"It is time to wake up, my dear Daisy." Finn murmurs as he gently shakes Daisy's shoulder. He gazes fondly at his mate who was sprawled out on the bed, perfectly comfortable in this vampire-filled house.
Daisy had successfully managed to siphon away Kol's wound and then proceeded to fling Elijah into the pool by accident. Elijah had climbed out of the pool, looking like a drenched cat, and was met with loud cheers from his siblings. Daisy had apologized profusely, not wanting to know how expensive the suit she had just ruined was, but Elijah had waved it off, telling her he could change his suit and let her fling him in the pool again if it made her happy. Kol had been enthusiastic about this idea but Daisy had politely declined.
Elijah had been insistent on letting Daisy take a nap before heading to her work. Daisy was doing great with training her magic but she did seem fatigued after several hours of practicing. Daisy had looked a little disheartened at having to stop, afraid this was a one-time occurrence, but Kol had promised her they could continue tomorrow and the day after, and the day after that. Every day really.
After their enjoyable afternoon of watching Niklaus getting flung around, the Mikaelsons had spent the Daisy-free time downstairs, relaxing, laughing, and talking with each other. This was a big contrast to their usual behavior towards one another, which usually resulted in everyone retreating to their own rooms.
Finn's reminiscing is cut short when Daisy moves under his hand, turning around under the pile of blankets to blink up at the person who disturbed her sleep. She had to admit this waking was a lot more preferable than this morning, where she had gasped awake after a nightmare about Sage.
"Hello, Finn." Daisy mumbles drowsily, blinking to get rid of the sleep in her eyes. She sits up straight in the bed, stretching her limbs before looking quizically up at Finn, who seemed a little too interested in her bare legs which were sticking out from under the duvet.
"Umm... yes. I-We can give you a ride? Are you... ready?" Finn stammers, quickly looking up at the ceiling with bright pink cheeks. He wasn't unfamiliar with the female body but seeing his mate's bare skin made his mind wander to other, less appropriate areas.
"That would be great, thank you..." Daisy's voice trails off, patiently waiting for Finn to get the hint for him to leave the room so she could grab her pants from the floor.
"Of course, my love. Anytime." Finn shifts his gaze to his mate's face to smile at her, still not understanding that he should leave the room.
"Could you maybe... give me five minutes to gather my things?" Daisy asks shyly after a minute of Finn simply smiling down at her.
"Yes, yes of course." Finn turns pink again as he finally understands what this mate was waiting for. He awkwardly shuffles out of the room, sneaking one last peek at his mate's legs before shutting the door behind him.
Daisy bursts out in giggles, not knowing she could make people get flustered like that, usually it was the other way around. Daisy quickly shoots her mother a message that she would be home soon, before putting her jeans back on and quickly stuffing her belongings back into her backpack.
Daisy walks down the staircase and comes face to face with the Mikaelsons, already waiting on her.
"We're coming with you." Kol announces as he sees Daisy's confused look.
"Oh, you don't have-"
"One of your mother's conditions to you missing school was meeting us. She wanted to see the people you keep running off to, besides that she wanted to thank us in person for taking care of you." Rebekah explains, cutting off any protests Daisy might have. It was ridiculous really, her brothers had spent the past half hour fussing over which shirt to wear and what way their hair should be parted. Elijah had of course chosen one of his finest ties and Niklaus had even brushed his hair, which made his curls look a bit fluffier than usual.
"She also asked Bekah if we happened to be good-looking." Niklaus wiggles his eyebrows.
"She was being sarcastic." Rebekah slaps Niklaus's chest, the last thing she needed was for Daisy's mother to inflate the egos of her brothers even further. On the other hand, it would make things easier if Daisy's mother was on their side.
Daisy shakes her head, it was definitely something her mother would ask. Sure, she was incredibly set on manners and politeness when it came to town business and matters regarding the foundation, but she could also be incredibly childish and inappropriate.
"Ow, don't hit me!" Kol growls when Elijah rips something from his grasp, accidentally hitting him in the process. Kol shoves the noble Original in retaliation but before he can snatch the item back it is already grabbed by Niklaus who promptly steps forward, offering it to Daisy, who grabs it after a moment of hesitation.
"Please tell me it is not a key to another mansion?" Daisy jokes, carefully tugging at the ribbon that was wrapped around the little box.
"Of course not, you will get that on our third date." Niklaus hums, smiling innocently at his mate while contemplating when it would be appropriate for him to fly her to their vacation home in Spain, perhaps once she turns eighteen. The last thing he wanted was for people to accuse him of child trafficking, sure no one in their right mind would try to arrest him, but he still had a reputation to uphold.
Daisy rolls her eyes playfully, ignoring the mention of the word 'date' and hoping dearly he was joking about having another home. She knew the Mikaelsons were wealthy, but she didn't want to know to what extent.
"It's... beautiful." Daisy lets out a small gasp at the pretty pendant that was lying on the soft silky cushion in the box. The pendant seemed to be made of a blue-colored stone. Daisy turns it over and sees an 'M' engraved into it.
"It was spelled by a witch. You can store magic in the pendant and siphon from it in emergencies." Kol explains, head tilted slightly to look past the hybrid, who was regretfully blocking his view.
"Can I?" Niklaus asks, looking pointedly at the necklace.
Daisy gives a shy nod before turning around and lifting her hair out of the way. People must declare her insane for willingly baring her throat for a hybrid. A shiver runs up her back when she feels Niklaus's hands on the back of her neck, memories of last night flashing through her mind.
Niklaus notices this and frowns a little, hoping his mate didn't flinch because of him. He carefully fastens the necklace before retracting his hands. "Please don't fear me, fear us." Niklaus whispers.
"I don't." Daisy promises before turning around to look at him. "Really." She assures, smiling kindly up at Niklaus. The Mikaelsons had been kind to her, helped her, and comforted her, there was no way she could fear them, right?
• • •
"Hello, dear." Daisy's mother presses a swift kiss to her daughter's cheek before quickly pushing her into the house, clearly more interested in the Mikaelsons who were all waiting patiently near the doorstep.
"Gee, thanks mom." Daisy mutters, placing her backpack near the stairs. "Perhaps invite them in?" Daisy suggests mildly after seeing Finn's anxious expression.
The last thing Finn wanted was to be separated from his mate by something as stupid and insulting as a threshold. Once invited in he would be able to see her anytime he wanted, which sounded a little creepy but it wasn't as if he would watch her sleep. He just wanted to check in on her, make sure she was alright.
Daisy's mother complies and invites them in.
"Mrs. Landry." Elijah greets, pressing a kiss to the woman's knuckles, which earns him a giggle. Daisy's mother turns to face her daughter and sends her a not-so-subtle smirk accompanied by a swift eyebrow wiggle. "My name is Elijah Mikaelson and these are my siblings, Finn, Niklaus, Kol, and Rebekah."
"No baked goods this time?" Daisy's mother teases.
Daisy lets out a huff, they weren't even through the extensive amount of baked goods she had brought home the other day. There was really no need for more.
"Of course." With a grin, Niklaus shows her the bag he had been hiding behind his back, filled with even more treats than last time. His grin broadens even further when he sees Daisy's exasperated expression.
"You can hang out with my daughter anytime." Daisy's mother deadpans, grabbing the bag with both hands. She wonders briefly if this could be considered prostitution, if it was, she couldn't feel too guilty about it. So far the Mikaelsons seemed like decent people and Daisy liked them, besides that, those lemon tarts were to die for.
• • •
"Did they give you that?" Daisy's mother looks pointedly at the necklace Daisy was wearing.
Daisy nods and lets her fingers brush over the pendant, nearly feeling the magic radiating off it. In the car, Kol had shown her how to store magic in it, which was easier than she thought.
"Wow, they give gifts, are well mannered, and very handsome." Daisy's mother whispers in a conspiring tone while putting on the kettle for tea, not knowing the vampires in the other room could follow their conversation perfectly.
"Yes, they are great." Daisy replies, already fearing what would come out of her mother's mouth next.
"You know, honey, I wouldn't mind... having one of them as my son-in-law. Or daughter-in-law, that's modern now, right?" Daisy's mother shoots her daughter a suggestive wink. "Oh, we can shop together, some mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law bonding time."
Daisy swore she could hear someone snickering in the living room, her eyes shoot to her mother who didn't seem to notice, too busy with unwrapping the sweets and placing them on a plate for their guests.
"I'm not sure if Rebekah-"
"It would be quite cute actually, she looks very sweet and I totally understand if you want a break from boys." Daisy's mother rambles before smiling softly at Daisy, stroking her cheek for a moment. She was quite enthusiastic about this idea, girls could be nice seeing as girls understood girls. She realizes that she should have kicked Jason's ass for his terrible behavior, too bad he's already run off.
"Mom-"
"Can you imagine the look on aunt Jessica's face when you have one of them on your arm at the Christmas party? She would go insane!" Daisy's mother lets out a laugh already imagining her triumph, she would be sure to capture that moment on film. "Alex can suck it with his stupid face. Pimply little asshole." Daisy's mother grumbles bitterly. She hadn't forgotten how her nephew had made fun of Daisy for never getting a relationship. The only reason she didn't hit the boy was that it would be child abuse, in addition, the family still liked to villainize her for being a single mother, there was no need to add to the gossips.
"Mom!" Daisy whispers harshly, not in the mood to be reminded of their short-sighted family members. Kol had complained in the past about his siblings, but they were all lovely, especially in comparison to her aunt and nephew.
"What? Would you rather me be one of those parents who don't allow their daughter to date until they're thirty?" Daisy's mother huffs, in her eyes she was as modern and open-minded as she could be. "No, you have at it! You have got to sample life, dear. And what better way to do it than with those gorgeous specime-"
"That's enough, mom. Thank you, message received loud and clear." Daisy cuts off, swiftly grabbing the plate and fleeing the kitchen. Daisy puts the plate down in front of the Mikaelsons who all seemed to have the time of their lives.
"If you don't want the one in the suit, I will gladly take him!" Daisy's mother shouts from the kitchen.
With a sigh Daisy plops herself down on the couch, not wanting to look any of the Mikaelsons in the eye, especially not Rebekah or Elijah, who both looked incredibly smug.
• • •
"Your mother is very-" Elijah offers after they have piled into the car again, driving Daisy to her work.
"Not a word." Daisy cuts him off while looking purposefully out of the window.
"Alright," Elijah hums, nodding his head. "At least she likes us." At this, he lets out a low chuckle. Daisy's mother had done what almost every parent did, embarrass their child thoroughly. Elijah didn't mind, this way he got to know more about his mate.
"A little too much. She kept nudging me in your direction, Angel." Kol smirks, poking Daisy in her side to get her attention. "Not that I mind of course."
"You weren't the only one." Rebekah mumbles.
"I'm sorry, Bekah. She means well, I think she would have loved to have you as her additional daughter." Daisy smiles apologetically at her friend.
"No need to apologize, if I ever decide to switch teams, you will be the first one to know." Rebekah teases, grinning broadly upon seeing the familiar blush return to Daisy's cheeks.
• • •
"Daisy, hi."
As soon as Daisy steps into the Grill she runs into Elena Gilbert. Daisy frowns a little not sure why Elena was approaching her. There was no vendetta between them, but they weren't exactly friends either.
In the past, Daisy had made attempts at getting friendly with Elena but halted her efforts after realizing Elena wasn't as nice as she claimed to be. Elena always had a dismissive attitude towards Daisy and the few times they spoke usually included backhanded remarks. The fact that she got along with Matt didn't help either.
"Hello." Daisy greets awkwardly, eyes shifting to the clock that was hanging near the bar. She had ten minutes before her shift started, she was standing alone tonight so she had to be sure to refill everything before closing up tonight. Matt usually worked this shift, but she had offered to take it from him, knowing he needed to rest his arm more to speed up his healing process.
"I saw you getting dropped off by the Mikaelsons." Elena states. Her jaw had almost dropped to the floor when she saw the Mikaelsons and Daisy piling out of the car, especially seeing as the Mikaelsons were very extensive and affectionate in their goodbyes. She hadn't realized they had grown this close in such a short amount of time.
Daisy nods, not sure how to respond to that. The way Elena said it didn't make it sound like a question
"So, you're friends with them?"
"Yes." Daisy replies shortly. She didn't like the indignant tone that Elena was using while talking about the Mikaelsons. As far as Daisy knew, the Mikaelsons were ten times friendlier than the girl standing before her.
"I don't think that's a good idea. I think it would be safer-"
"I'm sorry, Elena. But I think I can decide for myself who I befriend." Daisy cuts Elena off, not in the mood for unsolicited advice. She could easily guess what Elena was trying to say and thought it was a bit hypocritical of her, seeing as Elena hung out with three vampires. Also, the condescending tone Elena was using started to piss her off.
"I'm just trying to warn you." Elena tries, shooting Daisy a somewhat sincere smile.
"I'm sure you mean well, but I'm alright, thank you." Without another look at Elena, Daisy brushes past her, making her way to the staff room of the Grill. It wasn't really a staff room, but there was enough space to store her belongings.
"Daisy." Damon greets as soon as Daisy walks up to the bar.
"Can I help you?" Daisy asks coolly while washing her hands. Her gaze shifts to the corner of the Grill where Elena was seated with Bonnie and Caroline. Daisy's eyes linger on Bonnie, who was also a witch. Maybe she could talk to Bonnie sometimes about being a witch, she would ask Kol first if he thought it to be wise to trust the Bennett girl.
"I'm sure you can." Damon winks, at the girl.
"Don't be creepy, please. I'm a minor." Daisy mumbles while drying her hands, knowing full well that Damon had heard her.
"And you hanging out with the Mikaelsons isn't creepy? They are older than me." Damon points out while nudging his glass towards Daisy. He didn't like it that Daisy wasn't throwing herself at him like other girls.
"Rebekah and Kol are my age, and their brothers have been nothing but kind to me." Daisy replies, sounding a little too defensive for her own liking. She promptly refills his glass.
"I bet they have." Damon mutters, looking interestedly at Daisy's necklace. It was the same kind of stone that was used for daylight rings. Damon wonders if the Mikaelsons were planning on turning their newly acquired pet into a vampire.
• • •
Daisy smiles brightly as she sees Niklaus and Elijah entering the Grill. She immediately grabs two glasses, filling them with their usual drink.
"Missed me already?" Daisy hums as the men take a seat.
"Always, love." Niklaus nods, not ashamed to admit this. He did miss her, every minute that wasn't with his mate seemed a little bleaker than the previous. Upon seeing Daisy behind the bar his heart started beating a little faster and his mood increased significantly.
"We wanted to make sure you were alright." Elijah tilts his head slightly in the direction of Damon, who was now joined by Alaric. The two were looking interestedly at the newcomers, no doubt contemplating the nature of their relationship to Daisy.
"That's very kind of you." Daisy smiles softly at Elijah and Niklaus before busying herself with filling the pepper and salt shakers, not wanting to get behind on her tasks.
"Too kind." Damon mutters, looking appraisingly at the two Originals. As far as he knew, Elijah only checked up on his investments. He couldn't imagine why Daisy would be of interest to the Originals, except perhaps for the obvious reason, but they could pick any woman for that, no need to mess with a minor for that.
Niklaus sniffs haughtily at this comment. "Salvatore, your girlfriend is seated over there, perhaps you should go and bother her." Niklaus suggests mildly, fixing the vampire with an icy glare.
"I think I am good where I am right now." Damon replies. "Daisy and I were having a lovely conversation before you barged in."
Daisy ignores Damon and walks off to grab another bag of salt from the storage room. The whole evening he had been bothering her, making suggestive comments and insinuations about what she was doing with the Mikaelsons. She would love to have siphoned from him until he fainted, but Kol had told her to keep her newfound ability a secret for now. He had called her their secret weapon, which she kind of liked.
The moment Daisy turns away, Elijah grabs Alaric's hand and rips his Gilbert ring off. At the same time, Niklaus jumps up from his stool and grabs a hold of Alaric's neck, preparing himself to snap it if Damon tried anything stupid. Niklaus was glad that there weren't many people in the Grill, it would be such a waste of time to compel a lot of people
"Alaric, Damon. I suggest you stop harassing Daisy or we will be forced to take some drastic measures." Elijah speaks up and waves his hand in the direction of the doppelganger and her friends before taking a sip from his drink.
"We just want to know what you want from her." Damon offers, looking apprehensively at Niklaus's hands that were still wrapped around Alaric's neck.
"That is none of your business, pal." Niklaus says in a warning tone, quickly releasing Alaric when he hears Daisy returning. Niklaus wasn't sure how his mate would react to seeing her history teacher getting strangled, he'd rather not accidentally upset her.
Daisy looks at the men at the bar. Her gaze shifts from a pale Mr. Saltzman and a disgruntled-looking Damon to the innocently smiling Elijah and Niklaus. "I'm not even going to ask." She mutters while shaking her head.
• • •
"Kol?" Daisy steps out of the door, still looking a little sleepy after last night's shift. It had taken a while to get the place cleaned up even with Elijah and Niklaus's help. Daisy had wanted to decline their help, feeling a little bad for making them work, but they insisted, like always. She truly enjoyed their company. Niklaus and Elijah joked a lot and told her about their distant travels and all the famous people they had met.
"Good morning Angel, your ride is here!" Kol greets before pressing a kiss to Daisy's cheek and handing her a coffee he had bought at some very modern new coffee shop. He didn't know what to get her so there was something of everything in there, including six types of syrup. Before Daisy can sputter he pulls her towards the car.
Rebekah is seated in the driver's seat and is talking with Niklaus on the phone. He was fretting about safety on the road and was urging Rebekah to be careful for the past ten minutes. She halts her conversation as she sees Daisy walking up to the car. "Morning Daisy!" Rebekah calls.
"Morning, Bekah. You guys aren't sick of me yet?" Daisy asks as she slides into the backseat, smiling at the blonde through the rearview mirror. She takes a sip from her beverage, almost choking at the unexpected sweetness of the drink. Despite the concerning amount of sugar, she drinks it anyway, not wanting to hurt Kol's feelings.
"We could never." Kol replies seriously, grabbing Daisy's bag from her shoulder and throwing it in the trunk before taking a seat beside her on the backseat and wrapping his arm around her.
Rebekah nods in agreement, it was nice to balance out the overbearing male presence of her brothers with some female company.
"This way we can gossip about Bekah without her hearing us." Kol whispers in a conspiring tone upon seeing Daisy's quizzical look, she had expected him to jump onto the passenger seat.
Rebekah lets out a huff before starting the car.
"Nice try, you're vampires." Daisy points out while snuggling into Kol's side, enjoying his warm embrace. It was late October and Daisy had trouble accepting that the days got colder. Christmas was great, but not worth the cold she would have to endure in the upcoming months. "She can hear everything."
"Fine. Then we can gossip about Nik, Finn, and Elijah." Kol suggests.
"What do you think of Niklaus's ridicu-"
"I can hear you, Kol." Niklaus's voice is audible over the speaker of the phone.
"Whoops, good thing he won't see me for another eight hours, gives him plenty of time to cool down." Kol mumbles in Daisy's ear, who laughs softly in return, already imagining the trouble Kol would be in once he was to return home.
"If he hurts you, I will toss him into a tree again." Daisy jokes, smiling up at Kol.
"I'm sure Nik appreciates that." Rebekah mumbles while ending the call, not needing to hear Niklaus's response to this. She looks into the rearview mirror, smiling softly at the sight of her brother who seemed happier and calmer than he had ever been in his life. Despite their brothers being love-sick idiots, they were truly happy, which was all she wanted for them.
"My little protector." Kol hums appreciatively, nuzzling Daisy's temple affectionately.