A/N: Second possible ending. 

***

Kol was on his feet in an instant. He pulled you into his arms and held your head against his chest. "No. Absolutely not."

"But—"

"No," he said again, cutting you off. He moved back to look at you but kept his hands on your arms to make sure you were paying attention. "Elijah can rant and rave and make all the little declarations he wishes but he isn't in charge of everything. He certainly isn't in charge of either of us, is he?"

You huffed a laugh and gave Kol a weak smile as you shook your head.

The corner of his mouth kicked up. "Let me hear you, darling. Is Elijah in charge of either of us?"

"No. No, he's not." There was more strength in your words than you thought there would be and your heart felt just a little bit lighter.

When Kol pulled you into him once more you wrapped your arms around his waist and held him back. Elijah might not want anything to do with you, but you wouldn't allow him to run you off.

Elijah made himself scarce that evening. You didn't know if he was even in the house and you tried your best not to care. You spent your time with his three siblings and felt happy for the first time since they'd left Mystic Falls. The four of you were lounging in the living room, laughing at a story Bekah was telling when a sense of peace settled in you. This was where you were supposed to be.

You were stretched out on the sofa, your back leaning against Kol's side while he draped an arm over your shoulder. Tilting your head back, you smiled up at him.

He arched a brow at the expectant look on your face. "Yes?"

"Let's do it." You watched him carefully to make sure there wasn't a sign of regret of him having made the offer to move in together. You wouldn't be a burden to anyone else.

His brow furrowed in thought. Then his eyes suddenly went wide and a slow smile covered his face. "Are you certain, darling?"

You nodded and your smile grew as he bounced in excitement and kissed the top of your head. You couldn't help the small laugh that escaped you.

"Would someone mind filling the rest of us in?" Klaus asked with an amused expression.

"Dear brother, Y/N and I are moving in together."

***

Six months passed before you knew it. Kol had opted to get a little house for the two of you instead of an apartment. And he was the perfect roommate. The cheerful demeanor he always seemed to have around you was just what you needed to get over Elijah, which proved easier than you'd feared.

Kol worried over you, he even fussed sometimes, but it never occurred to him to hurt you to keep you safe. He was just there, having your back. Making sure you were escorted when you went out at night. Nik and Bekah came by often or took you out to spend time with you. All three of the siblings kept you as far away from their drama as possible. Nik even tried to keep Kol out of it so he would be there for you. This was how a family should act.

Today was one of those days where Nik needed Kol though so you were home alone. You were curled up in the living room with a drink and a good book when someone pounded on the door. Your brow furrowed. The only people that ever came here were Kol's siblings and they both knocked then used their key. When the knock came again, you sat the book aside and went to the door. A glance through the window showed Elijah standing on your front porch.

You hadn't seen him since that night, but you could do this. He couldn't hurt you anymore. You took a breath and opened the door. Elijah's mouth dropped open and his gaze ran over you from head to toe. When he continued to gape instead of saying anything you cleared your throat. "Can I help you, Elijah?"

He tilted his head and narrowed his gaze. "What are you doing in New Orleans? In my brother's house nonetheless?"

Shock slammed through you. Had they seriously kept your existence in town a secret from Elijah for six months? How had they even managed? You didn't know what to tell him. How to explain all this. You couldn't help the little thread of amusement that grew within you at the knowledge.

"Perhaps I should come in so we can talk," Elijah stated. When he stepped forward, he hit the barrier at the threshold that kept him from entering without invitation. He frowned in confusion which shifted to anger as he realized what this meant. His head snapped up and his eyes burned into yours. "This is your house." It wasn't a question.

Still, you didn't speak, simply watching him and his myriad of emotions.

"So, you intend to stay here then? With Kol? He signed the house over to you?" His voice was heavy with that cold anger he was so good at.

You braced a hand on the edge of the door just to have something to anchor you. "It's always been my house, Elijah. I never left New Orleans. And somehow, I'm still alive. Amazing."

His gaze softened and a flash of guilt shone in his eyes. "You must understand..." He trailed off as he looked at something behind you.

A warm hand settled on your back and you didn't even flinch. Kol must have come in the back door. You were used to him appearing out of nowhere by now. "What must she understand, brother?"

Elijah licked his lips and took a step back. His eyes shifted between you and Kol, his gaze darkening. "What is this?"

Kol's fingers flexed against your back. "What does it matter to you? You made it very clear you no longer wanted her."

The elder Mikaelson's jaw went rigid as he glared at his younger brother. Kol merely smiled and shifted his hold so his arm was draped over your shoulders. He pulled you into his side and kissed the top of your head. You melted into him, content to be in his presence.

"Did you need something, Elijah?" you finally spoke when you could take their silence no longer.

His eyes flicked briefly to you before focusing back on Kol. "None of you were answering your phones. I grew concerned."

Kol made a sound of agreement. "Well, as you can see, I am fine. Nik and Rebekah should be home by the time you get there. Goodbye, Elijah."

Elijah's gaze stayed on you until you could no longer see him as Kol shut the door and locked it. He turned to you immediately. "Are you okay, darling?"

You smiled at him, warmth filling you with his concern. "I'm fine, Kol."

When he realized you were telling the truth, his smile was blinding.

"Why didn't you just tell him that we're only friends? I don't want to cause problems with you two." It was the only part that bothered you.

Kol stepped into you and placed his hand on the side of your face. He studied you, searching for something. Your heart raced in your chest with his proximity. "Are we only friends, sweet girl? I thought we were so much more by now."

You hesitated but a moment before closing the little distance that remained between you and pressed your lips to his. He responded quickly, eagerly. He brought his other hand up so he cupped your face on both sides. Your hands fisted in his shirt to hold him to you. When he pulled away to allow you to breathe, he still had that wide smile. Leaning in for one more kiss, he growled low in his throat. "Mine."

And you were.