So I went a little crazy and wrote more than I intended. Hope you enjoy. Let me know if you would like to read more Tristan/Rebekah stories!

"Good morning sister," Elijah looked up from the breakfast table, as Rebekah made her entrance into the dining hall.

"Elijah," she nodded nervously as she took her seat next to Kol.

She wondered if she looked different. Could her brothers tell that she was a changed woman? She nervously reached across the table for a biscuit from a platter.

"The Count and his family will not be dining with us this morning," Elijah stood to pour her a cup of tea.

"Why not?" she furrowed her brow with worry.

It wasn't like Tristan and his family to miss breakfast. She felt immediate fear that they had been found out already.

"Yes, the Count is preparing for our trip into the next city and his children appear to be preoccupied."

Tristan. He was preoccupied disposing of the guard's body, she gathered. She caught a confused expression on Klaus' face at the mention of Aurora. Apparently he had not been informed.

"You're going on a trip?" Rebekah looked up at him in thanks as he finished with her tea.

"Yes, the men are going for trade," Elijah took his seat again.

"You two girls are not invited," Kol laughed, nudging his sister in the shoulder spitefully.

"Why would I want to go anywhere with that stuffy old Count?" Rebekah pondered.

"You will do well not to speak ill of our host, Rebekah," Elijah sighed "If we are to stay here, we must continue to be grateful for all he has provided for us."

"If you ask me, you are growing more and more like the Count with every day that passes," Finn sneared.

"I am meerly learning manners and sophistication," Elijah cut his eyes over at his least favorite brother "Something that shall serve us well, if we are to keep up this charade. Perhaps, you should be doing the same."

There were a few minutes of silence. Just the tinkering of dishes as they ate.

"And what shall you do today sister?" Klaus finally spoke, forcing her to make eye contact with him.

It was easier to look at him now, knowing that she was no better than him. She was putting their family at risk almost as much as he was. The only difference being Aurora knew the truth about who they were.

"I'm sure Aurora and I will find something with which to entertain ourselves," she replied, looking over her teacup.

"I'm sure you will," he licked the smile from his lips "You two have spent very little time together as of late."

"Yes, well, Aurora is awfully fond of you Nik," Rebekah felt her cheeks blush heavily.

"And what have you been spending your time doing?" Kol raised an eyebrow "I never see you on the grounds."

Rebekah fidgeted nervously where she sat. All of her brothers' eyes boring a hole through her.

Before she could formulate a proper answer, they were thankfully interrupted.

"Are the gentlemen ready?" a guard walked in "The Count and the Lord Tristan are waiting outside."

"Yes," Elijah stood, wiping his mouth with a napkin "We shall be there shortly."

The guard nodded and took his leave. The men stood from the table and filed out one behind the other. Rebekah caught Elijah by the arm before he exited last.

"Elijah," she squeezed his bicep with urgency "I must speak with you when you return."

"Very well," he nodded "Is everything all right sister?"

"Yes," she smiled "Everything is wonderful."

He looked at her with confusion and then patted her hand lightly before leaving her alone. It was only then she realized that the guard had said Tristan would be going along on the trip too and she rushed outside to see them off.

Aurora was gathered around Tristan, her arm looped through his affectionately.

"Now you promise to bring me something, brother?" she smiled like a child.

"Yes, something beautiful," he smiled back at her, placing a quick kiss on the top of her head.

As he moved toward his horse, he caught sight of Rebekah standing in the background. He wanted nothing more than to rush over to her, kiss her and tell her he would miss her every second they were apart. Instead, he nodded at her and lifted himself swiftly upon his horse. This trip was a surprise to him and he had not had proper time to warn her of his absence.

"We shall be back in three days time" the Count informed the guards, as the group of men raced away from the home and eventually out of sight.

"Rebekah," Aurora walked over to her "At last we have some time alone."

"Yes," she shifted uncomfortably "It seems that we do."

"What shall we find to amuse ourselves, hm?" she giggled "We could pass the time by aggitating Lucien but I'm afraid my father has sent him out to work today."

"Lucien is keeping our secret then?" Rebekah whispered, as the two women made their way toward the gardens.

"Oh yes," she nodded "Lucien wants nothing more than to travel with your family when you decide to move on, as do I."

"I hope we stay here for a long time," Rebekah sighed "I like it here."

"There is nothing here for me, except for Tristan," Aurora reached out and plucked a white rose from a bush "I am sure with some convincing, I could get him to agree to come along. I dare not leave him behind."

"Do you think Tristan would accept what Niklaus..What we all are?" Rebekah asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

"Tristan loves power, he craves it," Aurora looked up at her "The very idea that he could have speed, strength, stamina like all of you...He would want nothing more."

"You believe he would want to be like us?"

"I'm almost sure of it," Aurora tucked the rose over Rebekah's ear "I know that I do. I want to be equal with Nik."

"It is not all as wonderful as it sounds Aurora," she turned and they continued their walk "We have to hide, as we are now. So much of the world would turn their backs on us if they knew the truth. What kind of life is it, if you have to be in hiding?"

"It is exciting!" Aurora smiled "It is unpredictable. You have a purpose in your life, Rebekah Mikaelson. You have the power to do anything you wish. You mustn't take it for granted."

"I only desire to have what you have sweet girl," Rebekah smiled over at her friend "I want to be human. I want to be normal again."

"Human," Aurora shook her head "I find that to be boring beyond all measure."

"If only we could trade fates," Rebekah sighed, as they stopped and sat down under an arbor "I wish that we could."

"As do I," Aurora reached out and began twirling Rebekah's hair around her finger "I must admit I have missed our little talks."

"I am, I am very sorry for the way I spoke to you Aurora," Rebekah looked over into her friend's eyes "I only wanted to protect my family, to protect Niklaus."

"I know that," Aurora nodded in understanding "Niklaus has been so worried about you. He is so fond of you that sometimes I think you are one soul in two bodies."

"The same could be said for Tristan and yourself," Rebekah observed "The pull of family is powerful."

"Yes," Aurora nodded "Especially when our brothers are all we have...But now I have Niklaus as well."

Rebekah smiled. Every part of her being wanted to spill her secret to Aurora. She wanted to let her know that she too had found love and happiness. She wanted to tell anyone who would listen, but for now she must remain silent.

"Shall we go pick some lavender?" Aurora broke her out of her thoughts.

"Lavender?"

"Yes, there is a field of lavender not far from here. It is mine and Niklaus' most sacred spot. We could go gather some for tea."

Rebekah's heart was already aching missing Tristan. Where were they going? Just how long would she be without him? Who would he encounter on the way?

"Rebekah," Aurora shook her head "Where are your thoughts? Certainly not here with me in this garden."

"I'm sorry," she blushed "Tea sounds lovely."

The two girls walked arm and arm toward the purple field. It smelled divine.

"It is so beautiful here that I often am afraid if I close my eyes, the beauty of it might disappear," Aurora observed as the wind caught her auburn hair.

"It is beautiful," Rebekah echoed her thoughts, as she bent down and picked some, holding it to her nose.

"You will always have your beauty," Aurora marveled, as they both gathered the flower "It shall never fade."

"Are you envious of that as well?" Rebekah shook her head "Aurora, there are many advantages to being among the living."

"Such as?"

"Not feeding on humans for one thing," Rebekah sat down "Do you know how horrible it is to feel pure joy as you drink from an innocent person? Every time I do it...I am ashamed. I am ashamed at my disregard for life, ashamed of not being able to control my feelings..."

"Niklaus says that Kol shares his victims with you," Aurora raised an eyebrow "Is that so you will not feel blame?"

"I suppose it is," Rebekah's eyes fell to the ground "Kol has no qualms about devouring every servant girl he crosses...And I have to feed."

There was silence as the two girls sat on the hill, with the warm breezes blowing through the trees and the lavender.

"While I understand that your habits are unusual," Aurora finally spoke "There are many benefits to your situation. As I said before, you will never grow old. You will be powerful against anyone. You, as a woman, can protect herself from harm."

"Harm is not always physical, Aurora," Rebekah drew her knees to her chest "My father wants to murder us for what we are...He who helped create us wants us dead...Having your father hate you...That is very painful."

Aurora saw she was making no headway in her plea and she could see the pain on her friend's face. She stood, her arms filled with lavender and let out a sigh.

"I believe we have enough. Come, we shall make a great tea for us. Perhaps if Lucien is good to us, he can even have some."

Rebekah smiled, and followed her toward the house.

"And how are you adjusting, Lucien?" Rebekah asked over their lavender tea a few hours later.

She had noticed he looked more refined. His hair was well kempt and he had a new heir about him, very much like Niklaus when he turned. He had once been a meek, helpless stable boy. He was now confident, even arrogant.

"I rather enjoy it," he quipped as he took a sip from his cup "The beautifully agonizing pull of blood. I have only you to thank for it Lady Rebekah."

"Me?" Rebekah raised her eyebrow in confusion.

"Yes, if you had not insisted on your brothers sparing my life that day in the clearing," he leaned back "I would not be the man I am today."

Rebekah tried but she could not resist the urge to roll her eyes, something he noticed. A little smile played on his lips.

"There has been such a change in you, Lucien," Auorora marveled "You would normally be afraid beyond measure to sit with us for tea. I see no fear in your eyes now."

"Who am I to fear? Tristan?" Lucien laughed aloud "Many pardons Lady Aurora, but Tristan is a fearless lunatic. He knows the nature of our kind and yet, he does not fear it."

Rebekah almost dropped her tea cup on the table. Aurora's face narrowed in annoyance at Lucien's choice of words.

"He knows the nature of what kind, Lucien?" her Rebekah's widened with fear.

"Before I turned, he questioned Nik and Elijah about the rumors circling the villages. Rumors of monsters who drained people of blood. Monsters with sharp teeth and glowing eyes. Nik showed his face to Tristan during one of my many lashings, which have coincidentally stopped once I rose from the dead."

"I thought that had all been explained away as a mistake?" Rebekah stumbled "Everyone was told the doctor was wrong to pronounce you dead and you recovered from your injuries."

"Come now Rebekah," Lucien spoke to her as if she were some naive child "Who would believe such a tale? Except perhaps that witch that lurks around the manor...It is no mistake that Tristan knows what I am, what Nik is. He watched a lance go through my heart...Though why he chooses to remain quiet I will never know. Perhaps to hold as leverage over your family."

"Tristan knows we are vampires?" Rebekah breathed aloud.

"Not necessarily you love," Lucien poured another round of tea "I do think he might rather fancy you."

"Oh I agree," Aurora smirked over her cup "I have noticed the way my brother gazes at you. I have never seen him look at anyone that way."

"But if he thinks of me as a monster, he could never think of me any other way," Rebekah shook her head.

"All I know is that he is onto Niklaus, and myself," Lucien shrugged "I have not inquired further because, forgive me lady Aurora, Tristan's opinion matters not to me."

"That is the second snide remark you have made about my brother," Aurora scowled "If you make a third, I shall have to dismiss you no matter how many pardons you give."

Lucien surpressed the urge to laugh.

"I, I need to go lie down," Rebekah stood, she felt as if her legs would give away from under her.

She felt like all of her blood had rushed to her head, dizzy and spinning as if she couldn't get her footing.

"Are you all right Lady Rebekah?" Lucien stood with worry "Would you like for me to walk you?"

Sure, he chided Rebekah but truthfully he was quite fond of her. She was the only one besides Niklaus who had a personality he found bareable.

"No, no I'll be fine," she whispered, as she started down the hallway with her hands holding her up against the walls.

When she reached her room, she crumpled on the bed in tears. Tristan had known the whole time about Niklaus, possibly about her and yet he had promised to marry her? He had slept in her bed, she had given him her body, her whole being. He might be using all of it to gain leverage over her family or to out them to Mikael or the Count. She was a foolish, foolish girl. Her brothers would never forgive her for this. She would never forgive herself. Most of all she would never forgive Tristan.

Rebekah had been horrified later that night when she had went to Aurora's room. She had intended on telling her everything, confiding in her only friend the heartbreak she was feeling. Instead, she found Aurora covered in blood where she had tried to end her life. The idea of Aurora dying sent such fear through Rebekah she offered her blood without hesitation. It was for Niklaus. For herself. For Tristan.

Once Aurora had recovered and she felt sure she had talked her out of her silly fascinations with vampirism, she left. It was not the right time to be telling the truth about her relationship. Aurora was vulnerable and weak, she needed rest.

So she paced. At first, she walked inside the manor. The servants were asleep, Lucien was nowhere to be found. She looked at artwork, marveled the architecture, anything to stay distracted. She felt like her heart had been ripped from her chest. Every moment until she could see Tristan was so painful. She wanted to know the truth. She wanted to know what he knew and why he had pretended to love her.

Finally, she took her pacing outside on the grounds. Torches were lit all around the perimeter, so when she turned a corner she was able to see a crumpled body. She recognized the red hair immediately and rushed toward Aurora.

"What have you done?" she grabbed up Aurora's lifeless body "You silly, silly girl!"

She felt tears welling in her eyes. Aurora had drank her blood, just like Lucien. She would become a vampire. Niklaus would be furious, Tristan would be even more so.

Aurora began to stir in her arms and her eyes flew open with eagerness.

"Did it work?" she gasped, sitting up quickly.

"What did you do to yourself?" Rebekah shook her head "Aurora you have made a terrible mistake."

"Blood," Aurora stood to her feet "I need to feed on human blood...Rebekah you must help me."

"You tricked me," Rebekah stood in front of her, tears streaming from her eyes "That's what you de Martels do, isn't it? You manipulate and lie to get what you want!"

"What are you talking about?" Aurora shook her head in confusion "I only wanted to be like you. Now I am! When Niklaus returns he will have a lover, a partner who is his equal. We can truly be together forever, like we have always wanted."

Rebekah let out a heavy sigh and took Aurora by the arm.

"Come," she pulled her "We shall go to the prison below the manor. You can feed there."

"Yes," Aurora smiled "I shall feed on the wicked."

"We are the wicked, Aurora."

"They are back!" Aurora burst through Rebekah's door.

Rebekah and Lucien had been working with Aurora night and day, following her turning. They tried to help her control bloodlust, taught her when and how to hunt. Aurora immediately took to her fast speed and strength.

As night fell on the third day, Rebekah had retreated to her bedchamber. She knew they would be home soon. Tristan would be home. And Niklaus. Niklaus would be so furious at what she had done.

"Rebekah do not worry," Aurora walked over to her bed where she sat frozen "I will explain everything to Niklaus. If there is anyone to be angry with, it shall be me. This was my choice."

"And what of Tristan?" Rebekah stood, allowing Aurora to take her by the hand.

"We shall keep it from him, for now," Aurora smiled "It shall be our secret. I will tell him when the time is right."

Aurora pulled Rebekah out into the courtyard, as the men trudged in. They were clearly tired from their travels, several guards were pulling trunks and bags behind them. Rebekah scanned their faces until she began to see her brothers emerge.

"Sister," Elijah met her first, planting a soft kiss on her cheek "We shall speak tomorrow."

"Yes," she nodded "Get some rest, brother."

Finn grumbled a hello on his way past her. Kol quickly kissed her cheek before he disappeared with a trunk of his own and a devilish grin on his face.

Niklaus was last, with his hair pulled back at the nape of his neck. When he saw Aurora, his eyes lit up with excitement. Rebekah felt like a weight had been dropped into her stomach. She watched as Aurora quickly pulled him aside and Rebekah's expert hearing allowed her to know that Aurora had shared her news. His face fell immediately, glancing over at his sister and then back at Aurora, before leaving them both in the courtyard.

Aurora looked over at Rebekah with shock. She never expected Niklaus to react with such displeasure.

"Go to him," Rebekah whispered "He will be expecting you...You mustn't let him push you away."

"Sister!"

They both turned to find Tristan stepping forward, with his arms held open. Aurora quickly filled the emptiness between them. Although, Rebekah knew it had much more to do with Niklaus than it did with missing him.

"I got you a wonderful gift my sweet Aurora," he smiled down at her when she finally let go.

"I, I am feeling quite tired brother. Perhaps we could speak tomorrow," she forced a smile "I can not wait to see it."

She quickly excused herself before he could say another word. His eyes drifted up to land on Rebekah standing further back in the courtyard. Their gazes locked and she immediately felt sick. He was so beautiful. So perfect. And she had thought he was her's. She fled too, leaving Tristan alone.

"Rebekah?" she heard his voice calling at her door minutes later "Rebekah, let me inside at once."

She stood up and walked toward the door. If she opened it, he would confirm her worst fears.

"My love," he pleaded "Please permit me."

She closed her eyes tightly, bracing for the worst as she unlocked the hinge and opened it. There he stood with a worried expression on his face.

"Are you well?" he walked inside and took her hands in his.

Rebekah forced herself to pull her hands away and she turned her back to him, moving toward her window.

"Rebekah, please speak to me," he walked up behind her "Something weighs upon your heart."

"Does anything weigh upon yours, my lord?" she turned, tears already brimming in her eyes.

"What do you mean? Have I done something to displease you?"

"How long have you known?" she found herself growing angry through her tears.

"Known what, my love?" he shook his head.

"About Niklaus," she spat back.

"Niklaus?"

"What he is...What Lucien is..."

Realization fell over his face and she saw his features harden with disapproval.

"Your brother is not of this world...I have known that for quite some time. He had no qualms with showing me his beastly face."

"And you never thought you should address this with me?" Rebekah was growing angrier.

"I assumed you knew and whatever kind of monster your brother is, it has nothing to do with us."

"Why have you told no one?" she narrowed her eyes at him.

He didn't answer, but his eyes fell to the floor.

"You wanted to use what you learned to manipulate my family. You wanted to harm, possibly destroy my brothers for your own personal gain. Did you not?"

"Rebekah," he sighed, finally looking back up at her "I had no intentions of hurting you..."

"Did you or did you not plan to expose my family?" she spat again.

He didn't answer. He just stared at her.

She took a deep breath. It was time she owned up to her lies too. No matter what the cost.

"I...am like my brothers," she said slowly "I have the face of a beast as well. We all do."

She saw genuine surprise come across his face and she felt the weight return to her gut.

"No," he shook his head "You are not like Niklaus..."

"I am exactly like Niklaus. My entire family is like Niklaus," she spoke quickly "My mother was a powerful witch who cast an immortality spell on us. We are cursed to live as long as the world exists. We feed on blood...Human blood. We have speed and agility and strength unlike any you have ever seen."

Tristan continued to shake his head.

"But I am not a monster. I am not a beast who preys on the weak and vulnerable. I can control it. I will not sit by and watch you expose my family."

"Rebekah," he reached for her arm and she was amazed.

He still wanted to touch her? She was surprised he hadn't fled from the room yet.

"My love, you are not a monster," he whispered "You are the woman that I love. The woman I long to marry...Please tell me this is not true."

"It is true, Tristan," she sighed.

He was silent. She could tell he was trying his best to hold back the rage he was feeling inside of himself. This caused her to cry even harder until her whole body was shaking from the sobs.

She had kept enough secrets from him. She might as well tell him everything.

"And there's more," she managed to speak "Aurora is now one of us."

This caused his eyes to ignite with fire.

"What?!" he spat venom.

She had never heard such rage in his voice.

"She has known about us for a while. You know about her fondness for Niklaus...She desired to be one of us..."

"No," he shook his head "These words that you speak, they are lies. Someone has filled your head with lies Rebekah!"

"She attempted to end her life and I saved her...with my blood...With my blood in her system, she knew if she died she would become like us...She threw herself out the window of her bedchamber. I found her. I watched her as she came back to life...Just as Lucien did before her."

"No, Aurora would never do that," he started to pace "Aurora would never become what..."

"What I am?" Rebekah whispered, suddenly feeling a wave of shame "She would never become a monster?"

She knew Tristan regretted the words by the expression on his face but it did nothing for the pain she was feeling.

"I must go to her," he stared into her eyes "I must see this for myself. That my sister is what you say."

"And if I prove truthful?" she continued to hold his gaze.

"I do not know. You shall await my return, do you understand Rebekah? Please give me time..."

She nodded as she watched him leave, then slid down onto the floor. To wait.

Hours later, she heard the door to her room squeek open. Her eyes were swollen from crying but she could see Tristan slowly walk into the room and lock the door behind him.

She couldn't speak or move. She just waited. She waited for him to berate her and cast her out of the house. She waited for him to denounce his love for her and call her a vile, souless monster.

Instead, she watched him stoop to the ground until he was even with her face. She forced herself to look up into his eyes.

"Your worst fears have been confirmed, have they not?"

"Aurora explained what happened. She showed me who she is now..." he said in a hoarse voice.

"You want me to go, for us to go. I shall speak with Elijah in the..."

"Aurora is what you said and yet I love her the same," Tristan interrupted "She seems to be happy in the state she is in. I do not understand it but I know I do not love her less."

"And what of me?" she sniffed back tears "Am I granted the same love? Or am I now banished from my lord's heart?"

"I look at you and you are the woman I have grown to love more ferociously than I ever thought possible. Happiness has never been a family trait. The fact that I have found someone who can make me feel this way...I will not lose it."

"What?" Rebekah gasped, looking back up at him.

"You will be my wife, Rebekah. Our plans have not changed. That is, if you still wish to accept my offer after I behaved so unnoble?"

"I want to believe you," she reached out and held his face in her hands "I want to believe that you mean what you say. That you will not destroy my family. That you won't break my heart into a thousand shattered pieces and then laugh as I burn."

"I will protect that heart with every breath in my body, just as I promised. I will guard your family's secret because your secrets, are now my own. Nothing, not even this dark side of you, will change my vow...We all have a darkside Rebekah...You know mine."

"You promise me," she whispered, pressing her head to his chest "Promise me that you are speaking from your own heart."

"I promise on my sister's life. On my own. My devotion to you has not faltered. My desire for you has not waned. I will love you until I no longer exist."

She felt his arms wrap around her and she instantly felt safe. He was telling the truth. He meant to keep his word. She relaxed a little as she felt his hands slide into her hair.

"I brought you a gift," he murmured against her neck.

"A gift?"

"Yes, I must have your hand," he pulled away and reached into the pocket of his jacket.

She extended it nervously and watched as he placed a beautiful emerald embedded on a gold ring around her finger. A gasp escaped her lips and he smiled.

"Does it please you, my love?"

"It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, Tristan," she shook her head in amazement "I am not worthy of such a gift."

"You are most worthy," he kissed the ring and then the top of her hand.

"What is the meaning behind it?" she marveled it by turning her hand in different directions.

"It is referred to as an engagement ring. It symbolizes our betrothal, that you are mine and mine alone."

"Will you have a ring?"

Growing up, her parents never wore rings to symbolize their marriage. This was all new to her.

He pulled a band, much like hers without the stone, out of his pocket.

"This shall be for when we are wed. I will wear it everyday to show that I am yours and yours alone."

"Thank you Tristan," she leaned up and pressed her lips to his.

He felt the same, perhaps even more accepting because the tension was no longer there.

"If you shall live forever," Tristan whispered into her mouth as they continued to kiss "Then I should spend forever with you."

She quickly pulled away and her eyes widened with horror.

"No," she shook her head "I have already bestowed this curse onto one soul, I refuse to do it on another. Especially you, the person I love most in this world."

"So you are to watch me grow old and die? I am to leave you alone without me?" Tristan narrowed his eyes "We are destined, my Rebekah. We deserve a thousand lifetimes together."

"Just hours ago you were horrified and now you want to become one of us?" she shook her head "I do not understand."

"If I have the chance to stay with those who make me happiest, why not seize that? The choice has already been made for me. It is your fate, Aurora's fate...It shall be my fate as a result."

"I can't," she tensed up "I can't do that to you. I can not destroy your life the way my mother destroyed mine."

"It will not be destruction. It will be construction. I will be a new man. I will be stronger and faster. I can protect you in ways I never could as a human. I can spend the years with you and my sister. I would never let you two wonder this earth without me."

"Perhaps you can convince Aurora to bestow it upon you," she sighed.

"I will find a way, my love. Whether you approve or not," he ran his hand across her hair.

"Please stay with me tonight," Rebekah reached down and took Tristan's ring that he had placed on the floor.

She slipped it onto his finger and kissed it just as he did her's.

"I have spent a night without you and I do not intend to spend another," Tristan breathed heavily into her ear "I shall make everything up to you."

He began to kiss across her collarbone, just above the cut on her dress.

"My time away, my behavior earlier this evening," he continued to place kisses on her goosebumped skin "There is much I owe you, my beautiful Rebekah."

He had her up in his arms and onto the bed before she had a moment to think about anything else.

"How does it feel?" Tristan whispeered hours later as he held her tight against him "How does it feel to feed off a living soul?"

"Tristan," she sighed into his shoulder "I do not wish to talk about it."

"I want to know," he looked down at her "I want to know everything. I believe I am entitled if we are to share a bed."

She sat up and pulled the sheet up over her. Her hair fell into her face, perhaps to hide some of the guilt.

"I feel incredible sorrow for most of the harm I cause," she shook her head "The guilt can weigh deep on you when you take lives that are truly innocent. So much so that often, I have to push it away from my thoughts...Because when I drink blood, it is euphoric. I feel it in every part of my body...It is as if I come to life each time."

"Show me," Tristan sat up and pushed the hair from her eyes.

"What?" her mouth gaped in horror at his extended wrist.

"Show me," he insisted.

"No, absolutely not Tristan," she shook her head, turning her back to him.

He rested his chin on the top of her shoulder and circled her with his arms.

"I trust you," he whispered in her ear.

"Why? Why would you want to see such a disgusting thing?"

"Because it is part of who you are, my love. I wish to have no more secrets between us."

She raised her hand and slid it along the side of his face while his lips danced along her neck. Finally, she allowed him to turn her around. He extended his wrist again and she stared at the vein pumping visible to the naked eye.

"Your blood," she looked up at him "Your blood has been intoxicating since the first day we spent together. I have been drawn to it."

"Kindred spirits indeed," he smiled softly at her.

She held his wrist in her hands and contemplated whether or not she was making the right choice. She knew she could control herself because it was Tristan. However, that didn't stop the fear that her monstrous face would send him running from her bedchamber forever.

"Go on," he urged her "Drink of my blood."

Her eyes grew hungry and as she felt her face change she watched his reaction. Instead of looking terrified, he looked intrigued. She raised his wrist to her mouth and lightly bit into the flesh, sinking into the vein that had been teasing her for minutes now.

Tristan's head tilted back, not in pain, but perhaps in pleasure? She wasn't quite sure but he didn't pull away. She drank in more of his blood. It tasted even better than she imagined. Finally, she retracted her fangs from his wrist and her face returned to normal.

She looked up at him, afraid of what he would say.

"My blood now runs through your veins," he smiled "I shall forever be a part of you."

"Yes," she wiped the corner of her mouth nervously "Were you not afraid?"

"No," he shook his head "It was painfully exquisite."

Her eyes dropped to her lap, as her hands played with the crumpled sheet that had long since fell from her body.

She felt his finger take hold of her chin and tilt her eyes upward.

"I shall one day return the favor," his eyes gleamed with determination.

She didn't have the desire to argue with him anymore. At least for the night. Instead, she allowed him to take her in his arms once again.

The next day, just before sunset, they were able to steal away together.

Tristan took her on horseback, her arms wrapped tightly round his waist. They rode for miles out into a field blanketed with wildflowers and fresh deep green grass. He helped her down off the horse with his strong arms and then extended his elbow to her.

"I wish to watch the sunset with you, from the most beautiful spot that I know," he informed her, as they walked to the end of a cliff.

She stood in front him and pressed herself against his chest. The wind lightly blowed her hair and she could smell the scent of the flowers. It was a indeed an exquisite view.

"Why did you bring me here, Tristan?" she rested her head into the crook of his neck, onto his shoulder.

"I come here, in order to clear my mind. I was here the day that I found you...I want you to speak to Elijah this evening. There are no secrets between us anymore."

"And if Elijah insists I can not marry you?"

"It is up to you then, my love. Follow your heart or listen to your brother? Although, I assure you that I will not give up so easily."

She smiled and turned to face him, just as the glowing sky was in full effect and created a halo around her shiny hair.

"I love my family," she insisted "But you are where I belong. I want nothing more than to stay here with you and be your wife. If my brothers disagree...I do not think I need their permission."

"Then we shall be each other's family," he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"How many days until I can call you my husband?" she smiled up at him, their lips mere centimeters apart.

"We could marry tomorrow. This could be our last sunset before we are united," he whispered "We could marry and leave right away for some time when we can be truly alone."

"I would like that," she nodded "Get away from all of this for a while."

"Then it's done. I shall make the plans," he planted a kiss on her lips.

They stood together and watched the sun sink away from sight. Darkness was coming.

Later that night, Rebekah found Elijah and Kol in one of the upstairs courtyards. She was working up the courage to reveal her intentions, when Finn burst in on their conversation and told them they had been found out. Someone had discovered the bodies Kol had left lying around.

"We need to run," Elijah insisted "Grab your things as quickly as possible. We have to go on the move."

"Father will be here soon," Kol sighed "Hurry Rebekah!"

Rebekah felt frozen where she stood. If Mikael found them, he would have no problem killing Tristan to get to her. She could not allow that. Her eyes welled up with tears as she raced into the manor to search for him. Just inside the main door, she practically crashed into him.

"Rebekah?" he gasped at the state she was in "What is the matter? Is it Elijah?"

"No," she sobbed, wrapping her arms around him "It is much worse!"

"What is it?" he rubbed her back gently as she sobbed against him.

She finally pulled away, her hands still clutching his arms in order to not break the contact with him.

"We have been found, Tristan. My father is on his way to your home to kill us."

"What? How is that possible?"

"I do not know," she was shaking all over "I do not know how this happened but we have to run."

"Then I shall run with you," he insisted "We can bring Aurora."

"No," she shook her head sharply "No. You must stay here."

"You will not go without me," he narrowed his eyes at her "I will not lose you, Rebekah!"

"I'm so sorry," she whispered, throwing herself back into his arms "If I do not go, my father will kill you. I would rather you be alive without me, than never have the chance to see you again!"

"Where will you go?" he breathed into her ear.

"Elijah will decide that," she sobbed "It is probably best if you do not know."

When she pulled away this time, she saw tears forming in the corners of his eyes. The sight of him in pain, felt like someone had reached in and pulled out her heart.

"Tristan," she ran her hand along his face "I will return to you. I promise."

"And what am I to do until then? I have no idea where you are, if you are safe. Every moment we are apart will be agony."

"Rebekah!" she could hear Elijah's booming voice from across the manor.

"I have to go," she pressed her forehead to his "Please do not forget me."

"I could never do such a horrendous thing," he whispered.

He reached down and linked his fingers with hers and she could feel his hand pressed against her ring. So far, she had been able to hide it from her brothers without any inquisition.

"Your ring," he sniffed, looking down at her hand.

"I shall wear it every day," she insisted through her tears "My heart will hurt a little less when I look at it."

He reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out his own ring.

"Then I shall do that same," he slid it on his finger "We shall be linked by our vow to marry."

"Rebekah!" Elijah's voice grew closer.

Their lips pressed together in a kiss that was filled with so much pain, love and fear that it left them both breathless when they parted.

"Return to me," he gasped for air.

"I will," she nodded "No matter what it takes."

"I shall love you more with every minute that passes Rebekah."

"And I you," she shook her head "There is no other love for me than yours."

"Go," he encouraged her "You must stay out of danger."

She nodded, grabbing him for one more kiss before she turned from him. She looked over her shoulder until she was out of sight, their eyes locked until she could no longer see them.

Just as she started toward where she saw Kol and Finn waiting, she heard Elijah's voice.

"Tristan, might I have a word?"

She rushed back around the corner but did her best to hide behind a shrub so he didn't see her.

"Elijah, you need to go!" Tristan insisted.

"There is something I must do first," he bit his wrist and pressed it to Tristan's unwilling mouth.

Rebekah's eyes watched in horror as he then swiftly broke Tristan's neck and he fell to the ground. She capped her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming, but the tears began to flow down her flushed cheeks.

The minutes were agonizing until Tristan finally woke up. Elijah pulled him to his feet and held his shoulders in his hands.

"You must listen to me Tristan," he spoke firmly.

Rebekah was still muffling her sobs.

"You will forget that you ever loved my sister. I watched you two just now and I know you want to protect her. This is the only way to do that. You will forget that you ever had feelings for her at all. She is not yours, she will never be yours. Do you understand?"

Tristan nodded.

"Good," Elijah continued "You, Aurora and Lucien will assumed the identities of my siblings. Each of you, the identity of your sire. Do you understand?"

He nodded again.

"For an entire year, you will reveal your name to be Elijah Mikaelson to anyone who asks. You will stay on the move and lead my father astray. After the year is passed, you will all remember who you are. But you will not remember your feelings for my sister. She. Is. Nothing. To you."

Elijah reached down and jerked the ring from Tristan's finger, tossing it onto the ground. It rolled just far enough for Rebekah to grab it. She gripped it tightly in her palm and drew her knees up to her chest.

The tears were falling like rivers from her eyes. Tristan got what he wanted. He was a vampire. Why was he listening to the things Elijah was telling him? Nobody could just forget who they love. Nobody could just think they were someone else. How silly for Elijah to think that Tristan would go along with such a plan.

"You will go to your father's witch tonight and have a daylight ring made for yourself. She will know what to do. And you will need to feed. Go find a chambermaid and drink of her blood until you are satisfied...Do you understand everything I have told you?"

"Yes," Tristan nodded blankly "I must go to the witch but first...I am hungry."

With that, Tristan turned and walked away.

Rebekah jumped up and joined her other brothers, trying her best to hide her emotions. Niklaus joined them too and he looked just as broken as she felt. He asked her about her tears but she insisted it was just fear. She rode on the back of his horse with him and cried into his shoulder for hours.

She later learned that Aurora had rejected him. It took years for his heart to begin to heal and she wished they could trade stories together but she wanted to keep Tristan secret. She wanted to keep him to herself.

She also learned about compulsion and that it could be reversed. The only problem was that Elijah knew of their feelings. She never told Elijah she knew that he knew the truth. There wasn't any point. She couldn't even be mad at him because he was just trying to save her life and the truth was he had probably saved Tristan's in the process. He also made is possible for her to see him again one day. Now that he was a vampire, there was hope for a life together whenever they were able to find each other.

And she looked. She looked in every city and village they visited.

Elijah had left her and Niklaus for a while, after the rest of the family split, and it was only after he returned that she learned of The Strix. She learned that Tristan had the power he had always craved. More importantly, she learned he was alive. He had survived the year running from her father. She noticed how whenever Elijah spoke of Tristan, he made sure to avoid her eyes.

She would sit up at night and twirl their rings between her fingers. She would close her eyes and picture his beautiful hazel ones. She could feel the warmth of his skin and hear his voice whispering in her ears.

As the years continued to mount, she tried to find love in other places. She wanted so desperately to feel that way again. More often than not, the men would use her. They would manipulate her to get to her family, to their money, to their secrets. Not to mention, even if they were good men, Niklaus made sure they never lasted long.

So, she continued to go on with her eternity with a string of broken hearts and two rings packed away in her suitcase.

Until she learned the de Martels had made it to New Orleans.

New Orleans. Christmas Night. 2015

Rebekah knew it was wrong. Her family was on the brink of extinction. She should be miles away from the city by now. Instead, she was lurking outside a bedroom window in the Quarter, hoping to get a glimpse of his face.

Tristan's face.

She knew he was partly to blame for her oceanic slumber but as it was, he had no regard for her at all. He did not remember his feelings for her and it was a fact that cracked open her heart more often than she liked to admit. All of that could change though.

Then she saw him.

He came into his room, removing his suit jacket and lying it perfectly over the back of a chair. He was so beautiful. Just as she remembered, maybe even better. His hair was shorter but it suited him. She was so wrapped up in the moment, that she failed to realize she was still standing in the middle of the window in plain sight. It only took a matter of seconds for Tristan's eyes to fall upon her standing there.

She froze.

He froze.

He then quickly rushed to the window and threw it open. His eyes were mad with fire so ferocious that she actually felt a rush of fear go through her.

"What in the hell are you doing here?" he spat.

"Were you expecting to find me at the bottom of the ocean, Tristan?" she played along with the unfamiliarity "X marks the spot, am I right?"

"Aurora assured me you were lurking in the sea with the bottom feeders..." he snarled "How did you make it out?"

"The how is not important," Rebekah shrugged "You are starting a war with my family. A war you will not win."

"I want nothing more than to keep your family alive, so that my family might live as well. My sister's very survival depends on yours," he growled at her.

"So hostile," she smirked "Shall you invite me in? It is Christmas after all."

"Am I to do negotiations with the sister now?" he scoffed, allowing her access into the room.

"No, I'm not here to negotiate," she turned to him, tossing her perfectly straight hair over her shoulder.

"Then what are you doing here?"

Rebekah reached out and placed her hands on his face. He lurched at first but as his gaze settled into her's, he was frozen.

"You will remember everything about us," she whispered hoarsely "Elijah told you to forget me but now you will remember. You will remember your feelings for me...Our wedding plans...The life we wanted together. You will remember me Tristan."

Suddenly, his eyes appeared clearer. The beautiful hazel ones she remembered from so long ago. He reached out and ran his hand down her cheek, staring at her as if he were seeing her for the first time.

"Rebekah," he breathed out, a smile forming on his lips.

"Tristan," she smiled back, forcing back the tears she wanted to cry from falling just yet.

"You are as beautiful as the last day I saw you," he shook his head in amazement.

"I have missed you, Tristan de Martel," Rebekah shook her head slowly "I have looked for you..."

"Elijah would see it fit that we never spoke again," he continued to marvel at her.

"We are lucky that my brother isn't the only one who can compel vampires," she smiled, just before he grabbed her face and kissed her.

His lips feverishly devoured hers and she was pretty sure she stopped breathing. The smell of him was intoxicating. His blood was was so achingly familiar. She had missed him so much. She had missed feeling like this. Fully accepted, completely wanted, placed first. Always first.

"You are just as magnetic as before," he pressed himself close to her.

"And so are you," she panted.

"My Rebekah," he drank her in with his eyes.

"I have waited almost nine hundred years to see you," she sighed "At times, each year more agonizing than the last."

"I am sorry that I have not had to do the same," his face grew angry "Elijah stole from me. Memories of my beloved, time that I could have spent finding you. I could have taken you away from all that I am sure you have endured in a lifetime with Niklaus."

As much as she loved her brothers, Rebekah would have left in a second to be with Tristan. Elijah knew that.

"Made you my wife as you were always meant to be," he cupped her face in his hands again "Nine centuries we could have been married."

"Here," Rebekah reached into the pocket of her jacket and produced a golden wedding band. It was weathered with age but he recognized it instantly.

"My ring," he whispered "You kept it all this time?"

"Of course," she smiled softly up at him "We made a promise didn't we?"

"A promise I intend to honor one day."

"I want that more than anything," she shook head "So desperately."

"I told you long ago, my love. We shall have the world."

"I haven't much time," she pressed her forehead to his "I will have to go soon."

"And with you will go my memories of this moment?" he lightly rubbed his forehead against hers.

"Yes, you can not remember you saw me tonight. You can't remember anything about our past. Our families are at war and no one is safe."

"Romeo and Juliet it seems," he laughed softly in order to ward off the lump forming in his throat.

Tristan pulled back and suddenly appeared horrified as he remembered it was his family that sent her to a watery grave.

"My love, I am so sorry for what Aurora did to you...Had I have known..."

"It is not your fault, Tristan," she shook her head "I was found...I am safe...You are protecting your family."

"You are as much family to me as Aurora."

"I will be fine," she slid off her jacket and watched as he twirled the ring between his fingers.

"The dagger," he finally met her gaze "Did Aya use a special dagger on you?"

"Yes," she nodded "It inflicted some sort of curse on me...Freya was able to reverse it."

"It will not be reversed for long," he ran his hand over his face "There is only one person, one witch who holds the spell that will end the curse permanently. Aya is the only one who knows the identity of the witch."

"It will come back?" Rebekah looked at him horrified.

"I am afraid so," he closed the distance between them and held her shoulders between his hands "I have to find out the name of the one who can put an end to this."

"No, Tristan you can't," she gripped his shoulders even tighter "You can not reveal that you saw me tonight. You can not leave this room knowing the truth."

"So you are to leave? Cursed and alone?"

"I have been cursed since the year I turned sixteen, since the moment my father ran his blade through my heart," Rebekah whispered hoarsely "I am sure when the symptoms return Freya will be able to unravel the mystery Aya's witch has cast."

"Rebekah, the curse is extremely dangerous!" Tristan began to pace back and forth "And I am to forget everything. I am to forget my love for you, my worry? I am to be powerless in helping you, and not just powerless but cruel towards you if our paths cross again. I should be the one to protect you. This should have never happened to you. If I could see Aya at this moment, I would rip out her heart with such force..."

"Shhh," Rebekah pressed a finger to his lips.

"I have broken you," he shook his head "And I can not repair what I have done."

"Until this prophecy is over, we can not be as we were," Rebekah let go of him "It is all I have ever wanted. A life with you. Something I have been seeking out for a centuries, someone who could fill that void with which I was left."

"I have never loved another as I have loved you Rebekah," Tristan insisted "You must know that. Anyone else pales in comparison."

"Nor have I," she whispered "I searched for true love again...It only exists with you."

Their lips met and Rebekah allowed herself a few moments to forget everything. The war, the curse, the fact she would have to walk out of this room and Tristan would not remember her. That this would continue to be a burden she must bear alone.

"My flight leaves in two hours," she pulled her lips from his " I really should go."

"No," he insisted, pressing their foreheads together again "You will stay a little longer. I want to stare at your face and try my best to remember each detail so that perhaps when you compel me to forget this night, perhaps somewhere in the corner of my mind this memory will tug on my subconscious. Somewhere in my wretched soul, I might faintly remember a woman who I love so strongly that it would possibly destroy the world if we were left to run wild."

They stood together for a moment, each other's heartbeat pounding in their ears. The noise from the city below through the open window provided sound to an otherwise agonizing moment. Inside both of them came an overwhelming urge to lock the window and the door and stay inside the room forever. Finally, he pulled his forehead away and held out the ring to her.

"Place it on my finger. When I wake from this, I know I won't remember how it got there but my curiousity might let it remain."

Rebekah slid it over the knuckle of his ring finger until it was perfectly in place.

"And where is yours?"

She walked back to her jacket and fished the emerald ring from the pocket. It sparkled in the lamplight and Tristan smiled remembering when he had given it to her.

"You did so love this ring," he took it from her trembling hand.

She held her finger out and he slipped it on.

"It was the most beautiful I had ever seen...Still is," she smiled up at him, the tears now starting to fall down her cheeks.

"No," he wiped at them with his fingers "My love, let me help you. You can not leave me when you are in such pain."

"I will remain in pain until we meet again," she sighed, her glassy eyes staring up at him like a little girl "It does not matter if I am cursed or cured."

"Wear this ring every day," he took hold of her hand and held it between his own "Wear it and let it remind you of how strong our love has remained. How strong it will remain. When this wretched year is over and the dust settles on this city...We shall be together once more. I don't care who I have to kill, torture or torment to find a cure to the curse that runs through your veins but we will be happy again. We shall leave this city and begin anew...No one will touch us. Not friend, not foe, not even family."

He kissed her hand, allowing his lips to linger as if he were trying to memorize each of her fingers as well.

"Do try not to hurt my siblings," Rebekah pleaded when he had released her "They are my family, Tristan."

"You said it yourself my love, this is a war. Your family is just as likely to murder Aurora or I."

"If Aurora is taken from you, you will not survive it," Rebekah shook her head.

"The guilt would be too much to carry on my soul," Tristan whispered.

"And you won't remember me," she whispered "You won't remember that there is a reason to hold on."

She closed her eyes tightly, pushing the last fresh batch of tears out.

"I will know," he insisted with such confidence that she almost believed him "Deep in my darkness, I will know."

"I hope so," she bit her lip.

"I love you," he groaned, as his lips took her's for the last time.

When they parted, she tried her best to gather herself. It was practically impossible. She was shaking from head to toe as she took his face in between her hands.

"Goodbye Tristan," she pressed her fingers into his temples.

She saw the gleam of a tear in the corner of his eye and she was taken back to the night she was ripped from him. The first time and only time she had ever seen him cry, ever seen sadness weighing on him.

"We shall meet again, my love," he nodded.

She drew in a deep breath and tried to center herself

"When I leave, you will forget I was ever here," she choked back a sob, "You will forget that you ever loved me. I am merely the Mikaelson brothers' sister. An acquaintance from long ago. Your sister's sire. You know me to be at the bottom of the ocean, stabbed through the heart with a mythical dagger. I. Am. Nothing. To you."

She felt a loud sob escape her throat as she watched his gaze change.

She reached up and placed a kiss on his forehead before moving out the window at vamp speed.

Tristan came to himself and glanced around the room in wonder. His eyes caught sight of the ring on his finger a few seconds later as he shut the oddly opened window. His brow furrowed with confusion but for some unknown reason he decided not to take it off. He continued to stare at it and finally shook his head, shaking off the feeling he got when he looked at it. It was an odd feeling of longing.

He eventually made his way back downstairs to check on Aurora when he heard the piano begin to play.

One hour later, Rebekah met Elijah in the street and showed him the return of her curse and let him stab a dagger through her heart.

In doing so, she took the memories with her.

While Tristan remains trapped in his own watery grave, he often has flashes of blonde hair and sparkling emeralds before he drowns. He attributes it to hallucinations. Perhaps of mermaids, of beautiful oceans as green as the gemstone, of a siren calling him to his death.

Sometimes he thinks he hears another's heartbeat in his ears. The rhythm seems so familiar to him. It calms him as he lets go and drowns again.

He holds me in his big arms,

Drunk and I am seeing stars,

This is all I think of.

It's you, it's you

It's all for you.

Everything I do.

Author's Note: I realize I'm taking a little bit of a creative liberty in that Rebekah would not be mad at Elijah. A little out of character but at the same time Rebekah sees Elijah as so noble that I'm sure she would think his intentions were only good as opposed to the way Klaus acts with her boyfriends.