No pairing
"The young always have the same problem - how to rebel and conform at the same time. They have now solved this by defying their parents and copying one another."
― Quentin Crisp
Sunday, January 7, 2011
7:30 am
Freya never did make it up to Kai's room the night before.
"Shit, did I pass out last night?" Freya asked Keelin as they woke up early.
"Yes, beautiful, you did. You know, eventually," Keelin smiled, rolling over. Freya couldn't help smiling and reaching out to touch her hair. It fell down over Keelin's brown eyes in curly ringlets. Freya wanted to wake up like this everyday. Penny didn't need her as much and with Keelin here, Freya had not had any nightmares of her past, just dreams for the future.
"I meant to check on Kai. Keelin, I know those kids need me, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for this," Freya remarked.
"Hey, stop it right there, mama! That's your fear talking. If you didn't doubt, you wouldn't be a mother. Like you said, those kids need you. And Freya, if you will allow me, those girls especially are testing the hell out of you. Maybe it's the red hair, but that Rachael last night and her little temper. I had to bite my tongue not to give her a piece of my mind," Keelin laughed.
Freya groaned, "I know. I'm trying so hard to be patient with them and not flip out and just lose it. Klaus did the same damn thing with Penny until he finally snapped when she told me to shut up."
"That's the day I met you all at the clinic. How come I feel like I've known you forever? I can't imagine not knowing you. Freya, I've never felt like this before. I don't want to leave you," Keelin said in a low voice.
"Then, don't. Move in here. We could even move to the guest house. Maybe that would be good for the kids to have our own place? I could talk to my brothers," Freya said with excitement.
"But people will say it's too soon, 'they just met,'" Keelin countered.
"Since when do we care what other people think?" Freya asked coyly.
"Never. I hate to take you away from your family. I feel like this is your kitchen and your garden is right outside. Didn't you say your brothers were meeting with the architects today? And there was a fourth floor completely empty? What if we made that our own? I hardly have anything since I was never at my place since med school," Keelin added.
"The fourth floor? It's huge up there. There's a chance Tyler and Caroline might be moving up there too with their twins. How do you feel about crying babies?" Freya grinned.
"Actually, this room is nice. I mean you can't beat this bathroom and your lab is right downstairs. Like I said, my furniture is rented. I wouldn't have much to move in," Keelin admitted.
"I feel like I could do this with you here. Kol is helping with the kids, not just magic, but a lot more. I'm not saying it would be forever, but Keelin, would you move in with me?" Freya proposed.
"Freya Mikaelson, you got it. But I swear, I'll hang back from the kids until we all settle in. I don't want to come off as the wicked step mother," Keelin promised.
"Wicked? You are a little wicked when you do that thing...," Freya laughed.
Keelin grumbled, "I think the troops are up. People are in the kitchen..."
"Coffee time," Freya offered.
"Have you seen my pants? They have to be here somewhere. I think I will take a long bath first, though. Damn, that bathtub is amazing. Next time, you can join me?" Keelin said looking for her pants.
Freya kissed her and went out to see if her brothers were up.
Klaus and Elijah were both nursing mugs of blood.
"Rough night, Brothers?" Freya smiled.
"Looks like we're not the only one, Sister," Elijah retorted slyly.
"Um, how would you both feel about Keelin moving in?" Freya asked getting the coffee pot ready.
"Really, that's wonderful, Freya!" Klaus exclaimed.
"Terrific. Is Niklaus actually a successful matchmaker for once? This is astounding news. It would be lovely," Elijah said.
"You don't think it's too soon?" Freya whispered.
Both shook their heads no.
"Plus, Sister, I think you have your hands full with the three siphons," Elijah said seriously.
"Oh, I am sorry about Rachael last night. I admit I am in over my head. I really have never even been around so-called normal teens that much. With me, Dahlia was terrified that I would level another village or cause an earthquake. I suppose I just was hoping that getting into a routine would help the kids adjust," Freya said getting out some pans.
"Dana and Penny are so close, I do feel that Rachael just feels left out," Klaus mentioned finishing his mug of blood. Sometimes he did miss drinking from the servants, but since they had none, blood bags had to suffice.
"But Kai with that language! That was uncalled for. Kol was going to 'deal with that' last night," Freya mentioned as she got eggs and other ingredients out of the refrigerator.
"Our Kol?" Elijah said in surprise. Freya had never shied away from discipling anyone even him and Klaus recently.
"Yes, I asked him to, ...Kai is 16 and strong. If he resisted me, I couldn't stop him. And if I used magic, he could siphon it, and with him being human...I just didn't feel like it would be right," Freya said.
"Oh Freya, is that really the reason? I'll be honest, I've never seen you so fretful, luv. What can we do to help?" Klaus said going over to her and putting his hands on her shoulders.
"You've done everything already. Maybe I am being silly? I just don't want to screw this up," Freya said putting her hands over Klaus'.
Klaus put his arm around her, "You won't. Freya Mikaelson can do anything she puts her mind to. She is good, she is strong, and she is wise. You got this, girl, as they say."
Freya noted giggling, "You guys make this all look easy sometimes."
Elijah smirked, "You should have seen us in 1820 with Marcellus. Plus, Rebekah was furious with Niklaus for tossing her lover to his death. Kol was in a snit over this human child who took his place. It was pretty much chaos for what? A century."
Klaus grinned, "I was so afraid he would shatter into a thousand pieces. I wanted everything to be good for him. And yes, I'll admit it, Elijah, just this once, that I spoiled him rotten and wouldn't let anyone discipline him until he became a holy terror! Now look, he has his own holy terror to deal with!"
"Hey, watch it. Davina is in my coven. Us witches have to stick together. Speaking of, any word on the rogue siphons?" Freya deflected, now frying eggs.
"No, they're here, though. I just know it. We just need to find out what they want. Nothing good, I suspect," Klaus predicted.
Elijah added, "Freya, I know you might not want to talk about it again, but you are fully capable of taking these children in hand, if not to get them safe, but to give them limits and forge a bond with them. If you fear they will resent you for clamping down on their behavior, it could happen, but I feel like the children only truly resented us, when we were angry, unfair, or too harsh with them. I don't see you lashing out like that," Elijah said turning as he heard voices from the other room.
"Daddy, Finn hit me!" Henrik roared coming in from the great room.
Finn was hot on his tail, "He said I sucked at Legos!"
"Ah, for two boys who want to have a sleepover this weekend, we're doing a lot of fighting. And I better not hear that kind of language anymore. Now go sit at the table, it's time to eat," Elijah said evenly.
"But-!" Finn interjected.
"I'm not hungry," Henrik groaned.
"One," Elijah announced calmly.
"But it's not,-" Finn repeated.
"Two," Elijah continued.
Both scrambled to sit at the table.
"Thank you for cooperating. Now how about some eggs today?" Elijah asked.
"No, I hate eggs. I want my cereal," Finn cried.
"How do you know you dislike something you refuse to try? I'm going to allow you to repeat that politely. I fear someone may need to go back to bed," Elijah mused.
"NO! I mean, Dad, can I please have my cereal?" Finn repeated.
"Cereal, please. No milk," Henrik added quickly. Elijah fixed their cereal and got them some fruit.
Klaus whispered to Freya, "What happens at three?"
Freya replied, "I have no idea. I think he's making this up as he goes."
The boys' picky eating had only seemed to grow worse these last few months. The pediatrician had suggested they don't force the children to eat foods they don't like, but offer new foods. She had said not to get into a power struggle over it, but Elijah was frustrated that Finn, especially, wouldn't even try new foods.
Soon, Keelin came out, then Erik, Connor, and the dog came down.
Henrik jumped up to follow Sadie outside.
"Whoa, where do you think you're going, young man?" Elijah snapped.
Henrik stopped in his tracks. "I want to go out with Sadie!"
"Henrik, sit back down. You need to finish eating and you have no coat on. You can't go outside in your pajamas. It's too cold. Shoes also help," Elijah reminded him.
"I forgot," Henrik said sitting back down looking glum.
"It's okay, buddy. You can go get dressed and they you can go out and play after you eat a little something," Elijah promised.
"So stupid," Finn muttered under his breath.
"Daddy! He called me,-" Henrik wailed.
"I heard him. Finn, that was uncalled for. I don't know what has gotten into you, but you can apologize or go up to your room," Elijah demanded.
"Sorry," Finn said shortly.
"Finn, look at me. You are not being very nice. Now, tell Henrik you are sorry like you mean it," Elijah said a little sterner.
"But he is stupid! He just tried to go outside without his clothes on during breakfast. Why do I get in trouble for that?" Finn exploded.
Henrik started crying and Elijah was about to snap. The architects were coming at 9am. Maybe he needed to see if they could arrange separate bedrooms for these two?
"I suppose you are both finished. Come on, let's put our bowls in the sink. Spoons, too please," Elijah directed.
"Daddy, where are we going?" Finn asked nervously.
Finn tried again to defend his actions and glared at Henrik, which only made him cry harder.
"Come on, it's time to get dressed. Finn, we'll talk in a moment," Elijah promised.
"To your room," Elijah said taking still crying Henrik by the hand. They walked upstairs with only the sound of Henrik sobbing. Vanessa was on her way down.
"What happened?" Vanessa exclaimed.
"Nothing, my dear. We're just going to get dressed and have a little talk. Henrik wants to go play outside then. Finn will be in their room," Elijah explained.
"No! I'm not getting in trouble because of him again! Dad!" Finn whined.
"Come, let's get you guys dressed," Elijah stated.
Henrik finally stopped crying and let Elijah pick out clothes for him. Finn got his own clothes and changed into them. Elijah had him blow his nose and comb his hair.
Elijah hugged Henrik, "You're okay, Son. Now, go get your jacket. Ask Vanessa or an adult before you go outside."
Elijah turned to Finn, "I don't know if you know but the architects for the house are coming by in a few minutes. We're going to be talking about those big changes, like a pool and some other things. I want you to be honest with me. Do you want to have your own bedroom, apart from Henrik?"
Finn was surprised. He sometimes wanted to be away from Henrik, but at night, he got scared and didn't want to be alone. The house was so big that it frightened him.
"Sometimes he gets on my nerves, but I don't want to be by myself," Finn admitted.
"Alright. You know that might change as you get older and that's okay, but we'll keep you two in the same room. I'm going to tell you the truth, though, if you keep treating your brother the way you do, he might not want to stay with you," Elijah shared.
Finn never considered that. Henrik followed him and always wanted to do what he did, he couldn't imagine him going off on his own.
"I think you know what you need to say to Henrik. Finn, I really don't want to hear you call him stupid or hit him when he frustrates you. I don't want to take the sleepover away, but I am concerned that you will misbehave like this when your friends are here," Elijah finished.
"No, Dad, I won't. I'll be good. I swear, please. I'll tell Henrik I'm sorry and I'll mean it," Finn swore. He was wearing basketball shorts like the older boys wore and a t-shirt. Elijah could tell he was getting taller. He was losing some of the roundness around his face.
"Okay, I believe you. You're getting older and I'm really proud of you. You guys are both doing well at school, making friends, and growing up fast. But you still have to treat people with respect. The next time I have to remind you, you are going to spend the day in your room," Elijah cautioned.
"The whole day?" Finn gasped.
"Okay, probably not the whole day, but for a bit. Oh Finn, remember, if you need some time away from Henrik, that's okay. You don't have to constantly be with him," Elijah offered. He knew Finn was sometimes his own worst enemy. He wanted to be alone, but was afraid to at the same time.
"I know. Can I go play now?" Finn asked eagerly.
"Sure. Just put on a jacket," Elijah said hugging him tightly.
A part of Elijah wanted to ask Finn if he remembered when he was Finn's little brother, but he knew Finn had forgotten almost all of it, if not all now. Had he followed Finn like Henrik did? He didn't recall if he did, but he remembered Niklaus following him. How could a thousand years ago seem like yesterday? Elijah was grateful for his sons, though they were not always easy to manage. Sometimes the constant questions and chatter got to him more than he wanted to admit, but he did love them wholeheartedly.
Elijah heard the doorbell ring and went downstairs to meet the architects. Elijah's mind jumped from Finn to how he was going to pay for these new improvements to the property.
10 am
Freya was surprised the girls had all slept in so long. She tapped on the door to their room before opening it.
"Oh, you're awake," Freya smiled. The three girls were sitting in bed all sipping on a blood bag watching tv. They had moved the tv to the foot of the bed from the couch area.
"Nice set-up," Freya commented. She kissed Penny on the head as she sat beside her.
"Hi Aunt Freya, we're having a girls' morning," Penny quipped proudly.
"You are? Nice. After you drink that, make sure you brush your teeth, then your hair, and get dressed. Did you take a bath last night?" Freya asked.
"No, I was too tired," Penny said.
"Maybe do that first then," Freya suggested, "You need help?"
"I can help her," Dana offered.
"Thanks, Dana," Freya said. She could tell Dana from Rachael only by the expression on their faces. Dana always looked more calm. Rachael looked a little more edgy and defiant. Their red hair was the same shoulder length and they both tended to put it back in a pony tail.
Rachael was still under the covers.
"Can we talk, honey?" Freya asked after Dana and Penny went to the bathroom.
"I guess this is where you yell at me for being a bitch last night after I already got 'talked to'," Rachael predicted.
"I'm not going to yell at you and you're not a bitch. I just want to check in and see that you are okay. Dinner last night got a little...tense," Freya said diplomatically.
"Ya think?" Rachael snarled.
"I used to act out too when I was your age," Freya shared.
"What did you do?" Rachael asked. She was kind of into the stories from the family members. They really had some wild pasts.
"Once, I leveled a village. Um, once I caused an earthquake when my aunt wouldn't let me go outside. Once I ran away and almost got burned at the stake. My magic was so powerful, I couldn't always control it. My aunt made me her slave, but at times, she couldn't control me," Freya recalled.
"Did she try?" Rachael pressed.
"Yes, you know how you broke my spell? I did that to her many times, until she did a spell so powerful that I couldn't. She spelled us both to immortality, but doomed us to only live a year every century. It was torture," Freya verified.
"I can't imagine," Rachael said.
"Yeah, each time I would start to live again, I'd fall asleep and then wake up 100 years later into another new world. I don't want that life for you. I want you, Dana, and your brother to be proactive. I always wondered if I had fought Dahlia harder, maybe tried a new spell or resisted her magic if I could have fought her off sooner," Freya wondered.
"Why are you telling me this now?" Rachael asked plainly.
"Is all your acting out just frustration with your inability to cast a spell or not being able to control your own life? When I can't practice, I know it makes me anxious and irritated. Maybe instead of smacking you yesterday, I probably should have asked you if you wanted to take off the bracelet?" Freya suggested.
"Take it off? Honestly, I'm a little afraid to take it off. There is so much magic around here I just don't think I'm ready, if that's okay. I really don't even know all that many spells. Kai and Kol talked to me after dinner last night. We're all cool. Connor thanked me for pulling him away from that kid he was feeding from. Honestly, Dana and Penny have been nicer to me. I feel okay," Rachael admitted.
Freya exhaled, "I'm so glad. But really, if you're upset, you can come and we'll talk about it. But if you act like that again, I promise you that you're really going to get it. I mean it, consider yourself out of extra chances. So be good, please."
"I will," Rachael agreed. She knew she was getting off easy and Rachael vowed to not screw it up.
"Good, I'm going to go check on Kai. The architects are downstairs, but I can make you girls something to eat if you're hungry," Freya offered.
Rachael declined. Freya took her leave and knocked on Kai's door. He was awake on his phone.
"Hey, morning. You guys all kind of slept through breakfast," Freya mentioned.
"Oh sorry, I didn't know there was a breakfast," Kai revealed.
"Yeah, usually Elijah makes a big breakfast on weekends, but we thought we would let all of you sleep. So Kol wasn't too hard on you?" Freya asked cautiously.
"No, but I don't want to repeat that experience," Kai laughed uncomfortably.
"Oh Kai, I really felt like you deserved some consequences for saying that to your sister. I know people nowadays restrict children to their rooms or houses, but I thought with your past, it was best just to do something quick and be done with it. I apologize, though, for not talking to you before," Freya reported.
"It's okay. I didn't like getting my butt beat, but I'd take that over being locked in a room over and over again," Kai smiled.
"I'd never lock you anywhere, okay? You know that, right? And I think we need to sit down and have a bit of a family meeting. We can talk about getting this room situation sorted and making sure you guys have everything you need. We can plan to do something fun also. Maybe go out, do something, whatever you kids want to do," Freya promised.
"Really? That would be great," Kai added.
"I'm happy you're here, Kai. Kol said he was going to take you to get your hair cut later?" Freya asked. She smiled and ran her hand through his head gently. He was such a good looking boy. She wondered if she should have Klaus give him a sex talk and throw some condoms in a drawer. After all, this boy was no vampire.
"Yes, he said we could go driving...But I think I need to clean up this room first. When he came in to, um, punish me last night, he was afraid he'd get bugs in here," Kol admitted.
"Oh, it's not that bad. He's almost as fussy as Elijah, he just hides it better. Would you like a bedroom with the other boys?" Freya asked.
"Yeah, they seem to have a lot of fun. I never really had video games or those iPads and I don't know the music now. I guess I have a lot of catching up to do," Kai shared.
"What about schoolwork? Did you have any education in prison world or when your parents locked you away?" Freya wondered.
"Yes, I had lessons in both. I also did a lot of reading so in some thing I may be ahead. I'm sure in math and science, I'm years behind," Kai stated.
"Matt sees a tutor. We can set you up for an evaluation to get you caught up more. If you need anything else, Kol will take you shopping for that today, too," Freya directed.
"Thank you. I could get used to this kind of treatment," Kai quipped.
"Good, because you deserve the best, Kai," Freya said with authority.
Kai had no reply and felt himself flooded with emotion. It had been a long time since he had been treated with open arms.
"I-I appreciate that," Kai spluttered.
"Get dressed and come down when you are ready. I'm going to go see if they need me with the architects. I doubt it, but they are going to build me a greenhouse, so I'm excited about that," Freya admitted.
"Nice. I heard you make quite the collection of salves," Kai grinned, recovering his sense of humor.
"You best hope you never need one. I think they have been making quite the impression on humans and supernaturals," Freya laughed.
"You should sell them. The supernaturals might be better behaved, especially the vampires, like my mouthy twin sisters," Kai mused.
"You know, that's not the worse idea I've even heard. 'Freya's Magical Salves'...Nah, not catchy enough. Keep thinking and I'll make you my business manager," Freya suggested.