"Friends"

With the sixteenth glass of champagne in my hand, I continued to work the crowd. Only my most riveting conversation with the mayor was interrupted.

"Isabella…"

Biting down on my lip, I drew in a breath to brace myself as I turned to my left. "You look exceptional" she waved over my form and I forced another smile.

"Thank you Mrs. Mikaelson" I replied tautly.

She placed her perfectly manicured hand onto my shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. "Oh please, you can call me Esther now" she smiled and looked towards Mrs. Lockwood. The mayor nodded in understanding before dispersing. I wished that I could delay this moment but it was inevitable. I knew I would have to face her, one way or another.

"Why are you here?" she grated against my ear.

I coerced myself into remaining composed. "It isn't by choice" I smiled sweetly and downed the rest of the drink. Before I could reach for another, my path was blocked. The crowd oblivious to how she glared, her hands on her hips.

"I don't know what you think you you're playing at-"

"Isabella"

I had never been more grateful to hear Elijah's voice. He intercepted the space between me and his mother. A meaningful expression met mine as he offered a hand, "You promised me that dance" he reminded me and I smiled in gratitude.

"Yes, of course" I agreed and allowed him to whisk me away. He twirled me towards the dance floor before pulling me back into him. My cheek now pressed onto his and I couldn't help the lowered hum that left me. "This is nice" I murmured, hoping to eradicate the concern etched on his creased features.

Of course I couldn't deter him as he sighed heavily. "I apologise for my mother's behaviour"

Moving back, I read into his heavy gaze. "It's alright" I assured him and moved my hand up his arm. "She just doesn't understand that we're now…"

"What?" he interrupted and I snapped my head up to him. "What are we?" he repeated and I lowered my gaze.

"Friends" I concluded with a stern tone. I peered up at him, making sure that he understood. However, Elijah sh0ok his head but I felt his hold tighten around me.

"Friends" he sighed and I let my head fall onto his chest. "How does that work?"

My palm comfortingly rubbed his back as we swayed to the soothing orchestral music. "Well, we care for each other. We love each other…"

"But I don't get to kiss you…"

Suddenly alarmed by his unexpected brazenness, I moved my head back. "Elijah…" I warned as his thumb slowly brushed over my lips.

"Okay" he complied and dropped the hand.

Against my better judgements, I slipped my hand up to cup his cheek. Instantly, he leaned into it. This is your chance to start over with your family" I breathed.

"And with you?"

Well this was a better time as any.

"I can't stay"

"What?" he blinked and I sharply withdrew my hand.

Dropping my gaze, I stepped back from him. "I shouldn't stay" I whispered, my voice breaking.

"This family is as much yours as it is mine" he argued, grabbing my hands and clasping them closely to his chest. His darkened hazel eyes were filled with trepidation as his eyebrows furrowed as he gave a silent plea.

Not wanting to leave any empty promises, I closed the space between us. "Let's just dance…" I begged.

After a fleeting minute, he nodded tiredly and pulled me back to him. This time my hands wound around his neck and my cheek rested on his as I hugged him. My breath then hitched when looking over his shoulder and locking onto angered blue eyes.

A/N: Will the brother let Isabella leave? Thoughts on Esther?