Into the Deep End

Eight:

Ever since that kiss on Wickery Bridge, Klaus seemed to be avoiding her and the Mikaelson ball was all everyone could talk about, even Caroline – Tyler had asked Caroline to be his date to the ball.

Surprisingly, Bonnie had reached out now that Stefan's plan had gone up in smoke, only to complain that Jeremy was ignoring her calls and texts over his new friendship with another.

Elena schooled her expression as Bonnie complained and insulted the person that took up all of Jeremy's time, she fiend cluelessness when asked if she knew anything.

If Bonnie was going to keep secrets, Elena can too.

Though Elena did voice her concerns about Kol's intentions with Jermey to Elijah, who promised to keep Kol under control, but from what Elijah found out, it was a coincidence that Kol and Jeremy met at a baseball batting range.

Klaus had no partake in Kol's sudden departure from Mystic Falls to Denver, though Elijah did say that Kol would be back in time for the ball, as Esther had asked him to attend as a 'family'.

Elena had a few choice words on Esther meaning of 'family' but thought it may open up a can of worms that she really did not have the energy to deal with.

A week before the ball, Tyler returned to Mystic Falls with not only new Hybrids for Klaus but also Jeremy, apparently Kol had invited Jeremy to the ball, as friends.

From the moment Jeremy returned to Mystic Falls, Kol Mikaelson had been a frequent visitor, Bonnie was still ... Bonnie - she refused to meet Jeremy's new vampire friend.

"We haven't officially met," Kol spoke, cornering Elena at the bottom of the stairs. "I'm Kol."

Elena introduced, lightly smiling as Kol placed a kiss on her hand. "Elena."

"So, you're the doppelganger that got Elijah and Klaus at odds with each other."

Elena blinked several times, in confusion. "What?"

Elijah and Klaus are fighting, over her? Wait, does Elijah know?!

"Elijah thought he could sense you all over Klaus's room," Kol spoke, with a shrug as they walked into the lounge room. "I, for one, don't care if you sleep with Klaus or not. Just don't hurt my family."

Elena shuddered at his warning, nodding her head in agreement.

"Good. Now, what is an Xbox 360? Jeremy promised to show me."

Before Elena could even respond, Jeremy walked in, he seemed a little annoyed as he pocketed his phone but his fact lit up the moment his eyes landed on Kol.

Was something brewing between Kol and Jeremy?

Elena shook her head, inwardly laughing to herself.

Jeremy is a big boy. He can take of himself.
___

Elena forgot how good it felt to run, she began her short morning run following the hiking trail through the woods that surrounded Mystic Falls, alone in her own little world it was then that something caught her attention in the far distance, running with her.

Slowing her pace down, Elena noticed that it was a wolf.

The wolf was in front of her now, Elena tensed up as she stared into the wolf's eyes – they seemed familiar.