Chapter Text
After Allies and Bonnies rather heartfelt conversation Allie got dressed
She walked outside dragging her suitcase to the car where her sister was on her phone waiting
" That all? Did you remember everything? Your dress? " Bonnie asked with a wide smile as she helped her sister chuck her suitcase into the boot
" Yep "
Both sisters walked to opposite sides of the car and opened the car and sat down with Bonnie in the drivers seat
" Ready? " Bonnie questioned
" Always "
~โพ~
The drive to Caroline's house was short, but it felt like a deep breath before the whirlwind of the night ahead. Allie sat in the passenger seat, her fingers drumming lightly against her knee while Bonnie hummed along to the radio.
"You nervous?" Bonnie asked, casting her a quick glance.
Allie exhaled through her nose. "Not really. Just- " She rolled her lips together, trying to put it into words.
"Just thinking about them?" Bonnie finished.
Allie blushed. "Am I that obvious?"
Bonnie smirked. "To me? Always."
Bonnie pulled up outside Caroline's house, and before the car fully stopped, Allie was already unbuckling her seatbelt.
" Someone's in a hurry " Bonnie teased, turning off the engine
"I just wanna get ready," Allie said, stepping out. "And you know Caroline's gonna have a whole thing about my outfit"
"There's the birthday girl! Happy Birthday!!!" Caroline beamed, stepping onto the porch in a blur of blonde curls and excitement. She pulled Allie into a tight hug before stepping back to give her a big smile while giving her a quick look at her outfit.
"Okay, first of all, you look way too cute for someone who's not even in their party outfit yet " Caroline stated, obviously impressed
Allie grinned, shaking her head as she followed Caroline inside. The house smelled like vanilla candles and a hint of perfume, warm and familiar.
Caroline took her bag and began leading the sisters toward the back rooms. "Come on, we have lots of stuff to do! "
Allie didn't argue. Caroline's place was the perfect escape for the night. She followed her upstairs, Bonnie trailing behind, and tossed her bag onto the bed. The walls were lined with fairy lights, casting a soft golden glow over the neatly arranged vanity and plush bedding.
Caroline through Allies bags onto the ground before pushing Allie towards the vanity before yelling out
" Bonnie! C'mon we've got lots of work to do! "
~โพ~
By the time they pulled up outside the rented restaurant, the night was already alive with energy
By the time they pulled up outside the rented restaurant, the night was already alive with energy. The bass from the music pulsed through the pavement, and lights spilled out from the wide windows, casting the street in a soft glow.
Allie stepped out of the car, her boots hitting the pavement as she looked up at the venue. Silver balloons floated near the ceiling, and the words SCORPIO BABY shimmered proudly across the front windows in bold chrome letters.
"Okay," Bonnie said, slamming the door shut behind her. "Caroline went all out."
Allie exhaled, a grin tugging at her lips. "It's kinda perfect."
"Obviously," Caroline appeared at her side like a glittery blonde blur, practically vibrating with excitement. "Do you love it? Because I love it. I mean - Scorpio baby? Iconic!"
Allie rolled her eyes affectionately. "You're ridiculous."
"And you're hot," Caroline replied, looping her arm through Allie's and dragging her toward the entrance. "Come on, birthday girl. Time to shine."
Inside, the party was already in full swing. The music was loud, bodies packed together on the dance floor, and laughter echoed above the beat. Friends she recognised waved from across the room, and others she didn't know were already halfway drunk and vibing like they belonged there.
There were disco lights, a glowing cocktail bar, and tiny flickers of glitter from confetti on the floor. It was chaotic and loud and kind of magical.
Allie blinked, taking it in.
For the first time all day, she let her shoulders drop.
This was hers. This was fun. This wasn't about vampires or mates or witches or secretsโit was just her night.
Allie ducked out of the crowd, grabbing two waters from the bar and making her way over to Bonnie, who was sitting near the back with a half-smile like she was watching something funny.
"Here," Allie said, handing her one. "You looked like you were about to start seeing stars."
Bonnie took it with a grateful nod. "I love Caroline, but why does every party she plans feel like a cardio class?"
"Because she's a control freak in heels."
They clinked their water bottles like they were toasting something more exciting and took a sip.
The music was loud, but not unbearable back here. A string of silver balloons bounced above them, and a couple of people were taking photos near the photo booth. It was loud, crowded, chaotic and kind of perfect.
Bonnie leaned back against the wall, giving Allie a quick once-over. "You're actually having fun."
"I know," Allie said, almost surprised. "I thought I'd spend the whole night pretending I wasn't thinking about them... but it's been good."
Bonnie smiled. "You needed this. Not just the party but the reminder that you're more than whatever supernatural mess you're caught in."
"Thanks, Dr. Phil," Allie deadpanned, but her eyes softened. "No, really. Thanks for coming early, and getting ready with me, and for not judging me when I had a mini meltdown over my hair."
"Your hair was fine."
"Fine? Wow. Rude."
Bonnie laughed, nudging her shoulder. "Okay, it looked amazing. Like runway level amazing."
Allie smirked. "That's more like it."
A beat of comfortable silence settled between them, just the thrum of music and the occasional flash of camera light in the background. Bonnie took another sip of her water, then said, "You know I've got your back, right? Whatever happens next - mates, magic, mystery cousins - I'm not going anywhere."
Allie didn't say anything at first. Just bumped Bonnie's shoulder with her own, small smile tugging at her lips.
"I know," she said. "And for the record... I'd hex anyone who tried to take you from me."
Bonnie grinned. "You're such a softie."
"Shut up."
Bonnie nudged her. "You good?"
Allie smiled faintly. "Yeah. I think I needed this."
" Come on. Let's get back out there" Bonnie smiled while grabbing Allies hand and pulling her to the dance floor.
They danced. For hours.
She danced with everyone. With Bonnie, with Caroline, even with some random girl who grabbed her hand during a Dua Lipa remix. She sang along to every song she knew, sipped drinks that Caroline kept shoving into her hand, and laughed until her cheeks hurt.
Somewhere between the third drink and the fourth song, her thoughts stopped spinning.
She wasn't waiting. She wasn't hoping. She was just here.
Then Lacy arrived.
Allie caught sight of her striding through the door like she owned the damn night, hair glossy under the lights and eyes scanning the crowd.
" Surprise!!! " Lacy gleamed
Allie grinned and waved her over. "Took you long enough."
"I had to make an entrance," Lacy called back, pulling her into a quick hug. "You look so good, girl"
"You too. You wanna dance?"
Lacy's answer was to grab her hand and drag her toward the centre of the floor. The DJ switched to something harder, bass heavy and more crowd hyped. They moved like they'd done it a hundred times. No overthinking. No pressure. Just sweat, rhythm, and connection.
When In da Club started playing, Lacy shrieked.
"No way."
"This is literally our song now," Allie laughed, flipping her hair and letting the beat take her.
They went all in. Full chaotic energy. Singing every word, jumping, spinning, doubling over in laughter.
" Hey, I'll be right back I just need to go bathroom " Lacy panted a bit out of breath as she began walking away
Allie slowly made her way towards the bar, carefully pushing her way through the tons of people.
" A shot. Vodka please " Allie requested from a cute blond bartender
" Anything for you birthday girl " The bartender winked at her before quickly sliding her the drink across the table
Allie tossed back a shot, the burn of tequila hitting just right as she set the glass down with a quiet clink. The bar was buzzing, music pulsing from the dance floor behind her, but she stayed put, taking a breath.
"I was right," A voice came from beside her, casual and annoyingly familiar "A month later and you're back."
She didn't even flinch, just smirked as she turned to find Stefan leaning against the bar like he'd been there all night.
"You keep track of my movements now?" she asked, arching a brow. "That's cute. Bit stalkerish, though."
He shrugged. "Small town. Not exactly hard."
Allie gave him a dry look. "Right. Forgot Mystic Falls is basically one dramatic run in away from a full blown reunion episode."
Stefan let out a soft chuckle, eyes flicking toward her shot glass. "Didn't peg you as the type to throw back tequila at your own birthday party."
She picked up her second shot. "That's because you don't know me."
"Fair enough "
Allie raised the glass in mock salute before downing it. "And yet, here you are."
"I'm a sucker for a good party," he said simply, watching her with a lazy sort of curiosity.
" Yeah right. You're too broody. Who invited you? " Allie asked sarcastically arching her brow
He glanced at the dance floor, unbothered. "Caroline. She forced me. Said she'd kill me if I didn't show."
She snorted. "Sounds like her."
"She also threatened bodily harm if I didn't tell you how good you look tonight."
Allie gave him a flat look. "Now that sounds like her."
He chuckled softly. "I don't disagree, though."
"Careful," she said, grabbing another shot. "Flattery might get you killed."
"I'll take my chances."
She threw back the second shot with practiced ease, letting the warmth spread through her chest. A pause passed between them. Stefan's eyes flicked to the direction where Lacy had disappeared.
"That girl you were with... she your friend?"
Allie hesitated just enough to catch herself. "Lacy. Yeah."
" Haven't seen her around before. "
"She's new."
Stefan nodded slowly, still watching her. "She's cute."
"She's not your type " Allie added bluntly, shooting him a pointed look.
Stefan raised a brow, mildly amused. "Wasn't asking."
"Didn't stop you before," she said, flashing him a grin. "Or is that just reserved for girls who look like Elena?"
His expression twitched for a split second but it was enough for her to see it land.
Allie gave him a small smirk. "Don't bother. She'd eat you alive."
Stefan let out a sigh before turning to face her
He gave her a slow once-over, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You know, for someone who didn't want to talk last time, you're surprisingly chatty tonight."
She raised a brow. "Don't get used to it."
" Never "
" I don't remember you having this much attitude last time either? What happened? Your eighteen now and don't take shit from anyone anymore? " He remarked
" I'll stake you "
He tipped his drink toward hers in a silent toast, the edge of a smirk playing on his lips. "Happy birthday, by the way."
" Thanks. Now return to your brooding " Allie retorted with a small smile as Stefan walked away sipping his drink
Allie walked away from the bar as she noticed Lacy coming out of the bathroom. She strutted over to her with her drink
" Mmm try some of this " Allie said shoving the glass into Lacy's face
" Whoa! Calm down I need you functioning for tomorrow " Lacy chuckled over the music pushing Allies glass away
" What? I thought I was supposed to let loose on my birthday? " Allie yelled over the music
" Well I brought some grimores with me. I'm coming to your house in the morning, thought we could continue our little magic lessons tomorrow " Lacy yelled back
" Oh. Well I suppose that takes precedent " Allie slurred putting her drink down
Lacy laughed, grabbing Allies hand and pulling her back to the dance floor.
For a while, it felt like the world had shrunk to music and movement and the people she actually cared about.
And then the lights dimmed slightly. A cake appeared.
Everyone began crowding toward her, voices raising into a chorus of Happy Birthday.
Allie smiled, polite and bright, as the candles flickered in front of her.
But as she scanned the room again, reality crept in.
No Elijah.
No Rebekah.
No Kol.
No Klaus.
No one.