Force of Gravity • NM

•32•

As they pulled into the driveway, the Salvatore boarding house seemed unusually quiet, the lights dimmed except for a warm glow spilling from the living room windows. Naira stepped inside with Stefan and Damon flanking her like protective guards. She barely had a chance to breathe before she was swept into a whirlwind of affection.

Rebekah was the first to reach her, wrapping her arms around Naira tightly, tears glistening in her eyes. "You scared us, you little idiot!" she said, though her voice was filled with affection.

Elena and Caroline joined the embrace, followed by Bonnie. They crowded around Naira, each of them whispering words of relief, love, and mild scolding.

"Okay, okay!" Naira laughed, her voice slightly hoarse. "If you keep squeezing me, I might end up in another coma, and don't crush baby Henrik!"

At that, the girls immediately stepped back, each throwing nervous glances at Rebekah.

"Sorry!" Elena exclaimed. "We forgot—"

Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "Forgot what? That I'm pregnant, not fragile?"

Kol, who had been leaning against the doorway, chose that moment to dive into the group, throwing his arms around all the girls. "Finally, a proper hug for our little troublemaker," he declared, grinning.

Caroline rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing. "Kol, you're going to squish her!"

"I'm adding moral support," he retorted before winking at Naira. "Good to see you awake, we will be great partners in crime. Maybe next time, don't steal from Nik's private stash. He's terrible at sharing."

Naira chuckled, shaking her head. "Noted."

As the laughter faded, Finn and Elijah approached, their expressions stern but tinged with gratitude. Finn was the first to speak, his voice low and measured.

"Do you realize the risks you took?" he asked, crossing his arms. "You could have died, Naira."

"I know," she said softly, meeting his gaze. "But it was worth it."

Finn's stern demeanor softened as he sighed, his shoulders dropping. "What you did was reckless. But... it gave Rebekah the happiness she needed. Thank you."

Elijah placed a hand on Finn's shoulder before stepping forward. "I echo Finn's sentiments," he said. "You put yourself in harm's way for our family. That is not something we take lightly. But please, Naira, don't do it again. You have nothing to prove to us, and we are extremely sorry for doubting you"

"Its ok, i wasn't trying to prove anything," she replied earnestly. "I just... wanted to help."

All the while, Klaus stood near the staircase, his hands tucked into his pockets. He hadn't said a word since they entered the house. His piercing blue eyes remained fixed on Naira, a mix of relief, guilt, and longing flickering across his face.

He wanted to go to her, to tell her how much it had torn him apart seeing her unconscious on the floor, but the words wouldn't come. His guilt weighed heavily on him—the harsh accusations, the misplaced blame. He had failed her.

Damon, ever observant, caught Klaus's lingering stare and smirked. "Alright, enough of the heartfelt reunion. It's midnight, and she needs sleep. Let's not overwhelm the poor kid."

"I could use a bath first," Naira said, stretching. "And real clothes. Sleeping in jeans, not my vibe."

After a long soak in the tub and slipping into her favorite soft pajamas, Naira climbed into bed, ready to collapse into sleep. She had just settled under the covers when a soft knock sounded on her door.

"Come on in," she called.

Rebekah entered, her usual confident stride subdued. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and she hesitated before sitting on the edge of Naira's bed.

"I just wanted to thank you," Rebekah began, her voice trembling. "For what you've given me. A chance at motherhood. A chance to give Henrik the life he deserves. I don't know how to put it into words, Naira."

Naira reached out and took Rebekah's hand, squeezing it gently. "You don't have to say anything. Just promise me you'll love him with all your heart."

Rebekah nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I will. He'll be my everything."

Naira smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Good. Because as his godmother, I'm going to spoil him rotten."

Rebekah laughed through her tears, shaking her head. "Godmother, huh?"

"Obviously," Naira said with mock seriousness. "I mean, who else is qualified for the job?"

Rebekah stood, leaning in to hug Naira. "Thank you, Naira. For everything."

After Rebekah left, Naira tried to settle in and sleep, but her mind wouldn't quiet. Her thoughts raced, and an uneasy feeling crept over her. She tossed and turned before finally throwing off her blanket with a sigh.

Quietly, she crept out of her room and down the hall to Damon's.

As she pushed open his door, she found him lying on his bed, his hands behind his head.

"I know you're there," Damon said without turning. His vampire hearing had clearly betrayed her stealth.

Naira grinned, slipping under the covers beside him. "I thought you were asleep."

"Hard to sleep when I have a sneaky little sister plotting to invade my bed," he quipped, though his voice held a smile.

She snuggled closer, resting her head on his chest. "I couldn't sleep. Can I stay here?"

Damon wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "You're lucky I'm feeling nostalgic. You used to do this all the time when you were little."

"Yeah," she murmured sleepily. "Your bed was always comfier."

"That's because I have better taste, little elf" he teased, his voice soft.

Naira smiled, her eyelids growing heavy. "uh huh, thanks Demon."

He chuckled leaning over to kiss the top of her head, his own voice laced with emotion. "Anytime, kid."

As she drifted off, Damon stayed awake a little longer, cherishing the moment and the memories it brought back.

A/N
Its Christmas in a few hours!!!
Wishing each and every one of you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 💗