Mischief and Monopoly

Series: The Originals Pairings: Hayley/Elijah (haylijah); Cami/Klaus (klamille) . This is not a part of the TGW universe

.

.

.

“I told you she is still too young for this one,” Hayley couldn’t hide her laugh at the pout her six year old daughter was giving her. She wanted to argue that it had been her uncle who was being a stickler with the rules and that her pout needed to be redirected, but she knew Elijah wouldn’t cave on this. Although, her pout seemed pretty effective on him in every other aspect.

“It is never too young to learn the importance of rules and structure,” Elijah retorted as he picked up the colorful money Hope had thrown down on the table.

“Don’t worry, darling,” Klaus patted his daughter’s back gently. “He’s always been this way. When I was not much older than you are now, your Uncle Elijah used to beat me at any game we played. He makes you earn your victories.”

“But when you do,” Elijah shared a smile with his brother and then refocused on his niece, “and you will. It will be all the more rewarding.”

Hope let out an exacerbated sigh as she leaned into the blonde’s arms at her side.

“Sweetheart, I bet we can still turn this game around,” Cami stroked her hair soothingly as she held the little girl closely. “Let’s take a deep breath and focus on how we can do that.”

They hadn’t initially been playing in teams. As Elijah reminded them all, Monopoly was not a team game. However, after his third monopoly, the others began to team up on him. Cami and Hope, as per usual, made a good duo as Cami always knew how to temper Hope when she let her emotions get the best of her.

“He already owns half of the properties,” Hope grumbled into Cami’s neck.

“And together, we all own the other half,” Cami reassured her as she pulled back slightly to meet the young girl’s eyes. “Maybe if you think of a compelling offer, your uncle will consider trading something with you.”

This caught Hope’s attention as she turned her eyes slowly toward Elijah, who looked down attempting to hide the smile on his face.

“Uncle ‘lijah,” her small voice was enough to melt anyone, let alone an uncle that was exceedingly fond of the girl. “Would you?”

Elijah looked up carefully, sliding his hand into Hayley’s for the needed strength to deny his niece anything. “You’ll have to wait your turn. It’s Camille’s turn now. But while everyone else goes, why don’t you look at what you have and think on what you would be willing to trade.”

Hayley’s hand, the one Elijah wasn’t holding, lightly smacked his leg under the coffee table. Her eyes met her daughter who sat across from them, between Klaus and Cami. Although it was difficult for Elijah to deny Hope anything, Hayley couldn’t help but smile at the concentration on her daughter’s face as she looked over her properties and the cards she had.

Elijah watched Hope carefully as she leaned over to ‘whisper’ her plans to her stepmother. Although, a six-year-old’s whispers in a room full of supernatural creatures did little to hide her plans. Elijah lips twisted into neutral expression as he attempted to hide his smile at his niece’s strategy. And even more so as she let out an exaggerated groan when he traded several of his houses for hotels.

Although she did let out a laugh as her father grumbled when he landed on one of her uncle’s properties and had to hand over a large sum of money.

“What do you have for me, Hope?” Elijah raised his eyebrow at her as Klaus finished his turn.

Hope glanced at Cami with a nervous look before facing her uncle and squaring her shoulders. Klaus couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his lips as he watched his small daughter prepare to take on Elijah. She had that stubborn glint in her eyes that he wasn’t sure if she got from her mother or him.

“I will give you this yellow card,” she squinted down at the card as she sounded out the word, “Pen-sil-van-ya Avenue for St. Charles Place and Reading Railroad.”

A proud smile took over Elijah’s face as he watched Hope sound out the words and then confidentially say them. He nearly agreed to the trade simply out of pride as he watched her grip the card in her small hands.

“You are offering one card in exchange for two?” Elijah pushed back gently, curious to see what his clever niece would come up with. “That doesn’t seem like a good deal for me.”

Hope once again exchanged a look with Cami who nodded encouragingly at the young girl, “Yes, but it would give you another monopoly and it’s more than the one’s I want.”

“It’s more expensive?” Elijah clarified to give Hope the vocabulary for their next trade. Hope smiled widely at him in response, hopeful that he was ready to agree to her deal. “Hmm, but it does give you two monopolies.”

“Yes, but I don’t have any,” the slight whine took over her voice, causing Elijah to raise an eyebrow at her. She knew better than to try to whine her way to victory. “I mean, it would be your fourth. That’s still two more than me.”

“Good job, love,” Hayley winked at her daughter with a small smile. Everyone knew to appeal to Elijah’s logical side.

“That is a good point,” Elijah mused as he pretended to survey the board. “I will agree to this deal if you also include your ‘get out of jail free’ card.”

Hayley squeezed his leg and shook her head as her daughter thought through the negotiation. Elijah was making her work for it.

Hope looked back to Cami for advice who only shrugged, “What do you think?”

“I think that’s a good deal,” Hope nodded her head decisively. “Let’s do it.”

She held out her hand, which Elijah shook firmly, “It’s a deal.”

They traded their cards and the adults watch with amusement as Hope excitedly positioned her first monopoly together.

“Do you want to buy any real estate for your first property?” Cami gestured to the bank that she was controlling. Elijah had done it initially, but it only resulted in a fight between the brothers when Klaus attempted to steal money from the bank. Cami had since taken over, knowing Klaus wouldn’t dare cross her.

“Not yet,” Hope said wisely as she looked at the board and picked up the dice. “I need to save my money. I’m about to go through Uncle “lijah’s property.”

“Probably smart,” Cami nodded her head in approval at Hope’s logical decision. Even as a young girl, she had a sharp, strategical mind.

Hope carefully rolled the dice on the board, careful not to mess up the pieces. She counted the little dots diligently and then moved her piece, sighing in relief as she landed on the Community Chest.

“Read it aloud,” Klaus encouraged as she picked up her card from the center. They had begun playing weekly board games with Hope to encourage her to practice her reading, math, and strategy. He couldn’t have imagined the amount of pride and joy he felt every time he watched his daughter learn a new skill. Even if he feared she was becoming too much like her uncle, siding with Elijah anytime he attempted to cheat. She was ever the pragmatist.

“Free Parking!” She cheered as she showed off her card to the table, quickly grabbing her piece to advance it to the directed spot.

Cami beamed at the girl as she reached for where the money was securely stashed, far away from Klaus.

“See,” Cami handed the colorful paper over. “You just have to keep trying and it will turn around.”

“And even if it doesn’t,” Hayley added, “it’s just a game.”

“I know,” Hope smiled as she sorted her money. “But I don’t like to lose.”

“I know, baby girl.” Hayley reached over to stroke her hair. “You are competitive, but some things are more important than winning. Like learning or having fun with your family.”

“I know, mom,” Hope began to roll her eyes at her mom but instantly stopped when she saw the stern look that crossed Hayley’s face. “You’re right. I’m still having fun, even if I have to give all of my money to Uncle ‘lijah.”

“And that’s the most important lesson,” Elijah looped his arm around Hayley, pulling her close. “Your mother is always right.”