Vampire Diaries Imagines

Shadows And Light - Klaus Mikaelson

The air in New Orleans carried a familiar hum, a melody of life that never seemed to pause, even in the darkest hours of the night. Standing amidst the heart of Jackson Square, I found myself entranced by the sight before me. YN. Even after all this time, her presence had the power to stop the world.

The streetlights cast a golden glow over her, illuminating her soft features. She carried herself with a grace that was almost defiant. There was a weight she bore, invisible to most, but I saw it. I always saw it. Yet, not once had she faltered under its burden. She was strength personified, wrapped in a delicate frame that belied the ferocity within.

My YN.

Hidden in the shadows, I let myself watch her. She knew I was here; she always did. A slight tilt of her head was her only acknowledgment of my presence, but she didn't turn to face me. A game, then. One I was more than happy to play.

"You've done well for yourself," I called out, my voice low and teasing. "Letting Marcellus take over my rule while I was away... bold of you, love."

Her laugh was soft but pointed, a sound that wrapped around me like silk. "Who better to rule than the one you raised for it?" she countered, her tone sharp enough to cut, yet warm enough to soothe.

I stepped closer, allowing the moonlight to reveal me. "And yet, I see how your influence has made its way to his methods," I remarked, my eyes narrowing playfully. "Care to explain?"

She turned to me then, her lips curling into that smile that haunted my dreams. "Marcel might have been your protégé, but I couldn't very well let him run things into the ground, could I?" Her voice was light, but her eyes told a deeper story. She had taken on more than she let on, and it had taken its toll.

Before she could say more, I closed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around her. For a brief moment, she stiffened-always so guarded, my YN-but then she melted into me. Her body fit against mine as though the universe had designed us for this very moment. I buried my face in her hair, inhaling the familiar scent that had lingered in my memory during my absence.

"I've missed you," I admitted, my voice barely more than a whisper.

She didn't reply, but the way her arms tightened around me was answer enough. I knew her too well. This embrace was more than a greeting; it was a lifeline. It was her way of letting go of the weight she carried, even if only for a fleeting moment.

As I held her, the noise of the world faded, leaving only the sound of her steady breath against my chest. This was where we both belonged-together, against all odds, against all the chaos that had ever dared to come between us.

"You were always better at ruling than me," I murmured against her hair. "Even when you insisted you preferred the shadows."

She leaned back slightly, her eyes meeting mine. "I never wanted your throne, Niklaus. I wanted you."

The sincerity in her voice struck me harder than any blade ever could. I cupped her cheek, my thumb brushing against her soft skin. "And you have me, love. You always have."

The words hung between us, a promise renewed. For all the centuries I had lived, all the kingdoms I had built and destroyed, nothing had ever felt as right as this moment, here in the square, with YN in my arms.

YN leaned back in my arms, her gaze soft but burdened. "A lot has changed since you left, Niklaus," she began, her voice steady but tinged with an underlying weariness. "Marcel... he's done what he thinks is best for the city, but where his strength lies in commanding order, it doesn't leave much room for understanding. The witches... well, let's just say they don't appreciate his iron grip."