The Missing Piece

Anger and Suspicions

"What?" I could tell Nik was upset, not that I could blame him. I had just filled him on Luke's 'appearances' and he was obviously not taking it too well.

"Nik, please calm down," I placed my hand on his arm. I knew he wasn't just upset that I didn't tell him, Nik was always overly jealous and protective. He didn't respond, instead walking out of the room. I felt the tears begin to fall as I leaned against the wall and slid down to sit. I placed my head to lean on my arms as I held my legs to my chest and let the tears fall. My life had gone from content and pleasant to a complete disaster, I wasn't talking to my brothers who continuously betrayed me for some girl who had them wrapped around her finger, and now Nik was mad about something that had happened decades ago.

It wasn't long before I felt a hand laid on my shoulder, I looked up to see Elijah crouched next to me. After taking one look at my face, no doubt my makeup was smeared and running down my face, he wrapped me into a hug. I continued to sob into his chest, letting everything out, everything that I had held back since I got to Mystic Falls. After a few minutes my breathing steadied and I pulled back to look Elijah in the face.

"What happened Little Dove?" He pushed stray strands of hair that had fallen in my face.

"It's just Nik," I shook my head as Elijah helped me to my feet. "I messed up Elijah, I-" He shushed me and pulled me into another hug.

"Don't worry, it'll all be alright." I pulled back and gave Elijah a soft smile.

"I'd better get back to the party," He nodded before I left the room wiping under my eyes to clear any smudged makeup. My brother grabbed my arm before I entered the ballroom.

"What Stefan?" I sighed, done with all the drama. "What could possibly be so important that you have to keep me from dancing the rest of the night away?" I didn't even try to hide the sarcasm in my voice as I glared at my brother.

"What does Esther want with Elena?" He questioned, glaring at me,

"I don't know! I'm tired Stefan, I'm tired of all of it. Just leave me out of it please, I'm not going to choose anymore, I just want to live my life." I felt tears resurfacing so I hurried through, into the ballroom. I felt another person grab my hand and pull me to a well lit corner. "Nik," I felt my breath become uneven but he shushed me and wiped away the few tears falling from my eyes.

"I'm sorry for getting so upset my angel." He pulled me into his chest, holding me until my breath evened. "I just wish you would tell me these things and not keep your suffering a secret." I nodded as I stepped back.

"I'm sorry my love, I just didn't want you to be upset. I can't explain what's happening but I thought I could deal with it."

"Why don't we discuss it later, there's still quite a lot of time left, and if I remember correctly, going to balls used to be one of your favorite things to do." He held out his hand, offering a dance.

"I should probably clean up my makeup, I'm sure I look horrendous by now." I chuckled.

"You look as beautiful as the day I met you," He smiled, placing his hand on my cheek which was most likely a bright pink by this point.

"Well, I cried quite a bit that day." I chuckled.

"But still the most beautiful person I had ever seen, not many could compete with the looks of royalty, but yours is beyond compare." My face scrunched with amusement.

"Now you're just being ridiculous. Let's go dance before you say anything cheesier, if that's possible." I know most people only expected the worst from Nik, that he was 'evil' and thought he was incapable of love and compassion. But when you live on the run for a millennium you learn to be cold, and not to let people close. My Nik could most certainly be the romantic, and so gentle, when he wanted to be.

"As you wish my Angel." I chuckled, pulling him onto the dance floor where there were a few people dancing. After the main dance, most people scattered to the edges of the room to talk and watch the few couples who kept dancing.

Nik and I danced for quite a while, laughing and chatting about the others in the room. I created tragic backstories for those dancing, Nik chuckled, following along each story and waiting for the next. We continued dancing until I noticed Elena heading up the large staircase, escorted by Finn. I excused myself, planning on following when I was caught by Kol.

"The dance hasn't nearly ended, I'm sure you aren't already tired out." He teased, a playful smirk on his lips.

"And so what if I am?" I chuckled. "I'm allowed to be bored, I need a break." I continued to head up the stairs, and Kol followed, still trying to convince me not to leave the party.

"Come dance," He said, I could tell something was up, he was acting different than from this morning.

"I was dancing, with Nik. Now if you'll excuse me I want to get out of these heels for a bit." I had reached the top of the stairs and turned to face him with a polite smile. "Goodbye Kol," I turned and headed down the long hallway to where I had seen Finn lead Elena.

"Cleona," I heard Finn greet me before I noticed him.

"Good evening Finn, you're missing a wonderful party." I motioned behind me.

"As are you." He chuckled.

"Oh, me? I've been enjoying the party, I need a little break." I walked closer and leaned against the wall taking pressure of my feet. "I swear heels are just small torture devices for beauty standards." I laughed lightly. "What's your excuse? For missing the party that is."

"I am a solitary creature by nature I suppose-"

"You are so formal Finn," I smiled, amused at his words. "No one says 'solitary creature' anymore." I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well I have been in a box for 900 years."

"Excellent point," I tried listening into the room he seemed to be guarding but I couldn't hear anything. "Is Esther in there?" I questioned, pushing myself off the wall.

"Yes, I'm just-"

"No need to explain, I was just curious." I chuckled. "Goodnight Finn, perhaps you'll find time to go enjoy the dance before it ends?"

"I shall try." He gave me a soft smile as I tapped his shoulder, passing him to go to my own room.

I'm sorry it took a month for the next chapter, I'm done school in January and have been trying to keep up my grades. It's been difficult with all the play rehearsals and next week is tech week. I'll try to remember to post more often! Hope you're all having a fabulous day! <3 ~Kat