Sorry about the long wait for this chapter, but it ended up being 10 pages so hopefully that makes up for it!

When Audrey woke up she felt completely relaxed. After her fight with Klaus, she did everything she said she was going to do. A long bath and a good nights rest really was all she needed. As she rolled over in her bed she was met with a hard body. "Boo!" Damon smirked at the human.

"You're lucky you're so hot," She mumbled, nestling her head into his side.

"Why's that?" Damon questioned as he twirled a piece of her long brown hair.

"It makes you slightly less annoying," Audrey sighed tiredly. Damon chuckled and shook his head. Audrey smirked and giggled as well.

"I heard about you and lover boy's fight. Wanna talk about it?" Damon asked, trying to be a good friend. He smiled when the human snorted with sarcasm.

"What's there to talk about? He didn't bother telling me he was back in town and hung out with you instead," Audrey grumbled. "I'm tired of him thinking he can get away with shit just because he's my soulmate. I'm gonna make him work for it this time,"

"That's my girl!" Damon encouraged. "I'm so proud of you,"

"Thanks," Audrey laughed before finally looking up at her best friend. Damon looked down at her and flashed her a smile. "So, how are you? I know all about Elena feeding off you. That's a big deal isn't it?"

"No," Damon lied. Audrey gave him a pointed look and he cracked. "Okay, yeah. She doesn't know that though. I think little brother is mad at me for it too,"

"No shit!" Audrey laughed. "I've heard that blood sharing is bonding and intimate,"

"You and Klausy haven't done that yet?" Damon teased.

"Nope!" Audrey blushed sitting up in bed. "I think it's because he's scared of hurting me though. I know he's came close to biting me before and as weird as it sounds, I'm not exactly opposed to it," Damon sat up beside her and leaned his head on the young girl's shoulder. Audrey yawned tiredly but as she took a deep breath the smell of cinnamon rolls wafted through the air. "Elena's cooking?"

"Smells like it," Damon grinned. Audrey stood up and cocked an eyebrow at her friend. Elena rarely cooked and when she did it was usually for something. Audrey made her way down the stairs.

"Happy Birthday!" Everyone screamed as she came into view. Audrey was stunned. In her living room sat everyone she cared about the most, well almost everyone.

"Oh my god! I totally forgot about my birthday," Audrey laughed as she walked down to greet her friends. Caroline hugged her first.

"You're finally 18! You're not a little kid anymore," Caroline fake sniffled. "Our girl's an adult now," She said as she turned to everyone else. Audrey rolled her eyes and moved onto the next person. Matt opened his arms for the girl and squeezed her tight when she stepped into them.

"Little Gilbert isn't so little anymore," He teased holding her close. "Happy Birthday,"

"Thanks Matty," She giggled before moving to the next person. Bonnie hugged her friend tightly before Audrey moved to Stefan. When it came to Elena, the two sisters embraced longer than anyone else.

"Happy Birthday little sister," Elena sighed happily. "After everything we've been through, after everything our family's been through I'm so happy I still have you,"

"Me too, Lena," Audrey smiled. As she let go of her sister, she moved to her younger brother. Jeremy hugged her tightly and lifted her off the ground.

"Jer!" Audrey giggled. Jeremy laughed and kissed her forehead. "I love you little brother,"

"I love you too," Jeremy smiled. "Happy Birthday,"

"Awe did you save the best for last?" Damon asked with a smirk. Audrey turned to him and matched his smirk.

"Of course!" She laughed as she walked into his arms. The moment she was in his arms Damon didn't want to let go. Audrey was the only thing innocent about this town, but how long would that last? Klaus was going to turn her eventually and then his sweet little bird would be just like him. He held onto her a little tighter and buried his face into her hair. Elena watched them intently and felt a pang of jealousy hit her. She couldn't understand why she felt that way. She knew Damon and Audrey loved each other in a platonic way and besides, she loved Stefan. Still, her eyes couldn't leave the couple. When they parted everyone moved to the kitchen to grab a plate of food. They all sat at the dining room table and for the first time in a long time life felt normal. No one was worrying about vampires, hunters, werewolves, or hybrids. All the supernatural drama was forgotten as they laughed and talked with each other. Audrey couldn't have asked for anything better.

"So Aud, what do you and Klaus have planned for your birthday?" Caroline questioned with a smirk. Audrey glanced around the table and saw that everyone kept their composure. No one let a disgusted look or mean comment about the hybrid slip.

"I don't know. I'm not talking to him," Audrey grumbled stabbing a piece of cinnamon roll with her fork.

"Why? What happened?" Caroline asked. Damon saw Audrey begin to get uncomfortable so he stepped in.

"Let's just change the subject. Klaus isn't exactly the best topic to be discussing right now," Damon said shooting Caroline a look. She rolled her eyes but dropped it. Audrey relaxed and smiled at her friends.

"Honestly guys, I wouldn't want to spend the start of my birthday with anyone else. I love all of you," Audrey smiled. Everyone smiled back.

"We love you too, Aud," Matt said.

"Yeah Audrey, without you I think this town would've gone to complete shit," Bonnie laughed.

"Stop it, that's not true," Audrey laughed.

"No it really is," Jeremy said. "Without you, who knows how much shit Klaus would've done to us,"

"Or Damon," Matt chimed in causing everyone to chuckle.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Damon asked defensively.

"It means that without Audrey you would've never turned your humanity back on and had been a bigger pain in the ass then you already are," Stefan teased his older brother. Everyone burst into laughter as the older vampire frowned and pouted.

"Awe, don't pick on Damon," Audrey cooed wrapping an arm around her friend. "He's fragile," Damon rolled his eyes but he couldn't stop the smile from breaking out on his face. They weren't wrong. Audrey was the biggest reason he turned his humanity on. Audrey was the only person in town who showed Damon kindness despite him being ruthless and destructive. She wouldn't give up. After he saved her life Audrey made it her mission to change his ways.

"Crap, we gotta leave soon," Bonnie said to Elena. Elena frowned and looked at her younger sister.

"It's fine, Elena. I get it. Besides, you learning how to feed without killing anyone is more important then my birthday," Audrey said smiling at her sister. Elena returned the smile but still felt guilty.

"Yeah, we'll keep her busy today," Jeremy laughed wrapping an arm around his sister.

"See, I'll be fine," Audrey laughed wrapping an arm around her brother.

-

"Well this wasn't how I expected to spend my birthday," Audrey chuckled as she helped Matt wash the dishes behind the bar. Matt smiled and dried one of the glasses.

"You always told me you wanted to try bar tending. This comes with the job," He laughed.

"No I like it! It's a nice change of pace," Audrey admitted. "Everything has been so hectic lately. Elena becoming a vampire, a new hunter in town, Klaus," She listed off with a dramatic sigh.

"What happened between you two, if you don't mind me asking," Matt said.

"I just...I hate that he uses our soulmate bond to get away with shit. I feel like he's using me and I'm done letting him get away with it," Audrey grumbled. "I love him with all of my heart and I just-I wish he would show me that he felt the same way,"

"Has he even tried talking to you today? Tell you happy birthday, anything?" Matt asked accusingly.

"No, but I can't really blame him. I never mentioned my birthday to him," Audrey sighed. "But enough about my relationship problems. How's your life? Any new love interests?"

"No, and my life's been good. I mean, you're right. Life has been crazy lately," Matt chuckled. "I'm glad we still get to have moments like these. It makes me forget about all the supernatural drama,"

"Same!" Audrey sighed dramatically. Matt laughed and shook his head. They were continuing with their work when Rebekah Mikaelson strolled into Mystic Grill capturing their attention. She made a bee line for the duo and dropped a pair of car keys onto the counter before them.

"What's that?" Matt asked cocking an eyebrow.

"The key to your new truck. It's parked outside, paid for, insured, everything but a big red bow," Rebekah smiled.

"If that's your idea of an apology, you should probably give it to Elena. She's the one you killed," Matt sneered before walking away. Audrey glanced back at Rebekah before following Matt to the backroom. Rebekah watched the two leave as did Klaus who was quietly observing from a corner of the bar. He was a master of blending in, but he was still slightly disappointed that Audrey hadn't spotted him. Did she not feel their soulmate bond anymore? The thought left his mind as soon as it entered and he made his way over to his little sister.

"You're trying too hard," He smiled sarcastically. Rebekah rolled her eyes.

"I thought you left town," She spat with disgust.

"I did, but then I thought to myself how can I when my sister, clearly so desperate for love and affection, is left here bribing the help," Klaus sneered at his sister.

"What do you want Nik? I thought I was dead to you," Rebekah narrowed her eyes. It was true. The hybrid had made it explicitly clear to his sister that she was dead to him the moment she drove Audrey and her sister off that bridge.

"Things change Rebekah. I've stumbled upon something I think might be of interest to you," Klaus smiled.

"Doubt that," Rebekah said back.

"No? Well, what if I told you the brotherhood of The Five still existed," Klaus said hoping to shock her.

"What?" Rebekah asked with wide eyes.

"You see, and like that bygones. Come on love, we have work to do," Klaus said motioning for them to leave.

"We don't have anything to do. There is no we. I don't care about The Five and I don't care about you," Rebekah growled narrowing her eyes once again.

"As you wish," Klaus said using his fake smile. He glanced at the door that led to the back room before exiting the bar. He sped home and sighed. The big mansion had felt extremely empty lately and Klaus knew why. He shook his head and made his way into the room he was holding Connor hostage in. The moment he entered the room he felt a presence and knew it had to be none other then Stefan Salvatore. "Looks like I'll have to beef up the hybrid security detail,"

"I was gonna take him, but I figured you went through such trouble to truss him up in your red room of pain," Stefan smiled sarcastically as he stepped out from the shadows.

"It's from the Inquisition. I thought it was a nice touch," Klaus replied unamused.

"What'd you get out of him?" Stefan questioned.

"Not enough. He's mumbled about the Council fire and he's not saying anything about this greater evil we're all supposed to be shivering over. What brings you snooping?" Klaus asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Well, I can't say it in front of him. As I'm sure you've figured out, our friend here can't be compelled," Stefan said.

"You're full of mysteries, aren't you?" Klaus asked Connor with a smirk.

"I told you. I don't know anything," Connor panted and moaned in pain.

"Thankfully, I know plenty," Klaus smiled before walking out of the room, gesturing for Stefan to follow. Stefan glanced at Connor for a brief moment before following Klaus. Once they were both out of the room, Klaus shut the door and faced Stefan. "Now, what's with the home invasion?"

"Damon said you knew something about this guy. Now, I should have figured out that you were up to something when you healed Elena from the werewolf poison without asking for anything in return," Stefan explained quickly.

"Is it so hard to believe that I would do anything my soulmate asked of me?" Klaus questioned feigning innocence.

"Considering today is your soulmate's birthday and you haven't even said anything to her says a lot about how you feel about her. Stop acting like you care about Audrey, Klaus. She deserves better then that," Stefan growled defensively. Klaus frowned with confusion. Today was Audrey's birthday? He thought he heard her say something about a birthday at the bar earlier, but he was so focused on her beauty he zoned out her conversation with that pathetic human, Matt.

"I had no idea that today was her birthday," Klaus mumbled with guilt. How could he? Not only had he pissed her off greatly from the day before, but he didn't even know that her birthday was today. Her 18th birthday at that. Suddenly, nothing else seemed relevant to him besides making everything up to Audrey. "I need to go see her,"

"No," Stefan said stepping in front of the hybrid. "She's having a good day for once. All she's been saying lately is how badly she wants her life to be normal again. Give her at least one day of normalcy, Klaus. You owe her at least that," Klaus didn't want to admit it, but Stefan was right. Audrey deserved the world and if for one day she wanted a simple normal human life, he'd make sure she'd have it. "Besides, we still need to talk about our little friend in the other room,"

-

"Oooh! Take that Jer!" Audrey shouted with excitement as she passed her brother in Mario Kart. Her and Jeremy were faced off in an intense race while Caroline, Matt, and Tyler cheered from the sidelines. It was the last lap and it was nearing the end. Jeremy and Audrey were 1st and 2nd in the race. She can see the finish line up ahead in the distance. Everyone watches anxiously as the siblings go head to head. The icon signaling that a blue shell was on its way popped up and Jeremy cheered for his sister's demise. Audrey was quick though and slammed on the break falling behind Jeremy. The blue shell hit him instead while Audrey flew by to snatch the win. "YES!" She cheered jumping up from the couch. "I am the champion!"

"Whatever! This game is bullshit!" Jeremy pouted like a little kid.

"Awe Jer, you were always such a sore loser," Audrey grinned as she ruffled her brother's hair. Jeremy swatted her hand away and rolled his eyes at her. She just smiled and stuck her tongue out at him.

"You guys are children," Tyler chuckled.

"You guys, I can't thank you enough for today. I really needed this," Audrey smiled at her friends.

"Anything for you, Aud," Caroline smiled before engulfing her friend in a hug. Once they pulled away Audrey sat back down and was about to start another race when the knock at her door stopped them. Tyler and Caroline were the first ones up making their way to the door. "Audrey were you expecting anyone?"

"Nobody besides you all," Audrey answered. Caroline frowned at her boyfriend before peaking out one of the windows. Once she saw who was here she ripped the door open and glared at the hybrid.

"You have a lot of nerve," Caroline growled.

"Is that any way to great a guest?" Klaus questioned sarcastically.

"Yeah well you're not a guest here, in fact, you're not even welcomed here so leave!" Caroline said slamming the door shut. She turned around and saw the distraught look on Audrey's face. "Aud, don't even think about it,"

"What?" Audrey asked pretending to be clueless. Caroline shot her a pointed look and Audrey sighed with defeat. "I mean, he's probably here to apologize. I should at least here him out,"

"You don't owe him anything, Audrey," Jeremy said.

"I know that, I just...-," She trailed off.

"If you really want to, then talk to him. If he hurts you though, I'm going to make his life a living hell," Caroline promised her friend. Audrey smiled and nodded. She got up from the couch and made her way to the front door. When she pulled open the door she was greeted by her soulmate who looked absolutely delicious. He was wearing an expensive looking suit that gave him so much power it sent shivers down Audrey's spine. Her mouth was watering just from looking at him.

"Why are you here?" She asked him.

"I know I've been a terrible excuse of a soulmate lately, but I wish to make it up to you, love," He replied with a genuine smile. He held out a bouquet of tiger lily's for her and watched her eyes light up. She smiled and took the flowers smelling them immediately.

"Wow, you remembered," Audrey laughed.

"God, I've missed that sound," Klaus sighed. Audrey blushed and looked down. "Will you do me the honor of being my date for the evening, Miss Gilbert?" Klaus asked as he held his arm out for her to take. Audrey looked back at her friends before answering.

"Would you guys mind?" She asked timidly.

"Of course not!" Matt said.

"Yeah! Besides, it's your birthday. You get to do whatever you want," Caroline answered with a wink. Audrey smiled widely at her best friend before turning back to Klaus.

"I'd love to be your date," She giggled, looping her arm through his.

Klaus pulled the girl close and cupped her cheek, looking deep into her eyes. "Hold on tight, love,"

"Wha-?" Audrey managed to get out before Klaus sped them away. When they stopped, Audrey looked around with confusion. Why were they in the middle of the woods? "Uh Klaus, why are we here?"

"Follow me and find out," He tempted her, grabbing her hand and pulling her along. "You see, not that long ago I was passing through Mystic Falls minding my own business when I heard a girl struggling for help. I swooped in, saved the day, and erased her memories of me," When they broke through the trees Audrey gasped. They had reached an empty road, but that's not what left her shocked, It was the fancy table set up in the middle of it. Candles were lit and soft music was playing, setting the mood.

"Klaus," Audrey whispered breathlessly.

"Though that girl had no memory of me, she haunted my every thought after that. Even today, she's all I think about," Klaus continued. "I know I've been neglecting you, darling and I am truly sorry," He stared into her eyes, waiting for a reaction.

"I forgive you, Klaus," She said. "I just wish you would consider my feelings more and...," She wanted to say it. She wanted to scream it, but it would make her a hypocrite.

"And?"