The Missing Piece

Family, Love, and Regrets

"What do you want Damon?" I asked folding my arms. "You can't control me anymore."

"Cleona, why don't you understand I'm trying to protect you?" He responded, trying to get in, though I refused to let him.

"Protect me?! That's got to be the worst line I've heard today. Why don't you scurry along to the family you actually trust? I'll just stick with mine." I got ready to close the door in his face, but I saw Nik out of the corner of my eye and slightly shook my head. "I'm done with the family games. The Mikaelsons have been more of a family than the Salvatores will ever be, daggers and all." With that, I tucked my phone in my back pocket and closed the door behind me as I pushed past Damon. I hurried to Nik's car and got in the passenger seat. "Let's go," I muttered without looking at him, though I saw him nod out of the corner of my eye before he started the car and we left.

"I'm sorry, about that Nik." I finally said after a few minutes of silence.

"Nothing to be sorry about love." I looked over at him, seeing that he glanced at me for a brief second.

"I am just tired of how everyone fawns over Elena. It's like no one else matters as long as Elena is in danger." As I said that, I remembered that Nik planned to kill Elena tonight.

"Well, tonight is the night the curse will be broken." He reached for my hand, holding it as though I could slip away at any moment. I smiled at his gentle yet firm touch. "Then it'll be over and life can be simple again." He assured me, though I knew Elijah's plan, I decided to not inform him about it.

"Nik, I must ask you something, but you must promise not to get upset at me for asking." I retracted my hand. "And if you do not want to answer, I will obviously not force you to, but I would like a response." He stopped the car as we had reached our spot, and he turned to look me in my eyes.

"Of course love. I will do my best to keep my temper in check." He slightly teased with a wink. I let a light, nervous chuckle escape my lips as I hesitated to proceed.

"I must ask, out of my own curiosity and worry." I took a shaky breath. "Did you really throw your siblings out to sea? I don't want to believe it, but I only have a few sources to rely on." I saw emotions flash across his eyes, though they went too quickly to identify. I bit my lip as I looked down at my hands fidgeting in my lap.

"To be honest, as I most always am with you, no, they are not lost at sea. I could never allow myself to get rid of them as they are my family. As are you." He steadied my hands and lifted my chin with his hand cupping my face. I allowed a small smile to dance on my lips.

"I'm glad you told me." I paused shaking off all of the negativity that the night had held. So what do you have planned for us tonight?" I felt my smile grow as I watched his vulnerability change to amusement.

"Well, I figured that a nice dinner before I must go would be nice. Then I'll drop you off at your room before heading to break the curse. How does that sound?"

"That sounds amazing, I guess we should hurry to get to where we are eating if we want time to enjoy it." I chuckled. We hurried to the spot that Nik had already set up and I sat across the blanket from him.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner and watched as the sunset, we had the perfect view and none of the distractions of the town or family. Just as I was beginning to feel guilty for letting Nik walk into a trap, I felt his hand grab mine, pulling me from my thoughts that had filled my mind for the past few minutes.

"Love, you alright?" I snapped back into reality. "You've been spaced out. What's on your mind?" I gave a brief smile.

"I just don't want tonight to end." I intertwined my fingers with his and lifted my other hand to his face. He glanced to my left hand and my gaze followed knowing what he'd be looking at.

"No ring?" He asked. I pulled out the necklace that had been tucked into my shirt.

"Always keep it with me, close to my heart," I admitted. "Even when I was upset with you, I never left it to be lost." He smiled, his blue eyes shining brightly. Even if he were to die tonight, I was glad to have made up with him, I closed my eyes, regrets filling my mind.

"It's almost time, love. I should be getting you back to your hotel room." He stood, pulling me up with him as I opened my eyes. I didn't let his hand go as we walked back to the car and he drove me back.

"Nik," I looked at him as he pulled into the parking space, "just, be careful." I squeezed his hand tight.

"Always." He smiled at me, removing his hand from mine and bringing it up to my cheek. I smiled into his touch, making a split decision to lean in and kiss him lightly.

"I love you," I said wrapping my arms around him to give him a hug. It almost felt normal, as if I hadn't spent half a century hiding from him.

"I love you too, my angel." His smile was gentle, and warm, unlike the monster people painted him to be. I felt tears start to fill my eyes and I blinked them away. "And I will see you soon." I nodded, even though I knew what Elijah had planned for tonight.

"Friday, I'll stop by your place?" I offered, leaning back to look at him again.

"Sure, maybe even sooner?" I chuckled but gave a slight nod.

"Call me, when you finish everything." He laughed and I gave a brief smile. "Now I'll go, so you can do your thing." He nodded and kissed my forehead before I got out of the car and walked to my door, I waved before he drove off and I went inside.

I'm so sorry, I meant to post this last week but things got, well busy. I've been planning a party and trying to maintain my grades, luckily both will ease up after this coming week. Let me know what you thought of this chapter, I love hearing from you! I'll see you in the next chapter! ~Kat <3