“I know.” Lee’s words are genuine. She knew Katherine never doubted her. It’s one of the many things she loves about the older vampire. “And I appreciate your never ending faith in me. But at times I worry I will. Especially with something like this.” To anyone else that would have been hard to admit but Kat will take it exactly how it’s supposed to be and not hold it over her.

The younger of the two pauses to think, “I’m not actually sure. All Calypso can do is start us down the right path and get us to wherever Blackbeard took his treasure.” She chewed the inside of her lower lip. “Take enough for a bag—maybe two if you have too. The rest we can get as we go.”

secretsofthedarkestkind​:

After her hair is how she wants it, she grabbed her phone once more to put it into her back pocket before getting the small stack of books. Lee can feel the adrenaline rush through her at the idea of what they’re about to do, her smirk never falters. “We’re getting that damn medallion. I’m not going to let you down.” She moved over to Katherine, offering a soft quick kiss before moving back into the hallway toward their room.

“Hour and a half, enough time to get out of this town and to the airport. I messaged Bonnie like I promised would–if she sleeps through it or misses the flight, not my issue. I told you from the start this is about you…us.” She half shrugged as she stuffed the books into a backpack along with some of the extra notes that were on the bedside table.  

"I never for one second believed you would let me down." Even if Lee were to never find the damn thing, Katherine would have never thought that of her.

It feels a little too good to be true, though. This medallion may protect its wearer from harm but at what cost? Surely there's a price to pay? Katherine decides not to voice these thoughts right now, especially with Lee so excited.

"Suppose I better pack then. How long do you think we'll be there?" Better pack clothes and essentials along with some blood bags, even if she prefers straight from the source, it's better to have blood than not.

So taking a chance hadn’t been a mistake it seemed. Though there was still a chance she could ruin this and get the darkest of monsters instead. Laney knew Damon was without heart, or so at this moment it seemed, but she also knew just how much of a monster Katherine Pierce could be. How unhinged and manipulative, how selfish and cruel the brunette could be.

Laney can see the moment of sadness in the woman’s eyes. It’s a question the teen has had for awhile, how exactly did Lee Salvatore die and why was she the only one of the siblings not to live. Especially since Lee was the one Katherine truly loved. The teen didn’t think it had be a game like it had been for the brothers, the letters and journals too much evidence against that. “It’s still insane to me that I’m a doppelgänger. So much unsettled business and history that we keep appearing.” Laney knew some of the history of their doppelgängers. She may have even found Stefan’s, not that it mattered. It just begged the question how all the relationships would play out this time with vampires involved. Though to be fair, Katherine had been a vampire last time too.

“Traits? Other than my looks?” Laney slightly teased. “You probably could get away with being Elena for a short time. Your eyes though…they’re different. Not to everyone but if you know what to look for.” She pushed off the counter to stand a small amount straighter. “Also Elena has this locket that Stefan gave her. She hasn’t taken it off since.”

Laney tosses the hand towel aside as she leans back against the counter, arms crossing loosely across her chest. Her eyes darken only slightly at the mention of Zack’s death. She isn’t supposed to know Damon killed him, it was bad enough to Elena and Stefan that Laney knew about vampires. To be fair though, she’d know for awhile. The girl swallows down her rage, now isn’t the time for it. She’s not exactly sure when the right time will be. There a number of things she wants Damon’s head for. “I’m still numb.” Is what she says instead. “Like I know that it happened and I know I should be grieving more but after that first cry, I’m just numb.”

The teens heartbeat stays even, her body language only slightly guarded, anyone would attribute that to the topic however. Her eyes glint slightly as she locks with whiskey orbs. They’re different than Elena’s—they’re more dangerous, yet soothing and luring. A safe place that can also promise the destruction of every living thing. Laney knows the only thing possibly keeping her alive right now is her face. She debates on testing the waters. But there have been so many lie’s lately—told and given— that Laney is tired. So many people she thought would always been honest with her had lied, including her dead father.

Eyes still locked, “I’m not her, Miss Pierce.”

taleswritten​:

Oh, how Katherine adores that grin. She likes seeing her love nerd out and clearly, Lee hit the jackpot on something big. Whatever it is, Katherine is more than happy to tag along and help out where she can. Quickly following after Lee, she tilts her head at her. She could have easily compelled them some free tickets but hey if Lee wants to pay for them, who is she to stop her?

“Alright, love. I’ll follow your lead.” The only person she’ll ever agree to follow the lead with is Lee. What can she say? Lee has her wrapped around her finger just as much as Katherine has Lee around hers. “When do we leave?”

After her hair is how she wants it, she grabbed her phone once more to put it into her back pocket before getting the small stack of books. Lee can feel the adrenaline rush through her at the idea of what they’re about to do, her smirk never falters. “We’re getting that damn medallion. I’m not going to let you down.” She moved over to Katherine, offering a soft quick kiss before moving back into the hallway toward their room.

“Hour and a half, enough time to get out of this town and to the airport. I messaged Bonnie like I promised would--if she sleeps through it or misses the flight, not my issue. I told you from the start this is about you...us.” She half shrugged as she stuffed the books into a backpack along with some of the extra notes that were on the bedside table.  

Lee stopped in the doorway, attention half on her phone as Kat asked her first question. The brunette looked up with that Cheshire grin she always got when she’d figured something out when it came to mythology or folklore. “The Pantano River in Cuba to be exact. Deep within the bayou. That’s where we will find our witch, well soothsayer.” Lee rolled her eyes before turning to walk down the hall to another room like the study downstairs, but more dangerous books within this one and artifacts.

She set her phone down on one of the small tables as their tickets loaded while also sending a message out to Bonnie, she began scanning the titles of a few books. “Yep!” The p popping. She placed a few books near her phone before reaching up to pull her hair up again. She looked over her shoulder at Katherine. “I know how to start now. We just have to get to Calypso.”

Laney tosses the hand towel aside as she leans back against the counter, arms crossing loosely across her chest. Her eyes darken only slightly at the mention of Zack’s death. She isn’t supposed to know Damon killed him, it was bad enough to Elena and Stefan that Laney knew about vampires. To be fair though, she’d know for awhile. The girl swallows down her rage, now isn’t the time for it. She’s not exactly sure when the right time will be. There a number of things she wants Damon’s head for. “I’m still numb.” Is what she says instead. “Like I know that it happened and I know I should be grieving more but after that first cry, I’m just numb.”

The teens heartbeat stays even, her body language only slightly guarded, anyone would attribute that to the topic however. Her eyes glint slightly as she locks with whiskey orbs. They’re different than Elena’s—they’re more dangerous, yet soothing and luring. A safe place that can also promise the destruction of every living thing. Laney knows the only thing possibly keeping her alive right now is her face. She debates on testing the waters. But there have been so many lie’s lately—told and given— that Laney is tired. So many people she thought would always been honest with her had lied, including her dead father.

Eyes still locked, “I’m not her, Miss Pierce.”

To some second chances appear instantly, others wait days or months, maybe years. While still others never get a second chance at something within their life time. That’s why so many say if there is a second chance, you take it.

Lee Salvatore had begged with her last breathe to any god who would listen that she and Katherine would have a second chance—or at the least, Kat would find that second chance. Little did she know her prayers were heard or at the fact some souls were just destined to constantly find each other.

—

Laney Salvatore, daughter of Zack Salvatore, bounced her head slightly to the beat of the song playing on the old radio place on a counter in the back of the Mystic Grill’s kitchen. It was one of the last days of summer, one that had been filled with emotional growth and turmoil, and the teen couldn’t wait to get out for the night. She’d covered a shift for one of the bar’s backliner’s with the promise of a generous tip and weekend off. She truly didn’t mind being in the back. People were exactly her favorite thing and making food was easy, plus time consuming so the shifts always went faster. Laney put the last of the dishes up when she hear the kitchen door slowly swing open, she turned her head to look at the new presence. Her brow furrowed just slightly at the sight of her best friend though a small smirk crossed her lips all the same.

“Whatcha doing Gilbert? I thought you were headed home with Bonnie.” She questioned drying her hands and ignoring the sensation of the hair on the back of her neck standing on edge, her stomach feeling a small drop. Again her brows furrowed. Laney had read about that exact feeling more than once, in books she wasn’t supposed to have found or read. Some secrets the teen was supposed to never know. Curious eyes trailed over “Elena”, taking in every detail that she could.

@taleswritten

Lee stopped in the doorway, attention half on her phone as Kat asked her first question. The brunette looked up with that Cheshire grin she always got when she’d figured something out when it came to mythology or folklore. “The Pantano River in Cuba to be exact. Deep within the bayou. That’s where we will find our witch, well soothsayer.” Lee rolled her eyes before turning to walk down the hall to another room like the study downstairs, but more dangerous books within this one and artifacts.

She set her phone down on one of the small tables as their tickets loaded while also sending a message out to Bonnie, she began scanning the titles of a few books. “Yep!” The p popping. She placed a few books near her phone before reaching up to pull her hair up again. She looked over her shoulder at Katherine. “I know how to start now. We just have to get to Calypso.”

Lee’s eyes burned from the lack of sleep, the coffee beside her long cold, and the notes scattered in front of her more of a mystery than they had been hours ago. Trying to find the treasure was going to be a hell of a lot harder than Lee had thought. Even with the Bennett witch’s help. She rubbed at her face, eyesight blurring for only a moment. She froze, head tilting just to the side as hands went to take the notes and rotate parts of the sketched broken maps. Desperately she reached over for another stack of maps, half of them falling to the ground but she didn’t care.

A laugh tainted with small bits of derangement echoed in the room. It all made sense, every bit of it. Lee knew where to start their journey, “Cuba…freaking Cuba.” She stands and looks quickly over everything before bolting out of the office and up the stairs toward the bedroom. “Kat! Get up and dressed! I’m booking flights to Cuba!”

@taleswritten

Lee’s eyes burned from the lack of sleep, the coffee beside her long cold, and the notes scattered in front of her more of a mystery than they had been hours ago. Trying to find the treasure was going to be a hell of a lot harder than Lee had thought. Even with the Bennett witch’s help. She rubbed at her face, eyesight blurring for only a moment. She froze, head tilting just to the side as hands went to take the notes and rotate parts of the sketched broken maps. Desperately she reached over for another stack of maps, half of them falling to the ground but she didn’t care.

A laugh tainted with small bits of derangement echoed in the room. It all made sense, every bit of it. Lee knew where to start their journey, “Cuba…freaking Cuba.” She stands and looks quickly over everything before bolting out of the office and up the stairs toward the bedroom. “Kat! Get up and dressed! I’m booking flights to Cuba!”

@taleswritten

To some second chances appear instantly, others wait days or months, maybe years. While still others never get a second chance at something within their life time. That’s why so many say if there is a second chance, you take it.

Lee Salvatore had begged with her last breathe to any god who would listen that she and Katherine would have a second chance—or at the least, Kat would find that second chance. Little did she know her prayers were heard or at the fact some souls were just destined to constantly find each other.

—

Laney Salvatore, daughter of Zack Salvatore, bounced her head slightly to the beat of the song playing on the old radio place on a counter in the back of the Mystic Grill’s kitchen. It was one of the last days of summer, one that had been filled with emotional growth and turmoil, and the teen couldn’t wait to get out for the night. She’d covered a shift for one of the bar’s backliner’s with the promise of a generous tip and weekend off. She truly didn’t mind being in the back. People were exactly her favorite thing and making food was easy, plus time consuming so the shifts always went faster. Laney put the last of the dishes up when she hear the kitchen door slowly swing open, she turned her head to look at the new presence. Her brow furrowed just slightly at the sight of her best friend though a small smirk crossed her lips all the same.

“Whatcha doing Gilbert? I thought you were headed home with Bonnie.” She questioned drying her hands and ignoring the sensation of the hair on the back of her neck standing on edge, her stomach feeling a small drop. Again her brows furrowed. Laney had read about that exact feeling more than once, in books she wasn’t supposed to have found or read. Some secrets the teen was supposed to never know. Curious eyes trailed over “Elena”, taking in every detail that she could.

@taleswritten

Lee’s eyes focus on Katherine beside her, hands slowly move to grip the older vampires waistline just to continue to be anchored in this moment. While her change had not been at all like they’d planned at least this moment was—they were together, Katherine her forever anchor to reality and life. The youngest Salvatore doesn’t want to imagine how she would be if Katherine weren’t here. The horror stories she’s heard, the warnings of what might happen. But here she is without a single worry, eyes locked on whiskey orbs and that wonderful smirk that fills her with warmth. The warmth and feelings so much stronger than Lee has ever felt, her body nearly burning with the love she feels for Katherine. It makes her wonder for a moment if this is how the older of the two had always felt for her—never ending, deeper than anything Lee has ever felt. It causes her to mentally promise herself that this truly is for eternity. There is no other that she will ever want or love and this moment only solidifies it, Katherine Pierce is Lee’s everything. “I’m here…”

Slowly, slower than she’s ever moved—caution in her mind of her new speed and strength— Lee sits up. Still not looking away from Katherine. The logical side of her mind telling her if she looks away now, all the overwhelming stimuli will return. Lee knows she needs to be present, she needs control even now least she spirals. Something that can never happen. She will not be a weakness for Katherine. Not be someone who causes Katherine anymore trouble with Niklaus or possibly have to be left behind for Katherine’s own safety. Lee would truly loose her mind if that ever happened.

As Katherine using her magic, the heretic’s scent fills the air more strongly—the mixture of lilac and cinnamon growing to almost being overwhelming but it’s so so soothing at the same time. It makes Lee’s head swim, pupils dilate, and hands tremble more as Lee lets her go so the older brunette can get a stronger grip on the girl. Lee thinks she knows her but she doesn’t focus on that.

The girls erratic heartbeat fills her ears, eyes shift from Katherine to the girl but fight to focus on her anchor. Lee’s mouth waters as the copper scent fills the air, it’s intoxicating and she doesn’t understand how Katherine has ever had so much control around her when she bleeds or shares blood. But that’s just another amazing thing about her partner.

Lee’s mouth waters as she watches Katherine clean the blood from her lips. Body trembling as she fights to not completely loose control. She swallows hard, “Do—don’t let me become a monster…” Warm brown lock with whiskey and the words are more a prayer than anything else. Lee doesn’t see her knew undead status as being a monster, doesn’t see the need to survive on blood a step toward being a monster. But the fear of becomin a ripper is real. That is a monster. Something she never wants to become for so many reasons. Surely, Katherine will know what she means.

Then Lee is latching in to the girls neck, swallowing down the blood without any other thought. Time and space no longer matter, even Katherine starts to fade to the back of Lee’s mind—only the girl and Lee exist and even then it’s just the girls blood. Lee purrs nearly as she continues to drink. Her mind briefly realizes why it would be so easy to become a ripper, the adrenaline and euphoria so strong and tempting.

—

Anna’s eyes nearly pop out of their sockets as she watches how easily Lee takes to drinking. Yes Anna knows how tempting blood can be for transitioning but most at least try to stop it—then again Lee isn’t normal or in a normal situation. But the more she drinks the more Anna slightly panics. The purr and feral hum leaving her best friend is concerning. “Katherine….” Could Lee truly be a ripper before she’s even completed the transition? Could it be a genetic thing? While Lee doesn’t know the three women know her mother they do…and Lillian Salvatore had definitely been a ripper until Katherine had taken care of the small coven of heretics.

secretsofthedarkestkind​:

Anna looks away from Emily as the cabin door opens, the sound of tears and a fearful heart beating hard against a rib cage fill her hearing. Though still that’s not what catches her attention, it’s the way Katherine looks at Lee. The younger brunette is used to their looks of unconditional love by now, so it’s not that which jars her from her position to get out of the way. But the flash of uncertainty that Anna finds in deep whiskey eyes that makes her move. Another chill goes down her spin, it seems even Katherine doesn’t know if Lee will wake. Anna knows better than to ask questions or even comment. Doing so would surely seal her own fate. Over the years, the girl had seen Katherine become deranged and unstable, though none would hold a flame to what would come if Lee never woke.

—

Fire races through slowly reawakening veins, every nerve ending shooting off at once. Overwhelming sensations that when mixed cause trembles that wouldn’t been noticed by the human eye shake Lee’s body. The way rough fabric touches small patches of exposed skin, the soft waft of burning candles and sweat coated in a scent never before smelled, and the sound of the old foundation shifting in the cold night air as loud as a canon firing from close range. It makes her head spin and keep her still all at the same time.

Lee had asked Katherine more than once what it would be like when the day finally came and she’s awaken into the life of the undead but it seemed now nothing could prepare her for this. The youngest Salvatore is spiraling in her own mind, trying to focus on one thing at a time—find an anchor to pull her through this thick fog and back to shore. But each time she tries to focus, it becomes too much. One heartbeat turns into four, each racing and beating their own frantic rhythm. Smells mix and weave, three extremely familiar but so much stronger and tinged with new smells. Lee doesn’t dare open her eyes—though honestly, she doesn’t know if she could at this moment.

Then all of a sudden the bed is dipping beside her, a scent she once believed she knew so well draping around Lee as a warm winter coat on the darkest night of winter, and hands that Lee once believed could not be softer than silk rest on her face. This time the tremble that shakes her core can be felt by the beds second occupant, not from overwhelming stimulus but comfort. Lee knows she’s safe before the voice is recognized or her eyes open. But once her mind catches up with all these clues, Katherine the answer rings loud in her mind, deep chocolates don’t blink open but flash open.

There is no dramatic breath as once still lungs pull in new air, breaths smoothly inhale through the nose. Not rush, no panic. “Well, that hurt.” The mischievous glint normally found in her eyes is slightly darker.

They know better than to speak to her. Even Emily remains silent, though her gaze is concerned. She moves to stand beside Anna, quietly, as if she’s not even there. Truthfully, it feels like they are invading on a personal and intimate moment but Emily knows they can not leave - they can not risk anyone seeing them.

For a few moments, there is nothing. Nothing but the panic that settles in Katherine’s chest that makes it feel like an elephant is sitting on her chest. She does not need to breathe and yet she can feel the way her breathing picks up, as if her body is simulating the panic. 

And then it subsides as soon as she feels a trembling body under her finger tips. The first sign of life that has Katherine’s own body trembling in relief. Something she forces aside, for she does not want to appear weak in front of Anna and Emily nor her love.

If she were a softer woman, if she allowed herself to be the sweet Katerina that she once was, tears may have appeared in her eyes. But she is no longer that woman so instead brown eyes simply soften and she lets out a sigh of relief when Lee’s eyes snap open.

And then her lips curl up in a proud smirk upon seeing the way her love reacts to her newfound vampirism. There is no panic like young vampires often go through, there is nothing but calmness, and that fills Katherine’s entire being with joy. She does not regret her decision and it shows in the mischievous smirk that appears upon her features. “There you are, my love.”

With a wave of her hand, Katherine uses her magic to draw the human girl closer to her. She grabs ahold of her and yanks her close, grabbing ahold of her hair and yanking her head to the side before her fangs sink into the woman’s neck. Lee’s fangs have not come in yet, she still needs to transition, so Katherine will bite her for her.

Withdrawing her fangs, she drags her tongue across her bottom lip to lap up the blood there. “You know what you have to do.” She says, pushing the scared girl closer to her lover. “Drink and complete the transition. “

Anna looks away from Emily as the cabin door opens, the sound of tears and a fearful heart beating hard against a rib cage fill her hearing. Though still that’s not what catches her attention, it’s the way Katherine looks at Lee. The younger brunette is used to their looks of unconditional love by now, so it’s not that which jars her from her position to get out of the way. But the flash of uncertainty that Anna finds in deep whiskey eyes that makes her move. Another chill goes down her spin, it seems even Katherine doesn’t know if Lee will wake. Anna knows better than to ask questions or even comment. Doing so would surely seal her own fate. Over the years, the girl had seen Katherine become deranged and unstable, though none would hold a flame to what would come if Lee never woke.

—

Fire races through slowly reawakening veins, every nerve ending shooting off at once. Overwhelming sensations that when mixed cause trembles that wouldn’t been noticed by the human eye shake Lee’s body. The way rough fabric touches small patches of exposed skin, the soft waft of burning candles and sweat coated in a scent never before smelled, and the sound of the old foundation shifting in the cold night air as loud as a canon firing from close range. It makes her head spin and keep her still all at the same time.

Lee had asked Katherine more than once what it would be like when the day finally came and she’s awaken into the life of the undead but it seemed now nothing could prepare her for this. The youngest Salvatore is spiraling in her own mind, trying to focus on one thing at a time—find an anchor to pull her through this thick fog and back to shore. But each time she tries to focus, it becomes too much. One heartbeat turns into four, each racing and beating their own frantic rhythm. Smells mix and weave, three extremely familiar but so much stronger and tinged with new smells. Lee doesn’t dare open her eyes—though honestly, she doesn’t know if she could at this moment.

Then all of a sudden the bed is dipping beside her, a scent she once believed she knew so well draping around Lee as a warm winter coat on the darkest night of winter, and hands that Lee once believed could not be softer than silk rest on her face. This time the tremble that shakes her core can be felt by the beds second occupant, not from overwhelming stimulus but comfort. Lee knows she’s safe before the voice is recognized or her eyes open. But once her mind catches up with all these clues, Katherine the answer rings loud in her mind, deep chocolates don’t blink open but flash open.

There is no dramatic breath as once still lungs pull in new air, breaths smoothly inhale through the nose. Not rush, no panic. “Well, that hurt.” The mischievous glint normally found in her eyes is slightly darker.

secretsofthedarkestkind​:

If the night weren’t already filled with bloodshed and fear, Anna might have been able to chuckle. Of course the time frozen teenager was more than aware of how prepared and paranoid Katherine could be at the best of times. A night like tonight, it should not have surprised her that Katherine had already made preparations just to be on the safe side. Though the fact Katherine’s paranoia had been warranted sent a chill down the girls spine. Eyes leave Emily to look at the unmoving Salvatore that is usually so full of life, a sigh crosses her lips. “I cannot continue to see her this way…” The words are a mere whisper before she’s moving toward a basin to wet cloth to try to remove the blood from Lee’s mouth and throat.

“It appears your eternity my friend is to start early,” Again the words leave Anna in a whisper as she begins her task. “Always so impatient when it comes to your time with Miss Pierce.” She tries to joke, even knowing Lee won’t reply.

Anna turns her gaze to Emily once more, “Is Katherine going to want to stay here until she wakes or do you believe we’ll move on as planned?”

“I am…not quite sure.” Emily says, glancing over at Lee with a softened expression. Katherine can be unpredictable. She may let her emotions rule her or she may put up that cold hearted facade and keep them moving, Emily can not be sure.

Finishing up business with Lockwood is easy. She’s in a hurry to get back to Lee and soon the deal is done. Soon after, she is at the door of the cabin they are in, so hesitates, preparing herself for the sight of her love dead and then she’s in the door. Quickly shutting it behind her fter dragging a human that she had captured inside, for Lee to feed on. The human girl is crying but Katherine ignores her, she’s compelled to not scream.

Her heart drops at seeing Lee lifeless. She moves forward, crossing the short distance and sitting down on the bed beside Lee. Emily and Anna go ignored, her hands come up to cradle Lee’s face. “Wake up, my love.”

If the night weren’t already filled with bloodshed and fear, Anna might have been able to chuckle. Of course the time frozen teenager was more than aware of how prepared and paranoid Katherine could be at the best of times. A night like tonight, it should not have surprised her that Katherine had already made preparations just to be on the safe side. Though the fact Katherine’s paranoia had been warranted sent a chill down the girls spine. Eyes leave Emily to look at the unmoving Salvatore that is usually so full of life, a sigh crosses her lips. “I cannot continue to see her this way…” The words are a mere whisper before she’s moving toward a basin to wet cloth to try to remove the blood from Lee’s mouth and throat.

“It appears your eternity my friend is to start early,” Again the words leave Anna in a whisper as she begins her task. “Always so impatient when it comes to your time with Miss Pierce.” She tries to joke, even knowing Lee won’t reply.

Anna turns her gaze to Emily once more, “Is Katherine going to want to stay here until she wakes or do you believe we’ll move on as planned?”

secretsofthedarkestkind​:

Pearl wants to threaten Lee but she can’t. They both know she would never hurt Lee, even to get back at Katherine. So even if the words would leave her mouth, they’d be false. Part of Pearl wanders if Kat would believe it still—where her emotions are so raw at the moment from Lee possibly not waking up. Still, the older vampire doesn’t say it. Can’t especially with not knowing if Lee will survive. “Then don’t make this a situation were we are at odds a century from now…” Her body aches as she leans more heavily against the wall. “I don’t want to fight you, Kat…” Her face softens, “I really don’t. Get to Lee and protect Anna. I will see you when the door opens once more. Now go, make the deal finished with Lockwood.” —-

Anna has never been more thankful for those words than in this moment. She will gladly forget the brothers in favor of Lee. They deserve this afterall. A single nod of her head and she’s quickly following Emily once more. “It’s all going to be okay Lee, promise.” She whispers to the body in her arms. Hoping Katherine appears before the girl awakes…or even doesn’t.

She carries Lee to the back bedroom, laying her carefully on the bed and brushing some hair away from her face. “Do we already have her daylight ring and clothes to change her into?” She isn’t sure if they’d thought to bring Lee’s things here or if they were still at the Estate. Anna would risk it to go back for a few items packed in Lee’s satchel she knew her best friend would be unable to part with.

It takes everything in Katherine not to snarl at her best friend again. Instead of saying anything, she gives one final glance at Pearl and then she’s gone to take care of business with Lockwood and everything else she needs to do before she gets back to Lee.

–

“Yes.” Emily answers as she moves about the room, headed for a desk that has a drawer in which she opens it up to gather the daylight ring and some of Lee’s clothing. “We packed a few things just in case.” Emily said, turning to face Anna completely. “Katherine is always prepared, you know that. Now we just wait for Lee to wake up.” Hopefully she will.

Katerina Petrova...Miss Katherine Pierce 1864

For JJ @storiesung Do not reblog or use otherwise.

What type of affection are you?

Lee Salvatore

slow dancing in the kitchen

feeling your loved one's form pressed against your own... the soft melody of a song that will always remind you of this moment... the tender forehead kisses... you are a hopeless romantic who yearns to meet that someone you will be able to spend the rest of your life with. you want a deep and settled love, something that makes you feel stable and comfortable. you want someone who will hold you at night, and kiss you every morning. you want someone who will always stand by you until the end. please try to remember that any failed romance was not a waste of time; it was an opportunity to grow and understand yourself. your perfect person will find you, and you are a complete person until then.

tagged by: @storiesung​

Tagging anyone ​

Katherine Pierce and Emily Bennett​:

“Of course he was.” She’s not surprised and she hopes the man gets murdered but what happens between him and his sons is out of her hands. All that matters to her right now is Lee and her safety, going back for her to figure out if she’s alive.

Then Pearl makes the mistake of threatening her and Katherine’s lips curl in a snarl, a growl rumbling in the back of her throat. “Do not threaten me, Pearl  Threaten me again and I’ll make sure you never see the light of day again. You may be older but my magic is far more powerful than you.” Even if she understands Pearl’s desperation, she does not take lightly to threats. 

“Anna will be taken care of. I promise you that.”

—-

Emily almost thinks she has to snap Anna out of it somehow but thankfully, Anna snaps out of it and picks her up. Muttering a cloaking spell that will allow them to get to the safehouse undetected by anything designed to find vampires, she glances over at the brothers.

“Leave them.” Emily is firm in her words and decision, she glances at Lee before she looks to Anna. “Follow me.” Without giving her much of a choice, Emily hurries down a trail, into the woods, towards a cabin she and Katherine had found on the outskirts of Mystic Falls and settled on as a safe house should anything go wrong.

They get there and Emily opens the door, ushers Anna in, and gestures towards the back bedroom. “Put her down here.”

Pearl wants to threaten Lee but she can’t. They both know she would never hurt Lee, even to get back at Katherine. So even if the words would leave her mouth, they’d be false. Part of Pearl wanders if Kat would believe it still---where her emotions are so raw at the moment from Lee possibly not waking up. Still, the older vampire doesn’t say it. Can’t especially with not knowing if Lee will survive. “Then don’t make this a situation were we are at odds a century from now...” Her body aches as she leans more heavily against the wall. “I don’t want to fight you, Kat...” Her face softens, “I really don’t. Get to Lee and protect Anna. I will see you when the door opens once more. Now go, make the deal finished with Lockwood.” ----

Anna has never been more thankful for those words than in this moment. She will gladly forget the brothers in favor of Lee. They deserve this afterall. A single nod of her head and she’s quickly following Emily once more. “It’s all going to be okay Lee, promise.” She whispers to the body in her arms. Hoping Katherine appears before the girl awakes...or even doesn’t.

She carries Lee to the back bedroom, laying her carefully on the bed and brushing some hair away from her face. “Do we already have her daylight ring and clothes to change her into?” She isn’t sure if they’d thought to bring Lee’s things here or if they were still at the Estate. Anna would risk it to go back for a few items packed in Lee’s satchel she knew her best friend would be unable to part with.

Elena Gilbert​:

“Oh a couple thousand, huh? You should see what Mystic Falls, Virginia looks like. Much bigger than that. About over six thousand.” She likes Mandy already, they’re on the fast track to becoming good friends and Elena’s glad she has another submissive to talk to. “Luckily, Jenna and Jeremy moved up here with me when I got into school so I don’t think they’ll be paying any attention to news spreading around Mystic Falls.”

“I’m generally fine with any brand of make-up. I usually prefer a more natural look but something tells me I’m going to get way out of my comfort zone here.” Not that Elena seems to mind at all, she’s sure she can pull off red colors and other colors too - whatever they want to put her in.

A private dressing room sounds like heaven considering how she knows other girls can be. Not that she thinks they’ll be mean to her here but they just might. How is she to know right now? And with Mandy warning her about some of the girl’s not being the nicest - well, she’s a little wary.

The seriousness comes next and doe eyes turn back to Mandy as she takes her in seriously. Her gut is telling her to go with Lee and Mandy’s been in this business a long time, it seems, Elena’s decided to trust her.

“Will they let me choose Lee without having an interview with Stefan? I think I want to choose Lee.”

Again Mandy’s eyes good wide, “Okay I might have been exaggerating because I didn’t want to seem so small town...but BlueBell only has around eight hundred people. So literally, everyone knows everyone type of thing. But geez that is still smaller than LA or anywhere else a branch of SF is at the moment. So you do get those vibes.”

The blonde shrugs a little, “Depends on the scene or film really. You’re going to grow so much with all of this. Sexuality and sex itself changes a lot bout a person. Years from now you’ll look back and never recognize this version of you. Hopefully for the better. Some people it eats up and destroys.” She tilts her head a little, “But I am sure ya will be more than fine. I’ll keep an eye on ya.”

Mandy nods, happy the girl agreed. “What we’ll do is go see Lee. Ask for your audition to be with her first. Then you just have to tell Lee she’s who you want. Lee won’t left Stefan touch you if you don’t want it.” It’s a promise.

Katherine Pierce and Emily Bennett​:

It kills every fiber of Katherine’s being to be leaving her love behind but she has too. To ensure the survival of them both, she has too. If Katherine does not survive this, she can not teach Lee the ways of being a vampire. She has to leave her behind. Emily will find her, she is sure of it.

She makes it to the tomb soon enough, having manipulated the Lockwood man guarding it into allowing her in and out without any problems. She lingers in the door way but doesn’t go in, it is spelled, and while Katherine can break the spell on her own she doesn’t want to.

“She was shot.” Katherine breathes out, “Trying to help me escape.” She has no idea if Lee is alive or not but she’ll find out, soon. She’ll do what she has to do here and then she’ll go back. “I gave her my blood but I have no idea if it took.” She refuses to cry, refuses to let Pearl see any vulnerability, even if she is her best friend.

��I’ll be back for you, Pearl, I promise and I’ll take care of Anna but I have to get back to her, Pearl,. I have to.”

—-

Meanwhile, Emily has decided it has taken too long for Katherine to return to her so, taking Anna, she had gone in search for the woman. What she finds is unexpected, Lee laying on the ground, dead. 

There is blood around her mouth, letting Emily know that she has been given blood. With any luck, the woman would be safe and will turn within twenty four hours. “Anna! Help me get Lee, we have to get her to safety.”

Her eyes close and she feels tears building behind her eyelids. She had gotten close to Lee, spending over a year with the girl. Lee was almost like a second daughter to her. She opens her eyes locking with Katherine’s, “Giuseppe was helping the round up. He was one of the leads.” She warns Katherine. They both knew the man would have no issue shooting Lee if it came down to it. It also doesn’t surprise her that when their plan went to shit, Lee stepped in to make sure Katherine made it. “I’m so sorry.”

“Katherine,” The word a prayer and a warning not to leave her here. Yes, she knows Katherine cannot step foot into the tomb at this point and that their one true human ally was more than likely gone for good. But still, surely she wouldn’t do this. Anna was out there, needed her. While she knew Katherine would keep her word to her, there was that small doubt that wouldn’t leave. If Lee was dead, gone for good, Pearl wasn’t sure Katherine emotionally could keep her promise. Yes, Katherine was a survivor and made of steel but would losing Lee finally cause that to stop or break? 

Not to mention she didn’t want to be stuck in this damn tomb for over a century and a half until the next comet passed and Emily could unlock it. “I promise you if you don’t keep your word...if Anna dies or you don’t come back...I will hunt you down when Damon becomes desperate enough to try to find you.” She hates threatening her friend but she’s that desperate at the moment. Katherine will understand that.

“I hope she is alive...”

----

Annabelle was scared. Her mother was gone, Emily stopping her from chasing after her to get her back, Lee wasn’t at the Salvatore Estate along with the brothers, and Katherine hadn’t come back yet. The streets were filled with men who had more vervain than thought possible, machines to find them as Lee had warned, and blood coated the ground. She just wanted her family and best friend.

Following Emily down the trails has the hairs on the back of her neck on end, heart racing from fear and adrenaline. As Emily shouts ahead of her, the words process just as the smell of her best friends blood hits her nose. “No...no no no...” Annabelle runs and falls to her knees next to the dead brunette, the only hope that the blood coating her chin is a mixture of Katherine’s as well as her own. “How could this happen?” Eyes search the youngest Salvatore’s body noting the two gunshot wounds. “Gods, Lee...” 

Snapping out of it, she picks Lee up with easy keeping her protectively to her chest. “What about them?” She nods to the two Salvatore brother’s. It momentarily gives her glee that they’re dead too. Though they will wake up for sure compared to their sister. “Do we take them as well?” She knows Lee will be the first priority.

Elena Gilbert:

“Since I was a teenager. After my parents died, I was taken in by someone I considered to be my aunt. She’s not by blood and my brother isn’t really my brother but you know what they say about family - sometimes you can choose your family. Jenna and Jeremy were a part of my life for as long as I could remember.” They weren’t from Bulgaria but they used to visit all the time when they could. Jenna was practically her mother’s best friend. She can’t remember how they met, only that she’s always been there.

“I don’t know if I could be that open with my family. I’m pretty sure Jenna and Jeremy might have a heart attack if they find out what I’m doing.” Elena says in an amused tone, a laugh escaping parted lips as she rolls her eyes fondly at the mention of her family’s reactions. “Not that I plan on telling them. Not yet anyway.”

Mandy has a point. Wolf sounds far more appealing than a snake. A snake sounds cold and calculating and maybe that’s normal in this kind of business but Elena doesn’t want someone who’s going to go tough on her the moment they have a scene together and he generally gives her bad vibes anyway.

They go into the dressing room and Elena takes a moment to look around. It’s a gorgeous dressing room but it looks like a shared one. Will she be sharing a dressing room? Not that it’d make her uncomfortable, she just wonders if there’s privileges to being partnered with a Salvatore.

“I want to give Stefan a chance but….” Elena trails off as she moves to sit down at one of the vanities beside Mandy. “Something in me is already telling me to go with Lee. She sounds like the perfect Dom for me.” Elena gives a small smile at Mandy, one of appreciation. “I much rather have a wolf than a snake.”

Mandy nods but she won’t push---something tells her that’s too personal even for the nosy blonde to try to get into right now. “I’m glad you have them.” A light laugh crosses her lips at the statements that follow. “Not telling ya family until you’ve been here a while ain’t a bad idea.” She brushes some hair away from her eyes as she leans back against the vanity. “I’m from a small town, like really small town---couple thousand people if that, everyone knows everyone kinda thing. When I made my first actual film with Lee is when I warned my parents. A place like Bluebell doesn’t really get the shorts or scene kinda stuff. But films will hit in the adult theaters around. Years ago, that wouldn’t have happened but were it’s all so big now and accepted...well it does hit small town. So I kinda had ta warn em.” She explains. “I think I nearly put Mama in an early grave but surprisin’ enough Daddy seemed fine with it. Though people in town weren’t so understandin.” She shrugs lightly. “Bigger citys are more open about this stuff now. It’s normal to see a person walkin down the street with a collar on or dressed a little different, ya know? But in a town where everyone is sittin in church Sunday morning together, not so much.”

The blonde takes in how she looks around the dressing room, “They’re not so bad. Some of the girls aren’t the nicest because I worked with ‘The Wolf’...best Salvatore...got the rare chance. But keepin true to ya self helps forget about em. All makeup is provided for us, if you have a brand you like Lillian is more than happy to provide it. Most times we can do our own hair and makeup for shorts or scenes---sometimes they do it. Films, they definitely do it. Films or shooting off location are amazing too, own trailer kind of thing. Now if you pair with Lee or Stefan, most times ya get a private dressing room near theirs. Lee has this thing of wanting to keep her sub close. I had my own room for two years---fucking bliss.” She chuckles. “Oh, and you’ll get a close parking spot. Though Lee has kept mine next to hers, but I can see that will change soon.” She teases the younger brunette.

“Trust your gut,” Gone is the bubbly sunshine and there is seriousness there. “Those feelin’s happen for a reason, Cupcake. A natural warning. Listen...please...” The damn NDA and a few other things keep her from flat out warning the girl. But if she has to Lillian can kiss her ass, it’s not like Lilly will fire her for this. She’s just trying to protect a fellow sub..a fresh little sub that knows nothing.

Katherine Pierce​:

A shot sounds off again and then another and Katherine gasps audibly as her love drops to her knees. Damn running, she will not let her love die here tonight! The only person that made her feel truly alive will not be killed here tonight. Katherine drops to her knees, too, and cradles Lee’s cheeks in her hand.

“No.” She says firmly, stubbornly, she will not be going anywhere. Not until she is sure the love of her life, the woman she promised eternity too, will live long enough to see eternity with her.

For a moment, Katherine pauses, pressing her cheek into the woman’s palm and blinking back the tears that threaten to fall before she finally makes her decision.

Fangs dig into her own wrist and she brings it up to Lee’s lips, pushing her wrist against her lips harshly to force her to take the blood without giving her a choice. Not that she thinks Lee will deny it but just to be sure.

“I love you too, my love, now drink!” The words are not hard to say. Not to Lee. Never to Lee.

She pushes her wrist firmly against Lee’s lips and as the girl begins to drink, she glances around for the source of the bullet. Lee gets enough blood and Katherine leans forward to press her lips against Lee’s before gently guiding her to lay down to the floor. “I’m sorry, моя любов, I’ll be back for you.” And then she’s making the hard decision to get up and vanish in the blink of an eye.

When Lee wakes up, she will find herself in the back of a unfamiliar home with Emily at her bedside, watching her and waiting for her to wake up. She’d promised Katherine she’d take care of Lee and keep her safe while Katherine finishes what she has to do.

Lee wants to argue with Katrina to leave, to run. Her desire to protect Katherine over herself shining throw even as she lies here dying. But she doesn’t have the energy too and honestly, she doesn’t want to die alone. The vampire is her whole world and if this is the end, Lee selfishly wants ever millisecond to be spent with her soft touch and calming presence. 

“D-don’t cry...too...pretty.” Lee coughs out and more blood coats her lips and chin. Her breathing is uneven, half chest rising from the trauma and it hurts so badly. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. She was supposed to die years from now somewhere safe, in Katherine’s arms and in a moment of love. “Co-old...” The word isn’t more than a whisper.

Then Katrina is forcing blood into her mouth, instead of breathing air she’s swallowing it. Her fuzzy mind knows she needs to get as much as she can into her system, they’re risking this. A chance of it being too late going through her mind but she has to trust Kat---this can’t be there last moment.

The older brunette’s demand gets through her mind and she actually puts effort into swallowing more, eyes never straying from Kat. Trust, love, and some fear shining in her dimming eyes. Chest slowing down to nearly not moving and so shallow. Lee wants to kiss her back but she can’t, everything is shutting down. The youngest Salvatore knows what is happening. Knows her time is coming to fast end. Lips try to move to utter final words of trust but it never comes...her heart stops and then she’s gone.

---

Shuffling beside her has Pearl’s head lulling to the side. Tonight had been horrible, Anna was safe with Emily for now thankfully. But honestly, Pearl wasn’t supposed to be this weak, wasn’t supposed to be chained this tightly to the wall. All she can pray is that Lee shows up or Katherine isn’t as weak as she is. That is the only way the vampire is getting out here, the human and her best friend. 

Brown eyes land on said best friend, covered in blood that Pearl can smell is not her own---a scent Pearl knows all too well from the experiments Anna and Lee did months before Katherine appeared. Her face softens and pain of her own flashes in her eyes at the thought. “No...” The word is a rasp of a whisper. Lee wasn’t supposed to die tonight. She didn’t have any blood in her system from Katherine’s fear of something happening to her. 

Once they have Katherine secure, “What happened?”