"they eat rats for breakfast, darling, and they're much lither."

—

There was a lot happening in Mystic Falls when Eden awoke that Saturday morning in between Rose and Damon.

For one: Hermione and Harry had blown up her phone asking why she needed to know the cure for werewolf bites on a vampire and the well-being of her soulmate. (As far as they were made aware, he was the only vampire in town. She much preferred not to worry them with...everything else.)

For another thing: Jenna had texted her ten times ranging from all caps screaming to detailed paragraphs about how much she hated John Gilbert. Eden presumed John Gilbert was back in town.

For the third thing: Draco was coming that day. They'd gone back and forth over text and he moved plans around, deciding to come for the weekend until Monday. On one hand, she was excited to see Draco. He was one of her best friends, a relationship built through trauma and carried in love, he wasn't like any of her other friends.

On another, she knew Draco would hate Mystic Falls and while it would be amusing, she wasn't sure how well-behaved everyone would be around him.

"What...happened?"

Eden's attention was brought back to Rose as she stirred awake. Eden's face softened. Rose had been delirious the night before and in her sleep, she mumbled about Trevor and Katherine and it nearly broke Eden's heart hen she cried.

"You killed a bunch of people but our witch saved your life," Damon clarified, brushing back Rose's hair.

"What?" Rose looked to Eden with wide eyes. "You — you cured me?"

Eden shook her head. "No, I have to reapply the potion daily and it might lose potency. My friend, he's a healer with a specification for potions, is coming by today. He may offer more help. This is a temporary solution, but I'm not going to let you die."

Rose's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you," she whispered. "You're... the best person I've ever met."

Eden rolled her eyes. "Don't get all mushy on me now, Rose. Damon'll throw up."

"It's true, I will," Damon nodded. "I'm going to make some vampcakes, when's Draco coming, Paradise?"

Eden glanced to her phone. "A couple hours. What are vampcakes?"

His eyes widened. "I haven't made you them yet?"

Eden shook her head. "No," she exchanged a look with Rose. "Are they pancakes?"

"Rose gets blood instead of syrup on top, but you'll love the normal ones, Eden." He pressed a kiss to her head and rushed from the room, leaving Eden and Rose to sit in confused silence before they laughed at his antics.

—

"MACUSA is a true pain in the ass," a voice followed a sharp cracking sound.

Eden jumped up, grinning widely and tackling her friend in a hug. Arms wrapped around her securely, a small chuckle in her ear, a light kiss to her temple.

Draco.

"I missed you," Eden beamed, pulling back. "You're going to hate it here, I apologize in advance. Although, you may love the drama. It's everywhere."

He rolled his eyes. "Brilliant, as if being Granger's soulmate isn't enough bloody drama."

Eden froze, eyes wide. "Hang — hang on, hang on, what? Rewind. Right now. What?"

Draco rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, Granger's my bloody soulmate. Fuck me, right? Imagine being stuck with her mane every morning. I already have an earache from the constant jabbering."

"When — but you both have — but you've known each other forever."

Draco nodded, glancing around her apartment. "This is small," his nose crinkled up. "Do you really live here? Darling, it's the size of my bedroom."

Eden ignored his jab, knowing he was uncomfortable and trying to change subjects. "When did you find out?"

"Three days ago," Draco walked around the apartment, running his finger along furniture, occasionally making looks of disgust or mild dislike. "She came by to bring flowers to the Longbottoms," he rolled his eyes, "bleeding heart. I didn't mean to see her but then it was..."

He trailed off, face softening.

Eden fought back a squeal but knew if her grin got any bigger her face would split in two.

"I hadn't realized we haven't seen each other in person since I turned seventeen," Draco shook his head. "I think...I think I knew," he looked down and his voice dropped. "I think I realized when she was in the manor," his jaw clenched. "But I pushed it away, pretended it wasn't there. No bloody way Hermione Granger's my soulmate?"

He scoffed and Eden's smile fell at the reminder of that night. Had they both known then? How could they not have acted upon it? She supposed with everything going on, both Hermione and Draco were people that would push away their own feelings for the sake of a war. Especially if the feelings were illogical.

"And yet...I saw her again, just...normally. Standing there like a bloody idiot, I dropped my book and she looked over at me and I just..." he sighed. "We haven't talked about it. She's still seeing the fucking Weasel. Whatever," he shook his head and sighed. "I don't care, it's fine. I don't want to be with her anyway. Too much history."

Eden frowned. "Draco, you can't just push away the bond. It hurts and causes weird emotions. It's what happened to me when Elijah was daggered."

"Yeah, what's with that?" Draco met her eyes. "Your soulmate is an Original Vampire? At least he's the most well-dressed one. Father did business with him before. Apparently, he's more tolerable than other dark creatures."

Eden froze at his words. Did that mean Elijah had been on the opposing side? She tried to remember if they'd spoken about his part in the war. Had he been with the Death Eaters? Her heart sank at the realization and it must have shown on her face, because a second later, Draco was in front of her.

"Eden," his voice was soft, "darling, it's alright. My father did business with everyone and anyone who had any sort of connection. I think Elijah was more involved with American affairs than British ones. Either way, just ask him. I'm sure he'll tell you."

Eden nodded, but the feeling didn't dissipate. What if Elijah had been working with people who wanted Eden dead? What if he'd met Dolohov under... circumstances that were far better than how Eden imagined? What if —

"Eden," Draco's voice was firmer. "I didn't mean to say anything at all, come on," he draped an arm around her shoulder. "Take me to your new friends and I'll show them exactly why I'm better than them."

—

"...I went to go look for Isobel, and I got John instead," Stefan's voice carried through the boarding house as Eden and Draco entered.

"Gross," Eden called over as Draco examined the house. "Why John? I hate John. He's the kind of person you'd expect to be controlled by dozens of rats and then one day, the rats come out and it turns out they've been eating all your food."

"What just came out of your mouth?" Draco questioned with a snort.

"You heard me," Eden shrugged. "Boys, this is Draco. Dray, this Stefan and Damon Salvatore."

Draco nodded, looking between the pair. "Salvatore brothers," he started, voice smooth. "I've heard plenty about you. This...dwelling, is it yours?"

Damon nodded. "Yeah, I know, it's a lot to get used to. Lot of rooms."

Draco's lips quirked up a fraction. "It's quaint," he nodded. "I can see why you're proud of it."

Eden elbowed her friend and gave an apologetic look to Damon, who looked mildly offended by the comment. "Sorry, he's bad at making friends because, he too, is controlled by rats."

"Snakes, actually," Draco smirked down to Eden. "They eat rats for breakfast, darling, and they're much lither."

"Witty," Eden countered with an eye roll. "You two continue with all of this...John Gilbert drama, Draco and I are going to see Rose."

Damon's face brightened a bit, eyes resting on Draco. "You can save her?" He asked, face nonchalant, but his voice betrayed him.

"I'm going to try," Draco replied, tone uncaring, but eyes promising.

She'd never realized how similar the two could be until that moment.

Grabbing Draco's hand, she tugged him past the brothers and upstairs to Damon's bedroom, where Rose was reading a book. Her attention followed Draco as he entered, a tug between her eyebrows.

"I've seen pictures of you," Rose started, "in the prophet."

Draco scoffed. "Everyone reads The Quibbler these days, Miss Rose, you should truly educate yourself with something more factual."

Rose nodded. "Noted." Her eyes moved between Draco and Eden. "She said you're a healer."

"Yes," Draco nodded, walking towards her, his posture and stance entirely different from before. Eden had only seen this version of Draco a handful of times. Mostly, when he patched up hers and Luna's bruises and cuts in the basement. He was tender, gentle, caring. It's why Eden suggested she be a healer in the first place.

"I'm Draco Malfoy, and I'm not sure exactly how much use I'll be, but I'd like to take a look at your wound and make a few prototypes. I understand Eden applied a potion last night. Can you describe your symptoms for me? Before and after?"

Draco waved his hand and a chair moved next to the bed. Draco took a seat and pulled a quill and parchment from thin air. Eden was always awed by the sheer length of Draco's wandless and nonverbal magic.

As Rose began explaining the effects of the bite, Eden's phone rang. Draco glanced back to her and to the phone.

"It's Jenna," she gave an apologetic smile to the pair before slipping from the room. She placed the phone to her ear. "Hey, sister of mine, if this is about John Gilbert, I promise I'm coming to talk to him, but I've got Draco here this weekend so it's a bit busy."

"Did you know?" Jenna asked, her voice full of hurt. "Did you know Elena was John's daughter?"

Eden froze. "I mean, yeah, it was mentioned in passing. She didn't tell you?" Eden frowned.

Why wouldn't Elena have told Jenna? Eden had meant to rope Jenna into the whole vampire thing but hadn't found the proper time yet, and Alaric had promised he'd do it.

But the adoption? That was kind of a no-brainer. It didn't have as many strings and why wouldn't Elena want Jenna's comfort in that situation?

Jenna sighed. "No, she hasn't. Why didn't you?"

Eden leaned against the wall. "It wasn't really my secret, Jenny. I thought she'd tell you, I'm sorry. You doing okay with it?"

Jenna was quiet for a moment. "No, I mean...John Gilbert? So, she's Miranda's niece? I just...it's a lot to take in."

"Yeah," Eden agreed. "But she's still Elena. Whatever John is biologically; Miranda and Grey were her parents."

"I guess," Jenna sighed. "I'm going to head to campus. Take a breather. Do you and Draco want to come over for dinner tonight? With...John, I guess?"

"How about the three of us and Alaric go out for the evening?" Eden suggested. "Show Draco the comfort of Mystic Grill?"

Jenna laughed. "Fine, yeah, sure. Thanks, Dee. Love you."

"You too, Jenny."

The call ended and rather than disrupt Rose and Draco — she wouldn't be much help there, anyway, Draco had more than enough brains to figure it out — she headed back downstairs to Damon and Stefan.

"...Elena is putting all her faith into some deal that she made with Elijah, to keep everyone safe," Stefan was venting to Damon. "I mean, do you trust Elijah?" He scoffed. "I don't trust him."

Eden's heart sank. She knew where this conversation was going. And as much confusion she faced an hour previously with Draco's words, she knew Elijah wouldn't betray her. Whatever he'd done in the past was not who he was now. He was her Elijah.

And he'd never betray her like that.

"He's an Original," Stefan continued. "He can't be trusted. It's not like we could just go up and kill him because apparently, he can't die."

Eden's hand clenched into a fist, and she forced herself to take a breath. Stefan didn't trust her, not like Damon did. She could understand where Stefan was coming from. Besides, Elijah had explained to Eden the only way he could die, and she knew he'd be safe.

"Still waiting for the part where John Gilbert's the answer," Damon responded. Eden frowned. He wasn't even going to defend Elijah? Defend Eden? He knew she trusted Elijah.

"He knew about the sacrifice," Stefan explained. "Isobel told him."

Isobel. Eden's nose crinkled up at the thought of Elena's mother. She hoped Alaric had told Jenna about Isobel because she knew her sister couldn't take another bombshell. She'd give him until after Draco left and then she'd talk to Jenna about it.

"He said he knew of a way to keep Elena safe."

Yeah, by trusting Eden and her Original boyfriend.

A pause, and then, "and how do we do that?" Damon asked.

Eden's heart sank and she sat down, listening to her friend plot with his brother to work with John Gilbert — notorious vampire hater and hunter — to keep Elena safe, by any means necessary, including hurting her soulmate.

Who, in his defense, had done nothing but keep Elena safe.

"He's not talking," Stefan sighed. "At least, not to me, anyway."

"Great work, Stefan," Damon's footsteps were heard walking around. "Top notch. As if I didn't have enough problems."

"I have a solution," Eden spoke up as she entered the foyer. "We could just...trust me and Elijah and know that no harm will ever come to Elena."

Stefan smiled at her, but the force of it didn't match the pity in his eyes. "Eden, it's not...that we don't trust you."

"Your boyfriend is an Original," Damon explained with a half-shrug. "It's nothing personal, Paradise, but he's probably going to backfire on his word."

"He won't," Eden frowned, hurt by Damon's words. "And if you trust him, you can trust me."

Stefan sighed, exchanging a look with Damon. "Eden, we both trust you. But we're not sure if Elena's life is worth putting trust in Elijah."

At Damon's apologetic look, Eden felt like bursting into tears. They were being coy about it, but neither of them actually trusted her. Not anymore. Because she trusted Elijah.

"I get it," Eden nodded, swallowing back the frustration, and anger, and hurt at their words. "No worries. I'm — I'll just go check on Rose and Draco." She rushed back upstairs before either of them could say anything else and wiped away a tear that had fallen down her cheek.

Draco was standing when Eden entered, his silk button down shirt sleeves rolled up, half of the Dark Mark showing on his forearm. Eden knew he preferred to hide it in the Wizarding World. She was glad Rose made him feel comfortable enough to show it.

It wasn't pretty and both of them hated it, but it was a choice he'd made to protect his friends and family. Without Draco taking the mark, his mother would have died. Theodore Nott wouldn't have escaped his father, and Eden would have died at the hands of Dolohov. Hermione would have possibly died at Bellatrix's hand and Harry could have been taken by Voldemort.

Draco's mark wasn't like the mark of other Death Eaters. It was as much a scar as the one on Hermione's arm or Eden's chest. It was a piece of his journey and a reminder of the good he'd done in spite of it.

"Sommers," Draco greeted without looking up from Rose's wound. "I can practically feel your tears, who hurt you?"

Eden cleared her throat, shaking her head. "Nothing, Draco, don't worry about it," she walked closer to the pair. "What'd you find out?"

Draco sighed, pulling back from Rose and running a hand through his hair. It was longer since she'd last seen it, but she liked it that length. Swept over in a messy manner, it reflected how much he'd changed since the oiled back hair of their youth.

"It's complicated because she's a vampire," Draco admitted, resting his hands on his hips, looking between both girls. Dark trousers and the deep blue dress shirt clashed against the pale pallor of his skin and hair. "Her blood heals injuries at a faster rate than other species. And, I will preface, I've never actually worked on a vampire before. And the tests subjects we have at Mungo's often come from European vampires, so the prototypes are vastly dissimilar. However," he added at the crestfallen look on Eden's face. "Your dittany was the right move, Eden, it satiated the werewolf bite enough with the wolfsbane additive that it slowed the process entirely."

Eden and Rose exchanged a hopeful look.

"But her symptoms will push on," Draco continued. "A werewolf bite is fatal to a vampire, and I don't think there's a cure for it. But I can see about...making one. The wolfsbane and silver dittany helped lessen the effects of the bite, and gives Rose the ability to drink blood again, but it has to be applied daily. And it may just...stop working. Just as a werewolf can adapt to wolfsbane, so too can the bite. The wolfsbane may quarrel the bite for now, but it's indefinite and there is an expiration date, but no time. It could be weeks, a year, but it could be days."

Eden sighed, expecting this news. She crossed her arms, wanting to comfort Rose as she looked down at the comforter on the bed.

"I do think that I can find something else. I took a sample of the bite and Rose's blood, and I may have to pop back for more later, but I think I can make something more manageable." His eyes found Eden's. "I wish Snape were alive. The bastard would've come up with a cure in his sleep."

Eden laughed at his words. It was true. As unlikeable as the man was, there truly wasn't another Potioneer like Snape. Intuitive, intelligent, and fascinated by the unknown — despite never admitting it — he would have probably found something for Rose with just a glance.

"For now, my orders are to rest," he smiled down at Rose kindly. "Rest your wound, rest your head. Drink lots of blood. I'll check on you tonight and tomorrow morning, and I'll be in touch with Eden when I leave. She'll monitor your process."

"Thank you," Rose smiled up at Draco. "I don't... you don't have to do this. Thank you."

Draco's eyes softened. "From what you described to me; the effects are brutal. If it's losing your mind or death, I know from personal experience what both of those options can do to someone. I don't want to see you experience that."

With another smile, he nodded for Eden to follow him from the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

"I'll have to get Granger's help," he groaned into his hand, collected demeanor forgotten. "I doubt anyone on my team is actually prepared to help a vampire, but Granger will no doubt jump at the chance to save a creature," he scoffed. "And she's, admittedly, fucking brilliant, so..."

He trailed off and sighed, closing his eyes. "What am I meant to do, Eden?" He asked her quietly.

Eden let out a breath, pulling him into a hug. He tensed, as he always did when she showed physical affection, but slowly wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head.

"There's no rush," Eden told him softly. "You and Hermione. There is a lot of history there. Friendship is different than love. If all you two are meant to be is friends, then be that. You're both stubborn and I think whatever you choose to do is going to be best, but you have to accept the bond, too."

Draco was quiet for a moment. "Maybe," he spoke softly.

"Come on," Eden pulled back. "Do you want to see all the vampire drama in this town?"

"Oh, there's absolutely nothing I'd enjoy more," he responded dryly.

—

Draco and Eden started by climbing into Damon's car — to which, Draco claimed it was "small and comfortable" and she threw popcorn at him, then Damon chastised her for throwing popcorn — and driving to the Gilbert house.

Damon walked in first, immediately setting off Elena.

"Where's John?" He asked as he entered.

Draco took a look around the house, stopping and staring at Elena with wide eyes.

"He left," Elena responded. "I don't know where he went." Her eyes shifted to Eden and Draco. "Eden!" Her face brightened. "I didn't know you were coming over. How's Rose?"

"She's better," Eden smiled. "This is my friend, Draco. He's a healer, he's helping her."

Elena smiled and offered Draco a hand. "I'm Elena, Eden's niece, nice to meet you."

Draco took her hand slowly. "Pleasure," he smiled tightly.

As Elena and Damon chatted about John, Draco leaned closer to Eden. "You weren't kidding when you said doppelganger, were you?"

Eden looked up at Draco and was reminded of her conversation with Katherine the day before. Was that really only a day ago?

"She's here," Eden blurted. "If you'd like to see her."

Draco's eyebrows raised. "No, I-I've never met her personally. I've only seen pictures, heard stories. It's just...strange. All of this is..."

"Yeah," Eden nodded with a laugh.

"You said dramatic," Draco recalled with a wry smile. "You weren't exaggerating."

"Kill him." Damon's words brought both Draco and Eden's attention to the other two in the room.

"Killing who?"

"Oh, that sounds like fun, who's the target?"

Both Eden and Draco spoke up at the same time, exchanged a look, and then Damon looked between them.

"I don't see it," Damon shrugged. "We're killing John."

"Oh, yeah, I think that's probably not a good idea," Eden frowned. "He is technically family and all."

"I'm joking," Damon clarified. At Elena and Eden's look, he shrugged. "Okay, I'm a little serious."

"Damon!" Elena exclaimed, resting a hand on her hip.

"I'm not gonna hurt him, Elena," Damon rolled his eyes. "I'm the good guy now, remember? Eden cured me and all that shit."

"Oh, been there, mate," Draco nodded. "She's good at that."

Damon eyed Draco for a minute. "Who are you, again?"

Draco raised his eyebrows. "The heir to the wealthiest Wizarding family in Europe, youngest resident healer in the history of St. Mungo's, and Eden's third best friend. You said your name was...Damon?"

Eden elbowed her friend. "Draco," she frowned at him. "Cut it out."

Draco shrugged. "There has to be someone more interesting in this town to meet, right?"

Elena and Eden exchanged a look.

"Where's Jenna?" Eden asked her niece. "Draco will be nice to at least one person I love, I'm sure."

"Debatable," Draco shrugged.

"She went to the Grill," Elena sighed. "Said she was going to get a drink. Will you...tell her I'm sorry?"

Eden gave Elena a look. "'Lena, you should have told her. And if you and Alaric don't tell her about this vampire stuff, I will. I'm serious. I can't keep her in the dark."

Elena opened her mouth to respond, but Eden was already walking with Draco, pulling him outside and closing the door behind him.

"Damon's my friend," she explained to Draco. "He's helped me through a lot here, please try and be nice."

Draco shrugged. "I'm already nice to Potter. Pick your battles, love."

—

Eden and Draco walked to the Grill, talking about Rose, the potential cure, the potentials with Hermione, and her relationship with Elijah. Upon arriving, they spotted Jenna and Alaric in a booth across from each other.

Seeing Eden's face light up, Draco walked to the pair, smiling kindly.

"Jenny, Ric, this is my friend Draco," she gestured to him. "Draco, this is my sister Jenna and her boyfriend Alaric."

Draco offered them each a hand. "Pleasure to meet you. Jenna, I've heard lovely things from both Eden and Harry. They're very fond of you."

Jenna smiled at him, touched by his words. "Aw, thanks kid. Take a seat, both of you. We can do lunch instead of dinner now."

Eden sat next to Jenna and Draco next to Alaric.

"Did you two go to the same school?" Alaric asked Draco, silently questioning whether or not he knew about all the vampire stuff.

"It's fine, Ric, don't worry about it."

Relief flooded Alaric's face. "Sorry. Jenna's been...you know."

"You know, what?" Jenna raised her eyebrows with a smirk at her boyfriend. "I think I'm allowed to feel a little weirded out because Elena is my sister's husband's brother's daughter, and her mother is my boyfriend's deceased wife."

Eden and Alaric's eyes met at the word deceased. She raised an eyebrow; he shook his head a fraction. Draco glanced between them, and then over the menu, nose wrinkling in distaste.

"If you think that's strange, Jenna, you should see my family tree," he smirked at her. "Everyone is related to someone one way or another."

Jenna's eyes widened. "What, like your cousin is my wife kind of thing?"

"Precisely, darling," Draco chuckled.

"At least no one's lied to you about it," Jenna countered, then glanced to Eden and Alaric. "I can't believe they kept it a secret. How is it even possible to keep a secret like that?"

Eden shrugged. "Same as my secret, Jenny. John doesn't know. Grey only knew bits and pieces. People have secrets."

"I guess," Jenna sighed. "But you think she'd want to tell us."

"It didn't matter," Draco spoke up softly. "I know it's not my place, but truly, it doesn't. Elena was loved by your sister, and I think that's all that matters. They didn't want it getting out to protect both Elena and this...John."

As if on cue, John Gilbert entered the grill and both Eden and Jenna groaned.

"Oh, that must be the bloke everyone despises," Draco stated. "I so hope he tries to strike up a conversation."

"You don't have to be nice to him," Eden clarified.

Draco snorted. "I wasn't planning on it."

Summoned by their words, John walked over and stood next to the table. "Hey, you guys." He looked over Draco. "I haven't seen you before. New in town?"

"Malfoy," Draco offered a cold smile. "Draco Malfoy. I believe we're having dinner, and we'd appreciate being left alone. Please," he waved his hand, dismissive of John's presence.

Eden choked on a laugh. "John Gilbert, the unwanted child, why don't you crawl back to the whole you lived in and fuck off?"

John raised his eyebrows at Eden. "You'd know all about being an unwanted child, right, Eden?"

Eden only smiled in response. "Go away, John, you're making things worse for yourself."

"I just wanted to ask if I could join you," John looked pointedly to Jenna.

Eden and Draco exchanged a look.

"Bit full, sorry," Draco shrugged. "Besides, I'm buying, and I don't fancy having a fifth plate. Four's an even number. You know how it is."

"Oh, you don't have to—" Alaric began, looking to Draco. Draco shook his head, waving Alaric off.

"Look who's here," John looked up, spotting Damon and Elena entering the grill.

"Oh, it's a party now," Draco muttered sarcastically. "Have they got anything appetizing?" He looked to Eden, holding the menu up. "This has got to be the most American food in the bloody continent. And I am not calling chips...fries," he grimaced at the word.

Eden laughed. "I'm ordering you a bacon cheeseburger and a milkshake. I want to see your face when you go into cardiac arrest."

"Revolting," Draco shook his head, pushing the menu towards her.

Elena and Damon approached the table and Eden snorted. "This'll be good," she muttered to her tablemates, and they each spared a look of amusement.

"John," Damon smiled at John. "Buddy."

"That's the first time I've ever heard him use that word," Eden spoke up, "that's how I know he hates you."

"How've you been?"

"I've been alright, Damon," John smiled tightly at Damon.

"Not if he's wearing that getup," Draco muttered to Eden. Jenna heard, stifling a chuckle, and Eden smirked at his words.

John sighed, looking around the table, before he rolled his eyes. He walked to the small memorial held for Rose's victims and lit a candle. Eden shifted her attention back to Draco.

"Dramatic, right?"

"Dinner and a show," Draco shrugged.

—

okay sooooooo a couple changes! damon will NOT be dating andie star!! also, draco and damon will be more frenemies than friends. they're both hard to love and slow to trust and i feel like eden is someone they both pride themselves on and to see someone with a mirrored personality and the same friend? idk it would hurt a little. so that'll be something. we have another chapter with draco, hope you guys didn't hate this?? he's harder to write than i thought he'd be. also!! some dramione in here ahhhh but there IS going to be a third in their relationship and as per all dramione, they're fucking slowburn back burner side pairing. i think I finally found who damon is going to be with but I still don't have anyone for stefan so i wonder if maybe he just ??? won't ?? have anyone ?? idk. anyways! lemme know thoughts on this chapter! explained some more of the "cure" but it won't really be a cure until klaus comes along. i'm so excited for nik y'all do not even understand GAH. also ik this had no elijah content but i promise next chapter and those following we will have some. also. be prepared for dinner party. we're only a few episodes away and that is going to be...cataclysmic, to say the least. okay byeeeee <3