Gabriella Gilbert Three || Vampire Diaries

Chapter Three

I understand why Elijah's giving Klaus the cold shoulder. Honestly, I do. Klaus betrayed Elijah, I'm surprised the latter hasn't killed him.

But oh my god is this so awkward.

The two are sitting across from each other, separated by a dead girl on the coffee table. Classical music hums in the background as both force themselves to pay attention to their books rather than each other.

I'm laying on the couch Klaus is sitting on, resting my head on his lap as his fingers mindlessly run through my hair. He's holding an old poetry book, reading silently.

I switch my gaze between the two, waiting for someone, anyone really, to speak up.

Luckily, my savior comes in the form of a blonde Original.

Rebekah takes a few moments to decipher the scene and pouts when no one acknowledges her. "So this is what you do the first time we're back together as a family--vampire book club."

"Reading edifies the mind, sister," Klaus drones before glancing at Elijah. "Isn't that right, Elijah?"

"Yes. That's quite right, Niklaus," Elijah responds shortly, refusing to look up from his book.

"And what's this business?" Rebekah demands, gesturing to the dead girl on the coffee table.

"This is...a peace offering," Elijah sighs, giving a dismissive wave. He finally looks up, giving Klaus a look.

"I presumed, after so much time desiccating in a coffin, that my big brother might be a bit peckish," Klaus defends. The mindless petting stops, making me frown.

"So I explained to my little brother that forgiveness cannot be bought. I'd simply prefer to see a change in behavior that indicates contrition and personal growth, not this...nonsense."

"I couldn't very well let her go to waste, could I? Gabriella was hungry too."

"Please don't drag me into this," I sigh, making him look away from his book and down at me. "But yes, I had a bite. Klaus drained the rest."

"Clearly not since she's staining a 200-year-old carpet," Rebekah sighs. "I suppose I'll fetch the rubbish bin." She walks out of the room.

Elijah peaks to confirm. "Oh, yes." Finally, he looks at me. "So, Gabriella, care to explain why you're here instead of Mystic Falls?"

I haven't spoken to Elijah since we were hunting for Katherine in that small town she compelled. We didn't get to talk much considering what was at stake, but it's clear things have changed since then.

"I decided to not be rational," I admit with a small smile. Despite being upset with Klaus, he still smiles on my behalf.

"Do you plan on returning to Mystic Falls?"

"Soon," I admit. "Elena, Caroline, and Bonnie all move into their dorm today, leaving Damon and to take care of Jeremy until I get back."

Elijah raises a brow at this. "I thought your brother was dead?"

"I thought so too. Something happened when the veil was dropped or whatever, but I'm not questioning it." I try not to say too much so I won't bring up any reminders of how their brother is dead.

"Interesting." Still, his smile remains. "It's unfortunate you'll have to leave us so soon."

"I'd keep her here if I could," Klaus chimes, smiling fondly at me.

I watch Elijah's gaze shift to behind us. I'm guessing Hayley is walking to the kitchen or something because he immediately excuses himself to follow her.