A Vintage's touch: The Nightingale and the Young Wolf -

"Do you know that you have the most beautiful smile I've ever seen?" 

Michael remembered the coy smile she gave him after he told her that he loved her smile. She had that special way to blush and shake her head while her lips would curl into a lovely half-smile. Years later, Michael still didn't forget her. He wrote letters to Mary in a bid to hear from her. For a couple months, he hoped she would write back. He hoped she would at least be friendly to him but he understood why she wouldn't. After all, Tommy Shelby didn't like him. Tommy and his toxic charisma convinced everyone that Michael had to leave The UK to hide in America. Tommy didn't trust him, and even worse, started to treat him as if he was a stranger, which didn't sit well with Michael. He was as much as a Peaky Blinders as Tommy was but for some reason, he was denied to be taken seriously. Michael was obsessed with Mary, something he couldn't quite explain. It wasn't /Love/ -That died really fast and he fell in love with Gina-, no, she embodied all the things Tommy had and shouldn't have. She embodied his cousin's influence and power, a destructive force that could hurt those around him. Mary could have been his wife, back when he was still in love with her. She was too infatuated with Tommy to acknowledge him. She was blindly following that man who had brainwashed her, to realize what she could have had. An honest man, a man who spoke his emotions, a man who could have made her happy. 

"Michael Gray, you are a man full of ambition." -She told him once, and Michael could see the warm smile she had on her lips-

Even now, as he was talking to his friend about Tommy's gin distillery, Michael couldn't help but be plagued with memories of Mary. He wanted to go back to Birmingham, so he could face his cousin, suggest a new direction for the family to take, and also see Mary again. He remembered the way his heart pounded against his ribcage when the woman first sang at the Garrison Pub. His skin was covered in goosebumps. His face was red from a slight blush on his cheeks. She was beautiful, even in her everyday outfit. She was gorgeous, even with her waitress apron on. She was beautiful given the passion she had when she was singing that love song. Michael had never seen a woman like her, an angel according to him. She was someone who shouldn't be involved in "sports". She shouldn't take part in the criminal activities of the Peaky Blinders, he wanted her to remain oblivious of what they were doing, for her own protection and disagreed with his cousins about it. 

Archer listened carefully to Michael's explanations. Ultimately, he didn't want to start a beef with the Peaky Blinders. It would quickly become a problem for his business and he didn't want to have them as enemies. However, he also knew that things were rather calm for everyone in the United Kingdom, communists were the biggest fear the country had to deal with so far, business was booming again and with the American Prohibition era, it was even sweeter to smuggle alcohol to the country. Thomas Shelby's Gin was known to be a good one, not too sweet and not too expensive so women could drink it all day long without making a mess of themselves. It was a good business and something Archer was interested in taking. Of course, he couldn't confirm that Tommy wanted to sell it, but he would try and make a first good impression so that when Tommy would sell his business, he would remember him. 

What he didn't know, however, was what followed. After debating with himself, Michael couldn't help but mention Mary. He needed to know what she knew. He needed to have a connection, to learn if Mary was really under the influence of Tommy or if she made her own decisions for herself. Perhaps, he wanted to know if she was married, perhaps was he trying to rekindle their friendship...or more. He was confused and despite his best attempt, he couldn't help himself but tell Archer about her. He wanted to reach out to her, perhaps.... perhaps what Michael? take her away from Tommy in whatever way you could find? Make sure she only saw you? What about Gina? Archer noticed his friend's reticence in showing him a picture of Mary, but after a while, he convinced the young man to show him who this woman was. It didn't disappoint, upon seeing the photograph, Archer's gaze grew intense as he was interested. She was indeed a rather beautiful woman, one he was eager to meet. He couldn't really perceive Michael's intentions about her, maybe some concern, maybe some "friendly" feelings he felt for her because they've been in each other lives for years. 

Perhaps he was worried. Either way, he requested his friend to meet with Mary and have a conversation with her on his behalf. That was the only thing he wanted, but Michael soon realized given the gaze his friend gave him, that there might be a genuine interest in the woman.  He bit his inner cheek, cursing himself for suggesting this idea and potentially losing Mary to someone like Archibald.  There was a chance he succeeded in courting the woman. Archibald was a handsome man, tall with broad shoulders and black hair. He had deep blue eyes, and little sideburns, and wore suits really well. He was a rich man, one of the most sought-after bachelors in the UK and he was rich. Mary might not care about money as long as she had a roof above her head and something to eat every day, but Michael knew that women liked to be comfortable and a rich husband might actually feel tempting. Michael cleared his throat and nodded at Archibald.

"So... What do you say about my project? Would you go to Birmingham and meet with my cousin?"

"I think I will. I am interested in all the quality products I could find. If what you say is true and your cousin's gin is actually the best in the market right now, I am interested in buying it." -Michael sighed in relief and smiled at the idea that his plan was moving forward. - "I agree on your terms. I would buy it, you would be the owner, but I would be the one to distribute it. 50/50"

"No. That's not what we agreed to. It's a 70-30 or you drop it." -Archibald lifted a brow, and contemplated his friend's refusal to give him half his share- 

"MMhhh... Michael, you are my friend. I can agree to this 70-30 thing you want, but if I do agree, I will take the girl. I don't really believe that you are just a friend of hers. I believe, however, that you want her for some reasons I don't have. I agree to 70-30 but I will take this Mary Colson for me. She is sweet, isn't she? She is beautiful, isn't she? Well... I buy this Gin Distillery, you get the most of it, and I get to become richer and with a beautiful girl in my bed." -He outstretched his hand towards Michael who swallowed a lump. Why did he care anyway? He was married to Gina and what he wanted was to take things off of Tommy's hands. So what if she fell for  Archibald? Why should he care? - "Deal?"

"Deal!" -he shook Archibald's hand but he wasn't sure about his decision to involve a friend in his business. Perhaps this was a mistake, and perhaps it wasn't. All he hoped for was for Tommy to not make the connection between Archibald and him. Yet.-

-TBC-

COPG: Life and death of Ayasha: Spiraling

 // Ayasha is afraid and no amount of knowledge is going to save her from what's about to happen.

xxxx

Ayasha was curled up in her bed, her hair was disheveled and tangled. She had not been out of her bedroom for weeks as she refused to step out until she had found a solution to the "Elpis problem" that had arisen. She was scared of being visited by another black butterfly that would announce the upcoming death of someone close to her -or her-. A black butterfly was the worst news she could receive. It was a message from Fate, something that could not be changed no matter what they did. She received one, a while before Leviathan's death and was afraid to get another.  Besides, she knew from her brother that Gaea would not join them in their fight against Elpis. Why did she do something like this? Why did she take such a stupid decision? Elpis was getting stronger and she was so powerful that there was no doubt that she would outmatch Ayasha. When it came to raw power, it was a no-brainer, Elpis was far more powerful than any of her siblings. If she was correct and if Elpis had discovered her untapped power, then it only was a matter of time before she reached her true potential.

What was left for her then? Threatening the life of Elpis' former vessel didn't work, she had no idea of the extent of Elpis' true abilities and she didn't know if Gaea would be the first to be attacked or if her sister would first come to the Primordial Garden.  Oh, how the tables have turned! Ayasha realized that her plan wasn't fool-proofed and that she didn't take into consideration the numerous hiccups that could make her plan obsolete. She didn't take into consideration that the Sin could actually grow feelings, even less for her sister. She didn't take into consideration that Elpis would find out the truth about her powers and the reasons her family raised her as being an obedient creature. They were afraid of how the world could turn if Elpis became her true self. They didn't want to be replaced by her, nor did they want her to wage wars, and take the path she was taking now. Ayasha knew her sister had ambitions. She knew her sister would manage to make them happen, after all, she managed to be with Pride. She managed to make him feel something those weapons weren't supposed to be feeling. She managed to accomplish the impossible. 

So what now? Her armor and god-killing weapon were being forged as she was spiraling in her bedroom. She would be ready for the next attack, but for the first time in a long while, Ayasha didn't know how things could unfold. She didn't know what the outcome of the all-out war would be. Would they be victorious or would they lose? She didn't know. Would Ishtar even go through with his desire to eliminate Elpis or would he fall prey to his deep-rooted love for his sister? Ayasha wasn't sure. They both were haunted by their guilt, by the regrets they had about what they did, and by the ghosts of those they wished to eliminate. Elpis taunted Ayasha, exposing her heart and the failure of her plans to the goddess who blamed herself for her shortcomings. All of this could have been avoided if she was the one who stabbed Elpis. She would have killed her sister a long time ago and the only war to be had, would have been the one against the Sins.  But she trusted her brother. She trusted her manipulative power, she trusted her plan and it backfired on her. 

Why wouldn't it do the same thing here? in the present? in this war against her sister? There was an unsettling feeling that overcame the goddess and nearly defeated her before the war even began. There was that feeling that got her bones cold, that made her stomach churn, that made her sweat at night, in fear of receiving the visit of a black butterfly or eventually the hallucinations of her sister Elpis who would taunt her at night. She was pale, paler than she used to be and she refused to let anyone see her in that state of mind. The truth was... oh the truth was that Ayasha was terrified of the War. She was scared of her sister and she was afraid to die. She didn't want to disappear into the void and the simple thought of becoming nothing made her sick. Ishtar was still on Earth, simply informing Ayasha that their mother declined their extended hand and that they should prepare in case Elpis killed Gaea and took her power.  Ishtar was still away and nothing could soothe the goddess of knowledge.. nothing... no one... 

-TBC-

Got (regular) Dragon rider

 // it's been a while since she rode a dragon. Let the girl live! 

xxx

"When was the last time you rode a dragon?" 

Tyrion's calm voice echoed through the dragon's den. He had taken a walk with the princess the next day of his brother and commander Jon's departure. He wanted to change Bäahal's mood by keeping her company and inviting her to do more than just sit by the dragons. He was there when she rode Viserion to fight the Night Walkers. He watched her rise above the rest of them, and soar through the sky towards battle and he remembered her smile. He remembered the sensation of freedom she felt while riding Viserion. She enjoyed flying but since the death of her dragon, Bäahal had been mostly Earthbound. She survived the siege, managed to recover from the severe malnutrition she suffered from, and was even blossoming thanks to the love she shared with his brother -and thus, despite the hardships that love brought along-. She survived so much that she needed to take a break from her own mind and he didn't know better medicine than a flight with a dragon for the dragon rider. 

"Since Viserion died. It's been... it's been a long while..." -She admitted, her purple gaze looking at Both Rhaegal and Drogon playing together-

Bäahal had not thought about riding another dragon since Viserion died. It took her a while to stand the screams and shrieks of the surviving dragons after the Long Night. It took her a while to even go to the dragons' den and sit by Drogon and Rhaegal and talk to them. How could she even consider riding one? She shrugged and looked at Tyrion. She tucked some hair behind her ear and moistened her lips before she looked back at the dragons. Rhaegal and Drogon had noticed the young princess. They shrieked and flapped their wings to welcome her.  Bäahal tilted her head and smiled at them fondly.  She waved at them and walked closer to the den. Drogon shook its head and stepped back. He was the favorite child of her sister, the One dragon that couldn't be ridden by anyone but Daenerys. However, he acknowledged the presence of its aunt and sat still. Rhaegal, however, turned around and walked toward Rhaegal. 

"What if you tried now? " -She turned her head to look at him, her eyes wide open. Ride them? Ride any of the surviving dragons? She blinked and shook her head.- "I am serious. You have an obvious bond with them. I think they would want nothing more but to ride with you."

"You think?  I haven't... It's been a while. I just... I don't think they remember me.."

She wasn't sure of herself, and Rhaegal felt it. it walked closer to the princess. She put her hand against its snout and gently petted it. Rhaegal shrieked and gently placed one of its wings around her frame, embracing its aunt. Bäahal was shivering and she couldn't help but tear up. It felt good to touch the dragon, the scales, the warmth of its skin, the steady breathing. It felt good to be able to touch the creature. Rhaegal was sensitive and understood the pain of the young woman. It missed Viserion too, and while Life took its way, they managed to move forward. Tyrion took a couple steps back and watched as the princess embraced the dragon, pressing her head against its head and her arms wrapped around its head. She couldn't help herself but cry tears of joy, tears of grief... tears of relief. 

"I think they wouldn't mind. You are their family too. You have dragon blood, princess. You cannot deny this part of yourself. Go. Go and try."

"I just..Thank you, Tyrion. Thank you very much. I wouldn't have tried it if you didn't push me to." -she smiled at him and nodded gently before she looked back at the dragon.-

She had needed companionship, some connection she didn't have with Jon's wolf or one she didn't dare have with the surviving dragons of her sister. She had needed some company that wouldn't require her to speak with words, but to allow animals to share her emotions since they were sensitive. Dragons were in tune with her, mostly because she had dragon blood but also because she used to ride their brother. She shared a special bond with them and it didn't matter how much distance there had been between the two of them, they acknowledged her. Tyrion was right, she did feel better already, mostly because Rhaegal understood her the most and was willing to bring her comfort. it knew how much she needed to be with them again and allowed her to pet him.

She then whispered to Rhaegal, gently asking him if he wanted to let her ride him. The dragon flapped its wings excitedly and bent its neck, allowing the woman to climb onto the dragon. her steps were unsure but she managed to sit on the dragon's back, hold onto its scales, and looked up to the air. She looked at the horizon as the dragon started to flap its wings and took off. Tyrion only saw it for a short while but he managed to see the excited face of the princess who seemed to have found joy again. Rhaegal was flying in circles around the Red Keep, encouraged by its brother Drogon who was shrieking its joy at the sound of his laughing aunt. Tyrion was happy, it felt good to hear the princess laugh for what seemed an eternity.

An eternity. 

-TBC-

A vintage's touch (pb): Picture perfect

 // It's taking place after the slap. Mary's looking at a few pictures of  Tommy and Grace and is reflecting on Tommy, his relationship with Grace, and her place in all of this. 

xxxxxx

Grace Shelby institute, 11: 00 Am, 

Mary was walking through the garden of the Orphanage. She needed some fresh air after she tended to the matters of the day. She enjoyed the sight of happy children, playing in the garden. Her green eyes set upon the large painting that was hung on the wall. It was a painting of Grace Shelby, the beautiful late wife of Thomas. Mary ran her hand over her dress, smoothing the fabric with both hands in a way to soothe her heart.  Tommy loved Grace, he loved her despite her betrayal. He loved her despite her desire to have him leave the mobster lifestyle. She was the mother of his child, and this could never be changed. She had been a friend, a caring ear, and a strong shoulder for him to rest against. There was no denying that Grace had saved Tommy with her love. She put him back together, breathed new life into him, and built a family with him. 

In a way, she helped him feel grounded and gave him something to return to. He had a family of his own, a wife, and a child. what more could he ask for?  Well, it was Tommy fucking Shelby, and he wanted everything. He was a man of devouring ambition, a man who couldn't accept living an uneventful life. He needed a challenge, he needed competition, and he needed absolute control over the life he was leading. He couldn't be satisfied with just sitting at a desk, shaking hands, and calling it a day. Tommy would whither if he stopped moving if he stopped fighting. Nobody could make him go 100% legitimate and leave the family business behind. Nothing could. Not Grace, not Charlie, not even the rest of his family. Grace didn't understand that. She didn't understand him, and maybe down the road, she would have felt the weight of his lifestyle upon her shoulders. 

Mary yanked her head back and closed her eyes for a while. She had witnessed Tommy turning cold after Grace died. He buried his emotions deep inside his heart, leaving little to almost nothing surface. He became harder to read than after WWI, and she understood that it had everything to do with falling in love and opening his heart to someone. Grace's death made him believe that he was cursed and that made him wary of getting closer to someone else. He tried, really, he tried, but here came Mary. She lived in the house, took care of his son, and managed to even break his sleeping habits by coming to his bedroom at night.  Here came Mary, with her chaotic desires, her chaotic life, and her rough edges. 

"I will take care of them, Grace. I will do my best to keep them happy." - She said but she wasn't sure of herself. 

Truth be told, Mary hadn't fully opened up to Tommy. She never had to talk about her late son Paul, or her late husband Carter. She never had to break down in his arms or express her fears. Mary was open about plenty of things but nothing that hit too close to home. Could she tell Tommy she was afraid he would use her like her late husband did? How could she tell him that she believed she couldn't be loved because of the past traumas she suffered from? How could she tell him that she wished she was a good surrogate mother to Charlie or that she loved him so much she wanted a life with him? How could she tell him that his presence soothed her fears, that she didn't think of the mistreatment, the pain, the horrors she'd suffered from in the past? How could she tell him that when he left his home, the only thing she wished was to see him at night?  Mary didn't think she would be a good lover, she didn't think she could keep her promise to Grace, but she knew she wanted to give it a try. She was still discovering herself, still learning that she was comfortable with a life of crime and was comfortable with who Tommy was.

"I can't live up to your memory. I'm not trying to. I don't know why Lizzie believes I want to be you. I don't. All I want is to make your boys happy because they make me happy. They make me happy..."-She wiped her tears and smacked her lips together as if to snap out of it. "I will do my best, I can promise you that I would give everything I have to love them." -She closed her eyes- "I love them...." -She then resumed walking. 

In Thomas Shelby's house, there was a son, a father, the memory of the child's mother, the maids, and Mary.... Mary who was more than a friend, who wasn't invisible, who wasn't just a booty call. In Thomas Shelby's house, there was a woman who loved both Tommy and Charlie Shelby, a woman who was still struggling with her story but who was willing to move forward, to the light, to a happier life with a man who understood her, a man she understood. 

-TBC-

Klasma: Unreasonable

 // The witch knows that she can't expect Klaus to stay in town forever and she's not ready to leave Mystic Falls either. it's only a matter of time before the two of them are separated and the witch isn't too fond of the idea. 

xxxx

Mary woke up in the middle of the night, screaming because she had a nightmare. The sudden rush of adrenaline and the fear she experienced caused her to break her windows. She choked on a sob and ran her hand through her hair. She realized that it was nothing but a bad dream and pulled her arms around her legs.  Her bed was cold and empty and she couldn't help but feel her lips tremble as she was trying to hold back a sob. It only took a couple nights together, a couple dates, and a couple moments they could share together, to make her feel the claws of loneliness dig deeper inside her. Klaus was gone. That was the sad reality of it. Klaus was gone and she had no idea when he would be back. He told her that he had business to take care of and she expected him to leave. What she didn't expect, however, was to get attached to him. She didn't expect to be missing him and even less to resent waking up alone. 

The truth was, she resented being alone. All those centuries spent running away from mankind, physical contact, or even genuine connection gave her the false impression that she got used to being on her own. The truth of it was that the witch was tired of running away. She was tired of her empty bed and the cold lonely nights. Mary shook her head and put her feet on the floor as she needed to take a breath of fresh air. She walked to her living room and sat on the couch. She fetched herself a cup of coffee and used her magic to heat it up. She pursed her lips and looked up at the ceiling. Klaus had not seen her house just yet, perhaps he would never come. What was there anyway, for her to show? It was an empty house that had no personality whatsoever. 

When you lived through so much, what pieces of you could you let others see? Klaus couldn't possibly know who she was if he stepped into her house. Did he even know who she was when he was with her? Did he know that she was a hopeless romantic? Did he know that she was old-fashioned like he was, except, she was so rusty with human interactions that she ended up taking the lead?  Did he know that she wanted to sleep in his arms at night? Did he know she was dreaming of him when he wasn't there? Did he know she was dreaming of a life with him? Despite everything that happened because of him or his family? She wasn't sure he could understand what connected her to him. What she saw in him. What she wished he could see in her. Perhaps he didn't see anything in here that would make him want to see her again. 

So what? So what if he didn't want to see her again? For a short while, they would have been close to each other. For a short while, she wasn't alone and that desire to feel someone's warmth overcame her. She was stuck between a rock and a wall because she couldn't fully open up to people. Her curse prevented her from doing so. She couldn't put people in danger by getting too close to them. She couldn't take the risk to be hurt again because people wouldn't understand her. She couldn't take the risk to hurt others because of the witches hunting her, or the werewolves, or the vampires...Everyone was a goddamn enemy... everyone, but Klaus, and he wasn't there. He wasn't, still, she wanted him. Despite everything, she wanted him.  She was unreasonable after all. 

-TBC-

Doya: A much needed break

Doya: A much needed break

//This is a little feel good-time between these two adorable darlings

xxxxxx 

 Oya cupped both of Dean's cheeks and pulled him towards her for a kiss. He indulged in her silent request and bent forward so he could kiss her. It felt good to be home. There was something that he had not felt in a long time. Domestic bliss, a sense of belonging, and as wxell, the fact he was living his life, not just surviving it. For so many years, Dean had felt as  if he had been sleepwalking into this life, surviving into a routine made of hunts, of guts and blood, and of loss. He had been doing this for so long that he didn't know anything else. He couldn't conceive it until Oya came into his life.With Oya things were easy. He didn't have to hide, he didn't have to pretend he wasn't a hunter, and  the best thing was that she welcomed Sam and Castiel in her life as if they have always been there. Domestic bliss, that was! A funny feeling that made him feel warm at the pit of his stomach which he really enjoyed. A funny feeling that made him reconsider his life. He wasn't surviving anymore. He was living the life he never knew he needed. 

Oya felt Dean's larger hands wrap around her waist and pull her up so she could sit on the kitchen table. He pressed a kiss to her neck and let his hands gently rubbed her waist. Oya chuckled and yanked her head back so she could have a better look at her partner and she grinned at him again. They spoke sweet nothings, about how good she smelled that day, about how strong he felt against her and about the joy of having the house for each other only. There was no one there, Rowena was away doing Chuck knew what, Sam and Castiel were trying to locate Pluto and they didn't have Crowley around either. It felt good  to be able to be silly together. She realized that she didn't want anything else in the world. She had a family, a family she chose. She had a lover who could understand the life she was leading and who was the perfect match for her. 

This relationship was far healthier than the one she had with Fabrice, her former fiance. Dean didn't expect anything from her, but her presence. He didn't expect her to become the mother of his children. He didn't expect her to behave a certain way. He loved her, all of her, without conditions. He would patch her up when she was injured, he would move mountains to help her, he would fight Lucifer himself if that meant saving her and she knew she would do the very same for him. She would, Dean let his fingers run into her heavy locks, clenching his fist into the luscious black curls before he pressed his lips to her neck, nibbling on her delicate skin so she would moan into his ears. He loved being home, and he loved it even more when she was here. He loved to hear her laughter, the gentle words she said to him, the intense hazel gaze she set upon him. 

It really was the little things, it really was everything about being at home. And they were at home with each other. 

-TBC-

Klasma: Horror she wrote

 //This is yet another encounter between Elijah and Mary

XXXX

Mary had closed the front door of her shop. She had been discreet ever since Damon came to her shop, asking for answers. He didn't come back since then, but his visit left her with a bitter taste in her mouth.  Damon discovered her true nature and she knew that he wouldn't leave her alone. Besides, she still didn't know where Klaus was, for he didn't come back to his manor.  It worried the witch who didn't know how to react to his absence, or if she should be worried about his safety. Her guts told her that she should, her mind was screaming at her to leave Mystic Falls because something was coming her way and she wasn't ready for it. The truth was perhaps in between, she missed Klaus, missed his company, and was worried about him. He told her a while ago that he came to Mystic Falls because he had some business to do, and people to eliminate in order to protect his family and himself. He wasn't there. 

She felt lonely despite the visits of the young witch Bonnie Bennet or the rest of her gang. She felt lonely because he wasn't there, the absence of the hybrid highlighted the fact she needed to see him.. Or at least, talk to him. She sighed deeply and put her left hand on the front door. Something went off for she felt a supernatural presence watching her, which prompted her to turn to her left and gasp as she was startled by Elijah Mikaelson. He was standing next to a wall that led to the back alley of the shop, his shoulder leaning against the brick wall, while both of his hands were rubbing against one another. Mary pinched her lips together and furrowed her brows. 

"Are you stalking me, Elijah?"

"Stalking is a strong word, Mary. I was merely looking after you."

"I don't /Need/ you to look after me. I have been doing fine in the last 200 years, now didn't I?" -He used his superspeed to close the distance between the two of them and tilted his head to the side.-

"My my my...You became really bold, my little Mary. You do have a mouth on you, you do seem less... lonely." -He narrowed his gaze and grabbed her cheeks, squeezing just a tiny bit. She didn't flinch. intriguing-

"I followed your advice, Elijah. I opened myself to the world." -She smirked and twitched her fingers, casting a telekinetic spell that pulled the vampire away from her. It threw him against the wall and she put her hand in front of her.- "Now don't come closer, Elijah. I am not in a very good mood and I am starting to get really pissed by your constant visits."

The original hesitated for a second and pondered whether he should retaliate for her insolence or let her speak. It was a very different woman, one he had not practiced enough. It took him aback for a while, mostly because she wasn't afraid, and didn't seem to be as lonely as she was before. What happened to her? What happened to make her feel this confident? He furrowed his brows but chose to stand back up and stay away from her. She was breathing hard, so hard that he noticed how nervous she was. Mary didn't like to be violent. She didn't like to use her powers to hurt others and she hated attacking Elijah (or defending herself from him.)

"I think you lied to me, Mary. I think you've seen Klaus and I think you know why he came here. I think he told you that I don't consider you to be a friend and he probably ranted about all the other witches he ended up killing. I only want to know two things: Where is my brother and Are you going to help us?"

"Why would that matter to /you/ what Klaus had to say about me?" -She narrowed her eyes and tilted her head to the side, her heavy pink-ombre hair falling on her face. Her fingers were still twitching and Elijah knew she was more prepared for a potential assault from him. He chose to stay put.-

"Klaus has a habit of overreacting. He would do anything to ruin my plans out of spite. He might have told you things that aren't true or misunderstood."

"Misunderstood?" -She blinked and scoffed at him.- "Misunderstood? What is misunderstood in the fact you don't talk about me? What is misunderstood in the fact he didn't know me because you didn't talk about me to the rest of your family? What is misunderstood in the fact you used me, Elijah?"

"I-- I didn't use you, Mary. I care about you. Didn't I advise you to travel the world and be open to people, Didn't I..."

"You didn't even notice I was infatuated with you. you didn't even notice just how much I needed some actual company. We always talked about you, your family, and your girlfriends, and I always listened and held back because I couldn't find my place in your world and I wanted to be in. I wanted to be in! you never let me in. You used me!" -Her voice broke and pain slowly started to pick up.-

Her curse activated as, despite her efforts to keep a positive mind and focus on something good, the pain of her heartbreak caused her physical pain. elijah noticed the change in her heartbeat's pace, he noticed the protruding veins in her hands and forehead. He realized she was truly in pain but was still reigning it in. Klaus told her the truth this time, there was no denying it. Mary realized she was an asset the Original would use when the time would come. She realized that he wasn't truly attached to her, at least not as deeply as she imagined and Elijah couldn't lie about it. He sighed deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"It's not like that, Mary. You know I am watching after my siblings and... yes, at times, I can overlook some things. I didn't pay enough attention to you and I can admit I didn't visit you as often as you would have liked."

"Stop! Lying! Elijah! Please! Stop lying to me!" -She groaned, her pain increasing as her anger became more intense. Her eyes burned brightly, and despite her sunglasses, he could clearly see how upset she was. the window of her shop was starting to crack a little, forcing Elijah to adjust his tie and lift both hands up to his face, in an attempt to soothe her up.-

"What do you want me to say, Mary?"

"Tell me the truth. I beg of you. Tell me the truth." She begged, tears started to roll on her cheeks and she crossed both arms above her chest, as she wanted to self-soothe. "After you've rescued me for the first time and I helped you save Kol, you knew I was cursed because I helped you. You knew and you found me... Why?"

"I... I needed your help. I realized you were powerful and immortal once you crossed the 100 years old and still looked as young as when I met you. I realized I had an immortal witch at hand, one who could become stronger as time goes by because I knew you would study and learn, and train."

"You needed me..." -She repeated, tears still rolling down as she was sobbing.- "You found me once you were sure I would be at the lowest point of my life. Alone, frightened, powerful." -Mary wiped her face with the back of her hand. And for the first time, that upset Elijah too. He didn't outwardly lie to Mary when he said that he cared for her. Through time, she became an ally, somewhat a friend but Elijah had always put boundaries between people and him-

"...Yes!" -He paused for a brief minute and tried to take a step toward her, but she backed up.- "I needed your help, that is true and I ... still do. Yes, I always try to make sure that I have an asset that could help us when we are in a dire situation. Yes, it is true that I put my family's needs before anything else. Yes, it is true that I didn't realize you had feelings for me nor how lonely you truly felt. I apologize for my blindness. I apologize for the pain I caused you." -He took a deep breath and pulled his hands down, slowly so as not to startle her.-

"I didn't know any better, Elijah. You were a friend, I considered you as my friend, and to know that you didn't think the same for me, broke my heart. I got cursed because I helped you. I got cursed and that pain is atrocious, excruciating and I wouldn't wish it on you or anyone for that matter." -She wiped her tears again and removed her sunglasses, revealing just how devastated she truly was. - "Klaus opened my eyes to who you really were. I see it clearly now.  I don't consider you a friend anymore, merely an acquaintance. You are the reason I got cursed and lost everything, but I never blamed you for this because you didn't curse me. I will help your family because that's what I do. I am a healer."

She pulled her sunglasses back up her nose and turned on her heels. She had to leave because seeing Elijah and hearing the truth from him hurt her even more than she had anticipated. Her heart was now pounding against her chest, her nerves were on fire and all she wanted to do was collapse and faint because of the blind pain she was in. She tried to think of a good memory, something that could soothe her pain, maybe her dinner date with Klaus, maybe the laughter they shared before he went on his mission. Nothing worked and she ended up holding her tummy. Elijah walked closer to her but stayed a few inches from her. 

"Where is Klaus? Why is he here?"

"I don't know. I don't know where he is. I haven't seen him in days. I don't know shit because he told me nothing." -She sniffled and put her hand above her mouth.-

"Mary. I care about you. I might not have shown it well before, but I still care about you. Klaus is.. complicated and whatever you have going on with him, it is better if you stop it. He would end up breaking your heart."

"It's already broken by you, Elijah. I believe Klaus deserves an actual chance at being understood, loved, and cared for.  I am guessing you are going to stay here, perhaps this is your opportunity to work your way back into my heart."-She waved her hand, wiping the tears off of her face, giving Elijah no other choice but to leave the place. He did, giving the witch some time to catch her breath back.- "Please, go."- She whispered before she turned around and watched around her. Elijah was gone and she would be able to breathe and calm down. But could she?-

Could she? 

-TVD-