Force of Gravity • NM

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The Mikaelson mansion was buzzing with activity as the girls gathered in Rebekah's room, transforming it into a whirlwind of gowns, makeup, and hair tools. The scent of perfume lingered in the air as laughter echoed through the halls.

Kol, seated cross-legged on the floor with a sulking pout, watched as Naira styled her hair on a video call from the cabin. He twirled an empty wine glass dramatically in his hand. "Isn't it tragic, sister? Even our dear father doesn't think I'm worthy of being on his anti-Klaus crusade. And Elijah, the epitome of self-righteousness, has exiled me to babysit all of you."

Rebekah smirked, adjusting the neckline of her gown in front of the mirror. "Perhaps they feared your penchant for theatrics would ruin their master plan, Kol."

Naira chuckled on the video call, twisting a curl into place. "Oh, come on, Kol. You should be happy you're staying with the fun crowd tonight. Besides," she added with a grin, "you're right where you belong—helping us look fabulous."

Kol sighed dramatically, his eyes flitting to Rebekah's baby bump, hidden beneath her elegant gown. "Bekah should be thrilled she can actually squeeze into normal clothes tonight. Quite the achievement."

Rebekah whipped a pillow at his face, her aim perfect. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood, Kol. And stop staring at my stomach!"

Elena burst into laughter. "Kol, you better be careful. Rebekah's pregnancy hormones are no joke."

The guys waited in the grand living room, their suits crisp and ties perfectly knotted. Finn leaned against the mantle, his sharp eyes glinting with anticipation. Stefan stood nearby, adjusting his cufflinks, while Damon lounged on the couch, tossing a bottle of bourbon from hand to hand. Kai, true to form, had a mischievous smirk on his face, already plotting some sort of trouble.

When the girls descended the staircase, the room seemed to pause. Rebekah led the group, glowing in a deep emerald gown that shimmered as she moved, her pregnancy bump cleverly concealed. Bonnie followed in a sleek navy dress, her curls pinned elegantly. Elena's crimson gown hugged her figure, while Caroline wore a sparkling silver dress, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. 

While, Naira was in a soft lavender gown, her hair styled in loose waves that framed her face, away from her siblings and friends, but they would meet again tonight.

Damon whistled low, his gaze fixed on Elena. "Well, look at that. My girl's a vision in red. You're going to make every other girl jealous tonight, Elena."

Elena rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're impossible."

Stefan stepped forward, his eyes softening as he took in Rebekah. "You look stunning." His voice was quiet, meant only for her.

Rebekah flushed, her hand instinctively brushing over her stomach. "You're just saying that because you have to."

"No," Stefan said firmly, taking her hand. "I mean it."

Kai, meanwhile, had zero subtlety as his eyes darted between the girls. "Hoot hoot Clarice! That dress—wow."

Caroline huffed, hands on her hips. "Is that your idea of a compliment? Because it sounds like an insult!! and its Caroline...Car-o-linee"

Kol snickered from the corner, clearly enjoying the show. "Don't worry, Caroline. He's like that  because he knows you'd never give him the time of day."

Meanwhile at the cabin, 

Klaus, standing quietly, finally stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Naira. He offered his hand, a small smile playing at his lips. "You're breathtaking, love. As always."

Naira placed her hand in his, smiling warmly. "You're not so bad yourself, Niklaus.", while Elijah looked happily at the little couple.

As the group gathered, Kol continued to provide his unique brand of commentary. "Isn't it amusing how no one appreciates me? Here I am, the unsung hero of the night, and yet I get no thanks."

Bonnie rolled her eyes, linking her arm with his. "You're ridiculous. But I guess you clean up okay."

Damon, passing by with a smirk, quipped, "Kol, if you weren't Bonnie's date, I'd think you were just the hired help."

Kol shot him a glare. "You're lucky I like Bonnie, Salvatore. Otherwise, you'd find yourself short a head."

Rebekah leaned against Stefan, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It's quite cute, really. Kol acting like he's everyone's favorite when we all know he's the family's little sheep."

"Little sheep?" Kol repeated, feigning offense. "How dare you! I'm the life of this family."

As the banter continued, Caroline huffed dramatically. "Okay, can we all stop and appreciate me for a moment? I've spent hours on this look, and I feel very underappreciated."

Kol, never missing a beat, leaned closer to her. "For what it's worth, I think you're the best-dressed one here. Don't tell Bonnie."

Bonnie smacked his arm playfully. "I heard that!"

The room filled with laughter as the group prepared to leave, the tension of the coming night momentarily forgotten in the warmth of their camaraderie. But even as they laughed and teased, an unspoken weight lingered in the air. Mikael's plan, Klaus's absence, and the looming threat of betrayal were never far from their minds.

For now, though, they chose to focus on the present, cherishing the moments of light before the storm.