Sorry it's taken so long, I want to write more often but I get so caught up reading it falls to the back of my mind until lightning strikes and I get inspiration again. Thanks for sticking with me none the less. I realise this chapter drags on a little unnecessarily but it flowed and I couldn't stop it. Let me know what you think.
The ride back to the Mikaelson mansion was slightly tense but as the estate came into view the atmosphere began to relax slightly. Runa turned to her baby brother unable to fight the smile that came just from being in his presence, they sat in the backseats in order to annoy her husband who had wanted her to ride up front with him. Kol was always game to irk his brother more.
"We're here" Klaus announced unnecessarily filling the silence as he got out, speeding around in order to open Runa's door. She stepped out gracefully before throwing Kol a glare for laughing at Klaus being kind "I've missed your gentlemanly ways, men these days have no manners. You could stand to be more courteous to women Kol." She said almost chidingly smirking as she caught the smug smirk her husband threw his brother, for once not being the one scolded.
"Are they here?" Runa asked them making their way to the entrance receiving a nod from her favourite Mikaelson to which she smiled like the sun. She could no longer wait to see the rest of her family, speeding to the door she threw it open calling out "Little Lovely? Eli? I'm home".
They did not have to wait long before Bekah almost flew down the stairs eager to see her sister. She sped into Runa's open arms much like a Koala wrapping her arms and legs around her. Runa responded accordingly banding her strong arms around her taking a step backwards in order to take the added weight.
Rebekah knew it was childish but she had missed her sister. "I have missed you! So so much, where did you go? You just left" she sniffled into Runa's neck overcome with emotion. Kol rolled his eyes at her sensitive nature. He sped to the kitchen and came back slurping obnoxiously on a blood bag, while Klaus had wandered to the couch knowing from past experience they would be there while.
"I apologise little lovely" Runa smiled as her little sister sunk into her embrace at the familiar nickname. "I would have come back as soon as you were awoken had I not had matters to take care of." The explanation was true but it was not the only reason she did not come back. This was not the time to mention it now, this was the time for reunions.
Speaking of, Elijah was slowly walking down the stairs eyes never leaving his two sisters the smile tugging at his lips was enough to know that he was pleased. Runa gently unwound Bekah from her body before moving slowly to meet Elijah at the foot of the stairs.
"Brother" she sighed throwing her arms around his neck smiling widely when he returned her embrace holding her tightly making her feel the sense of protection you could only get from your older brother. Klaus smiled at the scene, the jealousy never came with her. He did not need to worry about Runa leaving him for his brothers they were a true family.
"Runa, sweetheart you've been missed" he said trying to retain his formal manner as he released her. "Eli you have no idea how much I've missed you all!" she exclaimed the feeling of peace was only one felt when her family was complete. If only her little Day was with them. She thought inwardly that it would come in time.
Kol couldn't stand being quiet any longer "yes, yes everyone has missed everyone" he huffed impatiently turning wide eyes to Runa "presents" he demanded. Klaus and Elijah exhaled exasperated breaths simultaneously at their baby brother and his frankly embarrassing attitude before realising their sister had turned to Runa with pleading eyes as well.
Runa laughed lightly, she knew it was her fault that they expected gifts but she couldn't help the need to buy them things especially her Koala. "Alright, we can have serious discussions tomorrow" she muttered while pulling out her phone and sending a quick text. "Gifts will be here soon".
Bekah and Kol both sat impatiently waiting for their gifts to come. "Niklaus we can talk later tonight" she looked at him directly and while he would have loved to avoid her eyes after the scene earlier he didn't dare show her weakness in front of his younger siblings. Never the less the subtle betrayal in her eyes was enough to leave him breathless.
After going over the trivial matters of what had happened in the last century, a vehicle pulled up at the mansion. Elijah looked up somewhat confused "That does not sound like a car, it is a van?" he questioned, his siblings were quick to listen and agree.
Runa rolled her eyes "honestly Eli, it's like you don't know me at all" she huffed playfully vexed "what sort of gifts could I give after not seeing you all for close to a hundred years that would fit in a car?" Klaus shot her the "look" the one that said 'I know you went overboard as usual' but she couldn't help it. The joy she felt when her family enjoyed what she gave them was worth it.
"All rise" she laughed as she stood pulling Bekah up with her, the brothers immediately following suit. They made their way outside, Kol was smirking going over the prospective list of gifts Lia could give. Bekah's eyes shined at the prospect of having new things, she realised it was materialistic, but she couldn't find it in herself to care.
The van was probably better described as a lorry, upon seeing this Klaus groaned in exasperation annoyance in his tone as he spoke "they will never learn to not expect gifts when you bring them so much" as much as he wanted this to sink in he knew it was a lost cause. If she or his avaricious younger siblings had not learnt in the last millennium what was the point in continuing to try?
Runa had met the vampire driving and sent him back to the cab where there was a second vampire they had both been compelled with a set of strict instructions. The door slid up quickly revealing packages wrapped in different colours in various sizes ranging from a small ring size box to a large oddly shaped package. There were two sections blocked off, one was three times the size of the other labelled K and D.
"Okay OV's" she clapped her hands together for their attention "that's our new group name, like OG's but for vampires" the explanation was said after the looks of confusion were tossed around. "Accept it, move on…to gifts" Runa jumped in excitement before going into the lorry to find the presents she had hand-picked and had custom made for her family.
"Eli, here" she handed him a two rectangle packages wrapped in deep green.
"Sister, you did not have to do this…" he trailed off a little bashful, Runa rolled her eyes at him once more "just accept them and say thank you" she stated "or are you saying you won't accept the gifts I so painstakingly found for you?" the smirk that accompanied this told him she was manipulating him but he could not in good conscience refuse her now.
"Thank you" he gritted out irritated she'd already got one over on him.
The remaining originals watched in amusement it was always a source of fun when one of them could get the better of Elijah. "Are you going to open them?" Bekah asked impatient to see what he had gotten while awaiting her turn. She saw her sister handing a large pile of royal blue parcels to Nik before whispering something to him so low their siblings could not pick up on it, however she did not miss the low growl and dilating pupils. Crinkling her nose in disgust she turned back to her eldest brother who had now opened his gifts and was staring at them in wonder.
Confused she looked closer at them, it was a gorgeous and very obviously expensive watch but she could not work out what was so special about the book. Elijah glanced up at Runa swallowing the lump in his throat sure he would never be able to put into words what this meant to him, fed up with waiting Kol had moved forward to trying to get his things. She stopped him and beckoned her little sister to get the things she could carry.
When Runa looked up she was caught by the look of gratitude from Elijah, she nodded her head in acknowledgement knowing what the others didn't, that book was something she had been told about 700 years ago it was created by a woman he had fallen in love with – Clarissa. They had been together for 4 years while he had been in England without them. Their siblings did not know about Clarissa, she had been passionate about writing and used her love story as a muse creating an amazing book. There were only a few copies in existence it took centuries to find one in good enough condition but she knew how much this would mean to Eli and he deserved so much more. She was one of the very few people Elijah had considered turning, before he could she was killed and he came back to them a shell of himself.
Runa moved on from the direction of her thoughts wanting to move back to the matter at hand. Bekah had a massive pile of violet gifts she could no longer see over them, Nik was laughing at her and Kol was still trying to get into the lorry unsuccessfully. "Lovely put them down, boys, help her carry her things" she demanded as she went to the front of the vehicle returning with two men who were immediately put to work bringing out the large odd shaped package.
"Bekah this is also for you" Runa gestured to it, her little sister free of her smaller things zoomed to it and wasted no time ripping off the paper. Confused she stepped back to better view her gift. It was a beautiful ornate mirror, in a striking violet colour, what confused her was the buttons. Obviously it confused her brothers too as Kol spoke.
"What are the buttons for?" Kol asked edging towards it momentarily giving up on getting his things realising she was doing it to provoke him.
"Bekah appreciates an honest opinion so I had this made for her, each button can be activated by pressing it. The 'clothes button will give an honest unbiased opinion on if her outfit works, the 'hair' button will do the same and make suggestions based on what would go best with the current outfit. I had a couple of hair stylists, designers and tech geniuses create the program." She explained before a body slammed into hers leaking tears on to her. Runa smiled slowly hugging her lovely little sister back.
"Thank you sister" Bekah whispered to her, she could not get over how thoughtful it was. Then again when was Runa not amazing? "You're welcome Lovely" she smiled at her baby sister, kissing her forehead and releasing her.
Kol had by now stood in front of this mirror unsure about the technology but extremely curious, he pushed the clothes button barely repressing the flinch of surprise when the speaker he could not see spoke.
"You look okay, not great though. Blue is not your colour" the sassy and somehow emotionless voice spoke to him. "That's a lie, I look good in everything" he argued arrogantly, oblivious to his sibling's laughter.
"Kol it can't reply, it's just programmed to give an honest answer." He refused to give up, "I disagree though, I am gorgeous" he stated without shame. Klaus could hold it no longer and quickly placed Bekahs things on the ground before doubling over laughing at him, he clutched Elijah's arm to steady himself. This set of Bekah as she shook failing in holding her delight back.
Kol pouted huffing at them, "alright enough I get it don't argue with inanimate objects" he was not heard over their laughter, looking at his favourite person for help "Liaaa" he complained to her. She sped to his side before whistling sharply. The laughter slowed to a halt, Bekah wiped the trail of tears that she had been unable to hold back, Niklaus let go of Elijah one hand placed against his stomach.
He could not remember the last time he had laughed so much. He knew that it was her influence and no matter his mistakes he would never stop doing whatever it took for them to be alright again.
Kol satiated for now turned to Lia eyes pleading before smirking at the acceptance he saw in her eyes. "Okay everyone it's my darlings turn" she announced pulling him towards the entrance before letting go and jumping in the two men already inside gathering the various black wrapped gifts, of which there were many. While they were doing that Niklaus had started opening the few things not marked with an ivory star, Runa had expressly stated the packages marked with this star were to be opened with her alone.
One of the presents made him pause, his breath caught. It looked simple much like the necklaces he already wore. Looking closer at it he saw small charm hanging from the leather cord, it was a simple silver Claddagh. His attention instantly went to his wife who was already watching him without the animosity he'd seen all day, temporarily putting her hurt on hold to accept the love shining in his beautiful eyes.
He quickly ripped the three necklaces he was currently wearing off carelessly tossing them aside and fastening this new one on feeling weirdly relaxed with it on. When he tuned back in to reality he saw a still growing stack of gifts for his conceited baby brother, this ended when there were about 15. Kol's eyes glowed happily at the small tower before seeing one with an ivory star, he had seen this before and knew the meaning and was intrigued to see what it was.
Just when they were about to start heading into the mansion with the monstrous proportion of things Runa cleared her throat indicating she had something to say. "One last thing" she said grinning madly as the two vampire helpers carried a large rectangular package that once placed on the ground was waist height.
"Darling" she indicated to the black box telling Kol to open it, he happily obliged eager to see what was inside. He tore the packaging so fast the others barely saw what was happening. On seeing it, he immediately let a noise of excitement.
It was a beautiful matte black Icon Sheene one of 52 ever made, Kol was in love. She had known that he would want a motorcycle because that was exactly his style and she had to get one for him. Kol loved that she knew him that well, he had searched for one himself but could not find one he thought suited his personality but this stunning machine was perfect.
His brothers crowded the bike in awe while he wasted no time in twirling his Lia in the air in thanks. She giggled overcome with how pleased she was that he liked it despite knowing he would. Once she was let down they stood side by side, her arm around his waist enjoying that she could be with him. While it hurt not seeing her other siblings, it was agony being away from her husband but Kol. Knowing she could not help Kol, see him, and talk to him it was soul destroying. Klaus was her soulmate, there was no doubt about that but her darling was everything.
"We can go in now" she said snapping Nik and Eli out of their discussion of cars vs bikes.
Bekah had already retreated inside the two vampire assistants carried the majority of her things before returning and taking Nik and Kol's things to their respective rooms. She was sorting through her other gifts, including a beautiful red gown with what she suspected were diamonds sown all over it was exquisite. There was a necklace, bracelet and earing set that would pair beautifully and if she guessed correctly one of the parcels would be heels to go with. Bekah could not wait for the opportunity to wear this.
While Bekah was upstairs the others went inside the two vampires went straight back to the lorry driving away for the time being. Once entering Elijah immediately turned to his siblings "I will be retreating to my quarters for the evening I have things to sort through. Runa sweetheart, thank you truly" his voice was laden with appreciation she understood immediately and quickly hugged him, in that brief embrace he squeezed showed her how much he loved her thoughtfulness. Elijah sedately climbed the staircase needing to be in his room before he showed the emotion he wanted to let flow.
Klaus and Kol were a little mystified by the exchange, they did not know what she did so could not understand but that was okay. Sometimes Elijah needed someone too.
Runa then gently touched her darling's wrist instantly getting his attention "I am going to talk to Niklaus now, we need to discuss some things. I will be seeing Damon tomorrow, there are things I must talk to him about. But it will not be all day. After that I am all yours until Saturday" she spoke gently but firmly, she would not compromise on this. Klaus hearing this wandered into the den to refill his glass, downing it before quickly replacing that.
Kol sighed reluctantly wanting nothing more than to spend time with her but he understood her reasoning as much as he hated it. The fact that she would spend most of the day with Damon Salvatore grated on his nerves. The foolish baby vampire was not worthy of the devotion she had bestowed on him. It was Monday today so that meant he would have her undivided attention for three days before having to share her. Satisfied he was now looking forward to seeing what else his Lia had found for him.
"Alright" he sighed "but you will not be interacting with anyone else during that time" he demanded not entirely out of selfishness but having gone without his other half for so long they needed to catch up uninterrupted. Runa giggled quietly wrapping her arms around his neck enjoying being the only one he would allow to do this.
"One of your things may help with that" was the somewhat mysterious response, it ignited his curious streak making him twitch wanting to check. She released him watching him flit upstairs hearing his door close.
Niklaus was staring at her holding two glasses with amber liquid. She spoke before she lost the courage to do this tonight "ready to do this?" the question startled him because honestly no he wasn't but if they didn't do it now resentment would grow. He nodded gesturing to the stairs.
"The bedrooms are soundproofed even to our hearing" he explained, this was good she did not want her sibling to hear everything. They ascended the flight of stairs not looking at each other, Niklaus led the way and held the door for her to enter first before shutting and locking it. It would not deter anyone in the house but the principle was there.
Runa slowly looked at the room it was different than their previous rooms and at the same time so very similar. Obviously he was not as adverse to the way she decorated as he had suggested a few hundred years ago she thought inwardly grinning.
The somewhat amused mood dropped once their eyes met. He had walked towards her before turning and sitting on the desk chair, she went to the alcohol cabinet snatching two bottles before handing one to him and moving to the window seat. Now on opposite sides of the room she felt they could begin.
"So I think we should start with the most recent transgression and work our way back to when this started…when you daggered Kol" her voice was steady as it carried across the room the hybrid tensed thinking back on the many things he had done over the century.
"What would be the latest misdemeanour then love?" he questioned lightly trying to keep calm and not show her how nervous he was. She grinned somewhat maliciously at him making his insides tremble at the thought of her wrath.
"How about sweet little Caroline?" she posed the words like a question but he recognised it was not. He sighed quietly he knew it was not going to be easy with her, it was going to be a long night.
Okay for anyone interested there is a reason for the colours of wrapping. They each symbolise things Runa believes the siblings have/are. Elijah (dark green) safety and harmony. Klaus (royal blue) loyalty and superiority. Rebekah (violet) sensitivity and independence. Kol (black) aloof and powerful.
The long awaited discussion and a update on the Salvatore side is next.
I will warn you that I won't be writing a lot of Elijah or Rebekah, they might leave or something I haven't quite decided yet but if they stay they'll be background characters.