InsaneJournal

Who: Elijah and Klaus
What: A homecoming welcome
When: After Klaus returns from his trip
Where: Klaus' and Freya's place
Status: Complete
Rating: Low



His brother’s trip out of town had been entirely unexpected, as had his decision to use Freya as his messenger. Details about the trip hadn’t exactly been forthcoming and, though Elijah knew it was never wise to press his brother, he did have a healthy curiosity brewing within.

Thus, when he had become aware of Niklaus’ return, Elijah had made his way to the residence his siblings shared. He at least paid the courtesy of knocking at the door rather than letting himself in. And as the door opened, one eyebrow rose.

“I trust you had a fruitful impromptu trip?”

Klaus should have known it was only a matter of time before Elijah showed up at his place. He probably shouldn’t have told anyone he was leaving town. But he lived with Freya. He knew she would notice if he was gone for days. So it just made sense to him to have her alert everyone.

“It was fine,” Klaus snapped, although he did step aside to let his brother in. He knew perfectly well that Elijah wasn’t going to leave easily. “Tyler get you your shoes?”

“Yes, and quite promptly. Thank you for that.” Elijah stepped inside, taking a few steps before he turned to face his brother, one hand settling in his pocket.

“Would you have told anyone if you did not live with Freya? Or would you have simply disappeared?” Perhaps a bit pointed and, were he being honest, Elijah could admit that the siblings were a rather large group so it may have made sense to send the message via one conduit.

Illogically, he still wished Niklaus had told him.

“Least he could do,” Klaus said heading back towards his at home bar. He had a feeling this conversation was going to require a drink. He grabbed two glasses and a bottle of scotch, pouring them each a glass.

“What do you think, brother?” Klaus replied handing Elijah his glass. He had disappeared once before. Just after graduation from high school. There was nothing to say he wouldn’t do it again. Especially not for what he had assumed would be a quick and personal trip. It was indeed quick. He was only out of town for twenty-four hours. However it took him over a week to return to his home.

“I think that you sometimes forget there are those in this world who care about you,” Elijah mused, taking the glass as he stepped forward. “I can understand not wishing to discuss whatever took you from this place but it would be nice to know that you were unharmed.”

Because it was true. Niklaus may not be his full sibling but Elijah loved him still. “Not that I mean to imply you cannot handle yourself,” he amended before taking a sip. But he did worry.

It was a good thing Elijah corrected himself. Because the thought that Klaus might go somewhere and return harmed was not only preposterous, but also infuriating. “Elijah,” Klaus began taking a sip of his drink. “I am not the little brother you grew up with.” Though he knew it was in Elijah’s nature to look after all the siblings. Older and younger. “Just because I have recently returned to Orange County,” after his gallery in New Orleans was taken from him. “Doesn’t mean I need you to look after me.” Though he was remaining calm for the time being, there was still a bit of bite to his words.

“No, you’ve made that quite clear,” Elijah agreed. “You require help from no one. You stand on your own.” A lone wolf.

“But however invincible you believe yourself, take care to remember that harm does not come only in the form of physical suffering. Our parents certainly inflicted quite enough mental damage on us all. Perhaps you might consider that. We all have coping mechanisms.” And watching over his siblings, attempting to keep their family whole, that was Elijah’s.

“My interest in you, in your well-being...it does not serve to indicate any lack of confidence in you. I merely wish to know how my brother is.” Dark eyes studied Klaus over the rim of his glass, hoping that his brother would understand.

“I’m fine,” Klaus replied again. Which of course he wasn’t. But he had too much pride to admit that to anyone. Sibling or not. Besides he was dealing in his own destructive way. “Perhaps you should spend your time worrying about yourself,” he added taking a long swallow from his glass.

“Meaning what, precisely, Niklaus?” Elijah questioned, one brow arching as he stared implacably at his brother.

“Is there some aspect of my very being that you believe warrants closer inspection? Please, don’t hesitate to share with me.” Just as he did not hold back when it came to Niklaus, though he attempted to be tactful at the very least.

Klaus finished off his drink and poured another. “Well, Elijah,” he began. “You spend all your time sticking your nose in my life. In all our lives,” meaning all the siblings. “It seems you forgot to have a life of your own. Or am I missing something?”

“I do have my own pursuits, Brother,” Elijah assured him. “My career and something of a social life. I am a patron of the Pacific Symphony among other things. If you’re referring to something rather more personal, though, perhaps I simply have not found the right woman yet.” He certainly hadn’t been celibate his entire life but sex was hardly a driving factor unless Elijah felt a true connection.

That didn’t sound like much of a social life to Klaus. But then his idea of a good time was very different than his brothers. “Perhaps,” Klaus began. “If you spent less time worrying about me you might find the right woman.” Klaus tried his best not to scoff at those words. He personally didn’t believe in finding the right person. Love was a weakness. And Klaus was not weak.

Elijah couldn’t keep his lips from twitching at that. “Yes, point we’ll made, Niklaus. You wish me to distract myself so that you may continue on whatever path you have set for yourself.” And the distraction would undoubtedly be much more pleasurable than dealing with his brother’s insufferable attitude.

“Are you requesting that I embark on the search right this very moment or may I at least tell you that I am glad to have you back first?”

“I suppose you can tell me over a drink.” A pause as he finished off his second glass setting it down. “At a bar, where there will be women for you to consider,” he added with a smirk.

Elijah’s head ducked, hiding the smile that threatened to break through. Even when he glanced back up, eyes remained mirthful. Niklaus could be a pain in his backside and then he could pivot on a dime, turning teasing and breaking the tension. It was in those moments that Elijah saw the best in him. What he might have been had he grown up more nurtured. Free from the darkness that sometimes threatened to overwhelm him.

“If you insist on playing matchmaker, then you will be buying drinks,” Elijah advised. “At least the first round.”

“More like wingman,” Klaus replied the smirk still present on his face. “Though I suppose wingmen can still buy the first round,” he quipped already heading for the door. “Come on brother, the night awaits.”