AN: Thank you for all your kind words and for reading this story. I apologize for the delay, but I had a group project due today.

January 1st

The few rays of sunshine penetrating the windows finally managed to awaken Klaus after a very long night of restless sleep. He was still unsure of how he felt about the young vampire coming to New Orleans as well as about the revelation of Camille knowing his deepest secret, the one thing he was unable to share with her despite the many years they have spent together. His night was full of memories, memories he tried to repress for more than half a century.

During the night Klaus also realized that he was indeed ready, that Cami, as per usual, was right. Having had entered a relationship a century ago, they would have kept hurting each other. She was too young, too innocent on so many levels for them to have worked out. Everything that had happened was too recent, all the hurt and pain he had caused her. Sure, they would have gotten back together from time to time, but it would have not been a healthy relationship. He was right to leave when he did, that is the one thing he is sure of. For the same reason he allowed Hope to travel the world and to fall in love. It took him everything to stop himself from killing every guy that ever put his sight on his beautiful baby girl, but after seeing what his actions have done to Rebekah and after being able to let Caroline go, he knew that he had to do the same in regards to Hope. His daughter was allowed to experience the beauty and the joy that the worlds has to offer.

In order not to waste more time reflecting, Klaus quickly got up and rushed to have a shower. There was a long day ahead of him and if what all his instincts were telling him was indeed real then he had a few things to take care of first. It was long overdue. Klaus knew what he had to do and was certain of his choices so after his shower he quickly retrieved his phone and called the right person who could help him, the one person left in the quarter that he trusted the most - Marcel, his old protégée.

"Marcel! Gather all you men and come by the house. Be here in 15 minutes." Klaus quickly said into the phone before even saying hello to his friend.

"Why hello Klaus. Good morning to you too!" Said Marcel slightly mocking his saviour and friend. "See you soon" He added before hanging up. Under normal circumstances Marcel would have been annoyed by the tone Klaus used with him or even wondered if his old self was coming back now that Camille was no longer around, but the urgency he heard in Klaus's tone told him to bite his tongue and do as he was told.

15 minutes later at the Mikaelson estate

"Good, you are all here. Thank you for coming on such a short notice." Klaus said while looking at Marcel and his men who were gathered around in a circle in front of him.

"I am sure you are all wondering why you have been summoned here, especially today, on the first day of the New Year. Before you worry, no there is not a new war coming" trust Klaus to always have war on his mind at any given time, before adding in a much softer tone that no one except Marcel was able to hear "even though some might say it is."

"The reason I asked you here today is not a common one and I assure you it never happen again. Because this is a special request I want to assure you that you are free to leave if you so wish, without any repercussion." Klaus allowed his men a few moments to consider whether they wanted to leave or not. No one did; not because they feared Klaus, even though they cannot all say that they did not, but because they owed their lives to the man standing in front of them, he is the one that together with his family managed to put a stop to the war between the supernatural beings of New Orleans.

"What is this all about Klaus?" Marcel could not help himself but ask as it was quite unusual for his friend to beat around the bush, he was not known for delaying the inevitable.

"It is time to allow some light to enter this house, so do what you must, change the drapes, the tapestry everything you want. I want everything to be new and brighter, it is time to let go of the darkness. Everything on this floor has to be replaced, but do not dare touch the upper floor and make sure it is done by tonight."

"Yes boss." The men said in unison and hurried to leave before one of them would open their mouth to ask if their boss has finally lost his mind, for good this time.

The one men that stayed behind was Marcel as he could not understand why the sudden change in Klaus, he had never seen him like this in all the hundreds of years they had known each other, plus he could not help but think about Klaus' silent comment.

Klaus could not longer stand the stare that Marcel was throwing his way.

"Say what you have to say already Marcellus." Klaus said to his friend slightly annoyed.

"Have you finally gone insane? What brought on this change? Don't tell me you, the big bad wolf, created a list of resolutions for the New Year? Marcel asked laughing. He honestly did not mean to as he knew that would annoy Niklaus, but he could not help himself. The thought was simply too amusing and the occasion to actually make fun of Klaus was rare.

"Of course not, don't be an idiot."

"Then help me understand why you just sent all my men to buy flowers and fabric. You are not Rebekah or Hope." Marcel added not wanting to bring up Camille's name as that was still a sore topic.

"I don't have to explain myself to you or anyone else but if you must know, thing are about to change around here. It has been long enough now since the war ended, since …" Klaus could not bring himself to finish the sentence. It was one thing thinking about Camille in private and a completely different one talking about her with someone else.

"I understand" Marcel said quietly while thinking about his old lover. He could deny it, but the truth was that he also missed having her around. They grew close in time, she was one of his closest friends and somehow even Klaus was okay with it, but he knew not to push his luck and mention her.

The most logical thing would have been for Marcel to start thinking about Hope or Rebekah, but for some reason he thought of one event that occurred over 100 years ago; the first time he had seen Klaus in a good mood right after he moved to New Orleans. It was ridiculous, he knew that, as until now Marcel had almost forgotten about the existence of a blonde baby vampire born and raised in Mystic Falls. He never discussed her with Klaus or anyone else really, but after the Mikaelsons returned to NOLA he had them investigated and sent some of his men up to Virginia to find out more about the Originals' life there. All his men have ever been able to find was the existence of a young woman that none loved more than Klaus. He tried to keep track of her for a while, but after seeing Klaus becoming more and more serious with Camille he stopped.

"It cannot be" Marcel muttered under his breath, still deep in thought.

"Did you say something, Marcellus?"

"No, nothing Klaus, just ignore me." Klaus decided to let it go, however he was becoming slightly suspicious. That was definitely one thing about him that had not changed, but no one can live a thousand years without being too careful.

—-

Some hours later Klaus' army of men were finally done with the rearrangement of the house, however there was still no sign of her. It was getting dark outside and Klaus was left all alone to his thoughts. He was starting to convince himself that his loneliness was what caused him to be so certain of something, after so many years on Earth he learnt not to rely on feelings, but something told him that this time it was the truth, he never, not once in his entire, long life felt life this before. He should have considered that it was all a trick, that now that he was alone someone would try and strike. He refrained from throwing the huge vase of pink flowers sitting on the foyer table to the floor and instead he angrily directed his steps towards his art studio as he felt like he needed to lose some steam, however as he was about to climb the stairs of the mansion he felt like something inside him was on fire and he suddenly stopped. She was near.

TBC

AN: I apologize again for the delay, hopefully I will be able to get the next chapter out soon, if not you should expect it by next Sunday. After that I will update more often, however I have my last exam next Friday, which sadly requires my full attention. Please read and review, I accept guest comments as well! If you have any questions do not hesitate to get in touch!