Chapter 61: Chapter 61

“You’re kidding? Your mother Esther was the one in the coffin?“ I repeat, staring at Elijah dumbfounded.

Elijah nods, “I was just as surprised as you are now.”

“Didn’t Klaus rip her heart out?” I ask.

“Yes, he must have somehow preserved her body in that coffin.” Elijah explains, not too sure himself.

“So she’s just perfectly happy? She doesn’t want revenge or anything? Revenge seems like the Original way.” I frown, and I think I just might be worried about Klaus.

Elijah chuckles, “She seems genuine about wanting to bring our family back together.”

“So, Finn and Kol…what are they like?” I question, curious about the other two Originals.

“Finn is…old school. Even more so than me.” Elijah smirks slightly.

“That’s possible?” I tease.

“He despises being a vampire though. He has always been a momma’s boy. It seems like he still is.” Elijah sighs.

“Eew, Elena was a momma’s girl too.” I shrug.

“And Kol is very cunning. He likes to flirt around with girls, and have fun. He knows no boundaries, he thinks everything in the world is his for the taking. He acts young and foolish.” Elijah says.

“He’s hot though, and that accent is to die for. It suits him very well.” I point out, earning a pointed look from Elijah.

“You’ve never met my brother. You saw him for about five minutes last night.” Elijah scolds.

“I don’t need to meet him to know he’s hot.” I smirk.

“Do not let Kol fool you Aria, he will only hurt you.” Elijah narrows his eyes.

I hold my hands up in innocence, “I’m not going to get involved with him Elijah. I already have enough problems with vampire guys…but it will be nice to flirt around with him.” I grin.

“Niklaus will not like you flirting around Kol.” Elijah raises his eyebrows, taunting me.

“Shut up.” I laugh, playfully shoving him. Elijah laughs with me, my shove not having affected him at all. I figured it wouldn’t…

“Rebekah is going to go after your sister now Aria. She’s a very vengeful girl.” Elijah warns, bringing the mood down.

“Let her.” I shrug.

“You acting like you don’t care is becoming tiresome.” Elijah sighs.

“Can’t you see Elijah? I do care. I care that everyone wants Elena over me. It has always been like that. I don’t mean to sound like some little brat, desperate for attention but it’s true…Elena will always be chosen over me. The only person who used to put me first betrayed me, and ran over into her clutches. So let Rebekah kill Elena. I might be sad, but I’ll get it over it.” I admit, sucking at keeping my cool. I’m such a mental case these days.

Elijah places a hand on my shoulder, giving me an encouraging smile. “I hope you know you come first to me Aria.”

“Aw, I love you too old man.” I smile, practically tackling him with a hug. He wraps his arms around me, his hands running up and down my back. It’s a sweet hug. I pull away from him, so happy to have him back.

“When you need me, I’ll be here. I hope you know that.” Elijah says, causing me to smile again. He’s so freaking sweet.

“I do, you’re the only person I trust right now.” I say.

“I’m glad to know you trust me.” Elijah smiles.

“I trust you with my life.” I promise.

“After such heartfelt exchanges, I’m probably going to piss you off right now.” Elijah warns, speeding out of the room for a second and coming back in a with a box, with a nice bow wrapped on top and a letter?

“Did you get me a present or something?” I ask, not knowing why I would be mad about that.

“It’s from Niklaus, he asked me to deliver it to you.” Elijah tells me…oh, it’s from Klaus…great.

“Do you know what it is?” I frown, running my hand over the bow.

Elijah smirks at me, “I believe you’re supposed to open it and find out.”

“Alright then…” I trail off, still frowning at the box.

“I’ll see you back at my house then in a little while?” Elijah confirms.

“Yeah, Rebekah wants me to come over.” I mutter distracted, wondering what the hell Klaus could have got me. “See ya Elijah.” I don’t need to turn around to know that he is gone. I take the letter off first, opening it up.

“Please join the Mikealson family this evening at seven o’ clock for dancing, cocktails, and celebration.” I read out, a disbelieved expression coming over my face.

They are having a party? Already? Jeez…they don’t waste any time…

I open up the box, a smile coming to my face when I see a beautiful, dark blue dress inside. I take it out, lying it out on the bed. It really is beautiful… (It’s not the same dress he got Caroline. Picture on the side.)

Wait, there’s a note underneath it….

Save me the last dance love.

==================

My phone rings in my bags, causing me to groan. Seriously? Can’t people just leave me alone for a little bit.

“Yes Stefan?” I answer.

“Where are you?” he questions.

“I am currently walking to the Original’s mansion.” I say, I know, I know, it’s weird I’m walking.  I didn’t want to use vampire speed or drive, I just wanted to take a walk. Clear mind a little…

“To see Klaus?” Stefan teases, and I’m guessing Damon is around.

“No Stef, I’m going to see Bekah.” I sigh.

“You know she went after Elena the other night, Elijah stopped her.” Stefan states.

“I’m not surprised.” I shrug.

“I’m also guessing you’re not surprised Esther is back, and the Original family is holding a ball tonight?” Stefan guesses.

“Yup.” I say, popping the p. “I’m almost there Stefan, I’ll see you tonight.” I don’t wait for him to answer, before hanging up the phone. Ugh, I wonder who Elena is taking to the ball tonight? Stefan? Damon? Both? Probably both, she seems bitchy enough to do it.

So you know what. Klaus is going to be my date tonight. Elena can go screw herself for all I care. Because I’m happy, she can’t take that away from me anymore. I won’t let her. Damon is in the past…I need to get over him. I need to quickly…

I look up and am surprised to see their house in front of me. I guess I was completely lost in my thoughts. I walk up to the front door, ringing the doorbell. I stand outside the door awkwardly, not knowing if I should just go in or not.

My questions are answered when Kol opens up the door, “Why hello there.” he smirks.

“Hi, you must be Kol.” I smile, making my voice sound all sweet and shit.

His smirk grows even wider, “You must be the lovely Arianna, I’ve heard lots about you. You’re a very stunning young women in person.”

“Thank you.” I act all starstruck, and I can see he is falling for it. Rebekah is standing behind him now, looking amused as hell.  “I must say, that tux looks very nice on you. Are you wearing it tonight?”

He nods, “I am, maybe we could spend tonight together?”

I give him a smile, acting like I’m about to say yes. “I’d love to but I found a more attractive date. But then again, a lama is more attractive than you.” I  saunter past him, over to Rebekah.

She gives me a grin, “Nik is more attractive to you?”

“Shut up Bekah.” I mumble, feeling slightly embarrassed now.

Kol laughs, “I can see why my siblings are so attached to you Arianna. You’re very feisty.”

“If you call me that again, I will find some way to hurt you. I don’t give a shit if you’re an Original or not. That just makes you old and a little weird.” I tease, and suddenly I am pinioned up against the wall. Kol pins my arms above my head, a flirtatious smile on his face.

“I’d love to see you try and do things to me…Aria.” he whispers in my ear, a very dirty meaning behind his words. Eew.

Klaus suddenly appears, pushing his brother away from me. Klaus glares at him, “Leave her alone Kol. She won’t fall for your tricks.”

“She can speak for herself.” I say, giving Klaus a weird look. “What is with you boys trying to stick up for me?”

“Nik has claimed you, he doesn’t want Kol anywhere near what is his.” Rebekah smirks, making me kind of mad and flattered at the same time. Weird…

“I’m nobodies to claim Klaus, I hope you know that.” I hiss.

Klaus nods, “I understand love.”

Kol laughs, obviously amused for some reason. “Oo, Aria, you have my brother wrapped around your finger. You’re a special gal.”

“Shut up Kol, I’m sure I could have you wrapped around my finger if I tried.” I wink, and I’m pretty sure I see Klaus roll his eyes.

“I’d like to see it love.” he smirks, and for some reason it disturbs me. Only Klaus can call me that. From anyone else, it’s just weird. Kind of like how Damon called me Ari. Only he could say that.

“Break it up children. It sounds like I am in a high school hallway. And if I am not mistaken, Aria is the only one still in high school.” Elijah sighs, joining us in the hallway.

“Fine, then I’ll say what I came down here to say.” Klaus says, stalking over to Rebekah, “You went after Elena?! What’s wrong with you?”

“Here we go.” Rebekah casts a bored look at her brother.

“Do you want another dagger in your heart?” Klaus threatens.

“Again with the dagger threats? Don’t you have any other tricks?” Kol questions.

“Oh go back to staring at yourself.” Klaus glares.

“And who are you? My father?” Kol demands.

“No, but Kol, you’re in my house.” Klaus growls, now in Kol’s face instead of Rebekah’s.

“Then perhaps we should go outside.” Kol suggests, looking ready to take on his brother.

“Enough.” A stern voice commands, and I look to my right, to see a very pretty blond women. That must be Esther I guess. She walks over to me seizing me up. “Are you Elena?”

“No, I’m Aria. Elena is my twin sister.” I say, and for some reason I feel nervous.

Esther smiles, “Two doppelgängers, how interesting. My children failed to mention you to me.”

“Yeah…I’m not really human anymore so I guess I don’t fit the doppelgänger standards like Elena does.” I ramble.

Esther doesn’t look amused by my comment, “Will I be seeing you tonight?”

“She’s Nik’s date.” Rebekah explains, and if I was human, I probably would have blushed.

Esther gives me a strange, calculating look. “I’m glad Niklaus decided to invite someone. I’m sorry to tear him away from you but Niklaus, come with me.” she commands, giving me a nod before walking back into another room. Klaus follows her like a good little son should.

Everyone is silent after they leave for a few moments before I speak up, breaking the silence. “So…does anyone want to play Monopoly?”

=================

I walk thorough the doors of the Original mansion for the second time today. It’s just this time it’s filled with nicely dressed people. Like me. Shut up. I’m not egotistical at all.

A lady comes over, taking my cardigan from me. I smile at her, not really knowing what to do now. This is a very classy party, and I don’t see my date anywhere. The only person I see is someone who I don’t want to talk to at all.

“You look very beautiful tonight Aria.” a voice comments form beside causing me to jump about 500 feet in the air.

I spin around to Elijah, glaring at him. “You scared the shit out of me Elijah.”

Elijah smiles, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

I sigh, “It’s fine…have you seen Klaus anywhere? He’s kind of like my date, and I can’t find him.”

Elijah laughs, “Kind of like your date?” he repeats, amused by my word choice. “Niklaus believes he is your date Aria. No kind of about it.”

I roll my eyes, “I never even told him I would be his date, he just assumes I will because he’s Niklaus, the great Original vampire.” I deadpan.

“He was actually…excited for tonight.” Elijah says.

“Klaus was excited for something other than murder and hybrids?” I tease.

Elijah almost rolls his eyes, almost. “Yes, he is.”

“I believe that Aria here is mine for tonight brother.” Klaus just like appears, giving his brother a tight smile.

“She is.” Elijah nods, giving me a small smile, before leaving Klaus and I alone.

“You look ravishing.” Klaus compliments, his eyes looking me up and down.

“I think I have someone to thank of that.” I smile, and if I was human, I would be defiantly be blushing.

“All I did was give you the dress Aria, you look beautiful all on your own.” Klaus smirks, causing me to laugh.

“That was bad.” I comment, in between my laughs.

Klaus laughs a little, “It was.” he agrees, but he suddenly focuses his attention on something behind me. I frown, following his line of sight, and seeing something that really pisses me off.

The wondrous Elena has just walked in, with a Salvatore on each arm. Literally. I bet she feels pretty good about herself inside. She would never say that, but I know she does. Elena craves for attention on the inside.

“I’m sorry Aria.” Klaus suddenly whispers.

I look over at him, a shocked expression on my face. “What?”

“I’m sorry.” he repeats, actually looking genuinely sorry. “I shouldn’t have sent that photo to you. You were right, I did want you to break up with Damon Salvatore. Anyone who has you, and would let you go like that…they don’t deserve to have you Aria. You’re a brilliant girl, anyone who doesn’t recognize that is stupid.”

I stare at him for a moment, not knowing how to respond to that. I’ve never heard him talk like this. Especially in a public place, where he knows people can hear him. Damon can hear him…I sneak a glance back at Damon, and see him watching us.

I lean towards Klaus, placing a light kiss on his cheek. I give him a small smile, not really knowing what to say to that. I’m not doing this to make Damon jealous, I’m not that type of girl. I’m doing this because I think I actually feel something real for Klaus.

“I have to go for a few moments, Elijah wants to give a speech. We all need to be up there with him apparently. I’ll see you in a few minutes love.” he grins, not even giving me a chance to respond before he walks off.

“I tried calling you earlier.” Stefan states, slipping away from Elena and over to me.

“Really? You came here with Elena?” I demand.

“I didn’t come here with her Aria, I’m just here trying to make sure no one does anything stupid. Esther left Elena a note saying she wants to talk to her. About what, that’s what I want to know.” Stefan explains.

“I honestly don’t give a shit Stefan.” I shrug, a small smile on my face. “Tonight is not about Elena, or anything else. It’s about having a night off. So I’m taking a night off, no matter what.” For some reason, I feel like I’m going to be dragged into something though.

“I understand that.” Stefan nods, “But getting back to when I called you…”

“I didn’t see a miss call from you.” I frown.

“Elijah answered it, he told me something very…interesting. He said you couldn’t come to the phone because you, him, Kol, and Rebekah were playing Monopoly. He also said you and Kol were fighting at that moment because Kol landed on one of your hotels and wouldn’t pay…” The look on Stefan’s face is hilarious right now.

I laugh, remembering how amazing it was to play Monopoly with three Original vampires. “Yeah…it was interesting. I was pissed because I didn’t win though. Elijah managed to beat me. Kol and Rebekah weren’t even close.” Stefan still has a hilarious look on his face, causing me to laugh even harder. “I wanted to break an awkward silence, so I asked if they wanted to play Monopoly. I didn’t actually want to play, but Kol and Rebekah asked what Monopoly was after I said that. So I kind of freaked out, made Elijah go and buy a Monopoly game, then I kicked some ass.”

“I can’t believe you played Monopoly with them.” Stefan smiles.

“It was fun.” I shrug, before looking up at the massive stairs. The whole family is now gathered up there, trying to get everyones attention. Elijah is front and center, a wine glass in his hand.

“Ah, if everyone could gather, please.” Elijah calls out, successfully getting everyones attention. “Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it’s tradition to commence the evening with a dance. Tonight’s pick is a centuries old waltz, so if all of you could please find yourselves a partner. Please join us in the ballroom.” I watch as Esther walks back up the stairs, just showing her face for a second to make an appearance. Guess she doesn’t like parties.

“Would you care for a dance love?” Klaus smirks, holding out his hand to me.

I smile, placing my hand in his. “It is tradition.”

Klaus smiles back at me, taking my arm and looping it through his. We walk into the ballroom, where everyone is starting to line up in two lines with their partners. I chose to ignore the fact Damon and Elena are together and focus on the fact Rebekah is with Matt, which is very interesting. I didn’t know she liked him.

They turn on the music, playing ‘Give me Love’ by Ed Sheeran. It’s actually a perfect song for this, and I know it which is weird for these kind of dances. It’s normally old shitty music.

We each take a step forward with the beat, all of the couples moving in unison. It’s amazing how at things like this everyone knows how to dance. I’m so glad my Mom made me get lessons when I was younger.

“You look stunning tonight Aria, I know I already said that multiple times, but I thought it needed to be said again.” Klaus whispers under his breath.

I look over at him, as we turn towards the people in front of us, both lines facing each other. “Thank you.” I smile, as we now switch places with the line in front of us.

We take a few more steps before Klaus stops, spinning me around once. He pulls me back to him, placing his hand on my lower back, and holding my other one. I place my hand on his shoulder, as we start to slowly dance around the ballroom.

We dance for a few more moments before, Klaus spins me into the hands of another partner. Damn it, I forgot we had to switch partners in this dance. I look up at the person I’m with, shaking my head slightly. Of course.

“Hello Kol.” I greet, giving him a warning glare as his hand goes down a little too low on my back.

“Hello love, sorry to tear you away from my brother.” he smirks, and once again it freaks me out when he calls me love.

“We have to switch partners, it’s just too bad I got paired up with he charity case.” I give him a forced smile, as we continue to sway with the beat.

“Charity case? That hurts.” he fake pouts.

“I doubt it does, you are after all use to it.” I shrug, a small smirk on my face.

“You’re not very nice to me Aria, this is after all my party, maybe you should be nicer.” Kol snaps, but he’s not really angry, I think he’s annoyed.

I push away from Kol as the song ends, giving him a knowing smile. “It’s not yours Kol, I know it was your mother’s idea. So that makes it her party. Have a nice night.”

I walk away from him, stealing a glass of champagne off one of the waiters trays. Tonight has actually been going pretty well considering how my life has been going lately.

================

“You’re not one to be hiding outside during a party.” Klaus comments, finding me sitting on the bench outside.

“I’m not hiding…I’m just thinking.” I reply, still looking up at the stars.

“Thinking about what?” he asks, taking a seat next to me on the bench.

“You.” I admit, looking over at him. “I’m thinking how wrong my feelings are for you. You killed my Aunt, you killed me, you made me into a monster…how is it that I’m in love with you?” I demand, and I see Klaus start to answer but I stop him. “You know what, don’t answer that. I don’t think I want to know.”

“I fancy you Aria, I think you that.” Klaus says, causing me to roll my eyes.

“I hope so, I just admitted I love you…well, kind of.” I sigh.

Klaus smiles slightly, “I haven’t felt the way I feel with you in a long time love. You make me feel things that I never thought I would feel again. You’re so strong, and full of life. Not to mention you’re extraordinarily beautiful. It’s hard not to fall in love with you Aria.”

I stand up suddenly, shaking my head. “I can’t do this now Klaus, I just broke up with Damon. It’s-not-“ Klaus stops me by putting his lips on mine. I’m shocked for a second, not able to move. Klaus is kissing me…he’s actually kissing me…

I break the kiss, staring at him shocked. “You just kissed me.”

He smirks, “I believe I did love.”

“You just kissed me…” I repeat again, a smile coming over my face. I wrap my arounds him, pulling me him towards me. Our lips meet again but this time neither of us pull away.

Klaus backs me up against the wall behind me, his hands on either side of the wall beside my head. He pulls away from me slightly, and he looks almost out of breath.

I grin, stepping away from him, and trying to regain my composure. “Okay…that was…unexpected.”

“I was planning on doing that for some time actually.” Klaus shrugs, seeming smug with himself.

I glare at him playfully, “You’re such a player for being so old.”

“Would you rather me be like Elijah?” Klaus questions.

“Yes, I happen to like Elijah much more.” I tease.

Klaus wraps his arms around me, “I think I’m going to have to change that.” he whispers seductively.

“Impossible.” I smile, melting into his arms.

“I’m sure it is.” Klaus mutters, but he looks happy. He looks the happiest I’ve ever seen him.

Maybe we could make each other happy.

===================

I hear a commotion coming from outside, causing me to frown. I set my drink down, taking a few steps towards the door. I gasp when I see Kol on the floor and Damon punching him.

“Damon!” I yell, hurrying outside right as Damon snaps Kol’s neck. “Are you crazy?” I demand, as Stefan, Finn, Elijah, Klaus, and Elena all walk outside the door to see the commotion.

Damon looks past me at Elena, “Maybe a little.” he answers, “Far be it for me to cause a problem.” Damon glares. Great, so him and Elena got in a fight and now he is acting reckless. Kol will want to kill him.  Damon turns around, walking away from everyone, without looking back.

I spin around towards everyone, “Everyone that is not a girl, please go back inside.” I growl, glaring at Elena murderously. She looks scared of me which she should be.

“Aria, I know you’re mad but don’t do anything stupid.” Stefan cautions, the only one not to go back inside. Klaus walked back inside with a smirk on his face, like this amuses him. I’m sure it does. He knows I won’t Elena right now.

“Are you a girl?” I seethe, “I don’t think so. Get your ass back inside before I make you.” Stefan sighs, looking kind of pissed off, but goes back inside anyways.

“Aria, I’m sorry that Damon got so upset, I didn’t think-“ I cut her off.

“Look Elena, you say you aren’t anything like Katherine, but you’re exactly like her. Stop playing with them. Chose one, because can’t you see what you’re doing to them?! Damon is going to get himself killed to spite you! Stefan wants to murder his brother! Stop being a puppet master Elena, because soon enough, you’ll end up being the puppet.” I growl.

“You’re right, I’m tearing them apart. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” Elena admits, tears in her eyes.

I roll my eyes, “Yeah, I’m sure you didn’t.”

“I don’t want to ruin their relationship, and I never wanted to ruin ours Aria. I miss you.” she insists, tears streaming down her face.

I give her a sad smile, “You miss the old me Elena, and she’s never coming back. I get that you don’t mean to ruin these things, but you do…and I’ll never forgive for that.”

I walk back inside, pushing past all the people, and heading upstairs to Klaus’ room. I can’t go back to the Salvatore place tonight, I can’t face either of the boys. And somehow, I expect Damon is going be acting like a fool. He’s probably going to end up doing something stupid.

“I thought I saw you head up here.” he comments, joining me in his room.

“Don’t get any ideas buddy.” I sigh, giving him a pointed look.

He holds up his hands in innocence, a smirk on his face. “I wasn’t thinking anything like that love.”

“Sure you weren’t.” I agree, letting my hair out of the ponytail it was in. “Do you have a shirt I could wear? I really love this dress Klaus, but I need to get out of it.”

Klaus walks over to his dresser, tossing me a black shirt. “Do you need any help?”

“Unfortunately. I can’t get this dress unzipped without someone, so…” I trail off awkwardly. He laughs, walking behind me, slowly unzipping the dress. The zipper goes down to my mid back. “Now scram, so I change. Don’t be a creeper.” I warn.

“I’ll be back, I have something to grab anyways.” he says, heading out of the room.

I step out of the dress, making sure I place it on Klaus’ bed. I do not want it getting wrinkled or anything. This dress is amazing. I grab Klaus’ shirt, slipping it on over my head. Thankfully it’s long enough, and it goes down to my thighs.

Klaus walks back into the room, two glasses of champagne in his hand. “I thought we could have a toast. You were absent during the one earlier.”

I take one of the glasses from him, sitting down on his bed. “A toast to what?”

He sits down beside me, thinking about it for a moment. “A toast to new beginnings.”

“That’s so cheesy.” I laugh, shooting him an amused look.

He smiles, “It might be, but I think it’s deserved. You deserve a new beginning Aria, you need to put the past behind you.”

“You deserve one too Klaus.” I say, holding my glass out. “To the cheesiest thing ever…new beginnings.” Klaus laughs, clinking his glass with mine. We both drown the champagne easily. Yeah, we’re both alcoholics.

I set my glass of champagne down on the dresser next to the bed, before falling back. God he has a comfortable bed, his sheets are soft. Yup, I’m staying here tonight. Shut up guys, I’m not going to do anything.

Klaus lays down next to me, changed into a T-shirt, and sweatpants. I raise my eyebrows, “Damn, did you just use Original speed to change clothes?”

Klaus shrugs, “I’m not sleeping in a tux love.”

“Good, because this shirt is softer.” I smile, lying my head on top of his chest. He smiles again, starting to run his hand through my curly hair.  “Goodnight Klaus.” I mumble, as I feel Klaus pull some sheets over me.

“Goodnight love.”