THIN WHITE LIES - n. mikaelson

nine

[ 2x22 ]

<><><><><>

He almost didn't go to the funeral. He had never been one for fancy ceremonies and he didn't want anyone else to see him cry. However, he stood in front of the mirror trying to straighten the black tie nonetheless. Damon had leant him a suit, but it was a little small on the tall teen.

Calvin walked in as Elliot struggled with the tie and threw it across the room. "You want some help?" He asked sadly. Reed had helped Elliot come up with a good lie for Walker and Calvin, telling the boys that Jenna and John had been in a car accident. Elliot's bandaged arm was because he was clumsy with one of Walker's plates (which he had actually broken the night he took out the trash).

Walker and Calvin were both shocked at the news, not expecting John and Jenna to ever be in the same car. Out of all their parents, Jenna had been the most supportive of the boys and their band. She had even inspired a couple of their songs.

"Thanks," Elliot mumbled as Calvin picked up the tie and helped him properly situate it around his collar. He noticed that Calvin's hair was freshly dyed black and it almost brought a smile to his face.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to," Calvin hugged his friend. "We can go do our own little tribute later if it makes you feel better,"

"No," Elliot softly declined. "I should do this. It'll make it feel... real,"

Calvin nodded as Elliot continued to stare at the ground. "We're here for you, El. Always have been always will be,"

Elliot took a deep breath, figuring they should probably get going. "I know,"

<><><><><>

Elliot and the boys stood behind the rest of the group. He didn't want to be the center of attention after he saw how everyone was looking at him. Calvin and Walker stood on either side of him, while Reed took his place on the other side of Calvin.

Elena first went to her parents' graves, placing a rose on each of their stones. She then turned to Elliot and gave him one of the two remaining flowers. He slowly took the delicate plant and looked at the freshly turned dirt a few feet in front of him. Walker placed his hand on Elliot's shoulder in comfort.

After Elena placed her rose on John's grave, Elliot slowly stepped towards his mom's. He was shocked that he still had enough tears to fall as he lowered himself to the ground. Instinctively twirling the stick-like plant, he carefully placed the flower on the grave, picking up the few petals that fell.

He felt a hand on his shoulder as they silently began to shake. On instinct, he turned and hugged the person. Walker held the younger boy as he grieved his mother. The supernatural population of Mystic Falls listened in sadness as Elliot's sobs became audible.