Gilbert Twins [1 - Twins Series]

9 - The Simple Intimacy of the Near Touch

Book: Gilbert Twins
Chapter 9: The Simple Intimacy of the Near Touch
Word Count: 1783

Skylar strolled through the front door to the Salvatore house, a smile spreading across her features as she was glad to be home, even if she did miss Paris. Someone must have heard her walk in because footsteps were heard walking through the kitchen and heading towards the front door. Moments later, Caroline rounded the corner. Skylar smiled widely at her.

"Bonjour!"

Caroline screamed happily and rushed over to hug Bonnie.

"You're here! Ooh! How was Paris? How's Enzo? Tell me you ate all the cheese..."

"And drank all the wine. And bought all the gifts." Skylar reached into her bag and pulled out a gift, handing it to Caroline. "But don't open it now. Save it until Stefan comes back. The gift is kind of wedding themed."

"Thank you." But then, Caroline focused in on the ring on Skylar's hand, gasping in shock. "Speaking of weddings... is that what I think it is?"

"If you think that it is an engagement ring, then you would be correct." Skylar laughed. Caroline grabbed her hand to inspect the ring closer before hugging Skylar again.

"Congratulations!" Caroline's phone then rang; Skylar saw that Seline was calling her.

"Why would psycho siren-nanny call you?"

"Apparently she and her sister are fighting." Congratulations sighed.

"And we care because...?" Skylar rolled her eyes. Caroline answered the phone.

"What do you want? I'm having a serious reunion over here!"

"My sister's on the warpath. The artifact that she's trying to assemble has the power to kill her. That's why she's after all three pieces of the bell. Lucky for you, I already stole the biggest part."

"Did you want a congrats? I mean, I'm sort of in the middle of something important."

"You consider Skylar returning from Paris as important? You have something I need, I have something you need. I have the bell, you have the tuning fork... and together, we're like chocolate and peanut butter."

"Or peanut butter and garbage."

"Hey, I am trying to make amends. I could've just as easily called Damon. He has the third piece of the bell, the striker."

"What's the striker?"

"It's an iron ball. My sister had him fetch it from the Maxwells. He doesn't even know what it is. Look, I am partially responsible for the damage she inflicts on the world. If I want to make good, that starts with killing Sybil."

"I'm just having a hard time taking you seriously because of everything you've done."

"You don't have to trust me, but I sure as hell am trusting you... with a weapon of terrible power."

"Well, I love a weapon of terrible power. Now that you've wasted my time, I have Miss Mystic Falls to attend. Those of us who haven't burnt every single bridge we've ever crossed have obligations."

---

Skylar and Bonnie were checking in the attendees while Caroline wrapped up her phone-call with Matt.

"Hey." Caroline breathed, making her way over to the witch and the heretic.

"Hey. Those are the last names on the guest list." Skylar pointed over to the couple that just passed them.