Work Text:
Elena had asked for the Salvatores' deaths, and Elijah had made it happen.
Not only had he freed her from their yoke, but he had also granted her a way out of Mystic Falls.
Sure, he had dragged her into the chaos that was New Orleans, amidst power struggles and various affairs, but Elena could appreciate a gift when she received one.
"Elena." Elijah entered the room where Elena was sheltering, a book in her hand and a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
His voice was much warmer than when he spoke to Klaus.
“Elijah.” Elena smiled. “I guess you still have some things to hold against your brother.”
Elijah looked guilty, as if Elena could blame him for not being able to stand his brother anymore.
Elena couldn’t stand Klaus anymore, and she only saw him when Elena was taking care of Hope.
“I apologize for what you had to witness,” Elijah said. “Niklaus has crossed a lot of boundaries with his latest stunt.”
Elena nodded, not surprised when Elijah recounted everything that had happened before Elena’s call.
After the story ended, Elena said, “Can I be honest with you?”
“Of course, Elena.” Elijah nodded. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“I think you’re deeply compromised by your compassion for Hayley,” Elena said. “Hayley wanted to take Klaus’s daughter, and it wasn’t even the first time she’d done that. And she’d tended to use you as her decision-making partner, to avoid Klaus.” Elena paused. “I don’t agree with what he did to Gia, because it was completely insane and just revenge, but Hayley suffered far less than anyone else.”
“Do you support Niklaus in his decision?” Elijah asked, blinking in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
“Hayley isn't dead, and now she sees her daughter one night a month,” Elena explained. “It's not much, but it's a lot more than Klaus would have seen if Hayley had succeeded, and that's assuming Dahlia hadn't just killed Hayley, too.” Then, Elena continued. “Besides, it's reversible. It's entirely possible that, in the future, Klaus will free Hayley from this curse. I think he'll first try to convince Hope that he's the best father possible, and then allow Hayley to interact with her daughter, so her manipulations won't have any effect.” Elena nodded. “And I can understand that. Klaus will never have any more children; it's literally a miracle for him.”
Elijah narrowed his eyes before leaning closer to Elena and saying, “I'm always amazed by your compassion, Elena, even towards my own brother, whom you despise.”
“I don't despise Klaus, I just wonder why he thinks he's better at what I do than me.” Elena raised her voice slightly, making Klaus feel the dig at him. Then, she added, “But you'd hate yourself if you held onto this anger toward Klaus. By Gia, you're absolutely right to be angry, and please don't seek revenge in the same way. But as for Hayley, Klaus held back.” Elena nodded. “He's done worse for much less.”
“That's true, and I've never stopped to think about Hayley and Klaus's relationship.” Elijah admitted, reaching out to smooth Elena's locks, bringing the vampire back to the moment under the gazebo.
Elena shifted slightly, saying, “You're standing really close.”
"Yeah? You gonna move?" Elijah asked, smiling mysteriously, before leaning in and whispering. “I have a confession to make.”
“You don't actually have pajamas and you plan on sleeping in a three-piece suit?” Elena suggested, raising an eyebrow.
“No.” Elijah smiled. “But I knew exactly who you were in Willoughby.”
“What?” Elena asked.
“I knew it was you and not Katerina.” Elijah repeated. “And I know who you are now.” Elijah leaned in and placed his lips on Elena's.