a/n: uni starts tomorrow so give me some comments to read between lectures x might post next part soon in celebration <3

1820

The Mikaelson Family sat in a large white mansion near the forests of New Orleans, an apple orchard beyond the large open window of the second-floor dining room.

Well, by family, specifically Niklaus, Rebekah, and Elijah, two servants manning the room, others escorting plates back to the kitchen as the breakfast was eaten up, a side storage room housing two coffins compulsion stopped society from learning about.

Things were going quite well.

Elijah had entertained himself with a local witch named Celeste, Rebekah, taken by a man named Emil, Klaus seeing what the city threw at him. Though Celeste would become a long-term problem, Emil was almost the man of the hour – his father, the governor, the one housing them in that lovely dining room. Helping hide their bloodsucking until the Mikaelson home had been completed in the city centre.

There was light chatter, discussions about the ball they were attending the following day, Rebekah subtly trying to stress how happy she was.

How happy they all were.

Her brother's unable to disagree.

Shared smiles.

Good food.

Blood in the goblets.

Everything was fine.

Too fine.

Klaus jolted upright, eyes suddenly wild.

"Brother – "

Rebekah's word was barely out of her mouth before he'd vanished from the room, like a shadow around the mortals, Elijah's face just as confused as hers.

Until they both heard it.

An unfamiliar footstep.

A creaking they had dared not to cause.

Elijah was a moment behind him, heart rate faster than it had been since the last time the familiar perfume appeared in the air.

In that dull side room, one of the coffins was now open, body inside clear to the eyes, grey skin, dark veins up his arms, brown hair disgustingly long and unkept, outfit representing the era he'd last been awake in.

A woman pinned to the wall, grin wide and taunting as Klaus's hand tightened around her throat – purpling it in a way that shouldn't be possible for their kind.

"Lovely to see you too, Niklaus."

A tuneful accent similar to theirs rather than that of the land they were on.

Long hair only curled around the tips. No dramatic updo or white pearls donning her neck. Gold chains and rare stones blessing the smooth immortal skin, hand outstretched towards the coffin like the palm had been wrapped around something.

"How dare – "

Elijah slammed into the middle, forcing Klaus to stumble back, both arms up to separate the pair.

"Brother – "

"Do not – "

"Oh, move over, Elijah," Maci held Klaus's glare, "Let the clod prove his incompetence."

"Lina!"

"I dare him to touch me."

Klaus charged, only for her to dodge to the side, a taunting laugh in the air, Rebekah finally joining the flurry, panic instantly vanishing at the sight of the familiar face. Panic to boredom. A simple routine. Peace, to chaos, to the acceptance Kol wasn't being awoken, to the ex-lovers in bed together.

She grinned, "This again?"

"This again," Maci leaned against the other coffin in the room, smiling sweetly at Klaus, "I'd count it a success."

"Kol remains asleep; you remain useless to him," Klaus turned it back on her, "You'd think a princess would have more grace."

"Do I look like a princess to you?"

Other than the hair, Maci had chosen an odd outfit combination.

Men's clothes.

High-riding boots, trousers, and a shirt with a massive slit down the middle, easily tied up by string she hadn't bothered to address.

"I am merely from the graves, here to transport such precious cargo," She hit Finn's top, "To my employer!"

Lies to the housekeeper rather than compulsion.

Adding the game of it.

Projecting their own dramatics.

She turned her nose up, "Why would I be here to help the invalid?"

"No!" Klaus's eyes were mocking too, "You simply went straight to his side like some desperate – "

"Niklaus!"

"What, Elijah?" He was not a happy bunny, "She appears, runs straight to the streetwalkers side, and you expect me not to point it out?"

"Your mind is so small," Maci moved around the wooden box, "I am merely in need of a feed after my long travels and hoped for someone to indulge with."

Rebekah gave Elijah a pointed smile.

"And the joys of lording Kol's freedom in his face would be a feeling like no other!"

Playing it off like a victory kink would stop Klaus from raging as much as he usually did when she made her attempts to take the dagger upon arrival.

"You know I mean no disrespect."

The bodies were kept out like a taunt.

A reminder to Elijah and Rebekah that they shouldn't cross him.

To Maci, they were a challenge.

"It does seem ritual at this point," His sister put her hands on her hips, "Leave her, Nik."

Klaus's anger grew at the dismissal.

"Do you not enjoy my games anymore?" Maci leant forward like she was talking to a child, "My dearest, most fullest, completely, and utterly sincere apologies."

She moved towards Elijah, hand on his arm.

"Take me to my room?"

Klaus laughed in irritation, "You knew she would be making an appearance."

"Indeed."

"Do not point your rage at him," Maci rolled her eyes, "He invited me upon your arrival. Knew I was experiencing nearby land. I left him un-responded to for months."

Hence why he hadn't been able to anticipate it.

"Yet you still show your face."

"I grew bored of my society," She pushed onto tiptoes, eyes sparkling, "Introduce me to yours."

"Of course," Elijah's hand rested on top of hers, "My princess."

She didn't correct his use of the word, quizzing him on the house's owner as he led her away.

"I loathe her."

"Which is precisely why she still breathes?" Rebekah patted her dress, "Instead of lying dead like any other intruder?"

"Elijah is still smitten."

"Because you care for his happiness?"

"I care for all of your happiness!"

She bit her lips.

"Rebekah?"

"Nothing, brother. Merely excited for tomorrow."

THE VAMPIRES
Walks And Runs Down Memory Lanes

Marcel paused before entering the backroom of The Cauldron. He'd shown up at MJ's apartment for their run at seven-thirty sharp, only to find a gaggle of people who were not MJ. Josh letting the vampire grab her stuff while showing him a text explaining where she was.

He listened out.

A light giggle and the sound of something tightening.

Two heartbeats and a Mikaelson chuckle.

"You two decent?"

"Enough," MJ called back.

He risked opening the door, not sure he agreed with her 'enough' answer once he had.

MJ was wholly enveloped in a throw blanket, implying she was probably naked underneath, sitting up on the floor, back against one of Kol's legs while he sat, relaxed back on a chair. A content smile plastered on his face, only underwear on, loosely around his hips, the tops folded in – like it had only recently been shoved up, the other leg stretched out over hers.

"I miss when two weren't a thing," He sighed, chucking the running gear at MJ, "Up."

"But – "

"Nuh-uh," He pointed, "You wanted me to train you."

"And I'm trained."

"You usually like joining my runs."

"She's had quite the workout already," Kol answered.

Marcel looked at MJ, "You mind if I rip his tongue out?"

"Kinda," She started pulling on her clothes under the blanket, "It has so many uses."

Marcel's expression was unimpressed, "Clearly."

"And he needs it for Sam-duty."

Kol perked up, "Would hate to have a blood-filled mouth to potentially set him off with while he's on this new and murderous path."

Marcel clicked his teeth, "You're gonna help him."

"Isn't it a perfect plan?"

Marcel glanced between.

MJ giving him a somewhat scary and pointed look.

"...Be careful with him."

"He's not made of glass."

"But he's struggling."

"And I'm going to teach him how to be carefree," Kol declared, pulling on his jeans, "Once I've showered."

"Good plan," MJ agreed, "And by carefree, you mean – "

"I will not be adding to the body count unnecessarily," Kol put his hands out, "Well, I might."

MJ almost laughed.

"But he won't. I will simply see if the places he showed me help ease him back into city life."

Rather than just the pack house.

Marcel actually looked semi-on-board with that plan, "Fair enough."

"You're going to be heavily rewarded tonight if you achieve all of that," MJ winked.

"I should hope so," He pulled on his shirt while she stood up, fully clothed too, "It is Halloween."

"The costumes are at mine."

"See you later."

"Later," She pecked his lips quickly before turning to Marcel, "Let's go."

~***~

Sam and Pri were standing behind the kitchen counter, him by the stove, watching her mix eggs, milk, and flour into pancakes. Hayley was still in MJ's room, finally asleep, Hope matching the state, curled up in her arms, Josh in the shower after letting Marcel grab MJ's things, Cami with a pillow over her face, trying to get back to sleep on the sofa.

"The nerve," Pri was grinning, "To ditch friend-night."

"Honestly," Sam winced, "Rather they ditched than have to listen to them."

"They did the same thing to us back in New York," She mused, "Vanishing into the night with very minimal explanation."

Sam smiled, "Good to know Kol's always been an attention needer like that."

"Not on Kol, actually," She paused her mixing, "He was on best behaviour – desperate for our friend group to have a good op on him – like, the ass kissing he did when meeting us? Unreal!"

"Boo!" Sam plopped to the floor, "He's been a dick to us."

"'Cos you have premeditated opinions," She challenged, "I'm MJ's, and MJ's alone."

"You've known her since she was eleven?"

"Yep," Pri offered the bowl to him, "She goes MIA every now and again."

He started to whisk, watching her walk to her bag, pulling a face at herself.

"But we always get an 'I'm alive, and this is why' catch-up call."

"That can't be fun," Sam quietened, "Did Ty come to you guys?"

"We did not know about her death until she told us," Pri tried not to sound bitter, rooting through the backpack, "But, whatevs – she's fine."

"Oh my god – "

"It's fine," She smiled again, pulling her top off and laughing when Sam's eyes went wide, "It's part of being friends with MJ."

She pulled a corduroy-coloured tank top out of the bag, him swallowing carefully, eyes jumping away.

"You learn to let her know you care in small ways."

She was untying her trousers.

Sam paused the pancake-making, "You want me to turn around?"

"Eh," She was left in her underwear, "Only if you're that uncomfy wolf-boy."

Pulling the tank on, his eyes slowly returning to her body. She was fine with it. She was fine with it. Why did he feel so confused!? Oh right! He knew exactly why.

"Doesn't everyone you know see you naked once a month?"

He tilted his head, "Fair."

"I was starting to feel dirty," She pulled new sweatpants on, "Once I feel it – "

She was wriggling to change her underwear underneath the trousers.

"I gotta change, or I get funky. Set off, and shit."

He just rolled with it, nodding.

Vampires all had different things that affected them more.

It just surprised him a little.

"You gotta life outside of this shit show?"

"Do you?"

"Duh," She grabbed a case from her jacket pocket before returning to the counter, "What's the point in living forever if you don't get time to live."

"And there's the MJ."

"And there's the Pri!" She lifted her hand, "I raised that girl, and don't you think any different."

He eyed her up, "How old are you?"

"Forever eighteen, actually twenty-two."

"Then you didn't raise her."

"I put blood, sweat, and tears into my baby," She smirked, "You wanna fight me on it?"

A hand up, other still on the bowl, "Whatever you say."

It felt like a while since Sam smiled over such a stupid, almost normal conversation.

"What life do you manage to have then?" He paused, "You did Uni."

"A degree in journalism at NYU, taking forensics and criminology as extras, as well as linguistics and international politics. Managed to get an internship every holiday, as well as a 'paired with education' job in broadcast that got me an early recommendation into the field I actually wanted to be in."

"Which is?"

"Investigative journalism."

He took a second to count the subjects she'd listed, "Not the vibe you give off."

"I know, right!" Pri winked, "The audacity of someone who wears stripper hoop earrings to actually be intelligent!"

"Not what I - "

"I know," She calmed his momentary panic, opening the case, "Running joke with my friends."

He lifted a brow.

"We take a shot every time someone tells me," She put on a fancy voice, using the stove surface to wipe off her old make-up, "'You're actually very intelligent, Pria!'"

A snort.

Wipe tossed to the side as she started to reapply, sequins and glittery shadows ready and waiting for use. Two large rainbow alien earrings hung around her shirt strap until she was ready to put them in, silver studs currently in her first piercings, two thin chain pieces connecting her seconds to her thirds.

Sam thought about the words instead of staring, "Been there."

"Yeah?"

"The Mikaelson Family? Marcel?" He tilted his head back, "Kings of doing that."

"Oddio."

Sam straightened up.

Pri paused her routine, "You good?"

"Sei Italiano?"

"Meta indiano, meta italiano," She put the brush donw, "Tu?"

"Italiano e portoghese."

"Non c'e modo! Mamma o papa"

"Papa."

"Stesso."

"Pensi che MJ l'abbia fatto deliberatamente?" Sam called out.

Asking if MJ had left out that information deliberately. Both parties knew a little about each other from talking to her, shared heritage, something MJ would typically mention quite quickly. Finding the coincidence funny, or sign, or something.

"Possibly," Pri laughed, "Or maybe we're just superior positive vibes."

"Let's go with that."

She returned to the make-up, "You better make her speak to you in Italian."

"Sometimes."

"Not that I doubt her memory," Pri would never, "But I was half-convinced she'd lose it after she moved away."

"Nah, she's good."

"I'm constantly trying to get my girlfriend to learn, but she's ride-or-die Española."

"Ah," Sam tutted, "Is she in the city too?"

"Nah," Pri added the finishing touches before taking out the old first earrings, "I don't want anyone else around this shit."

"All the murders?"

"It's complicated," She placed the tiny pieces in a side section of the case, "I know things are different, but at home, we all like each other."

"Wolves and vamps?"

"Yeah," She closed the case and tossed it towards the sofa.

It hit the pillow covering Cami's face, earning them a finger in the air as she groaned and rolled over.

Further burying herself into the comfiest non-bed piece of furniture she'd ever slept on.

MJ and Josh had spent an entire day testing everything pre-buying, so their apartment worked like a comfort trap. Even if you didn't like the melding of aesthetics, Josh's neon sign wall art on one side, makeshift bar beneath, MJ's photo wall, and paintings, and vinyl player on the other, it was hard not to relax and enjoy it.

"I was chasing a supernatural hunter. She's a witch – no healing factor," Pri spelt it out, "On top of that, I knew I was coming to a place that would try and poke holes in our relationship 'cos the idea that species doesn't mean shit hasn't hit the south yet."

"Vamps and witches date all the time," Sam reasoned, "Josh used to date a wolf."

"And there were no problems relating to pack opinions of it?"

Sam had to give her that.

Pri's tone softened, "How's being a Hybrid in the middle of all that?"

"Eh."

"Only eh?"

"I don't know," Sam tried to think about all the positives of the day, "Super-speed is fun. I'm not that against immortality."

"Ohhhhh."

"What?"

"You're one of the whole 'forever is bad' vampires."

"No!" He paused, "I didn't use to be..."

She tilted her head.

"What did you mean when you said I needed to find my like...whatever you called it."

"Metronome. You've been thrown off beat," Pri shrugged, "Whatever helped you find your transition easy has changed. So you gotta find something new."

He glanced at the pancake mix.

"MJ made it easy?"

He nodded.

"You have a thing for her?"

"No!" His head shot up, "Like, she's hot, but in the hot friend way?"

"Good to know you value a women's intelligence."

"Not what I meant."

"I know," She took the bowl from him, clicking on the stove, "You liked her mind too much to sleep with it."

"I hate that phrasing."

"It makes you un-comfy?"

"Incredibly," He'd never even thought about sleeping with her, "She's my friend. Only."

"I'll stop," Pri poured the mix into a pan, smiling, "But you let yourself get used to everything 'cos you trusted her to stop you – hate to break this to ya, Sammy-Boy, but that's not MJ."

"Um?"

"She enabled you, sure," Pri smelt the air as the mix started to sizzle, "But that's all on you."

He blinked slowly.

"MJ gave you security, but she wasn't in your head. She doesn't control your actions."

His chin pressed down.

"Which means you had control."

He'd been fine after the first week.

"You had a rhythm you could get into that let you feed, and let you function, and that means you can figure it out again."

"I've been trying."

"But you were cursed?" Pri was catching up quickly, "So everything's worse."

"It's just a lot more intense," Hayley was carrying Hope down the stairs, "Like..."

"Loud," Sam found solace in her admitting she was struggling too, "Every month as a wolf was a month my body couldn't regulate itself, not just as a human versus animal."

"But as a vampire," Hayley finished

"Ah," Pri looked intrigued, "So you're now basically in overdrive trying to make up for it. Internally fucked."

"You can phrase it that way," Hayley eyed her up a little, "You're really here for the long term, then?"

"Until MJ gets sick of me."

They'd been introduced the previous evening, forced to just get on to not stress anyone out.

But Hayley lived opposite the Mikaelsons.

She'd heard them all talking.

"Or until my city misses me too much."

Cami sat up slowly, eyes weary and hair messy, "Don't you miss it?"

"Yeah," Pri nodded, "But I've missed MJ more."

The pair had both been eavesdropping.

"With everything going on in her life, it's not like she can visit – and friendship goes two ways. Why get pissy about her not showing up if I don't?"

Moving the pan to the waiting plates.

"Who wants the first one?"

"Me!" Hope yelled.

Pri was locked in a stare-off with her, "Anyone else?"

"Me! Me! Me!"

"Sweetie," Hayley rubbed her chin against her temple, "You have food in the fridge."

"She can have it," Pri suddenly felt bad, "I just didn't think babies could eat normal people food."

"She's over a year," Hayley offered a smile, "As long as you haven't put any toppings on yet, it should be fine."

"Then I guess the baby wins," Pri sighed, "Damn those big eyes."

The front door unlocked in time with Josh's shower turning off.

Kol walked in, staring at them all staring at him.

"Why do you all look surprised?" He complained, "I actually live here."

"You don't!" Josh yelled from his room.

"Lol," Sam grinned at him, "You got an 'amazing' day planned for us?"

His tone was overflowing with sarcasm.

"Sure," Kol closed the door behind him, "Starts with me getting to shower in a place not filled with people. I'm simply collecting my things."

"Your girlfriend invited us," Cami reminded him.

He really looked at her, "You look awful."

"Thank you," She bowed dramatically from behind the sofa, "What have we talked about when it comes to your rude opinions about people you like?"

"I should keep them to myself?"

"There we go!" She started to walk into the kitchen space, "Unlike the rest of you, I don't have a healing factor. All those drinks were for immortal tolerances – I'm going to throw up."

Kol pulled an almost guilty face.

"And I get actually tired."

"I'm sure Nik would happily turn you if you asked."

"Ha-ha," Cami turned on a tap as Pri started the next pancake, flicking it at Kol before splashing it on her face, "I need coffee."

"Camille," Kol bit into his wrist, "You really don't need to keep up with this mock investigation."

He was letting it drip into a glass.

"I know," She glanced to Pri, "But I want to."

"I can handle it," Pri assured her.

"You and Lucien will kill each other before we learn if it's actually him."

"He came to your apartment," Pri revealed, "You can tap out, get some rest – "

Kol handed the glass to her, "Lucien came to you?"

"I texted Klaus and MJ about it," Cami stared at it, "Um..."

"Or stay hungover," He tried not to seem hurt, "I'm sure that's fun – "

"Thank you," She accepted it carefully, sipping, letting herself look at Hope as Hayley placed her in MJ's baby seat for her, "Hello, sweetie."

"Hello!"

"She's in a good mood," Sam was watching her too, "Not scared by this many people?"

"Only one of you's a stranger," Hayley started to cut the pancake into pieces, "And she's getting better at not being in The Compound."

"Not to start a fire," Sam spoke carefully, "Or repeat history – "

"But," Hayley met his eyes, "You think we should move out the city."

He nodded.

"I've been considering it," She admitted, "Think I'll need to wait a year before bringing it up with Klaus."

Cami and Kol shared a look.

"And yes," She grimaced, "I will bring it up with him this time. As an actual discussion."

Kol leant against the counter, "And if he says no?"

"Then he can take responsibility for why his daughter's getting such bad nightmares."

"Nightmares?" Sam asked, "I was just thinking about it 'cos of how messy everything seems to be right now."

"I thought she wasn't sleeping well because of the move," Hayley spoke carefully, trying to seem calm, "But I've heard enough about MJ's childhood."

"The city ancestors gave her bad dreams," Pri recalled, "You think they might do it to your daughter?"

She was mainly focused on the pancakes, the occasional flip underscoring the conversation.

"Um," Hayley picked her words carefully, "What do you know about it?"

Pri gave her a look.

"MJ's not here to talk about it," She reasoned.

Making it seem like a friendly question.

When they all knew if Hayley really just wanted info, she could probably ask Kol.

"It was a massive part of why she let Ryos get away with shit," Pri put the next pancake onto a plate, facing them all, "He could make the nightmares stop."

She poured the next round of mix.

"I don't know if it was him being someone she loved or if he did a spell – I don't even know if MJ knows. She just knew he'd monitor her dreams whenever she was having a bad night and lashing out. If he found magic, he'd stop it."

"That's what I need to do," Hayley decided, "If MJ monitors Hope's sleep for a night, I'll know if something is going on with the spirits."

"MJ was four when it started," Kol shut down, "And MJ's slept in her room half this summer."

Except, Clio had suggested that MJ's sixth sense might not be working as well as they were all used to. Too overwhelmed to just click. Useful when targeted towards investigating a specific thing so able to focus...Not something Kol wanted to flag up until MJ had.

"She would already know if there was a problem."

"Sure," Hayley didn't seem impressed by the response, "Not like some massive ancestral spell has just been put on all the Crescents or anything? You know, the pack she's a part of?"

Sam grinned at the semi-callout.

"Aren't you the family member meant to question magical things?"

Cami's eyebrows went up, locking eyes with Kol and shaking her head as his mouth started to open.

"Davina's spell might be the reason she's not sleeping well anymore," He was still looking at Cami's panic, "...Or maybe Klaus is just better with her."

Cami flicked water at him again, Hayley's expression screaming murder.

"You fired the first shot!" Kol reasoned, "That's a justified response."

"You're a child," Hayley's smile was false.

Sam winced, "You did insult him first, Hayls."

"Dude!" She glared at him.

"What? You did," He reasoned, "He went too far, but you started it."

"Ha!" Kol gestured to Cami in victory, "Justified rudeness."

"Ness-ness," Hope was reaching towards her plate, "Yes, yes."

Hayley's irritation melted away.

"Mirma?" Hope was squirming to look around, "Mirma!"

She was incredibly familiar with the space and who usually took her there.

Big eyes on her mum, lip quivering, "No Meera?"

"We can see MJ later," Hayley kissed her forehead, back to feeding her pieces of pancake, "I'm sure she'd be happy to help with bedtime tonight."

"Um," Kol lifted a finger, "No."

"You're not MJ."

"I'm aware," He nodded, "We have plans. You can start your dream tracking another night."

"Aren't you with me all day?" Sam pointed out.

"I'm with you all day, my girlfriend, all night – we already have costumes! And they are not child appropriate."

"Disgusting," Sam nodded.

"I'm sure you can take a minute out of your evening," Hayley crossed her arms, "To ensure your niece is not being harassed by spirits."

"Pull the niece card, why don't you," Kol sighed, "Fine. We'll pop through when MJ finishes work."

Hope started to clap her hands together, "Em-Jay!"

"How does it feel to share your girlfriend with a baby?" Pri had another pancake ready.

"Awful," He glared at Hope, "She's annoying and clingy."

"Like you?" Cami challenged.

"Hm."

As Hope mimicked his expression, Kol couldn't stop the edges of his lips from twitching up.

"You're obviously trying not to smile, dude," Sam called out.

"Am not."

"Are too," Josh came out, changed for the day.

"You can't even see me," Kol still didn't break the glaring contest.

Josh's hands went up, letting him have it and turning on the TV.

Hope stuck her tongue out, and Kol let himself smile, doing it back before standing up straight again.

"I guess she's not the worst."

"Why, thank you," Hayley nodded sarcastically.

"Anything pleasant must come from your side of the family."

"Slightly forgiven."

The sound of the news filled their ears, Cami and Pri's eyes instantly on it.

"Want me to take over?" Sam gestured to the mix.

She was curling her lip in, "If ya want to."

"Rather that than the body I found."

"Sorry," Josh's eyes went wide, "I didn't even think – "

A report about all the corpses up.

Cami frowned, "I thought Kinney was trying to stop reports."

"And it's apparent that the man isn't the best at his job," Pri jabbed.

"He was," Cami reasoned, "Vincent doesn't have high opinions on just anyone, but how's he meant to be good at this one? He doesn't understand what he's in the middle of."

"Could still be nicer to people."

"Agreed," Cami spun towards her, "One hundred per cent – screw him for how he's acted, but it still feels unfair."

Pri really looked at her face, "Take today off."

"What?"

"I am."

"...You are?"

"It's Halloween, and I'm queer," Pir patted her chest, "It's my god-given right to dress up and get freaky."

Cami let herself laugh, "Fair enough."

"We have all the people we need in place to get security tapes; we know where the bodies are gonna show. We don't need to find them first," Pri reasoned, "That makes us look involved."

Which Kinney already suspected them of being.

"We just need to prove Lucien's doing it so Klaus doesn't stop us from killing him."

"Klaus is more on board with murdering him," Kol revealed, "Family meeting about whether to let me rip – "

"Friendly reminder," Hayley was blocking Hope's view of the TV, "There is a baby."

Josh muted the sound.

"Thank you?"

The images were still on the screen.

"We can have a day," Pri said to Cami, "Can't find holes in stories if your brain isn't rested."

"And you," Kol took the opening, "Will meet me once I've had time to go home and change."

"And shower," Sam decided, "You need one."

"And I'm told off for being the rude one!"

"I've got a little bit of time to kill before I become possessed by the spirits of Hallows Eve," Pri decided, "I'll keep him busy while you wash whatever sex you had off."

"Deal."

1820

The party the following day was attempting to be like no other; the upper class from the entire area flurried into the room as part of a collection of balls covering the season. Young men and women entertained themselves while parents made deals based on the finest fabrics and jewellery, those able to evade the situation hidden in the millions of backrooms in the luxury house. That was the criteria the Mikaelson's fell into, compulsion their best weapon.

While many danced and spun, large skirts creating patterns across the carpeted floor, a musician at the piano, the family were somewhat split up.

Rebekah was greeting those across the ground, eyes pinned on Emil, his own eyes only meeting hers despite the three girls surrounding him.

Watching as Klaus left the room with a maid in either hand, giddy off drink and the governor's ass-kissing, ignoring Elijah in the upstairs corridor as he and Celeste seemed distracted by a million different things. Some positives, but suddenly, more negatives than ever before in their relationship.

Escaping both his siblings, Klaus stumbled into the upstairs foyer, only to groan when his lips were momentarily pulled away from his partners. A skylight connected to a balcony overlooking the space, two corpses were already taking up the seats he'd intended to occupy, Maci on the lap of one of them, blood on her lips, pulling back to groan at the sight of him too.

She hadn't been lying.

She'd arrived wanting a drink, and the event provided the perfect opportunity to, especially if Elijah wasn't planning to join her.

Maci was the only influence that could cause him to swoop to the same, more indulging, habits as his siblings.

Not as high a body count, but still –

"This space is occupied," She checked her finer outfit for stains, "Move along."

"This house is as good as mine," He lifted a wrist to his mouth, simply biting instead of moving.

"At least give me the other," She turned, now lying across the body's lap to stretch her arms back, "As payment for not snapping your neck yet."

He pulled back, "Surely it should be the other way around."

"We both know you do not despise me as much as you claim."

"Hm?"

"Would you like to know what I've learnt of Katerina?"

A still in the air.

He pushed the bodies aside, eyes distant and smiles permanently cheery due to his words.

"You haven't?"

"I've found Rose. Along with one of her identity men."

"Where?"

"Not so easily disclosed," Maci pushed up to standing, coming closer to him, "She's not what's important."

Klaus's parted, tongue curled.

Then a forced dismissive shake, "My goals have changed."

"Truly?"

"I may appreciate your intel, but we are settling here."

"Klaus."

Silence.

"Even if you have something," His eyes held resentment, "Why would I trust you not to rip it away?"

A careful gulp.

"You've helped her flee me before."

"When you've done something to spite me first," She reasoned, "When has my information ever steered you in the wrong direction?"

He hated that it hadn't.

"Then again?" She licked her thumb clean of red, "It is quite joyous watching you consistently miss her by minutes. Maybe I am devilishly working towards taunt?"

"You seem to think you can start wars with me without consequence."

"War is my forte."

"Which is why you fled it and left your people to be slaughtered?"

Any lightness vanished from her features, slapping him across the face.

An attack that only made Klaus chuckle, straightening himself back up, eyes outlined by fearful black, leaning in close.

"You," He was trying to compel her, "Are you going to – "

She slapped him again.

A beat to process it.

"I take vervain."

"Of course you do."

"I did not flee war," She stepped closer to him, fury in each muscle, "I claimed my future. The path that embraced all of me."

A whack against his chest.

"Something I consistently try to help you with, only to be met with threats," Her original accent always came out when she was angry, "And dismissals. And degradation at my sexual liberties."

"It is not my fault you've slept with two of my brothers."

"I never slept with Kol!" She looked disgusted, "He possesses a quality you never will – "

"I possess – "

"An actual interest in what exists beyond himself."

Knicking past Klaus to grab his second girl, biting into her wrist instantly.

Maci was not in the mood for another Niklaus Mikaelson temper tantrum when she could actually help him with a problem.

The blood raced down her throat, ending the suffocating dryness.

A long breath in.

A wipe of her mouth.

"I did not come here to argue."

"Then you should not have gone straight to the coffins."

"I am so sorry I missed my friend!"

"My siblings have adapted," He tugged one of her corpses to the floor so he could sit in it himself, waving the blonde girl onto his knee, "You should learn from them."

"And give in to you so easily?" She taunted, "I repeat, I do not back away from a fight."

"Born for war!" He mocked.

"Dedicated to it," She stared at the face of her snack, "If we're being specific."

Klaus raised an eyebrow, "Meaning?"

He bit into the neck.

"Marceline," She spoke a name they rarely heard her use, "From the Latin."

He leant back, swallowing happily, "Ah, yes. Your thorough education."

"Dedicated to war," She repeated, "Or young warrior."

He scanned her stillness.

"I don't think my mother understood the irony of naming 'her bastard' such a thing."

The word always caused a shift in the untapped hybrid.

"But I quite like it."

"You certainly hold the spirit to bare it."

"Is that a compliment, Niklaus?"

No response.

"Anyone born with our heritage tends to be one," She spoke as if talking to herself, "We must be warriors in a world so attached to proper relations and rules of class."

It would've been strange to act like she hadn't caught a few stares while introducing herself.

'Marceline Le Roux, please use Selene, Marchioness.'

Despite once belonging to France, the citizens of New Orleans didn't seem to know French nobility – something benefitting her. There wasn't a Marchioness of France at the time. Though not a complete lie, given her royal bloodline, even through multiple revolutions.

"Names inspire, after all."

"Curses from our parents."

"Gifts, depending on the giver."

Klaus glared at her.

She glared back.

They both just returned to their meals, neither trying to be neat or subtle about the pile-up of burying a compelled servant would be left to deal with.

The bodies dropped with a thump.

Followed swiftly by a disapproving 'hmmm.'

Celeste's scowl, "They go too far."

"Niklaus," Elijah gestured to the pile, "Is there no hope for you yet?"

"Does our guest not get a scolding?"

"He'll punish me in some other fashion," Maci batted her eyelashes, loving the disgusted look on Klaus's face, "I'm sure."

"Lina is a visitor," Elijah didn't look at his date's offended face, "You are trying to start a home here."

Yet leaving body after body.

"You're acting like Kol – "

Rebekah had dragged Emil upstairs with her, "Are we interrupting?"

"Yes," Klaus.

"No," Elijah.

Maci rolled her eyes at the men, "Only if you're not intending to join."

"Dearest Elijah," Rebekah pressed her hands together cutely, "You've only ever wished happiness for me."

Elijah raised an eyebrow.

"Emil and I are in love."

Klaus laughed heartily.

"Please, let me turn him."

The laugh vanished.

"Rebekah," Elijah's reaction was slow, "The governor has graciously agreed to hide a lot of our..."

Pile of food.

"Indiscretions."

Maci at least tried to hide her laugh at the wording.

"It would not do to turn his son into one of us."

"Please," She was beaming, "For me."

"It's not going to happen, sister," Klaus stood up again, letting the previously beautiful woman drop and stain the carpet.

"You said you cared for our happiness!"

"If we turned every man you dropped your knickers for, human beings would cease to exist," He was still incredibly drunk, on alcohol and blood, "And we'd have no bloody food."

"How dare you, sir!" Emil stupidly got in his face, "You would do well – "

"Here we go," Maci groaned.

"To treat – "

Klaus had him by the neck, toes hitting the floor roughly as he was dragged down the hallway.

"Brother – "

"Niklaus!"

"I'm going to take a walk," Maci waved a hand, "Try to be subtle."

"Niklaus," Elijah seemed panicked by that announcement, "Wait!"

"NO!"

Rebekah's cry, and the falling of a man from the balcony, didn't have Maci double taking. Her presence would only make the murder that much worse, a walking reminder that she lived out of the respect Klaus held for his brother – Rebekah not given that same benefit.

Though, they were all slightly aware that there was more to it than that.

Klaus claimed it was because the knowledge she could never beat him was a far better punishment for her sins. Maci claimed it was because of her actions post-learning of his dubious parentage and magical affliction. Almost a few centuries after their first meeting, setting her on a quest to help that resulted in the only time she and Elijah had ever truly disagreed on something.

'Something.'

Katerina Petrova was more than just something.

Maci halted in the garden, narrowing her eyes at the sound of shuffling coming from a collapsing shed that sounded almost animal-like yet, too heavy to be an animal allowed in a garden.

She pushed open the splinter-filled door, "Hello?"

Nothing.

Piles of sacks meant for carrying apples folded together.

A clear heartbeat.

"I can hear you."

"No, you can't."

She lifted a bag with her foot, revealing two big eyes staring up at her, "I can."

"Please don't tell anyone – "

"I assume you're not meant to be seen while there are guests?" She took in the dark skin, "Boy?"

He nodded.

"Then I saw nothing."

He crawled out of his cover.

"If you mean to spy on the finery, might I recommend the window in the study," She stepped back, "The door is open, giving a wonderful view into the ball space."

He seemed confused.

"Have a good..." She intended to leave.

But there was a smell in the air.

One she recognised, "You are injured."

Blood.

"Where?"

"It is nothing, Miss."

"Show me where?"

He didn't move.

"Unless it is somewhere unacceptable?"

"..."

She tilted her head, "What is your name?"

"I don't have one."

"Oh," She blinked slowly, "Well, that doesn't change that you are clearly bleeding somewhere."

She lifted her chin.

"Spin for me?"

He looked panicked.

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

His feet just about moved, ragged and unwanted.

Stains on the itchy material against his skin.

"Your back."

He let her look at it.

"Take it off."

He spun to face her, "What?"

"I am a blessed medic."

With or without magic.

"Let me do my job."

"Miss..."

"I will not take no for an answer."

"I'm not meant to talk to the...medics?" He clearly wasn't sure if that was the right word.

"Says who."

Eyes jumping towards where all the sound was coming from.

"It's a good lesson to learn," She leant closer, "That not all people are as cruel as those who do not name children."

He still didn't let his guard down completely.

"Let me help you."

October 2013

Marcel was used to MJ's mood's changing a lot, so when he came to their weekly 'training' sessions, he always planned for options. He had an arm strap he could attach his phone to, headphones ready if she was in an 'I don't want to exist right now' mood, music the only thing to calm her down enough to talk about it.

That morning, he wasn't sure what to make of her.

She felt jumpy, ready, and happy to talk as they jogged through street after street of The Quarter.

As a vampire, it felt weird to 'have' to work out. They didn't need to. MJ wasn't sure if vampires could gain weight, but it did seem like they could get more defined muscles from doing human stuff. Stefan had seemed leaner after her resurrection, parading around as a human, clearly including more of a workout than his fake-student life. And it certainly helped with the bloodlust.

Keeping active – forcing the body to focus on something other than feeding, was practical.

And MJ wasn't about to complain about vampires working out. Every now and again, Kol would get insecure about her always being off with Marcel for 'sweat-making' tasks, and she'd return to find him working out too.

A beautiful sight to her libido.

Turning onto a new street, MJ nodded to the locals alongside Marcel. Everyone also greeted him, slowly doing the same to her once it became clear they were regular running partners.

A policeman, their human eyes and ears in there, a few new vampires on breakfast runs or walks of shame – people opening up shops or simply watering their flowers on the balcony. Spending so much time with Marcel to get used to being a vampire, MJ watching just how integrated into the city he was.

The man wheeling out Halloween decorations.

The shopkeepers.

The streetcar ticket venders.

"So Lucien knew The Strix were in town," Marcel let their conversation drift in that direction.

"Seems to."

"Did Pri know?"

"Haven't mentioned it to her yet."

"Scared she might reveal she's one of them?"

"She's not," MJ had to believe that, "She would've told me."

Moving at a light pace to stay level with him, hybrids stronger and faster.

"It goes against everything she stands for as a person."

"You said you knew a little about them?"

"No more than I already told you," MJ thought of a new question, "You know why Maci and The Strix have problems?"

"I know Selene has commitment issues," He snorted, "Once you've heard enough stories about her, you start to notice the pattern."

"Yeah?"

"Whenever things get complicated or deep, she peace's out."

"You have some beef with her?"

"Nah," He smiled, "Actually had quite a high opinion of her."

"Meet her as an adult or as a kid?"

"Kid," He admitted, "She popped back a few times after the Mikaelsons left to check in."

"So you've been able to watch her 'peace out.'"

"She's always in charge of somewhere," Marcel confirmed, "Two or three decades later, she's off the map until she finds somewhere new. Off the map often meaning here."

MJ considered that.

"She trained Pri?"

"Ish," MJ was pretty sure Pri had been a natural vampire, "She taught her brother, and Pri watched all that the years before she turned."

"How fresh is she?"

"Don't you already know all about her?"

"I knew a relatively new vampire took over," He rephrased, "I didn't know how young."

"Turned on her 18th birthday, technically a year older than me, though."

"So twenty-two, four years immortal."

"She'd never killed a vampire when Kol met her, which was around a year in?"

Marcel looked amused, "That still her stance?"

"I know Katherine Pierce lingered in New York to make sure she ended up in charge."

"And probably did all the dirty work."

"Pri's charismatic," MJ had always thought so anyway, "It honestly wouldn't surprise me if that was still the case. People around her in charge of the jobs she doesn't like."

"You said there were feeding bars and cafes in New York – that her?"

"There were a few 'black market' ones before her."

Everywhere had feeding spots.

"But she made all the deals with the supernatural-run cafes to make them open for everyone. Feeding backrooms for a blood supply that wasn't a police case waiting to happen. Special healing teas and stuff."

They'd crossed the bridge now, nearing his place.

"You can just talk to her, Marcel," She reasoned, "If you really wanna know stuff."

He kept jogging.

"Really think about everything you've seen," MJ laid it out, "The shades and the colours. I mean – she's a millennial left-wing journalist-slash-dancer-slash-MMA fighter-slash-vampire leader."

"I'm sure Elijah's loving her."

She snorted, "I can't tell."

Marcel slowed from a jog to a walk.

"And it's freaking me out."

"You're more worried about him killing her than Klaus?"

"Wouldn't you? If you were me?"

He let himself nod.

"No offence," She hated that Pri was involved with anything, "But you know you mucked me up."

"Yeah."

"If I hadn't met Pri, I probably wouldn't be here right now."

"Then," Marcel's tone was careful but warm, "We'll try and make sure nothing happens to her."

MJ returned the look, "Thank you."

They headed up the stairs into his building, MJ going straight to flop on the couch until she saw Marcel pause. He was looking at an empty glass on the bar, the bourbon decanter practically empty – her sitting up and pointing at it.

"There's lipstick on that."

"There is," He sighed, lifting it up, "By all means. Break into my home and help yourself to the good stuff."

"Classic vampire move."

There was a rattling noise inside.

Marcel shook again, "Summon it?"

She flicked her wrist while sitting up, two solid-gold cuff-links flying into her hand, "Nice?"

Tossing them to him before spotting the other addition to the apartment.

"Suit bag."

Marcel walked forward, unzipping the front.

A full tuxedo and a black masquerade mask.

"You'd think they'd at least let you pick what you wear," MJ came to stand behind him, "You have nicer suits than this fake-fancy rental."

He laughed at her bluntness.

Then, his phone rang.

"No caller ID," He smiled falsely, "Money on..."

"The Strix," She murmured as he answered.

"You want to dress me up in nice clothes," He was using his 'charming' voice, "All you gotta do is ask."

"I'll keep that in mind in the future, Mr Gerard."

MJ tried to suppress her laugh at Marcel's panicked eyes, having clearly not expected the voice he got.

"I thought you were someone else."

"Perhaps my associate, Aya?" The British Man mocked, "Clearly, she made quite an impression."

MJ couldn't help but find that funny, considering Aya had beaten Marcel bloody when making that impression. Maybe that just meant Marcel liked violent women, which explained his attraction to Rebekah and her mum.

Was Marcel a bottom?

Not what her mind needed to be on!

"She is an exquisite beauty," The stranger continued, "And, in fairness, the violence wasn't my idea – had you come willingly, none of that would have been necessary."

"So," Marcel pulled a card off the suit, "This is your version of asking nicely?"

MJ read it over his shoulder – a simple business card until he turned it around.

'7041 ST. CHARLES AVE. MIDNIGHT'

"It's an invitation," The phone man confirmed, "I believe Aya told you a bit about The Strix, but apparently, Miss Pasare was not present at the vampire seminar."

"Miss Pasare goes by MJ," She answered, "I assume you're Tristan?"

"Correct."

"Disgusting."

He chuckled.

"Are you stalking us?" She had to ask, "To know we were together now?"

"I was simply taking a morning drive around the city."

"So, yes," Marcel held the phone between them, "You were stalking us."

"Is it illegal to drive in this city?"

"It's certainly a health hazard," MJ mused, "If you rich skeletons are all here, can y'all at least contribute to the economy for once?"

There was only so much she could get away with magically fixing.

"The potholes are really annoying, and I don't think I've ever met a member of the undead who pays their taxes."

Tristan laughed again, in a creepy and tight way she didn't like.

"Skeletons?" He repeated, echoing Lucien, "You insult me without even knowing me?"

"I already know who you and your society are."

"You know Kol Mikaelson's version of who we are," The man corrected, "It's hardly a good representation given his interest in de-tonguing our associates."

"He wanted you to take the hint and leave him alone instead of parroting to Elijah," MJ defended, "But sure. How would you describe yourselves?"

"If you return to your apartment, you'll see your invite. Accept it, and we will show you."

"Tonight?"

"Every few years, we gather to celebrate our status as the most elite creatures in the world," Tristan pitched, "And, in the rare instance we feel we've identified someone worthy of our attention, we open our doors."

"What makes you so sure I'd be interested in you?" Marcel sniped.

"You haven't hung up the phone yet."

MJ thought that was a bit naive of Tristan since Marcel could've been engaging to get information for the Mikaelsons – but whatever.

"I understand you've fostered quite a community here in New Orleans. We can offer you a global network," His wording offended her, "Resources, access, power."

MiMi Pasare, basically.

"You're a born leader, Marcel! Why stop at just one city?

"Maybe I'm happy with what I've got."

"And he should be," MJ backed up, "Bugger off."

"Somehow, I doubt that," Tristan called out, "But if I've failed to pique your interest, by all means, disregard this call. If, on the other hand, you feel you'd be a worthy addition to our ranks... Join us. Tonight. And don't be late."

A beat.

"And your invites don't include plus-ones," He added, "Mainly a note for Miss Pasare."

"Miss Pasare doesn't care what you say," She had holiday plans, "She doesn't need any of the things you just listed because she built an international network herself."

"We are not looking for you to join our ranks," He sounded amused by the suggestion, "You're a rare commodity. We simply wish to meet you, and we will then move forward from there."

He hung up, MJ growling.

Marcel zipped the suit bag back up, "Don't – "

"He just called me a commodity!" She was going to kill him, "God, the sexist energy!"

And she'd only heard his voice.

"I might accept the offer just so I can punch him."

Marcel almost smiled, "All his bodyguards will be there."

"I'll punch them too."

The smile turned to concern.

"I'm fine," She promised, fidgeting on her feet, "Just agitated."

"Need to go another lap?"

"Need to talk to The Mikaelsons."

Marcel glanced at the bag again, "You gonna go?"

"No," She hesitated, "Maybe?"

Her theory about them and Lucien being connected...

Just because Lucien's head was protected by someone didn't mean Tristan or every Strix member would be.

Going to the party might be her only chance to get a leg up on them.

"...I have plans tonight."

She had a work meeting, then one job, which she had about an hour until the start of. The evening was meant to be for her and Kol.

"And Kol probably won't want me going without him," She'd figure it out, "I should go check if my invitation's even real first."

"Good idea."

~***~

Sam and Pri were both walking through the city, wearing shades, looking for a good coffee place, Pri wanting to rank all of them before she eventually went back to New York.

"I can't tell if you like Kol or not," Pri declared.

"Honestly," Sam had both hands on his takeaway cup, "I can't tell either."

"I think he's nice."

He snorted.

"What?"

"Kol Mikaelson is nice."

"He loves my friend a lot," Pri reasoned, "He treats her well. He matches my energy when I joke with him. Why shouldn't I think he's nice?"

"The serial killed tendencies."

"And that's one of your problems," She decided, "I don't kill."

He liked the firmness with which Pri spoke.

"Not unless I have to."

Implying she had at one point.

"Doesn't make me a nice person."

"Eh – "

"It doesn't," She declared, "Everyone's situation is different. We can't decide who's good and bad on their kill count."

"If you're talking about someone like MJ, sure," Sam nodded, "Kol admits most of his kills were unjustified."

"And he's suffered the consequences," Pri reasoned, "People who get punished for their bad actions, and acknowledge the bad, are a hell of a lot better than people who play innocent then betray you anyway."

He lifted his brows.

"I've met plenty of people who think they deserve special treatment for unremarkable reasons. And they'll never even realise how privileged they are, I mean...not to call you out."

"You don't seem like the type to hold back."

"Why did you spend more time with the pack?" She'd been asking questions about the past year, "Why no vampire friends?"

"...I grew up thinking vampires were bad."

"Based on?"

"Stories of the shit Marcel did."

"Reasonable," Pri had to give him that, "But do stories about one represent the many?"

His lips twitched, "Don't pull the siphoner card."

"I think people would be a lot nicer to each other if more pulled the MJ-siphoner card."

"It's more complicated," Sam reasoned, "I saw my mum kill my dad, turn into a live wolf, and then learnt she'll be killed if any vampires learn about her. Marcel cursing the pack that would've helped us."

"This curse has been around a long time?"

"It got cast in the 90s."

"Your mum not from here, so not counting?"

"Basically," He nodded, "I didn't exactly want to bond with people who cheered at the prospect of a wolf massacre."

"Again, fair enough, but you've also had time to realise that wasn't all vampires."

Sam focused on the warmth coming from the cup.

"No judgement," Pri stressed, "I'd probably be the same."

"You said your brother struggled."

"Yeah."

"How'd that go down."

"He was compelled to jump off a building. Basically killed one of our friends," Pri counted it, even if Beni and MJ didn't, "Went on a ripper spree, then turned his humanity off to cope with the guilt."

Sam couldn't help but feel for her.

"MJ got a vampire called Marceline on it. She asked for his family."

"Bit odd."

"It's always better for family to know."

He thought about how long he'd hidden it from his parents.

"MJ was too scared to call my parents, so she called me. Selene kept me safe, and we worked together to get the humanity back on while Aary was locked in a basement, going insane with bloodlust."

"And you still chose to turn?"

"I saw the bright side," She had two clips in her hair, keeping it pinned behind her ears to let the alien earrings shine in the sun, "Immortality has its benefits."

"Never ageing."

"Sure," Pri nodded, "But I was more thinking about the chance to experience everything that comes with that lack of ageing – you were asking about College?"

He hated that he had been.

"No need for money. You can do as many degrees as you want – learn about anything whenever you're ready to take that step."

"I liked my life," He sipped.

"You had a job?"

"A few."

"Which was the favourite?"

"My best boss was a flower shop."

"But the best job?"

"Housing," Sam let himself say it, "Building houses."

"Because?"

He shrugged.

"Come on, jock, I know there's a reason in there somewhere, or you wouldn't be jaded about it."

"I just liked it," He sounded tired, "I was doing something for someone. Literally making somewhere people could live..."

"Making a difference."

"I couldn't really do it any other way."

"And I see why MJ likes you," Pri looked around the busy decorated street, "Is that why you like being in a pack too?"

He glanced at her.

"With vampires, there tends to always be a hierarchy," She was at the top of one, "Wolves, it's there, but it's less backstabby. One alpha that's meant to be leading a team."

"Yeah."

"It gets a bit much sometimes?"

He nodded.

"Who's the alpha?"

"Hayley and Jackson kinda share the title."

"Oh," Pri pulled a face, "Hence the weirdness between you guys!"

She half-clapped.

"You've been doing a lot to scratch your 'good person' itch, and you don't think she's done enough."

"I think Hayley's got a million things on her plate."

Pri noticed the tension growing in his body, "Okay."

Change in topic.

"Why do you like helping people?"

He almost choked on his drink, "Is that a real question?"

"Yeah."

"Why do you?" He bit back, "Miss-Stepped-Up-To-Take-Over."

"People were grieving," Pri let her eyes settle on his, "I was angry."

"So you took over."

"So I wanted answers. And I wanted other people to get them too."

"Why?"

"Because it's really hard to make peace with loss when you don't know why it happened."

"Based on?"

"All the people left mourning after Aary committed his massacre."

Sam didn't know what he'd expected, but it hadn't been that.

"There was a massive mural made about it," She spoke so easily, "We ended up meeting a lot of the families."

"And that made you who you are."

"Wanting Aary to never bare that weight alone made me who I am," Pri corrected, "Never wanting anyone to feel like they were alone."

Why she'd never let MJ just vanish on her.

"The other good part about immortality," She reasoned, "There are thousands of people who share the ability to escape time."

Sam liked watching how she talked.

"To spend each second knowing you have a million more to discover yourself, over and over."

Voice like a lullaby.

"No longer defined by your losses or your actions, but your ability to keep going."

"To let go."

"The best vampires are the ones who can let go," She agreed, "Accept that the world will always keep spinning."

"I can't tell if that's highly depressive or positive."

"Up to you," Pri shrugged, "For me, it's positive. It means I can spend every night partying and still make it to work on time. Follow all of my dreams and shit."

"Partying the dream?"

"Letting lose," She rephrased, "Dancing. Performing. Meeting strangers in bathrooms and sharing the lucid state that comes with alcohol."

She'd also been testing all the city clubs since she arrived.

"Making memories. Living as a momentary side character in someone's great love story – or the villain who gets them in a cab before they can confess their love. Or the kind stranger who gets them in a cab. I think, going out and living life the way I do is one of the best ways to experience life."

Sam's eyes became slightly distanced while listening to her describe.

"I can only do that as much as I do because I'm a vampire."

"A human would have liver disease."

"And terrible sleep patterns."

He forced himself to wake up, "Your girlfriend able to keep up?"

"Gina knows she can't change me."

"And that doesn't cause a problem?"

"Do you really love someone if all you do is fight for someone they're not?"

His brain seemed to break.

"You good?"

"Yeah," He downed the rest of the coffee, "Just thinking."

"About?"

"How much of an idiot I am."

She snorted, "Rule one of adapting back to vampirism!"

He let himself smile at her.

"Don't be mean to yourself," She paused, "Correction, that's basic rules to living. Treat yo self!"

"Treat yo self," He mimicked.

"With kindness," She pointed forward, "Always."

"I do," He used to, "Just realising some stuff."

"Thought you were in love, but just fighting for someone they weren't?"

"Not in love. But fighting for..I don't even know."

Pri let his take a second to think.

"I think people change; sometimes it takes a minute to realise."

Pri felt herself nodding, "Yeah."

"But you and your girlfriend make it work?"

"We try our best," She let her walls slip down for a second, "We've had a tough few months."

"Oh?"

"She doesn't live in New York anymore," Pri sighed, "Long distance hasn't been easy."

"Part of why you've visited MJ?"

"A little," She admitted, "It's nice to be around people you know you love when stuff gets hard."

Sam relaxed, "You wanna talk about it?"

"Not really," Pri put her confidence back on, "Me and G will figure ourselves out."

"You call her your girlfriend."

"...We're actually on a break," She revealed, "But I love her, so..."

"Still gonna use the term."

"Basically," Pri shifted, "I haven't really been telling people so – "

"Don't tell MJ?" He didn't look happy.

"I'll tell her soon; I just...I'm enjoying the pair of us acting like we're the same people we used to be, and part of that is me and G being okay."

"Fair enough," He spotted a bin, lining up his shot.

"Bet you won't make it."

"Bet I will," He did.

"Then bet I can too."

~***~

MJ found herself lingering outside her apartment door. There were people strolling in and out of the gallery beneath her, Josh working the cafe section, nodding as she arrived. Knowing she had work soon, a little surprised she was back at all after the run.

Listening to the gentle chatter.

It was a slow day,  which made sense.

It was a week day, and a murderer was on the loose, and they were coming to the end of their recent artist spotlight, meaning people were waiting for a new one to be put up...

She pulled her phone out, dialling Bonnie Bennett.

"MJ?" Bonnie sounded instantly okay, "Is everything - "

"All good," MJ couldn't help but smile.

Both of them had the same problem of always assuming contact meant a problem. A solution they needed to find for someone. But, the call wasn't to ask for help, or to really talk about any of the problems happening with the Originals.

"Is this a good time?"

"Ish?" Bonnie instantly relaxed, "I'm with Damon and Ric."

"Oh, hey!" She heard the clicks shifting to speaker, "You guys okay?"

She knew they'd come back from travelling, she had been texting everyone, she just hadn't phoned in a while. How was she meant to talk about how happy she was when Ric was in mourning?

And not really calling her either.

She knew it was because of Kol-and-or-Klaus.

He'd phoned while at The Compound, heard the voice in the background, and then MJ had spent an hour listening to him ramble about Jo, and loss, and Jenna, and a million other things. Which she was happy to do, but also wasn't healthy. He hadn't risked calling without a text to ask where she was since.

"Are you okay?" Ric asked, "If your - "

"I'm fine," She assured them, "Are you?"

"We're trying to blackmail my mother," Damon declared, "The usual type of thing."

MJ snorted, "She's that bad?"

"She's got - "

"A lot of nerve," Damon cut Bonnie off, "Trying to blackmail me out of town. So we're blackmailing her back."

"Good for you?" MJ paused, "...Enzo?"

"Letting them take Elena's coffin the last time I checked."

"Good for him."

"MJ!" Ric scolded.

"Sorry," She didn't want Elena in danger, she just found it kind of amusing, "You guys need my help?"

"No," He answered, "We're fine."

"We're trying to plan a kidnapping," Damon corrected, "So if you're just phoning for a catch-up - "

"I've just found out that Bonnie and I are related," She summed up, "Thought she might like to know."

Complete stunned silence.

"I ever tell you about the sleeping mummy Floare?"

"Yes," Bonnie answered.

"Turns out one of them was my ancestor - I'm related to Qetisyah's older brother, you're related to her younger sister."

"Oh my god!"

"Right?"

"Yay?" Bonnie laughed, "That's...kinda cool?"

MJ let herself laugh too, "Thank god you're not upset."

"Why would I be upset?" Bonnie seemed to have gotten control of the phone again, "I love you. And, you know, given how both of us don't exactly have much family left..."

"Yeah," MJ's heart warmed.

That's why she'd needed to phone.

With all the chaos, she had actually found ut something pretty good.

"God!" Bonnie shook her head, "Why couldn't we have found out sooner? Life would've been so much easier!"

"Wait," Damon was speaking slowly, "So you're technically a Bennett Witch?"

"Very, very distantly."

"Who cares about distance," Bonnie shut down, "I'm dubbing you cousin for convenience."

MJ laughed again, "You sure you wanna share your title? The Bennett Witch is quite an important one."

"If it means I can claim Ruiz," She joked, "Get to tell all those people I'm related to MiMi Pasare - and, Ana Ruiz."

She spoke MJ's mum's name as a joke.

They'd all started to notice the whole 'everyone knows' Ana thing, especially when Ryos had been in town, Luke saying it.

"Then again," Bonnie winced, "Makes me related to Ryos too."

"Sadly true."

"But who cares about him!" She quickly backed up, "We got us."

"We do."

Bonnie let out another laugh, "Sorry - processing."

"No worries - do you want me to send you the copy of the family tree I have?" She offered, "It's more about my family than yours, but it'll at least show you."

"If you're happy to share that information."

"With you?" MJ's lips twitched up, "Your family."

"I hate this," Damon decided, "You guys are gonna pull the family card, and it's gonna get so old, so quick."

"You're just jealous," Bonnie decided.

"Agreed," MJ mused, "You guys sure you don't need my help?"

"We're fine," Ric promised her.

"Is everyone else?"

"Yes," Damon answered, "All just working to get mother-dearest out of the picture."

"Very Mikaelson of you."

"Ha-ha."

"Honestly, if you need my help - "

"MJ," Bonnie shut down, "If you have an ancestor dotting about with information, we can assume you've got your own stuff going on."

"Just meeting the first vampires ever sired," She admitted, "And preparing to remake the Floare stones again."

"First vampires?" Ric was instantly worried.

"They're nothing," She somewhat lied, "Worried about how many Mikaelson's have died recently, so flocking to protect them."

She was not going to tell them about the prophecy.

"Good to hear," Damon decided, "Lovely to know my life is being protected."

"It's Klaus; not like he was about to get killed anyway."

A content breath out.

"Have fun blackmailing your mother."

"Good to hear your voice," Bonnie added sweetly.

"Honestly," MJ couldn't help but smile, "Miss yours too."

A beat.

"All of them."

"Ha!" Damon managed to get it out as MJ hung up.

1901

The Mikaelson Family sat in a complex building in the centre of New Orleans, an open courtyard filled with seating and plants, the family crest clear for everyone who arrived. Though there wasn't an apple orchard, there was a rather gracious dining room, enough seats for more, only four taken up. Niklaus, Rebekah, Elijah – and now, a fully grown Marcel Gerard.

Grown and turned and named.

Two servants manned the room, others escorting plates back to the kitchen as the breakfast was eaten up, an upstairs room with little decoration housing two coffins compulsion stopped society from learning about.

Even if tensions were incredibly high between a number of them, they did manage to have quite pleasant mealtimes, time making wounds simultaneously easier and harder to live with.

Elijah had tried to focus on his brother ever since Marcel's youth, Rebekah and Marcel acting easily pleased, Klaus following his desires. Celeste was supposedly dead, resentment only growing as their actions went unpunished, the Mikaelsons rising to the rank of governor as the city changed around them.

There was light chatter but no direction this time. No pointed comments about happiness from Rebekah, mere average contentment with their situation, exploring what options the city presented them in the upcoming week.

How 'happy' they all were.

Shared smiles.

Better food.

Blood in the glasses.

Everything was fine.

Too fine.

Klaus jolted upright, eyes suddenly wild.

"Klaus – "

Marcel's word were barely out of his mouth before the elder vanished from the room, a faster shadow than ever. More power with more age. Elijah a second behind him, Marcel clicking the pattern of movements he'd grown somewhat familiar with. She'd visited a lot through the years.

One source of a footstep that didn't press right.

A creaking none of them would dare to cause.

Especially Marcel, given the face trapped by the wood.

Rebekah did not even rush this time, simply yelling, "Maci!"

Except, this time, it was different.

They all stilled, Maci's laugh filling their ears as she waved a silver dagger carelessly in the air while jumping in what the modern day would dub a victory dance.

"I did it!"

Klaus was too shocked to attack her, Elijah's body tight with panic, Rebekah suddenly rushing, trying not to get her hopes up after the declaration as Marcel took a large step back.

A woman, hair braided to fall over her right shoulder, delicate parts too short for the design curled to frame her face like a perfect lady. Long cloak mirroring the one she'd worn when she'd first met the family, a dark teal dress made out of the material of men's shirts, meant for movability, far more fashionable in a decade or two's time. Intended to be flat and summery rather than accenting curves.

"You've mocked my failures," She waved the weapon under Klaus's nose, "And yet!"

A groan in the coffin that sent a shiver down Marcel's spine.

"I will murder you."

"And he will murder you in return."

"I will not stay dead."

"But I will die happy," She tossed the thing to the floor like a toy, "And you will remain miserable."

She wasn't wrong.

"What's..." A sleepy voice they hadn't heard in decades, "I'm..."

"My escort to the opera," Maci let her voice fill his ears, Kol shooting up.

He took the scene in.

His siblings.

A man he didn't know. Not at the age he was now, anyway.

His one true enemy tossed to the floor, no ash in sight.

And a face he could almost always rely on, "Your Highness!"

He only ever spoke the term ironically.

"My beautiful – "

"Gods, you need a feed," She laughed at the paper colour of his skin, "Just as I wanted!"

There was a gleam in her eyes as she waltzed confidently back to his prison, offering her hand to help him out.

"Lina," Elijah managed one shake of the head.

"Come on, love!" Her begging eyes were still one of his weaknesses, "I'll keep him in check."

Kol was scanning the faces, angry spark targeted at his brothers, quiet always a bad sign with him.

"Promise."

Klaus was trying to be cautious, waiting for an attack.

"If we feast now, we'll be in pleasant spirits for presenting him to the public."

Rather than eating them.

Klaus and Elijah looked at each other.

Rebekah half glanced to Marcel.

Then, she stepped forward, "Brother!"

Her arms were thrown around his neck, Kol chuckling now his feet were on the floor, knowing her as the only sibling he wasn't mad at. Yet.

"Lina," Elijah murmured as the two reunited.

"Someone needed to force you all to make amends," She simply jabbed back, "We both know how important family, especially siblings, are."

He grimaced.

Her way with words, especially when pointed at him, always cut deeper.

"He will be vengeful."

"Rightfully so," She would've been, "And I will get it out in one binge, and then you can begin the apology."

"Your dedication to my family's happiness – "

"To yours," She stressed, "And to Kol's...sometimes."

Elijah almost smiled.

"When he's not vexing me."

"You have just signed yourself up to be vexed."

"Life has been boring recently," She grinned, "You love them."

A softer tone.

"Maybe try showing it sometime this century."

He rolled his eyes.

"Before it is too late."

"It is never too late when you are immortal."

Her smile was sad, "You keep believing that."

He paused, ready to ask her what had actually driven her back to them. There was always something. But Kol was officially done with Rebekah, snatching her arm and ignoring his eldest (awake) sibling, asking which servant she thought best to start his habits with.

"You," Kol mused as she led him to the servant's Quarters, "Truly have a gift."

"For enraging your siblings?"

"And I adore you for it."

"As you should."

"You better not be jesting when you talk of a blood binge."

"Oh," She let her fangs show, "I've missed your mischief."