No pairing
*New original characters created by Jazmine F. via . Thank you!
**I will take requests for next chapter. What should happen to Rebekah? Share your thoughts in the comments.
"Clothes make a man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." -Mark Twain
Mikaelson Mansion
Mystic Falls, Virginia
March 22, 2012
Night
Sage heard the sounds from the hallway and looked at Finn in alarm.
"Do not fret, my dear. Those are just my brothers. They can be a bit rowdy at times. Plus, Niklaus discovered he has a son," Finn shared, lighting the wood fire place in his new bedroom.
"Ah, that is nice," Sage said, smiling at the crackling fire and looking around the room. "It's beautiful here. At least your brothers have good taste."
Finn stood, walking over to firmly shut and lock the bedroom door. "It's a bit fancy for my taste and odd looking, yet the last I recall we were living in a manor house in Spain. The animals shared the great hall and it was quite pungent."
Sage noticed that this room was wood paneled and much simpler than the rest of the house. It had a rustic feel to it, but everything was clearly expensive.
"How can you forgive them so easily? I mean, so many years. I don't even know how it is you speak this tongue!" Sage replied hotly. Though the room was warm, she pulled her cashmere shawl around her tightly.
Finn turned to her and wrapped her arms around her. He smelled her hair and couldn't identify the scent. It was sweet, like the apple blossoms in the spring maybe.
"I have to forgive them. I have a confession of my own to make. For the last few centuries, on and off, I would awaken. At times, it was for a few hours or weeks," Finn started.
Sage gasped in horror, asking, "How? You were daggered by a witch's foul magic, right? How is that possible?"
"I do not know. I fear my body was still asleep. I could not move nor rip out the afflicted dagger, yet my mind was there. I could hear, but not speak. So for centuries, on and off, I listened. I heard my family argue and rage and even enjoy themselves floors above where Niklaus hid my coffin. Oft times, Niklaus would come down and speak to me, especially when he put Kol to sleep with his accursed daggers. He would talk to him, explain his fear of Mikael coming for them. At times, he put Rebekah in a box. I heard him weeping and asking her for forgiveness," Finn explained.
"But they left you in there so long, my love. I tried to find you, but I feared they would kill me and we would both be doomed," Sage protested.
Finn sighed and pulled away to pace.
"I heard the fear in Niklaus' voice. I realized that he had the right to fear my leaving. I had little affection for him or sympathy. You see, Mikael, though a brute, never subjected the rest of us to his vitriol, like he did Niklaus when we were human. Unlike Elijah and the others, I never lifted a finger to help Niklaus. I just stayed in the shadows to protect myself. I always adored my mother, but I realized she was just as guilty in not protecting him," Finn went on, his eyes resting on the fire. "I was the eldest, I should have tried to...do something. Yet I never did, I never stood up to Mikael or even Mother. Then, when we were turned, they all disgusted me. I would have run off with you or tried, but I lacked the will. Can you forgive me?"
Finn turned to Sage and looked into her bright, green eyes.
"There is nothing to forgive. The fault of this lies with your parents. Mikael spent his whole vampire existence trying to undo the spell. One of the witches I hired believed that you are all linked with your sire lines. So, there is a very good chance that Mikael would have slaughtered you all to wipe all vampires from the Earth," Sage said gravely. "I don't know if that is true, but perhaps your family knew this?"
Finn exhaled, "That sounds like Father. Once he killed Mother, he had no thread of decency or humanity left. I shudder to think I once wanted to end this all. If I had, we would never be here together as we are now."
Sage smiled and let her shawl fall to the ground. She unzipped her dress and let it fall also.
"Let us speak no more. I have waited many years for this moment. Let's not ruin it," Sage breathed.
Finn sucked in a breath and went to her again.
"My wise and beautiful Sage," Finn said, huskily, nuzzling her white throat.
"My Viking," Sage replied, laughing. "Feed from me. My blood is clean and I think you shall find it sweet."
Finn's face darkened and his fangs popped out. He tasted her and thought no more about the past for the rest of the night.
March 23, 2012
Rebekah looked through the pretty clothes in delight. There were leather skirts and soft, diaphanous blouses. Was this silk? No, it was something else. What was rayon? Rebekah wondered, discovering a label sewn into the back.
"Little Sister, there you are," Elijah said, waltzing in. He was already dressed in a suit and looked wide awake despite the early hour. Rebekah was still in her night dress with a long robe over it. Her blond hair was tucked back in a comb.
"Oh Elijah, did you and Nik buy this all for me? I love them!" Rebekah enthused, taking a skirt off of the hanger with some difficultly.
"Let me help you," Elijah said, unclipping the skirt. "Here, you go."
"What is this?" Rebekah said, fumbling with the garment. "Is it some type of slip?"
"No, Sister. I believe they call that a miniskirt," Elijah said, looking around the room. "And I'm sorry to tell you, but this is Klaus' witch's room...Gretchen, I believe? Maybe a Greta?" Elijah corrected.
"Oh," Rebekah said in disappointment. "But everything is so pretty. Can I have it?"
"Darling, we'll buy you your own garments," Elijah said, watching her clutch the skirt to her body in the mirror.
"But I want these," Rebekah whined.
Klaus walked in, saying, "What are you two doing in Greta's room? This is off-limits. I am surprised she didn't ward the place."
Rebekah pouted, "Nik, I want these clothes. Can I have ones just like them?"
Klaus blushed, seeing his sister paw through his lover's things.
"Dear, Greta is on a little mission for me. I am sure she will help you with these modern things, but for now, could you two join me for breakfast? I don't want you peaked while we are shopping," Klaus said, taking the short skirt from Rebekah and laying it aside.
"Fine," Rebekah grumped. "But I want to look modern. And how am I to get dressed without a proper maid?"
Klaus laughed and Elijah smiled.
Klaus answered, "Oh Rebekah, it tis not like that anymore. You need not wear corsets and all those dresses with buttons. You can clothe yourself. With trousers, you fasten them yourself. Tis easy, we'll have you all decked on by the end of our trip today. Now, come, Greta is bit territorial, as well as fierce."
"Does she live here, Brother?" Rebekah asked, reluctantly putting down the perfume she was sniffing.
"No, she has a flat in town of her own. But as I send, she is away for a time," Klaus said, leading them out.
"How did it go with Damon last night?" Elijah asked with a wry smile. "That hairbrush Greta spelled was effective?"
Klaus grimaced, "Aye, it twas. He went right to sleep after I gave him a sound paddling with it."
Rebekah frowned, "Nik, you are such a meanie. Tell me you didn't beat that lovely boy last night."
Klaus put an arm around his sister.
"As a matter of fact, I did give him a spanking. I couldn't very well dagger him. You know, Elijah made me promise to destroy the daggers," Klaus said, eyeing his brother behind them.
"We have no more need of them. I think a dose of old-fashioned discipline with the hairbrush is more effective than those daggers. I mean, they never tamed Rebekah here," Elijah teased.
Rebekah bristled, "Well, don't think you are going to use any such brush on me! I will play around with this ruse, but either of you lay a finger on me and I'll run away!"
Klaus stopped and swatted her on the backside.
"Young lady, you watch your tongue. Anymore talk of running away and you'll be over my knees next with your bloomers down! Elijah, back me up here," Klaus pleaded, as Rebekah stomped and rubbed her backside.
Elijah agreed, "Yes, I concur. You are not going to run wild here, Sister. It's too dangerous. There is too much you don't know away. It will take you many weeks, maybe months to acclimate. You need to trust us and obey or..."
Rebekah stomped her foot, spitting out, "Or I get treated like a bratty child, too. I am not hungry. Save your protection for Damon and Kol. I am not your prisoner."
Rebekah stomped on Klaus' foot with her heeled slipper suddenly. Klaus groaned in pain and grabbed his sore foot.
"Owww," Klaus moaned. Rebekah must have slipped on Greta's slippers while in her room.
Rebekah vamped away and Klaus went to follow her.
Elijah grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Leave her be, Brother. She needs time to adjust and some space," Elijah warned.
"What she needs is a dose of that brush," Klaus grumbled. "You spoil her, Brother."
Elijah nodded, "We both spoiled her. But being too strict with her, just makes her do foolish things. She has run away before."
Klaus grunted and let go of his foot.
"I'm going to get the boys up. Should we see to Finn?" Klaus inquired.
"I think he is occupied, but I'll see if they are up," Elijah said with a wry grin.
"Very well," Klaus said.
Breakfast
Dining Room
"This is good," Kol said, his mouth full.
"It's called Eggs Benedict," Klaus said, putting another serving on his plate.
Elijah ruffled his newspaper and ordered, "Kol, chew with your mouth closed please."
"Where's Bekah?" Kol said, still eating with his mouth open.
"Coffee, Linda," Klaus said, holding out his mug. The serving girl poured more steaming coffee and then refilled Elijah's cup as well.
"I still prefer tea," Kol went on.
Damon came in, dressed and carefully sat down.
"Sorry, I was brushing my teeth again," Damon said, giving Klaus a hard look. He still had the soap taste in his mouth from the night before. Maybe it was just in his head, but he swore he could still taste that awful soap.
"Well, I hope we should see an improvement in your behavior and language," Elijah lectured. "And yours, too, Kol!"
Kol slammed down his fork on his plate and looked offended.
"What did I do? Bloody hell, can't a man eat in peace around here?" Kol scoffed, glaring at Elijah.
Elijah went back to his newspaper.
Klaus pleaded, "Kol, none of that. We aim to have a pleasant day. Now, if Rebekah would comply-."
"That would be a miracle," Kol said, taking a gulp of his tea.
"Is she still sleeping?" Damon asked, reaching for the coffee. But Linda quickly filled his cup. "Ah, thanks. You people really live it up here."
Elijah turned down his paper and peered at Damon.
"We are used to a certain level of comfort," Elijah admitted. "You don't keep servants at the Boarding House?"
Damon sipped on his coffee.
"Wow, this is good. But ah, no," Damon stated. "When your brother is a ripper, it's bit too tempting for him. We have cleaners come in weekly, but that's it." He glanced at Linda.
Klaus smiled, "You can speak in front of her. All the servants here are compelled. You won't say a word, will you, Linda?"
Linda smiled, "No, of course not, Mr. Mikaelson. Would you like to feed?"
Linda offered her neck to her employer. Klaus was tempted, but looked at Elijah.
"No, luv. We will be only drinking from cups and blood bags from now on," Klaus said firmly. "We are to live as humans, to the best of our ability."
Kol burst out laughing, spraying his tea.
"That is the stupidest thing I ever heard!" Kol went on.
"Kol, we talked about this last night," Elijah chided. "It will not be easy, but nothing that is worth is it. I hear Finn and Sage coming. You two behave yourselves or we'll visit my study. Do you understand?"
Kol sighed loudly, as Linda rushed over with a cloth napkin.
"Yes, Elijah," Kol said loudly.
"I hope your new study is too your liking," Klaus muttered. "That was my painting studio..."
Finn and Sage walked in holding hands.
"Niklaus, Damon, Kol, this is my beloved, Sage," Finn announced, as he pulled out her chair for her to sit.
"Nice to meet you," Sage said. "Ah, this looks lovely. I am famished."
"I bet," Kol muttered with a smirk. Finn gave him a look and then ignored the comment.
Damon blinked.
"Have we met before?" Damon asked, looking at the tall, buxom redhaired vampire.
Sage smiled, "No, I do not think so."
Damon frowned, "But we have. 1912. Remember, at a boxing match? You helped me..."
Sage smiled, "1912...Oh yes, I recall now. You had a falling out with your brother or something similar? You look like you have done well for yourself."
"Yes," Damon said. "I'm still kicking, so I suppose that is something."
Finn smiled with pride, saying, "That's my Sage, always helping people. Why am I not surprised?"
Sage smiled back sheepishly, saying, "I learned not to look down on others weaker or younger than myself. If vampires cannot support vampires, then we are doomed to a life of self-imposed-."
Rebekah swept into the room. She was wearing one of Greta's party dresses that did not reach her knees.
"Sister, I told her to stay out of Greta's room," Klaus yelled.
Elijah put down his newspaper. "Good lord, you can't wear that to the mall!"
"I'll wear what I want. Oh, Finn, I see your peasant girl is back. Hullo, Sage," Rebekah said, plopping down in a seat across from her.
Finn's face hardened, "Sister, we were born the children of a farmer. We have no noble blood. Apologize to Sage this instant."
Sage put a hand on Finn's arm. "It's fine, Finn. I am not offended. Rebekah, it's nice to see you, too. I'm sure this had all been a shock for you. You've been asleep for what? A century?"
Rebekah grabbed a serving of eggs. "About 90 years. I got the dagger in the 1920s in Chicago. I made the mistake of falling in love with Stefan, Damon's handsome younger brother. Nik, you wanted him all to yourself, eh?"
Klaus squeezed his lips together and leaned back.
"You know that is not the reason. Now, let's discuss this later. Now, Finn, we were going to go into town to get some appropriate clothing. Would you two like to join us?" Klaus asked politely, ignored the scowl gracing Rebekah's normally beautiful face.
Finn looked at Sage and shrugged, saying, "I could use some longer trousers, I suppose. Sage, would you join us?"
Sage smiled, "Of course. Rebekah, if you like, I could help you pick some things out."
Rebekah smirked, "Sure. You could serve as my lady's maid. That would be perfect."
Kol guffawed out a laugh and then stiffed it with his napkin.
"Good," Elijah said. "That is settled. Linda, I think we will take that blood now. If you could be so good as to pour it into glasses for us?"
Linda took out a knife and cut her wrist, bleeding into a pitcher.
Sage looked horrified, "What is she doing?"
Klaus waved her off. "Nothing, Sage. I'll heal her after she is finished. Believe me, she is well-paid and accustomed to such things."
"Oh," Sage said, casting a glance at Finn. She wondered if she had made a mistake not taking up Finn on his offer to flee with her last night. His family was worse than she recalled.
Rebekah rolled her eyes, "This is so silly. I prefer to feed from the source. I hate cold blood and those blood bags taste like...I don't even know what it is."
"Plastic, luv," Klaus replied. "It's made from crude oil and natural gas, but you'll get used to it. You must. This is what we are going to do from now on. Drink up, my dear."
Rebekah pouted, but drank from the glass of blood. It was good.
"She's O negative," Klaus bragged. "See why I keep Linda around? It's not easy to find such a donor. Now, drink up everyone, we shalln't eat at the mall."
Shopping Mall
Noon
Sage knew a small Italian tailoring shop at the corner of the mall.
"This is where I get some of my clothes tailored," Sage explained. "Mr. Romano is on the verge of retirement, but I think you'll like him."
"Lovely. Thank you, Sage," Elijah said, brushing some imaginary lint from his suit. "I usually get my suits from Italy, but this is the next best thing. We appreciate your assistance."
Sage smiled, "Of course. Ah, here it is. I will warn you, it's not cheap. And since he is a bit of a friend, please pay him."
Klaus smiled, "Of course, our days of compelling people for free goods at at an end. We have the cash."
Rebekah rolled her eyes, snarking, "I hope you have a lot of it. I need everything. I like that girl's jacket. Can I have it? I'll pay."
Sage had convinced Rebekah to wear a skirt and a blouse instead of the slinky party dress to the mall before they left. Rebekah was grateful as she saw what other woman were wearing. She needed some pants of her own.
Elijah smirked, "Darling, you've never paid for anything in your life."
Sage laughed and Rebekah made a face, unable to refute Elijah's assertion.
"Actually, Rebekah, there is a department store that we should visit. The clothes are premade. This shop is mostly for men to buy suits and things like that. Let's have a look and see if we can get you some things," Sage suggested.
Rebekah agreed, "Fine. Nik, can you give her some money?"
Klaus handed Sage a few credit cards and a wad of cash, whispering his thanks.
Finn went to follow them.
"My love, this is just for the ladies. Stay with your brothers, we'll find you when we are finished," Sage promised.
"Or we shall find you," Kol snickered. "You have no idea of Rebekah's clothes obsession."
"Good plan," Elijah said. "Now, gentleman, let's attire ourselves."
"Odd how no one wears a hat anymore," Kol noted. "Aside from those strange caps. What are they called Damon?"
Damon looked around at the man Kol was pointing at.
"Oh, those are ball caps. That dude is probably balding," Damon shared. "It started to fall off in the 1920s and then by the 1970s hardly any dudes were wearing hats."
"Hmm," Kol said, looking at a suit on a manikin, he felt the fabric.
"Suits are only for formal occasions," Damon explained, eyeing Elijah. "Ah, most guys only wear them to work or weddings. Or funerals, I guess."
Kol frowned, "So what would I wear to school?"
Damon snickered, "Not that, my friend. We'll have to head to the department store unless you want to look 1000 years old."
Kol said Klaus and Elijah greeting a cashier and then the old tailor.
"Well, let's go there now. I don't plan on going to many funerals," Kol announced.
"Wait, just a moment," Elijah said sternly.
"Mr. Romano is going to measure you both," Klaus added. Finn was examining coats. "Finn, you also."
The elderly tailor herded the men to a back room.
"Damon, you and Kol first," Elijah said. "Klaus, why don't you help Finn pick out some socks and underwear from the front?"
Kol and Damon started to strip down. Elijah frowned at Damon's cotton boxer shorts.
"You can't wear those under a suit," Elijah scolded.
Damon laughed, "I have boxer briefs, too."
"Absolutely not," Elijah stated. "We'll get your some appropriate undergarments. Those shorts are ridiculous."
"No, I always wear these," Damon retorted. "I'll get silk boxers. You can wear those under suits. Please, why do I even need a new suit?"
"We've discussed this. You are getting a job," Elijah reminded him. "Mr. Romano, can you measure him and then we'll get him some proper underpants."
The man motioned to his grandsons and they started to measure the men after they stepped up on the riser. A boy brought in a package of briefs.
"Try them on, Nephew," Elijah ordered.
Damon wanted to argue, but something in the older vampire's tone stopped him. He kicked off his boxers and heard Kol gasp. Damon glanced back at the full-length mirror and flushed. His backside was still red and blotchy.
"Oh, looks like your new daddy got you good," Kol laughed. Elijah was discussing fabrics with the tailor and the teen measuring him continued.
Damon hissed, "Yeah, never got it with a magical hairbrush before!"
Kol winced and whispered, glancing at Elijah, "I know. I'll give you some blood when I can. That should fix you up."
Damon nodded, "Thanks, man."
Kol lifted his arms so the boy could measure his chest.
"That's 'Uncle Kol' to you," Kol joked.
Damon mouthed, "Fuck you" and laughed with him. Then, he slipped the close fitting briefs on and check his bottom in the mirror. There was a little redness peeking out, but it was no longer obvious that he had been spanked.
Department Store
"Sage, are these trousers supposed to be so tight?" Rebekah asked, turning around to admire her pert bum in the mirror. She tossed her blond hair and smiled into the glass at herself. Sage smiled to herself as the ancient Original was behaving just like the 16 year old she looked like.
"Yes, they are denim," Sage instructed. "They are called blue jeans. You can wear them looser or tighter, depending on the style. I prefer dress slacks, but younger people like the jeans."
"I want boots like yours," Rebekah went on.
"We'll go to the shoe department next," Sage promised. To the sales girl, she said, "We'll take those. Can she wear them out?"
"Yes, ma'am," the girl answered. "I'll just take off the tags."
Rebekah smiled in satisfaction.
"Can I wear this blouse out, too?" Rebekah asked the clerk.
"Of course," the girl said.
"Rebekah, you need to wear a top or shirt over that. It's too cool to be wearing that in March," Sage shared. She went to get some button down shirts she saw on a nearby rack, but when she returned Rebekah was gone.
"Did you see that blond girl?" Sage asked the clerk who was ringing up the purchases.
"Um, she said she was leaving?" the girl replied.
Sage smiled nervously, "Ah, here's my credit card. I'll be back for the clothes." Sage rushed off as the clerk yelled, "You still need to sign!"
Tailor Shop
An Hour Later
"The boys are getting restless," Klaus said to Elijah. "Can you play for this? Finn and I will take them over to the department store for some more casual clothes. Damon told Kol he needs a leather jacket to impress the girls."
"Of course he did," Elijah said. "At least they are behaving themselves. Now, let's hope our sister is doing the same."
They heard Finn greet Sage and stepped back into the front of the store.
Sage was upset, "I'm sorry, but I lost Rebekah! I looked everywhere."
Elijah huffed, "Damn it. Oh Sage, it's not your fault. You all go to the department store. I'll pay and find her. Klaus, is your mobile phone on?"
Klaus slipped it out of his pocket and flipped it open.
"Yes, call when you find her," Klaus said. "We'll keep an eye out. I'm sure she's just looking for rouge or something."
"All the ladies seem to paint their faces now, not just the whores," Kol observed.
Damon laughed out loud, saying, "Kol, man, that's the least of it. You have a lot to learn, buddy."
"That's Uncle Kol to you, mister," Klaus corrected, guiding his son out of the store after thanking the tailor.
The tailor's eyes widened, Elijah apologized for Damon, "Perdona mio nipote, si è comportato male."
Damon's eyes sparked with anger at hearing "Forgive my nephew, he is ill behaved."
In perfect Italian, Damon responded, "No, signore, perdoni mio zio. È maleducato e ignorante!"
Elijah bristled, "I am 'rude and ignorant?' Niklaus, control your son, before I do."
Klaus shook his head, "Come on, lads. Let's go before World War 3 breaks out."
Kol was enjoying the strife, whispering to Damon, "Nicely played, but we better hold off on healing you. Seems like you're going to get another sore arse before the day is over."
Damon retorted, "No, he was being a dick!"
"Boys, come on," Klaus said, scanning the crowd for any signs of Rebekah. "We should try to find Rebekah before Elijah does and causes a scene."
Back Corridor
Rebekah found herself in the back hallway. She had smelled someone delicious and followed the scent through an exit door of the department store. The blood from Linda had only increased her hunger. She needed more.
She looked up and saw none of those cameras her brothers had warned her about. Surely, it was safe to have a quick drink and then find Sage. She would just say she was using the toilet.
The man was young, in his twenties.
"Excuse me, ma'am, you're not allowed back her," the uniformed security guard responded, shuffling the ga
"What are you doing back here?" Rebekah asked, slowly, gazing into his brown eyes.
"I am stealing merchandise," the man replied slowly, to his great chagrin. "Why did I just admit that?"
Rebekah giggled, "I made you, silly. Now, tell me the truth. Can anyone see us back here? I don't see any cameras."
"There are no cameras here," the man replied. "That's why I use this exit. I take the stuff in a garbage bag and put it in the dumpster. Then, my brother picks it up and we resell it"
"Why?" Rebekah pressed, her curiosity overcoming her hunger for a moment.
"Because I make shit here," the man revealed.
"Shit?" Rebekah pressed.
"Like hardly minimum wage!" the man clarified angrily. "Look, lady, I don't know who you are, but you have to go."
Rebekah grasped him and compelled him more deeply.
"You won't remember me or what happened today," Rebekah said, as the man dropped the garbage bag. She bared her fangs and sunk them into his neck, drinking deeply.
"Sister!" Elijah yelled behind her. Rebekah leased the man and pulled back.
"Elijah, I w-was just...looking for the toilets," Rebekah tried. The man screamed for help and ran out the back exit to the outside.
Elijah fumed, "Stay here. Do not move a muscle. I'll fix your mess."
Elijah vamped after the shrieking guard, finding himself outside near a dumpster. He caught him quickly and compelled him and then healed his wound with his blood.
"And do not get yourself killed today, my friend," Elijah warned. "Be very careful of traffic."
Elijah knew only a drop of his blood would turn this human if he died with it still in his system. The man nodded and got into a beat up car that pulled up.
"Where's the bag?" Elijah heard the driver say.
"Just drive," the man hollered, slamming the door shut. The car tore off and Elijah went to get back into the building to deal with his wayward sister. But then, Elijah smelled something. It was a foul smell, like unwashed bodies. He listened, were those heart beats? Did someone witness his recent actions? Elijah scanned the building for cameras and saw none.
He vamped closer to the dumpster and what he saw next, made his blood turn cold.
Two small African American children with deep set blue eyes peered up at him.
"Indy, I'm scared," the boy whispered to an identical looking girl. Elijah noticed matted leaves and debris in their curly black hair.
"Children, what are you doing here?" Elijah gasped, gently crouching down to their level. He sniffed again, they were dirty, but he was sure they were human. Twins from the look of it.
"We're just looking for food. They dump it here," the girl said in a near whisper.
"Oh, that won't do at all," Elijah said, holding out his hands. "I'm Elijah. Come with me, please. Let's get you something to eat."
Elijah looked into the little girl's eyes and saw the deepness of the ocean. His sister and her punishment would have to wait. These children were starving.
(To be continued.)
