Author's Note: Hey everyone! So I'm not 100% positive where we are on the show in regards to time of the year, so I'm going to place the story around Christmas time still. These next two chapters will focus on Klaus/Annabelle's first Christmas together, and if the show is way past Christmas time, I might add in bonus New Year's/Valentine's Day chapters as well before catching the story up to the proper time of year. Let me know your thoughts on that, and happy reading!

Chapter Twenty Nine: Again

"Here you are down on your knees again

Trying to find air to breathe again

And only surrender will help you now

I love you, please see and believe again…"

Ooo0ooO

I thought Klaus had turned to stone. He wasn't blinking, he certainly wasn't breathing. He just stood there, facing Kol with a shocked expression.

"Cat got your tongue there, Nik?" Kol asked. He pushed away from the tree and walked over to us, clasping a hand on Klaus's shoulder.

"Perhaps he's in shock." I flinched at the sound of Finn's voice which came from directly behind me.

Klaus turned and met Finn's eyes. I reached over and touched Klaus's hand. One of his fingers twitched but that was only response I got.

"Niklaus?" I asked gently, wrapping an arm around him. Klaus then released an explosive breath.

"Is this real?" he asked in a toneless voice. I rubbed his back a little.

"Yes," I said. "In a way, I suppose." He blinked and looked at Kol again.

In a flash, he clasped his brother in a hug. His shoulders were tense and I knew he was holding back on possible tears. I watched him gently, my heart rising a little as I watched the brothers.

"You love him." I glanced at Finn, who was watching me with that kind expression of his.

"Yes," I replied. Finn nodded.

Then to my surprise, he stepped forward and kissed my cheek before putting an arm around my shoulders.

Kol and Klaus turned, and Klaus met Finn's gaze again. He eyed Finn's embrace but didn't say anything.

"Niklaus," Finn said, inclining his head a little. I glanced up at Finn before crinkling my brow and looking over at Klaus. Kol caught my attention and by the look in his eyes, I was supposed to keep quiet.

Finn released me after giving me one last squeeze and stepped towards his younger brother. Klaus stepped forward too and I felt my wolf stiffen a little. There was a slight tension in the air, since both men were Alphas in a sense- Klaus quite literally and Finn being the eldest Original Vampire. I watched them carefully, barely noticing Kol, who stepped over to stand beside me.

"Don't worry," he murmured. "Expressing our feelings is difficult amongst the Mikaelson men."

"Noticed," I whispered dryly. Kol chuckled and gave me shoulder a friendly nudge. Focusing my gaze back on my mate and his brother, I saw the clear battle of will on Klaus's face. His expression was tormented, torn between relief, sadness and grief.

"Finn," he finally said, his voice low. It sounded almost submissive to my ears, like Klaus was stepping down in front of Finn. Finn's expression was smooth and blank as he stared into Klaus's eyes.

Then the tension broke as Finn stepped forward to embrace his brother. I could feel Klaus's shock rolling off him in waves before he returned the embrace.

I felt my entire body relax and flood with happiness. I looked over at Kol and grinned, who responded with a devilish wink.

Then I remembered something that had been mentioned in the last dream I had.

"Wait a moment," I said out loud. The men turned to look at me with curious expressions.

"Kol," I began, turning to face him. "You said last time that Bonnie was going to raise all the dead supernatural creatures, right? Or at least she's going to try?"

"Yes," Kol replied, a question clear in his tone.

"That means…" I trailed off, meeting Klaus's eyes steadily. "That means she can bring you guys back." Klaus's eyes darkened quickly, nearly going black with emotion. Kol rocked back on his heels with a thoughtful expression while Finn's lips thinned a little.

"I'll make the witch do it," Klaus said, his voice deadly. "With whatever it takes. If this is true, she'll do it to bring back Jeremy Gilbert."

"Klaus-," Finn began but was cut off.

"Then we can be a family again. All of us, including Rebekah," Klaus continued, hope filling his tone.

"Niklaus," Finn sighed. "I do not believe that is a wise idea." Klaus froze and looked at his brother in shock.

"How could you say that?" Klaus asked. I saw Kol shake his head.

"Finn's right, Nik. If Bonnie brings us back, which means she'll bring back every dead supernatural creature… it would be utter chaos."

"Some things are better left dead, Niklaus," Finn said gently. I looked at Klaus with worried eyes, not liking the fresh pain I saw exploding over his face.

"How could you possibly say this to me?" Klaus demanded angrily. "We have the opportunity to bring you back and you want to throw it away? Just because of the others that would be brought back?"

"Think about it, Nik! That means Mikael with be resurrected. Do you want that?" Kol snapped.

"He won't touch us, not after I killed him! I'll kill him again if I have to!" Klaus yelled. I released a breath and closed my eyes briefly to center myself.

"Finn, please," Klaus said. "I can bring you back. I can bring back Sage as well. You can have a life with her!"

"Enough," I said quietly. Opening my eyes, I saw Klaus staring at me with disbelief.

"Fighting about this isn't going to solve anything, especially since this is all going on in my head. So ease up on the testosterone and calm down!" I hissed. Kol grinned with approval, Finn gave me a bemused look and Klaus just blinked.

Giving Klaus a hard look, I continued. "Klaus, you should be happy you can see your brothers right now, you shouldn't be arguing! Just admit you miss them and save some face for goodness sake." Klaus's jaw clenched and his eyes filled with shame.

"I apologize," he said stiffly. I sighed sharply and gave him a pointed look. Klaus lolled his head a little before focusing on his brothers.

"You really don't want to come back?" he asked quietly. Finn and Kol exchanged a glance.

"Niklaus, of course we do. We just don't want there to be so many consequences to our return," Finn explained.

"The world wouldn't be able to handle all those creatures returning like this," Kol continued. "It would be the biggest bloodshed we have ever seen. The chances of survival would be minimal."

"We do not want to risk that, or the lives of the people we care about," Finn said, looking from Klaus to me then back to his brother. His meaning was obvious. Finn and Kol didn't want to come back if there was a chance the resurrected would kill Klaus or even myself. I felt a wave of gratitude to them.

"I understand," I said softly. Both brothers inclined their heads at me. Klaus watched them, looking torn again. With a soft sigh, I walked over to him and took his hand, interlacing our fingers. I squeezed and sent out waves of reassurance through the soul bond. I felt him relax slightly.

"Very well," Klaus murmured. "But if I can find another way…"

"Don't burden yourself, Niklaus. Sometimes it's best to just let go," Finn said firmly. Kol nodded slightly.

"We miss you too, you know," Kol said. "Despite everything." I felt a slight tremor racked Klaus's body and I stepped closer, resting my head on his shoulder. He turned his head slightly to rub his cheek against mine.

"It's all right," I whispered. I leaned back to look into his eyes. "It's all right." Klaus stared at me for a long moment before turning towards Finn and Kol.

"I miss you as well," he said in a low voice. "And I'm sorry."

"Don't hold onto all that guilt, Nik," Kol said easily. "Not even a Hybrid like yourself is strong enough to bear it on his shoulders."

Klaus raised his eyes to meet Kol's and he nodded. I squeezed Klaus's hand again and saw the dream begin to fade away as I woke up.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Klaus was still sleeping. His brow was furrowed as he was displeased about something. I ran a hand down his cheek softly before getting out of bed.

I walked downstairs and went into the other living room and sat at the piano.

As the sun began to rise, I played quietly, losing myself to the soft music and to my thoughts.

Ooo0ooO

The warm, pale sunlight filled the room when I opened my eyes. I could hear the sound of birds singing and the wind through the trees, along with quiet singing coming from downstairs.

Shifting, I saw that Annabelle's side of the bed was empty. I got up and cocked my head, listening.

Her sweet voice filled the quiet air along with the sound of the piano playing. Flashing, I stood at the doorway of the living room.

Annabelle sat at the piano bench, her hair curling softly around her face. Her eyes were liquid silver as her fingers danced over the keys. Her voice rose and dipped in her song, one that bled with sadness and hope.

A swell of emotion overcame me, crashing through my being fiercely. I released a breath and Anna looked over at me and smiled. At that moment, she looked like an angel.

I stared at her intensely, unable to bring my thoughts to words, and the smile faded from her face. Watching me, she motioned for me to come to her.

I walked over to her stiffly, and knelt at her feet. Her eyes held mine as she took my hand in both of hers.

To my utter shock, a sob caught in my throat and I buried my face in her lap, trembling.

"Oh," she murmured. "Klaus." I felt her lower herself so she could rest her cheek against my shoulder while stroking my hair.

"Shh, it's all right," she said soothingly. I looked up at her, eyes welling with tears, clenching my jaw. She stroked my cheek and I sighed, leaning into her touch.

"Annabelle…" I started, looking into her eyes. She smiled and nodded.

"I know. It's a lot to take in," she said gently. Another breath shuddered out of me.

"How was that possible?" I asked.

"As you love to say, how is any of this possible?" she countered. I felt a smile curved the corner of my mouth.

"But we don't have to think about this, we just have to enjoy it while it lasts. You get to see your brothers and I get to know them this way," she said. "And that's all that matters." She stood up and tugged at my hands so I would stand with her. She smiled up at me.

"For now, let's go do something," she requested. I smiled and ran a hand down her cheek, tracing her smooth skin with my knuckles.

"Like what, sweetheart?" Anna's smile stretched further.

"Klaus, do you know the date today?" I blinked at her and she laughed.

"It's December 23rd! It's almost Christmas and look at this place!" she exclaimed, gesturing around us. "Nothing to get us in the holiday spirit!"

"What do you propose we do?" I asked her, finding myself catching her happy spirits.

"Oh, no, you are going to stay right here and play or paint or whatever," she explained. "I'll handle everything. Charlie said he'd help me."

"What are you going to do?" I asked curiously. Anna smiled secretly.

"It's a surprise." Then she nudged me towards the back of the house, where the drawing room was. "Now go be a good Hybrid and paint for the next few hours." I shot her a look.

"What if I don't want to paint?" I challenged. Anna looked up at me and pouted. Slowly, she stepped forward, sliding her hands up my chest. She raised herself on her toes so her lips hovered over mine. I felt a surge of desire to take those lips.

"Please?" she whispered huskily. I drew her in close, enjoying the feeling of her soft body pressed into mine.

"And what will you give me in return?" I asked quietly. Her lips curved briefly before brushing over mine.

"The best Christmas you've ever had," she answered in a low, seductive voice. I tightened my grip on her and kissed her fiercely. Anna moaned and wrapped herself around me.

Turning, I pressed her into the wall. I lifted her up into my arms and she wrapped her legs around my waist tightly. I groaned and nibbled her bottom lip. She hissed with pleasure and kissed me again. Her tongue swept into my mouth and I tasted her sweet flavor, the rain and the wildflowers.

When I broke the kiss, her eyes looked into mine, dark and hot. A mischievous grin spread across her face and I felt another pull of desire in my stomach.

"Hurry back," I said before nipping at her bottom lip again. Anna stretched her body against mine and I slipped her to her feet.

"I will," she said with a wink.

Ooo0ooO

Charlie and I met up at the Grill for lunch. We sat at a table close to the pool tables.

"How is goin', sis?" he asked, stretching across his side of the booth easily. I smiled.

"Good. Great, actually," I said. I leaned forward. "What about you? I haven't heard much from you in the past couple of days." Charlie shrugged nonchalantly.

"Been keeping busy," he replied. I raised a brow and motioned for him to continue. To my surprise, Charlie flushed a little and hesitated.

"I, ah…may or may not have been…kind of…hanging out with Meredith." I crinkled my brow.

"Who?" Again, Charlie hesitated.

"Dr. Fell," he said, clearing his throat awkwardly. My eyes widened.

"You've been cozying up with my doctor?" I asked in harsh whisper. Charlie hissed under his breath.

"I have not been cozying up with anyone," he countered. "We've just gone and gotten a few drinks together. Here. No big deal." I eyed my brother suspiciously. I could hear his uneven heartbeat and saw the blood tingeing his cheeks.

"Charlie-," I began before Charlie raised a hand.

"Anna, please, it's really no big deal," he said. His heart leaped a little. I leaned back and crossed my arms.

"Right, sure," I said sarcastically. "Then tell your heart beat to take a chill pill. Or stop lying." Charlie winced.

"Okay, okay…maybe I like her. She's smart, she's funny and looks wise well…" he trailed off with a sigh. He ran his hand through his hair. "I can't believe I'm telling you this."

"Charlie," I scolded. "I'm your sister."

"I know, Anna, but this is more something you tell a dude not your baby sister."

"I'm not a baby anymore!" Charlie's eyes crossed slightly with exasperation.

"I know," he said. I sighed and shook my head to clear my thoughts.

"Okay, I get it. You like her. It's none of my business," I said, raising my hands in surrender. Charlie's shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Thank you," he said. I nodded and looked up as Matt walked over to us. I narrowed my eyes when I saw the blank, hurt look on his face.

"Hey Matty," I greeted gently. "How are you?" Matt looked over at me and I nearly flinched at the pain that was burning through his blue eyes.

"Matt?" I asked, reaching up to touch his arm.

"I…um…" he started before trailing off. He shook his head then walked away towards the back. I looked at Charlie worriedly.

"Give me a moment," I said. Charlie nodded, his brow wrinkled with confusion. I stood up and walked quickly towards the back.

When I pushed open the door, I heard someone crying quietly. Walking towards the back of the room, I saw Matt sitting on some crates with his head buried in his hands.

"Matt?" I asked quietly. He looked up at me in shock.

"You…you can't be back here," he muttered, brushing at his cheeks. I sat down next to him and rubbed his back.

"What happened?" I kept rubbing his back as he shakily explained what happened over the past few days. I listened in shock and felt my heart break for the poor boy I held in my arms.

"Matt, I'm so sorry," I murmured. He released a shaky breath.

"Jer was my best friend and now he's dead. I don't know what to do… everyone I love just keeps dying."

"There was nothing you could do, Matt. It wasn't your fault," I said soothingly.

"Why does this keep happening?" he asked brokenly, looking at me with heart shattering blue eyes that swam in tears. My sisterly instincts took over, tugging at my heart strings.

"I don't know," I admitted. "But you can't sit around and wonder why, because you'll never get an answer. I know it hurts but Jeremy wouldn't want to see you like this."

"How do you know?" Matt asked, shaking his head.

"I just do." Matt looked at me again before resting his head trustingly on my shoulder. We just say there for a while, in silence, while I soothed his tears away.

A little while later, I walked out of the back room with Matt. I signaled to Charlie, who nodded and stood to wait for me by the door. I turned to Matt and enveloped him in a gentle hug. He pressed his face into my neck.

"Thank you," he whispered in a thick voice. I pulled away and gave him a small smile.

"Just call me if you need anything," I told him before turning to walk towards my brother. He gave me a questioning look but I shook my head.

For the next few hours, Charlie and I got some shopping done. I bought a few Christmas decorations while Charlie hunted up a tree at a lot. I searched and searched and finally found a gift for Klaus too.

When Charlie and I regrouped, he helped me bring everything back to the mansion. I entered quickly to make sure Klaus would stay in the drawing room.

"Make sure he stays back here until I'm done setting up!" I ordered Charlie, pointing towards the drawing room door. Charlie gave me a mocking salute and went into the room.

Ooo0ooO

I heard the front door open and Annabelle's warning shout. Footsteps filled the air and I set my brush aside.

A knock came from the door before it opened, revealing Charlie. He gave me an easy grin before entering the room and closing the door.

"Hey man," he greeted. I gave him a bemused look.

"Did you and Annabelle enjoy your afternoon?" I asked. Charlie rolled his eyes and gave me an exasperated look.

"Women. They wear you out when they take you shopping. Trust me, you were the lucky one." I chuckled.

"What have you been up to?" Charlie asked, nodding towards the canvas I was standing in front of.

"A pleasure of mine," I replied. Charlie took a curious step forward.

"Can I see?" I nodded and stepped to the side so he could inspect my work. He gave a low whistle.

"Damn," he said. "You got some talent."

"Thank you," I said with a slight smile. Charlie gave a sidelong glance.

"Is that for…?" he trailed off, gesturing with a movement of his head. I nodded.

"She'll love it," he declared, looking back at the canvas.

"Klaus! Charlie!" Both of us turned at Annabelle's call. Charlie chuckled.

"That was fast," he commented before motioning for me to follow him.

When we walked into the living room, my jaw dropped slightly. It was decorated with wreaths and smelled of cinnamon. There was a small tree standing by the fireplace with a box of decorations next to it.

"Surprise!" Annabelle squealed. I turned towards her and saw her eyes were shining with excitement.

"You've outdone yourself, sweetheart," I managed to say. She gave a low laugh and kissed my cheek.

"I know, I'm amazing," she stated, grinning at her brother. Charlie grinned back.

"Well, I'll let you two decorate your Charlie Brown tree," he said. I turned towards him and was surprised when he gave me a brotherly hug. When he turned to Anna, she gave me a brilliant smile.

"Be good," she warned him before kissing his cheek. Charlie just laughed and hugged her tightly.

"I'll do my best," Charlie replied before leaving.

"Do you want to decorate the tree?" Anna asked. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and kissed it.

"I do not deserve you," I said quietly. She turned her face to nuzzle under my jaw.

"Yet here I am," she murmured.

"Yet here you are."

Ooo0ooO

Klaus and I spent the evening decorating our little tree and listening to Christmas music. When we were done, Klaus took me into the other room to play tunes on the piano. I sang cheery holiday songs while Klaus played the piano besides me.

After a few hours, I went upstairs to shower. I relaxed under the spray, humming.

When I left the bathroom, Klaus was sitting on the bed waiting for me. I smiled and curled in next to him. He was silent for a long moment.

"Do you think we'll dream of them tonight?" he finally asked. I sighed.

"I don't know," I admitted. "I hope so."

"Me too," he replied softly. I snuggled closer.

"I can't believe it's almost Christmas," I said with a laugh. Klaus chuckled.

"You certainly seem excited," he teased. I looked at up him.

"It's because I get to spend it with you," I said. Klaus's eyes darkened. I sat up and our lips met. He raised a hand to hold my face gently and sighed. He pulled back and looked into my eyes.

"I love you," he whispered. I smiled and pressed my forehead against his, closing my eyes.

"I love you too," I murmured.

Ooo0ooO

Author's Note: Let me know what you thought of this chapter!