𝑩𝑬𝑳𝑳𝒀𝑨𝑪𝑯𝑬 , 𝐊𝐀𝐈 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐎 𝐌𝐔𝐂𝐇 𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒 that it creates nothing but a blinding confusion that overpowers Damon's instructions.

Sylvia felt the tears in her eyes as the familiar feeling of Damon's frustration tried to force its way into her chest. It's hot, burning hot and smells like honeydew. It's the first time since they arrived on the other side that she can feel someone else's feelings and she's overcome with happiness.

"Sylvia," Damon said again. His voice finally cutting through the noise as the storm reigns over them. "You have to go through!"

Sylvia shook her head. "Not yet. Not without Felicity." She said. She's stubborn, and Damon hates how much of himself he sees in Sylvia in that quality.

He gave in. He understood the defining sibling love all too well. And, again, Sylvia is as stubborn as he is.

Felicity Hayes, her sister, was all she had left in this world. She had died at Klaus' hands last year, but had come to Bonnies aid through the other side multiple times. She wasn't leaving without her. She's unsure of what would happen to herself if Felicity left for good. She's unsure of what would happen to Thatcher if anything happened.
She was not equipped to take care of them both if Felicity didn't return from the other side.

Alaric rushed up behind them, guiding them to where Bonnie stood as blood dripped from her nose. He gestured for Sylvia to step forward, and Bonnie reached out her arms , but before Sylvia even had a chance to protest Damon yanked her back.

"You go first," he said to Rick. "We're waiting for Fel." And Sylvia has never felt such appreciation towards Damon then in this moment. Especially considering the bad terms him and Fel left on a few years ago, when Felicity had realised how in love Damon was with Elena.  But she's grateful that he can put his feelings aside and understand the importance of her to Sylvia.

Alaric passed through, fading from sight and leaving Bonnie doubled over for a few moments. God, Sylvia forgets how painful it is. She had watched from afar in college the toll it took on Bonnie but feeling such pain made her grind her teeth and her mouth go sour.

"C'mon Via, Felicity is already through, it's your turn." Bonnie said.

She can't tell if the witch is lying to her to ease her mind and make her feel safe, but it's Bonnie Bennett. Bonnie who invited her into her home and into their group when she was a kid and alone after the move from Idaho. Bonnie who didn't judge her and welcomed her with open arms when she talked about who she really was. Bonnie who had bought her cupcakes after she came out as bisexual and held her hand as she told everyone around her. Bonnie who wiped her tears at her sisters funeral.

Sylvia reached out a shaky hand and held her breath ready to brace herself for what was about to come. It wasn't the move to the other side, but the overwhelming emotion and pain she'd feel afterwards.

Yet, nothing happens.

"Why can't I go through?" Sylvia asked, her voice breaking as the tears welled up in her eyes.

"I don't know. Try again." Bonnie said grabbing onto her friend as grasping at her tightly. She squeezed her eyes shut as though it would help Sylvia pass through.

"We'll that's not good." Damon said.

They all keep quiet. None of them knowing what their gonna say or even if they should speak at all until Bonnie suggested something that has Sylvia crying within seconds.

"We should say our goodbyes."

_______________

Sylvia finds Thatcher in his room drawing, with Tyler keeping him company. He's only 10, but there's a brightness to him that Sylvia has never seen in anyone before. Neither can see her.

Tyler is handing Thatcher markers and pencils when he asks while Tyler reads one of Sylvia's books. It seems almost surreal. Tyler's not usually on babysitting duty, he usually encourages Thatcher's magic in the most chaotic way. Her and Felicity are trying to teach him control, and Tyler is still very much a jock in the way he gets so delighted when Thatcher accidentally makes something explode.

She doesn't bother with saying goodbye, not that anything she said would be heard. The scene in front of her is enough to give her closure. Her brother will be taken care of. He will be loved and supported. Tyler will bring him to Rebekah in New Orleans. They had made that deal so long ago, but as Elijah had proven time and time again, a Mikealson always keeps their word.

Sylvia had put it into play when her and Rebekah had first gotten together, that Rebekah would take care of Thatcher had anything happen to her and Felicity. He would have wealth, happiness, protection, and everything he couldn't with the both of them gone. Rebekah had reluctantly agreed, since the thought of anything happening to Sylvia was heartbreaking to her. But even after the breakup, Rebekah had assured her she'd keep her promise.

In that moment, Felicity rushed through the door, and right through her as she scooped Thatcher up, and peppering kisses all over his face.

Tyler had cleared his throat and excused himself.

"Where's Via?" Thatch asked, trying to catch a glimpse past Felicity. Sylvia was sure he had caught her eye but knew it wasn't real. She was stuck on the other side after all.

"She's uh," felicity stumbled, trying to think of a lie. "She's helping the others. She'll be back soon." And apparently that was enough to ease the boys nerves.

Sylvia couldn't stay no more. So she fled, back to Bonnie, and ready to embrace her fate.

________

The trio stood together, their hands intertwined, as they waited for the collapse of the other side. Bonnie and Damon had exchanged a few words but Sylvia couldn't bring herself to speak. Instead she focused on the warm feeling of butterflies in her stomach and the sweet smell of lavender that usually came with those feelings of appreciation and platonic love that both Damon and Bonnie expelled from themselves. It was intense, and tasted sweetly of raw honey.

Sylvia focused, clenching her fingers around Bonnie and Damon's hands harder, just like she had been practicing for weeks to let those feelings flood back into them. She saw Bonnie lick her lips and smile. Sylvia took a guess to that being the fresh honey taste she usually got with those feelings and smiled.

As the other side had finally collapsed, Sylvia closed her eyes, letting the light completely take over. Feeling nothing but warmth and comfort.