potus } { of surprise sons and old penpals

[deathlessness]

Marcus: [so he has been flouncing around Europe, drawing things. and women. Lots of women. totally living like Jack from Titanic only he has money and fancy wining and dining and life is amazing for this almost 20 year old. But he has come back before he was accepted to Duke Ellington and the semester starts soon and he needs to find someplace to live because he's not living with mom. But, he's going to have to go visit her and get her advice on things, so that is going to be why he is planning to surprise her and take her to lunch. Well, more like have her take him but same thing, right? And since Davina isn't at her desk for those ten seconds it takes him to strode across the lobby to her door, he's going to knock and then open the door with a big grin] Guess who's back...

Freya: [and she is suddenly pushing Peter back from where they were probably going to be proceeding to desk sex but fortunately for everyone's eyes they are still fully clothed and Freya straightens suddenly because this is definitely NOT what she was expecting] Marcus!

Peter: [and he will get pushed away and wow, yes that was very unexpected and he is going to keep his back to whoever this Marcus is a moment while he straightens his clothing back out]

Marcus: I see that I've walked into something very uncomfortable. Wow, never thought I'd see that coming.

Freya: Well, if I had known you were coming, you wouldn't have seen anything at all. [the best argument for calling in advance ever created] What are you doing here?

Marcus: The point of a surprise is not to call in advance. [and he totally has the Mikaelson playful smirk] I start school this month, remember?

Freya: Then you bring whatever mental scarring you witness upon yourself. [she takes a deep breath, before moving closer to pull him into a hug] And I do remember. What are you doing here?

Marcus: [aw, hugs. He will let her for all of 15 seconds before wiggling free because MOM] I was hoping we could do lunch and maybe discuss places I can live. It seems you have something else on the menu though.

Peter: [and he will turn to look at Marcus at that, one eyebrow raised because just who are you, smart mouth?]

Freya: I do. Perhaps we can do dinner instead? My evening is free.

Marcus: Dinner works, but I take it you're not going to introduce me to your lunch?

Freya: [sighs, before turning back to Peter] Marcus, this is Peter Hale. Peter, this is my son, Marcus.

Marcus: Hale. Like Chief of Staff Peter Hale?

Peter: [confused eyebrow] Son?

Freya: Yes and yes.

Marcus: Huh, I did not see that coming.

Peter: Neither did I.

Freya: [yep, this is awkward, but she's going to just glance between them before moving back to her desk] Here. Why don't you go to the house and get settled and I'll bring pizza home. [and she'll hand Marcus her spare house key]

Marcus: Sure thing, mom. [that smirk again, because come on, Freya, don't you tell anyone about him? He's adorable]

Freya: [she doesn't want him getting used as a political pawn against her, okay? So there's a mild look before she nudges him out the door] I'll see you later.

Marcus: [and he will head out, smiling and winking at Davina as he leaves because you totally missed it all]

Davina: ... Oh shit.

Freya: [and she'll just close the door behind him and turn back to Peter] So. That's Marcus.

Peter: Marcus. Your son I had no idea about.

Freya: Most people don't. It wasn't ... personal. [she feels bad that it came out like this though. she takes a breath and moves back towards her desk] I had him when I was sixteen, and I didn't raise him. His father did.

Peter: Well, looks like we both have something else in common then. [he won't take it personally. Though for how long they have known each other] Though you once again prove just how well you can keep a secret.

Freya: [there's a ghost of a smile at that, before she moves closer] It would have come up eventually. I just would have preferred it hadn't come up like that.

Peter: Yes, as would I since that cut dramatically into our lunch hour.

Freya: It did. I suppose we'll have to reschedule.

Peter: Alas, you now have dinner plans.

Freya: I do. But given that my dinner date is young and will probably want to spend time elsewhere, it probably won't be too late.

Peter: Perhaps I could convince you for a nightcap at my place then?

Freya: I think that sounds perfect.

Peter: Good. Then I guess I should let you get back to work. [and he will lean in to kiss her]

Freya: [kisses him back with a small smile] I'll see you later.

Peter: [yup, and he will head back to work]

Freya: [and so will she and at the end of the day she will head home with some pizza] Marcus?

Marcus: [and he will be in the kitchen looking out the window where he is sketching] Kitchen!

Freya: [makes her way in and smiles softly] What are you drawing?

Marcus: The little rooftop garden over there. [and the hot girl bent over tending it]

Freya: [follows his eyes to the garden in question, notes the girl and shakes her head] Well, when you're finished, there is pizza.

Marcus: Aaaallmost done. [to be fair, he is drawing the garden and focusing on the flowers. The girl is just a nice lawn ornament] What kind of pizza did you get?

Freya: I couldn't remember exactly what you liked so I got a variety. [half cheese, half veggie and half pepperoni, half meatball]

Marcus: [and he will look over and laugh] You're so lucky I'm the laid back one in this family.

Freya: [a small look] It's because you take after your father.

Marcus: Ten points to House Matthias.

Freya: One of the many reasons I knew you would be in good hands.

Marcus: Mmmhmm. [and he is going to do a few last scratches of the pencil and then sit back and look at the sketch] There, done.

Freya: Good. What do you want to drink?

Marcus: Beer.

Freya: I do not have beer. I have wine and I have water.

Marcus: [looks at the pizzas thinking] Merlot?

Freya: I can do that. [and she'll had off to her wine area]

Marcus: [and he will smile because awesome, she'll actually let him have it. Not that he hasn't spent the last year overseas where he had it with almost every meal]

Freya: [he's twenty years old and she was actually raised in Europe so she doesn't care so long as he's responsible about it and doesn't get arrested/in the newspaper/etc etc]

Marcus: [no, when it comes to things like this, he is very responsible. He likes to make Uncle Elijah proud, after all]

Freya: [good. and she will return with a merlot and two wine glasses] So. How was your trip?

Marcus: It was amazing. It was really the best decision we all ever made together. I had a lot of fun and just lived, more than I think I ever have.

Freya: Good. Did you drop by Finn and Sage when you were in England?

Marcus: Of course. I had to do my laundry somewhere. [smirks]

Freya: I'm sure that went over very well.

Marcus: Sage totally loves me.

Freya: I'm sure she does.

Marcus: I'm a very lovable guy.

Freya: Of course you are. Which is why I'm sure you made a lot of friends as well.

Marcus: All across Europe and maybe even a few in Asia.

Freya: And now you intend to conquer America.

Marcus: The land of my birth. Hey, how hard is it for you to get me Hamilton tickets?

Freya: Depends when you want to go.

Marcus: Once I find a date. I figure see how much warning I need to give you.

Freya: About a year?

Marcus: [and he will look up at her in surprise] Really, even for you?

Freya: It's not as though they grow on trees.

Marcus: Aren’t you supposed to be some kind of miracle worker?

Freya: I can't make seats appear out of thin air.

Marcus: You fix intricate about to go to war feuds with a smile and a few well placed words, and you can't even score Hamilton tickets on demand?

Freya: Lin Manuel Miranda isn't in my extensive client list.

Marcus: You should work on that. That guy is a genius.

Freya: I'll do my best.

Marcus: [reaching for pizza] And make sure you introduce me.

Freya: I'll put it on my to-do list. [and she'll grab some plates and a slice for herself]

Marcus: [and he is going to enjoy his pizza, but compare it to the ones he had in Rome]

Freya: [snob] So when do classes start?

Marcus: [spoiled little rich boy] Two weeks. Should be enough time to find a place near campus to live.

Freya: Good. You can stay here until then, if you like.

Marcus: You sure you want me around when you are used to having the place to yourself?

Freya: I think we can manage a couple weeks. Honestly, I'm not really around much as it is.

Marcus: [story of his life] Live at the office?

Freya: Or traveling, depending on the case.

Marcus: Anywhere fun?

Freya: Milwaukee.

Marcus: [wrinkles his nose]

Freya: I know. Very exciting.

Marcus: What is even out there you would be involved in?

Freya: A hockey team with a sex scandal.

Marcus: Letting someone else play with their pucks?

Freya: Something like that. [confidentiality clauses, sorry Marcus]

Marcus: [but I'm your son!] Well, they are great stick handlers. I'm sure you'll be able to put the whole thing on ice quickly.

Freya: I was. It was fairly straight forward but they wanted discretion.

Marcus: Sounds like a good goal.

Freya: Indeed.

Marcus: You are not getting any of my hockey innuendos are you?

Freya: I am, I'm just choosing not to acknowledge them.

Marcus: You're no fun.

Freya: If you were looking for fun with puns you should have gone to visit your Uncle Klaus.

Marcus: I was going to see him tomorrow.

Freya: I would call first. He has Hope still.

Marcus: I will do that.

Freya: Good.

Marcus: So... you and Peter Hale?

Freya: What about it?

Marcus: [and he will just grin, looking at his mom like he's waiting for juicy gossip]

Freya: [she rolls her eyes] Not you too.

Marcus: Hey, I walked in on a scene right out of Skinemax.

Freya: [and that gets him a look, because they weren't that compromised] It's ... new.

Marcus: New. [that's the best adjective you have?]

Freya: [that's the best adjective you're going to get] We're not putting labels on it at the moment.

Marcus: Uh huh. [reaches for a second slice] Why not?

Freya: Because we're not. [and that is their right as consenting adults]

Marcus: So you're not dating?

Freya: Neither of us has time to date.

Marcus: Uh huh.

Freya: It's more ... an arrangement.

Marcus: An arrangement.

Freya: [sighs] Why do you want to know?

Marcus: Because you're my mother and I do like knowing what's going on in your life and if you're happy?

Freya: [looks over at him softly] Well, it's too soon to tell anything at the moment.

Marcus: Are you happy though?

Freya: I am happy.

Marcus: Good. [smiles]

Freya: [smiles back] Good.

Marcus: And if he hurts you, I'll help Uncle Elijah kill him.

Freya: [and that gets him another look]

Marcus: [smirks in return]

Freya: Anyway. It's nothing you have to worry about for now.

Marcus: I hope so. I have enough to try and figure out.

Freya: I'm sure you'll manage to pick things up faster than you give yourself credit for.

Marcus: I'm sure. And it's not like I don't have to worry about a job right away.

Freya: No, you have two family fortunes to mooch off of.

Marcus: What can I say, I love my parents.

Freya: I'm sure you do. [ruffles his hair a bit]

Marcus: [and he's full, sitting back in his chair] Well, I think I'm going to grab a shower and go visit Uncle Kol's nightclub.

Freya: Good. Don't forget your key.

Marcus: I won't. Don't wait up for me.

Freya: I won't. Have fun.

Marcus: [and he will go grab a shower, change into his clubbing clothes, and head out to visit with Uncle Kol]

Freya: [and once he's gone, she will get cleaned up herself and head over to Peter's so they can pick up where they left off at lunch]

Kol: [ and he's at least expecting him because Davina told him]

Marcus: [he figured, but he will still slide up to the bar, his bright grin on his face]

Kol: [laughs] Marcus. Welcome to DC. I heard you gave your mother quite the surprise.

Marcus: Yeah, that surprise went both ways for the record.

Kol: Sorry. Forgot you weren't part of the family gossip chain.

Marcus: Well, I guess me moving to DC will fix that.

Kol: Oh I'm sure. Proximity does wonders.

Marcus: Mom and I are going to look for places for me to live while I'm here the next four years. Got any suggestions on good neighborhoods?

Kol: Not off the top of my head, but there's a building not too far from here that might have an opening. You should ask Cora's new beau.

Marcus: ...... Cora Hale?

Kol: Mmmm-hmm.

Marcus: You know we've never met, right? I only know her because I had to do that penpal project and you guys suggested she write to me.

Kol: Well she's supposed to be in tonight. I'll be sure to introduce you officially.

Marcus: Awesome. [leans forward] So tell me about this Peter Hale guy.

Kol: What do you want to know?

Marcus: What kind of a guy is he?

Kol: A reserved one.

Marcus: The quiet type?

Kol: [he nods] He likes to be the smartest man in a room.

Marcus: So like Uncle Finn?

Kol: Oh, worse. Peter actually likes having power.

Marcus: Should I be worried? [because he is overprotective of his mom]

Kol: Not at all. Peter is very protective of the things he cares about, and he's been smitten with your mother for years.

Marcus: But mom said this was new.

Kol: Oh, them having sex is new. Peter being in her life is not.

Marcus: I never met him before. He didn't seem to actually know who I was.

Kol: That's because Freya would prefer not to have to worry about you being leverage to be used against her. There's a reason why you grew up with your father.

Marcus: I just thought she was too busy with her career.

Kol: She was. But it was mostly to protect you. She wanted you to have a normal childhood. Or well, normalish.

Marcus: [nods, then shrugs] Well, it is what it is, right? Can't change it now.

Kol: No, we can't. But your mother went through a lot to have you. Even if she keeps you compartmentalized, don't doubt that she loves you very much.

Marcus: I know. [deep breath] So, can I get a drink or something?

Kol: You twenty one yet?

Marcus: My ID says I am.

Kol: Is it a good ID or a terrible ID?

Marcus: Oh, it's a good one.

Kol: Then what can I pour you?

Marcus: Guinness please.

Kol: One beer coming up. [and he'll get him the beer, before gesturing up towards one of he roped off areas] If you want to help Beks celebrate her new job, the party's over there.

Marcus: I can do that. [and he will leave his uncle a tip with the cost of the drink, and head over to the party]

Rebekah: [and she's busy dancing and laughing, but her eyes brighten when she sees him] Marcus!

Marcus: Auntie Beks!

Rebekah: [and then there's more hugging] When did you get into town?

Marcus: This afternoon. [hugs careful not to spill his drink] Heard you got a new job?

Rebekah: Indeed. I am stepping out of my mother's shadow and joining a PR firm.

Marcus: Well, congrats. That sounds like a lot of work.

Rebekah: It is, but it's the kind of work I like.

Marcus: Well, as long as you like it. [lazy rich boy - what is this work you want to do?]

Rebekah: I do. [that's one thing Esther and Mikael did right - instilling a work ethic in their children]

Marcus: [obviously missed doing that with their grandchild] Then congrats.

Rebekah: [well, they didn't have a lot to do with their grandchild, so that explains it] Thank you. Planning on sticking around?

Marcus: Yeah, I start Duke Ellington in two weeks. Mom and I are going to look for apartments.

Rebekah: Oh, good! That should be fun.

Marcus: Oh yeah. Though it won't match sketching the ladies of Europe.

Rebekah: I'm sure you won't find any lacking in the women of America.

Marcus: I hope not. [smirks]

Rebekah: [shakes her head] You're incorrigible.

Marcus: Ah but you still love me.

Rebekah: I never claimed otherwise, but let’s hope you wise up sooner than your uncles did.

Marcus: About what?

Rebekah: There being more to life than chasing women.

Marcus: Oh, I'm aware of that. I just am not ready to move to the next stage beyond this right now.

Rebekah: Mmmm. Well good luck, then.

Marcus: So enough about me, tell me everything I've missed while I was in Europe!

Rebekah: [and there's some talking about that until someone pulls Rebekah away to dance]

Marcus: [and he will just stand there with his drink and finish it, debating on getting another]

Cora: [and as promised, Cora does make an appearance, mostly lingering in the back of the VIP area so she doesn't have to deal with too many people]

Marcus: [and since he doesn't really know what she looks like, he's going to go over there to try and hit on her] Hey, can I buy you a drink?

Cora: [glances up at him, before shaking her head] No, thanks. I'm not staying long.

Marcus: Oh, come on, it's a party. Why wouldn't you stay and enjoy yourself?

Cora: Because I have to teach a class in the morning and a hungover teacher is not a fun teacher.

Marcus: You're a teacher? What do you teach?

Cora: Engineering.

Marcus: [and he will stop at that and tilt his head a moment, thinking. Because Kol mentioned Cora and she was studying engineering...] Cora?

Cora: [her eyes narrow a bit as she turns to look at him more] Yes?

Marcus: [laughs] Hi, I'm Marcus.

Cora: [a beat, then] Freya's Marcus?

Marcus: The one and only.

Cora: Oh wow, hi!

Marcus: Hi! [and he will go to hug her] Kol said you were going to be here.

Cora: Yes, well, being best friends with Rebekah means you have to deal with her deciding to drink on a school night.

Marcus: You ever think about asking Kol to make you non-alcoholic versions of drinks and act like they are the real ones?

Cora: Have you ever had a virgin martini?

Marcus: Also known as water with olives in it. [laughs] A girl I met in Italy would ask for her water in a martini glass at dinner to make it look like she was drinking.

Cora: Yeah, it tastes disgusting.

Marcus: Then get a frozen virgin daquiri. Totally fruit juice.

Cora: [wrinkles her nose and shakes her head] Not my style.

Marcus: Well, then I guess I can't help then. [shakes his head] Wow, I never imagined you as being this hot.

Cora: ... You should know I have a boyfriend.

Marcus: And I was just stating fact. Kol told me. Actually mentioned something about asking him about finding a good apartment.

Cora: Usually when people mention my being hot they have other intentions in mind, and yeah - Stiles doesn't live far from here, so if you want to stay close to the club, he might know what's available.

Marcus: Well, I did before I knew you were my penpal. But I know too much about you, and you have probably some blackmail on me too.

Cora: Probably true.

Marcus: You know, I never thought we'd actually meet.

Cora: Why not?

Marcus: I don't know. I mean, it was something we did when I was a kid.

Cora: I was a kid too. I'm not that much older than you.

Marcus: Not that much, but you are older.

Cora: You're what? Twenty? I'm twenty-four.

Marcus: Shh, technically I'm 21. [sipping his Guinness don't rat him out]

Cora: [she laughs] Still. Not that much older.

Marcus: But you're teaching now? What happened to going off to MIT?

Cora: Didn't work out like I hoped. But that's okay, I really love GWU.

Marcus: Well, that's good. And it found you this Stiles guy.

Cora: It did.

Marcus: And now you have me too, at least while I'm at Duke Ellington.

Cora: Oh, good! I didn't know you were going to be local.

Marcus: [brightens up] Yeah, at least while I'm in college.

Cora: Makes sense. Is your dad nearby at all?

Marcus: No, I think he's off enjoying his newfound childless freedom for awhile.

Cora: As well he should.

Marcus: I don't blame him.

Cora: Were you that much of a hellraiser?

Marcus: [and he is going to grin around the rim of his glass that shows just how much Mikaelson blood is in his veins]

Cora: [she shakes her head] Why doesn't that surprise me?

Marcus: Shouldn't. I will freely admit I'm a spoiled little rich boy.

Cora: I'm sure. You take after your uncle then?

Marcus: Which one?

Cora: Any of them except Finn.

Marcus: If you ask my mom, it's probably a tie between Kol or Klaus. I'm not really the proper gentleman that Uncle Elijah pulls off.

Cora: It took Elijah time to get there. When he was younger he was pretty devilish.

Marcus: Oh, do tell?

Cora: You'd have to ask my sister to get the real details. I just remember them getting into a lot of trouble.

Marcus: One of the downsides of living with my dad is that I never get the good family gossip.

Cora: Its probably for the best, to an extent.

Marcus: Yeah, but at the same time. [shrugs]

Cora: Well, if you're going to be here for the next four years, you're going to be in the thick of it. Think you're ready for that?

Marcus: Totally.

Cora: Guess we'll just have to see.

Marcus: Guess so. [looks over at Rebekah] Well, if you want to sneak out the back, I can distract her?

Cora: I appreciate that, but I'm still good to stay for a little while longer. You should go dance though.

Marcus: Alright, if you say so. But here. [and he will reach into his wallet and pull out a business card that actually has his email and cell number on it]

Cora: [takes it and immediately texts him her number in return] And that's me.

Marcus: [and he saves it] Perfect, thanks.

Cora: No problem. If you need anything, feel free to text.

Marcus: [and he will salute her with his free hand and then go mingle with the ladies because hi, new in town does someone want to show me the sights?]

Cora: [oh he will probably get so many of those]

Marcus: [this is why he has the business cards. Best $10 at Vista Print he ever spent, and the girls don't have to complain about sharpie on their hand in the morning]

Cora: [well have fun, Marcus]