Force of Gravity • NM

•50•

A/N

And the last chapter......oh what a ride it has been
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The months following Henry's birth had been a whirlwind of joy, change, and bittersweet goodbyes. Finn had made the decision to travel the world with Sage, wanting to live a life he had only dreamed of for centuries. The goodbye was heartfelt, filled with hugs and promises to visit, but it was clear that Finn needed this. Katherine, ever the enigma, also left. She claimed she wasn't built for staying in one place too long, but her departure wasn't entirely solitary-Kai, in a surprising twist, went with her. "I'm not running," he had explained before leaving, his tone serious yet hopeful. "I'm just... curious. About my twin. About myself. And Katherine... well, she makes the road less boring."

The house felt quieter with fewer people, but it was never lonely. Naira, Elena, Caroline, Bonnie, and even Kol decided to join university, leaving Klaus, Damon, Elijah, and Stefan busy helping them settle into their new routines. Meanwhile, Rebekah embraced her role as a mother with full force. Baby Henry, the heart and soul of the family, brought everyone together in ways no one had imagined. Stefan had stepped naturally into the role of Henry's father, his love for Rebekah growing deeper as they navigated parenthood together.

The Salvatore Boarding House buzzed with life as everyone returned to celebrate Henry's first birthday. Decorations covered every corner of the house-blue and silver streamers hung from the walls, balloons in the shapes of stars floated near the ceiling, and a giant banner reading "Happy 1st Birthday, Henry!" stretched across the living room. The scent of vanilla cake filled the air, and a small table was adorned with gifts wrapped in bright, cheerful paper.

Klaus stood in the center of the room, cradling Henry, who was dressed in a tiny suit that Caroline had insisted he wear. The baby giggled, tugging at Klaus's shirt collar with tiny hands. Naira stood beside them, laughing softly at the sight. "Nik, I think he's trying to tell you that ties aren't his thing," she teased, brushing a soft curl out of Henry's face.

Klaus smirked, his usual edge softened by the warmth he felt for the tiny boy in his arms. "He gets that from me, clearly. A free spirit."

"Right," Naira quipped, rolling her eyes. "Because you're just so laid-back."

Before Klaus could respond, Damon entered the room, his arms full of party hats. "Alright, everyone! It's time to make this little guy look ridiculous," he announced, plopping a hat on Henry's head. The baby immediately pulled it off, earning laughter from everyone.

"Much calmer than you were Naira ," Damon added, winking at his sister. "You used to scream the house down if we even looked at you wrong."

Naira gasped, feigning outrage. "I was an angel!"

Stefan, carrying a tray of cupcakes, snorted. "Sure, an angel with a devil's lungs."

As the jokes continued, Rebekah entered the room, her face lighting up at the sight of her son surrounded by love. She approached Stefan, who placed a soft kiss on her temple. "Everything's perfect," she whispered.

"It is," Stefan agreed, his eyes drifting to Henry, who was now being passed to Bonnie. "He's lucky, you know. To have all of us."

Rebekah's eyes softened, and she reached out to hold Stefan's hand. "We're the lucky ones."

Throughout the evening, everyone took turns holding Henry, playing with him, and showering him with affection. Kol had brought a set of toy drums, insisting that Henry was destined to be a musician. "He's already got rhythm," Kol said as the baby banged on the drums, giggling.

Caroline had brought a mini wardrobe for Henry, complete with tiny suits and ties. "Because a Mikaelson should always dress to impress, don't you agree Elijah" she declared, earning groans from Klaus and Kol.

Damon gifted Henry a baby-sized leather jacket. "So he can start his rebel phase early," he joked.

The cutest moment of the night came when Henry tried to walk for the first time. Holding onto Rebekah's fingers for support, the baby took a few wobbly steps toward Elijah, who crouched down, his arms open. "That's it, little one," Stefan encouraged, his voice soft. When Henry fell into his arms, the room erupted into cheers.

As the party wound down, Rebekah found herself alone with Henry in the nursery. The crib was filled with stuffed toys, including the carved knight Klaus had given him. She sat in the rocking chair, humming softly as Henry drifted to sleep in her arms. Stefan entered quietly, leaning against the doorframe.

"You're amazing," he said, his voice full of admiration.

Rebekah looked up, her eyes shining. "I couldn't have done this without you, Stefan. You've been my rock."

He approached, placing a kiss on her forehead. "We're a team, Bex. Always."

That night, as the house settled into peaceful silence, Rebekah and Naira both found themselves plagued by the same unsettling dream. A girl, no older than ten, with striking features reminiscent of Finn, appeared in a darkened room. Her voice was soft but urgent.

"Beware," she said, her gaze fixed on Rebekah and Naira. "Dahlia will come for him. She always comes."

Rebekah woke with a start, her heart racing as she clutched at her chest. Across the hall, Naira sat bolt upright, her breathing heavy. They both exchanged anxious glances when they found each other in the hallway, their unspoken fears hanging heavy in the air.

The celebration had been perfect, but now, an ominous shadow loomed over the family. Dahlia was coming-and she wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted.