Esther Mikaelson ushered in a blonde Maleny into her home and sat down the young blonde down on a chair, "Stay still," Esther warned as she hurried to a table filled with many herbs and ingredients of types.
"I was not planning on leaving," Maleny assured as she scratched her wrist frantically.
Once Esther saw her she shouted and scolded, "Maleny, stop scratching! You will only make it worse."
"A tree poisoned me, how much worse can it really get?" Maleny challenged unintentionally as she was continued scratching. Her wrist and the area immediately above it was turning red and bumpy with a rash.
Esther ignored the question as she finished looking through the herbs on the table, "I don't have it," she concluded with a frustrated huff, "I have to go get it from the forest."
"That long?" Maleny sighed, "Esther, this is really irritating me. It hurts!"
"Perhaps if you had listened to my instructions we would not be in this situation in the first place," Esther wagged a finger at the girl as she went for a small basket just by the door.
"I listened..." Maleny weakly argued but even she didn't believe it.
"You used to listen all the time, what happened to you?"
"I do not know..." Maleny sheepishly looked down, not that it covered her blush.
Esther shook her head, knowing very well her children had something to do with the progressive alteration of Maleny's once obedient personality, "I shall be back. In the meantime, stay in here and dab some water over it."
"Just hurry, please."
Esther opened the door and hurried on out. Maleny sighed and got up from her chair to go for the water. She went around and found a cloth then went straight for the water Esther had for her family across the room. She bent down and dipped the cloth into the water, ignoring how cold it was as best she could. She pulled the cloth out and after removing the excess water gently dabbed it over the growing rash.
"Cold!" she exclaimed for the first couple of seconds before the temperature settled.
A couple minutes later, the door re-opened and in came Rebekah and Klaus chattering among each other. Maleny quickly rose to her feet and his her arms behind her back.
"Mal, what are you doing here?" Rebekah was the first to ask, however Klaus thought of the most important question instead.
"Why are you hiding your arms from us?"
Maleny coughed awkwardly and looked down, "...no reason."
Klaus rolled her eyes, Maleny could not lie to save her life. Her innocent face gave her up, "What did you do?" he went up to her and while she did her best to stand against him he easily pulled her arms in front of her.
"It was all Rebekah's fault!" she quickly accused.
Rebekah scowled and made her innocence known, "I wasn't even there, how could it have been my fault?"
"Because you told me that the red bush was not poisonous and that it in fact gave you a pleasant scent instead."
"And you chose to listen to her?" Klaus laughed and ended up being glared at, "I mean...nope, this is sort of your fault too."
Rebekah smirked at Maleny with triumph, "You should have paid attention," was all she said before turning and walking out of the place.
Irritated with him, Maleny snatched her hands from Klaus and returned to the water, "I thought you were supposed to defend me when I was right."
"But...you were not exactly right..." Klaus debated if he truly wanted to get into a real argument with her about something so petty. He was always getting himself into trouble but that wasn't really what he wanted to with Maleny. He rolled his eyes and quietly exhaled, "I am sorry, you are definitely right. This was all Rebekah's fault."
Maleny stopped with the cloth and looked at him, unimpressed, "You are such a liar. You just don't want me to be upset with you."
"That may very well be true," Klaus gave a nonchalant shrug which made her roll her eyes.
"If you really want me to be happy again make this better," she held out her arm for him.
Klaus took a look at the arm with a face then decided he would try a different tactic. Maleny yelped as she felt his arms go around her waist, "What are you doing!? Your mother is going to be back-"
"Don't talk about my mother, please," Klaus pretended to shiver which made her laugh. He cut off her laughter with a kiss, and a second one, and a third one...
"Seriously," Maleny pulled away, partially forgetting what she was arguing for again with the daze, "Esther said she would be back..." but she was promptly kissed again, "...I hate you," she murmured seconds later.
Klaus pulled away only to say, "I think it's the opposite, love," and smirk.
Maleny playfully narrowed her eyes, "You and your siblings corrupt me," she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled her down to her lips for another kiss.
Maleny's eyes snapped open and immediately looked around. She was in her bed, still clearly in her dress from last night but with a blanket over her. Slowly, she sat up and thought of everything, from last night to her dream. She touched her messy hair in wild tangles and looked down at her dress.
"Ah, you're awake now," Klaus strolled into the room holding a paint jar in his hand. It was then that Maleny noticed a canvas set across her room by the window.
"You're...painting...in my room?" Maleny blinked with mild surprise, "Why are you in my room again?"
"The correct term was 'good morning'," Klaus pointed at her while setting down his paint jar on a nearby table, "Also, may I suggest a shower? You've got some, uh..." he mimicked the status of her hair.
At that, Maleny reached for a pillow and threw it at him, "Shut up!"
Unfortunately for her, Klaus was quick and caught the pillow, "Funny, don't recall you being so hostile in the mornings. Then again, we were in good moods in the mornings prior-"
He received another pillow that managed to get the side of his face. An irritated Maleny got out of bed and marched up to him, "Shut up! Just shut up, alright? You don't get to 'remind' me of 'our mornings'. What the hell are you doing in my room? And why are you painting in my room?"
"One, because the sunlight is just right," Klaus pointed at the window, "Two, because I wanted to make sure everything was fine with you. Happy?"
Maleny couldn't settle with the idea for some reason, "You just decided to care today?"
"I decided that since last night," Klaus corrected, "Or did you forget that with all the drinks you've had?" but Maleny pointed at him with a face that spelled doom, even for him, "Would you mind explaining to me the origins of your injuries?" Klaus pointed to Maleny's injured arm, making the brunette quickly hide her arm behind her back, "It's too late, love, I've already seen it."
Maleny rolled her eyes, "It was nothing..."
"If it was nothing then you would not have hidden it with makeup. Who did it?"
"It's not important. What is important, however, is finding out who tried killing me last night so I can kill them. Now, get out," she pointed at the opened doors.
"I'm not finished yet," Klaus frowned and gestured to his painting which wasn't quite at view for Maleny yet.
"I don't care," Maleny waved a hand, "I want to get changed. Finish your stupid painting later. Go," any other person Klaus would've chucked across the room, but he had to admit the attitude suited Maleny quite right. Maleny was growing more irritated with the silent hybrid in front of her, "C'mon, go!" she pointed.
Klaus raised his hands in defeat (for the moment) and left the room. Maleny went after him and shut the door, leaning against it and taking a breath. Her eyes flickered to the unfinished painting ahead and slowly approached it. There was an unfinished figure prominent in the center, the background that of a bright, green forest. She moved away from it and started getting her clothes out while simultaneously pushing away that 'dream' (memory) from her mind.
It just made things awkward.
~ 0 ~
The first thing Maleny saw when she exited her room was Genevieve and Elijah down in the courtyard, the ginger trying to of course get something out of him.
"La Fête des Bénêdictions. Feast of the Blessings. In the past, members of the community offered witches gifts in exchange for blessings. We'd like to use it as a forum for introducing our young Harvest girls to society," the ginger was telling her compelling argument.
Elijah, however, didn't seem so convinced, "So your coven attempted to destroy my family- and you yourself held my siblings in unspeakable torment- and you would like a party for the witches?"
"I made my amends with your brother. Why don't you think it over?" with that, Genevieve turned and left the compound.
"Oh she is up to something," Maleny spoke up and leaned on the rails, "I wouldn't trust her."
"Mal," Elijah turned and looked up, "How are you doing?"
"Ah, post-poisoning isn't that bad," Maleny shrugged and stood straight, her finger tapping on the rails, "Course it does help when you have vampires around to cure you with some blood. Speeds it up."
"No one seems to know how that poison got into your glass," Elijah sighed, "But I am still looking into it, don't worry."
"I already told Klaus who I think it was, but he still seems unbelieving. I'm gonna get to the bottom of it. And then, let there be blood."
"I'm not sure I'm liking that talk," Elijah frowned, that really wasn't like Maleny.
"Elijah, those people are out to kill me. If they succeed then I lose my memories and begin anew all over again, in some new century or whatever," Maleny scowled, "and I will not allow that. I'm as closest as I've ever been and I won't lose that."
That, she swore.
~ 0 ~
Later in the day, Maleny met up with Riley in the streets and quickly conversed over the matters of the previous night. Since he'd left early to tend to the boundary spell of Kieran, he'd missed a couple things Maleny thought he should know about.
"So you have no idea who put the poison in your glass? No leads?" Riley looked at Maleny with concern, "Mal, this is dangerous. You shouldn't be exposing yourself out here like this."
"No stupid poison is gonna lock me up," Maleny waved him off, less than scared,"If anything, it'll get me motivated and moving."
"But Mal-"
Maleny saw he was not going to give up and so changed the topic, "So did you get the boundary spell working with uncle Kieran?"
"Yeah, it's all set. And, I should warn you that his moods will get more and more rowdy. Please be careful," Riley warned.
"And you haven't found anything to help him with the curse?"
"At the moment, no. But hey, I heard Davina got her magic again. Maybe she'll help now too."
"Davina got her magic?" Maleny blinked as a smile spread across her face, "That's great! Oh, I should go see her! Genevieve isn't around there, is she? Really don't feel like seeing her twice in a day, that's two times more than needed."
Riley laughed, "I think she won't be there."
"Good, then I'll go see right now, but first, we have to talk," Maleny stopped and turned to him, "I sort of had a little talk with Elijah and he kind of made me promise that I wouldn't go into the witches' territory until everything was safer."
"He forced you?" Riley scowled, "Mal, that doesn't sound very fair. Did you agree?"
"I know Elijah is just doing it to keep me safe. And since he has a lot on his plate I figured I could do this one thing," Maleny shrugged, really not minding it.
"But he's like imposing on you these rules and-"
"It's not a big deal," Maleny chuckled, "I mean, at first, I was a bit pissed off too but then I realized he was just trying to help. So, the arrangement is I won't go into the witches' territory but you and Davina are free to stop by the compound any time you want."
"Well I guess if I want to keep seeing you then I'll have to abide by them," Riley flashed a smile as he reached for Maleny's hand, something Maleny wasn't quite comfortable with. She didn't want to be rude though so she allowed him the gesture. But truthfully she didn't understand why it was so uncomfortable.
~ 0 ~
"Here you go, oh, and take these," Davina finished handing over the last bunches of roses to Maleny.
They were in the greenhouse of the witch's territory, a place Maleny didn't like visiting so often. She knew Elijah had made a compromise with her but she supposed one little slip wouldn't be so bad. Besides, she had to tell Davina of the new arrangement. As soon as Maleny had walked in, she found the room covered in roses. Davina had apparently conjured them up as a sly way to get back at Monique who'd been rude to her over the last month. But now Davina didn't know what to do with all the roses!
"Davina, I can't carry all this," Maleny had to dump the load of roses on a small round table, "Maybe we'll get a bag or something."
"Sorry, sorry," Davina stopped moving around and plonked down at the centered table, "Okay, so now that we're back in business, the curse..."
"No, Davina," Maleny took the seat across her with a small smile, "You should take it easy, you know. Do small spells, not jump into a century-old curse. I can wait."
Davina smiled, "I've had enough lounging around, I'm ready to get back in action. I'm done letting people push me around, like Monique. If I can solve this curse on my own then the witches will have to respect me."
"Ah, so you're using me," Maleny teased as she rested an elbow on the table and her cheek on her hand, "Well, good, now we're even, cos I'm using you to get my body back."
"And I'll crack the spell, trust me!"
"Riley's been trying that but he's had no success," Maleny sighed and rubbed the side of her head.
Davina gave a brief nod, not too pleased to hear that. She was aware of the new friend Maleny made and to be honest she wasn't on board with it, "Where'd you say he came from?" Davina suddenly questioned her, kind of startling Maleny with the change of topic.
"Why...?"
"Cos, I don't know," Davina looked to the side with a face that told Maleny she indeed knew something.
"Davina, what is it?"
Davina sighed and looked at Maleny, "Well, it's just that...you know my story, I haven't had the best relationship with the witches here. I find it difficult to believe that this guy you met only a month ago is like your confidant."
"Riley's earned my trust," Maleny gave a nonchalant shrug, seeing no reason to doubt Riley, "He's been there for this entire month that I've felt lonely."
Davina made a face, "Are you and him...?" she made a sway of her head to gesture relationship and Maleny quickly shook her head.
"No, absolutely not. We're just friends!"
"Okay, but...if you were I wouldn't be opposed to it," Davina lightly, "It'd be a step up, actually."
"Hey," Maleny feigned offense and made Davina laugh.
"I'm just saying," Davina pretended to dust off her side of the table, preferring to stay quiet about her thoughts of Maleny's previous relationships, "Anyways, I was thinking that maybe an old spell book could help us in this curse."
"You think a book would have the answer?" Maleny raised an eyebrow, "Cos I don't have one, and if I did have a book in the past, I'm sure it's long gone by now."
"Maybe, maybe not," Davina tried to look on the positive side, "Cos you're from the olden world and you were a witch. You said your mother had a spell book that Esther Mikaelson taught you with."
"Yeah, she combined it with her own spells. But that book must be dust by now," Maleny shrugged.
"No," Davina wagged a finger, "You disappeared from your original home, leaving all your things behind. Now, if it's true that Klaus was so in love with you," she rolled her eyes at that idea, "do you really think he would burn all your things?"
Maleny blinked as the idea Davina was getting at ran through her own mind, "Well, I...I suppose not..."
"Exactly," Davina leaned forwards on the table with a smirk, "Meaning that hybrid has to have your spell book hidden somewhere. And we can use him to give it up."
"Well, I don't like the idea of using him," Maleny admitted, shifting under the odd look Davina gave her, "I mean, if he does have it then he would give it back if I just asked."
"Just like that?" Davina scoffed, "Have you met him?"
"As a matter of fact, I have," Maleny nodded with assurance, startling Davina for a moment, "and he would too give it to me if I asked. Do not forget he and I have had several relationships in the past."
"Don't remind me," Davina shook her head, "You can so do much better."
"Davina he's not as bad as you think he is," Maleny confessed, wearing a small smile across her lips, "I've seen many sides of him. There's layers and those layers are the ones you haven't seen."
"Please don't tell me how you've seen them," Davina waved a hand to motion her disgust. She still could not picture someone like Maleny willingly being with someone like Klaus. That was a mistake, period.
Maleny blushed and looked down at the table, "So," she cleared her throat, "I can ask Klaus about my spell book but I doubt he has it. Elijah has been trying to help me so if he had the book he would have handed it over."
"Maybe because he doesn't even know it exists," Davina shrugged. She didn't think Elijah would hide something that important to Maleny, "Or maybe cos he hasn't found the right witch to give it to yet. I mean, a book that powerful and old has to be given to the perfect witch."
Maleny started getting up from her seat, excited and determined to find that book, "Which is exactly why I'm giving it to you," she pointed at the teenage girl, "If it still exists, then rest assured you'll have it by tomorrow."
Davina smiled and stood up, "Thanks, Mal. I promise I won't let you down."
"I know you won't. Gotta go, then," Maleny backtracked to the exit, "I gotta get back to the compound and start the search. I'll see you tonight though at your festival, apparently. Bye!" as Maleny went down the corridor a crumpled, balled-up, paper appeared in front of her, dropping to her feet.
She looked around for the possible culprit, but there was no one around. It couldn't have been Davina, the letter appeared far too fast and besides, why wouldn't she just call it out instead of writing a letter? It had to be someone else. And so, Maleny reached down and picked up the crumpled ball and started undoing it. As she did, she could tell the writing was not from anyone she knew...until she saw the signature at the bottom of the page. Her eyes looked up and scanned the immediate area, it was no trick.
~ 0 ~
Genevieve was sitting at an outside table of a coffee shop, patiently waiting. She didn't hide the wide smile on her face when she saw Maleny approaching the table, "Right on time," she remarked politely, though sounded utterly fake.
Maleny was in no mood for any games as she sat down across, "Yeah don't feel so special. I'm only here because you said in your letter there was something you could do for my uncle. Now remind me, why are you suddenly so helpful? Cos last night you nearly killed me."
Genevieve rolled her eyes, her polite smile gone from her face, "As I told Elijah, it wasn't me."
"It has to be you. You had perfect motives to do it."
"While I won't deny that, I am going to argue my defense. It wasn't me. Believe me, if I did want to kill you I wouldn't settle for a meek mortal poison," Genevieve scoffed, sounding indignant of the idea, "I'm a witch, I'd be more creative. Besides, there is one particular ancestor that's keen on you staying alive," Maleny raised a questioning eyebrow, "If I kill you then my ultimate punishment would be to die again. You're not that important."
Maleny had to agree with her there, she would never think Genevieve would put her own life at risk for simple revenge. So if it hadn't been Genevieve...who did?
Genevieve knew she'd managed to convince Maleny with her words. She leaned forwards, "But if you ask me, it's clear someone tried pinning it on me. Or, at least tried making it seem like a human did it."
"Why do you say it like that?"
"Look at the facts, humans revenge always involve some kind of useless poisoning and a really smart person would want to throw the blame as far as possible. I'd say you're dealing with a supernatural being. There are three eligible factions here, do your research."
"Well it's complicated because I don't understand why anyone would want to hurt me in the first place," Maleny sighed, forgetting who she was talking to for the moment, "I know only one wolf and about three vampires, all Originals."
"Just because you don't know them doesn't mean they don't know you," Genevieve pointed, "According to your history, you've lived as different people, meeting all kinds of people. Simply because you can't remember them doesn't mean they won't remember you. Take me for example," she grinned, "I remember you."
"Excuse me?" Maleny blinked.
"Maya Sterling, I knew her," Genevieve smirked, knowing she'd completely piqued Maleny's interest now, "Not as a friend but simple acquaintances. You were a witch in search of her powers, couldn't remember why you lost them apparently."
"I don't remember that..."
"Surprise, surprise," Genevieve smirked, "And do you know, before I...died," she gritted her teeth at the memory, "there was a young woman asking for you."
Now that interested Maleny, "Who?"
"Emily Cordera."
"And who's that?" Maleny awaited for a good explanation that would tell her the importance of that random name.
"A witch, clearly," Genevieve rolled her eyes at Maleny's lack of common sense, "But she was one of those witches that came into the city during that year. She had some family here. She asked me who you were and wanted a locator spell on you."
Maleny blinked, "...and you just gave it to her!? Without even knowing what she wanted from me!?"
Genevieve didn't seem as troubled as Maleny was by it, she merely shrugged and flashed a smile, "Maya Sterling was with Klaus and well..."
Maleny narrowed her eyes, seeing the jealousy that could have basically caused one of her previous deaths, "I hate you."
"Nothing I didn't know before!"
Maleny rolled her eyes next, "So did this Emily ever get to me? Did she ever talk to me?"
"No, not that I know of. She arrived just before I died and I have the understanding that the city theater was burned only a month later. I don't know if she had enough time to do what ever she wanted to do."
"Or maybe I just don't remember," Maleny whispered, "You were dead and I have amnesia, meaning there's only three other people, no...four, who could tell me about that woman."
"Who?" it was Genevieve's turn to be curious.
"Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah and even Marcel," Maleny smiled, "And I'm going to do that right now. Look at you being actually useful," Maleny pointed at the ginger sarcastically, even chuckling for a moment, "But now tell me, why exactly did you call me in? I doubt it was to give me this information. What did you want?"
Genevieve looked around before growing earnest in her proposition, "It's no secret you want to know who cursed you and why, but nothing more than to break the curse itself."
"Yeah, thanks, and I have Riley and Davina helping me," Maleny nodded, finding the review nothing but irrelevant.
"But they can't help you," Genevieve spoke faster as she saw she was losing Maleny's interest, "I can."
"You?"
"Yes, me," Genevieve shrugged, "You and me. Because even though we may look young, we've lived far more than they have. You've lived on as different people while I've watched the city over the past century. We've got knowledge that neither Davina nor Riley have."
"So...you want to help me?" Maleny stared at Genevieve with utter confusion, "Nope, sorry, not getting it."
"This may come as a shocker to you, but we have something in common," Genevieve spoke quieter and leaned on the table, "Maleny, you and I have had our lives stolen from us."
"Stolen?" Maleny raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding.
"Yes, stolen," Genevieve nodded, "Rebekah killed me for learning of her trick with Marcel. She stole my life," she whispered and looked down for a moment, "I thought I had a friend, a real friend...but she used me. And when I became a threat, she killed me."
On that part, Maleny could see why Genevieve disliked Rebekah, that had been a cruel trick from the blonde vampire. It was true, Genevieve's life had been stolen from her and that probably could account for some of her craziness. That, however, on no account, meant that she began to like Genevieve.
"And then you, Mal," Genevieve continued.
"Don't call me 'Mal'," Maleny shook her head, no where near being friends with the woman enough to be on nickname basis.
"You were tricked, your powers were taken from you. That's why you can't conjure up your magic, cos most of it was taken. And then came the curse, someone placed the curse on you and stole the days of your life, your memories. Don't you see? We're alike," Genevieve said confidently, "People used us, they stole from us..."
"I don't know if that's what happened to me," Maleny reminded, unsure if she should just believe what Genevieve did.
"Oh c'mon, what else can it be? What? You just gave up your magic?" Genevieve bitterly laughed, "I refuse to believe you're that stupid."
"Hey," Maleny frowned, "I may not have powers like you do but I can, and will, kick your ass."
"Maleny, I know what it's like to have something stolen from you. I can see it in your eyes," Genevieve pointed, "Side with me and I'll help you regain what is yours. Apart from that, there could be a little antidote for your uncle."
"At the cost of what?" Maleny raised an eyebrow, "Because like I said before, I doubt you just woke up deciding to help good ole Mal. What do you want?"
"Well...to figure out a reversal or the breakage of the curse..." Genevieve started tapping her fingers on the table, "...we'll need something...extra special," she whispered with a smile.
"Like what?"
"I have an understanding that Klaus keeps his mother's spell book in the compound. I've no doubt Esther Mikaelson could have something useful for both of us."
"Okay," Maleny raised a finger to stop the woman, "before I remark on that little plan of yours, what do you hope to gain from getting that book?"
"I have to die soon, and I don't want to leave my coven unprotected," Genevieve calmly said.
"What?" Maleny started laughing, "And you think I'll just hand over one of the most powerful witch's spell book over to you?"
"It doesn't have to be to me, you can hand it to that girl, Davina," Genevieve suggested, "After we're done with it, of course. I think she would make a fine regent for the covens, but she needs to be trained first. Give me the spell book and we'll all come out wining."
"First of all, you're crazy," Maleny pointed, "and second of all, do you think that Klaus would just hand over his mother's spell book to me? Have you no idea who that man is?" she knew she was contradicting herself from earlier but it was best to let Genevieve think there was absolutely no trust between Klaus and herself.
"I'm confident you'd find a way to persuade him," Genevieve smirked as she stood up and pressed a paper to the table, sliding it over to Maleny, "And when you do get it, give me a call."
Maleny watched the ginger woman head off wearing a smirk on her face, clearly thinking she'd won an alliance already. Maleny looked back at the table and picked up the paper Genevieve had left for her. What should she do? She couldn't, and didn't want to, betray Klaus and his family, but she really needed answers and she was sure the ginger could offer something of help. Perhaps...there could be a middle ground...somewhere...?
~ 0 ~
Maleny entered the compound nearly at dawn, there was only about an hour left until the festival began but she was no where in the mood to be celebrating. She'd come from Cami's house and her mood had went even further down after seeing Genevieve. Someone had told Cami of the poison incident and the blonde had gone high with anger. According to Cami, she was always the last one to find out about everything in the city and that she was sick and tired of it. Needless to say, their relation had once again plummeted.
"There you are," Klaus's voice made her look up to find the hybrid standing on the second level, at the rails, "I would've thought you were more than happy to go to that festival, should've been ready hours ago..."
Maleny didn't feel like dealing with his sarcasm and assumptions, "Screw off," she mumbled but knew he heard her perfectly well.
"What is it?" Klaus tried not to sound as irritated as he actually was. It seemed like Maleny was full of mood swings for the day and didn't want to worsen them after they'd finally gotten slightly better.
"My spell book," Maleny decided on that topic to converse with him. She'd had enough time to think about Genevieve's offer, as well as Davina's words, and she knew what she had to do. She walked up the staircase and remained across Klaus, earnestly looking at him, "You have it, I know you do," she said quietly, "Abigail Rowan's spell book is in your possession, isn't it?"
"Where are you getting this from?" Klaus stepped towards her but she instinctively took a step back. Without realizing, the move hurt him. It seemed as if she may actually harbor fear for him.
"Let's skip the 'where I got it from' part and just tell me where is it," Maleny gestured for him to get moving, "I want it. It's rightfully mine and you know it."
"You don't even know if it actually exists-"
"I know perfectly well it does," Maleny spoke slowly as she started walking for him, "You were distraught about my disappearance and so you would've kept all my things to yourself, hidden them, buried them, I don't know, but you have it. Please, I'm asking nicely, give it back."
"And why do you want it?" Klaus knew he'd basically told her she was right but he was not going to hand that powerful book back to her when she had no idea what it could do.
"Because it could help with the curse, don't you see?" Maleny raised an eyebrow, "Plus, it's mine. If you and I are truly set on breaking this curse then you should give me back my mother's book."
"I'm curious, why have you suddenly gained interest in a book you seemed to have forgotten about?" Klaus had to ask.
Maleny had never even questioned about a book and now all of a sudden she claims he has it and demands to have it back? Maleny's eyes drifted to the side as she tried coming up with an answer that wouldn't anger him.
That only served to confirm Klaus's suspicion, she was up to something, "Who wants the book?" he whispered to her, "You...or someone else? Perhaps that Riley fellow?"
"Leave him out of this," Maleny snapped. She knew he was itching to find something wrong about Riley and simply would not give him the satisfaction, "If you must know, Genevieve wants it. In fact, she wanted me to get you to give me Esther's spell book," now that surprised Klaus and left him without words for a moment, "She's promised to help me and whatnot but I know she's lying. She wanted me to...persuade you, to hand over the book. She's up to something and with tonight and the festival, rest assured there'll be some witch or warlock crawling in this house if I don't hand over the book."
"Why are you telling me this?" Klaus raised an eyebrow, finding her words out of place.
"Because I want you to see that if I want something from you, I wouldn't go behind your back...I would ask you for it," Maleny straightened up, "So please, give me my mother's spell book so that I can give it to Davina who will honestly help me."
Klaus looked around as he considered his next move. Part of him wanted to go and kill Genevieve for her attempt of betrayal, and for using Maleny like that. Still, it didn't mean he couldn't make some sort of retaliation, "You want Abigail's spell book? Fine, but you'll have to do something for me first."
"What do I have to do?" Maleny asked then, settling for what ever gimmick or antic he had up his sleeve.
~ 0 ~
Dressed in a short, silver gown, Maleny walked down the street of the Festival where she could see Davina, Monique and Abigail being carried down the road for the tourists to see, each girl dressed to symbolize an earth element. But for now, Maleny had a request to put into action and so ignored the festival and went straight for Genevieve. The ginger woman stood on the sidewalk watching the parade.
"I couldn't get the book on my own," Maleny began, having come to stand beside her and facing the parade as well, "If Elijah's wasn't in the compound then Klaus is, and vice versa. I can't sneak around in a house of vampires."
Genevieve looked less than impressed, "Then what do you suggest we do?"
"Well, I know for a fact Elijah isn't at the compound right now and I know exactly where Klaus will be, the compound will be empty."
"Then go get it," Genevieve ordered.
Maleny bit her tongue to stop a snap from coming out of her lips. She glanced at the ginger, "I can't," she replied, "I'm on a date."
"Excuse me?"
"You wanted the book, I got the compound empty. All it took was a simple date," Maleny fixed the sleeve of her gown with an innocent smile, "I'll keep Klaus out of your hair for the night. Don't screw it up," she warned then headed off, ignoring the dirty looks she received from the redhead. As soon as she was out of hearing shot, she pulled her cellphone out of her purse and dialed a number then pressed the phone to her ear, "It's done. I'm sure she'll be sending someone in about five minutes. You've got my book safe, right?"
"You've got my date, right?" came Klaus's impish drenched voice.
Maleny rolled her eyes, "This is such a stupid deal, but what ever it takes to get my spell book. But don't mess this up, Klaus, or I'll kill you. And when you come back, I'll kill you again."
"Come now, Mal, it's like you don't know me at all," Klaus replied, and Maleny knew he was wearing that famous smirk on his face, "Besides, you do forget I can't be killed."
"Then I shall enjoy my attempts," Maleny smirked and hung up, seconds later realizing that had sounded like a flirty move. She shook her head, that couldn't be right. But as she thought about their 'date' and the recent memories of them together in...closer moments, she felt her heart ping in a way it hadn't for a very long time.
~ 0 ~
Maleny walked into the party building around the same time Davina had decided to go in. The two bumped into each other and, of course, began conversing. Maleny mentioned the acquirement of her spell book, which provided for a smug Davina to give an 'I told you so'. Everything was going fine until Davina spotted Elijah making his way over, the teenage girl still not quite on good terms with any of the Mikaelson's.
"Elijah," the girl nearly spat a venom with the name her mouth had uttered. She honestly couldn't figure out why oh why (and a very big how) did Maleny decide to fall in love with the most maniacal creature that had ever walked the earth. The entire family was deranged and full of murderers! Maleny did not fit that category at all!
"It's lovely to see you," Elijah kept his moralities in check as was usual, "And under far better circumstances."
"Is it?" Davina raised an eyebrow, "My friend Tim is still dead, and your brother's still breathing."
"Davina," Maleny sighed. She knew she had no right getting upset over a clear fact, but it still bothered her that one of her friends wanted to kill...well, someone she cared for.
At that moment, Genevieve showed up and put an end to Davina's words, "Davina, that's enough. Elijah has been a patron to us this evening. We will show him respect," while Davina didn't respond, she rolled her eyes and decided to leave instead. Genevieve then turned to Elijah with a fake smile ready to go, "Thank you for all of this.
"This isn't for you," Elijah clarified, "You know as well as I that your people would never accept a truce unless we showed them some respect. So be it. Enjoy your party."
Genevieve gave a mere nod and left. Maleny took a breath and moved around, discretely looking for anything wrong. Elijah, meanwhile, had taken to studying her completely, something that Maleny noticed fast, "Well, if you're going to complement you might as well do it," she flashed a smile.
But Elijah was no fool, "You and I both know that you were never the show off," he reminded and stepped closer.
"Times change," offered Maleny, doing her best to remain casual, "Let's not forget I've lived as different women with different personality traits."
"Maleny Rowan you cannot lie to me, what are you up to?"
Maleny tried playing dumb to see if she could get away with it, "What? What are you talking about?"
"Mal, what are you doing?" Elijah asked again, this time however he asked in a brotherly way and not as a troubled patron of the party, "I want to help, remember?"
Maleny smiled and nodded, "Of course I remember. Elijah, there is nothing wrong right now, okay? I'm just...well, on a date," she laughed abruptly. Technically, she wasn't lying, she was just giving a part of the truth.
Elijah seemed a bit surprised at the answer, "With Riley?"
Maleny couldn't decide if the tone of his question had been because he was against that relationship, "If I said yes would that be wrong?" she curiously voiced her wonder.
"No..." Elijah answered but Maleny could see he wasn't being completely honest with her, "You're a free woman to do as you please..."
"But?" Maleny knew the word had been coming. She crossed her arms and waited for the answer.
"I just...don't think you..." Elijah wanted to word his thoughts without causing problems, "...may be thinking correctly..."
"How so?"
"Your mind is fragile right now, and I think you have forgotten certain things - feelings - that are important for you to have before you decide to initiate a relationship with someone."
Maleny let her arms drop to her sides as she processed his words, trying to find the hidden message he was really trying to say, "You don't think Riley's for me either," she realized with a small smile.
Elijah became defensive, thinking she would take offense to it, "I didn't mean to say that-"
"He's not my date, Elijah," Maleny informed, chuckling lightly, "and I don't think he ever will be. You're right, my mind is very fragile - more like frazzled, really - and perhaps there's things that I need to remember. But thanks for telling me all that in your nice, sophisticated way," Elijah looked down, shaking his head with a smile of his own. Maleny stepped forwards and reached for his arm, "I suppose that's what brothers are for."
Elijah looked up, his smile softening, "I'm glad you see it that way."
"Well, it's a bit surprising to acquire an older brother so quickly but I like it, thanks," Maleny honestly said, feeling herself blush for getting so mushy all of a sudden. She supposed it was due to everything she was beginning to remember of the Mikaelsons'. After her mother died they truly had become like a family to her.
~ 0 ~
Maleny was on the phone again when Riley approached her, "Mal, hey?" he smiled at her.
Maleny covered the phone and whispered to him, "Hey, can you give me like one minute?"
"Sure," Riley agreed and stepped back to give her privacy.
Maleny then turned her back and focused on the conversation she had going on, "Is it done?"
"More than done, it's all taken care off," Klaus assured from the other line, "It's like you've forgotten who I am!"
"Oh no, I remember who you are," Maleny sighed, "And because of that I know your tendency to play with your food."
Klaus had a small laughter, irritating Maleny, "Rest assured, love, it's all finished. I'm actually almost there at the, uh...party?"
Maleny rolled her eyes, "It's a festival and you know it," she scolded him, "Now hurry up with my book!"
"The book stays with me until I decide if I've received a proper, special date. You have to be nice."
"You'll get a dance and you'll like it," Maleny snapped, though it only seemed to amuse Klaus as he laughed, "Hurry up, will you?" were her final words before hanging up. She honestly had no idea what Klaus intended with this little 'date'. He had his redhead, didn't he? And she, well, she didn't have a specific someone...but she could.
"Mal?" Riley broke through her thoughts.
The brunette spun around, "Yeah?" she nearly forgotten Riley still stood near her and felt ashamed for it.
"Something wrong?" Riley moved closer to her, "You were looking a bit upset. Who were you talking to?"
Maleny looked around as the feeling of awkwardness settled on her shoulders, "Uh...well...a date..."
"Oh, you're with someone?" Riley blinked.
"Sort of..."
Maleny made a face and figured she would be causing more awkwardness of she answered the complete truth, "Sort of, it's complicated. It's nothing real - well - not real, real, as in 'real' but..." and she realized she was rambling too much, "...I gotta go, um...see you around?" but she didn't exactly wait for an answer when she'd already run out.
~ 0 ~
After Maleny had given Davina her offering gift, and from nearly having an argument with Genevieve because she'd disobeyed the guards telling her to give her gift to Monique, Maleny retracted to the entrance doors of the room. There, she watched the rest of the offerings and how Genevieve, along with Monique, humiliated DaviNA with the lack of gifts. She could never side with a woman who found joy in torturing children. Then again, she was siding with vampires who'd done far worse.
"Good evening," came the voice that brought her out of her thoughts.
Maleny flinched in her spot and looked at Klaus who stood beside her, clearly amused by her reaction, "Does it kill you to be normal for once?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Normal is vastly overrated for us, love," Klaus shrugged.
Maleny rolled her eyes and turned to him, "My book, where is it?" she just didn't understand what was the whole point in all this. What ever it is he wanted from Genevieve, he got it, why add this whole, pointless thing?
Klaus turned as well and opened his mouth but out came something completely out of topic, "You look lovely."
For a second, Maleny looked down at herself like she had forgotten what she wore. She had on a silver, metallic dress, in a sheath silhouette, that reached above her knees. It had a high neckline with short sleeves. There was a diamond striped pattern of silver and white, the silver being shiny with its metallic. Her short hair was pulled back by two twists and a clip, the rest of her small curls flowing where ever she went.
"No, hold on," Maleny snapped put of her trance, "You're off topic," but then she felt bad because it appeared Klaus had genuinely meant to complement her, "...but thank you," she added in a hushed whisper, feeling herself flush as she fixed a curl.
Apparently satisfied, Klaus smirked, "Oh, and by the way, I stopped and had an interesting conversation with your little friend..." he swayed his head as he pretended to think, "...Riley?"
"Please tell me he is still alive," Maleny said with an ounce of true fear Klaus had followed his suspicion on the man and done something to Riley.
"Oh, I said chat," Klaus pointed out, "But I do have to inform you he seemed a bit upset when I told him of our deal."
Maleny closed her eyes and put a hand on her head, "Oh no, I wanted to avoid that...kind of why I ran out on him earlier."
"My mistake," was all Klaus could say, but he seemed no where near ashamed of his move. He had actually had a rather fun moment telling the human Maleny was on a date with him. What he would give to see Riley's face again after being told who Maleny's date was.
"No, no!" Maleny couldn't help shout, "I did what you asked for without an argument. You should have the same respect that I did," of course that was before she remembered what she'd done to Genevieve earlier, "Um...I need to ask you something."
Klaus was surprised of the sudden change of tone in Maleny, as well as her change of expressions, "Hold on, I thought you were scolding me and now you have a question?"
Maleny sighed, "This is like a gate openning for you to take and avoid my scoldings. Now, tell me, do you know a woman named Emily Cordera?"
It seemed like Klaus was honestly thinking about it, "No, I don't think so. Why the interest?"
"It's just..." Maleny figured it was best to just come clean completely, "...Genevieve mentioned a woman that was looking for Maya Sterling and her name was Emily Cordera. Genevieve thinks it could be connected somehow."
"Oh Maleny, you would do best not to listen to her," Klaus shrugged, "Genevieve has a tendency to speak more than she should."
"But what if this time it's not just nonsense? What if it's important?"
"Look, I don't know how long you've been alive in this century but people don't always tell the truth-"
"Don't patronize me," Maleny snapped, "I know how the world works. Just tell me, do you or do you not know Emily Cordera?"
"I don't!" Klaus nearly shouted, "And a word of advice, I don't allow anyone to talk to me like that or else-"
"You'd kill me?" Maleny took it on as if it were a challenge, even taking a step closer to him with a wicked smirk, "Be honest with yourself, Niklaus, could you really kill me now...knowing who I really am?"
"You'll find I can do anything," Klaus took the last step between them, leaning to her ear, "That includes you, darling," his hushed, whispered voice gave Maleny chills she chose to ignore.
"Hm," Maleny's smirk didn't falter, and she was really proud of herself for that one, "If I had money, I'd bet it all on a big fat 'can't' because that's the truth. I'm important."
"Someone's gotten some new confidence tonight," Klaus looked at her in the eyes, slightly beguiled by her scent.
Maleny knew he was momentarily captivated by something and took advantage, "Well, apart from your big mouth," she began fixing his bow-tie, her eyes trained on his, "everything is going according to plan. That means I'll get my book in a couple of hours...because you will keep your word, right?"
Klaus took her hands off him but kept his own wrapped around them tightly, "For you? Of course," he flashed a smile that made her heart once again ping.
"Good," Maleny bit her lip, feeling her face warm, "I expect nothing less from you."
"If you'll forgive me, I need to do one last thing to keep this plan going," he let go of her hands and started for the central room when Maleny called.
"What is your plan, Niklaus?" Maleny stopped him with the question. Her smirks, her flirts, her authoritative tone, all gone and exchanged for a soft voice that was originally hers, "What is it that you want?"
"Nothing that will harm your cause, love, don't worry," Klaus spared her a glance over the shoulder.
"But," Maleny once again stopped him with her voice, "I would imagine it's something bad...considering how you're going behind Elijah's back to do it. What are you going to do?"
While Klaus wasn't intending on revealing his plan with Hayley's wolf friends, pack, he did feel some kind of spurring inside him nearly forcing him to tell Maleny at least something that would make her feel better. He turned around and faced her curious face, "I want protection," he settled for that.
"Protection?" Maleny raised an eyebrow while considering how valid that answer was, "For...you? No..." her mind worked to solve the puzzle he'd given in just those three words, "...not protection for you...no, that's never your idea. The only logical answer would be for Hayley, cos she's the mother of your child. You're doing something to protect her," a smile worked its way over her lips, "Look at you...being a father."
Klaus decided not to mention that the protection he sought was also meant to extend to her. Knowing Maleny, she would refuse it and lecture him on how she was grown up and whatnot and was more than capable of taking care of herself. But the sad part was that until she gained access to her powers she was just another human. Sure, she was a human with a surprising inability to die but they didn't know what the limits were. He lost Maleny Rowan once, he would not lose her again.
~ 0 ~
The party had taken a surprising twist after listening to Klaus's basic form of "peace" and while Maleny and Hayley knew that he had other plans, neither spoke up. As much as both knew, everything was being done for a good cause. He had given a pardon to Josh, one of Davina's newfound vampire friend, and a gift of a daylight ring, thus proving to the public his intentions were good.
Now, Maleny had decided it was best to clear things with Riley after what Klaus had told him. It was no simple task but Maleny felt like it was only right after the rude departure she'd given to Riley earlier. However, after searching and searching, she didn't find Riley anymore. She had, instead, found Hayley and Elijah.
Upon seeing her, Hayley noticed a sort of distress Maleny had on her face, "Everything alright?"
"Have either of you seen Riley?" Maleny asked and sighed, once again looking around the room in case he appeared somewhere.
"Yeah, he was talking with some guy," Hayley looked at Elijah who nodded, "and then he left."
"I was going to eavesdrop when Niklaus gave his little speech," Elijah admitted.
"I thought you weren't supposed to be rude," Maleny raised an eyebrow, "Never mind, I need to find him," as she turned around she bumped into Klaus.
"Find who?" the man questioned curiously.
"Riley," Maleny mumbled and moved and round him to leave but stopped when the doors opened and allowed a group of drummers in.
The entire party watched the small show of drumming with amusement, though Genevieve was confused because she knew for a fact she hadn't hired any of those people.
Once the drumming stopped, the leader of the players spoke up, "Happy Fête des Bénédictions. We have a message for all of you from Marcel Gerard."
That left everyone unsettled, especially when the drummers took out razors and sliced open their wrists. The oozing blood attracted the vampires in the party.
"Control yourselves," Elijah stepped forwards, "This is a vulgar trick. We do not violate our agreement."
But the lights went out, creating the perfect setting for vampires to follow their instincts and feed on the drummers and humans. Chaos emerged as people tried escaping the scene and others tried stopping them. In one of those, Maleny felt something sharp near her clavicle, making her scream in utter agony as she felt her skin rip off the moment the cold metal made contact with her. When the lights returned the room was a scene of murder with blood. Of course the main attraction were the words written on the wall in pure blood 'There will be no peace'
Maleny, who was on the floor, called for help as did several other still alive people. Klaus was the first to aid her after finding her, "What the hell was this?" he noticed the knife behind her which had caused her wound. He bent down and picked her up in a bridal style, "This was no vampire move," he concluded only seconds after.
And he was damn sure that this second attempt on her life hadn't been by Marcel either.
~ 0 ~
After everything had been cleared at the party, everyone who needed to be saved was saved, the Mikaelson brothers returned to the compound. Maleny had been the first secured and cured with blood. She'd been brought to the compound where several vampires had been compelled to protect her until someone got home. Of course due to Elijah's treaty, the vampires had been compelled to forget the moment they left the compound.
Maleny was sitting on her bed, against the headboard with her legs up to her chest and her arms draped over her knees. She had changed to pajamas and was wearing a silk sleeping robe over it. The moment she heard footsteps nearing her room she grabbed what ever she could to defend herself, in this case a lamp, and ran towards the door, ready to bash whoever wanted to kill her. In the end, it was nearly Klaus who took the lamp to the head.
"Well, is that my reward for saving you?" he had to laugh of amusement as he pushed the lamp away from his head.
"I...I thought it was someone..." Maleny pointed behind him, "...the vampires you left...I don't...I don't trust them..."
"They were under compulsion," Klaus glanced back at the compound to make sure there were no more vampires lingering about.
"I didn't...I didn't exactly trust them from the start," Maleny confessed while slowly lowering the lamp her hand still clung onto, "I know what I said this morning but...that was before someone tried driving a knife into me. The poisoning was different - it gives you time to heal with blood. But not with a knife. A knife can kill you instantaneously," she swallowed hard, "They were so close to getting me and...and if they get me, it's all over," her voice fell into a whisper, "I wake up God knows how many years from now with no memories of this life. And it starts all over again."
"I swear that won't happen," Klaus took the lamp from her and led her towards her bed. He could hear her heartbeat beating faster than was normal, due to her inability to calm down. It seemed like this time the attempt had really stricken her.
"I don't get it, I just don't," Maleny expressed her confusion while taking a seat back on her bed, "I don't know anyone in this city that would want to harm me. Why do they want to kill me?"
"So you don't think it was part of Marcel's gimmick," Klaus observed as he set her lamp back on its place beside her bed.
"Of course," Maleny waved that option off without a doubt, "Marcel doesn't care about me, as long as I don't hurt Cami. Besides, it seemed like he had intentions for the vampires, not me...meaning, there's someone brand new in this city that wants me dead."
"From now on, you are not leaving this compound," Klaus announced and ignored the discontent look she gave him, "There is a murderer out there just waiting to kill you, so we're going to try this thing where you don't expose yourself."
"No, you can't keep me locked up in here," Maleny shot right up to her feet, "And you can't compel me either, I'm on vervain. I do as I please, Klaus, and no one will tell me otherwise. I have to get back out there and-"
"And what? Get killed?" Klaus snapped, his irritation only simmering due to her fragility, "It's like you said, Mal, you get killed it's game over. Who knows what century you'll wake up in. No. Absolutely not, you're not leaving this place and if I have to strap you to a chair to make sure it doesn't happen then so be it."
Maleny groaned and air-strangled him, "You can't keep me locked up! I have things to do, people to see, okay? For starters, I have to go see how Cami's doing with uncle Kieran. I have to get my spell book to Davina and I have to explain to Genevieve why I sided with you. Because I assume she got your little present of a warlock earlier judging by the glares she gave me," she heaved a heavy sigh and rubbed the side of her head, "Plus, I have to go find out about Emily Cordera-"
"To hell with that senseless name!" Klaus shouted and startled her in a flinch, "You're following a fake name, a woman who doesn't even exist-"
"Might not exist," Maleny pointed, making sure to leave that doubt there, "Because you don't know that, none of us do. That's what I have to discover."
"You're not leaving," were Klaus' final words as he headed for the doors. She just really couldn't understand that he was trying to protect her. Staying inside where he could keep an eye on her would diminish any other attempts of murder against her.
"I can't stay in here," Maleny insisted, however this time her voice wasn't covered in anger which is exactly what made Klaus glance at her from the doorway, "The time is running out for my uncle, okay? Cami might be angry with me but we both want him to get better. Please don't keep me here," without a word of response, Klaus reached for the door knob of the room and shut the door with lock, "Klaus!" Maleny shouted and dashed for the door, pounding on it endlessly, "Klaus, open this door!" but her calls were in vain as Klaus walked away from the door.
Seeing he wasn't coming back, Maleny gave up and kicked the door with her foot to get her frustration out. She felt prickly tears develop in her eyes the more she thought about everything that had happened lately. She suddenly felt small shots of pain on the side of her head which made her return to bed the stronger they got. She actually hadn't gotten many of those over the past month. Her memory had been coming in peacefully with some herbs she'd been able to buy from witches shop or even from Davina herself. Maleny supposed the pain was due to the wariness of today and the effects of the herbs expiring from her lack of intake. Perhaps a nap could take care of it. However she knew she wouldn't be able to actually sleep for the entire night.
~ 0 ~
By the time Klaus had returned, Maleny was in her bed, but stirring from what one could assume was a bad dream. He cautiously went to the foot of the bed, setting down an old book, and reached for her ankle to shake her awake, "Mal?" one gentle shake was the only thing it took to make her gasp awake, "Mal?"
The brunette's eyes snapped from side to side as if there were something in the room, "What time is it?" was her first response.
"Past 1 a.m, are you okay?" Klaus eyed her as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"I'm surprised such a stupid question is coming from your mouth," she muttered and finally dropped her hands from her face to see a familiar book not too far from her feet, "My mother's spell book..."
"I would never have burned it," Klaus admitted, still eyeing her for any more terror she had from what ever it was she had dreamed,, "And you'll have to forgive me but Elijah has discovered my little plan behind his back and hid my mother's spell book from me."
"No, this is fine," Maleny slowly reached for the book and took it into her hands. She ran her hand down the worn cover, seeing brief flashes of her mother - the ones she remembered anyways.
As she opened it up, Klaus backtracked to the doorway, "Mal, you're still staying in here," at that, Maleny looked up at him with irritation.
"Klaus, you can't-" but she didn't get to finish that sentence when Klaus reached for something outside the room.
"You can't leave but I thought perhaps family could be of use for you tonight, or as many days as you'd please," Klaus pulled Cami into the room.
"Cami," Maleny breathed and instantly let the spell book drop.
Cami rushed to the side of the bed, her concern etched all over her face, "Are you okay!? Klaus said someone tried killing you - again."
Maleny felt like her bravery had crumbled down the moment she remembered her bad dream, the murder attempt at the party, "Someone tried to kill me..." she broke down, her tears developed in her eyes, "...I don't know why or who but they want me dead and I don't know what to do. I thought I was brave b-but I'm not. I'm cursed and I'm scared."
Cami took her cousin into a hug and as she spoke she looked directly at Klaus to make it clear that they were all included in this situation, "Well, they're going to have to pay. Who ever it is, they'll pay big for all this. I swear."
Without a second thought, Klaus gave the 'yes' in the form of a nod back. He silently slipped out of the room to leave the two women alone, thinking Maleny would much rather prefer Cami more than anyone else. However, just ten steps away from the door, he heard a call of his name. It was Maleny who sheepishly stood at the doorway, her hands on the fringe and her red-stained eyes fixed on him.
"Is there something else you require?" he asked, genuinely meaning to do anything if she asked.
"Um," Maleny cast a small glance back into the room before taking small steps towards him. She didn't know how to go around it, it was such a simple act and yet the thought of it was making her a nervous wreck.
"Mal?" Klaus asked again.
"Thank you," she abruptly hugged him, leaving him stunned for a couple of seconds before realizing he was meant to hug back, "I know you don't usually do this stuff," Maleny said, keeping her head resting on his shoulder to avoid further awkwardness, "but I wanted to thank you for tonight."
Normally, Klaus was one to take 'thank you's' because he felt he deserved them. This time, he felt like he had failed her. In his amusing game of a 'date' he'd left her unprotected when she needed him most. He could not be cocky and accept Maleny's 'thank you' just like that.
"And please," Maleny finally gathered courage to pull away and look him in the eyes, "don't feel guilty for anything."
Klaus lifted an eyebrow, startled she'd managed to guess his thoughts, "How did you...?"
Maleny flashed a smirk, "Don't forget I lived with you for centuries. I've remembered a lot of things. I know what you tend to do. So please, don't do that with me. I'm okay - in what fits. I'm good. Thank you."
Klaus accepted her words though just for her sake. She seemed so weary after what happened and the only thing he'd actually want from her is the assurance she was going to get some rest, "Please, sleep well. And Cami is welcomed to stay however many days you need her around."
Maleny smiled softly, "Okay, I'll tell her that. And...I'm sorry that I didn't really keep my promise about this date - you didn't even get the dance."
"I liked it," Klaus declared, startling Maleny, "It was unorthodox but then again when has anything about us ever been normal?"
Maleny's eyebrows raised upwards, "Well..."
"Go back to Cami and try to rest," Klaus motioned for her to return to her room, "She's not very angry with you anymore but maybe explaining what's really going on would help."
"You think I should tell her everything?"
Klaus nodded, "Yes, because she's your family, and I know she cares for you very much."
"Okay," Maleny agreed and, a bit reluctant, headed back for her room. After a day like today, she could use some rest as well as a good ole talk with her cousin who sincerely needed to be caught up on the latest, supernatural matters of the city.
Author's Note:
Hey! This is one of the longest chapters I've written so far lol so hooray for that...as well a bit more of Mal/Klaus moments ^.^ There's more to come I promise! Also, I've decided to alternate this story's update day with m DW story so the next update will be in 2 weeks - because I don't want anyone thinking I'm being lazy and lagging my updates.
So did you guys hear The Original's been renewed for a 4th season!? I am so excited to see the story continue, hopefully my ships finally properly rising lol.
For Reviews:
Thank you! I like knowing my OCs are developing nicely and realistically! And as for updates, maybe not as frequent but 2 weeks isn't very far right? :)
Yeah, the traitor definitely was sneaky! But who could it be, Genevieve says she didn't do it - and it seems logical...but is it the truth? And Riley seems sweet, you know what they say: it's always the quiet ones. Oh, but then there is Francesca who clearly didn't like Mal either. Then again, it could be someone else, maybe introduced or not...tsk, tsk, who could it be? ;). Thanks!
Yup, the dying rules for Mal are very strange and will be explained thoroughly later on. I'm surprised Mal hasn't gone crazy lol poor thing has a lot to deal with! We'll find out eventually why the curse was placed, and by who ;)
Yeah, everyone seems to be suspicious about Riley but you never know who the evil person is ^.^
Thank you so much! It's always good to hear your stories are liked - definitely motivation! Well, the good thing about the Elijah/Cami is that it's not the central part of the story and that you like Mal/Klaus who are the more important thing!
So thanks to those who read and I hope to hear your thoughts! :)
