The Lyon rain had finally stopped, leaving behind puddles that reflected the city lights like scattered mirrors.
Inside the black Bentley, Lucien adjusted his midnight blue tie, his eyes drifting to the passing scenery outside the window.
The city was beautiful at night, he had to admit, though he'd seen it many times before in his hunts.
'I suppose this is as best a time as any. Especially with the bullshit of today,' thought Lucien to himself as he began reaching into his jacket pocket, fingers closing around a small velvet box. He pulled it out, turning it over in his hands.
"Elena," he called out to her as she was looking out of the window, making her turn her face towards him.
"Hmm?" She made a questioning sound.
"I was going to wait until after the party, but since Elijah has us attending this tedious social function on your birthday..." extended the box toward Elena. "Happy early birthday."
Elena's eyes widened. "Lucien, you didn't have to-"
"I wanted to," he interrupted. "Open it."
She took the box, carefully lifting the lid. Inside lay a necklace – an elegant letter 'L' crafted from what appeared on the surface to be delicate silver.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, lifting it carefully.
"Crystallized moonlight," Lucien explained, a hint of pride in his voice.
"I had to use-"
"Wait- MOONLIGHT?" She exclaimed in shock, eyes wide, as she looked with her powers to check - interrupting him, causing Lucien to pause and chuckle.
"Yep," he continued after a moment, "it took me quite a bit of grace to fly to the moon to get it. So please be careful not to lose it. I really don't want to repeat the experience – nearly falling from the Heavens once was painful enough. My wings are still healing."
Elena's expression immediately shifted from awe to concern.
She activated her nephilim sight, looking beyond the physical realm to where Lucien's wings existed in the veil – magnificent structures of cold light, passing through the car, currently folded for the most part against his back, with several feathers still healing from what must have been severe burns.
"You idiot," she said softly, reaching out to gently run her fingers through the invisible feathers. Lucien winced slightly at the contact.
Elena punched his arm, not hard enough to hurt but enough to express her frustration. "It's extremely dangerous for us to use our grace. What if Heaven found out and mistook you – the Son of God – for a nephilim and tried to destroy you? You know Dad forbade us from using our grace!"
Lucien scratched the back of his head, looking slightly sheepish but not particularly regretful. "My bad. I just wanted to give you something special."
From the driver's seat, Stefan cleared his throat. "Should I be concerned about whatever invisible thing you're touching back there, Elena?"
"Lucien's wings," she replied matter-of-factly. "He burned them flying to the moon to get material for my necklace."
Stefan's eyes met Lucien's in the mirror again, this time with a mixture of exasperation and fondness. "Of course he did."
Elena held out the necklace to Lucien. "Would you?"
He nodded, taking it carefully as she turned, lifting her hair to expose her neck. He gently fastened the clasp, the crystallized moonlight settling against her skin with a faint glow visible only to those with special sight.
"There's one more thing," Lucien said, reaching back into his pocket to produce a second box. "This one's for me, but I want you to put it on me."
Inside was a matching necklace, but with an 'E' crafted from what appeared to be solidified sunlight. Elena gasped softly.
"You didn't just go to the moon..."
"The sun was actually easier," Lucien admitted. "Less distance, though considerably hotter."
Elena took the necklace reverently, gesturing for Lucien to turn. As she fastened it around his neck, her fingers lingered against his skin for a moment longer than necessary.
"Thank you," she whispered. "It's the most beautiful gift I've ever received."
As she was appreciating it, after a moment of silence, Lucien suddenly began saying, "I honestly still can't believe Elijah scheduled this high society thing on your birthday. I was planning to take you to that café you love in Paris afterward, but I doubt we'll have time now."
Elena raising her head from the necklace, looked at him, and smiled like she was holding back a laugh, before suddenly bringing her hand to her mouth, turning her face with a bit of haste towards the window next to her.
This made Lucien raise an eyebrow at that, wondering what was so funny, but decided not to comment on it.
As he looked out of the window though, his brows furrowed, "Stefan, this isn't the way to the Marchand estate," Lucien noted, recognizing they had turned away from the district where the high society party was supposedly being held. "We're heading south."
In the driver's seat, Stefan eyes met Lucien's in the rearview mirror, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I know."
Lucien furrowed his brows. "What do you mean, 'you know'? Elijah was very specific about us being punctual. He practically lectured me for twenty minutes about the importance of this party."
Stefan's smile only widened as he kept driving, offering no explanation.
Beside Lucien, Elena shifted closer, the silk of her midnight blue gown rustling softly against the leather seat. She leaned in, her breath warm against his ear. "Trust us, just this once." she whispered.
Lucien fought the urge to roll his eyes.
At eighteen, Elena had grown into a striking young woman, but what amused him most was how she'd begun to mimic Katherine's mannerisms around him since turning sixteen.
With others, she maintained the persona of a normal, intelligent, somewhat innocent girl.
But with him, she became more confident, more teasing – a shadow of Katherine's behavior, though without the centuries of experience behind it.
The silence stretched between them for a moment, broken only by the soft purr of the Bentley's engine.
"Fine," Lucien finally relented, leaning back into his seat. "I'll trust you."
As they finally pulled up to the grand entrance, Stefan parked and came around to open Elena's door first, then Lucien's.
The three of them ascended the marble steps toward ornate double doors that swung open at their approach.
Servants bowed slightly as they passed through the grand entrance hall, its high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers.
"This way," Stefan directed, leading them up a sweeping staircase to the second floor.
They approached a set of massive double doors. Stefan and Elena exchanged a glance before each taking one of Lucien's arms and pushing the doors open.
"SURPRISE!"
The ballroom beyond was filled with people, but at the forefront stood Rebekah, Kol, and Katherine, their voices joining Stefan and Elena's as they quickly stepped aside to join the chorus.
Klaus, Elijah, and Finn stood slightly behind them, maintaining their dignity but with unmistakable warmth in their expressions.
Lucien stood frozen, genuinely shocked for perhaps the first time in years. "But... it isn't my birthday. It's- May 23 today, my birthday is June 6th"
Kol stepped forward, his trademark smirk in place. "Actually, nephew dear, if we factor in the time dilation you experienced during your little vacation with Dracula – approximately two weeks in the span of a day – your birthday would technically fall... right about now."
Elena hugged Lucien from behind, her chin resting on his shoulder. "It seems I've caught up to you in age," she teased, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Lucien snorted, an amused smile breaking through his shock. "You're still younger than me, with the time I've experienced. Hell, even with the time shift, my birthday would still be hours earlier than yours."
"Details, details," Elena dismissed with a wave of her hand.
Rebekah approached, looking resplendent in a crimson gown. "Are you just going to stand there gawking, or shall we celebrate properly?" She gestured toward a massive multi-tiered cake at the center of the room, adorned with both their names in elegant script.
Before Lucien could respond, he found himself being pulled toward the cake by Rebekah and Kol, while Elena was escorted by Klaus and Elijah.
The assembled guests – a mixture of supernatural allies and Klaus's carefully cultivated human connections – began to sing "Happy Birthday" to both of them.
After the cake cutting and obligatory photographs (which Lucien endured with difficult patience), the orchestra began to play. Rebekah clapped her hands decisively.
"The birthday boy and girl must dance first," she declared. "It's tradition."
Lucien and Elena exchanged a look of mutual suffering. "If we must dance," Lucien said with exaggerated resignation, "then I insist Aunt Bekah and my sister, Katherine to join us." He grabbed both women's hands, pulling them toward the dance floor.
Elena, not to be outdone, seized Klaus's hand. "Dad, you too." She reached for Elijah with her other hand. "And you, Uncle Elijah."
Klaus's expression was a fascinating mixture of pride at being called "Dad" and horror at being dragged onto a dance floor.
Elijah, ever composed, merely straightened his already impeccable suit jacket before allowing himself to be led forward.
From the sidelines, Kol leaned against a column beside Stefan and Finn, raising his champagne glass in a mock toast. "Look at their faces," he chuckled, nodding toward his older brothers. "Elijah looks like he's marching to his execution."
"And yet they'll both dance perfectly," Finn observed dryly- since of course they would. His younger brothers and sister are exceptional dancers- though Klaus and Elijah aren't the most fond of it, unless they wish to show off.
On the dance floor, the three couples arranged themselves as the orchestra began a waltz.
Rebekah took Lucien's hand, her palm settling against his shoulder as they assumed perfect frame.
Their first steps traced elegant patterns across the marble floor, Lucien leading with confident turns that sent Rebekah's crimson gown swirling around her ankles.
Nearby, Elijah guided Elena with subtle pressure at the small of her back, her midnight blue dress contrasting with his charcoal suit as they executed flawless natural turns.
Klaus and Katherine completed the trio, moving with the fluid grace that centuries of experience provided.
As the music swelled, the dancers exchanged partners. Rebekah pivoted into Elijah's waiting arms while Katherine spun toward Lucien, who caught her outstretched hand without missing a beat.
Lucien found himself with Katherine, their movements immediately falling into perfect synchronization. His hand settled at her waist, fingers splaying slightly as he guided her through a series of turns.
Their bodies moved as one, communicating through subtle shifts in pressure and weight.
"Happy birthday, my beloved god," she murmured, her eyes holding his with unwavering intensity. Her body pressed slightly closer than was normally appropriate between dancers.
Across the floor, Elena danced with Klaus, her steps precisely timed to the three-quarter rhythm.
Yet her eyes kept drifting toward Lucien and Katherine, following their movements. Klaus noticed, his gaze missing nothing.
"You could join them," he suggested quietly, surprising Elena as he led her through another turn.
She though, was hesitant. Lucien and Katherine had gotten even more close over the five years.
She herself had quite the... feelings for Lucien, wanting to be just as close with him- though not in a sense where Katherine would no longer be- since she wanted her to be with them as well, her two dear protectors and saviors- Lucien her primary one.
With Lucien she was attracted to him- though she was afraid to admit, with Katherine she wasn't attracted to her, but still wanted her with Lucien, for her to still be happy, and for the three of them to be together.
But she was... afraid.
Afraid that Lucien would... reject her. And Katherine would be angry. That she would lose the two that kept her whole and at peace.
Before she could respond, Katherine smoothly intercepted them, her movements fluid as water. "May I cut in?" she asked Klaus with a playful smile that wasn't really a question.
Klaus relinquished Elena with a knowing look, stepping back as Katherine's fingers replaced his at Elena's waist, guiding her toward Lucien with swift, precise steps.
Katherine positioned herself so that the three of them formed a triangle, her right hand holding Lucien's left while her left hand guided Elena's waist. Lucien's right hand completed the circuit at Elena's hip.
"Follow my lead," she whispered - knowing that the two of them, are still far from good in three-way dances - adjusting their positions. "Elena, your hand here." She guided Elena's palm to Lucien's chest. "Lucien, support her waist more firmly."
The three moved together, Katherine leading them through increasingly complex patterns. With each sequence, she gradually brought them closer, their bodies moving as a single unit across the floor.
Their feet traced intricate patterns – Katherine's steps precise and strong, Lucien adapting quickly, Elena following with increasing confidence.
Katherine occasionally rotated their positions, creating a constantly shifting dynamic that required continuous adjustment.
The dance was unconventional but undeniably beautiful, drawing appreciative glances. Katherine's experience guided them through the complex steps, her body providing subtle cues – a pressure here, a tension there – compensating whenever Lucien or Elena faltered.
During a complex turn, Katherine leaned close to Elena's ear, her lips nearly brushing the shell. She whispered something, her voice too low for anyone else to hear- magic in the room, to make sure, people could still have private talks with vampires present.
Elena's cheeks flushed crimson. Before she could recover, Katherine executed a swift movement, giving Elena a gentle push toward Lucien.
Elena stumbled slightly, falling against his chest. His arms instinctively wrapped around her, one hand at her back, the other catching her elbow, bringing their faces unexpectedly close.
For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the dance forgotten.
Then Lucien smoothly adjusted his hold, drawing her into proper dance position while extending his elbow to recapture Katherine's hand.
The three continued their dance, bodies moving until the music finally faded, leaving them in perfect stillness at the center of the floor.
----------------------
Hours later, the party was still in full swing, but Lucien had slipped away to the balcony overlooking the expansive gardens.
The full moon hung heavy in the sky, bathing everything in silver light. In his hand, he held his phone, its screen dark and silent.
The cool night breeze ruffled his hair as he stared at the device, his expression a mixture of resignation and lingering hope.
Behind him, the sounds of laughter and music continued, but they seemed distant now, separated from him by more than just glass doors.
The balcony doors opened, and Katherine and Elena stepped out, moving to flank him on either side. Each took one of his arms, their presence warm against the night chill.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Katherine asked, studying his profile.
Lucien pushed past the melancholy that had settled over him, forcing a small chuckle. "I did. It was... unexpected."
"That was rather the point of a surprise party," Elena teased gently.
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the three of them looking out at the moonlit gardens.
"We should go back inside," Katherine finally said, exchanging a glance with Elena over Lucien's head. "Your public awaits."
"I'll be there in a minute," Lucien promised.
Katherine placed a soft kiss on his cheek before heading back inside, Elena following after a gentle squeeze of his arm.
Lucien remained alone, taking a deep breath of the night air. He looked once more at his silent phone, then turned to follow them.
Just as his hand reached for the door handle, his phone vibrated and lit up in his hand.
Adam's name flashed on the screen.
A genuine smile spread across Lucien's face as he answered, bringing the phone to his ear. "Hey, Adam."
Without preamble, Adam's voice came through, warm and familiar: "Happy birthday, Lulu."
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(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter.
Do tell me how you found it.
How did you like the moments between Elena, Lucien and Katherine?
I will as time passes, show how things got like better.
As well as what's going on with the Winchester family.
Do tell me though your theories about all this if you have any- I'm curious about your thoughts.
Also- the necklace thing.
Remember, space doesn't exist in this world - the earth is infinitely wide and deep, and the Heavens are infinitely high and wide - so the Sun and Moon are different than how we learn in school.
Well, I hope you all enjoyed, and hope to see you all later,
Bye!)