i'm leaving you my last curse

[bravebartender]

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[affronting]

Well, far be it for us to disappoint our dear sister. She went to all this trouble bringing everyone together.

( Even the chatty teenager-vampire.

Hope hesitates, asking Freya to stay back if she minds. They step outside into the little courtyard beyond and she lets the sun beat down before she works up her courage to say what she needs to.

"Kol and Kieran asked me for my blood," she says.

And so we can do a dual thread, later on, over dessert, Hope turns to her other aunt, Rebekah while everyone else is in conversation.

"Are you going to give Kol's girlfriend your blood?" )

[deathlessness]

Oh, good. They finally got around to it.

[Which probably isn't what Hope is expecting to hear, but it's what comes out of Freya's mouth.]

Kol has been fretting about it for weeks.

[She doesn't seem entirely bothered by the problem, but at the end of the day, she knows it was always going to be Hope's choice.]

[bereavements]

( She raises an eyebrow, because it sounds like she's the last of her family to know about her uncle's girlfriend's death sentence. )

With everyone, apparently.

( She assumes. )

Let me guess, everyone decided he should ask me directly. On Thanksgiving, no less.

[deathlessness]

He didn't want to make waves with your father. And he thought it was an awkward ask over the phone. I don't think Thanksgiving was originally their plan.

[You're surrounded by very old people, Hope, they have old fashioned notions about things.]

But we all agreed that it would be your choice, and he won't hold it against you if you say no. There are other options.

[bereavements]

( She can see it from his perspective, but the timing and learning everyone was included in what was probably a family vote has her feel a bit outnumbered. And forced. If everyone trusts her, how can she no? Not that she wants to say no. )

Not many. Not any that would be as foolproof as coding my blood or however her power works. Freya, I can't not. I just want to make sure Kol also knows what he's doing. He's basically signing his girlfriend's death certificate but ensuring she'll become like Lizzie. Forever's a long time. And, I really didn't want to be thinking about forever this young.

[deathlessness]

No, I'm sure you didn't.

[Freya tips her head to the side curiously.]

Have you talked to Kieran about this? Without Kol hovering over her shoulder? I think her concerns about forever are a bit different and it may help for you to speak candidly with her about them.

[bereavements]

I'd like to not undermine her or grill her for her take on forever. If she wants this, she's thought it through. I don't have to drag her through it all over again. It's just a lot.

( And on a holiday. And on a day she worries for her girlfriend's, and Danny's, safety. )

[deathlessness]

[Freya nods, because she understands that it's a lot.]

I'm not saying you have to grill her, or even questions her decisions. But if you have questions who's answers would make this easier, it's worth asking. And I don't think she'll mind answering them if it will make you more comfortable.

[bereavements]

Maybe. I've already decided either way, I just - wanted to talk to you. I could probably take advantage of going to school so close to you more often.

( She crossed a few states to see her after everyone's memories were restored. She needs to be less independent. Or, maybe not. Maybe it's just all the family that's making her feel guilty. )

[deathlessness]

You should. A girl could get jealous with you calling other aunts for helps with magical objects.

[She's kidding, clearly, she's glad that Hope and Bela are bonding somewhat. Bela isn't going anywhere anytime soon as far as Elijah is concerned, and she knows how Hope put a lot of her feelings on Bela for a long time.]

It'd be nice to know I'm still wanted.

[bereavements]

You mean, Bela? It was a dark object and we were in a time crunch. She helped in Prague.

( On hand. But, still, Hope makes it clear it's not about Bela, but what Bela knew. )

But, I promise the next one lands in mine or Josie's lap, you're getting the close personal face time.

[deathlessness]

Good.

[And she gives Hope's hand a small squeeze.]

I do think Bela still appreciated that she's the one you called, though. It's a step.

[A small one, but a good one.]

[bereavements]

Does it have to be? She's in Elijah's life and I'm happy for him. I have nothing against him, or Bela, and my mom is getting closer to werewolf royalty of her own, so if she or Elijah has the problem or wants more, maybe they can open their mouths.

( Which is harsh. Deep down she tries not to hold her mother's kidnapped against him. She let it go against Roman. She knows why Elijah did what he did. But, he's the first one to fully denounce their family. (Apparently not, she hates all things Finn.) )

[likeaweapon]

I already have.

[She turns and offers Hope a small smile as she takes a slice of pie and settles into the seat next to her. It wasn't a hard decision on her part. She trusts her brother. But she knows for Hope it's infinitely more complicated.]

He asked me around when he arrived in New York.

[bereavements]

( Right. Of course. Because Kol's been fretting for weeks.

Hope has an untouched beignet on her plate. She misses food like she used to eat it, but she still appreciates flavor. Especially the flavor of her beloved favorites. )

Weeks ago. ( But, she gets it. ) I assume he wanted to ask in person, and I know it's not easy to ask. I'm not forgetting that. You trust Kieran.

[likeaweapon]

I think that she's very formidable. And your uncle is not easily swayed.

[She glances over at Hope curiously.]

I also know that Kol has loved magic longer than he's loved most things. If he thinks that Kieran's experimentations stand a chance, she's jumped through some considerable hoops and preambles.

[bereavements]

And she's survived this family so far.

( There is that. )

If she could've unlocked that within you, if you were still a vampire, would you?

[likeaweapon]

Probably not, no.

[Rebekah pauses to take a sip of her coffee before turning back to her niece.]

I was never as connected to magic as Kol was. I like having it now - it makes me feel a lot safer in a world where I used to feel so much more secure in myself, but it wasn't what I wanted out of being human.

[She wanted a family. She wanted Henry. Everything else was a happy side effect.]

[bereavements]

You wanted a family.

( She sighs, tapping a fork against her beignet, sitting back. )

I feel like I'm taking hers away from her. But, I know she only has so much time.

[likeaweapon]

[Rebekah shakes her head, reaching forward to place a hand on Hope's arm.]

You aren't taking anything away from her. It's not your blood that's going to turn her. All you are going to be doing is helping her solve a thousand year-old puzzle.

[bereavements]

And give her what she wants in the process. Keeping her connection.

( If she can do that, then why shouldn't she. )

It took a lot of guts to even ask me. That has to count for something.

[likeaweapon]

It does. It took a lot of guts to approach Kol too, knowing the people she would need involved.

[She pauses as she considers the statement.]

I don't think she has a lot to lose. But it's brave of her to ask all the same.

[bereavements]

No offense, but you're new to your connection to magic. Kieran has had it her whole life. I can't imagine not feeling it all. If I didn't have my magic, my wolf. I'd fight to keep it, too, if I had to. And, if I can help, then I will. She deserves to try.

( She even believes in her. )

[likeaweapon]

Good.

[Rebekah gives a small shrug.]

I think it will mean a lot to both of them. And Kieran may be able to help you learn new things about your blood as well.

[bereavements]

Just what I needed, a 23 and me.

( But, she's happy to help. She really is. She finally tackles her beignet like a Mikaelson and falls into light conversation with her aunt. Josie. Etc.

In the coffee portion of the evening, Hope personally brings a cup to Kieran. )