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thequeenofneverland1 · 8 months ago

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Damon and Stefan Salvatore//// In the shallow of Katherine Pierce

Anonymous request: hi. Can you do where y/n is the twin of Elena but in reality she’s the daughter of katherine and the Salvatores likes her

Warnings:Emotional Distress, Threats of Violence:, Supernatural Themes, Family Dynamics, Romantic Tension and Self-Discovery.

growing up as Elena Gilbert’s twin, sharing every birthday, holiday, and milestone side-by-side. On the surface, you two were inseparable, sharing everything from a room to friends. But there was always something different about you, something unspoken that hovered in the background like a shadow. You couldn’t explain it, yet the feeling never left. It was as though some invisible thread tethered you to a part of yourself no one else could see.

You kept secrets, even from Elena. Small things, at first, hidden moments of intense emotion, instincts that flared up in ways you couldn’t explain. You were tougher, sharper, with a temper that burned quicker and brighter than hers. People noticed, joking that you must’ve inherited some kind of “Gilbert fire,” even if no one in your family was quite like you. Still, you brushed it off, thinking perhaps it was just part of being a twin, of having to share every part of yourself with someone else.

But as you grew older, whispers and rumors seemed to follow you in hushed tones. More than once, you caught adults exchanging glances, your name dropping like a slip of the tongue before they’d clear their throats and change the subject. Sometimes you’d catch a glimpse of someone in the crowd, a stranger with piercing eyes and a smirk that felt oddly familiar, and feel an inexplicable pull, only for them to disappear a moment later.

Then, when you encounter Katherine for the first time, you’re struck by how similar you feel to her. The way she moves, the way she thinks and schemes, it feels like looking in a twisted mirror. The feeling unnerves you, a strange resonance you can’t ignore. She stares at you with a knowing gleam, as if she sees right through you, and it unsettles you in a way nothing else ever has. But why would Katherine Pierce, the infamous vampire, care so much about you?

Unbeknownst to anyone, even Katherine, she had a second child, one that was taken from her while she was still on the run from Klaus Mikaelson, hidden away as a twin to Elena by those who feared her power and lineage. You have her blood, her cunning, and perhaps her destiny. But for now, that truth lies buried deep, waiting to surface in ways that could change everything.

The day Elena brings Damon and Stefan to meet you is quiet and warm, one of those rare moments when Mystic Falls feels almost normal. You don’t have many expectations; after all, you’ve heard enough about them to feel prepared. But the moment you open the door and see them, you’re struck by a strange, inexplicable familiarity.

Damon’s eyes rake over you with a flicker of recognition, a glimmer of something he’s not used to admitting: intrigue, maybe even a kind of awe. You know Damon’s reputation, his devil-may-care attitude, but in this moment, he seems almost taken aback, as if seeing a ghost he’s crossed paths with before. Stefan, though more composed, is no less surprised. He stares at you with that quiet intensity, the kind that feels like he’s searching for something hidden just under the surface.

There’s a heartbeat of silence, an unspoken something filling the air. You meet Damon’s gaze, holding it just a little too long, and a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. You have a feeling you’ve just accepted a silent invitation into a game he plays with far too few worthy opponents. And Stefan, with his thoughtful, steady eyes, looks at you like he’s trying to piece together a memory that won’t quite come into focus.

Elena notices the looks. She steps between you and them, the tension sharpening her voice as she blurts out, “Okay, why are you two looking at her like that?”

Damon glances at Stefan with a mischievous glint in his eyes, raising his eyebrows as if to say, Did you notice that too? Stefan, on the other hand, shifts his focus back to Elena, as if deciding on how much to reveal.

“It’s just… strange,” Stefan says finally. “It’s like we’ve met her before.”

Elena rolls her eyes, folding her arms defensively. “You haven’t met her. This is my sister. Not some long-lost friend of yours.”

Damon, never one to back down from a chance to stir the pot, leans casually against the doorframe and smirks. “Relax, Elena. It’s just a bit… eerie. It’s like I’m seeing something familiar, but in a way I can’t put my finger on.” His gaze flickers to you again, that flirtatious gleam in his eye making it clear he’s more than willing to investigate the mystery further.

Your heart skips a beat, a mixture of irritation and intrigue taking hold. You’re used to getting looks, but this, this is different. You match his stare, feeling the subtle weight of his intensity, realizing that whatever unspoken history you may or may not share with him, he seems determined to uncover it.

Elena huffs, moving a step closer to you as if to shield you from whatever games they might be playing. “Well, you don’t need to figure it out. She’s not a part of whatever mess you’re dealing with.”

Damon’s smirk widens, his gaze darting back to you. “Oh, but something tells me she can handle a little mess. Can’t you?”

You give him a small, sly smile, letting him know you’re more than capable of handling whatever he’s thinking. Stefan clears his throat, shooting Damon a warning look, but you can sense that even he’s still trying to decipher the strange familiarity he feels around you.

It’s a strange, charged moment, one that leaves you wondering if this pull between you and the Salvatores is merely a quirk of shared history, or if there’s something deeper, something neither you nor they fully understand. For now, all you know is that you have their attention in a way you hadn’t expected, and part of you can’t help but be drawn into the mystery just as much as they are.

In the dimly lit corner of the Mystic Grill, Elena sat across from Caroline, swirling her drink distractedly as she tried to find the right words. She hadn’t been able to shake the strange, almost protective feeling she’d been harboring since the moment Damon and Stefan first laid eyes on you. There was something in their expressions, something that had nagged at her from the start.

Caroline tilted her head, picking up on Elena’s discomfort. “What’s up? You look like you’ve got something on your mind.”

Elena let out a sigh, glancing around before leaning in. “It’s… it’s Y/N. Or, I guess, more like the way Damon and Stefan act around her.”

Caroline’s eyes widened, intrigued. “Oh? You think they have a thing for her?”

Elena bit her lip, unsure of how to explain. “I don’t know… it’s more complicated than that. Since that first day, the way they looked at her, almost like they’d met her before. Like they recognized something in her that they couldn’t shake.”

Caroline raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Do you think it’s because she looks like you? I mean, you two are twins, after all.”

Elena shook her head, looking slightly frustrated. “Maybe… but it feels like more than that. Like they’re seeing something, or someone,they’ve lost. I’m worried they might be seeing Katherine in her.”

Caroline’s expression shifted to one of sympathy. “Elena, they’ve been through so much because of Katherine. But I don’t think they’d just start confusing the two of you. They know she’s your sister.”

Elena’s jaw tightened, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “It’s just… every time they’re around her, there’s this look, this intensity. I know they’re drawn to her, but I don’t want them to think that she’s Katherine. I want them to see her for who she really is.”

Caroline reached across the table, squeezing Elena’s hand reassuringly. “They know who Y/N is. She’s nothing like Katherine, and Damon and Stefan are smart enough to see that. They’re probably just a little… nostalgic, maybe? They’ve spent years haunted by memories of her, and seeing someone who reminds them of you, someone new, yet familiar, could stir up a lot.”

Elena nodded, though the worry in her eyes didn’t fully fade. “I just don’t want them to project their issues with Katherine onto her. Y/N deserves better than that. She’s not part of their past, she’s her own person.”

Caroline gave her a gentle smile, her voice firm. “And they’ll realize that, Elena. Besides, you’re not the only one watching out for her. They both care about you, and I don’t think they’d ever hurt her or use her as some replacement.”

Elena sighed, managing a small smile. “You’re right. I just… I just don’t want her getting caught up in all of this.”

Caroline nodded knowingly. “Trust me, you’re a great sister. And if Damon or Stefan start acting like idiots, we’ll set them straight.”

Elena chuckled, feeling some of the tension ease, knowing that no matter what, she had people looking out for her, and you

The Salvatore brothers returned to their grand, dimly lit boarding house, silence stretching between them. Each was lost in thought, still feeling the lingering effect of their encounter with you. Damon poured himself a glass of bourbon, his eyes distant as he swirled the amber liquid. Stefan, leaning against the doorway, finally broke the silence.

“She’s… she’s not like Elena,” Stefan murmured, almost to himself, though Damon heard every word.

Damon smirked, though his expression was more bitter than amused. “You noticed that too, huh?” He took a long sip, the warmth of the alcohol doing little to soften the twist of unease in his chest. “She’s got Katherine’s eyes, the same fire behind them. Like she knows more than she lets on.”

Stefan nodded, his mind drifting back to the way you’d looked at them, a flicker of recognition sparking in your gaze. It was the same feeling he used to get whenever Katherine looked his way: a sense that he was being seen, truly seen, with a level of intensity that went beyond the surface. The resemblance to Katherine was uncanny, not in looks alone, but in the subtleties of your expressions, the way your smile hinted at secrets neither brother could decipher.

“Did you… did you feel it too, Damon?” Stefan asked cautiously, his voice carrying an almost wistful tone. “Like we’ve met her before?” He knew it sounded absurd, but the connection felt strangely familiar, like your presence filled a void neither of them had realized was there.

Damon leaned back, exhaling sharply. “Yeah, but it’s more than that, Stefan. There’s something about her, like she’s the part of Katherine that got away, the part she kept hidden.” His jaw clenched as he recalled the nights he’d spent unraveling Katherine’s lies, searching for pieces of her that never quite fit together. Now, standing before you had felt like finding one of those missing pieces, resurrecting a part of him he thought had been buried with her.

“She isn’t Katherine,” Stefan reminded him, though the words sounded hollow even to his own ears. The intensity of Damon’s gaze as he spoke wasn’t lost on him. “But… there’s no denying the resemblance. It’s unsettling.”

Damon let out a humorless laugh. “You don’t think I know that? Believe me, I don’t need any reminders of who she isn’t.” He paused, swallowing his emotions. “But seeing her… it’s like being haunted by Katherine all over again.”

They both fell silent, wrestling with feelings neither could entirely pin down. The line between memory and reality was blurring, and neither could deny the strange attraction, the unspoken tension that had hung in the air from the moment they met you. You were Elena’s twin, yes, but something about you stirred in them a feeling both exhilarating and painful, an echo of the past they thought they had left behind.

Stefan finally spoke, his voice softer now. “We can’t let Elena know. She’s already suspicious, and if she finds out we’re… drawn to her sister, it’ll only hurt her. And… she doesn’t need to know that Y/n remind us of Katherine.” He met Damon’s gaze, a silent plea in his eyes.

Damon nodded, the usual cocky glint in his eyes dimmed by a seriousness Stefan rarely saw. “Agreed,” he said, though the words felt like a weight in his chest. “But let’s face it, Stefan. Whatever this is, it’s not going away. Not unless we get to the bottom of who she really is, and why we’re both feeling this way.”

The brothers exchanged a heavy glance, each recognizing the turmoil brewing between them. It was a pull neither wanted to confront, yet ignoring it felt impossible. The question now wasn’t just who you were, but what your arrival would mean for them, and for everything they thought they understood about love, loyalty, and the ghosts that refused to stay buried.

The arrival of the Mikaelsons sends a ripple through Mystic Falls, a new storm on the horizon. You’ve barely stepped out of the boarding house before you see them, all four of them, a striking and intimidating presence. Kol, Elijah, Klaus, and Rebekah stand together like something out of an old painting, a darkly elegant family bound by blood and the centuries that forged them. Their eyes scan the area, searching, and when they spot you, three sets of eyes light up with interest.

Kol is the first to approach, a wicked smile already playing on his lips as he watches you with an unmistakable spark. “Well, aren’t you a sight,” he says smoothly, his eyes drifting over you with an admiration that’s anything but subtle. “And here I thought Mystic Falls had grown boring.”

Elijah is more reserved but no less intrigued. He steps closer, his gaze thoughtful, his head tilted ever so slightly as if he’s studying a rare piece of art. “It’s rare to meet someone who carries themselves with such… poise,” he says, his tone polite yet filled with something deeper. He gives you a small, approving nod, and you can tell he’s the kind of man who’s drawn to people of depth and mystery, and it seems you’ve caught his attention.

Klaus is last to make his move, standing back a bit, his eyes dark and assessing. The way he looks at you is intense, almost possessive, as if he’s already decided that whatever’s drawn his interest here will soon belong to him. “You must be Elena’s twin,” he says with a smirk, his gaze practically pinning you in place. “Though, I must say, I expected something… softer.” His voice drips with challenge, and the gleam in his eye is as predatory as it is fascinated.

Before you can respond, Damon and Stefan appear at your side, their expressions tense. Damon steps forward, slipping an arm around your shoulders with a look of defiance. “Well, well,” he drawls, his voice edged with sarcasm, “look who decided to show up. What, Mystic Falls not deadly enough without you lot?”

Klaus’ smirk widens, and he meets Damon’s challenge head-on. “Relax, Damon. We’re only here to get reacquainted with an old friend.” His gaze flicks back to you, lingering with interest that he doesn’t bother to hide. “One we didn’t know we had.”

Kol chuckles, his eyes still fixed on you as he pointedly ignores Damon and Stefan. “Can’t say I blame them for hovering,” he murmurs, leaning a bit closer to you. “With looks like yours, I’d be protective too.”

Stefan shifts uncomfortably, a flicker of jealousy flashing across his face as he watches Kol get a little too close for comfort. “Maybe you should take a step back,” Stefan suggests, his tone controlled but firm.

Rebekah, who’s been watching the tension build with a smirk, finally speaks up, adding her own fuel to the fire. “Oh, don’t be so touchy,” she teases, glancing between Damon and Stefan with an amused glint in her eye. “It’s not our fault if she prefers better company.”

You can feel Damon’s grip on your shoulder tighten as he glares at the Originals, his jaw clenched as he looks between them. “I don’t think she’s in the market for new friends,” he says, his voice edged with a protectiveness you haven’t heard from him before. He throws a pointed look at Kol, then Klaus, his eyes flashing with warning.

But the Mikaelsons are undeterred, clearly enjoying the reaction they’re getting. Elijah, ever the diplomat, holds up a hand as if to diffuse the tension, though there’s a sly glint in his eye. “Let’s not be hasty,” he says, looking directly at you. “Perhaps she can make her own decisions.”

The moment he says it, you feel their eyes on you, Damon and Stefan on one side, Kol, Elijah, and Klaus on the other. The pull between them is palpable, and you realize with a strange sense of satisfaction that you hold all the cards here.

Damon’s lips curl in irritation, but he doesn’t let go of you, his arm still firmly around your shoulders. “If you think we’re just going to stand by while you try to—”

“To what?” Klaus cuts in smoothly, his voice low and laced with amusement. “Show her a better time? Give her a taste of freedom, perhaps? Because something tells me she might like that.” His gaze never wavers from yours, an unspoken invitation in his eyes.

The tension between the Salvatores and the Mikaelsons is electric, and you can practically feel the jealousy radiating off of Damon and Stefan as the Originals blatantly express their interest in you. Damon leans in, speaking low in your ear, “Don’t let them fool you. They’ll drag you into their twisted little games and spit you out when they’re done.”

But part of you is tempted, intrigued by the promise of something unknown and dangerous. You’ve always been drawn to things that lie outside the lines, and the Mikaelsons, especially Kol and Klaus, seem more than willing to play along. You smile at Damon, giving him a look that says you can handle yourself, and then meet Kol’s gaze with a spark in your eye.

The Originals might have come to town to stir up trouble, but they didn’t expect to find someone who could stir them up just as much. As you hold their gaze, you sense that this is only the beginning of a rivalry that’s bound to get more intense, and you’re more than ready to be in the middle of it.

The following evening, you found yourself at the Salvatore boarding house, standing in the dimly lit parlor with an expression that was equal parts confusion and frustration. After everything you’d witnessed at the gathering, the cold stares, the thinly veiled jealousy, and the sharp tension between the Salvatores and the Mikaelsons, you felt you couldn’t stay silent any longer. You needed answers.

Stefan and Damon stood before you, Damon leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, wearing his usual smirk, though tonight it seemed forced. Stefan was watching you, his brow furrowed, clearly sensing your frustration.

“Okay,” you began, folding your arms. “What was that back there? You two were acting like absolute jerks.”

Damon scoffed, raising an eyebrow at you. “Jerks? Us? I’d say we were just… looking out for you,” he replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He tried to brush it off with a smirk, but you weren’t buying it.

“Looking out for me?” you repeated, voice thick with disbelief. “It didn’t feel like that. It felt like you were trying to scare them off.” You looked between the two of them, your gaze intense. “Why, Damon? Why did you feel the need to interfere?”

Stefan sighed, running a hand through his hair, looking like he wanted to step in and explain, but Damon spoke first.

“You really don’t see it, do you?” Damon replied, his tone sharper than he intended. “The Mikaelsons, they’re not exactly known for their warm and fuzzy reputations. Klaus, Elijah, Kol, they don’t care about anyone but themselves.”

“That’s not your decision to make,” you shot back, frustration growing. “I can handle myself, Damon. I don’t need you two stepping in like… like some overprotective bodyguards.” You paused, meeting Stefan’s gaze, who looked down as if struggling to put his feelings into words. “What is really going on here? Because this isn’t just about keeping me ‘safe.’ This feels… personal.”

Stefan shifted, glancing at Damon before meeting your eyes. “You’re right,” he admitted softly. “Maybe it is personal. But not in the way you think.”

You waited, crossing your arms, silently urging him to continue.

“Seeing you with them, it brought back memories,” Stefan continued, his voice tight. “Memories of Katherine. The way you looked at them… it reminded us of things we thought we’d buried.”

“Katherine,” you murmured, the name feeling strange on your tongue. The infamous vampire you’d heard countless stories about, the one who had left a mark on everyone in Mystic Falls, including the Salvatore brothers. “You think I’m like her?”

Damon’s gaze softened slightly, the cocky veneer slipping as he studied you. “It’s not just that you’re like her. It’s that… you remind us of her. There’s this part of you, this fire, this strength, and the Originals, they’re drawn to it. Just like they were to her.” He clenched his jaw, as if the words were a bitter pill he was struggling to swallow. “And maybe we don’t want to see that happen again.”

The weight of his confession settled over you, and you looked between them, realizing the depth of what they were saying. It wasn’t just jealousy, it was fear, an old wound reopening, and they were terrified of losing someone else to the same darkness that had once pulled them both in.

You exhaled, trying to find the right words. “Damon, Stefan… I’m not Katherine. I get that she hurt you both in ways I can’t even imagine. But that doesn’t mean I’m her.” Your voice softened as you continued, “And the Mikaelsons, yes, they’re different, maybe even dangerous, but that’s my choice to make. Not yours.”

Stefan’s expression softened, a trace of regret appearing in his eyes. “We know that. It’s just… difficult. Seeing you with them, it brought up feelings we didn’t realize we still had. It’s not an excuse, but it’s the truth.”

You took a step closer, searching their faces. “Then be honest with me. Is that all this is, some unresolved ghost of Katherine? Or is there something else?”

Damon’s jaw clenched, and he looked away, clearly wrestling with something he couldn’t bring himself to say. But Stefan, his voice low and filled with honesty, spoke up.

“It’s more than that,” he admitted, his gaze steady. “It’s about you. You’re not just Elena’s twin to us, or some reminder of the past. You’ve… become important to us in a way we didn’t expect. And maybe that’s why seeing you with them was so hard.” He took a deep breath, his eyes full of unspoken words. “Because we care about you,more than we probably should.”

Damon shifted, his usual bravado fading as he finally met your gaze. “He’s right,” he said quietly, a rare sincerity in his voice. “Look, I don’t do this whole ‘feelings’ thing, but… yeah, you matter. And maybe that scares me more than I’d like to admit.”

The confession hung in the air, heavy and electric, and for a moment, you didn’t know what to say. The fierce protectiveness, the jealousy, the vulnerability, they had all been signs, masked behind layers of bravado and denial.

After a moment, you took a deep breath, your gaze softening as you looked at them. “I understand now. And maybe… maybe I feel something too,” you admitted, your voice barely a whisper. “But that doesn’t mean you can protect me from everything. I need to be able to make my own choices, even if they involve the Mikaelsons.”

Damon sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, we get it. We’ll back off… a little. But don’t expect us to stay quiet if those Originals start playing games.”

Stefan nodded, giving you a small smile. “We trust you. And we’ll be here, no matter what you decide.”

With that, an unspoken understanding settled between you, a recognition of the complex feelings swirling between you all. And as you left that night, you knew that whatever lay ahead, with the Salvatore brothers, the Mikaelsons, or the ghosts of the past, you wouldn’t be facing it alone.

After the heated conversation, the atmosphere in the boarding house has softened slightly. The tension between you and the Salvatores seems to have loosened its grip, and they’re no longer brimming with protective anger. Instead, Damon is leaning against the wall, arms crossed, studying you with his usual half-smirk, while Stefan is seated on the couch, still watching you with that cautious yet gentle look. They might still be worried, but you’ve made your point clear, and for now, that’s enough.

You take a deep breath, realizing that maybe this is the perfect time to lighten the mood and remind them, and yourself, that life doesn’t have to be all danger and drama. A glint of excitement shines in your eyes as you turn to face them both.

“So,” you start, a playful smile spreading across your face. “Speaking of needing you two… I have a favor to ask.”

Damon raises an eyebrow, looking at you curiously. “A favor, huh? Haven’t we done enough heroic, life-saving duties for the day?”

“Oh, relax, Damon,” you say with a laugh. “I’m not asking you to save my life or anything.” You pause, glancing at Stefan, who’s watching you with a small, intrigued smile. “I wanted to ask if you’d go to prom with me.”

Both of them look momentarily stunned. Prom probably isn’t something they’d expected you to bring up, especially not in the middle of this entire Mikaelson drama. But as the surprise fades, you can see a hint of something else in their expressions, something warm, something that speaks of a life they’ve nearly forgotten.

Damon recovers first, his smirk growing into a full-blown grin. “Prom, huh? I haven’t been to one of those in… well, let’s just say it’s been a while. Are you really asking us?”

You roll your eyes, fighting back a smile as you cross your arms. “Yes, you two. I mean, technically, it’s supposed to be a date thing, but seeing as I’m not exactly swimming in options that don’t involve ancient, overly charming Originals, I figured I’d bring my two favorite guys along.” You give them a playful nudge. “Come on, are you in?”

Stefan chuckles, leaning back on the couch with an expression that’s somewhere between nostalgia and amusement. “I never pictured myself going to another prom, but… if you’re asking, how could I say no?” There’s something soft in his tone, a sincerity that warms you. He’s been through so much darkness that the thought of a simple, carefree night must sound almost like a distant dream.

Damon, however, seems less sentimental and more intrigued. He steps closer, eyeing you with that familiar glint of mischief. “So, let me get this straight. You want both of us to be your dates to prom? You realize that’s going to turn a few heads, don’t you?”

You laugh, nodding. “Oh, I’m counting on it. I mean, if I’m going to prom, I may as well go all out. And besides…” You hesitate, a flicker of honesty slipping through. “After everything that’s been going on, I kind of just want one normal night. And I couldn’t think of two people I’d rather spend it with.”

For a moment, the lighthearted tone shifts, and there’s a silence that feels like understanding, like they realize what you’re really asking. It’s not just a night at prom, it’s a chance to escape the weight of the supernatural world, to remember what it’s like to feel young and carefree.

Stefan’s expression softens, and he gives you a gentle smile. “Then we’re in. We’ll make it a night to remember.”

Damon chuckles, but there’s a glimmer of something real in his eyes as he nods in agreement. “Fine, we’re in. But if we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.” He gives you a sly smile. “I’ll make sure to get us a limo, maybe even some flowers. A real prom experience.”

You raise an eyebrow, grinning. “Flowers, Damon? Are you actually saying you’ll go all out?”

“Hey,” he protests, feigning offense, “if I’m going to be one of your dates, I’ve got to bring my A-game. Besides,” he adds with a smirk, “I think I might enjoy this whole ‘normal life’ thing for a change. Plus, it’ll be fun to watch everyone’s reaction when you show up with not one, but two dates.”

You can’t help but laugh, already picturing the scandalized looks, the whispers. It’s a tempting thought, but more than that, you feel a warmth growing in your chest at the idea of a night with Damon and Stefan by your side, where, just for a few hours, you could all forget the supernatural chaos.

Stefan’s expression shifts as he stands, his tone quieter but full of genuine excitement. “It’s a good idea, Y/N. After everything, I think we all need this.”

“Agreed,” Damon says, his usual sarcasm replaced by something softer. “So, prom it is. I hope you’re ready to be the center of attention because something tells me this night’s going to make a splash.”

You nod, feeling a surge of excitement. For the first time in a long while, you feel a flicker of that simple thrill, that feeling of looking forward to something without any hidden dangers or secrets lurking around the corner. The thought of going to prom with the Salvatores, of having an evening where you can just be, it’s exactly what you need.

“Then it’s a date,” you say with a grin, looking between Damon and Stefan.

Damon raises his glass in a mock toast, his smirk widening. “To prom. And to making everyone at Mystic Falls High question exactly how you managed to score two dates.”

Stefan laughs, clinking his glass against Damon’s, a relaxed smile on his face as he glances at you. “And here’s to you, Y/N. For knowing how to keep us on our toes.”

Your heart warmed at the sincerity in his words. For a moment, the weight of Mystic Falls, the dangers, the past, the uncertainties, melted away. This felt real, uncomplicated by secrets and rivalries. Just you and the two people who, despite the chaos, had come to mean so much.

When the night of prom arrived, you felt an excited nervousness settle in as you stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the elegant gown you’d chosen. It was a deep, rich color, one that brought out the warmth in your eyes and made you feel almost like a character from an old romance novel. As you looked at your reflection, you could hardly believe that tonight was finally here, that you were about to share a moment like this with Damon and Stefan.

In the hours leading up to prom, the Salvatore boarding house buzzed with an energy usually reserved for battles, not ballroom dances. But tonight was different. Tonight, Damon and Stefan were putting in effort that went far beyond the usual suit-and-tie routine. They were getting ready for prom with you, a night that had come to mean far more than either of them initially realized.

Damon stood in front of the mirror, his tailored black suit fitting him perfectly. He smoothed his lapel, inspecting himself with a critical eye, his usual cocky grin absent as he actually considered his appearance. The suit had been specially selected for the night, a sleek, modern cut that hugged his frame just right, exuding a devil-may-care charm that was so quintessentially Damon.

“Looking a bit serious there, aren’t we?” Stefan’s voice came from across the room. He was meticulously brushing his hair, his suit equally tailored to perfection, a classic, timeless look that spoke to his sense of elegance and quiet confidence.

Damon smirked, brushing his hand over his jacket. “Can’t help it, little brother. Tonight’s a big night.” His voice carried a hint of excitement masked under his usual sarcasm, though Stefan wasn’t fooled.

“Big night, or big ego?” Stefan countered with a grin, adjusting his cufflinks. His suit was a deep charcoal black, accentuating his calm, refined aura. He’d chosen it specifically to match your dress after overhearing you mention the color once. Stefan ran a hand through his hair one last time, making sure each strand was in place.

“Say what you will,” Damon replied, ignoring the jab as he spritzed some cologne on his wrist, dabbing it against his neck. “But I’m just making sure I’m at my best tonight. We have competition.” He shot a look at Stefan in the mirror, referencing the lingering threat of the Mikaelsons, who had made their interest in you known a little too clearly for the Salvatore brothers’ liking.

Stefan rolled his eyes, his tone turning more serious. “Right, because a few sprays of cologne are going to keep the Originals away.” He tightened his tie with a practiced ease, still watching Damon with a bemused expression.

But Damon was already unscrewing the cap of his cologne again, this time going in for another spritz… and then another. “I’m just being thorough,” he shrugged, giving himself a liberal amount, until the scent filled the entire room in a thick, woodsy cloud.

Stefan coughed, waving a hand to clear the air. “Thorough? Damon, you’re basically choking the room at this point,” he complained, though his tone was amused. “Do you actually want her to smell anything else tonight?”

Damon shrugged, unbothered, his smirk widening. “What? She likes it. And it’s not like I’m risking smelling like Old Spice and regret like some people.” He shot Stefan a teasing look.

Stefan gave an exasperated sigh, but his eyes held a glint of humor. “Alright, alright. Let’s just try to leave her some oxygen to breathe tonight.”

Ignoring his brother’s complaints, Damon checked himself out in the mirror one last time, his gaze slightly softer as he thought about seeing you. “She deserves a proper prom night,” he murmured, more to himself than to Stefan. For a second, a look of genuine anticipation flickered in his eyes, something vulnerable and uncharacteristic, a glimpse of his softer side. “One she’ll remember.”

Stefan watched him for a moment, his own expression softening. “Agreed.”

The truth was, neither of them would admit it, but they were both nervous. The idea of a regular night where they could just enjoy your company, no threats, no looming dangers, was something they both hadn’t realized they craved until now. They wanted this night to be special for you, and, perhaps secretly, for themselves, too.

Stefan brushed his hair one last time, giving his reflection a final, approving nod. Damon adjusted his collar, straightening the lapel and flashing one last, self-assured grin in the mirror.

“Shall we?” Damon gestured toward the stairs, but as they both walked toward the door, Stefan couldn’t help but stop, catching a whiff of Damon’s overwhelming cologne. He raised an eyebrow, giving Damon a smirk.

“If she faints tonight, it won’t be from excitement,” he said dryly.

Damon laughed, waving him off. “Oh, please. She’ll love it. Besides, no one will be able to ignore my charm when I walk into that room.”

A knock at the door pulled you from your thoughts, and you opened it to find the Salvatore brothers standing there, both dressed in sharp, tailored suits. They looked every bit the part of classic gentlemen, yet each in their own way. Stefan with his calm, reassuring smile and Damon with his roguish smirk, his gaze lingering on you with open admiration.

“You look… incredible,” Stefan said softly, his eyes alight with warmth as he took in your appearance.

Damon stepped forward, his eyes glinting with his usual mischief, but there was a sincerity there that made your heart skip. “Well, princess, if I’d known you’d clean up this well, I would’ve asked you out sooner.”

You rolled your eyes, unable to suppress your smile. “Thank you. You both look… well, let’s just say the tuxes suit you.”

As they each offered you an arm, you slipped yours through theirs, feeling a thrill of excitement as you walked out of your house with the two of them by your side. Arriving at the prom with both Stefan and Damon drew some curious glances, whispers trailing behind you. But you ignored it all, your focus on the magic of the night and the two people who’d made it feel so special.

As the night went on, the three of you laughed, danced, and shared stories, the usual weight of Mystic Falls lifted, if only for a few hours. You found yourself captivated by Damon’s sharp wit, his playful remarks making you laugh more than you had in ages, while Stefan’s gentle kindness made you feel safe, his quiet strength grounding you in a way that felt natural and right.

When a slow song began, Damon gave Stefan a quick nod and took your hand, leading you to the dance floor. He wrapped his arm around your waist, pulling you close, his intense blue eyes locking onto yours as the two of you swayed in rhythm. For a moment, the world shrank to just the two of you, and you could feel the connection between you, a pull, a shared understanding, deeper than either of you could deny.

After the song ended, Damon reluctantly stepped back, giving Stefan a turn. Stefan’s touch was soft, his hand resting gently on your back as he guided you through the next song. There was a gentleness in his gaze, a tenderness that made you feel seen, truly seen, in a way you hadn’t before. As he held you, his eyes never left yours, and you could sense that he, too, felt something he couldn’t quite put into words.

When the music finally stopped, the three of you lingered on the dance floor, sharing a quiet, meaningful moment. Damon’s smirk softened as he glanced between you and Stefan, a flicker of genuine contentment in his expression.

“I’ll admit it,” he said, his voice a low murmur. “This was a pretty good idea.”

Stefan chuckled, nodding. “Agreed. I’m glad you asked us.”

You smiled, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness as you looked between the two of them. “Thank you… for making this night unforgettable.”

And as the three of you stood there, bathed in the glow of the twinkling lights, you knew that this was more than just a prom night. It was a memory, a rare and precious moment of peace and joy in a world filled with shadows. Whatever the future held, you knew this night would always be a reminder of the bond you shared, and the feelings that had quietly taken root between you and the Salvatores, feelings that promised to grow, even amid the turmoil of Mystic Falls.

The music at the Mystic Falls High gym is loud, pulsing with a beat that reverberates through the room, blending with the cheerful shouts and laughter of the students on the dance floor. The air is filled with the scents of perfume, cologne, and the faint aroma of punch. Damon and Stefan stand at the edge of the room, keeping a watchful eye on you as you move through the crowd in your elegant dress, the color complimenting your skin and the lights reflecting in your eyes. For the first time in what feels like forever, you’re smiling, carefree, sharing a moment with friends, soaking in the thrill of the night.

You glanced around, your instincts screaming that something was wrong. A figure in the shadows near the entrance caught your eye, his silhouette tall and ominous. Mikael. You knew the stories, heard the tales of his ruthless pursuit of the Originals, but he had never set his sights on you, until now.

Before Damon or Stefan could notice, you slipped quietly out the side door, hoping that maybe you could lure him away from the prom, away from everyone you cared about. But as soon as you stepped outside, you could feel Mikael’s presence, looming and heavy, like a predator stalking its prey. You took a deep breath, moving quickly down the empty school hallway, hearing the faintest echo of his footsteps behind you.

The announcement for prom royalty echoes over the speakers, and the crowd’s cheers swell as your name is called. “And this year’s prom Queen is… Y/N Gilbert!” The room erupts into applause, and heads turn, waiting for you to step forward.

But you don’t move. Damon’s playful smirk drops as he scans the crowd, his brows knitting in concern when he doesn’t see you. Stefan is quick to follow suit, his eyes darting around the gym, searching for any sign of you.

“Where did she go?” Damon mutters, the hint of worry creeping into his tone as he starts to push through the crowd, Stefan close behind.

“She was right here a minute ago,” Stefan’s brow furrowed, his eyes darting through the crowd

Damon didn’t wait another second. He pulled out his phone, ready to call you, when suddenly, it buzzed in his hand. Your name flashed on the screen, and he immediately pressed the answer button.

“Y/N? Where are you?” Damon’s voice was edged with worry.

Your breath came out in ragged gasps as you whispered into the phone, “Damon… Mikael is here. He’s… he’s chasing me. I had to leave the prom—I didn’t want him hurting anyone else.”

The weight of your words hung heavy, and Stefan’s eyes widened as he picked up on the conversation. He moved closer, trying to listen, his face contorted with worry and determination.

“Where are you?” Damon’s tone sharpened, the protective side of him igniting at the mention of Mikael’s name.

“I… I think I’m near the science wing. I’m trying to stay ahead of him, but he’s… fast.”

Stefan took the phone from Damon, his voice calm but urgent as he spoke. “Stay where you are, Y/N. We’re coming to get you. Don’t try to face him alone.”

You swallowed hard, glancing over your shoulder as Mikael’s silhouette emerged at the end of the hallway, his cold eyes locked onto you. “I’ll try. Just… hurry.”

With that, you ended the call, your heart pounding as you backed up, searching for an escape route. But Mikael’s predatory gaze never left you, his every step deliberate as he stalked toward you.

Damon and Stefan didn’t waste a second. They pushed through the crowd, ignoring the curious glances as they headed for the exit. Damon’s jaw was clenched, his eyes blazing with determination. “If he lays a hand on her…”

Stefan placed a steadying hand on Damon’s shoulder, his own face grim. “We’ll get to her first.”

They moved quickly through the dimly lit corridors, following the faint sound of your heartbeat, a skill both brothers had perfected over the years. The closer they got, the louder your heartbeat became, each rapid thump a painful reminder of the danger you were facing.

Meanwhile, you darted around the corner, your breathing shallow as you tried to stay quiet. But Mikael was relentless, his pace unwavering as he followed the trail of your scent. Every door you passed, every hallway you ducked into, seemed to only draw him closer.

“Do you really think you can outrun me?” Mikael’s voice echoed down the corridor, cold and taunting. “You may look like her, but you are not Katherine. You’re weaker, more… vulnerable.”

His words sent a shiver down your spine, and you clutched your phone tightly, hoping that Damon and Stefan were close. You could feel your strength waning, the adrenaline beginning to fade as the reality of your situation set in. But you knew you couldn’t let him see your fear.

You turned to face him, standing tall despite the tremor in your hands. “I’m not afraid of you, Mikael.”

He chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Brave words for someone so… fragile. I’ve taken down creatures far stronger than you.”

Damon and Stefan moved swiftly through the winding corridors of Mystic Falls High, their steps purposeful and their expressions set with determination. You were out there, facing Mikael alone, and every second counted. Nothing mattered more than reaching you. Their thoughts were focused solely on getting to you before Mikael had a chance to harm you.

But as they turned a corner in the empty hallway, they came face-to-face with none other than Klaus, Elijah, and Kol. The Mikaelson brothers stood there, blocking their path, each wearing an expression that ranged from mild curiosity to amusement.

“Where are you two rushing off to in such a hurry?�� Klaus asked, his voice light but laced with intrigue. “Don’t tell me there’s trouble brewing at the Mystic Falls High prom.”

Damon shot him a dark look, jaw clenched. “We don’t have time for this, Klaus. Get out of our way.”

Kol smirked, stepping closer, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “What’s the urgency, boys? You seem… tense. Care to share?”

Stefan cast a quick glance down the hall, clearly itching to move past them. “This isn’t any of your business. We need to go.”

But Elijah, with his usual composed demeanor, raised an eyebrow. “If this concerns Mystic Falls and involves my father, I’d say it is our business. What’s going on?”

Damon’s patience snapped. “Mikael’s after Y/N. She’s out there, alone, and we’re not wasting another second talking about it.”

Klaus’s smile faded instantly, replaced by a look of concern, and something else that flickered briefly in his eyes, something dark and protective. He exchanged a quick glance with his brothers, and for once, the usual rivalry between the Salvatores and the Mikaelsons seemed to fade.

“If Mikael’s after Y/N,” Klaus said, his voice low and dangerous, “then you’ll need all the help you can get. She’s valuable to us, too.”

Damon sneered, clearly unconvinced by the sudden show of camaraderie. “Right, because you care so much. Spare us the act, Klaus.”

But Elijah stepped forward, his gaze earnest. “This isn’t an act. Mikael’s vendetta is reckless and cruel, and if Y/N’s caught in his crossfire, it affects us all. Let us help.”

For a tense moment, Damon and Stefan stood there, sizing up the Originals. They knew the Mikaelsons had their own motives, but this wasn’t the time to argue. You were in danger, and any delay only gave Mikael more time to close in on you.

Finally, Stefan gave a quick nod. “Fine. But stay out of our way.”

Without waiting for a response, Damon and Stefan turned and resumed their sprint, and the Mikaelsons followed, their footsteps falling in sync as they raced through the school, united in a rare truce for the sake of protecting you.

As they approached the science wing, Damon’s ears picked up on a faint, familiar heartbeat, yours. It was rapid, but strong, and it propelled him forward even faster. When they rounded the corner, they spotted you at the end of the hall, trapped between Mikael and a row of lockers, his looming figure casting a shadow over you.

In an instant, the Salvatores and the Mikaelsons moved as one. Damon and Stefan surged forward, drawing Mikael’s attention away from you, while Elijah and Klaus moved to your side, each taking a protective stance in front of you.

Mikael turned, his expression twisting with disdain as he faced the five men now blocking his path. “Well, isn’t this a touching little reunion,” he sneered. “The Salvatore brothers and my wayward children, all coming together for a mortalgirl.”

Damon’s eyes blazed, his voice a deadly growl. “Call her that again, and you’ll regret it.”

Klaus smirked, a glint of satisfaction in his gaze as he added, “You always did underestimate the people we care about, Father. But tonight, you’re going to regret it.”

Mikael’s face darkened, but before he could respond, Kol lunged forward with supernatural speed, striking the first blow. The others followed suit, surrounding Mikael in a whirlwind of force, each blow fierce and unyielding. Damon and Stefan fought side by side with the Mikaelsons, their combined strength holding Mikael at bay, pushing him back with every strike.

Meanwhile, Elijah turned to you, his voice gentle despite the chaos. “Are you hurt?”

You shook your head, still catching your breath. “No… but thank you.”

He nodded, a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “Stay behind us. We won’t let him near you again.”

Klaus threw a look over his shoulder, his voice laced with unexpected concern. “Get her out of here, Elijah. We’ll handle this.”

But you stepped forward, determination flaring in your eyes. “I’m not leaving any of you to face him alone. He came here for me, and I won’t run.”

Damon, catching the exchange, shot you a quick look, his expression both exasperated and protective. “Stubborn as ever, aren’t you?” he muttered, though there was a hint of admiration in his voice.

Finally, with one final, powerful blow from Klaus, Mikael staggered back, his eyes blazing with anger. He took a moment to assess the line of his enemies, his gaze moving from the Salvatores to the Mikaelsons, before he gave a cold, bitter laugh.

“You think this is over?” he sneered, locking eyes with each of you. “This girl is a weakness, a liability. She’ll be the end of you all.”

With that, Mikael disappeared into the shadows, his promise lingering ominously in the air.

As silence fell, Damon turned to you, his shoulders relaxing as he took in the sight of you, safe and unharmed. He moved toward you, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “Next time, don’t run off without us. Got it?”

You managed a shaky smile. “Got it.”

Stefan gave you a gentle smile, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “We’re glad you’re okay.”

Klaus watched the exchange, his expression thoughtful, though he quickly masked it with his usual cool demeanor. “Looks like we’re all a bit protective, aren’t we?”

Damon glanced at Klaus, the usual animosity softened, if only for the moment. “This doesn’t mean we’re friends, Klaus. But… thanks.”

Klaus smirked, giving a nod. “Trust me, Salvatore, it’s a one-time alliance. But you’re welcome.”

With that, the Mikaelsons turned, disappearing down the hall, leaving you and the Salvatores in a rare, quiet moment. Stefan pulled you close, and Damon wrapped his arm around you, a silent promise of protection.

As you walked out of the school, flanked by the Salvatores, you felt a sense of gratitude and belonging. No matter what threats loomed, you knew you weren’t alone, and with Damon and Stefan by your side, you could face anything.

The night was finally quiet as you stood in the empty school parking lot with Damon and Stefan by your side, each of them visibly relieved that you were safe. After everything that had happened, you felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude and affection for them, and without a second thought, you pulled both of them into a warm, thankful hug.

Damon’s arms wrapped around you first, holding you protectively, while Stefan smiled softly, his hand resting gently on your shoulder. For a moment, everything felt right, a rare moment of peace in Mystic Falls. But just as you closed your eyes, letting the safety of their embrace sink in, a voice cut through the silence, sending a chill down your spine.

As you walked out of the school with Damon and Stefan on either side, a sense of calm finally settled over you. The night had been intense, terrifying even, but you had made it through with them by your side. Their presence grounded you, and the silent comfort they offered was all you needed. You came to a stop, turning to face both of them, and a small smile spread across your face.

“Thank you,” you whispered, wrapping your arms around both of them in a warm embrace. It was a moment you had needed, to feel safe, supported, and understood. Damon rested his chin on your head, his usual smirk replaced by a rare, soft expression, while Stefan’s arms wrapped protectively around you.

But the moment was short-lived.

A familiar voice, smooth and taunting, cut through the quiet, sending a chill down your spine. “Well, isn’t this touching?”

You froze, your heart thudding as you slowly turned to see Katherine Pierce standing a few feet away, her lips curled into a smug smile as she took in the scene before her.

Damon and Stefan’s relaxed postures vanished instantly. They stepped in front of you, shielding you from Katherine as their gazes hardened. Damon crossed his arms, his tone sharp and suspicious. “Katherine. What are you doing back in town?”

Stefan’s eyes narrowed, his stance protective. “Last I heard, you had no reason to be here.”

Katherine ignored them, her eyes locking onto you with a look that was both intense and unnervingly affectionate. She took a step closer, her gaze appraising. “I came back for my daughter,” she said, her voice smooth but carrying a weight of finality. “And I’m not leaving without her.”

Your breath caught in your throat, her words settling heavily as the truth began to dawn on you. Daughter. The word echoed in your mind, sharp and disorienting. You glanced between Damon and Stefan, your shock mirrored in their expressions as they exchanged a stunned look.

Damon was the first to break the silence, his voice thick with disbelief and anger. “Wait. Your daughter? Since when do you have a daughter?”

Katherine’s smirk only deepened. “Oh, come now, Damon. Did you think my life began and ended with you two? There’s so much you don’t know.”

You took a shaky step forward, your eyes never leaving Katherine’s. “What… are you talking about?”

Katherine’s gaze softened, though there was a glint of something almost predatory in her eyes as she looked at you. “You’re my blood, Y/N. My own flesh and blood. You may have thought Elena was your only family, but there’s more to the story than anyone told you.”

Stefan’s voice was cold, his protective side flaring as he stepped closer to you. “If this is some twisted game, Katherine, it ends now. She’s been through enough tonight.”

Katherine held her hands up in mock innocence, a hint of amusement in her gaze. “Oh, don’t worry, Stefan. I don’t intend to hurt her. Quite the opposite, in fact. I want her to come with me, to leave this dull little town behind and be a part of something bigger.”

Damon’s eyes narrowed, a mix of anger and suspicion clouding his expression. “After everything you’ve put us through, you expect us to just hand her over to you?”

Katherine let out a low chuckle. “I don’t expect anything from you, Damon. But Y/N deserves to know the truth. She deserves to know who she really is.”

Your heart pounded as you stared at Katherine, every instinct telling you to be wary, yet something in her gaze drew you in. There was a strange familiarity in her face, a resemblance you had always ignored, but now couldn’t deny. The way her eyes sparkled, the way her smirk mirrored your own… it was like seeing pieces of yourself in someone else.

But confusion and hurt welled up within you, and you shook your head, taking a step back. “Why now? Why would you show up now, after all these years, and claim to be my mother?”

Katherine’s expression softened, but there was still a calculating edge to her gaze. “Because, my dear, I’ve kept my distance to protect you. But things have changed.“

Damon clenched his fists, stepping between you and Katherine once more, his voice filled with a dark warning. “If you think we’ll let you just waltz in and drag her into your mess, you’re delusional. She’s not going anywhere with you.”

Stefan’s eyes darkened, his protective instincts kicking in as he placed a steadying hand on your shoulder. “She has a life here, Katherine. Friends, people who care about her. You can’t just claim her like a prize and expect her to follow you.”

Katherine arched an eyebrow, her tone sharp. “Oh, but I can. Because I am her mother, and I’ve done everything in my power to keep her hidden from the dangers that haunt my life. Unlike you, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.”

You swallowed hard, emotions swirling inside you, fear, anger, disbelief, and something you couldn’t quite place. A strange curiosity that tugged at the edges of your mind. You looked at Damon and Stefan, their faces set with determination, a silent promise that they wouldn’t let Katherine take you without a fight. But part of you couldn’t help but wonder if there was truth to Katherine’s words.

“What if… what if she’s telling the truth?” you whispered, barely able to get the words out.

Stefan looked down at you, his expression softening as he saw the confusion in your eyes. “Y/N, whatever she’s saying, you don’t have to go with her. You don’t owe her anything.”

Damon’s gaze flickered with a protective intensity as he nodded in agreement. “She’s lied more times than I can count. She’s only ever looked out for herself.”

But Katherine’s voice broke through, filled with conviction. “You may not trust me, but you can’t deny the truth of who you are. Y/N, you’re stronger than you know, and I’m the only one who can help you tap into that power. I can teach you things these two never could.”

The offer hung in the air, and Katherine’s gaze never wavered as she held her hand out to you, an invitation and a challenge. “Come with me, Y/N. Let me show you what you’re truly capable of.”

You stared at her outstretched hand, a part of you tempted by the mystery she promised to reveal. But as you glanced at Damon and Stefan, standing resolutely by your side, their loyalty and love a constant reminder of the life you had built here, you felt torn.

With a shaky breath, you looked Katherine in the eye, your voice steadier than you felt. “Maybe you are my mother. Maybe there’s a part of me that wants to know more… but I’m not going anywhere with you. I belong here, with people who care about me.”

Damon placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, his voice full of quiet pride. “She made her choice, Katherine. And it’s not you.”

Katherine’s face hardened, her gaze flicking between the three of you. “Fine,” she spat, her voice laced with venom. “But don’t think this is over. You may feel safe now, but one day, you’ll need me. And when that day comes, don’t expect the same kindness I’m offering now.”

With a final, piercing look, Katherine spun on her heel, disappearing into the shadows, leaving a cold silence in her wake.

You stood there, your mind still racing, and Stefan wrapped his arm around you, his warmth a balm against the lingering chill Katherine left behind. “You don’t have to face this alone, Y/N,” he murmured. “We’re here. Always.”

Damon gave you a reassuring smile, his arm slinging protectively around your shoulders. “And if Katherine comes back? She’ll have to go through us first.”

As the Salvatores led you into your house, you could barely hold back the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm you. The events of the night, the encounter with Mikael, the terrifying chase, and Katherine’s bombshell revelation, had left you feeling raw and exposed. Damon kept a gentle hand on your back as you walked through the door, while Stefan lingered beside you, offering silent support.

Once inside, you caught a glimpse of Elena waiting in the living room. She rose to her feet the moment she saw you, concern etched across her face, but you couldn’t bring yourself to look at her. Without a word, you brushed past her, tears gathering in your eyes as you hurried up the stairs. You heard her call your name, but you just couldn’t deal with her questions or confusion right now. All you wanted was a moment alone to process the whirlwind of emotions tearing through you.

Elena’s face fell as she watched you disappear upstairs, her brow furrowing in confusion. She turned her gaze toward Damon and Stefan, who remained in the entryway, both of them looking grim and exhausted. She crossed her arms, an angry spark flaring in her eyes. “Alright,” she demanded, her voice sharp. “What happened? Why is my sister, no, my twin, crying?”

Damon sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair, clearly in no mood for another confrontation. “Elena, it’s been a long night. Maybe we can talk about this in the morning.”

But Elena wasn’t having it. She planted herself firmly in front of them, blocking their path as her gaze darted between the two brothers. “No. I want answers. You two were supposed to protect her, and now she’s up there crying her heart out! What did you do?”

Stefan’s jaw tightened, his usual calm demeanor wavering as he glanced up the stairs, clearly worried about you. He looked back at Elena, his tone soft but steady. “It wasn’t us, Elena. Katherine showed up tonight.”

Elena blinked, taken aback, and for a moment, her angry expression faltered. “Katherine?” She let out an exasperated sigh. “What does she have to do with any of this?”

Damon’s eyes darkened, his expression guarded. “She’s the reason Y/N was crying. Katherine… she told her something. Something that none of us saw coming.”

Elena rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “What, that she has some new plan to ruin our lives? Or that she’s out to hurt us all again?” She crossed her arms tighter, an edge of skepticism in her voice.

Stefan took a step closer, his expression serious. “No, Elena. She told Y/N that she’s her mother.”

Elena’s mouth dropped open, and then she let out a short, incredulous laugh. “What? You can’t be serious. That’s just… Katherine being Katherine. She’s playing one of her twisted games, and you two actually believe her?”

Damon crossed his arms, his gaze steady. “We don’t know for sure, but it hit Y/N hard. Katherine told her she came back specifically because Mikael was after her, and that the only reason she stayed away this long was to protect her.”

Elena scoffed, rolling her eyes again. “And you actually think that’s true? Katherine only looks out for herself. She’s lied to all of us more times than I can count. This is just another manipulation tactic to get under Y/N’s skin, and clearly, it worked.”

Stefan looked at her, a flicker of frustration in his usually composed expression. “It’s not that simple, Elena. Katherine seemed… different. She was cold, but there was something else in her eyes when she looked at Y/N. Something real. And Y/N feels it too, even if she doesn’t know what to make of it.”

Elena’s eyes blazed with anger as she shook her head, disbelief twisting her features. “So, let me get this straight. Katherine shows up, spins some ridiculous story about being Y/N’s mother, and you two just… believe her? She’s doing this to mess with her head, to make her doubt herself, and you’re playing right into it.”

Damon’s face hardened, his voice dropping to a dangerous calm. “Elena, believe what you want, but you didn’t see the way Y/N reacted. She’s not just upset, she’s questioning everything about her life right now. Katherine got to her in a way none of us expected, and if there’s even a chance that she’s telling the truth, then Y/N has the right to know.”

Elena let out a frustrated noise, pacing back and forth. “She has a family, me, and she’s letting Katherine, of all people, get inside her head. It’s exactly what Katherine wants! You two were supposed to protect her from people like her, not indulge in her twisted mind games.”

Stefan’s patience seemed to wear thin as he stepped closer to Elena, his tone firm. “We’re trying to protect her, Elena. But this isn’t just some lie we can brush off. For Y/N, this is about her identity. Whether it’s true or not, she deserves the space to figure it out without us dismissing her feelings.”

Elena’s expression hardened, and she shot them both an accusatory glare. “So, what, you’re just going to let Katherine manipulate her, twist her around until she doesn’t know who she is? I thought you cared about her.”

Damon’s eyes flared with anger, his voice sharp. “We do care, Elena. That’s why we’re letting her make her own choices. She’s strong, stronger than you’re giving her credit for. This isn’t about controlling her; it’s about giving her the support she needs.”

Elena scoffed, disbelief still evident in her tone. “Right. Support. By letting Katherine just walk into her life and saying that My twin is her daughter.”

Stefan shook his head, his voice calm but unyielding. “Elena, if you want to help, then be there for her when she’s ready to talk. She needs her family right now, and that includes you. But we can’t ignore the possibility that there’s more to her story than we know.”

Elena opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, a quiet sound drifted down from the stairs, a muffled sob, barely audible but enough to pierce through the tense silence in the room.

All three of them paused, their gazes turning toward the stairs. The anger in Elena’s expression softened, replaced by a flicker of worry as she listened to the sound of your crying. A moment passed, and she let out a long breath, her shoulders slumping slightly as she seemed to grapple with her frustration and concern.

Damon glanced at her, his tone softening. “She’s up there, questioning everything she thought she knew. We’re not asking you to believe Katherine, we’re just asking you to be there for her, to understand what she’s going through.”

Elena looked at him, her expression conflicted, but finally nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Fine. I’ll… try. But I don’t trust Katherine, and neither should any of you.”

Stefan gave her a small, reassuring nod. “None of us trust her, Elena. But right now, Y/N needs us to support her. We’ll deal with Katherine later.”

With a final, wary look, Elena relented, letting the tension slip from her posture. Damon and Stefan exchanged a relieved glance, and with a quiet sigh, they moved toward the stairs to check on you, hoping that when the time came, all of you could face the truth together, whatever it turned out to be.

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