Pairing: Finn/Klaus (M/M) ruler (mild)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Mystic Falls High School

"Hey, I thought I'd find you here," Bonnie said, lowering herself to the ground by Kol. He tended to read and eat an apple or something small at lunch under a tree near the patio of picnic benches the students used when the weather permitted it.

"Oh, hey," Kol said, his face growing warm. Bonnie looked stunning. She was wearing a tank with a brown shirt over it and tan pants. "How are you?"

"Sore. I think I pulled my shoulder playing volleyball in gym," Bonnie confided, rubbing her shoulder. "I shouldn't even care, but Tikki gets so competitive and yelled at me when our team was losing."

Kol had heard his sister and Elena complain about the attractive African American cheerleader on the squad. She also seemed to be the only other girl in the school that gave Caroline a run for her money.

"Oh, I can help you heal that, if you like," Kol suggested with a smirk. He held out his wrist. "You know, just a little of my oh-so powerful Original vamp blood would do it."

Bonnie chuckled and slapped his wrist away.

"Tempting, but Lucy would kick my ass if she knew I was drinking vamp blood. I'll grab some ice from the nurse after lunch," Bonnie went on. "So hear Enzo and Lucy are going on their big date tonight? She has a very slinky dress ready to go."
"Tonight? Gods, he's been talking so much about it that I just tune him out. Sage is taking him to get his license today," Kol said. "But tell her to wear her safety harness!"
Bonnie laughed. "Yeah, she's big on seat belts. So, what's going on with you? Rebekah said that Damon had a break through last night?"

"Aye," Kol said, his vampire eyes searching the crowd for his blond haired sister. Has she spoken to Bonnie about the dance? Should he say something? Sweat started to trickle down his back.

"So what happened?" Bonnie prompted, looking behind her.

"Sorry. Um, Damon finally was able to gain some control when he wasn't raging. It was a sight to behold," Kol said, turning his eyes back to the beautiful witch in front of him. Surely, a girl such as this, couldn't be interested in him.

"That's great," Bonnie said. "I knew he'd break through it with your help."

"You helped a great deal also. You know, sharing about your blocks. I just do not think he realized how much his fears were stopping him from focusing. Ah, what else did my sister say?" Kol asked, feeling like his throat was closing. He struggled to undo the cap of his blood canister.

Bonnie shook her head and grabbed it, easily opening it.

"Nothing. Just that you skipped school yesterday," Bonnie admitted.

Kol groaned, and took the book from her. "Thanks. Aye, it wasn't pretty, but we went out to the quarry a bit. Worth the hiding we got. We should go there sometime. It's beautiful."

Bonnie rubbed her shoulder. "Yeah, we've had a few parties out there, but I'm not skipping. Hey, maybe after the dance?"
"Dance?" Kol croaked, taking a sip of his blood and choking.

"Jesus, are you okay?" Lucy asked. "Yeah, the decade dance. I know you were in a coffin during the 50s, but I'm sure Stefan could help you with a costume."

"Oh, aye, sorry," Kol said, wiping his mouth. "Are you going?"

"Of course. Everyone is," Bonnie laughed. "And Caroline would kill anyone who missed it. Hey, would don't you go with me? I could pick you up."

"With you? Um, yeah, that s-sounds great," Kol stammered. "I don't know how to dance like they do now, but I could, ah, go."

"Don't worry about the dancing," Bonnie smiled. "But I thought people danced a lot in olden times. My Grams always talked about it."

"Aye, but I doubt anyone knows the Turkey Trot and the Grizzly Bear," Kol explained. "And plus, I was always quite slopped. I am guessing that is frowned on these days."

"Oh no, you're wrong about that. Someone always tries to spike the punch," Bonnie attested. "Last year, Tyler and Matt poured grain alcohol in it. Even the teachers were sloshed."

"Sounds like fun," Kol said, wiping the corners of his mouth. It wouldn't be good to go to his next class with blood on his mouth. But he was sweating like a harlot in church now. He would have to beg Stefan to fill him in on dances and what to wear.

"Ugh, I think I'm going to head to the nurse now. Want to come with?" Bonnie asked.

"Aye, it is warm out here today," Kol said, using a napkin to mop his face. "Are you sure you don't want just a bit of blood?"

Bonnie bit her lip. "Maybe just a little, if you don't mind. We have a game tonight and I'm not going to be able to cheer with this shoulder."

"Come on. Lucy will never need to know," Kol said, getting up, his book forgetten. "Just make sure you don't go dying the next twelve hours or so."

"Yeah, I will try not to, but you know, this is Mystic Falls," Bonnie said wryly. "Just let me tell the girls I'm leaving."

Bonnie dashed over to where Elena, Caroline, April, and Rebekah were eating. He nodded and winked at his sister. She shrugged like she didn't know what he was talking about. He nodded towards Bonnie and she finally smiled. Kol guessed he owed his little sister one. Mr. Slithers would not be gracing her bed anytime soon...

Mikaelson Mansion

Elijah's Office

"That's it. That's what all this fuss was about?" Klaus said, examining the charter.

"Yes, 800 years ago, Aya and I wrote it. I never thought that I would need it to reign in my own organization," Elijah scoffed. He took a sip from his tea cup, though it was steaming hot.

"Ha, brother, surely you jest," Klaus retorted. "They ceased to be your people once you abandoned them and left them to die at Father's hands."
Elijah shuddered and put down his cup, spilling it slightly.

"You are right, of course," Elijah said bitterly. "I did not wish us to die that day. But Niklaus, did you ever wonder why Father found us when he did? I mean, we had the whole city of New Orleans locked down. The few witches we worked with had us masked..."

"I do not like to think of it, Elijah. You know what we lost that day," Klaus said sorrowfully.

"I know. But we had finally had the werewolves subdued, had a truce with the witches, and the human faction was in our pocket," Elijah expounded. "Who would have betrayed us?"

Klaus stood up. "I try not to think of it. Father is dead. I burned his filthy ashes myself. But if I had to guess, it was that newspaper picture. Remember? It was the 1919 opera gala. That newspaper bloke printed it before I could get to him. I always assumed Father saw it somehow. That's the only explanation I can come up with."

Finn came in.

"Brothers, sorry for the delay. Sage and I were meeting with the builders," Finn explained. "You will need to take a look at the plans. We are building a fine house."

"I am sure of it," Elijah said. "Please tell me Sage talked you out of that shack you first imagined."

Finn's laughed boomed out into the small office. "Indeed. She has found a more elegant design that suits both of it. But we wanted to add on a large section for Aaron and guest bedroom for the children. It seems that they told Sage they wished to have many 'sleepovers' in our new home."

"Ah, yes, Indy told me that. They have all sorts of plans," Elijah smiled.

"That's wonderful news, Finn," Klaus intoned, grateful for the change in conversation. Speaking of the past often pained him, especially when he thought about that terrible night in 1919.

"Oh, the girls got in a bit of trouble. They were kicking Julian over a skirmish over some toy. Sage sent Ava to her room and Indy to our room to take a nap. Neither is best pleased as Sage told Julian he could have some ice cream. They had the poor chap crying," Finn shared. "Then, she's taking Enzo to get his driver's test."

Elijah sighed, "We'll see to the girls in a moment. I've spoken to the them about this just yesterday. They really do need to be in school with other children."

"Yes, but next year. I'm not sure they are ready to have to mask their powers and talents yet with humans," Klaus said. "I will speak to Ava, as well. She knows better."

"They are very young, Niklaus," Elijah said softly. "Look at how we used to fight amongst ourselves."
"Not when Father was around," Klaus mused.

"No, never," Elijah agreed, lifting the charter to examine it again. His main plan was to whip out the charter at the gala and invoke the "game of kings." If Elijah was still holding it at midnight, he could appoint a new successor. No one, save maybe his protege, Aya Al-Rashid, could challenge him properly. Tristan was clever, yes, but his overconfidence hid a core of insecurity and doubt. Elijah was sure of that. Aya was a warrior at heart, Tristan, a coward.

"This is it? The famous charter you were awaiting?" Finn asked, pointing at the leather portfolio.

"Aye. The only and only. Elijah, I am sure you have a back up plan if your coup doesn't go as planned," Klaus said, pouring Finn a cup of tea. It looked like a child's cup in Finn's large hand.

"Yes, of course," Elijah said tightly.

"Would you like to share those plans? Or are we still to remain in the dark whilst you go jaunting off?" Klaus pressed, giving Finn a look. Did anyone realize how difficult Elijah could be. It wasn't as if Klaus himself was going to broadcast the plan.

"If you must know, Niklaus," Elijah said. "I have worked out about twenty different scenarios, but the best plans oft go awry."

"Yes, but brother, you must know that we are all concerned," Finn said. "I may not be as adept at strategy and battle as the two of you, but I feel helpless not to do something."

"You must stay here, Finn," Klaus said firmly. "Protect the house at all costs. We were speaking of sleepovers earlier. I was thinking that Elena Gilbert should stay here until Elijah has taken care of the Strix, maybe Bonnie Bennett and Lucy also."
"That's a good idea," Elijah said. "Speak to Ric and Jenna. We could frame it as a type of social gathering. Kol and Stefan will be at that dance, but I don't think they will strike until Saturday, the night of the Strix ball."

"I will go and try to rescue Ava's mother," Klaus shared. "I'm sure I can find some disgruntled witch to help unseal the Fauline Cottage."

"Damon could probably help with that," Finn said.

"I am not sure he is ready," Klaus replied, finishing his tea. He hated Elijah's brand of black tea, but the hot liquid tasted less awful today.

"But he can control his magic, correct?" Finn asked, looking at both of his brothers. He truly didn't understand their complex strategies, but it was common sense that Damon would be a powerful ally in New Orleans.

"He is more in control of it," Klaus confirmed. "But a battle can get messy. I would like to get into our former home in the French Quarter. If we harm the wrong witch on purpose or by accident, they will bring down their fierce wrath on our family."

"Make an alliance, Niklaus," Elijah suggested. "We've done it before. Make your amends."

"Amends? Are you mad? They detest me. The only way we ever got an inch on them before was through slaughter and brutality," Klaus recalled. "Plus, I am going in there blindly. My sources haven't been about to find out a thing. They must be heavily cloaked."

Elijah leaned back in his chair.

"There is one who can absorb those spells," Elijah said, hating himself for even saying it.

"No, not Ava, she's a child!" Klaus snapped.

"I know, brother, but it is her mother trapped in that witch house," Elijah said. "It may already be too late to save her, but if there is a chance..."

"No, I am already having to consider bringing my son. I won't have my daughter endangered also," Klaus said.

"You inquire into my plans, but have none of your own," Elijah said. "None."

"That's not true, brother," Klaus said enigmatically.

Finn frowned, "Speak plainly, Niklaus. I grow tired of your word play. What do you mean?"

"Oh, I might have an ace in my sleeve," Klaus said slyly.

"Elijah, hand me that ruler! I feel that Niklaus needs a good shell lacking, if we are ever to hear him out," Finn noted sternly.

Elijah smirked and handed Finn the heavy ruler he kept on his desk. Finn put his tea down and brandished it at Klaus.

"No! No, put that blasted thing away," Klaus shot back. "Fine, I was saving this, but..."
"Niklaus, need I count to three?" Finn inquired, about to lose patience.

"Oh, for God's sake," Klaus scoffed. "You two are so bloody sensitive!"
"One," Finn started, tapping the ruler.

"Bugger off. I am not in the mood!" Klaus roared as Finn grabbed his arm and pulled him up.

Klaus was taken aback, shocked at his brother's sudden temper. It used to take more to rile up Finn.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

The heavy ruler cracked against Klaus' slacks, smacking his upper thighs.

"Stop! Owww, man, what has gotten into you," Klaus yelped. He noticed Elijah was laughing and seemed to be enjoying himself immensely.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

"Oh! That's enough! Dammit, I-I'll talk," Klaus bleated, trying to cover his rump with his hands.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

"Damn right, you will. We've not time for games," Finn said with authority. "I swear you are sometimes no better than the children!"

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

"Stop, I said, my s-sources found Aurora," Klaus revealed with a wince, rubbing his seat. He could have fought off Finn, but then Elijah's neat office would be destroyed and he'd never hear the end of it. "They did what your security people could not do, Elijah. I should have her detained by night fall. Finn, that stung!"

"You earned it. Anything else?" Finn pressed, letting go of Klaus' arm, but still wielding the ruler.

"Lucien?" Elijah prompted.

"Nay, he is holed up in one of his labs. Untouchable, but Tristan would do anything to protect his little sister," Klaus said, rubbing his behind and scowling slightly. "Now, can you put that ruler down, Finn?"

Finn grunted and put down the ruler. "You can test the patience of a saint, brother. But this is good news."
"Good news, indeed," Elijah confirmed. "And I admit, much better for our chances of getting Tristan out of the Strix for good."

"Aye, now, I've taken the liberty of printing out some maps for us. I have a few plans of my own in case things go awry," Klaus said, shifting a bit in the guest chair. "We still have a few friends on the outskirts of the city who may be helpful. I've marked them on your copy. One very old friend, a Voodoo priestess, reminded me that there is a underground tunnel running under the French Quarter. There are seven gates scattered throughout the city."
"That could be helpful," Elijah muttered, irritated that the security company he had hired had not found any of this.

"It could be, if we can get through," Klaus went on. "It's a pity that Dorian and his lady witch took off. I could have used her assistance."

"They were afraid for their lives," Elijah replied dryly. "I gave them access to the Arkansas safe house."

"Ah, that old place," Klaus answered. "It saved Rebekah and me once, before we made it to Chicago. You were there, too, Finn."

Finn grunted, "In a coffin, I wager."

"Yes, well, it is fortunate that I had moved you and Kol there before we had to flee," Klaus reminded him. "Come, let me show you the passage in the basement again. The tunnels there will get you out of this house, if need be."

"I shall not let them drive us out. You have my word on that," Finn said with spirit.

"Brother, I admire your confidence, but it would give me peace of mind, just in case," Klaus said quietly. "Just set that wretched ruler on the desk."

"Yes, of course, if you can behave yourself. Then, I should get going. Ah, Sage wanted me to take my driver's test also. You know, officially," Finn added sheepishly.

Elijah paged through the print outs, saying with a grin, "These may help. And Finn, that ruler is here anytime Niklaus acts up. Help yourself."

"Just make sure you are taking every precaution for yourself, little brother, or you shall feel it across your trousers next," Finn warned as he departed.

Elijah muttered to the empty room, "I think he means it, too."

Children's Room

Moments Earlier

Ava stomped into her room and threw herself on the bed. Sage had yelled at her and Indy because Julian was a big baby. He had pulled her braid hair yesterday and she didn't even tell on him. And that hurt!

She considered taking off her necklace and beating him up. But that would only get her in more trouble. Ava felt the burn scar on her face. It didn't hurt or itch anymore, but memory of how she got it did.

Sage had warned the girls to stay in the bedrooms until someone said they could come out. If her dad heard about this, she was going to get in big trouble.

Without thinking, Ava yanked at her necklace, but that only cut into her neck. Her small fingers found the clasp and she took it off after many labored tries.

"Finally," Ava said. She put her hand on the wall, soaking up the magic. It was all over this house in a way she had never experience before. Aya got off the bed and crawled under, pushing aside some fallen toys and a few pairs of socks. She also found a crumpled juice box under there that Julian had thrown. She made her way to the vent and put her ear to it. Using her magic, she listened...at first she didn't understand what she was hearing.

Then, she heard the important parts. Her mother was alive? And in some cottage? Something about New Orleans...She concentrated and listened intently to learn more, but lost her courage when she heard someone in the hallway. She quickly fastened her necklace and shut her eyes. She was exhausted from the spell.

Elijah's Room

Indy sat on the high bed kicking her shoes against the bedspread. She wasn't supposed to wear them in the house, but Sage had grabbed her and Ava and marched them upstairs without time to explain. Her brother was such a brat.

She was about to go see what was taking so long when the door opened. It was her father.

"Daddy, I've been up here for soooo long," Indy whined, crossing her small arms across her chest.

"Yes, well, I heard you and Ava got in a bit of mischief. Would you like to tell me what happened?" Elijah said, looking down at her small face. He couldn't be very cross with her, but he also didn't want this behavior to continue.

"Julian pulled Ava's hair yesterday! Today, he was laughing about it and took away the dogs' ball...We got mad and kicked him," Indy blurted out in a rush. "He wasn't even hurt, but he fell down and Auntie Sage yelled at us!"

Elijah knelt down and looked deeply into her blue eyes. She teared up and looked down.

"My dear, is that really what happened? Your brother doesn't often react like that," Elijah said gently.

Indy hugged herself harder and shook her head.

"No, I g-guess we kicked him real hard," Indy admitted. "But he was being a-a jerk! Yeah, a little jerk!"

Elijah hid a smile by turning his head.

"Oh my, I do get that sometimes brothers can be rather annoying, but you know the rule about fighting. What is it?" Elijah prodded.

"Get an adult if we get hurt and tell them. Don't fight back," Indy repeated. "I'm sorry, Daddy. I j-just didn't want Ava to get into trouble."

Elijah was confused, "Trouble for what?"

"She kicked Julian first and he said he was gonna tell," Indy confessed, bursting into tears.

Elijah stood up and picked up his daughter, cradling her.

"Oh, it's all right. Your brother is fine," Elijah assured her.

"Am I gonna get into trouble?" Indy asked, her small face trembling.

"You already had a time out. I will speak to Julian about the hair pulling. He's seen Uncle Kol do it in jest and was probably trying to be funny. I think it would be lovely if you would apologize to Julian, don't you?" Elijah inquired.

"Okay, I will 'pologize," Indy lisped.

"Very well," Elijah said, trying to put her down.

"No, carry me," Indy begged.

"Just this once," Elijah heaved. "You are getting so big. Soon, I shalln't have the strength."
"Daddy, you're silly," Indy snickered. "Is Auntie very mad?"

"Oh no, dear, but I am sure she would like a sorry and a hug from you," Elijah coaxed. "Maybe a nice picture? Hmm?"

"Yes, I will draw her Azul. She thinks he's real pretty," Indy gushed. "Can we go see Ava?"

"Ah, let's wait until Uncle Niklaus speaks to her," Elijah said, putting his daughter on his shoulders.

Children's Room

Klaus found Ava in her bed, sleeping. He went over and sat on her bed, stoking her hair.

"Sweetheart, if you sleep now, you shall be up all night," Klaus said, smoothing back her braids.

The little girl stirred, still asleep, "Mama, I want my mama!"
Klaus frowned and shut his eyes. "I know, Ava. I know. We are looking for her. Now, can we speak of why you were sent to your room?"

"I kicked Julian," Ava said, looking at Klaus. "And we didn't get any ice cream!"

"I know, but you can't go around hurting your family. We've spoken of that before," Klaus reminded her.

"Sorry, Dad," Ava said. "He just makes me so mad."
"I understand, but what could you have done instead of trouncing him?" Klaus pressed.

"Um, not kick him?" Ava replied seriously.

Klaus burst out in laughter. "Aye, that is correct. Now, let's wipe those tears away and rejoin society, eh? But if this happens again, you shall be punished."
"No t.v.?" Ava asked in horror.

"Aye, I think so," Klaus said. "And I don't wish to do that."

"But I can still get my horse, right, Daddy?" Ava questioned.

"Ah, yes, but you must be very gentle around the pony. They are easily spooked and dislike fighting," Klaus went on.

"The doggies got mad and ran away when we were fighting. Where are they now?" Ava wondered, looking around.

"I imagine with Miss Hayley at the stable. She made them a little bed in the corner of the stable. Shall we visit them now?" Klaus asked, helping her up.

"Okay. I have to go potty," Ava said.

"Wash your face, my love," Klaus suggested. He noticed there were tear marks running down her face. Oh, to have a child's heart again, Klaus thought. But he couldn't stop hearing her cry out for her mother again in his head. He had to find that woman and save her. No matter the cost.