.

Well guys, this is it. It has been a long road - longer for you guys and I apologize for the longer waits between chapters - but I am so blessed and honored that you have stuck around and kept up with this crazy mess. Truly it has been a real roller coaster of hilarity and occasional emotion. I never thought this would be the story that got me on the map in the fandom as a fanfic writer, but the amount of love, praise, and dedication you all had to this blows me away endlessly. I am so grateful to everyone who read this, followed it, favorited it, begged me to update it, chose to read it over other responsibilities, offered suggestions, laughed, cried, scowled, and really just had as much fun with this as I did. I love you all from the depth of my heart. Thank you for trooping through and being lovely.

I would like to say I might still pop up randomly with a mini game or two in the future, because I do have a few still on the Games list, but please don't hold me to it. This chapter is the conclusion of the story. I won't bring these characters and their stories within this fic further.

As always, you are free to send me messages on tumblr (url in profile) and request whatever you like.

Now, I know you all wanted Katherine to make an epic return, as well as some cameos from other characters, but I have known from the beginning how the final chapter was going to go. I wanted to bring it back to the core of Family Game Night - four Originals getting together and bonding over playing games together, arguing like siblings do, and enjoying each other's company after having been denied for so long. I don't have any regrets about the way this chapter is done. In fact, I'm proud of this ending. I don't think this story could have concluded any other way. So without further adieu, join me in saying goodbye to the antics and goodbye to Kol who was truly the heart of these game nights. Whether we like it or not, he weaseled himself into being the star. Who's surprised?

– The Finale –

The Game of Life

The horrific events of the last Family Game Night left everyone with a bad taste in their mouthes, and it was no surprise when the weekly gathering was called off for good. Dismayed by their brothers' poor sportsmanship followed by his cruel retaliation, the rest of the family distanced themselves from Kol, and, inadvertently, each other.

As the weeks passed, the Originals grew further and further apart. Klaus was preparing to take Caroline on a world sightseeing vacation, as promised. Rebekah had decided she was ready to finally leave her family and pursue a life of her own, as well as see if she and Matt could make an actual attempt at a relationship. And Elijah was ready, at last, to detach from his brother and family, once and for all, and go after his own desires, of the Petrova nature.

It was definitely the end of an era.

All the while Kol was left in alienation. At first he pretended not to care, busying himself with YouTube tutorials on how to fill in his missing eyebrow until it grew back; sporadic blood binges; and, of course, Temple Run. He even gave Angry Birds a second chance, but as the deadline for their official departure neared, he felt the disconnect even stronger and decided to try to take matters into his own hands...

The Great Room was the quietest it had ever been on a Friday evening. While his siblings were up in their respective rooms, putting the finishing touches on their endeavors, Kol sat himself in their usual game night spot. He'd set the card table they used in the center of the room, even arranged a tray for drinks and snacks as a peace offering of sorts. Upon the table sat the Game of Life. He waited for someone to emerge, sipping his bourbon cocktail and flicking the spinner endlessly.

The clicking finally drew the attention of a passing Elijah who did a double take just outside the doorway. Kol hadn't seen him yet, and he had half a mind to back away slowly, but guilt began to creep its way in. After all, Kol was already being ignored and now he was being abandoned. In his heart, Elijah hated that they'd punished him so long, so he took pity and made his presence known with a clearing of his throat.

"Kol. What are you doing?"

Kol looked up, brows shooting skyward in surprise. "Oh. Well…I just figured…for old time's sake, you know?"

Elijah's tongue tentatively slid across his lower lip as he mentally deliberated. In the end, nostalgia won out. With a tiny nod, he walked over and joined his brother at the table, smirking at him.

"For old time's sake." He reached for the instruction pamphlet and began to read, silently.

Delighted, Kol began to pour him a drink. Out on the staircase, the steps of Klaus echoed through the foyer. Louder than that was the sound of Caroline's voice from his phone, raffling off her traveling check-list.

"...Rome for three days, then Paris, and maybe we can stop and see the beach in Athens before we take off for Tokyo. Make sure you pack enough blood bags. And don't forget, you're bringing me a choice of formal wear in case we go somewhere fancy. I want to look elegant, but hot. Like Princess Grace of Monaco hot."

"Yes, love."

"Now let's go over the itinerary one more time. You're picking me up at six. We'll get to the airport by seven, through security and board by eight thirty..."

The hybrid in question passed by the archway and stopped, brows furrowing when he glimpsed his brothers sitting together.

He tipped the phone away briefly, half-whispering, "What's this?"

Elijah looked over as Kol gestured him in. "What do you say Nik? One last time?"

Klaus glanced between the two of them in consideration when Caroline's voice yelled through the speaker, "Klaus! Are you even listening?!"

"It'll all be handled, love. I have to go now. Important family matter." Before she could protest, he ended the call and joined the game.

Last but not least would be Rebekah – easily the hardest one Kol would have to convince. But it wouldn't be a game night without her. And just in time, she rolled by with her luggage in hand and an unbreakable resolve.

"All right I'm off," she announced, walking briskly toward the door. She almost made it, too, but moments later she was back in view, gaping at the three of them. "What the bloody hell are you doing now?"

"It's family game night," Elijah reasoned.

"I thought we'd put an end to that atrocity?"

Klaus lifted a reprimanding brow. "One last night with your family won't kill you, little sister."

"I beg to differ. Besides, I have a flight to catch."

"It's a personal jet, Rebekah," Elijah reminded her. "And it's not going anywhere without you."

"Well the sooner I get there, the sooner it will take off. Enjoy your lives. Matt and I will send you a postcard from Prague," her voice echoed as she walked away again.

Kol frowned and looked down at the game board. "I apologize, Rebekah."

The clacking of her heels stopped and there was nothing but silence for a full minute. Klaus and Elijah exchanged a glance, stunned by the very fist apology their brother had extended in his long life. Kol never moved. The clacking started up again and Rebekah silently walked in, hands free, and sat down at the table without a word. Klaus and Elijah looked at her in unison, then to Kol who had lifted his head to stare too. She looked at each of them briefly, pursing her lips.

"Well. Are we going to play or what?"

The room was silent as Elijah flipped through the instruction pamphlet. Kol was toying with the little game pieces while Rebekah began separating the four decks of cards – Careers, Salaries, House deeds, and Stocks. All the while Klaus was carefully sipping on his drink, trying to ignore the many ringing alerts from his phone. Kol lifted the little green caravan toward his eye, closing one to peer at it.

"My car has holes in it."

"They all have holes," Elijah told him, still scanning pages. "They're to hold the pegs which act as you and your family."

"These are supposed to fit an entire family?" He set it down on the board with a frown. "What if I wanted to have ten children?"

Elijah lowered the pamphlet with a deep frown. "Why on earth would you want to have ten children, Kol?"

"Like this world needs anymore Mikaelsons running around," Rebekah commented. "Can I just say how completely gender biased these pegs are? Pink for girls and blue for boys."

"That's relatively standard," Klaus pointed out.

"That's my point. Suppose I wanted to be a blue piece? Or suppose I wanted to marry a female? What then?"

Klaus rolled his eyes, setting his phone aside. "No one is stopping you from either of those options, sweetheart. However, your incessant babbling I will put an end to if you don't."

"Perhaps we should start," Elijah suggested as he began divvying out ten thousand game dollars to each of them. "It's my understanding we're to spin the wheel to determine who will go first. We go by numerical sequence, highest first."

He set the money stack back in the box and spun the wheel, landing on seven. Next was Klaus with a four, then Rebekah with eight. At last it was Kol's turn.

"Ha! Look at that!" he cheered at the spinner's arrow settled on the ten. "Finally, I get to go first and Nik has to go last."

Klaus leaned forward with a grin. "You know the old saying, savor the best for last."

"Oh piss off." Kol waved his hand. "What now, Elijah? Do I spin again?"

"Not yet. First you must decide whether to start your career or to first matriculate. College offers more career options and higher pay grade, but you are indebted $40,000 to the bank."

Kol scoffed. "Career it is, then."

"All right. Then you may choose one Career card from the pile and one Salary card. If it says a degree is required you have to choose another."

Doing as he was told, Kol plucked a card from each pile. "I'm a police officer!"

Rebekah rested her cheek against her palm. "Just what this family needs. An idiot with a gun."

"And I get to collect $5,000 from anyone who spins a ten." He turned over his second card and read, "Collect $80,000 on Pay Day. Bloody hell. I'm a rich police officer."

"You can spin to move now, Kol."

He did so gleefully, landing on a LIFE space reading "Rent Apartment $5,000."

"What kind of apartment has a $5,000 rent?" he griped, begrudgingly handing the money over to Elijah who designated himself the banker. "I should arrest them."

"Here." He handed him the little LIFE tile. "You collect these throughout the game and they add value to your retirement at the end."

Kol shrugged and accepted, setting it aside and waiting for Rebekah to take her turn. She moved her piece in the opposite direction to start.

"I'll go to college, thank you." Her following spin landed her on a "Study in Europe" LIFE space. She picked up the tiny tile, pleased. "I was headed there anyway."

Elijah followed suit with his turn and chose the college route, spinning a 7 to bring him to a space that read, "Spring Break in Florida $5,000."

"Well, well." Kol smirked, lacing his fingers. "Look who goes away to college and gets crazy."

"Assuming I had any choice in the matter."

"Oh come on. Spring break is Spring break. You're supposed to let loose. How many girls did you take to bed? Three? Four?"

"None, Kol. This is a game."

"All right, I get it. Girls are not your thing. We're a family of forgivers. I'm sure we can all accept that you bat for the other team."

Elijah's eyes went wild. "I am not gay."

"But you just said – "

"Think carefully, Kol. Because the next words out of your mouth will be your last."

He raised his hands defensively and pantomimed zipping his lips. Elijah inhaled deeply and let it out sharply. "Niklaus," he said in a very leveled tone. "Career or college?"

"Well if it's anything like your college experiences, I think I'll pass."

Elijah's face dropped and he looked away briefly contemplating the realities of his life.

Klaus chuckled and reached for the decks. "Relax, brother. We're just having a laugh."

"At my expense," Elijah grumbled.

Klaus chose his career and salary wordlessly, placed them facedown in front of him, then flicked the spinner.

Rebekah frowned. "You're not going to tell us what you got?"

"I didn't hear it stated in the rules that I had to."

Kol snatched the cards from the table quickly and read them with a snort. "Perfect. He's an artist."

"Kol!" He yanked the cards back with a glare.

"Looks like the game is mimicking reality."

Klaus rolled his eyes and spun a seven, landing him on the LIFE space entitled "Birthday party!" He smiled, pleased, as he took a tile. "I do like birthdays."

It was Kol's turn again and three paces later he landed on "Adopt a pet." He picked up the LIFE tile and narrowed his eyes, peering closely.

"Considering your track record, I don't think that's a good idea," Elijah commented.

Rebekah snorted. "Please. He can hardly take care of himself."

"What shall I adopt?" Kol hummed and rubbed his chin.

"How about a rabid Pitbull?" Klaus suggested.

"I don't view Kol as a dog person, per se," Elijah mused.

Rebekah smiled sweetly. "Nik's a dog person."

"Shut it, Rebekah."

"Perhaps a ferret," Elijah perused. "Or a guinea pig."

"Or something he could torture," she offered.

"Or something he could torture with," Klaus said.

"A parrot," Kol said finally. All three gaped with varying degrees of confusion.

"A parrot?" Rebekah repeated. "What could you possibly want with a parrot?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'd train it to fly around and bugger you all day with insults - Rebekah's a whore! Rebekah's a whore!"

"Right. The most annoying pet for the most annoying person."

"Careful threatening a police officer," he warned. "Hey, isn't Caroline's mum a cop?"

"Sheriff," Klaus corrected. "And if you say anything crude about it - "

"Ah-ah, Nik. Threats are a violation."

"Blood hell..." Rebekah muttered.

"All right, back to the game," Elijah decided.

Rebekah was up and it was soon time to graduate and find a job. She drew her cards and read them, pouting her lips indifferently. "I'm a teacher. With a $30,000 salary."

"That seems a bit low."

Kol raised his hand suddenly. "Miss Bekah, can I go to the bathroom?"

"Don't start, Kol."

"Miss Bekah, my brother turned into a dog and ate my homework!" He was pointing at Klaus.

Klaus rolled his eyes while Elijah urged, "Finish your turn, Rebekah. You get to spin again."

"I do?"

"Yes. At every major event – meaning the red spaces on the board – players are to stop, follow the instructions on the space, and then spin again."

She hummed and gave the spinner another flick. It landed on 10. "Damn."

Kol sat forward with a wicked grin. "Pay up, civilian."

"Don't be an ass, Kol." She shoved the money his way with a bitter glare.

"Not my fault I just took 20% of your salary."

"It's less than 20%, you idiot."

"It's called rounding up." He shook his head in disappointment. "What kind of teacher are you?"

She groaned and began moving her car. At the end of ten, her piece was on the "GET MARRIED" space.

Klaus smirked. "That was quick."

"Probably won't last," Kol muttered playfully, leaning back on his chair on its hind legs.

"It'll last longer than your bloody parrot."

"Well that depends doesn't it?"

"On what?"

"On whether you're marrying Stefan or Matt."

Rebekah glared and shoved him back causing his chair to tip and fall backwards with a crash. He clambered to his feet with a scowl, wiping at the wet spot his spilled drink left on his shirt.

"Don't take your failing marriage out on me!"

"If you don't shut up, the next thing to come out of your mouth will be your teeth!"

"I could arrest you you know." He brushed himself off and righted his chair, sitting back down as she fastened a blue piece to her car.

"It says here when a player gets married, everyone must pay $10,000 as a wedding gift," Elijah declared from behind the manual.

Rebekah grinned wide. "All right, fork it over boys."

They did and she spun once more. "Five." She counted each movement until she reached a space that said "Move across country. Pay $10,000."

Kol pursed his lips then leaned towards Klaus, lowering his voice, "Clearly she married Stefan."

While Klaus chuckled, Rebekah slammed her money down furiously. "I don't know why I thought this was a good idea." She stood. "I'm leaving. Like I should have half an hour ago."

"Rebekah, don't," Elijah pleaded.

"Why shouldn't I? I'm still the butt of everyone's jokes and frankly, I've grown tired of it. You three can take your stupid game night, and your phony apologies - " she glared at Kol - " and get on with it without me."

"Don't be such a drama queen, Rebekah," Klaus argued. "We're siblings. We rival. We poke your buttons, you poke ours."

"And when exactly have I ever bullied you the way you bully me?"

"When you wasted the bags of Elena's blood in a tantrum," he offered.

"When you told everyone I wore mother's dress!" Kol added with a pointed gesture.

"You make unnecessary remarks about my and Caroline's public displays on a daily basis."

"When you conspired with Matt to steal my phone!"

"You also sided against me for some time when this whole town was out to kill me."

"Enough! The both of you!" She was breathing shakily through her nose, her fists balled at her sides.

Elijah swirled his drink calmly, raising one brow in a perfect arch. "There is a fine line between rivalry and dysfunction."

"Don't try to act all dignified and exempt," Kol argued. "You're no Susie Sunshine yourself."

Elijah's brows lowered in deep confusion. He shifted in his seat, lips parting slowly. "I don't recall any situations where I've conspired or bullied any of you." Klaus nearly choked on his drink and Rebekah laughed outright. "What?"

"What?" Klaus chuckled. "Where shall we start?"

"Oh!" Rebekah raised her hand. "We could start with his tattle tale tendencies when we were younger."

"He still maintains them," Kol said dully, bringing his drink to his lips.

"And what about setting Katerina free?" Klaus wondered aloud. "That wasn't conspiratorial at all."

"What I meant was - "

"Father, Rebekah has a knife. I'm not sure that's safe for a girl her age. Father, Rebekah and Kol are neglecting their chores again."

"Oh that was a rotten one," Kol agreed. "We were punished for a week for that."

"Then you should have been more attentive," Elijah argued.

"Like you were, leaving all of us daggered while you and Nik gallivanted about?"

"You mean while he joined forces with the Gilbert girl to murder his own flesh and blood," Klaus corrected. "That seems fairly conniving for such a dedicated and devoted brother."

"And yet I was not the one who succeeded in murdering their brother, was I?" Elijah shot back.

Klaus smiled coldly. "I suppose I couldn't help myself."

Elijah's eyes rolled. Rebekah shook her head. "You see, this is why I'm leaving. No one takes responsibility. And they never will. So now, I will be in Europe and away from you. Enjoy your game, boys."

"Rebekah, wait." Elijah stood. "This 'goodbye' is an indefinite one. Don't you at least want to see this through to the end?"

"Not if I have to put up with Kol."

"He's your family. Through good, bad, and annoying."

"He can't help himself, Rebekah," Klaus told her dully.

"Yeah," Kol piped up, "I can't help myself."

"Finish the game and then you and your dear quarterback boyfriend can have all the peace in the world away from us." Klaus nodded. "Hm?"

Rebekah's eyes danced between her three brothers, and though her angry instincts were fueling her, Elijah's words resonated. At the end of the night, she would be gone. And who knew when she would see them again? Annoying as they were, they were family. And if this were to be the last time she would be with them, she may as well finish the game.

With a defeated sigh, she retook her seat. Klaus smiled. "There's a good girl."

"Do not patronize me, Niklaus."

He raised his hands in surrender as Elijah sat back down, cleared his throat and started his turn. The spinner instructed him six paces, however the JOB SEARCH spot brought him to a halt.

"Knowing his luck, he's probably gotten the Doctor card," Kol remarked, toying with the little life tiles he'd collected.

Klaus shook his head. "I don't think he'd make a very good doctor." Elijah's eyes flicked to his brother dangerously and Klaus smiled. "You know how he is around blood."

Without a word, Elijah placed his career card before him and picked up a salary card, never letting his dignity falter.

"Oh no bloody way..." Kol burst out into laughter. "Entertainer!?"

"The most tone def of us all," Rebekah joined in the hysterics.

Elijah shifted in his seat and set his $20,000 card aside, reaching to spin again. "Entertainer can allude to a variety of talents."

"That's a fancy way of saying he's a porn star," Kol clarified teasingly.

"You'd be surprised the salaries those types of careers pay," Klaus said.

Rebekah turned with a look of appall. "Why do you know that?"

"A man is allowed to dabble."

"Eugh!"

"I'm telling Caroline," Kol singsonged.

"I was merely researching."

"Right. Of course, porn research is the only kind of research I do, as well."

"Yes, you made that insurmountably clear the last time Caroline was here."

"I miss her," he lamented.

Klaus cut his eyes to his little brother. "You're lucky to be among the living after what you did. And I don't just mean by my standards."

"Oh come on. I already apologized a good handful of times."

"That doesn't undo the damage you've done."

"I didn't do anything! It was a ruse, remember? No stream, no text to mommy dearest."

"But you made Caroline think there was, thereby outing herself to her mother and humiliating her. Not to mention the existence of the incriminating video itself!"

Rebekah shook her head. "Honestly, Kol. What were you thinking?"

"He wasn't."

"I was thinking good old fashioned payback."

"It's incomparable!"

"She. Shaved. Off. My. Eyebrow." He slammed his palm against the table with a snorting laugh of ridicule. "I mean, the audacity of her! Yes, I am handsome nonetheless but that was low, even by her standards."

"You're low," Rebekah grumbled.

"And you're a harlot, but you don't see me holding it against you every minute of every day."

"I'm a harlot because I have a boyfriend?"

"No, you're a harlot because you kissed Stefan and Matt in the same night."

Her eyes narrowed. "Careful going to sleep tonight, Kol. You might wake up with a shaved head this time."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Throw my indiscretions in my face again and I will."

He sat back, crossing his arms. "Touche, baby sister."

Elijah finished his turn on a "Don't Drink and Drive" LIFE spot. In a matter of minutes, Klaus became married and the onslaught began.

"When are you going to make an honest woman out of her, Nik?" Kol was tipping the chair on its hind legs again, rocking back and forth. "It's not like there will ever be anyone other than Caroline that can tolerate you."

"You realize you will eventually land on this space too, Kol."

"Which I think is complete lunacy. What if I didn't want to marry? Or didn't believe in it? This game is forcing something on me that I don't want, which by that standard reinforces rape culture. There should always be a choice."

Klaus peered at him, long and hard. When he finally broke contact he turned his head and picked his phone up. "All right, I'm telling Caroline to disable your tumblr account."

"What!? No! Don't do that!"

"It's still your turn, Nik," Rebekah reminded him.

After placing the little pink peg beside his blue one, he spun again. His 2 took him on a "Happy Honeymoon!" He picked up a LIFE tile and relinquished his turn to Kol who landed on PAY DAY. After not-so-subtly bragging about his funds, it was Rebekah's turn again.

"Taxes Due," Kol read aloud after she moved her car three paces. "There goes the rest of your salary."

"Yes, I am poor. You don't have to announce it at every turn."

"Do you think things would be different if you'd married Matt?"

Rebekah whipped her head around at Elijah. "Please let me staple his mouth shut."

Elijah smirked, leaning forward to spin for his turn. He was the third Original to endure matrimony. He expected the doppelganger jokes to roll out, but to his surprise, no one said a thing. Klaus simply flicked the spinner and awaited his fate. As luck would have it, he landed on "Buy a House."

"What do I do now?"

Elijah picked up the instructions again and scanned it before reading. "You're to pick a card at random from the House Deeds pile and pay the bank that amount."

"So I can't even choose what house I get to live in?"

"See!?" Kol pointed. "Again without the consent! If this is suppose to be based on how humans typically live, it should be more realistic."

"Fine. We will let Niklaus choose which house he wishes to buy," Elijah humored him and began to lay out all of the Deed cards, face up. All four moved forward to scrutinize the options.

"This one's got wheels," Kol pointed to the mobile home.

"I am not putting us into an RV. Caroline would hate that lifestyle."

Elijah frowned. "Niklaus, this is hypothetical. Not real."

"Get her the penthouse," Kol suggested. "Girls love penthouses."

"Though the Victorian is more to your tastes," Rebekah reasoned.

"Will you all just shut up?" They did and it allowed for him to examine each card long enough for him to finally make a choice. He chose the mansion.

"Feeling nostalgic?" Rebekah smiled playfully.

"It seemed fitting." He spun again and moved three to the space awarding him a Baby Boy. All color drained from his face and his body went rigid.

"Well done, Nik." Kol slapped him on the shoulder with a laugh. "It's Diaper city for you, now."

"You're right. This game takes away all choice in the matter." He got up, walking away from the table.

"It would be Caroline's choice, actually," Rebekah argued.

Klaus whipped around angrily. "Don't give me that libertarian poppycock. I never wanted the child. She shouldn't have had it!"

"Klaus, it's a game," Elijah reminded him, beyond confused.

"It's a bloody stupid game is what it is!" He shook his finger at him, bringing his fist back up to his mouth as he glared at the board. "Forcing a child on me that I never even wanted."

"Oh enough with the theatrics." Rebekah rolled her eyes, grabbing a blue peg and putting it in his car. "There. You're a father. Now sit down and face it like the rest of us."

He huffed angrily through his nose and trudged back to the table, swiping the bottle of Bourbon along the way and taking a long swig directly from the bottle before sitting.

Kol tilted his head with a cheeky grin. "Well now we know what type of father he'll be."

Two hours passed and the race to Retirement was winding down. As the game continued, Kol lost his job to a mid-life criss and surrendered his spot on the police force to pursue life as an athlete – a baseball player, he claimed, mainly so he could wield a bat and wear tight pants. Rebekah was maintaining her teaching career and salary, as well as three children, all of whom lived in a Dutch Colonial. Elijah was well off, now and Accountant after a career swap, living with his family in the comfort of their Tudor home. And Klaus, Caroline, and their baby boy lived in their mansion, no doubt surrounded by his art.

The game had circled back to Kol who was upset to have to be paying $125,000 to "Sponsor an Art Exhibit."

"It had better be good art, Nik. I'm not paying for some shoddy finger paintings that your son did."

"Any art he produced would be a masterpiece," Klaus objected. "He has my genes, you know."

"Someone coming around to the idea of being a daddy?" Rebekah teased sweetly.

"I'm merely stating facts. His artistic prowess would resemble my own, if it doesn't surpass it."

"It's nice to see you encourage him," Elijah praised, fighting the urge not to grin.

"He's my son," Klaus grumbled.

"Yeah, well, I'm paying for his exhibit so here." He threw the money at Elijah and it landed in paper flurries in his lap. "By the time I retire, I'm going to be bankrupt."

"That's what you get for skipping college, Kol."

"Shut up, Elijah. You've got twelve kids!"

Elijah sighed and began to collect the paper bills. "Six. I have six children. The caravan doesn't allow for more."

"If you had it your way, you'd have twelve."

"Are you certain Katerina even wants children?" Rebekah teased to which he shot a very dirty look.

Klaus smiled lazily. "I don't know what's worse – the fact that he's got six imaginary children, or that he's given them names."

"It brings a whole new meaning to "Daddy Lijah"," Kol delighted.

"Don't start that up again, Kol."

"Yes, daddy Lijah."

He sighed heavily through his nose. "Whose turn is it?"

"Mine." Rebekah gave the spinner a turn and moved her van to a "Taxes Due" spot. "I swear I've landed on every single Tax spot there is on this board."

"Maybe you should have been an accountant," Klaus offered.

"And maybe you should shut it."

Elijah took his turn next, which led him into retirement first. "Millionare Estates or Countryside Acres? Hmm."

"Elena would like the Country," Kol pointed out.

Klaus nodded. "And Katerina would enjoy the finer living of the estates."

"Why would I base my retirement around either of them?" Elijah frowned. "A woman need not dictate how I choose to spend the rest of my life."

Kol and Klaus looked at each other and burst out laughing. "Are you mad?"

"Women dictate everything we do," Klaus told him. "Look back at your life and tell me what have you done that wasn't in some way influenced by Katerina?"

"Or Elena," Kol added.

Elijah's brows knit and he blinked furiously. "That...There are things that I have done without...She wasn't..." Klaus raised his brows, waiting. "I'm not warranting a response to that." With that he moved his van into Countryside Acres.

"Ah, going for the Gilbert girl." Kol nodded. "Not as fiesty as Katerina, but the safer option's always been your way."

"Will you just go, Klaus?"

Klaus looked up and smiled, humoring his brother and taking his turn. Five paces brought him to the "You're a Grandparent!" LIFE spot. He closed his eyes slowly and sat back in his chair.

"Look at it this way," Rebekah started. "Your werewolf lineage lives on." He cut his eyes to hers and she leaned forth to pinch his cheek. "You'll be a cute granddaddy, Nikky."

"Stop it, Rebekah."

"Klaus?"

The infuriated sharpness of her voice echoed through the mansion. Klaus froze, bracing himself for the onslaught sure to follow the clacking heels heading his way. Caroline stopped in the doorway, gaping furiously.

"What the hell, Klaus?!"

"And you said she'd never show her face here again." Kol grinned and waved his fingers demurely at her.

She shot him a glare then diverted it toward Klaus. "You hung up on me for this?"

"Easy, love. You're making a scene."

"We were supposed to be on our way to Rome by now!"

Rebekah pursed her lips, brows furrowing curiously. "If you were in such a rush, why did it take you so long to come here?"

"I was saying my goodbyes to my mom and my friends. Your brother was supposed to meet me at Elena's. Clearly he forgot."

Klaus stood, lifting his head. "I was saying my own goodbyes, actually."

Caroline glanced around the room of Originals, a sheepish blush tinging her cheeks. "..Oh." He walked over to her, encircling her waist and she looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry."

"Don't be." He tipped her chin up. "Just promise me you won't have any children without first asking me."

She stared at him like he was crazy and let out a laugh. "What?"

"Nevermind." He smiled and laid a sweet kiss upon her lips.

"Ahem..." Behind Caroline a masculine throat cleared and alerted the room to Matt's presence. "Sorry to interrupt..."

"Matt!" Rebekah was up and pushing through Klaus and Caroline to reach him.

"Hey. What happened? You were supposed to pick me up two hours ago."

"I know. I'm sorry. I got held up with these buffoons."

He smiled. "It's okay. I almost thought you were backing out on me."

"As if I would!" She hit his shoulder and he laughed. She turned back to her family with a smug smile. "Well I'm off then."

"Rebekah..." Matt nodded his head at her brothers. "You can take a minute."

She frowned at him then back at her family and her expression changed. She nodded back at him. "I might need more than one."

He nodded obligingly. "I'll take your stuff to the truck."

When he disappeared she turned back to all of them, surprised at the lump that was forming in her throat. "Well then."

Elijah got up immediately and went to hug her, closing his eyes as he stroked her hair. "I wish you all the happiness, Rebekah."

She smiled against his chest and reached up to hold his face. "Thank you, Elijah. Now." She set her sights on Caroline. "You do your damnedest to reign him in, you hear me?"

Caroline nodded with a grin. "You don't have to worry about that."

"He's a handful. But he'll be the loyalest handful you'll have in your life." She glanced to Klaus who was avoiding her gaze until Caroline hit his arm with a scowl. "Think you'll be able to get on without me, Nik?"

He licked his lips. "Caroline is certainly no Rebekah, but I think we'll get by."

She laughed softly and nodded. "Treat her better than you treated me, will you?" His eyes turned serious then and he pulled her in for a long hug. Rebekah wrapped her arms around him, blinking back tears. "I love you, Nik."

Klaus' own gaze turned glassy, and he swallowed against the tightness in his throat. "Be safe, little sister." He kissed her forehead and drew back, his hands on her shoulders. "And above all, be selfish. Don't let anyone steal your happiness. And make sure Matt Donovan keeps his word."

She laugh-sobbed and wiped away her tears. "Still looking out for me, after all these years."

"Always and forever," he reminded her.

She nodded again and took a deep breath, setting her shoulders and composing herself. Her eyes flicked to Kol who was busy playing with his daylight ring. "I'll miss you, you idiot."

He looked up, momentarily surprised to be addressed, then smiled his usual mischievous smile. "My regards to the next man who catches your interest."

"Very funny." She turned away with a scoff and stormed through the foyer.

Kol looked down with a smirk. "Bye, Beks."

The door shut and the room fell awkwardly silent.

Klaus cleared his throat, looking at no one in particular. "We'd better get going, as well."

"We're already behind schedule," Caroline agreed.

"I'll see to it that the mansion is looked after," Elijah told him. "And your art is shipped to you wherever you choose to settle down."

Klaus nodded. "One other thing, if I may."

"Certainly."

He put his hand on his brother's shoulder, looking him in the eye. "Live, Elijah." Elijah's eyes narrowed as he became perplexed. "Leave the worrying for the next life and do something out of your element."

"You say that as if I am completely predictable."

Klaus arched a brow and smiled. "Keep in touch." They embraced with a firm slap to each other's back and withdrew.

"Take care of yourself, brother."

"Don't I always?" Klaus shot him one last grin before waltzing over to Kol. "Have you decided where you'll be off to next?"

"Who, me?" Kol shook his head. "Wherever the blood is tastiest."

"Try not to make a mess."

"No promises."

With that, Klaus headed back to the archway where Caroline was standing. He looked to her expectantly but she surprised him by stepping down into the room and walking over to Kol. She thrust her hand at him and looked down at it, scowling.

"What am I supposed to do with that?"

Her arm dropped to her side. "Forget it."

"Wait." He sped around her to stop her and she crossed her arms in the face of his plea. "I just want to say something. Since you're leaving. And before I lose my nerve."

Her shoulders eased and she nodded, half smiling in expectation of a long awaited apology.

"I know I've been a pain, and I've caused you endless grief and humiliation."

She nodded. "All very true."

"I just want you to know...from the bottom of my heart..." He hesitated before looking up with the most earnest expression she'd seen from him. "You have an absolutely stunning arse."

Her eyes widened and then rolled as she shook her head and remembered who she was standing in front of.

"And rack," he added. Her face flushed, partially from embarrassment and partially from rage. So she did something she'd been longing to do from the moment they met. She slapped him. Hard.

He held his cheek and watched her stomp away from him and past Klaus, disappearing into the foyer. Klaus watched her go then looked back at his brother dully, as if to say "Really?" Kol shrugged with a grin and sat back down.

Klaus nodded one final resolute nod and bid them one final farewell, "Until we meet again."

And he, too, disappeared from the mansion, leaving Kol and Elijah sitting across from each other, staring blankly.

"That was a noble thing you did, Kol."

"What?"

"Apologizing to Rebekah."

Kol waved a hand. "I only said it so she'd play."

Elijah smiled, knowingly. "I'm glad we all had this last memory together before parting ways."

"Are you going to get all gross and sentimental on me now? Because I have a weak stomach and you're a freak about dirtying your suits."

He rolled his eyes and got up, and as he did his phone sounded. He drew it from his inner jacket pocket and his brows lowered with a deep frown.

"What's wrong, did Bekah forget her dignity?"

"It's from Katerina."

"Ooh. Just when I thought the plot couldn't get any thinner. What's it say?"

"It's...vague. She wants to see me."

"Then you'd better be going." He pointed his finger at the phone. "A woman like that doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Kol shrugged, lifting his legs up on the table and crossing them as he leaned back to kick the chair off it's front two legs as he'd been doing all night, balancing as a game. He paused when he heard Elijah pull the door open.

"Hey..."

Kol lifted a brow, the familiar voice making him crack an amused grin. He didn't have to see Elijah to know he was flustered. Though he wasn't sure what about Elena Gilbert would put anyone in a tizzy.

"Can we talk?" she asked him.

The noble brother agreed and ushered her out with the excuse of taking a walk, leaving Kol all alone once again. He stared at the ceiling, straining to listen to the bits of their conversation as they walked, their voices growing fainter and fainter. He wondered which doppelganger would ultimately win his brother's heart, though his instincts told him 500 years was far longer than 5 minutes...

At a loss, Kol let the chair smack back down on the floor and moved to lounge on the couch, pulling his phone out and tapping the app until the familiar music started up. He began to sway left and right as the map changed corners, and he collected diamonds, tapping faster when the giant ape started to chase him.

"Stupid monkey..."

Just as he was getting into his groove, a knock on the door interrupted his Temple Run. He set his phone down with a sigh and got up, making no haste to answer it. "Let me guess," he called out aimlessly. "One of you forgot something" He started to smirk as he opened the door, speaking before it fully opened. "Either that or you missed...me..."

"Hi."

Kol blinked, his smile dropping fast at the surprise visitor at his door. "Bonnie?"

She held her arm and shrugged with a sheepish grin. "Got any tequila?"