Force of Gravity • NM

•13•

The next morning, as the sunlight crept through the thick curtains in Klaus's estate, Stefan found Klaus waiting for him in the hallway."She's still asleep," Klaus said, a surprisingly warm note in his voice. "Let her rest, she deserves it."

Stefan raised an eyebrow, both surprised and curious. It wasn't like Klaus to suggest tenderness, especially not openly. "Sure," he replied, giving Klaus a meaningful look. "But it seems... unexpected, coming from you."

Klaus rolled his eyes, brushing it off. "Just don't wake her. Besides, Rebekah mentioned she'd like to stay back. Some sisterly shopping, I imagine," he smirked.

As Klaus and Stefan headed out, Rebekah waited in the foyer for Naira, who appeared with sleepy eyes and a casual floral dress.

"Good morning, Rebekah," Naira said with a soft smile, adjusting her hair.

"Morning, sleepy head. I was thinking," Rebekah began, her voice already bright with excitement, "how about a day in town? Show me how all this works here in the 21st century?"

"Oh, I'd love that! Let me just grab my bag," Naira replied, already warming to the idea of helping Rebekah. They set out, excitedly planning stops for everything from clothes and food to tech gadgets and little curiosities.
In town, Naira quickly became Rebekah's guide, showing her everything from clothing trends to ordering coffee at the café, which made Rebekah wrinkle her nose at first, then giggle. The coffee shop was crowded, and Rebekah hesitated, trying to get used to the noise, colors, and movement all around them.

"So, people actually... spend time like this?" Rebekah asked, still perplexed by some aspects of the 21st century. "All the noise, the technology—I'll admit, it's rather dizzying."

Naira laughed softly, leading Rebekah through the busy streets. "Yes, but you can find quiet places too. I think you'd love some of the vintage shops; they have this blend of old-world charm and new pieces. It's the perfect way to ease into the modern world."

They spent the day ducking in and out of boutiques, where Naira guided Rebekah on mixing modern fashion with timeless pieces. They shared endless laughs, with Rebekah even daring to try on a few bolder outfits. Eventually, Naira showed her a small antique shop, where the pieces held a familiar quality that felt more like home.

As the day drew to a close, they returned home, carrying shopping bags filled with new clothes, some decorative items for Rebekah's room, and a few antiques. But when they arrived, the house was silent, with no sign of Stefan or Klaus.

"Odd..." Rebekah said, setting her bags down and glancing around. "I thought they'd be back by now."

"Maybe they got held up. They can handle themselves," Naira said with a hopeful smile, though a faint worry flickered in her eyes. "While we wait, do you want to watch something?"

Rebekah's face brightened. "I've seen some films, but I haven't had time to enjoy them much. What's something fun?"

Naira's face lit up, "Disney! Trust me, you'll love it." She grabbed a couple of classics and they nestled onto the couch, the TV casting a warm glow as they immersed themselves in Disney magic. They laughed at the humor, shared emotional moments, and exchanged lighthearted teasing.

"This is amazing," Rebekah admitted after a while, her eyes still wide with the wonder of animation. "I see why people get lost in these worlds."

"Me too," Naira replied, giving Rebekah a warm look. "It's like, for a while, you can believe in the magic of it all."

Rebekah looked at Naira thoughtfully. "You're refreshing, you know that? People like you... you're why Stefan and Damon still have their humanity. I think maybe you're the reason for Klaus's, too."

Naira blushed, shaking her head. "I just... I love them, and you too. Family's everything."

As they continued watching, the hours passed peacefully. But under the calm, both of them were waiting, wondering when Klaus and Stefan would return, and hoping they'd be safe.