empty bottles: k.m.(under construction)

kept 6 feet under - chapter 15

'Not long ago, you all united against me. You failed. Since then, in my benevolence, I have wiped the slate clean. Yet, it seems clear you think that I am the one who needs to earn your respect, your loyalty. You're mistaken. It is you who must prove yourselves to me. Our community is under attack. I require soldiers. I need warriors, not cowards. Each of you has a decision to make. You either fight alongside me or you leave now.'

Nik stood proud but alone on the balcony overlooking the congregated vampires. Thierry Vanchure took full advantage of the lack of Astrid's presence and yelled back, 'We don't owe you anything! If staying in the Quarter means living under your rule, I'd just as soon get the hell out.'

'I'd suggest you get out anyway, T' Astrid put on twice the show he did and he looked up at her scared. Nik looked curiously at the interaction between the two as he hung his head low, knowing that if he spoke Nik would catch on. As Thierry walked out, a small group of vampires followed but most stayed. Astrid and Nik made eye contact, she looked solemn and disturbed before turning back around and walking back into the compound walls. Rebekah Mikaelson ran panicked into the mass of soldiers and looked around frantically before looking at her brother.

Rebekah had misinterpreted the look he gave her and assumed that he was already aware of the situation so she ran up the stairs and searched for Astrid to find her in the living room.

'Astrid please'

'All this time, all this bloody time-' Astrid begun but Rebekah cut her off.

'If you'd just let me explain. For a century now-'

'Rebekah I've heard this story countless times.' Astrid begun, slamming a glass down on the table violently as bourbon spilled over the side. She stood up, emphasising the next part 'For a century now, I've mourned that man. I lost my family. I lost you and 'Lijah. Now you've come back and you're insistent on waging a war you will not win'

'I'm sorry' Rebekah's eyes welled up and the women stood facing each other in the dimly lit room. 'I don't want to be put in a position where I have to choose between you' Astrid's eyes welled up too. 'I wouldn't expect you to choose me'

These words broke Astrid's heart, 'Rebekah you are the sister I never had but always wanted. Yes, I married your brother but you have always been my best friend. I'm crying not because I wouldn't choose you.. I'm crying because of how hard a decision that would be.'

The girls laughed through their tears as Astrid grabbed Rebekah's hands, 'Please Bekah, I beg you. Don't do this, one way or another something will come to pass, but not now. I don't know what I would do if you and Nik-'

'I won't. I promise' Bekah cut her off with a smile and they hugged, taking a moment to calm down. 'Now, wipe those tears.' Rebekah cheered Astrid up as they sat down and enjoyed more then enough drink together.

...

It was late now and the women had fallen asleep, Astrid leaning into Rebekah's side with her mouth slightly ajar and Rebekah's head had fallen back. Nik and Elijah walked in on the scene and laughed to each other.

'Just like old times, wouldn't you say brother?' Elijah whispered.

'Always were quite the pair' Nik joked back, not realising his wife had awoken.

'Yeah well, she always was better at getting me drunk then either of you were' Astrid stood up and placed a pillow were she was, to not disturb her sister in law before winking at the boys and walking out.

'Goodnight'

...

'You always worry me' Nik begun after getting into bed, the dim lamp in the room illuminating the tattoo that sat on his right shoulder. 'And why might that be?'