The buzzer for your apartment sounded and you walked over and pressed the button on the wall. "Yes?"

"I have a delivery for (y/n)(y/l/n)," came the reply.

You frowned as you tried to remember if you'd ordered anything recently. "I'll be right down."

The delivery man handed you a large box and an envelope with your name on it. "Thank you." You hurried back up the stairs and sat the box on the counter. You opened the envelope to find an invitation to the Mikaelsons' ball. When you flipped it over there was a note on the back. It's been ages since I've seen you, love. Please come. xoxo Kol.

You smiled and tapped the invitation against your bottom lip. Kol and you had an on again off again relationship that stretched centuries. The off periods being primarily when his brother had him daggered. Klaus hadn't told you that he'd woken Kol again, but he'd evidently told Kol you were in town. 

Setting the invitation aside, you took the lid off the box. A sea of red filled your vision. Pulling the fabric carefully from the box, you found the most beautiful crimson dress you had ever laid eyes on. The top was beaded and strapless and the skirt flared out at the waist and went all the way to the floor. A pair of silver shoes with red soles laid in the bottom of the box, along with a velvet case. 

You laid the dress carefully over the back of the sofa and pulled out the case. After snapping it open, you gasped as your eyes fell on the diamond and ruby necklace nestled inside. Kol certainly knew the way to your heart.

***

You were late, arriving just as Elijah was calling for everyone's attention. You slid into the crowd, doing your best to be unobtrusive. As the Mikaelsons gathered on the stairway, your eyes ran over all of them until they landed on Kol. It only took him a moment before he found you, as well. He grinned and the moment his brother asked everyone to find a partner, he came to you. 

"(y/n)," he breathed. His eyes ran over you taking you in. He brushed a loose piece of hair behind your ear. "You look amazing."

You tilted your head. "Well, I have you to thank for that. As usual, you have impeccable taste."

"Dance with me." He took your hand in his and led you to the ballroom. You instantly found your rhythm, moving together as if you'd never been apart. 

"How long have you been awake?" you asked.

"Not long at all, darling. You are always my first priority."

"Do try not to piss your brother off this time. I rather like it when you're around."

He made a noise of agreement then spun you to your next partner which just happened to be Elijah. He gave you one of his rare, genuine smiles. "(y/n), you look lovely, as always."

"Thank you, Elijah."

"Perhaps now that you are here, my brother will talk about something else," he teased.

"Oh, I find that unlikely. I am me after all," you said.

Elijah laughed loud enough to draw attention. "Thank you for that. I needed to lighten up this evening."

You stopped as the music did and everyone applauded the musicians. You leaned closer to Elijah as you clapped. "You always need to lighten up, Elijah."

He chuckled again and patted your arm before he stepped away. Kol took his place, once again capturing  your hand in his. He made a show of looking you over as he led you back to the front hall. "You do look stunning, but there is something missing."

You looked at him in surprise and glanced down at yourself. Kol always thought you were perfect no matter what you  wore. You ran your hands down your dress in a mini-panic. "What is it, Kol? What did I forget?"

He cleared his throat and you glanced at him to find him kneeling in front of you with a diamond ring in his hand. You gasped, your hands flying up to cover your mouth as tears pooled in your eyes. 

"(y/n) (y/l/n). Every time I see you I am awestruck by your beauty, your compassion and your love for me. Never have I questioned your devotion to me or my family. You are the first thought in my mind when I wake and the last thought I have before I sleep. And you have managed to put up with me far longer than anyone thought possible. Marry me?" He gave you a sheepish grin as if thinking you might actually say no. 

You threw your arms around his neck. "Of course, I'll marry you, Kol Mikaelson." You kissed him soundly and when you pulled back, he slipped the ring on your finger. Getting to his feet, he pulled you into his arms. There was a smattering of applause from those that had witnessed the proposal and congratulations from people you didn't know. 

"I finally get to call you sister for real," a voice said and you turned to see Rebekah standing beside you. She pulled you into a hug. "I'm so happy for the both of you."

Klaus came up and kissed you on each cheek. "Always and Forever, sister."

"Always and forever," you echoed. You'd been a part of the family for ages, but it meant a lot to have it official. 

Kol pulled you back to his side and put his lips to your ear. "We are going to get married as soon as possible and then we are going on an extended honeymoon around the world. Just you and me. No family."

You hummed. "That kind of trip could take awhile."

"Years at least," he replied. 

When it was time for the toast, he handed you a glass.

His mother stood on the staircase above you. "It brings me great pleasure to have my family all together again," she said. "And to have another daughter added when (y/n) marries my Kol. Congratulations to both of you. Cheers." 

Everyone raised their glasses and sipped the champagne. The smile Esther directed at the two of you sent a chill down your spine.

"You all right, darling?" Kol said drawing your attention.

"Yeah," you said, tearing your gaze from Esther to smile at him. When you darted your eyes back up, she had turned away. "I'm sure everything's fine."

If you'd only known how wrong you were.