Force of Gravity • NM

•15•

As morning dawned, Klaus joined Rebekah, Stefan, and Naira at the breakfast table. The mood was casual, but it shifted when Klaus, in his straightforward way, updated them on what Gloria had shared. He looked around the table, his gaze finally settling on Naira.

"So, it appears the doppelgänger is alive," Klaus began, watching Naira closely. "Were you aware of this? That Elena's being alive is why I can't make hybrids?"

Naira's expression showed her shock, but before she could answer, Stefan jumped in, protective as ever. "She didn't know anything, Klaus. Don't blame her."Naira's face fell. "I wouldn't keep something like that from you," she said softly. She glanced at Klaus, who looked conflicted, and then asked, "Can....can I call Damon?"

Klaus gave a reluctant nod, and she quickly dialed Damon, her mood lifting as she heard his voice.

"Hey, big brother," she greeted with a smile."Naira! How's the villain's lair? Still in one piece?" Damon's voice was light, as if he were trying to keep things easy for her."Mostly. We're actually heading back soon," she replied, trying to sound casual."Really?" Damon sounded relieved. "Well, if Klaus so much as sneezes in your direction, let me know, and I'll handle it." She chuckled. "Don't worry. I can hold my own against Nik."

When the call ended, Klaus was watching her with an unreadable expression, and he turned to Stefan. "Why don't you head to Mystic Falls a bit early? As a peace offering, I'll send Rebekah with you."

Stefan's hesitation was palpable, but he nodded, clearly hoping Klaus wouldn't go back on his word.

As evening settled in, Klaus and Naira were on the road back to Mystic Falls. The silence in the car lingered until Klaus finally spoke.

"Look... I wasn't fair earlier. I shouldn't have accused you." His voice was low, but genuine. "I assumed you knew more than you did."Naira shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're a thousand years old, Niklaus. I'd expect you to know better by now."A chuckle escaped him. "Touché." He glanced at her. "I don't exactly have the best track record of trusting people."

"Well, then maybe it's time you start. I'd like to think I'm trustworthy," she said, grinning. "You know, if you ever feel the urge to share anything important."

Klaus looked thoughtful, and after a pause, he said, "I suppose you're wondering why I need hybrids."Naira turned to him, curiosity plain and clear on her face. "It did cross my mind. What's so special about them?"

He seemed hesitant, then sighed, as if finally deciding to let her in. "It's about loyalty. Strength in numbers. But mostly... it's about not being alone. I was... born differently...a bastard..." His voice softened, and he shifted his focus on the road ahead.

Naira's gaze softened as she listened. She could hear the pain in his voice, the weight of centuries of isolation. "Being different doesn't make you an abomination," she said gently. "It makes you... well, you. There's only one Niklaus Mikaelson."

He laughed softly. "Unique isn't always a blessing, love. My own father hunted me, saw me as a monster. I shifted for the first time, and... well, my mother saw to it I'd be cursed for it. It was brutal. Pain like nothing else."

She reached over, placing a hand on his arm. "You're not a monster, Nik. You're proof that nature allows beauty in diversity. Nothing abominable would be allowed to exist by nature."

A silence fell between them as Klaus looked at her, a hint of wonder in his eyes, as if seeing her in a new light. He blinked, then broke the silence with a smirk. "I think I've done quite well convincing myself of that lately, especially with you around."

Naira laughed, the tension easing as she let go of his arm. "I suppose you're unique, then. No one quite like you. But still, being the only hybrid in the world—maybe that's not such a bad thing.""You truly don't see it as a curse?""Nope," she replied, shaking her head. "Why not embrace it? Stand strong in who you are. Hybrids or no hybrids."

He pondered her words, visibly moved by her perspective. After a few moments, she nudged him with her elbow and said with a grin, "By the way,... I'm starving. How about we stop for ice cream? And maybe brownies?...we deserve it!"

Klaus raised an eyebrow, then laughed, nodding. "You're lucky I happen to be partial to sweets, and you love."They pulled over at a small, cozy dessert shop. Naira ordered herself a vanilla ice cream and brownies, while Klaus watched her, an amused smirk dancing on his lips. They settled on a small bench outside, and she offered him a spoonful of her ice cream.

"Try it!" she insisted.

He eyed her with mock suspicion but took the spoonful, nodding in approval. "Not bad. I suppose sharing is caring."

She smiled, her gaze soft. "Exactly. You never know—maybe one day, you'll start sharing more than just ice cream."

He chuckled, the warmth of her presence sinking in, a quiet realization dawning on him. She was different. With her, he felt seen, not as a monster or an abomination, but as... himself.