everyonelives | for the rest of us death will be a relief

[She nods, and she is worried. She's worried that this is more temporary than they think. But even the times when the other side came down, those ghosts weren't alive with heartbeats and needing to breathe.

She can't help but feel a little hopeful that they'll get to keep him. She squeezes his shoulder gently as she nods.]

Do you think you could stick with Matt? Make sure he gets settled okay.

[Elena has a couple more stops to make before she sleeps.]

Yeah, I can make sure he gets what he needs.

( Anything he needs. )

You don't really think you brought him back, do you? Not with everyone else, right?

I don't know.

[She seems fully exhausted by the prospect.]

But I can't really rule it out, either. And I certainly can't say I'm mad at the results. I just ... I hope it lasts.

Well, he has us.

( But, as a hunter, he also has to do the usual routine. Although, Dean and Sam probably did it already? )

Speaking of, I should probably check in. Make sure he's not having death flashbacks.

[She nods.]

I'm going to go find Dean. Get some rest. Doctor's orders.

[Little does she know it'll be a minute before either of them get there. And in her search for her boyfriend she comes across not Dean, but the unexpected Original himself.]

You know, of all the people that I thought I'd see tonight, I can't say you were on the list. Good to know sometimes life can still surprise me.

I believe it's like a box of chocolates, or at least, it's a sentiment some believe. I've learned to expect the unexpected, at least in dealing with my family and our enemies at large. ( Which these weren't. ) Is that your way of thanking me?

( Because, it doesn't sound like actual thanks, not that he needs it. )

I was getting there.

[Her tone is teasing, but it turns a bit more serious as she nods.]

Thank you, though. Especially for Jeremy.

I remember when you kept up your end of the bargain. And, when you gave me information I was sorely lacking.

( She was always an honorable soul and when that honor was called in to question, it was for a good reason. )

[Elena shakes her head.]

That feels like a million years ago sometimes. I was a whole other person.

[Time changes humans a lot faster than vampires, and she's been feeling her humanity as of late.]

There has always been a kindness and a strength at the center of your heart, Elena. That has never wavered.

( Yes, she has grown. But, she is still, and forever, Elena Gilbert. )

Maybe not.

[She has always appreciated Elijah's ability to see that, even when she couldn't. But it's in this moment that she realizes it's been a long time since she's actually seen him. Some probably would consider that a good thing, and maybe once Elena would have too, but her comfort with the Originals is higher than it used to be.]

It's been a long time. You seem good.

I am. There might have been a time I wouldn't have known who you were if we were to cross paths, but, thankfully, that period ended. And you, I did hear through the family you were made human again. Congratulations if those are in order.

( He knows his sister believes it worthy of them. )

Thank you. It feels a lot more right. I don't think being a vampire was ever really for me.

[She would have weathered it, if she had to, but she feels better as a human. Less off center.]

How's Rebekah doing? Henry's what? Three now?

[She does get Mikaelson-Holliday family Christmas cards, but she hasn't gotten this years. It's probably waiting for her at her apartment.]

I have no doubt you would have found your own way, but I agree, your humanity suits you better.

( That, the last time he saw her, her humanity was off... )

He is, indeed. She is doing splendidly. Her husband's daughter has been around now and because of those doxxings, we were able to spend time with our extended family. There are even whisperings of Rebekah coming back, but it's only talk for now and may be based on John Henry's business dealings. Overall, she and her family are thriving. Am I correct in surmising you and Dean Winchester are official now?

I think you kind of have to be when a man drops everything and drives almost six hundred miles to rescue you.

[That's a joke, they were official before that, but it's clear that she's happy with her choice. There's a fondness that Elijah may not have seen with Stefan or Damon. Maybe that comes from being more on even ground, human to human rather than being the sheltered treasure of a pair of vampires, but Elena Gilbert may be actually happy.

It's a unfamiliar feeling, but she's looking to embrace it.]

You're a women worth the trip.

( The joke settles between them. )

If there's nothing else, Bela and I have some business to attend to. We are staying on.

No, go. And good. I think they're going to need all the help they can get.

[She steps back, ready to go continue on her path in search of Dean.]

It was good to see you, Elijah.

( "I hope there'll be less time between the next."

He lets her go, though.

Dean is on his phone and he receives Sam's pin. He leaves Buffy with Stefan and Jeremy with Matt so he can reunite with his girlfriend. )

Hey, all stitched up?

Yep. I am ready to get out of here.

[And maybe find a bed to collapse into.]

Jeremy said something about Sam finding a hotel?

He found one. Rooms for all of us. We're at the end of the road, unless they need you for any more witch business untethering you to whatever spell happened.

( He looks down at his phone and holds it up. )

A few more drops.

[She shakes her head.]

I do not have the brain power to even think about that right now. I think that can be a problem for after I sleep.

[As long as they're not calling for her head, they can sort it out in the morning (or maybe more early afternoon).]

Also, not your problem. Basically confirmed.

( He snakes an arm around her neck and starts her toward the front door, kissing her temple. )

Come on, we're meeting the others outside.

[Elena nods and follows him out, and off they go to the hotel to meet Sam and Allison where Sam both returns her phone to her (there are so many messages, she will address them later), and also informs her that not only did he provide a cover story for her job - she's officially off work until the New Year, but also that Miranda packed a bag for her, in the event that she was found and recovered safely.

Which means Elena can take a shower and clean off all the blood and put on clean clothes when she was done.

The shower does dislodge some of the "I'm fine" facade she's been using to push through. The adrenaline's fading and as the events of the evening catch up and she feels heavier than she has all evening. In the hotel room they're finally alone, and as she emerges from the shower, she looks over at him.]

Thank you, by the way. For getting here when you did.

( Dean catches the expression Elena makes when she's told about her go-bag 'if she was found and recovered safely.' He holders her a little tighter, then, as Sam collects the keys to all the rooms.

Dean finishes some group texting and sets his phone aside. )

I had help. Quashed my Bela beef. Think you were a good influence there, so, thanks. C'mere.

[Elena takes that opening without much prodding, taking the few steps to come closer and into his arms. Her arms wind around his waist, shifting so she can tuck her head against his chest. She feels so tired, but also as though this is a song and dance she's been through so many times before.]

Today was a really awful day.

[Two days? She's not sure how long she was trapped on the Other Side with Matt.]

for the rest of us death will be a relief

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