The Missing Piece

Chicago Memories

I woke up to loud fighting and a splitting headache. As I opened my eyes I noticed it was still night, although the sun was peeking out above the horizon, turning the deep blue sky into one with purples and reds. My drifting mind was brought back by another loud voice adding onto the other two.

"Oh my goodness. Shut up!" I said finally as I placed a hand to my head.

"Well, well, look who finally joined the land of the living." Talia tossed a bag back to me. "Well, the unliving, I guess." Klaus rolled his eyes at the joke.

"Why am I even going?" I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I wasn't even a part of breaking your curse." I matched Nik's eyes in the rearview mirror.

"No, but I need moral support." He looked proud of himself for coming up with a horrible excuse, one I about to blow a hole in.

"You have Stefan, I'm sure once to compel him to remember, you'll have a blast. I'd rather not got to-" I stopped, suddenly the realization dawning on me, "wait, where are we going?"

"Chicago," His smile seemed to glow in the early sun. "Don't you remember, love? The jazz, the love, the sweet-"

"I remember quite well Nik." My mind was still reeling. Why Chicago? Why now? "But just what are we doing in Chicago? I haven't been back there in decades." My face sank as my mind clicked the pieces together, "Gloria."

"Ding ding ding," I smiled as I watched his face light up. Even when mad at him, he just had a way of lighting up even the gloomiest of days.

"Who?" I looked over to my brother as he looked very confused. I couldn't help but laugh and Talia seemed to crack a slight smile.

"You'll find out soon enough." I calmly replied, patting him gently on the shoulder. I began to chit chat with Talia as we drew closer to Chicago, Nik butting in several times, earning playful glares from both of us. The ride was peaceful, no fighting thank goodness. As much as I did not want to go back to Chicago, I enjoyed the long ride.

"We're here, love." I was woken by a gentle hand on my shoulder and knee. My eyes fluttered open slowly, my head lifting to meet his eyes.

"Cleo, come on." Stefan shook my arm before Nik grabbed his wrist.

"We're not in a hurry. Take your time Angel." He placed a hand on my cheek and I flinched away.

"Nik, please." My voice was groggy from sleep and Nik was not helping. "Just go find Gloria, I'll take Talia shopping." Gloria, the witch who enjoyed torturing me, without Nik's knowledge of course.

"Nonsense, I'm sure Gloria would love to see you. Besides Talia has already wandered off." I let out a sigh and shooed Nik out of the way, sliding out of the backseat. I stretched out my arms and legs as I stood. Nik stood a few feet away with a goofy grin on his face.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, taking a step closer to him with a playful glare.

"Just admiring your beauty." A small breathy chuckle escaped my lips as he came closer, right before our lips could meet, I spun away laughing. I could tell Nik found it amusing and it only made him smile. Then I heard a groan of what I guess was disgust.

"Oh, shut it." I turned to my brother, meeting his glance before he turned away. I turned back to Nik who was attempting to hold in a laugh. "You too Niklaus. I don't want to hear it." I started off towards the gloomy bar, it looked run down if I had to describe it. But as soon as I stepped inside, the cold breeze and memories hit in an instant. I could hear the faint jazz music that played decades ago. Would Gloria still even be alive? Doubtful, she was mortal after all, though with witches you never know.

I let my hand fall on the fabric of the booth, soaking in the memories and enjoying the music. I felt Nik grab my hand and spin me, nearly knocking me over. I let out a laugh as he began swaying us to a melody only he seemed to hear as I laughed into his shoulder. It kinda felt like we were back in the twenties, as he began to gently hum the tune we were dancing to aloud. I tapped his shoulder as I slightly pulled back and he looked at me confused.

"Niklaus Mikaelson," Gloria announced as she came out from the shadows, "what on earth are you doing back here?"

"Can't I come visit my favorite witch?" I stepped back, sitting at a small table as I watched their exchange.

"You only visit when you want something. I told you I don't know how to break that curse." She glanced over at me before looking back at Nik.

"No need, it's already broken." I assume he flashed his eyes because Gloria's eyes widened with shock.

"I see you're not searching for your wife either." I shot a sarcastic smile to Gloria as I stood.

"No, however," Nik began, explaining his issues with creating hybrids. I sat, watching Stefan wander around the bar. I knew he didn't remember his time here, he didn't remember me either, at least, not from the twenties.

"What is this?" He asked as he found a picture of the two.

"Now, this is gonna be fun." I laughed, walking over to him so I could see the picture. "Aw, Nik look! It's you two, getting along just splendidly." I teased. I remember Stefan's first note of me and Nik being together. He had his emotions off, or at least he pretended to. I could tell that he was happy for me, and he was shocked to see me.

"If I remember right, love, you were hiding in the background." My smile dropped as I took the picture from Stefan and examined it. Sure enough, I was in the background, what looked to be a few feet away from the boys.

"How could you remember that?" I asked looking up at him. He shrugged and gave me a smirk as he walked over, I handed him the picture and went to sit at the bar. I grabbed a container of alcohol and an empty glass, pouring myself a drink. I brought it up to my lips but before I could take a sip it was taken from my hands. I scrunched my nose as I turned around to see my brother down the whole drink.

I glared as he set the glass back on the counter. "Excuse me?" Stefan looked at me and shrugged.

"Shouldn't drink," he simply stated, "it'll ruin your youth." He cracked a smile at his joke. I looked to Nik and saw he was trying not to laugh.

"Says my younger brother." I stood up and walked out of the bar. Leaning against the entrance to the bar I let out a deep annoyed breath.

"We haven't even been here a day and you're already annoyed, why?" I looked to my left and saw Talia walking towards me.

"Just my brother, no worries, really." I smiled softly. She chuckled as she threw her weight at the wall, her back landing on the bricks. I was glad to have my friend back, it felt nice to have someone to talk to.