Bound in the Shadows / TVD N.M

🦋~°32°~🦋

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Liora

Deciding that third-wheeling Stefan and Rebekah was my plan for the evening, I sprawled out across the sofa opposite them, a big bowl of popcorn on my lap as I hit play on a random movie. Sure, they were trying to enjoy a rare moment of peace and calm together, but I was restless, and the whole scene was just too tempting not to crash. Rebekah had rolled her eyes at me at first, but eventually settled in, and it wasn't long before she started nodding off, her head resting on Stefan's shoulder. Stefan wasn't far behind, his breathing even and relaxed, leaving me alone in my quiet rebellion.

Halfway into the movie, Kol burst into the room, his typical flair and dramatics in full display as he planted himself directly in front of the TV, blocking my view entirely. He looked at me, his eyes gleaming with that familiar spark of mischief.

"I'm bored, Liora," Kol said, crossing his arms. "Come on, let's go and have some fun."

I glanced between the sleeping pair and Kol, debating my options. The room was peaceful, a rare sort of peace for the Mikaelsons, and part of me wanted to stay and soak it in. But... I looked at Kol again. He was nearly vibrating with the need for some kind of thrill.

Before I could decide, Niklaus entered the room, looking fresh from his night out handling whatever issue Mystic Falls had chosen to throw at us now. He noticed Kol standing there, then his gaze turned to me.

"You are not corrupting my girl, Kol," Niklaus said with a smirk, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe. "Find someone else to be your partner in crime tonight."

Kol's smirk widened as he glanced between me and Nik. "Oh, but what if I want to?" he teased.

I couldn't help myself. I shot up from the couch, abandoning my popcorn and my place between Stefan and Rebekah. "And what if I want to?" I shot back, grinning as I walked over to Kol.

Kol's triumphant smirk grew as he glanced over at Nik, clearly reveling in the chance to push his brother's buttons. "Come on then, Liora," he said, holding out a hand. "Let's go to the Grill, and see how much liquor we can manage to knock back before they kick us out."

Niklaus shook his head, bemused, his tone dry as he commented, "You know you can't get drunk, Kol."

Kol shrugged, flashing me a grin. "That's not the point of it, Nik."

I playfully rolled my eyes, turning back to Nik with a mockingly innocent smile. "Promise I won't let him get into too much trouble."

Nik huffed a laugh, his gaze lingering on me with a hint of that familiar, protective warmth. "See that you don't, love."

With that, Kol and I shared a conspiratorial look, and the adventure was officially on.

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At The Grill, Kol led the way straight to the bar, his fingers laced through mine as we weaved through the crowd. The bar wasn't packed yet, but it still had its fair share of the usual crowd—locals, a few college students, and the occasional tourist who had no idea what they'd stumbled into.

We slid onto the barstools, and Kol gave the bartender his best charming grin. "Two of your strongest, please. And make them double shots."

The bartender raised an eyebrow but poured the drinks. I picked up my glass, holding it up in a toast to Kol. "To causing just the right amount of trouble?"

Kol clinked his glass against mine with a mischievous wink. "To a night Mystic Falls won't forget anytime soon."

We downed the shots, the liquid burning a hot path down my throat as I slammed the glass down on the bar. Kol ordered two more rounds, and soon we'd lost count of the drinks. It wasn't about getting drunk—it was about the thrill of being out, away from everything heavy and dark.