1975 // Klaus Mikaelson

chapter eleven

Odette woke up abruptly, finding herself in the hospital and short of breath. It was normal for her, especially after having a panic attack.

Sitting on opposite sides of the hospital room were Damon and J.D. J.D. was quicker, rushing to her side with a damp cloth for her face. He helped her settle back under the covers, and Odette fell asleep shortly after. She didn't even notice his presence, and upon waking, she wouldn't remember the gesture.

J.D. gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead under Damon's irritated gaze, then returned to his seat.

"I know what you're doing, and as soon as you break her heart, I'll kill you with my own hands," Damon said, glaring at him.

"That's not going to happen because I love her. And what exactly am I doing? I'm treating her well, making her happy, ensuring she's okay," J.D. replied, agitated.

"You're thirty-six. You're too old, which means you're taking advantage of someone who still doesn't fully understand."

"Taking advantage of her? Do you even know what it means to love someone?"

Damon fell silent. He didn't hate J.D.; he hated the fact that someone could be involved with his sister. He was protective, still seeing her as the little girl from 1995: small, vulnerable, and fragile. But he also knew that, deep down, J.D. was the best choice for her. He was mature, had a job... he wasn't just a kid ready to break her heart with a few words, which made Damon feel somewhat more at ease, though not entirely.

He could see that J.D. was truly in love and appreciated that, and he was ready to dislike him a little less because of it.

"Yeah... I know. That's why I think you're the best choice for her."

•

"Can you be quiet?!" I complained, my head felt like it was going to explode.

I sat up, leaning against the hospital bed's backrest. I looked at both of them... It was odd that they weren't arguing.

"Instead of looking at me like I've just seen a rainbow, tell me how long I've been stuck in here." I didn't think it had been too long; I was too tired and weak, estimating about five hours. I was completely worn out.

"Almost nineteen," my brother said. "You fainted in my arms while I was bringing you here."

I had slept for nineteen damn hours, and I was a wreck. My head was pounding, and all I wanted was a little more sleep.

"How are you feeling?" he asked after a moment.

I scanned him from head to toe. How did he want me to feel?

"Better than nineteen hours ago, Damon," I replied, and he smiled. I realized that deep down, I was okay from the fact that my answer made him smile.

My attention soon shifted to J.D., and I couldn't help but smile at him.

"You're not wearing a lab coat," was the first thing that came to mind.

"I couldn't leave you alone. I took a day off," he smiled as he came over and sat beside me on the mattress. We shared a sweet peck on the lips, and I couldn't help but smile like a fool... What could I do? I was madly in love.

We heard my brother clear his throat... Yes, he was quite annoyed, and it only amused me.

"I'll leave you two alone," he smiled, then kissed my forehead gently before leaving the hospital room.

I looked at my brother. I remembered well what had happened, and yes, I felt sorry, but he had said he forgave me, and... Well, everyone can have their own "off moment."