A/N On The Originals wikia on Tristan's page it says that, 'Tristan is bisexual, and the writers were going to explore it, but his current drive left little time for romance'and this idea popped into my head. I really wish they had explored his character more.

This story is about two men, and there will be some sexual themes between them, so this is a warning. If you don't like it, please don't leave a review or read.

I hope you all like it!

Lost Without You

.

.

Loving and fighting, accusing, denying,

I can't imagine a world with you gone

The joy and the chaos, the demons we're made of

I'd be so lost if you left me alone

Hold on, I still want you, come back, I still need you

Let me take your hand; I'll make it right

I swear to love you all my life, hold on, I still need you

.

.

Present—New Orleans Police Department

"You asked to speak with me. Here I am, willing to listen."

Vincent and Camille entered the interrogation room, the blonde pulling out a chair and dumping the crime scene photos on the table."Which, if I'm gonna be honest, is more than you deserve."

Brow furrowed in slight annoyance, Lucien eyed Camille as she sat down, an unamused look on his face but he forced a smile. He sat up straighter in his seat, hands atop one another in front of him in a casual manner.

"I thought New Orleans had the same burden of proof as the rest of the colonies. What is it? Ah, yes-"He raised his hand as if stating something important, eyes pinned to Camille as he drew out the next few words."...innocent until proven guilty."

Vincent grabbed a chair and pulled it over to the table before setting it down next to Camille and sitting on it backward.

"The murders started the same day you got into town. All the victims match a pattern. Wealth that, uh, you yourself seem to exude."Vincent gestured to Lucien's solid gold watch and cufflinks before he leaned forward, dropping his voice to a whisper."Not to mention, we know what you are."

Lucien didn't seem fazed by Vincent's underlining accusation and simply gave a tight smile, a quiet chuckle following a moment later. He took a moment to look down and glance at the time on his gold watch and when he raised is head the humans in front of him suddenly felt scrutinized as Lucien looked at them with a vacant expression

"What I am is a ruthless, vicious, unstoppable killer. That's not to say I had anything to do with this-"Lucien shook his head, tapping the crime scene photos with an almost snobby sign."far from it."

"Why bother denying it if you are what you say you are?"

"Cami, you don't know me."Lucien sighed, growing tired of constantly repeating himself before he added."But, if you did, you would see that we were the same."

"All three of us, actually."He observed Camille with indifference before glancing at Vincent with a half smile."Three souls caught in the orbit of Family Mikaelson, yet somehow survived to tell the tale."

He leaned forward, lowering his voice once more."Though, each of us has our share of scars."

"Then why don't you tell us the story of your scars if you say you're innocent?"Camille suggested, looking to Vincent who nodded in agreement."Maybe it might inspire us to second guess you being the culprit of these attacks. Klaus has already told me how you met, but he failed to add more to the story."

Lucien gave a tight smile, eyes flickering between the humans.

"It is quite a long story."

Camille feigned a polite smile, resting her chin on her hand."We have time."

Lucien pondered her words for a moment as his hands met in front of him, finger toying with his daylight ring before he curtly nodded.

"All right."

1002 A.D

"You've proven to be an immense help."

Lucien, who had been watching the Count de Martel speaking with Elijah, turned his head to see Klaus standing beside him. The human smiled bashfully at Klaus before he nodded, laughing nervously.

"Oh."The nervousness faded from Lucien's face a little at Klaus' kind smile, and he offered a small smile."Of course, my lord."

Klaus smiled at the human, hands behind his back and he watched the crowd for a few seconds, studying his siblings. Elijah and Finn were speaking to the count, foundation an extensive backstory while Kol and Rebekah were indulging in the food and the reverence they were being treated with.

Klaus looked away as he sensed Lucien's stiff body language as the servant watched his master with a frown.

"Though, I must say, you don't seem at all disturbed about leading us into your master's home."

"My master is a cruel drunkard who torments his minions for sport. Beggars who seek supper. Vassals who cannot pay a debt."Lucien quietly spoke, pausing for a moment as he watched master, a bitter sadness in his eyes when he added."... like my own father."

Klaus watched the human, brow furrowing in sympathy but the smile he wore was a sign he was somewhat curious about Lucien's passion."Ah".

"All these gentile folk, behind their silks and their jewels, are slavers. Killers."Lucien spat, becoming angrier with every word he hissed before he looked up at Klaus."Whatever evil you are, you walk among greater evil still."

Klaus smiled to himself, still looking at Lucien curiously. As he did, Lucien just watched at the Count with hate before he turned to the vampire.

"What do I care if you kill the lot of them?"

Suddenly, the attendants of the party started to whisper amongst themselves as a woman, and two men entered the room. The man and women, who looked a lot alike, strolled in arm and arm while a male trailed behind them. Klaus turned to see what everyone was talking about and was immediately taken by the beauty of the redheaded woman before turning back to Lucien.

He leaned closer to Lucien, eyes focused on the redhead."Who are they?"

The two watched as the three, donning elegant clothing, gracefully walked across the room to greet the Count. Lucien watched for a long moment, eyes following the redhead, failing to notice Klaus going the same before he snapped out of his daze.

"Oh, the two leading are Count's children."He gestured to the redheaded woman then the man, quietly adding."The Lord Tristan, the Lady Aurora."

Lucien's eyes lingered on Aurora before he composed himself, gesturing to the dark-haired man standing behind the siblings.

"And, finally, the Lord Ziah,"Lucien whispered, nodding to the tall brunette who seemed more interested in the food than he did greeting the Count. The jewels he proudly wore, along with his kind yet beguiling enchanted those he spoke with as he ambled around but remained close to the siblings. "Childhood friend but he came to live with them some time ago. His family perished in a fire and, in doing so, left him with everything. Lord Ziah was born and raised with wealth, the main reason the Count keeps him around, i'm sure."

Lucien's hands returned behind his back, a silent sign of obedience but he no longer looked over at Klaus with fear. Both men smiled gently at one another, the Original placing a grateful hand on his shoulder, nodding over at Elijah who glanced at them.

"Thank you; i'll keep that in mind."Klaus mumbled, inwardly storing the information so that he could inform his siblings but his eyes were still on Aurora."This Aurora. You must tell me more."

A smile curved at Lucien's mouth at the mention of Aurora and he made a sound of agreement, both men watching the redhead once more. She turned from her brother and father, engaging in a conversation with another young woman, speaking with a tender-hearted but confident voice, a winsome smile on her lips.

Klaus watched Aurora with a captivated stare."She is exquisite."

As he spoke, Klaus' eyes followed Tristan and Ziah, who parted from Aurora after watching her for a short moment to make sure she was entertained. Their body language eased as they walked away from the attendees, walking closely side by side. Klaus' eyes narrowed curiously when he witnessed Tristan's hand settle on Ziah's lower back to obtain his attention.

"I'm curious..."

The Original continued to watch as Tristan's hand quickly shifted to Ziah's shoulder a moment later lingering as he leaned forward and whisper something to Ziah with a half smile before he led them to a corner that was vacant.

"Yes, my Lord, the Lady Aurora is quite, um, something."

Lucien laughed once again, snapping Klaus out of his daze and the Original turned just in time to see Lucien also watching after Tristan. The human frowned deeply, pursing his lips, uneasy with Tristan's mere presence.

Lucien gathered himself quickly enough to offer Klaus a small smile before speaking.

"As her brother, the Lord Tristan, is wicked, might I suggest that you avoid them completely?"

Later That Night—de Martel Drawing Room

"What do you make of our guests?"

Ziah held out his goblet as Tristan re-filled it with wine, smiling up at the other man with a pleased look. Tristan topped up his own drink and circled Ziah who watched him out of the corner of his eye.

"The eldest brother seems boring but the youngest one. Kol, I think his name is."Ziah replied as he took a sip of wine with a thoughtful hum."He has a jawline for days."

Ziah let out a startled sound of when his goblet was swiftly knocked from his hand, and he was hauled to his feet. He quickly collected himself as Tristan tightly held onto him, and Ziah hummed almost amusingly.

"Tread carefully..."Tristan tutted, hand taking hold of Ziah's face firmly, fingers digging into either cheek as he guided the man's head upwards to meet his gaze."I would bite your tongue if I were you. You are more than aware of how jealous I can be."

"I am more than aware."Ziah retorted, quoting the other man."That's why I tease you so."

"You enjoy my notorious tyrannical jealousy?"

"It's part of you."Ziah replied without hesitating, taking hold of the hand Tristan had"And, in case you have not noticed, i'm quite besotted with you."

Tristan firmly held onto the other man for a moment, brow furrowing in almost confusion as Ziah seemed anything but intimidated. Tristan suddenly drew in a long breath, grip loosening on Ziah's face, fingers relaxing before the same hand softly touched Ziah's cheek.

Stepping closer, the de Martel male allowed himself to smile against Ziah, eyes glazed over."What would I do without you, my sunshine?"

Ziah watched him for a moment before his mouth curved up despite the fact that Tristan didn't look into his eyes as he said it. Tristan, unlike Ziah and Aurora, wasn't used to being soft with his words, he only did that with his sister, but Ziah was more than a lingering thought in his mind.

"Tristan..."

Ziah reached out, hand over Tristan's heart, looking quite pleased as he felt the racing heartbeat against his palm. The other man flinched at the touch, still not used to be touched lovingly by anyone else but his sister. He never let anyone come close to touching distance that he didn't deem worthy. He calmed, however when Ziah's hand made its way upwards, brushing against his jawline before the hand settled on the back of his neck.

"You won't have to find out."Ziah's eyes flickered over Tristan's features before he shook his head."I'm yours."

Tristan finally looked up and met Ziah's gaze, breathing labored as his hazel orbs clouded. Tristan stepped closer to Ziah with a ghost of a smile.

"You are, aren't you?"

Tristan's eyes darkened when Ziah nodded and, without warning, he leaned forward and met Ziah's lips with his own. He stood still for a long moment, allowing himself time to someone else's body against his own despite having repeated similar embraces before. Tristan processed the nearness and, suddenly tugging on Ziah, he pulled the other man against him, mouth pressing firmer against Ziah's.

Ziah regained his footing and collected himself, not wanting to push the moment, as Tristan's shifted and cupped the back of his head. Ziah slowly started to respond to the kiss when the other man, after pulling away for air, muttered a demand against his lips before claiming Ziah again. When Ziah's response become more ardent, Tristan's eyes closed and he keenly deepened their kiss, hands clutching at the other man.

As the pair became more engrossed with one another, they failed to notice the door open and were oblivious to the other presence in the room as Tristan's fingers interlocked in his tunic, pulling the other man closer.

Nothing else existed.

Until a voice was heard.

"Lord T-Tristan..."They heard a nervous voice stutter followed by a knock on the door. "I apologize, I did not mean-Oh!"

The two men opened their eyes, quickly pulling away from one another, both panicking. Tristan, as composed as ever despite the situation, calmly turned around to see Lucien standing in the doorframe with a shocked expression on his face.

"Lord Ziah?"

"They were having an affair."

"Yes, the notorious Lord Tristan de Martel was having an affair with a man."The vampire gave held out his hands with a small chuckle."What a scandal!"

His laughter soon grew faint, his smile fading and his eyebrows knitting together as he remembered Ziah's worry, his usual carefree smile replaced by alarm as he feared being executed. Lucien stared through the humans, Camille and Vincent disappearing as he thought back to Ziah, his childhood friend, pleading for his aid. Lucien blinked when Camille shifted in her chair and leaned back against his own, hands meeting in front of him once more almost defensively.

Camille and Vincent watched Lucien, eager to know more.

"What happened?"

"As you can imagine, those kinds of dalliances were more than taboo a thousand years ago. Unlike today you were seen as a barbarian and beheaded. Such judgment should not be stood for."Lucien shook his head, looking down at the crime scene photos before he suddenly smiled, looking back at them."I suppose the greatest thing about being a vampire is the freedom it grants you."

Lucien closed the file and nudged it aside with his elbow.

"But, such behavior wouldn't have been accepted by the Count, he would've killed both of them without a second thought."Lucien shook his head as he rapped his fingers against the top of the table, another smile growing."And being caught, especially by myself, was Tristan's worst nightmare because he knew that I finally had something against him."

Camille leaned forward, growing more curious."So he did what?"

"Well, he would've killed me."Lucien honestly answered with a small shrug, a glimmer of bitterness in his dark eyes at the mention of Tristan. When Camille raised a questioning eyebrow, the vampire rolled his eyes and explained."Ziah promised Tristan that he would deal with me in his own way. I suppose Tristan knew that he'd lost the moral high ground and was, for the first time in his life unable to gain the upper hand.

"What did Ziah do?"

"Nothing."Lucien simply answered.

Vincent gave a puzzled look."What?"

"Unlike Tristan, Ziah earned respect by giving it and, despite our stations in life, he was benevolent with me. He and I were close as children; he knew I wouldn't condemn him for falling in love."Lucien quietly said as he thought back to all the times he had watched Aurora but never having the power to do anything about it."Ziah's only crime was falling in love with Tristan de Martel."

Lucien trailed off, looking away from the two humans, refusing to let them see the bitterness in his eyes as he remembered what happened.

"So, instead of sending me to my death, he made me vow to never tell anyone and, in return, he would try and aid me in obtaining what I desired most..."A flicker of vulnerability appeared in Lucien's eyes and his voice was somewhat harsh as he finally added."Aurora's heart."

Camille watched as Lucien's jaw clenched and she leaned forward."Why do I sense that's not the end of the story?"

Vincent made a sound of agreement, offering Lucien a hostile smile."You haven't gotten to the part where The Joker scars come in."

Lucien shook his head with a far too cheerful laugh, tutting at the humans.

"It wasn't just the scars that knocked me for six..."Lucien began as his eyes darkened with resentment as he allowed himself to think of the event that was still vivid in his mind."It was the fact that someone I trusted, someone I considered a friend committed the ultimate betrayal."

1002 A.D

Aurora hummed to herself as she paced around her bedroom, eventually slipping into a small alcove near the door and she smiled to herself when she felt fingers run up her back, making her skin tingle. She turned around, eyes turning lighter when she gazed into the bright blue orbs of Klaus who stared down at her with a smile.

"You took long enough, my love..."

Klaus smiled at the redhead, hand cupping her cheek."Forgive me. Elijah called a family meeting..."

Aurora gasped when he wrenched her close, the vampire smiling as she caressed his cheek with her hand.

Klaus then quickly cupped the back of her head and kissed her, flipping them, so she was pressed against the nearby wall as their kiss quickly turned passionate. Klaus and Aurora deepened their kiss, Klaus' hands grasping her thighs underneath her nightwear. Her hands ran down his chest, stopping just above his belt and she began to pull at it.

Suddenly, a horrified voice stopped them.

"No..."

Klaus and Aurora broke away from one another, turning their heads to see a heartbroken Lucien standing just a few meters from them.

Klaus pulled away from Aurora, his smile falling and he turned to Lucien. Upset that his friend had caught them, Klaus offered Lucien an apologetic look.

"You were not meant to see this."

Lucien, eyes filled with angry tears, made his way over Klaus and pointed at him angrily."I trusted you!"

Aurora gave a panicked look and rushed over to them, pushing them apart with a shake of her head.

"Quiet!"She softly demanded, glancing at the entrance with a fearful look."I'm meant to be in prayer! If anyone finds you here-"

"It's too late."Klaus whispered, hearing footsteps with his sensitive ears and shook his head."The guards are coming."

"My handmaids must have seen him enter."Aurora replied, turning around to face Klaus with a worried expression."If the guards know, then Tristan himself will be alerted."

She gave a fearful gasp, but he grabbed her hands and held them carefully. Lucien watched, his eyes filling with more tears and he turned from them, shaking his head.

"I will deal with them."

"No."Aurora shook her head once more, pleading."No, Niklaus, he is my brother!"

Lucien turned back to them, his heartbreak switching to anger as he looked at them. He pointed to Klaus with a disgusted cry, hands shaking.

"Do you think he cares?"Lucien angrily asked Aurora, gesturing to Klaus who frowned. Lucien's face softened as he looked at Aurora."Do you not know what manner of men you are with? He is a beast!"

Klaus, close to losing his temper, pointed at Lucien in frustration and stepped closer to him. Lucien, seeing the angry look in Klaus' eyes, backed up as much as he can.

"Lucien, my friend-"

Lucien pushed Klaus away from him, shouting."We are not friends!"

All of a sudden, a pair of footsteps alerted them, and the three turned around, relaxing when their eyes landed on Ziah. The man gave a puzzled look as he made his way over to them, confused why Aurora would risk Tristan's brutal temper.

The brunette frowned as he neared the three, stopping beside Lucien.

"What is this?"He asked Lucien, frowning in worry when the other man turned to him with a heartbroken look."Lucien?"

His childhood friend angrily pointed to Klaus."I thought he was my friend."

"Oh, no."Ziah's eyes widened in realization, and he shook his head, mouth downturning before he turned to Aurora."Aurora, you haven't-"

"Ziah-"

"Tristan will kill them both for even being in here!"Ziah quietly hissed, looking to the exit as he tried to make sense of what was happening.

"Ziah, i cannot let Tristan see this. Help me."Aurora begged her childhood friend with wide eyes, hands meeting in front of her."You know what will happen if Tristan catches Niklaus and Lucien in here."

The brunette let his eyes flicker between the two other men, glowering a little at Klaus before he sighed, backing towards the exit.

"Get out of here, the both of you. I'll handle Lucien."Ziah guided a heartbroken Lucien away, gesturing for Aurora to leave."On you go before your brother comes!"

Giving her friend a grateful smile, Aurora desperately grabbed Klaus' hand again and tried to pull him away towards the window. Klaus followed but not before offering Lucien a remorseful hand only for it to be pushed away by Ziah who glowered at the Original.

"You have done enough!"

"Go! Now, please! "Aurora pulled at Klaus who was frowning at Ziah warningly, distracting the Original."By the window, the same as you came."

Devastated as he witnessed Klaus touch Aurora's cheek, Lucien collapsed onto the floor and sobbed while Ziah turned around to leave. He called out to Lucien as backed away though he didn't turn around to look at him. Klaus shook his head at himself as he headed for the window, looking back one last time before he disappeared as Aurora rushed back into her bedchambers.

Ziah turned when he didn't hear Lucien following and turned to see Lucien on the ground.

"Lucien, follow me!"

Ziah grew even more worried as he heard shouting and he rushed over to Lucien and got onto his knees in front of him.

"I thought he was my friend."Lucien sobbed, tears running down his face as he tilted his head up to meet Ziah's eyes."He stole her. Nik stole the love of my life."

"I know, my old friend, and I want nothing more than for her to change her mind but this isn't the time."Ziah replied in a hushed tone, taking Lucien's shaking hands in his own."We must leave."

Ziah squeezed Lucien's hands in a comforting manner before he tried to pull the other man to his feet. Lucien was no help; it seemed as if he had given up on everything, even his own life.

"Lucien, we must go!"Ziah pleaded with the servant, not wanting him to get punished for something he had no part in."There is no time."

Before Lucien could respond, the sound of marching was heard, and Ziah drew in a long breath. He turned just in time to see Tristan entering into the room with two armed guards. The de Martel looked around threateningly, fists by his sides.

"What is h-"

The de Martel cut himself off as he turned, eyes landing on Ziah and Lucien sitting on the ground, their hands locked together. Ziah shook his head as he slowly removed his hands from Lucien's but remained close, shaking his head at Tristan.

Tristan's face paled, and his eyes turned almost black with anger. He sneered at Lucien who, while fearful, didn't dare to make a move.

"YOU!"

Tristan shifted from foot to foot, shaking his head as he reached down and pulled Ziah to his feet

"Tristan, do not-"

Tristan silenced Ziah with a furious yell as he pointed to the guards then at Lucien.

"Take him. Take him now!"

"AHHHH! AHHHH! AHHHHHHHH!"

Lucien, who was bound by his wrists in the dungeons of the de Martel castle, screamed in agonizing pain while Tristan viciously whipped him across his back. Tristan lingered for a moment to observe the bloody sight, smirking as Lucien sobbed in pain.

"Please, My Lord, show mercy!"

Tristan harshly laughed as he circled the other man."As you well know, Lucien, I am not a merciful man."

"What you saw was not right, My Lord."Lucien panted for air as he desperately tried to appeal to the other man."The Lord Ziah was merely attempting to comfort me."

"Oh, I know."Tristan laughed, fingers running along the handle of the whip that was stained with blood..The Lord Ziah is an elitist, he would never lower himself to the likes of you."

Lucien swallowed thickly, heart racing against his ribcage as he inhaled and exhaled."Then, if I am allowed to ask, why are you punishing me, My Lord?"

"Because you seek to use what you saw the other night against me. You attempt to get close to Ziah in an attempt to turn him against me, therefore gaining his attention which would give you the chance at the life he lives. A life of wealth and importance."

"My Lord, you are wrong."Lucien shook his head, eyes heavy with exhausion."I vowed never to speak of what I saw and I never will-"

"What you saw, what you heard was meant for Ziah and Ziah alone."Tristan spat as he whipped Lucien again, making the other man cry out in agony which made Tristan smirk."What we have, you cretin, may be prohibited but is something that you will never understand. It is...unique."

"My Lord, I vow that I will never speak-"

The de Martel reached out and grasped Lucien's chin with his fingers."Do you honestly think you had a chance to win his heart?"

"I never said I did, My Lord. I do not feel for The Lord Ziah the way you assume."

Tristan's smile fell and Lucien swallowed thickly at the dark look in Tristan's eyes.

"Are you implying that he is unworthy of your love?"

"N-No, My Lord."Lucien stuttered, shaking his head wildly."I merely imply that what you and Ziah have is-"

Tristan snarled as he got to his feet, walking back around the other male.

"Talking, talking, all this talking!"Tristan sing songed."If I must suffer because of it, so shall you."

Lucien gripped the restraints around his wrists as hard as he could to stop himself from screaming out as Lucien whipped his back again, which was bloodied and raw.

He suddenly cried out, unable to stop himself, and he screamed so loud it echoed off of the walls.

"Why torture a loyal servant? I'm sure this is all a misunderstanding."

"One that remains outside your concern."Tristan replied in a cold manner before pointing at himself."As son of the Count, I may discipline staff as I see fit. Should you take issue, then I'll need to remind you that you are a guest."

Tristan turned around, returning to whipping Lucien but Klaus, unable to bear to watch his friend being tortured, grabbed Tristan by the arm and stopped him.

"Step away from him! Now."

Tristan, panting from exertion, looked at Klaus in amusement.

"I know what you are."Tristan sneered at the Original, gripping the whip tightly as he sauntered over to them."Our house servants speak of demons hunting in the night. I, myself, interviewed one such maiden. Quite pretty. Thus far, the only survivor of these attacks."

Klaus and Elijah shared a shocked look but quickly collected themselves, both glowering at the human.

"I asked what manner of creature had hunted her. She said she was certain it was the Lord Kol, but with the face of a beast."Elijah sighed at Tristan's words, silently cursing his brother and Tristan, seeing Elijah's worry, gave a smirk."Your entire family sought refuge here, claiming to be noblemen, when, in fact, you are fiends. I can only surmise that you are hiding, which means you're afraid. Somewhere out there, something is even more savage than you."

Elijah looked worried, but Klaus, infuriated, grabbed Tristan in a choke-hold, causing him to gasp in shock and pain as Klaus' vampire-face came forward.

"This is not going to be pleasant."

"Do so at your peril."Tristan said as he gasped for breath."But, should any misfortune befall me, know that I have instructed my fastest riders to spread word of your presence here. Whomever seeks you would most certainly hear the news."

Klaus snarled at the younger male, squeezing his throat, causing Elijah to step forward.

"Niklaus, release him."

Klaus continued to squeeze Tristan's throat, but Elijah placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Please."

Finally, after a moment, Klaus let Tristan go, albeit reluctantly, and blinked away his red vampire eyes. Tristan gave them both a smug look as he recovered, holding his arms out as if he were silently offering peace..

"See? We're not so different after all. You wish to protect your family. I wish to protect mine."Tristan smirked, turning away from them and he headed back toward Lucien, who was still suspended by his wrists from the walls on each side of him."This cretin needs to learn his station in life. As do you, Niklaus. Everything in my home belongs to me as does whoever else Lucien had his eye on."

Tristan pulled a knife out of his belt and grabbed Lucien by the hair, yanking his head back.

"Do not touch what belongs to me."Tristan hissed into Lucien's ear.

Lucien gasped in fear, and both Elijah and Klaus watched in horror as Tristan sliced Lucien's mouth from ear to ear.

"AHHH!"Lucien screamed in agony, eyes filling with tears."AHHHHHH!"

Tristan stood with a smug smirk, watching as Lucien sobbed.

"Even after all these years, you continue to reenact your trauma."

Camille seemed almost sympathetic as she thought about Lucien's backstory, piecing the situation together in her mind."You're choosing victims who are the contemporary equivalent of the privileged son who hurt you."

Vincent smiled to himself behind his hands that he was resting against his chin, looking somewhat proud of Camille as he watched Lucien. Lucien was anything but pleased, he narrowed his eyes in offense at Camille. The vampire sitting across from them scoffed to himself before he shook his head, sitting upright in his chair.

Lucien's jaw tightened as his hands met in front of him, their reaction not what he wanted no expected.

"I now understand why you still carry out drinks instead of professional advice. Perhaps your degree is meritless."Lucien calmly suggested with a hint of annoyance in his eyes, lips curving up as Camille swallowed, quickly breaking eye contact, a flash of hurt in her eyes."Perhaps Detective Kinney might catch the real killer if he sought out a professional."

"All right, just calm down."Vincent held out a hand in front of Camille, glowering at Lucien."There is no need for that."

"That sentiment should go both ways."Lucien retorted with a threatening tone, baring his teeth with a smile."I share a deeply personal tale of woe, one meant to garnish sympathy and inspire kinship, yet all you take away is an admission of guilt."

Vincent leaned forward, not buying Lucien's story or the fact that he claimed that he was innocent.

Vincent tapped the case file on the table for emphasis."Messed-up new guy comes to town, messed-up new guy is responsible for murders."

"Uh, okay."Lucien rolled his eyes, drawing out a long breath in exasperation before, as if he were speaking to a pair of children, slowly and plainly added."Given that you seem incapable of comprehending a sophisticated solution, allow me to posit an equally simple one."

Ignoring Vincent's laugh of disbelief with a shake of his head, Lucien leaned forward, hands meeting in front of him.

"These murders are an attempt to disparage my good name, thus poisoning me against the one person I came here to protect – Niklaus himself."Lucien lingered to watch Camille and Vincent narrow their eyes at him, a glimmer of self-doubt in the blonde's eyes. Lucien nodded curtly, voice lowering and voice firm."Now, if someone wants to weaken my ability to protect Niklaus, perhaps it's because they themselves would like to see him dead?"

The vampire then frowned to himself, fingers itching towards the crime scene pictures and, turning them towards so that he could take another look. Camille and Vincent leaned forward an inch to watch the vampire before Lucien suddenly leaned back against his chair, muttering.

"Or possibly because they cannot get over a little misunderstanding that happened late one night..."

Camille and Vincent shared a confused look but the still also looked just as curious. Both turned back to Lucien who was watching them, looking almost amused but there was a twinge of thoughtfulness in his eyes.

"Misunderst-"Camille cut herself off as she connected the dots, straightening in her chair with a curious look."You think he did this?"

Lucien opened his mouth to reply but before he could utter a word, the door was suddenly roughly kicked open and Klaus angrily marched in with a dark frown. He glanced at Lucien with a warning grown before he made his way over to Camille.

"I'd have thought your time with me would inspire a more careful selection of company you keep."The hybrid leaned down and grabbed her arm, pulling her to her feet firmly."You're leaving."

"No!"Camille attempted to free her arm from Klaus' grip as he pulled her towards the exit."Klaus, he says he knows who the killer is!"

Klaus rolled his eyes as Lucien gave a tight smile before stopping in front of the door, turning around to face the blonde woman. He shook his head with a forced laugh, hand reaching to the side him and holding the door open before it shut.

"Whatever Lucien's said to you today has most certainly been a lie."

"Oh, come on, Nik!"Lucien rolled his eyes, holding out his arms in exasperation, slumping back against his chair and propping his feet upon the table."Why should I lie?"

"For the same reason you lied about avoiding a werewolf bite when Elijah saw it with his own eyes!"Klaus said, walking over to the table and angrily placing his hands on top of it, the table shaking slightly."This ends now."

"We both know that Tristan is the guilty one."

Camille and Vincent watched as Klaus' jaw tightened before he composed himself, hands meeting behind him somewhat casually.

Camille turned to the hybrid with a somewhat accusing look."Did you know who was doing this?"

Klaus turned his head, glancing at his first sired vampire before firmly stating."It is none of your concern, Camille."

"It is my concern if this Tristan guyis scarring the faces of people in my city."Camille swiftly retorted, crossing her arms over her chest after freeing her arm from Klaus."Klaus, tell me, did you-"

"As I said, it is none of your concern because New Orleans is rightfully my city and what takes place on my streets is my business."The Original interrupted, his firm tone slightly raising and his indifferent expression making Camille shift uneasily."But, I can assure you, that i will deal with whoever is daring to threaten the peace I created for my daughter."

Camille scowled at him but she said nothing because of Klaus' resolute expression. The Original cleared his throat as he stepped aside, ambling away from the human. The hybrid made his way back over tot he table and stood across from where Lucien was sitting.

Klaus scowled at Lucien, shaking his head warningly, gripping the back of the chair."I am going to drain you of vervain then ask you a few questions. And, perhaps if i'm feeling sentimental i'll grant you a painless death."

Lucien held his hands up in exasperation, straightening in his chair and tilting his head up so that he could look at Klaus.

"I am not the one you should be threatening, Nik, I am here for you. Tristan is guilty."Lucien firmly stated, straightening in his chair, index finger tapping atop the crime scene photos as he spoke."And considering the threat towards your family, a threat that could wipe out an entire sireline, including Elijah's, your attention should be on him."

Klaus didn't say anything, he just continued to stare at Lucien with an impassive look on his face, but there was a glimmer in his eyes that showed he was considering Lucien's words. The younger male straightened got to his feet, grabbing the file and firmly setting it in front of Klaus.

"You know what Tristan is like, my old friend; he is quite ruthless."

Opening up the file, Lucien looked down at the crime scene photos before pushing them over to Klaus, fanning them out.

"Especially when it comes to his precious sunshine."

Thank you for reading, I hope you liked it.

If you would like to see more of this story, please leave a review.