DON'T CRY. NOT FOR US.

[ 2.15 ]

ONLY THREE DAYS HAD PASSED since the werewolves attacked the Salvatore house, and Lottie hated how she had to go on each day like it didn't happen. But dance planning and Historical Society plans didn't cease just because she wanted to stay cooped up in her room for a few days.

Elijah's 'book tour' couldn't be put on hold either.

The Original was accompanied by Lottie and Jenna as they walked through many historical sights in Mystic Falls. A part of Lottie wondered if Elijah was searching for something in particular or if he was just wasting time, waiting for Klaus and keeping up his ruse.

"The old Fell property actually starts just beyond that fence," Jenna pointed out, her tote bag full of different maps.

Elijah smirked to himself. "Ah, the Fells. One of the Founding Families."

"Why do you say it like that?" Lottie asked with a smile. Of course, she knew good and well about the Vikings that settled there a thousand years ago, as Finn loved to teach her about their history.

"My research showed me that this area was actually settled almost two full centuries earlier. It was a migration of townsfolk from the northeast, um, it was Salem, to be precise," Elijah told the girls.

"Massachusetts?" Jenna asked in surprise. "As in the witch trials?"

"Which means the ever-lauded founding families... didn't actually found anything," he informed them.

"Oh, how will I go on?" Lottie asked while giggling with Jenna.

"Well, I bet it was the men who made a big deal about being founders back in 1860. Men are very territorial," Jenna muttered.

"Yes, they are," Elijah said, spotting someone walking toward them.

Upon seeing Alaric, who decided to invite himself on the trip, Jenna held back an annoyed sigh. After a few certain talks with John, Jenna wanted some space from Alaric. However, Alaric didn't want space.

"Elijah, this is my friend, Alaric Saltzman," Jenna introduced.

Alaric forced a smile. "Yeah, I got your message about walking Elijah here through the old property lines. I thought I would tag along. You know, being a history buff and all. Where to next?"

"I'm pretty curious about the freed slave property owners. Some say, you know, the descendants of the slaves are the true keepers of American history," Elijah told them.

"Oh," Kol said with a frown. "He must be looking for that witchy house. We're not near it."

Of course, Lottie didn't know what witchy house Kol was talking about. It must have been a place he stumbled upon on his own while exploring the town or following Bonnie around. The youngest brother was the only one present on the nature walk — Finn was keeping track of the Martin witches and their progress toward finding Jules.

"Well, I only brought the surveys. I got that list in the car. Just give me a sec," Jenna said, turning to walk back to her car, leaving the others alone.

Elijah glanced at Alaric, sizing up the man he was finally meeting. "Alaric Saltzman. So you're one of those people on Elena's list of loved ones to protect."

"So is Jenna," Alaric said pointedly. Then he took the sleeve of Lottie's coat and pulled her closer. "And Lottie."

Elijah's jaw tightened as his mate was pulled further from him. Lottie quickly nudged Alaric, hoping to ease any tension. "Don't be jealous, Ric. I'm sure she's a little young for him." Alaric didn't laugh though and instead rolled his eyes. "Damon would've at least chuckled," she said, shaking her head at him. "Lighten up. Go help Jenna carry the maps or something."

Alaric let out a huff before going back to the cars to help Jenna even if she didn't want his help.

"I think we're gonna head that way to the freed slave properties," Lottie said, slowly starting in the opposite direction. "There's not much out there to see, though — oh!"

As Lottie took a step, her boot slipped on a dewy patch of grass. Elijah was there in a second, warm hands on her waist and keeping her standing as she braced her hands on his chest.

"Careful," he said softly, a small smile on his lips.

"Thank you," she said, looking up at him, hands still on his chest. "So helpful, as always."

"I don't think he was very helpful last night," Kol said teasingly in Lottie's ear. "Even if he doesn't know it."

Lottie's cheeks burned and she quickly took a step away from Elijah, drawing her hands back to herself at the memory. Her sudden change confused Elijah, who couldn't ask as Jenna and Alaric returned.

"Right, let's head off," Jenna said, beginning to lead the way.

Lottie made sure to trail behind the three others, watching her feet carefully to make sure she didn't trip again. Her blood was thrumming in her ears, yet still not loud enough to drown out Kol as he went on.

"You can't even look at him, can you, Darling?" he asked with a smirk. "Not after what you did to yourself with his name on those pretty little lips."

After Elijah held Lottie in her bed for hours after saving her from the werewolves, it was to be expected that she couldn't stop thinking about him. And every morning, she'd wake up to the vase of fresh Canterbury bell flowers that he gave her the next morning. It wasn't long before those thoughts turned into a genuine crush, which Kol couldn't stop teasing her about, loving how innocently flustered she'd get. Finn had the decency to silently watch from the corner, letting his brother have his fun.

But it wasn't fun for Lottie as Kol had her bring herself toward an orgasm only to stop over and over before she could finish, abusing her inability to go against his wishes. He'd never made her go so long, edging herself without a release, and so in the back of Lottie's mind, her body associated Elijah with the cruelest of treatment. It wasn't until Lottie was sobbing and begging for a man that wasn't even there that Kol was pleased for the night.

"I don't know what you're so relieved about," Kol sneered once Lottie came down from her high enough to try and have a coherent thought. "Lijah may dress in his suits and parade around like a gentleman, but once he gets his hands on you, he'll fuck you stupid. You'll never complain about my cruelty ever again."

Lottie had still been sore and sensitive when she woke up. Her thighs still trembled as she chose her outfit. And her heart raced any time she said Elijah's name, terrified that he'd think it sounded different when she said it now.

☽︎

Lottie's thoughts hadn't cleared up any at all as the day went on. However, it helped when Jenna eventually sent Alaric packing, so the older woman managed to steal some of Elijah's attention away. But it certainly didn't help any time Elijah led Lottie with a careful hand on her lower back or held her hand to help her step over straying branches or holes.

If he could stop treating her like she was the most gentle and precious thing on the planet, that'd help so much with the whole not falling in love with him while he was actively planning on sacrificing Elena and killing his brother thing.

At least the torture ended by lunchtime. The trio headed to the Grill to discuss all they saw and let Elijah ask more questions about the rest of the properties. He hadn't found whatever he was looking for. And Kol specifically kept the location of the witch house from Lottie because he wasn't going to help Elijah with anything that might temporarily kill Klaus and ruin his chances of being undaggered.

Of course, as soon as they stepped into the restaurant, they were spotted by Damon. He was at a table with Andie and Alaric, who was still pouting about being asked to leave, no doubt.

"Hey, guys," Jenna greeted.

Lottie had a skip in her step as she sat on Damon's other side and already began eating the fries off his plate. He didn't really need the human food anyway.

"Sure, help yourself, Charlie," he said, rolling his eyes. "So I hear you three had quite a meeting of historical minds today."

"Yeah," Jenna said with a somewhat forced smile. "I guess you could say that."

"Well, as much as I'd like to continue this, I've got papers to grade," Alaric said while putting some money down on the table. He just wanted to get out of there.

"No, you know what?" Andie spoke up excitedly. "We should continue this. Let's have a dinner party."

Damon smirked, who most likely asked her to suggest the idea. "Ooh, my girl. Full of good ideas. I'll be happy to host. Say tonight. Maybe?"

"It's good for me. Jenna?" Andie asked.

Alaric grimaced. "I don't know if tonight works—"

"Yeah, I'm free," Jenna interrupted quickly, ignoring the look that Alaric was sending her.

Elijah subtly narrowed his eyes at Damon, sensing that he was planning something. "It'd be a pleasure."

"Great," Damon said with a tense smile. Then he snatched a fry out of Lottie's hand. "How about it, Charlie?"

"Um, well—"

"Or do you have some hot date with a frat guy in his back seat at the drive-in?" Damon interrupted, wiggling his eyebrows at the indication.

"Oh, someone looks jealous," Kol muttered with his amused eyes on his brother. Elijah didn't like the idea of Lottie on a date with anyone else, especially when he already had one planned two weeks from now with her. "Why not make him a little more?"

"Not that it's any of your business, Damon, but I do have plans with someone tonight," Lottie said, crossing her arms. The plans were to watch The Mummy on her couch with Finn, but they were plans nonetheless. Then she relaxed. "However, nothing big. I'm sure he'll understand pushing movie night on the couch back by a few hours so that I can come to dinner."

"Perfect," Kol said, relishing in the annoyed look on Elijah's face.

"He? Who is he?" Jenna asked, raising an excited eyebrow. She had been pretty positive that Lottie had a crush on Elijah, so now she needed all the gossip.

Lottie laughed and ate another fry. "Not like that, Jen," she said, lying somewhat. Really, she didn't want Elijah to get too concerned. Then she stood from the booth. "But I do have things I have to get done if I want to be free by dinner. I'll see you all later."

"I look forward to seeing you tonight again, Charlotte," Elijah said, nodding to her. She smiled softly and brushed past him to leave, almost sighing softly as his fingertips grazed her arm.

The interaction had Damon narrowing his eyes as he finally picked up on a bit of possessiveness in Elijah's eyes as he looked at Lottie. He couldn't help but call out, "Wear something cute - and short!"

☽︎

"You look beautiful, ástin mín," Finn said softly as Lottie let herself into the Salvatore house, not needing to knock.

After Kol watched Lottie model a few dresses — yes, the particular one that she wore was a little short — he traded off with Finn, wanting to follow the witches for a while. And Finn, as always, couldn't help but offer sweet compliments to Lottie, happy to have her smile at him in return.

"I am here and I have cookies," Lottie called, making her way to the kitchen where she could hear people. "So sorry that I'm a little late."

"Hey, sweetie," Jenna greeted, who was bringing things into the formal dining room. Everyone else had already arrived and was helping to set the table. "And it's no trouble. I know how busy you stay. You make up for it with those bad boys."

Jenna made grab hands for the tray of frosted chocolate chip cookies, which Lottie happily handed over. As she took them into the kitchen, Lottie turned to see everyone else. In addition to Damon, Andie, Alaric, and Elijah, John Gilbert was also in attendance.

"Hello, John. Haven't seen you in a few days," Lottie said politely.

"I'm surprised someone as smart as you chose to attend this dinner," John said, having no problem hiding his opinion with Jenna out of the room.

"Well, someone had to keep Elijah company," Damon chimed in, moving toward Lottie. "Gorgeous as always, Charlie. I see you kept it short."

Lottie held in a huff as Damon's eyes ran over her figure. She wore a simple, thin-strapped, light pink dress that hugged her chest tightly and flared out at the skirt, ending at her fingertips. Kol, in particular, liked how the neckline dipped down and so he requested that be the one she wear.

While Lottie didn't care for how Damon looked at her, she also didn't mind the way Elijah's eyes were glued to her form. Goosebumps seemed to rise on any patch of skin his gaze fell on. Her fingers nervously toyed with the hem of her dress, and his eyes followed the movement.

"Alright," Jenna said, coming back into the dining room. She was grinning excitedly. "Let's get this dinner party started."

As everyone found their seats, Elijah guided Lottie to a chair, his hand on her back as he did so. She could feel the warmth through the thin lace. As he pulled out a chair for her, he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

"You look heavenly tonight, Charlotte."

"Thank you," she said, looking at him as she slowly lowered into the chair. "You look very handsome, Elijah. You always do."

His lips quirked up in an almost cocky smirk as he took the vacant seat next to her. Their shoulders were nearly touching, and Lottie wanted to scold herself for wanting to lean into him.

It was going to be a long dinner.

☽︎

"I hate to break it to you, Damon, but according to Elijah, your family is so not a founder of this town," Jenna told Damon, sipping on her third glass of wine. "Nor is Lottie."

"We're not so special," Lottie said, smirking at Damon.

"Hmm, do tell," Damon said, growing bored of the dinner that was only half over. This was all for show, anyway, so that he could dagger Elijah.

Finn did some snooping and figured out his plan fairly quickly.

"Well, as I mentioned to Jenna and Charlotte earlier, a faction of settlers migrated from Salem after the witch trials in the 1690s. Over the next hundred years, they developed this community where they could feel safe from persecution," Elijah explained briefly.

"Hmm. Because they were witches," Jenna added, giggling. She didn't know the half of it. If only Elena would be honest with her.

"Yeah, but there's no tangible proof there were witches in Salem," Andie interjected.

"Andie's a journalist. Big on facts," Damon informed Elijah and John.

"Well, the lore says that there was this wave of anti-witch hysteria. It broke out in the neighboring settlement, so these witches were rounded up. They were tied to stakes in a field together and, uh, burned. Some say you could hear the screams from miles around us. They were consumed by the fire," Elijah recounted in detail. Then he motioned to the bread plate by Lottie. "Could you pass the - thank you, dear."

"I wouldn't repeat this to the Historical Society," Jenna joked, not feeling any of the tension in the room. "We'll have to trust that Lottie keeps it to herself."

"It's starting to sound a little like a ghost story to me," John complained. He'd been glaring at Elijah and Damon the whole time.

"So, why do you want to know the location of these alleged massacres?" Lottie asked, leaning on her elbow and a little closer to Elijah. Really, she was just asking for Kol's benefit — he was still quite annoyed that he didn't know why Elijah wanted something.

Elijah studied her. "You know, a healthy historian's curiosity, of course. You understand, with your love of knowledge and this town," he said, clearly keeping the truth from her with Jenna present.

Lottie nodded and quit leaning on the table, knowing it wasn't polite. She still kept her close proximity though as she smiled. "Personally, I think that there were people here before the witches. But any time I tried to talk about it in history class, Mr. Tanner would tell me to stop looking for things that weren't there."

Alaric chuckled, not giving Elijah time to react. "Yeah, I read Tanner's old file on you. Lottie, you were easily the smartest girl in your graduating class, but there's no proof that the Vikings settled in Mystic Falls. You can't make claims like that without proof to back it up."

"Well, then she'll just have to personally hire Elijah to help her find the facts after this book is written," Jenna said, taking Lottie's side.

Elijah couldn't help but smile down at Lottie. Already, he was imagining telling her stories of growing up here a thousand years ago while holding her next to a fireplace — Kol would call him sappy. "Perhaps after dinner, we can discuss this theory of yours. I'd love to hear all about it."

"Sounds fun," Lottie said with a genuine smile. "Anything to prove a historian wrong."

After another twenty-five minutes of eating and talking, dinner came to an end for the most part. Well, Damon forcefully ended it, getting too impatient. He was the first to stand.

"Would anyone care for some cognac?" he asked. "I have a bottle that I've been saving for ages."

"None for me thanks. Nine bottles of wine is my limit," Alaric stated, shaking his head.

Everyone else stood up, and Lottie noticed how Damon gave a pointed look to Andie. "The gentlemen should take their drinks in the study," she immediately suggested.

"It's time," Finn said, watching his brother carefully. He hated that Elijah might be daggered, thinking that none of them deserved the torture. But he couldn't let him kill Klaus either or let Lottie interfere and risk getting hurt.

"I have to say the food was almost as wonderful as the company," Elijah said, shooting Lottie a charming look.

"I could say the same," Lottie said before looking away and starting to clear the table.

Jenna then handed John a stack of plates. "Here you are, gentleman, make yourself useful."

Alaric walked over to Jenna and held out his arms, not wanting to be in the study with Elijah and Damon. "Here, here. Put me to work."

"Um, I got it," Jenna mumbled, taking the armful of plates from Lottie and heading from the room.

"Hey, Jenna, are you... are you okay?" Alaric asked, stopping her before she could get away.

"Yeah, fine, Ric," she said tensely.

Lottie awkwardly cleared her throat and looked down at the glasses she was gathering as Jenna practically stormed out. John looked a little too pleased as he walked toward Alaric.

"I suspect this is my fault."

"What did you do now?" Alaric asked him angrily.

"I merely mentioned that you haven't been completely honest with her about your dead wife," he said casually. Lottie winced, knowing the whole Isobel thing was sensitive, even if she wasn't completely involved in it.

"You son of a bitch!" Alaric snapped, grabbing John by the collar of his shirt.

But John easily pried his grip off. "I think I've been very clear with you, Ric. I want my ring back."

John walked out of the room like he owned it, but before Alaric could go after him to argue more, his phone started to ring. He rolled his eyes before answering it. "Hello. Slow down. Slow down." Lottie looked up sharply as Alaric rushed his words. "Stefan?"

"Oh," Finn said, a smirk on his face. Lottie glanced at him subtly as the phone call went on. "Did we forget to mention that if a vampire uses the dagger, they will die? Silly mistake."

Lottie held off from scoffing while Stefan was relaying that exact information to Alaric. Getting the message, the history teacher grabbed Lottie's wrist and dragged her toward the study.

They arrived just in time, as Damon was already in a position to stab Elijah in the back with the dagger. But he hid it as soon as Lottie and Alaric burst through the door.

"Gentlemen, we forgot about dessert," Alaric announced, looking panicked.

"Coffee, my cookies, and Jenna's cheesecake," Lottie announced, her eyes falling on Elijah. She gave him a sweet smile while holding out his hand to beckon him. "Elijah?"

"Charlotte," Elijah said as he approached. Once he took Lottie's hand, he spun her once while leading her back to the dining room, earning a pleased giggle from her.

"I hope this dinner hasn't been too boring for you," Lottie said to him.

"Not with the present company," he said, breath hitting the back of her neck.

Once back in the dining room, they found Jenna pouring a cup of coffee for John while Andie set down a few more mugs. The plate of cookies was already on the table. Lottie went directly for them, never able to resist her own baking, as she knew better than anyone how good it was.

"Sorry, guys, my half of dessert is taking longer than I thought. I usually just unwrap food," Jenna admitted sheepishly.

"Don't worry, Jenna. You've already done fantastic with the dinner," Lottie told her before taking a bite of a cookie.

"So sweet," Jenna said. "And such an ass-kisser, just like any Lancaster should be."

Lottie giggled as Jenna disappeared back into the kitchen. Once again, Elijah pulled out a chair for Lottie to take a seat. As Damon and Alaric re-entered the room and pulled attention off them, Elijah took the opportunity to wipe a bit of chocolate off Lottie's lower lip left over from the cookie.

"Thanks," Lottie whispered. She swallowed thickly as Elijah put his thumb to his mouth to lick it clean.

Then Elijah turned innocently to Andie, who requested his attention. "So, I know this is a social thing, but I - I would really love to ask you some more questions about the work that you're doing here," she said, grinning.

"I'd love to answer," he said cordially.

"Great, that's so great."

Damon was glaring at John as he retook his seat — he'd known as well that the dagger would kill him if he used it. John was hoping to get two birds with one stone for the night.

"Ric, would you do me a favor and grab the notebook out of my bag?" Andie asked, causing Alaric to walk to her purse.

"Elijah, did John tell you he's Elena's uncle-slash-father?" Damon suddenly asked, crossing his arms. Lottie got a bit choked on her cup of coffee — she'd already known about Elena's parentage, but she didn't expect Damon to be so blunt. "

"Yes, I'm well aware of that," Elijah said, not surprised either.

"Of course, she hates him, so there's absolutely no need to keep him on the endangered species list," Damon said, smirking vengefully at John.

Andie then left to help Alaric find her notebook, but everyone ignored her.

"What I'd like to know, Elijah, is how do you intend on killing Klaus?" John asked, now looking at the Original.

Elijah cleared his throat and gave them both a rather intimidating look. "Gentlemen, there's a few things we should probably get clear right now. I allow you to live solely to keep an eye on Elena. I allow Elena to remain in her house living her life with her friends as she does as a courtesy. If you become a liability, I'll take her away from you and you'll never see her again," Elijah explained firmly. Gone was the charming author persona.

Then Andie returned from getting her notebook, unaware of the tension in the dining room. "Okay. My first question is when you got here to Mystic—"

Alaric came up behind Elijah suddenly and stabbed him violently through the back with the dagger, causing the Original to cry out in unspeakable pain. Lottie gasped, feeling a tight, pinching sensation in her chest as it happened, but it soon faded as Elijah's skin began to grey as he, by all appearances, died. Finn had to turn away from the sight, hating it for his brother even if he knew he'd survive.

Everyone stood, not expecting that to happen so suddenly — Alaric was the one, after all, to ask for no violence. "Now, get rid of him before Jenna comes back with dessert," Alaric ordered.

Lottie silently watched as Damon and Alaric dragged the body off, her chest aching for Elijah's condition. But they didn't leave the dagger in, which was laying on the table, she reminded herself over and over.

"I'm gonna... step outside," Lottie said in a shaky voice.

She didn't think seeing Elijah daggered would affect her so much. Didn't think it would make her so sad already. Had Finn screamed in pain like that when he was daggered before being forgotten about for nine hundred years? Was Kol blindsided by his daggering at his family's Christmas party in the early 1900s? Lottie couldn't bear to think of either of their bodies in a coffin, looking just as Elijah did now.

Lottie didn't even realize a few tears were falling until Finn was telling her to dry her eyes. "Don't cry. Not for us," Finn said softly. "We will all know freedom one day, and you will be at our sides when we do."

"I want you here now, Finn," she whispered, knowing of the vampire in the house. "All of you. Together and breathing and alive."

"Soon, Lottie. Sooner than you realize."

Lottie nodded and then brought her hands up to wipe her eyes. When she brought her hands away, she flinched upon finding Elijah right in front of her on the porch, having come back to life already. Her wide eyes fell on the bloody spot on his dress shirt.

Unfortunately, Elijah couldn't linger on the incredibly endearing fact that she was probably crying over thinking he was dead. No, he was far too angry at what happened.

When Lottie opened her mouth, Elijah placed a finger to her lips, keeping her silent. "I made a deal, Charlotte. Do you know where Elena is?"

"Her family lake house," Lottie whispered, not feeling all that bad about betraying them. "I don't know the address."

Elijah nodded, thankful that she was honest with her. He moved to speed off, but she grabbed his wrist, eyes searching his face.

"You're really okay?" she couldn't help but ask. Her other hand hovered over his heart where the wound was fully healed.

Though he didn't speak, Elijah gently held her cheek, letting his thumb brush over it comfortingly, wiping away one of her final tears. Then he was speeding away, leaving behind silence and a lingering warmth on her cheek.

It wasn't long before Damon and Alaric discovered that Elijah escaped and learned the dagger had to be kept in. It wasn't long before Elijah's witches did a locator spell to find Elena's exact location. It wasn't long before Damon raced off to execute Plan B.

And it wasn't long at all before Lottie felt another stabbing pain in her chest that had her crying over losing yet another chance at a normal life with her mates.