HARPER HAD never anticipated spending her day off recounting her life story to Elijah Mikaelson, of all people. She didn't think her life was particularly exciting or worth talking about, but there was something about him—the way he listened with genuine interest—that made her want to share. She felt like he wasn't just hearing her words; he was absorbing them. He was present. Maybe that's what drew her in—his complete attention, his willingness to hear her without judgment.

There was, of course, one thing she hadn't shared with him, and that was the most important part of her life right now—her illness. She had chosen to keep it hidden, to live her last days pretending she wasn't dying. She didn't want to be seen as the sick girl, the one who had little time left. She wanted to be known for who she was, not for the disease that had quietly been taking over her body. So, she kept the secret locked away, even from the man who seemed so willing to hear all of her truths.

As they sat across from each other in the dimly lit café, Harper continued her story, making sure to leave out the painful parts. She wasn't going to burden Elijah with her sickness, especially not now. Maybe not ever. She told him about the time before everything changed, when she was healthy when she had a life she could count on.

"So, I just decided to pack my things and hitch a ride with a bunch of people, and somehow ended up here," Harper explained with a shrug, offering a vague explanation of how she had come to be in New Orleans. She gave him a slightly exaggerated version of the truth, leaving out the details of her health. She even fabricated a bit about having a feud with her parents, something that made it sound as if her departure had been the result of some great familial conflict. It was easier this way, even if it wasn't entirely true. She didn't want to seem weak or pitiful, especially not to someone who barely knew her.

Elijah's brows furrowed slightly as he processed her words. "You don't plan to return home?" he asked, his voice quiet but curious.

Harper let out a sigh and shook her head. "No plans on it. I know, I practically ran away," she said, her voice tinged with regret. She hated lying about it, but she had made her choice, and this was the story she was going to stick with. "But I just needed this. I needed to get away from everything."

There was a brief moment of silence as Elijah absorbed her words. He could tell that there was more to the story—much more—but he didn't press her. He respected her boundaries, even though his instincts told him there was something deeper going on. Instead, he shifted the conversation, keeping it light. "You are acquainted with my sister, Freya," he began, his tone casual. "May I ask how that happened?"

Harper's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she scrambled for a response. She had no idea why she was suddenly so flustered, but the idea of talking about Freya, about how she had so freely opened her heart and home to a stranger, felt overwhelming. She had never had someone do something like that for her before. She never expected Freya to take her in without hesitation. It was too much, but she appreciated it more than words could convey.

"Well," she began, her voice a little unsure, "I was looking for a job, and I was kind of talking to myself, not expecting anyone to hear me. But your sister did, and she offered me a job at her shop. She even offered me a place to stay. She's done so much for me, more than I ever expected from a complete stranger."

Elijah's expression shifted to one of surprise, though it was quickly masked by his usual calm demeanour. He hadn't expected Freya to pick up someone off the street like that, let alone offer them a job and a place to stay without hesitation. It wasn't like Freya to be so open, so trusting. But something about Harper must have compelled her to act this way.

"I have to admit, it's a bit surprising," Elijah said, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity. "That's not something I would expect from Freya, but I suppose I'm just as perplexed as you."

Harper gave a small, wistful smile, feeling a pang of affection for Freya's kindness. "Yeah, but honestly, I've only known her for a short time, and I can already tell that she won't take no for an answer. She's persistent, in a good way. And I love cooking for her. She told me she wanted home-cooked meals, so... that's what I've been doing. It's a small trade-off, really. She gave me so much, and I get to do something I love."

Harper paused for a moment, her face turning slightly more crimson as she recalled something Freya had said. "Oh, and—please don't laugh—she mentioned that her brother likes to eat meals fit for a king. And, uh, well, I... I thought that was you, so... I just—oh no, now I probably sound like I'm speaking ill of you, or your siblings, or—"

She slumped in her seat, her face flushed with embarrassment. She hadn't meant to run off at the mouth like that, but it seemed that the words just spilt out without her permission.

Elijah, however, had a smile spread across his face, his amusement apparent. He couldn't help but find her awkwardness endearing. It was rare for him to encounter someone so open and genuine, someone who wasn't trying to hide behind a mask. Her awkwardness was refreshing, and the way she spoke so freely made him feel oddly at ease.

"Oh, don't worry, Harper," he said with a chuckle. "I'm actually quite flattered. Yes, I do have one older brother named Finn, and then the younger ones, there's Niklaus, Kol, and another sister, Rebekah. The one you're probably thinking of is Niklaus. He does have a tendency to approach everything, including meals, with a bit of... drama."

Harper blinked, processing the information. "Wow, that's a lot of siblings," she said, her curiosity piqued. "I take it you're all pretty close?"

Elijah's smile softened as he thought about his family. There had been times when they weren't as close as they were now, times of conflict and distance. But those times had passed, and now, they were together again, stronger than ever.

"Yes, we're very close," he replied. "There was a time when we weren't, but by some twist of fate, we're all back together now. It's... complicated, but we're a family, and that's what matters."

Harper found herself drawn to the warmth in his voice, the way he spoke of his family with such affection. Despite all their flaws and history, there was love between them. It was something Harper hadn't experienced much in her own life, but she felt a flicker of longing. For a moment, she wished she could be part of something like that—something so full of connection, of support.

Elijah's voice carried a sense of peace, of acceptance, and it made the atmosphere around them feel lighter and less tense. Harper realized that, for the first time in a while, she didn't feel so alone.