Eventually, she found herself at Rousseauâs, a cosy bar that seemed to hum with history. Sliding onto a stool, she caught the bartenderâs eye.
âWhiskey on the rocks, please,â she said, flashing a polite smile.
As she waited for her drink, she glanced around the bar, scanning the faces of patrons. Part of her wanted to call Elijahâjust a quick call, and heâd be thereâbut something held her back. She needed a sign, an organic moment to confirm that she was doing the right thing.
The city buzzed around her, full of possibilities. Y/N wasnât sure what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was moving toward something goodâtoward someone who had always been her safe haven.
When the bartender set her drink down, she took a sip and let the burn calm her nerves. As her fingers toyed with the trinkets she had bought earlier, she whispered softly to herself, âWhere are you, Elijah?â
She knew better than to mention the name âMikaelsonâ here. She could tell that there were other supernatural beings here. Gulping her drink, she picked over on her search for the man in the suit.Â
âY/N...â The voice reached her through the din of the crowded bar, cutting through the noise like a melody she could never forget. She turned on her barstool, her heart thundering as her eyes met Elijahâs.
Without thinking, she leaped into his arms, tears spilling down her cheeks. She buried her face against his shoulder, clinging to him as though he were her lifeline. âY/N, are you all right? Why are you crying?â Elijahâs voice was laced with concern as one arm wrapped securely around her waist while the other cradled her head gently.
âI missed you,â she whispered, her words muffled against him.
Elijah pulled back slightly, his hands coming to rest on her cheeks as he examined her face with a mixture of worry and tenderness. His touch was featherlight, but his gaze held depthâconfusion, concern, and something Y/N dared to hope was love.
âMy dear,â he murmured, his lips curving into a soft smile. âI missed you too.â
His heart ached at the pain he could see in her, a hurt that seemed to radiate from the depths of her soul. He wanted nothing more than to take it all away. But the hushed whispers and curious stares from the barâs patrons reminded him that this wasnât the time or place.
âLetâs go somewhere quieter,â he suggested gently, his hand brushing against hers.
âOkay,â Y/N agreed, grabbing her bag and linking her arm with his.
Elijah opted to walk instead of whisking her to the compound. He could sense her fragility, the delicate state of her emotions. This wasnât a moment to rush; it was a chanceâa rare oneâto offer her the safety and space she needed.
As they walked, Y/N began to vent. She spoke about Damon, the wedding sheâd run out on, and the weight of disappointment that had been suffocating her. Elijah listened attentively, occasionally offering a quiet word of acknowledgment. His presence was steady, calming, as though grounding her chaotic thoughts.
Eventually, they arrived at a grand, timeless structure. Y/N paused, taking in the elegant details of the house, a masterpiece of New Orleansâ golden era.
âWelcome to the Compound,â Elijah said, his voice warm.
âLijah, this place is... magnificent,â she breathed, her eyes wide with awe.
She turned to him with a shy smile. âCan I ask you something?â
âAnything,â he replied, sincerity evident in his tone.
âDoes your offer still stand? Do you still have a place for me here? Iâd understand ifââ
Elijahâs hands came to rest on her arms, halting her words. âDarling, Iâm so sorry...â he began, his voice heavy with guilt.
Y/Nâs face fell, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. âOh,â she muttered, her voice breaking.
âPlease, let me explain,â Elijah said quickly, his grip on her firm yet comforting. âIâm apologising for the pain my family and I have caused you. We were careless, blind to the cost of our actions. But know thisâyou will always have a place here. I made a promise to you, and itâs one I intend to keep.â
Tears streamed down her face as his words sank in. Overwhelmed by the warmth and belonging he offered so freely, she wrapped her arms around his torso and let herself break down.
Elijah held her tightly, whispering soft reassurances as he carried her to his room. She cried against him for what felt like hours, her emotions finally spilling over. Through it all, Elijah remained patient, a steady anchor in the storm of her grief.
When she finally pulled away, her eyes red and puffy, she looked up at him. âIâm sorry, Lijah. I stained your shirt... And thank you. You donât owe me an apology. Klaus, maybe, but you? Youâve always looked out for me. Thank you for being here and for letting me stay.â
Elijah cupped her cheek, his touch impossibly gentle. âYou never need to apologise, Y/N. You are safe here, always.â
In the following days, Y/N allowed herself to feel, to sit with her thoughts instead of running from them. Elijah, ever mindful of her healing, moved her to his loft outside the cityâa tranquil space where she could rebuild her strength.
Some days, she found herself mesmerised by the beauty of the world during their quiet walks. On others, she struggled even to get out of bed, overwhelmed by the weight of her emotions. Elijah never pushed her. On those difficult days, he simply sat beside her, offering his quiet presence.
Healing wasnât linear, and Elijah understood that. The loft became her sanctuaryâa peaceful retreat where she could rediscover herself, bit by bit.
One evening, as Y/N sat on the balcony with a journal in her hands, Elijah approached with a cup of tea. âI thought you might like this,â he said, placing it beside her.
She looked up, a soft smile playing on her lips. âYou always seem to know what I need before I do.â
Elijahâs gaze softened as he took the seat next to her. âSometimes, itâs the smallest comforts that make the biggest difference.â
Her fingers brushed his lightly as she took the tea, her cheeks warming. âThank you, Elijah. For always being here.â
Over time, her feelings for him deepened, though she hesitated to act on them. She wanted to ensure what she felt was realânot a rebound. Elijah, ever patient, gave her all the time and space she needed.
One morning, Y/N woke to the smell of fresh coffee. She found Elijah in the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up as he prepared breakfast.
âYou donât have to do all this for me,â she said, leaning against the doorway.
Elijah turned to her with a playful smirk. âAnd yet, I enjoy it.â
Her heart fluttered. âWhy, Elijah? Why go out of your way for someone like me?â
He set the coffee pot down and approached her, his gaze unwavering. âBecause, Y/N, youâre not just âsomeone.â Youâre everything Iâve longed forâa reminder that thereâs still light in this world.â
At that moment, Y/N knew. She was undeniably, irrevocably in love with Elijah Mikaelson.
âWhen can I meet your siblings?â Y/N asked casually as they ate breakfast. âWhenever youâd like, darling. Though may I ask why?â Elijahâs voice was calm, but his curiosity was evident. Y/N shrugged, her tone light. âBecause I think Iâm ready.â When Elijah didnât respond immediately, she glanced up from her plate to find him watching her intently, questions swirling in his eyes. âReady?â he asked, his voice low, as though he was afraid to disturb the moment. Y/N carefully pushed both their plates aside, reaching out to take his hands in hers. âA while back, you and I were dancing in a room full of people, yet I could tell the only person you saw in that room was me. In some ways, Iâve been naive⌠maybe even disrespectful, Elijah. I knew what you felt for me was more than friendship or pity, but I chose to dwell on my feelings for Damon instead.â She paused, her gaze earnest. âYouâve been nothing but a gentleman to me. You gave me a place to stay, a safe space to heal. That night at the ball, you asked me to let you into my world. Today, Iâm asking if I can be part of yours. Your family is your world, Elijah, and I want to be part of it. To stand by you, to care for you, and to love you.â For a moment, silence filled the space between them, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Elijahâs fingers tightened slightly around hers, his usually composed expression softening.
âMy dearest Y/N,â he said, his voice almost a whisper, âdo you have any idea what those words mean to me?â
She opened her mouth to respond, but he gently pressed a finger to her lips, stopping her.
âPlease, let me speak,â he continued, his dark eyes searching hers. âFrom the moment I met you, I have been captivated by your strength, your compassion, and your light. Even when you did not see yourself clearly, I saw you. I saw all of you, and I have waited for the day when you might see me tooânot as a noble, not as a Mikaelson, but as a man who loves you beyond reason.â His voice broke slightly at the end, and Y/N felt tears prick her eyes. âI have lived a thousand lifetimes, Y/N,â Elijah said, his thumb brushing over her knuckles, âbut none have held meaning until now. To hear you ask to be a part of my world⌠I cannot tell you how much it humbles me. Yes, my family is my world, but so are you. And there is nothing I desire more than for you to stand by me, to care for me, and to love me, as I have loved you.â
A tear slipped down Y/Nâs cheek, and Elijah reached up to gently brush it away. âYou are my sanctuary, Y/N,â he whispered. Before she could reply, he leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. It wasnât rushed or overwhelmingâit was a quiet, unspoken promise, filled with all the emotions he had held back for so long. When he pulled away, Y/N smiled through her tears, her heart full. âSo⌠when do I get to meet your siblings?â Elijah chuckled softly, his composure slipping just enough to reveal his joy. âPerhaps we should wait until after breakfast. Iâll need to prepare themâthey have a tendency to be⌠dramatic.â Y/N laughed, and for the first time in a long while, it felt light and free. âLet them be dramatic,â she said, leaning into him. âIâll take it all if it means being with you.â
Y/N walked confidently through the grand doors of the Mikaelson compound, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She had asked for thisâdemanded it, really. If she was going to be part of Elijahâs life, she had to truly step into his world. That meant confronting not only his complicated siblings but also the pieces of her past tied to them.
Elijah walked beside her, his posture as regal as ever, but there was a faint tension in his jaw. âAre you certain about this, Y/N?â he asked, his deep voice tinged with concern. âYou know they can be⌠unpredictable.â
âIâve dealt with the Mystic Falls gang for years,â Y/N said, her tone dry. âI think I can handle a few Original vampires.â
Elijahâs lips twitched into a small smile, impressed by her composure. âJust remember, youâre under no obligation to win them over. This is about you and me.â
âYeah, well,â she said, brushing an imaginary speck off her imaginary blazer, âif Iâm going to be with you, I need to deal with them. Thatâs how families work, Elijah. Even the psychotic ones.â
They stepped into the courtyard, where Rebekah, Kol, and Klaus were already gathered. Rebekah sat elegantly at the edge of the fountain, while Kol leaned against a column, tossing an apple in one hand with a devil-may-care grin. Klaus stood nearby, his usual air of dominance radiating from him as he swirled a glass of bourbon.
âWell, well,â Kol drawled, tossing the apple aside as soon as he saw her. âIf it isnât the fiery Gilbert sister. To what do we owe the pleasure?â
âKol,â Y/N said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. âStill working on perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing, I see.â
Kol clutched his chest dramatically. âOh, she wounds me! Elijah, where did you find such a sharp-tongued treasure?â
âKol,â Elijah said smoothly, stepping between his brother and Y/N, âperhaps you could save your antics for someone who hasnât already seen through them.â
Rebekah smirked from her spot by the fountain. âDonât waste your time, Kol. Y/Nâs not like the other doe-eyed girls who swoon at the sight of you. Sheâs far too clever for that.â
Y/N shot Rebekah a quick smile. âGlad someone noticed.â
Klaus, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, his voice low and cutting. âCleverness didnât stop you from being at the mercy of this family before, did it, Y/N?â
Y/N turned to him, her posture straight and unyielding. âNo, but it didnât stop me from surviving, either. Which is more than I can say for some of the messes youâve created.â
Klausâs smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, replaced by a glint of something darker in his eyes. âCareful, little Gilbert. Youâre in my house now.â
âAnd Iâm here by invitation,â Y/N shot back without missing a beat. âYours, no. But Elijahâs, which matters a hell of a lot more to me.â
Elijah stepped forward, his presence commanding as he placed a hand gently on Y/Nâs back. âEnough, Niklaus,â he said firmly. âSheâs not here to rehash old grievances. This is about moving forward.â
Klaus looked at his brother for a long moment before shrugging lazily. âMoving forward, is it? How quaint. Well, far be it from me to ruin your little romance.â
Rebekah rolled her eyes. âGod, Nik, must you always make everything so unbearable? Honestly, Y/N, I donât know how you put up with him.â
Y/N smirked. âI tune him out. Itâs a skill I picked up growing up with Damon.â
Kol barked out a laugh. âOh, I like her, Elijah. Are you sure I canât steal her away?â
Elijah turned his head slightly, fixing Kol with a look so subtle yet piercing that it made Y/Nâs heart flutter. âKol,â he said, his tone deceptively calm, âdonât push me.â
Kol raised his hands in mock surrender. âAlright, alright. Iâll behaveâfor now.â
Rebekah stood and linked arms with Y/N, pulling her away from the tension brewing between the brothers. âCome on, Y/N. Let me give you a proper tour of this place. Itâs far more interesting than the constant male posturing.â
As Rebekah led Y/N away, Kol called after them, âDonât let her bore you with her interior design ideas. Theyâre dreadful.â
Y/N laughed under her breath, shaking her head. âItâs like dealing with toddlers.â
âYouâve no idea,â Rebekah muttered conspiratorially.
Later, in the Drawing Room
The tension from earlier had eased somewhat. Y/N sat with Rebekah on one of the plush sofas, a glass of wine in hand. Kol was lounging nearby, still full of cheeky comments, while Elijah watched her from across the room, his gaze soft and thoughtful.
Klaus, however, remained distant, his eyes flickering to her now and then with suspicion.
âTell me, Y/N,â Kol said, breaking the silence. âWhatâs it like being the Gilbert sister who actually has some sense? Must be exhausting.â
Y/N smirked, swirling her wine. âExhausting, yes. But at least Iâm not the Mikaelson sibling known for being expendable.â
Rebekah nearly choked on her drink, and even Elijahâs lips twitched with amusement.
Kol stared at her, stunned for a moment, before bursting into laughter. âOh, I think Iâm in love.â
Elijah cleared his throat, stepping closer to Y/N. âKol, I believe itâs time you found another pastime.â
Y/N glanced up at Elijah, catching the faintest glimmer of jealousy in his otherwise calm demeanour. She reached out and lightly brushed her fingers against his hand, a silent reassurance.
âI can handle Kol,â she said softly, her eyes meeting his.
âI have no doubt,â Elijah replied, his voice low and filled with warmth.
From across the room, Klaus watched the interaction with narrowed eyes. Despite his usual bravado, he couldnât ignore the way Y/N seemed to command respect in a way so few ever did.
For Y/N, it wasnât about winning over the Mikaelsons. It was about proving, to them and herself, that she belongedânot just in their world, but beside Elijah, where she knew she was meant to be.
It had been a week since Y/N decided to immerse herself in Elijahâs world, and despite her initial reservations, she found herself growing more comfortable within the walls of the Mikaelson compound. Time had softened her edges toward some of the siblings. Rebekah had quickly become a confidante, her blunt honesty and fierce loyalty making it easy for Y/N to trust her. Kol was, as always, the mischievous brother, his flirtatious remarks now more playful than irritating. Freya had been a recent addition to their gatherings, and her warm, composed demeanour was a welcome change amidst the usual chaos.
Klaus, however, remained the elephant in the room. Their interactions were minimal and strained at best, laced with underlying hostility. Y/Nâs anger at him lingeredâafter all, this was the man responsible for so much pain in her familyâs life: Aunt Jennaâs death, the torment Elena and Jeremy endured, and countless other manipulations that left scars on her soul. Yet, for Elijahâs sake, she kept her sharp words and biting sarcasm in check when Klaus was around. Barely.
Tonight, the group was gathered in one of the compoundâs sitting rooms. A fire crackled in the hearth, its warmth mirrored in the laughter filling the room. Rebekah and Kol were bickering over a board game theyâd unearthed, while Freya and Y/N were deep in conversation about New Orleans folklore. Elijah sat close to Y/N, his hand resting lightly on the arm of her chair, their closeness speaking volumes without words.
âHonestly, Kol, your strategy is abysmal,â Rebekah huffed, crossing her arms.
âYouâre just upset because Iâm winning,â Kol retorted with a grin, earning an eye-roll from his sister.
Freya chuckled and leaned toward Y/N. âThis is what I endure every day. Welcome to the madness.â
Y/N smirked. âItâs oddly comforting. Like watching Jeremy and Elena argue over the last slice of pizza back home.â
Elijahâs hand brushed against hers subtly, a quiet gesture that made her heart flutter. His silent support was a balm in the chaos, grounding her amidst the whirlwind that was his family.
Unbeknownst to her, Klaus had been watching from the doorway. His sharp eyes caught the way Elijahâs gaze softened when it landed on Y/N, the way she seemed to bring an ease to his usually stoic brother. It wasnât lost on Klaus how rare it was to see Elijah this content, and it stirred something unfamiliar within himâsomething almost resembling guilt.
For days, Klaus had avoided addressing the tension between himself and Y/N, stubbornly pretending it didnât matter. But seeing her here, effortlessly weaving her way into his siblingsâ lives, made him realise that she was no passing fancy for Elijah. She was important. And that mattered.
With a sigh, Klaus stepped into the room, his presence immediately commanding attention.
âAh, Nik,â Kol drawled, tossing a game piece onto the table. âCome to ruin the fun, as always?â
âNot tonight, brother,â Klaus replied smoothly, his eyes fixed on Y/N.
Y/N stiffened under his gaze, her guard instinctively going up. âWhat? Did I sit in your chair or something?â she quipped, her sarcasm a shield against his unpredictable nature.
Klausâs lips twitched in faint amusement before he gestured toward the hallway. âA word, if you donât mind.â
Y/N exchanged a wary glance with Elijah, who gave her a reassuring nod. Rising from her chair, she followed Klaus out of the room, her arms crossed defensively.
They stopped in a quieter part of the compound, the hum of conversation fading behind them. Klaus turned to face her, his usual swagger replaced with an uncharacteristic seriousness.
âI owe you an apology,â he began, his voice low but steady.
Y/N blinked, caught off guard. âIâm sorry, what? Did I just step into an alternate universe?â
Klaus exhaled sharply, resisting the urge to retort. âIâve done unspeakable things to your family. To you. And while I canât undo the past, I can acknowledge the pain Iâve caused.â
Y/Nâs eyes narrowed, searching his face for any hint of deceit. âWhy now? Why bother apologising at all?â
âBecause,â Klaus said, his tone softening, âyou matter to Elijah. And Elijah matters to me. Despite everything, I donât wish to be the reason you bring him pain.â
For a moment, Y/N was silent, her emotions warring within her. She had every right to hold onto her anger, but she also knew what it meant for someone like Klaus to admit fault.
âFine,â she said finally, her voice clipped. âI canât say I forgive you. Not yet. But I can be civil. For Elijahâs sake.â
Klaus nodded, a flicker of respect in his eyes. âThatâs all I ask.â
When they returned to the sitting room, the atmosphere shifted. The tension that had lingered between them seemed lighter, replaced by a tentative truce.
Rebekah arched her brow. âWell, thatâs new. Did hell freeze over while you two were gone?â
Kol grinned. âOr did Klaus finally learn how to play nice?â
Elijahâs gaze flicked between Y/N and Klaus, a small smile tugging at his lips as he realized what had happened.
Freya leaned toward Y/N, whispering with a grin, âThatâs the closest youâll get to a heartfelt gesture from Niklaus. Congratulations.â
Y/N chuckled softly, leaning back into her chair. For the first time, she felt like she truly belongedânot just to Elijah, but to the family he cherished so deeply.
And that night, even Klaus couldnât find it in himself to ruin the peace.
Later that night, Y/N stood on the balcony of Elijahâs room in the compound, overlooking the vibrant city of New Orleans. The French Quarter buzzed with life below, but up here, in the serenity of this room, it felt like a world away.
Her fingers trailed absentmindedly over the cool metal of the balcony railing as she lost herself in thought. The events of the past week had been a whirlwindâmeeting Elijahâs siblings, finding her footing among them, and even reaching a tentative truce with Klaus. Yet, amidst it all, there was one constant: Elijah.
âPenny for your thoughts, my love?â Elijahâs deep, velvety voice broke through her reverie.
She turned to see him stepping out onto the balcony, his suit jacket abandoned, the sleeves of his crisp white shirt rolled up. The sight of him, always so composed yet so effortlessly alluring, made her heart race.
âYouâd need a fortune to get through all of them,â she teased, a soft smile gracing her lips.
Elijah stepped closer, his hands resting gently on the railing on either side of her. He leaned in slightly, his presence wrapping around her like a protective cocoon. âThen perhaps Iâll settle for the one that makes you smile like that,â he said, his gaze searching hers.
Y/N laughed softly, leaning into him. âJust thinking about how far weâve come. How I went from avoiding you at every chance to... this.â She gestured to the space between them, the connection that was now undeniable.
Elijahâs eyes softened, his hand lifting to brush a strand of hair away from her face. âAnd does âthisâ bring you peace, Y/N? Happiness?â
Her breath hitched at the tenderness in his tone, the way his touch sent shivers down her spine. âMore than I ever thought possible,â she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elijahâs lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. âYou mean so much to me.â
He cupped her cheek gently, his thumb brushing against her skin. Y/N leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When she opened them, she found him watching her with a reverence that made her heart ache in the best way.
âYouâve brought light to a life shrouded in centuries of darkness,â he continued, his voice filled with emotion. âYouâve reminded me what it means to hope, to feel, to love. And for that, I am eternally grateful.â
Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, but she held them back, letting a soft laugh escape instead. âHow do you always know the exact thing to say to make me melt, Mr. Mikaelson?â
âPerhaps because you inspire every word,â he replied smoothly, his lips now only a breath away from hers.
Unable to resist any longer, Y/N closed the distance between them, her lips capturing his in a kiss that was both tender and fervent. Elijah responded instantly, his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her flush against him. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, lost in each other.
When they finally parted, both were breathless, their foreheads resting together.
âI love you,â Y/N confessed, the words tumbling out before she could second-guess them.
Elijahâs eyes lit up, his expression one of pure joy. âAnd I, you. More than words can ever convey.â
They stood there, wrapped in each otherâs arms as the stars began to dot the night sky. In that moment, nothing else matteredânot the dangers of their world, not the complications of their pasts. All that existed was the love they shared, a love that felt timeless and unbreakable.
âYou know,â Y/N murmured against his chest, âweâre going to have to deal with your siblingsâ endless teasing now.â
Elijah chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. âLet them tease. As long as I have you by my side, I can endure anything.â
And with that, they stayed on the balcony, basking in the quiet intimacy of the moment, two souls finally finding their home in each other.
The sun was starting to set, painting the sky in hues of gold and pink as Elijah and Y/N walked hand in hand through the lavender field, surrounded by the fragrant flowers that had once been a playground for Elijah and his siblings when they were children. The field was a rare moment of peace for them both, far from the chaos of their supernatural lives.
Y/N gazed at the endless rows of purple, a soft smile on her face. "You know," she said, glancing at Elijah, "this place is beautiful. It's almost as if it holds the memories of your past... and all the times you've been forced to leave them behind."
Elijah squeezed her hand gently, his gaze softening. "It's more than just a place for me. Itâs a reminder of simpler times, before our lives were filled with endless complications and heartache. But itâs better now, isnât it? With you by my side."
Y/N smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. She turned toward him, standing on tiptoe as she kissed his lips, slow and tender. They were both completely in their own world, the lavender scent mingling with the warmth between them.
When they pulled apart, Elijah looked into her eyes, searching, as though seeing her in a new light. "I don't think I've ever been as certain of anything in my life as I am of you."
Y/N chuckled, her thumb brushing over the back of his hand. "Thatâs a little dramatic, even for you, Elijah Mikaelson," she teased.
Elijah smirked, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "You think so? Because you make me want to be dramatic. You're worth it."
She laughed, her heart full. It was moments like thisâjust the two of themâthat made her forget the tumultuous past and the storm that was always lingering. Elijah pulled her closer, resting his forehead against hers.
"Promise me youâll always be with me," Y/N whispered, her voice barely audible.
"I already am," he replied softly, wrapping his arms around her. "And I will be for as long as youâll have me."
Before they could get lost in each other further, Elijahâs phone rang, interrupting the moment. He glanced at it, his expression turning serious as he looked at the caller ID. Klaus. He dealt with the call.Â
"Weâve been summoned to the Salvatore Boarding House. We need to head there. It seems that the Mystic Gang, as you refer to them, have landed themselves in a mess again."
Y/N sighed, her fingers still intertwined with his as she pulled away reluctantly. "Canât we have just a few more minutes?" she asked, half-joking.
Elijah smiled, though the weight of their responsibilities always lingered. "As much as I would prefer to stay here, Iâm afraid we have no choice."
The evening sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the Salvatore Boarding House, casting warm, golden hues over the tension-filled room. The Mystic GangâDamon and Stefan Salvatore, Bonnie Bennett, Caroline Forbes, and Elena Gilbertâsat scattered across the living room. Their expressions ranged from apprehension to outright frustration as they awaited the arrival of the Mikaelsons.
âTheyâre late,â Damon muttered, swirling the bourbon in his glass. âTypical.â
âMaybe donât insult them when they get here,â Bonnie warned. âWe need their help, remember?â
Elena sat on the edge of the couch, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. She hadnât seen Y/N in months. The memory of their strained last encounter weighed on her, but she was determined to fix thingsâif Y/N would let her.
Suddenly, the heavy wooden doors swung open, and in stepped Elijah Mikaelson, effortlessly poised in his tailored suit. At his side, hand entwined with his, was Y/N.
The room fell silent.
Y/N looked radiant, her smile soft but confident as she stepped into the space like she belonged there. Her gaze swept over the familiar faces, lingering momentarily on Elena before she looked away. The Mystic Gang, meanwhile, wore expressions ranging from stunned to incredulous.
âY/N?â Caroline finally broke the silence, her voice tinged with disbelief.
âSurprise,â Y/N said dryly, raising an eyebrow. She gave a small wave, the corners of her lips twitching upward.
Jeremy stood there, eyes lighting up when he saw Y/N.
"Y/N!" Jeremy exclaimed, rushing forward and enveloping her in a bear hug. "I can't believe you're here! It's been way too long."
Y/N laughed softly, hugging him back. "I know, I know. It's been... a lot. But Iâm here now."
The warmth and familiarity of her brotherâs embrace made her feel grounded, even amidst the chaos. They pulled apart, and Y/N looked him over. "How have you been? Really?"
Jeremy gave her a small, sincere smile. "I've been good. Missed you, though. Things have been... complicated, you know? But itâs good to see you again."
Elijah watched the exchange with a quiet smile, though his hand found Y/N's, grounding her with a touch that said everything without words.
When Y/N turned to the others in the room, her gaze landed on Elena, who had been standing quietly off to the side, watching the reunion with a mix of uncertainty and hope. Slowly, Y/N approached her, eyes softening as she did.
"Hey, Elena," Y/N said, voice steady but warm. "How are you?"
Elena hesitated, her gaze flickering between Y/N and Elijah before she finally stepped forward. "Iâm... Iâm okay. Really. I justâIâve been trying to reach you. I wanted to apologise for everything that happened, Y/N. I shouldâve understood sooner... but I was too caught up in my own pain to see yours."
Y/Nâs heart softened, but there was still a guardedness in her voice. "Itâs not just about you, Elena. I know youâre sorry. But you still havenât really understood why I had to leave, have you?"
Elena looked down, visibly pained. "I get it now, I do. It was never about me. It was about you needing space, needing to find yourself again. I wasnât there when you needed me most."
Y/N took a deep breath, her voice firm but not unkind. "I know youâre trying, but itâs going to take time. Iâll speak to you when Iâm ready, okay? Itâs just... itâs hard. For both of us."
âYouâve got to be kidding me,â Damon blurted out, his gaze bouncing between Y/N and Elijah. âYouâre with him?â
Y/Nâs eyes narrowed, her sarcasm cutting through the room like a blade. âHello to you too, Damon. Always such a charmer.â
Elijah placed a reassuring hand on the small of her back, his calm demeanour unshaken. âItâs lovely to see you all again,â he said, his voice smooth and composed. âI trust this reunion will be...productive.â
âReunion?â Stefan echoed, his brow furrowed. âWait, how long has this been going on?â He gestured between Elijah and Y/N.
âLong enough,â Y/N replied, her tone sharp yet unapologetic. She glanced up at Elijah, her expression softening instantly. âAnd if youâre wondering, yes, weâre very happy.â
Bonnieâs eyes darted to the engagement ring glittering on Y/Nâs hand. âIs thatâŚ?â
âYes,â Y/N said, holding up her hand briefly, smiling. Jeremy hugged Y/N again congratulating her.Â
Klaus entered the room then, with Kol and Rebekah trailing behind him. âAh, the gangâs all here,â Klaus drawled, his smirk firmly in place. âI see youâve all met my future sister-in-law. Delightful, isnât she?â
Y/N shot him a mock glare. âDonât start, Klaus.â
âWho, me?â Klaus said innocently, earning a snicker from Kol and an exasperated sigh from Rebekah.
Damon looked at Klaus, his irritation bubbling over. âHow does she put up with you? Or any of you?â
âPatience,â Y/N said with a smirk, settling into a chair with Elijah gracefully taking the seat beside her. âYouâd be amazed what it can achieve.â
Klaus chuckled. âAnd yet you somehow tolerate this lot,â he gestured to the Mystic Gang, âdespite their...endearing flaws.â
Bonnie shot Klaus a warning look, cutting in before the conversation could devolve further. âAlright, enough. We need to talk about the threat we called you here for.â
As the discussion shifted to the supernatural danger facing Mystic Falls, Y/N listened intently, her hand still resting in Elijahâs. Occasionally, their gazes would meet, and the shared warmth between them was impossible to ignoreâeven to those who didnât want to see it.
Elenaâs eyes lingered on her sister throughout the meeting, noting the quiet strength and happiness radiating from her. It was a version of Y/N she hadnât seen in years, and it left her both awed and uneasy.
By the time the meeting ended, it was clear that Y/Nâs allegianceâand her heartâfirmly belonged to the Mikaelsons. And while the Mystic Gang grappled with their shifting dynamics, Y/N couldnât have cared less.
As she and Elijah left the Salvatore Boarding House that evening, his hand rested lightly at the small of her back, their love palpable in every touch, every glance. For Y/N, it wasnât just about finding a new familyâit was about building a future with the man who had shown her a love she never thought she deserved.
(Gifs credits goes to the rightful owners)
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