Force of Gravity • NM

•23•

The day of the ball arrived with a mixture of excitement and tension. Elijah had voiced his concern about maintaining appearances, cautioning everyone to return to their respective homes to ensure Esther remained unaware of their united front. Though reluctant, the group agreed, preparing for what they all knew would be a delicate evening.

At the Mikealson manor,

Finn, usually reserved, surprised everyone by initiating a heartfelt conversation with Rebekah. The two sat in the grand parlor, the golden light of the chandelier reflecting off the ornate furniture. Finn's face was drawn with emotion, his voice trembling as he spoke.

"I've carried this guilt for centuries, Rebekah," he began, his hands clasped tightly together. "I was the eldest. I should have stood up for you... for Niklaus... for all of us. But I didn't. I was too afraid of Father, too weak to protect you from his wrath."

Rebekah's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he continued. "And when the bloodlust consumed me, I hated myself even more. I hated what I'd become. But you all—Niklaus, you especially—never gave up on me, even when I deserved it the least. For that, I'm sorry."

A tear slipped down Rebekah's cheek as she moved to hug him, her voice choked. "You were never weak, Finn. You were just as much a victim as the rest of us. And you don't have to carry this alone anymore."

From the hallway, the rest of the siblings Klaus, Kol, and Elijah stood listening. Klaus leaned against the wall, his face unreadable, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability. Elijah stood straight, his hands clasped behind his back, a solemn pride in his expression. Kol, however, was struggling not to laugh.

"Are they... crying?" Kol whispered, leaning toward Klaus.

"Shut up, Kol," Klaus muttered, though his lips twitched upward slightly.

Unable to resist, Kol pushed the door open and strolled in, grinning. "Well, this is touching. But, Rebekah, darling, if you cry any more, your face is going to look like a drowned frog."

 He ducked as Rebekah threw a cushion at him, though her tearful laughter ruined any chance of menace.

Kol then walked over to Finn, placing a dramatic hand on his shoulder. "I suppose I should join in this little bonding moment. Finn, brother, thank you for finally joining the living. And thank you for not being so boring today."

Finn chuckled, shaking his head, and pulled Kol into the hug. For the first time in centuries, he felt like a true part of his family

While, in Damon's bedroom-turned-dressing-room, the girls were having their own moment of lighthearted camaraderie. Dresses were laid out across the bed, makeup brushes and curling irons cluttered every surface, and laughter filled the air.

Caroline twirled in her gown, the light blue fabric shimmering as she spun. "Do you think Tyler will like it?" she asked, grinning.

Bonnie adjusted the strap on her deep purple gown, rolling her eyes affectionately. "If he doesn't, he's an idiot."

Elena, in her elegant dark red gown, was busy helping Naira lace up her dress. Naira's gown was a masterpiece, an iridescent peacock-inspired creation with hues of emerald, teal, and gold that shimmered as she moved. The bodice was adorned with delicate beadwork, and the skirt flowed gracefully around her, giving her an almost ethereal appearance.

"You look stunning, Naira," Elena said, stepping back to admire her. "I bet Klaus won't be able to keep his eyes off you."

At that, Naira blushed, fiddling nervously with her bracelet. "I'm more worried about not tripping over this dress."

Caroline smirked, stepping closer. "Don't worry, I'll be there to catch you. But seriously, Naira, if Klaus doesn't melt into a puddle when he sees you, I'll personally throw a drink in his face."

Naira laughed, shaking her head. "Let's focus on surviving the ball first, shall we?"

Bonnie joined them, holding up a pair of earrings. "Okay, who's borrowing these? They go with practically everything."

The girls continued their preparations, the lighthearted banter easing some of the tension. Despite the danger looming over the evening, in that moment, they felt like normal friends preparing for a magical night.

As the girls admired their final looks, Elena broke the silence. "I know we're all scared, but we've faced worse. We'll get through this."

Caroline raised her glass of sparkling water. "To surviving the night and looking fabulous while doing it."

"To friendship," Bonnie added with a warm smile.

Naira lifted her glass last, her voice steady. "And to standing together, no matter what comes next."

The clink of their glasses echoed, a quiet vow that, no matter what awaited them at the ball, they would face it united.