𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 ༄ 𝗦. 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗘 ²︎

𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦

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[season four || episode nine ]
O Come, All Ye Faithful

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elysian:
(adj.) beautiful or creative;
divinely inspired; peaceful
and perfect

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Before Stefan, Madeline was only familiar with love through romance novels and movies. She had read about each romantic thing a person could do — from planting an entire garden to simply learning about their interests — wishing she could experience what the receiver felt.

She learned that love was different. Love was when even their mere presence intoxicated her — when her heart beat vehemently fast that it left her wondering if it would rupture out of her chest. Overwhelmed with passion, it made her feel invulnerable from anything unethical, performing as a barrier. Love was composed of little things such as making sure they were covered by a blanket when they slept or merely paying attention to their assertions and emotions.

Unable to recall what happened at the sleepover, Madeline groaned, her head throbbing. "Morning," Stefan whispered, pressing a kiss onto her forehead. She, however, remembered each word she and Stefan shared, heartily chiseling it into their library of memories.

"No shouting. Please." Madeline responded, sitting up. He gingerly passed her a glass of water and some hangover pills, smiling when he discerned the grateful look on her face. "Thanks, Stefano."

"Anytime," Stefan remarked. Against staying in bed all day, Madeline forced herself up as she swallowed the medicine. "I was going to make you breakfast, but I wasn't sure you could stop yourself from throwing it up."

"Good call." Madeline chuckled. To start her day off with a shower, she headed to the dresser she and Stefan shared. She opened a drawer, snatching one of his shirts.

"You know how Klaus can be... 'pushy'?" Stefan said, quoting her words to her. She nodded and faced him, speculating where the conversation was headed. "Well, would it make you feel better if you joined me? He'll be nicer if you're there."

In his mind, he begged her to agree, craving to spend every second he could spare with her. Madeline nodded, preferring to be conscious of imminent schemes. "Thank god. He's insufferable." Stefan sighed in relief, sliding his hands around her waist. She chuckled, positioning her head on his chest again — his familiar, accelerated heartbeat awarding her solace beyond words. "I've missed this," she whispered. With a small breathy laugh, Stefan couldn't help but agree.

✧

Meticulous, Klaus painted his most recent canvas, mulling over what mistakes he could fix. "Looks like a giant snowflake," Stefan remarked as he and the redhead entered the room, admiring the artwork.

"I prefer to think of it as an expression of postmodernism," Klaus claimed, keeping his gaze on the canvas. He hadn't seen Madeline yet, his features shifting with concentration. "It's my donation to the Winter Wonderland charity event."

Madeline walked next to him, observing the artistic meaning behind the masterpiece. "I think the snowflake represents elegance — perhaps purity — but the distinction of darkness is more abstract." She knew a thing or two about art. "Perhaps it symbolizes darkness — alienation."

At the sound of her voice, Klaus smiled, turning his attention to the redhead. "Love, I've missed you. Thank god you're here. Stefan is insufferable."

"I'm your only friend. Of course, you've missed me," she replied. Annoyed, Klaus faced Stefan. He changed so quickly. Although he looked at Madeline with a genuine smile, he made sure to maintain a threatening complexion for the Salvatore.