"I don't see why you're sulking," Astrid told her daughter as she brushed Helene's hair. "It's your wedding day!"

"I don't know why you think I should be happy about taking part in a sham!" Helene cried. "Of all people, I thought you would be the first to try and get me out of this!"

"I would if the other choice wasn't prison," Astrid reminded her. "This is the only way out you have."

"Yeah," Helene scoffed. "I'm being forced to marry a man I don't...I don't love..." she got out, blushing and hoping her mother didn't notice, "so I can stay out of prison! That's real romantic! Neither of my weddings with Malachai or Adrian really were, and I thought, if there was a next time, it would be...it would be..." she trailed off and let out a sigh.

"Did you know you're blushing?" Astrid observed. "And a lot for someone who claims they don't love the man they're gonna marry."

"Weddings don't have to have anything to do with love!" Helene cried. "I'm doing this so those poor kids don't end up on the street or in an orphanage." She cleared her throat and gave a small smile. "Let me show you the dress I got."

"Oh," Astrid looked pained. "They sent one up. It's red. A werewolf wedding tradition, apparently."

Helene's spine stiffened and she opened a closet door to reveal a black dress. "Well, I want this one instead," she said as her mother winced. "If I'm gonna be forced to marry, at least I should be able to pick my own dress!"

"But...why black?" Astrid cried. "This is a happy occasion! You're gaining a husband, not losing one! You're not a widow in mourning!" She paused and then got close. "Besides, you know that it's werewolf tradition to wear red. I don't think, especially since you're not that big a fan of this wedding anyway, to do this little thing to make it go smoothly."

"I don't give a damn if it goes smoothly or not!" Helene cried. "I'm wearing black and that's that! And I'm in mourning, if not for a husband, then for any hope of an independent life! All I am is a bargaining chip now!"

Astrid sighed. "I understand, but...it's not like you're getting a completely raw deal. Ludovic is a beautiful young man!"

Helene scoffed. "Young? Come on, Mom! He's as old as the planet."

"True," Astrid nodded. "But he doesn't look it!" She paused. "And has it occured to you that if you stopped being so stubborn and accept that this is a done thing, maybe you'll find that you don't mind it. Remember that you like Ludovic. After all, didn't you run away with him for quite some time?"

"Yes, but that's before I realized he was a liar and a cheater!" Helene replied stubbornly. "As for my fate, as you put it, Mother, It's a black future that's being shoved down my throat!"

Astrid sighed and faced her daughter, putting a hand under her chin. "You could at least look at the dress," she chided. "It was Ludovic who picked it out for you, not his mother. He was careful to assure me of that."

"Fine," Helene sighed, eying the box and biting her lip. "I'll look at it; but I'm sure I'm going to hate it!" She opened the box and her jaw dropped. It was the most beautiful red ballgown she'd ever laid eyes on.

"Would you look at that?" Astrid remarked, coming to stand next to her daughter. "It doesn't look like it's got a back on it. The man seems to know your best feature. And it's made of pure silk and velvet."

"It's...it's beautiful," Helene murmured, unable to stop herself from saying anything as she lightly ran her fingers over the soft fabric.

"I agree," Astrid nodded. "But I'm sure that high-necked black dress you picked will be just as lovely." She paused. "It's nice that we can agree that your future husband has very good taste!"

"Oh, whatever," Helene scoffed, grabbing the brush again and putting her hair up in a bun.

"What are you doing?" Astrid quiestioned. "I thought we decided that you were going to wear your hair down, over your shoulders." She paused and grinned. "Have you changed your mind because you're going to wear Ludovic's dress and it would be a shame not to show off the fact that it has no back?"

"Don't you have something better to do than mock my pain?" Helene yelled at her mother. "Like, I don't know...tell Dad I'm going to have a sibling? How long are you gonna be able to keep it quiet?"

"I'll tell him in due time," Astrid said with a shake of her head. "In the mean time, let's not distract from your wedding day!"

"Oh, geez, don't remind me," Helene scoffed and ran her fingers through her hair.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, which her mother went to answer while Helene made strangling motions behind her back, groaning when Ludovic poked his head in the door.

"Hello, Ms. Fale," he greeted Astrid. "My I talk to my fiancee please?"

"Don't you mean unwilling fiancee?" Helene corrected. "It's all right, Mom. You can let him in."

"Are you sure?" Astrid asked. "If you kill him, this won't be good for werewolf-witch relations."

"Well, don't they suck already?" Helene asked. "How could we make them any worse?" But she promised not to kill Ludovic and Astrid watched by the door.

"Don't mind her," Astrid warned Ludovic with a wink. "She's in a mood!"

"I heard that!" Helene yelled as Ludovic pulled her to him. "Be quiet, Mother!"

"I'll give you two some time alone," Astrid promised and then quietly excused herself.

"What do you want?" Helene huffed as Ludovic came to stand next to her.

"I see you decided to wear the dress I picked out for you," Ludovic said, crossing his arms and looking at her in the mirror.

"Why do you assume that?" Helene asked. "I have a great black dress chosen for the wedding because it's the day I'm dying as an independent woman and being pushed into a new life as the wife of a pretentious, stupid werewolf prince!"

Ludovic gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes. "So that's how you've decided it's gonna be between us? That's how you truly want it?"

"You mean two practical strangers pushed together in a platonic arranged marriage?" Helene asked, pulling up a chair and sitting down. "Yep, pretty much!"

"Why platonic?" Ludovic asked.

"What kind of stupid question is that?" Helene asked, standing up and facing him with her arms crossed over her chest. "Well, future husband, you can't honestly expect me to share the bed of a filthy liar like yourself! The man I thought I loved is dead...now I'm stuck with stupid Prince Ludovic or whatever it is that you call yourself ever since the whole charade came to light."

Ludovic smirked, bringing his muscular body very close to hers. "Really, future wife?" His eyes bore into hers and he had the satisfaction of seeing hers widen, if only for a second. "Say that again. Say to my face, looking me in the eyes, that you want to have a platonic, sexless marriage."

Helene's mouth opened and closed while pearls of sweat formed on her forehead and goosebumps appeared on her arms. "I...I.." she got out, although her chin was out and her eyes were raised to try and give an appearance of strength.

"That's what I thought," Ludovic grinned and gave her a spanking after moving some hair that had come loose from her bun. "You'll be in my bed in no time."

"Oh, you keep telling yourself that fairy tale, Prince Ludovic," Helene snapped, poking him in the chest. "Hell will be frozen over before I set foot in your bed again!"

"Really?" Ludovic pulled her to him. "Say that again, sweetheart."

"Fuck you!" Helene hissed.

"Whatever you want, sweetheart," Ludovic whispered into her ear, gently biting the lobe before trailing his lips down her neck.

Helene sighed and shut her eyes for a second before opening them again and shoving him away. "I mean it when I say this isn't going to be that kind of marriage," she said firmly.

"Oh, I think we'll see," he told her, turning his head as a knock sounded at the dressing room door. "I'll get it," he said. "Don't you run off now!"

Helene made a face at his back while he opened the door, allowing entrance to Malachai, Avery, her father, Madeline, and Braydon. The kids rushed to Helene and Ludovic, who immediately took them in their arms. "Look at you with flowers in your hair," Helene said. "Madeline, you look so beautiful!"

"Is it true you're going to be my mommy, Helene? And Ludovic my daddy?"

"Well, do you want us to be?" Helene asked.

"Yes," Madeline nodded

"Well then we will," Helene assured her.

"And will Nico come too?"

"Of course he will, sweetheart," Ludovic assured her. Then he and Helene's eyes met. They gave each other a slight nod. No matter what their own feelings about the marriage were, they would at least keep up the pretense of wanting it for the children's sake.

Then Helene looked at Malachai. "Not to be rude or anything, but...why are you here? It's not every day that an ex-husband comes to his former wife's wedding."

"The Council asked Avery and me to be your witnesses for this transaction," Malachai told her. "I didn't just decide to come on my own."

"Finally, someone calls it what it is!" Helene cried. "A transaction!"

"Are you positive you didn't just decide to come on your own?" Alistair scowled. "I mean, it's bad enough for you to go after my wife, but my daughter...you can't let her go either?"

"Alistair, you are the most thickheaded man alive if you can't see where your wife's feelings really lie," Malachai told him.

Alistair leaning forward, his face bare inches from Malachai's. "Would you like to repeat that, Mr. Fale?"

"Bold words, Mr. Fale," Malachai shot back.

"Okay, that's enough, gentleman," Ludovic said.

"That's right," Avery agreed, giving the wide-eyed little ones a reassuring smile. "Let's all behave."

"The children are here...what about Nico?"

"He's in the hallway," Malachai told Ludovic.

Alistair gestured for Helene to come close. "I know your mother is very adamant about this," he whispered. "But...but if it's not what you want, you don't have to do it. We'll find another way to keep you out of jail."

Helene gave her father a smile. "Thanks, Daddy," she said, putting a hand on his face. "But there is no other way. This is how the children will get a home. That's why I'm doing this."

"Nico!" Ludovic yelled as he poked his head out into the corridor.

"What?" Nico asked. "Time to get this over with? Helene, you look beautiful. That red dress really suits you."

"Thanks," Helene blushed a little. "We're really happy you're here with us, Nico."

"Nico, this is Malachai," Ludovic introduced him.

"I know that," Nico replied. "He told me his name."

"He'll help you when you start at the Council school," Ludovic added. "I know it's a bit daunting to start something like that on your own."

"Thanks, but no thanks," Nico shook his head. "Now that my siblings are taken care of, I'm gonna go my own way once this is all over. I'll come back and visit them from time to time, though."

"No, that's not gonna happen," Ludovic shook his head resolutely.

"You're gonna be part of this family just like your brother and sister," Helene added.

"Whatever," Nico scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"All right, let's take our seats," Alistair said, ushering everyone out the door after kissing Helene gently on the forehead. "And give my daughter time to put that lovely dress on."

"How romantic," Helene scoffed as she and Ludovic were led into one of the large rooms usually used for meetings with everyone else following behind. "A bunch of dark wood furniture, a few stubby candles...just wonderful. A perfect place to get married."

Astrid sighed. "I had several bouquets of different colored flowers that I was planning on putting in the little crevices to cheer the place up a bit but I was out-voted."

Helene made a face when she noticed the tapestry of two werewolves hanging on the wall. They seemed to be bleeding and in the middle of a fight. "Well, I guess they didn't want the decorations to clash."

"Decorations," Ludovic's mother scoffed. "As if this is some sort of party we all want to remember. It's not."

"Well, if we're not supposed to remember it, can I have a few strong drinks first?" Helene asked.

"Dear, please," Astrid remonstrated as Avery and Malachai tried to calm her after sitting Brayden and Madeline down.

"It'll be all right," Avery said. "It might not be fun, but it'll be be fine."

Meanwhile, Alcazar was trying to assure Ludovic. "It'll be all right," he said.

"Yes, I know," Ludovic just scoffed and shook his head. "I just wish it didn't have to be this way. I wish I could have married her on a sunny day in the woods, just the two of us. Then it would actually mean something because that's where I fell in love with Helene, even though she's a stubborn as hell witch and there's no way I should give a crap about her. But...if my parents need to go through this spectacle to assure me of her safety and make it so Madeline and Braydon have a home and parents who love them...if I need to take back my titles and all the nonsense that goes with them...that is what I'll do because I love her...and this is what you do for your family."

"So you seem certain that you want to go through with this," Alcazar nodded. "Okay."

After a few words with Astrid, Malachai and Avery retreated to the back row of chairs to take on their roles as wedding witnesses. "I know this might not be the best time to bring this up," Malachai whispered. "But I received a voice message from Mikael. It seemed very urgent."

"Mikael Mikaelson?" Avery asked. "But why? Did Sybil disappear again?"

"From the way he was shouting at me to get you to find a solution, I would say she did," Malachai nodded.

Avery grabbed Malachai's arm and shook him, grinning widely. "But for him to know that, they must have been together. Were they?"

"Well, I'm not positive," Malachai shook his head. "Maybe he just bumped into her again."

"No, no," Avery shook her head. "They had to have been together!"

"You really want them to be a couple, don't you?" Malachai asked.

"Don't you?"

"Well," Malachai thought about it. "Mikael is one of my oldest friends and I've seen how much he cares for her, so yes, I do."

"Plus they're the way to prove to my father that I didn't fuck everything up by bringing the souls back to Earth," Avery added. "If I can get at least one happy couple out of it, then he can't scold me and shame me anymore. Mikael and Sybil belong together and that's that."

Malachai grinned, grabbed her chin, and kissed her. "You're adorable. Did you know that?"

"Why did you kiss me?" Avery asked, surprised.

"Because you are beautiful in your lovely pink dress and it touches my heart to see you fight for people to find love and be happy," Malachai explained.

"That's what I'm all about!" Avery nodded. "My father is not gonna win this!"

"All's fair in love and war," Malachai agreed.

"Okay," Helene thought to herself. "Let's just get this over with."

Then the wedding march began. She took two steps before it began grating on her ears. "Stop!" she snapped at the wide-eyed harpist before running up the aisle and nearly knocking Ludovic down before she got her balance back.

"Goodness," said the officiant. "Someone must be eager to-"

"Get this over with?" Helene panted. "Oh, yeah!"

"Nice black roses," Ludovic muttered.

"I thought they fit the occasion," Helene muttered back. "Besides, it's not like my dress is a cheerful color. Dark red dress, dark flowers...it all seems appropriate."

The vows began. Ludovic said this with sincerity, wincing when Helene's responses were brief: "Yeah, sure, why not? Whatever."

Finally, it came time for the kissing. Helene refused at first, of course. "Do we have to?" She asked. "Is it really necessary?"

"Well..." The officiant nodded. "It's typical for a new husband and wife."

"Kiss him!" Madeline yelled and tried to push Helene toward Ludovic after running up to them. "Kiss him, Mommy! Kiss him!"

Ludovic then pulled her close before she had time to protest and kissed her soundly. She resisted at first, but then, even though she knew she was in front of people, she kissed him back. With feeling. And possibly a little tongue.

"Thank you for wearing the dress," he whispered when they pulled apart. "You look lovely in it."

"Well, whatever," Helene rolled her eyes. "It's not like I had any other choice. Mom wouldn't let me wear the one I picked."

They then turned to smile at the politely applauding group, hoping that display was enough and that they'd never have to do anything that personal in front of people again.

Last but not least, it was time for their parents to sign the agreement.

Astrid hoped they could just sign the agreement and get it over with, but it didn't take long for Alistair to pick a fight again.

"Why are you standing so close to Astrid?" He asked. "Thinking about having her and Avery at the same time?"

"No, I'm not," Malachai snapped, shaking his head. "You need to grow the fuck up, Alistair!"

"Okay, okay," Astrid cried as both men looked like they were going to punch each other in the face. "Let's just calm down, all right? Alistair, what the hell is wrong with you? You should know better!"

"Oh, stop protecting your lover!" Alistair snapped at her. "Especially since he's just using you and has feelings for another woman entirely!"

"You are a blind, stupid fool!" Astrid replied. "He's never been more than a dear friend to me and he's certainly not the father of the baby I'm carrying!"

Once the words were out of her mouth, the whole room went silent. Everyone (except Malachai and Helene who already knew) was shocked.

"What?" Alistair asked, going white as a ghost and collapsing into a nearby chair.

Astrid put her hands on her hips. "Oh, come on! You heard me!"

"You're pregnant!" Alistair cried dramatically. "And it's his!"

"Oh, for god's sake," Astrid rolled her eyes. "Were you listening when I said that it wasn't his at all? It's yours!"

"What an unexpected surprise," Alcazar whispered to Avery. "Brings a little excitement to the wedding, wouldn't you say, dear?"

Alistair grabbed Astrid's arm and gently pulled her away from the crowd. "Are you serious about me being the father?"

"Of course," Astrid nodded. "You know I don't say things just to stir up trouble. And did you think our little encounter on my desk wouldn't have any repercussions?"

"You weren't going to tell me about this, were you?" Alistair questioned through clenched teeth.

"What's the point when you want to divorce me?"

Alistair pulled her close, his breath picking up. "I want...I want..."

"What do you want, Alistair?" Astrid asked firmly.

He trailed off and just shook his head. They stared at one another and then he pushed her away, running a hand through his hair. "It's not the place or the time; we'll discuss this later."

"Enough of this circus!" Yelled Ludovic's mother. "We're here to sign an agreement between the Council and the werewolves! Not cry and scream like children!"

"Watch your mouth!" Helene yelled. "Those are my parents you're talking to!"

Queen Mathilde just shook her head. "My dear, don't think that because you're married to my son now, that gives you the right to raise your voice at me or that you have any power over us. I'm the queen and I always will be."

"Don't argue," Ludovic whispered as Helene tried to free herself from his grip. "It's easier that way. Please."

She stayed quiet, but only because he'd been polite about it.

"Except he isn't your son, Mathilde!" A clear voice rang out.

"Oh, damn, what now?" Ludovic asked. He just wanted to get this over with.

There stood Gabrielle, along with Kai for moral support. They had most definitely not been invited so this would not end well.

Gabrielle?" Asked Ludovic's father, stepping forward, his eyes wide with shock. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Rudolph, it's me," Gabrielle nodded. "I'm sorry for interrupting like this, but-"

"What's that whore doing here?" Mathilde shrieked.

Kai squeezed Gabrielle's hand and she took a deep breath. "I'm here to tell my son who his real mother is!"

Everyone fell into stunned silence for several minutes until Avery spoke to Malachai. "You didn't know about this, did you?"

"No," Malachai shook his head. "I'm not like your father. I don't know everything."

"That much I know, Malachai," Avery winked and squeezed his butt. "And that's a very good thing."

"Excuse me, Gabrielle?" Ludovic cleared his throat and stepped forward. "What do you mean you're my mother?"

"It's a long story," Gabrielle told him. "Involving a very powerful spell and a relationship that could never be."

"But...but you're a demon!" Ludovic cried. "And I'm not!"

"Yes, well," Gabrielle rubbed her hands nervously. "Your father and I had an interlude many years ago, and a child resulted. Since a mix of species was frowned upon at that point, a spell was done to make you full werewolf and then you were passed on to your mother as hers."

"I don't have demon genes," Ludovic shook his head. "You must be mistaken."

"I told you," Gabrielle repeated. "The spell took care of that. Made it so you could be what you had to be to be safe in this world."

"Aren't you also Eloise's mother, though?" Ludovic asked.

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded. "That would make her your sister."

"Oh, my god," a pale Helene swayed on her feet. "I think I'm going to be sick!"

Fearing that these new developments would undo what had just been done, Malachai spoke. "All right, since the ceremony is over and the documents have been signed, let's just proceed with this arrangement. Does that suit everyone?"

Although not everyone was enthusiastic, they all answered in the affirmative and the crowd left the room without another word.

"These are wonderful and thank you for getting me coffee," Avery told Ellie as they sat in the kitchen eating a late breakfast of muffins. "Everything is so tasty!"

"You tell your brother that," Ellie smiled. "His opinions on my coffee making are less than flattering but I've improved since we first met, apparently." She sighed. "Why we can't get one of those pod machines, I don't know. Maybe it's cause then he wouldn't have anything to lord over me."

Avery looked around. "Is it always so quiet? Where is everyone?"

"Well, if it's not a family breakfast day, people just do their own thing," Ellie shrugged. "Apparently the kids wanted to either eat out or eat in their rooms. Or maybe they're still sleeping, like your brother is." She paused. "How's Malachai now? Better, or is it too weird to talk about?"

"No, he's better," Avery assured her and then took a bite of muffin. "I mean, it's still not where I want it to be exactly, but...he's used to the idea of us being us." She took a deep breath. "We're taking things slow, we're talking...I'm doing little things around the house to let him feel like 'the man'. I think he just...felt a little left behind, since, you know, I'm my dad's daughter and all. But now he can see me as my own person and I think he likes what he sees."

"Makes sense," Ellie nodded and took a sip of coffee. "Now, if it's not some big secret, tell me about Helene's wedding to the Werewolf Prince!"

"I'm surprised you weren't there," Avery said. "Don't you like, have blood ties to all the supernatural communities or something?"

"Yeah, but it's not something we like to think about cause my dad's biological dad, AKA the reason why I have those connections, is a psycho who tried to murder me when I was born, so...yeah." Ellie sighed. "I mean, my mom's biological grandfather is from the first family of vampires and blah, blah, blah...it's very boring to explain...but part of the reason why your dad put us together, I think. Some weird union of the 'profane' and the 'sacred'. But don't ask me what goes on in his head. Anyway...yeah, I was invited but it was the day where I had to do inventory of stuff and people in Hell and you really can't put that off so I couldn't go. I was so bummed I missed it."

"Well, I mean, it was an absolute mess, but..." Avery's eyes were sparkling. "You definitely want the details!"

"YES!" Ellie cheered "Gossip!"

"As I said, it was a disaster," Avery told her. "Angelica would have been horrified. No ambiance, weird music, weird decorations!" She paused. "But Helene looked wonderful in her red dress."

"Red dress?" Ellie raised an eyebrow.

Avery shrugged. "Apparently it's werewolf tradition or something. "

"Did they actually get married or was Helene a runaway bride?"

"No, they did," Avery nodded. "But not without lots of interruptions. The werewolves were so mad!"

"And what were they?"

"Well, Astrid announced to everyone that she was carrying Alistair's baby."

Ellie nodded. "Well, it was about time. You never thought it was Malachai's, you? I know that was being spread around."

"Oh, no," Avery shook her head and laughed. "I always knew it was a rumor to try and make Alistair jealous."

"So...Alistair and Astrid are back together now?" Ellie asked hopefully. "I think it would be really good for Astrid if they were."

"Hard to say," Avery said. "Alistair wasn't exactly happy when he heard the news. Surprised. Pissed off. Livid...but not happy."

Ellie nodded. "Anything else? But I honestly don't know what could top that."

"Well, Gabrielle showed up uninvited," Avery continued. "And announced that she was the biological mother of Helene's groom. She's Eloise's mother too, remember."

"What?" Ellie's eyes widened. "But that would mean that Ludovic is Eloise's brother." She shook her head. "Damn, that's awkward!"

"Exactly!" Avery laughed.

Wide eyed, Ellie opened her mouth to ask for more gossip, but Lucifer's voice stopped her.

"Good morning, darling. Avery."

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Ellie commented with a wink. "I see you stayed in bed today."

"Yes, well," Lucifer stretched. "Someone wore me out."

"Did they?" Ellie gave a small grin. "Sorry."

"No need to be sorry," he shook his head and gave her wink. "Gave me the chance to brush up on some things." He cleared his throat. "So...what's left for breakfast?" He winced when he saw the muffins. "Is that all? Did I sleep so late all the good food got taken? I think I'll make eggs."

"So he's not a muffin guy?" Avery asked. "Oh, well, more for us." Then she turned. "And good morning to you too, brother."

"Muffins are not breakfast," Lucifer shook his head. "They're cake in a doily. So...what are we talking about?" He asked as he cracked eggs. "Anything interesting?" He waited for them to respond, but they said nothing. "Oh, come on. There has to be something! Don't tell me the cat got your tongues!"

"Just a second," Ellie said and scampered over to him to get a closer look at something Avery had whispered to her about. "Let me see something. Did you...is that gray in your hair? Gosh, I hope Mistress Eleanor's House of Discipline wasn't that hard on you! I thought you were enjoying yourself!"

Lucifer winced, blushing. "Eleanor! Some things stay behind closed doors, remember?"

"When he calls you Eleanor does that mean you're in trouble?" Avery asked.

"When he says it in that tone, it does." Ellie sighed.

"Malachai will be so pleased to know you're taking inspiration from him!" Avery smiled. "This'll make his day, his week, his year that you want to be dashing just like he is!"

"You will not say anything or you're going straight back to Dad's," Lucifer told her.

"Oh, would you stop with that threat?" Ellie asked. "You know you love having her here. You both want to make your dad angry and this is the perfect way for you to do it!" She paused. "And if you think Malachai is more dashing than you with his gray hair, let me assure you that he isn't. I like you just the way you are!"

"No, I definitely don't think he's more dashing than me!" Lucifer blushed again. "Eleanor can we please change the subject?"

Before Ellie could suggest something, someone joined them that made them forget all about Lucifer's gray hair.

"Hello, Mother, Dad." A young man with dark hair and eyes and wearing a leather jacket strode into the room and smiled. "Aunt Avery."

Everyone looked at each other in shock as he then pulled a comb out of his jeans pocket and gave his impeccably made up hair another go over while looking at his reflection in the toaster. "If you think I should give my hair another go, just say so." He turned to face them. "Better?"

"Milo, honey," Ellie asked at last. "Is that you?"

"Yes, Mom, it's me," Milo nodded.

"Well, this is certainly a surprise," Lucifer added. "I mean, not completely because once you're a toddler, you can grow up any day, but we never know when so it's always a bit of a surprise." He grinned. "Nice hair by the way. Good to see genetics haven't failed yet."

"You too," Milo nodded. "Nice grays."

Then Ellie sniffled and put a hand on her heart. "I can't believe you're a teenager already."

Milo came over and put his hand on her shoulder. "I know it's a bummer, I'm sorry." Then he quickly poured himself a cup of coffee and gulped it down, grabbing a muffin and making his way to the door. "Sorry to rush off and everything but I have to go register for the Council school. Cause Natalie Mikaelson is probably doing it too, and there's not a chance in hell, no offense, Mom and Dad, that she'll get there and do it before me! And plus I know you've been warning me about going early for days, Mom." Then he paused and turned to Ellie. "Can I have the keys to your car? Thanks!"

Ellie just automatically threw them at him and then he slammed the door behind him.

"That was unexpected," Lucifer remarked.

"What in the world just happened?" Ellie asked.

"Was that a hallucination or did everyone else see it too?" Avery wanted to know. "I mean, he was like, a toddler yesterday!"

"No, it was real," Lucifer told her. "That's just how they grow up. Dad rushed Eleanor's growth process and it spread to our children too. It makes things interesting."

"Yeah," Avery nodded, still shocked as she moved closer to Ellie. "I guess."

"Here's some coffee," Amy told Klaus. "Don't gulp it down. It's still hot."

Klaus grinned and pulled her onto his lap after placing the coffee on the table. "What would I do without you?"

"You'd be a mess, that's what," Amy smiled. "A hot mess. And we know that because you've been without me before."

He nuzzled her neck and bit her earlobe. "Did you just call me hot?"

"Yeah," Amy nodded. "I suppose I did!"

"Don't remind me of the time without you," Klaus told her. "Or of the time you were with my brother. I don't want to think of that."

Amy playfully punched him in the arm. "You've been nice to me for ages so I'm gonna let that go. But I can't stop thinking of Astrid and how she's pregnant again. She and Alistair are gonna have another baby! Can you believe that?"

"I can!" Klaus nodded. "From what I've been forced to hear against my will, they're going at it like bunnies!"

"Well, maybe that's what he told you because he wanted to be seen as macho and hide the fact that his and Astrid's divorce was hurting him, but it's still very strange to me that Alistair would suddenly turn into a sex addict over night," Amy told him.

"That's because you don't know him as well as I do," Klaus told her. "And as far as I know, they're still getting divorced. I don't think anything has changed."

Amy's jaw dropped. "But what about their baby? Getting divorced is the worst thing they could possibly do!"

"Oh, calm down," Klaus told her, running his fingers through her hair. "I really don't think they'll go through with it in the end. They just need to have the time to realize that."

"They better not," Amy hissed before kissing Klaus softly and making circles on his chest with her fingers while wishing that he wasn't wearing a shirt.

Klaus let this go on for a little bit before he took her hand and kissed her fingers. "You know what I heard?" He asked. "It's about Mikael, my rat of a stepfather. And Sybil too; don't think I still like her though; we have a son together and we'll always be friends, but it'll never be more than that."

"I know, don't worry," Amy said. "She made it clear before she died that she wouldn't try and go after you again. I think she's very good and sweet. What did you hear? Is it awful?"

"He's stalking her!" Klaus replied. "Mikael is stalking Sybil!"

"But why would he do that?" Amy asked. "Cause he hates demons and wants her to suffer?"

"Probably," Klaus nodded. "If he tries to start trouble or hurt her, he's gonna have me to deal with!"

"I know that you and Mikael are far from the best of friends," Amy said. "But if you feel you have to pick a fight with him to defend Sybil's honor, please be careful; I don't want to lose you. And neither do the kids."

"What kids?"

The voice made them freeze. Turning, they saw a young woman with a red bob haircut, combat boots. fishnet stockings, a short plaid skirt, a leather jacket, and a rock band t-shirt. And, (if Amy wasn't seeing things,) a small stud in her nose.

"N-Natalie?" Amy managed to choke out. "Is that you?"

"Yes," Natalie nodded. "Hi, Mom, hi, Dad. Don't worry, now that I'm grown, before you can give me a lecture on education, I'll go get signed up for school. Stupid Milo Morningstar's mom probably tells him all that crap too and I don't want him to get there before me."

"Oh, but don't you think you should change into something a little more...presentable?" Amy asked.

"She's fine," Klaus shook his head and put a finger over Amy's lips. "Go on, Natalie. And good luck!"

"Thank you," Natalie told him. "And Mom, I knew this look would upset you, but I want to get who I am out on the table. I'm sorry I can't be the tea party playing, fancy dressing, gossiping daughter you want. But this is who I am. I gotta go now. Bye! Love you, Dad!"

"Love you too!" Klaus called after her, just before the door slammed closed.

"What just happened?" Amy asked.

"Our baby has grown up and I like her," Klaus grinned evilly. "She seems to be more at ease than some and she wants to fight a Morningstar. She's becoming my favorite one already!"

Amy sighed and looked skyward. "Steve help me," she begged. "Please."

"She's got the look! What in the world could make a brown-eyed girl turn blue? She's got the look!" Natalie grooved to the song she was listening to as she made her way through campus to the main building, not being able to miss the glares that were meeting her from the other students. Clearly having something around with her sense of style was bothering them. "What are you looking at?" She barked, and let out a growl that made some of the more timid ones scatter. Then, grinning to herself, she continued on her way, only to slip and hit her head on the concrete, enough pain shooting through her that she was sure her skull was broken.

As the students that were still around burst into laughter, she tried to get up. Someone had made her fall.

"Well, well, well, have a nice trip?" Groaning she turned her head to see the form of the one she most despised, Milo Morningstar, kneeling beside her. "Fancy seeing you here, Natalie Mikaelson! Instead of, you know, running around the woods like an animal."

"Oh, fuck you," Natalie spat, struggling to get up.

"I would, but," he clicked his tongue as he got to his feet. "You're really not my type." He then turned to wink at a blonde girl who was waving at him and winked back, making her giggle loudly. "She, however, is my type.

"Poor woman," Natalie spat as she got up, shook her head, and wiped dirt off herself. She doesn't know the misfortune that is about to befall her."

"What the hell are wearing?" Milo winced. "You look awful! Like you just strode in here off the street. Have you ever washed any of that stuff you're wearing?"

"Of course, I just zapped it on today, you big jerk!" Natalie cried. "Not that I have to explain anything about how I dress or otherwise live my life because it's not of your damn business!" Her eyes narrowed and she pushed past him. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to register! Maybe you should do it after me. You don't seem the brightest, but maybe some classes will help a brain grow in that small head of yours."

"I've done it already," Milo grinned widely, showing a full set of pearly white teeth.

"What?" Natalie's eyes widened and she began to feel sick.

"Mom pulled me out of bed and insisted I go early in case there was a line. I got my registration done an hour ago, Carrot!" That was a fib, but she didn't need to know that.

Natalie growled in frustration and poked him in the chest. "Don't call me that, you moron!"

He clicked his tongue. "I guess those ugly army boots of yours don't let you run so fast."

"Your face is uglier than they are!" Natalie spat.

Milo chuckled. "Regardless, I still got here before you."

Natalie shrugged. "So you registered before me. So what? I don't care! It doesn't mean anything!"

"Oh, it means more than you think it does," Milo told her. "And you know it, Mikaelson!" He got in her face and laughed.

"Get out of my way!" She scoffed and gave him a push. But before she could move any further, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him.

"Don't push me away like that, Carrot," he said, his face so close to hers that she could feel his breath on her lips. "I'm not finished with you yet."

"Well, I'm finished with you," she snapped and kicked him in the shin with her heavy boots. As he collapsed and howled in pain and anger, she just laughed. "Well, I guess my army boots are good for something after all!" Then, leaving him on the ground, she strode toward the school, head held high and ready to sign up for classes.

"So glad they're finally asleep," Adrian remarked. "With how angelic they look now, you'd never guess our babies have been screaming bloody murder for the last few hours."

"I know," Eloise whispered. "I thought they would never stop crying!" She and Adrian were each holding a triplet, with the third asleep in a carrier nearby. "Now be honest, was I crying as much? Does it still look like I was?"

Adrian shrugged. "Well, sometimes you're happy, sometimes you cry. It is what it is. No need to worry about it."

"How did you do it?" Eloise asked him. "How did you take care of me so well? I'm already exhausted."

"I can't really explain it to you," Adrian shook his head. "I didn't plan anything out; I just did it." He kissed his baby's head and smiled. "Look at them; they look like little replicas of you and that makes me so happy."

"I love you," she replied with a smile and kissed Celine's head holding her close.

Adrian grinned wider. "I love you too...and our three girls."

Eloise sighed. "Don't take this the wrong way, but...I'm worried about leaving them with you when I go back to school full time; I know you'll be able to handle it, but it's a lot for just one person. When it was just you and me, it was...just you and me. One on one. But now..." she sighed. "Now you can't say that."

"I'll do the best I can do," he assured her. "And it's not like I don't have people I can call if it's an emergency." He paused. "You want to go out and get some fresh air? It feels like we've been cooped up in here for ages."

Eloise sighed. "It's a nice idea, but I don't know if I have the energy to go out."

"Oh, come on," Adrian said. "It'll do you and the girls some good. We could really use the change of scenery."

"Okay, but not without a kiss first," Eloise told him.

"All right," he said, heaving an exaggerated sigh and kissing her. "I suppose that wouldn't be too much of a sacrifice!"

"Okay, so I got all the extra glasses cleaned and put in the back room as well as the bottles of champagne you wanted," Roxie told Noah. "Anything else you need for this little party?"

"No, I'm good," Noah grinned. "Thanks, Roxie! You're a real sport!"

Roxie smiled. "You seem really chipper these days. "Anything you want to tell me?"

"Not really," Noah grinned. "I'm just..happy to be free now. Free, separated, and living my life exactly how I want."

"Yeah," Roxie rolled her eyes. "Sure. Don't think I didn't notice the tall brunette in the leather follow you into the back room the other night."

"That's enough," Noah told her. "Now you can shut your mouth and keep your nose out of my business. I'm your boss, remember?"

"I know you're my boss, but...I can't just let this go!" Roxie cried. "You're better than cheap one night stands! Please don't go down that path again."

Noah's eyes narrowed. "What I do with my sex life is not any of your business!"

"I'm not trying to control your sex life!" Roxie corrected. "Whatever you want to do with that is your business. I just want you to find a woman who you can love and will love you back."

Noah burst out laughing. "Oh right! Like that's gonna happen!"

"It might!" Roxie cried. "You don't know." Just then, the sound of a squeaky wheel interrupted them and they turned their heads toward the club's entrance doors.

"It's not every day you see something like that," Noah observed as Adrian and Eloise made their way into the club, pushing a giant stroller.

"No, but I'm glad we are," Roxie remarked. "It's been a while since they've been out; the fresh air will do them good." She headed toward her brother and Noah followed.

"Hi, girls," she said, getting down next to the stroller after greeting her brother and his wife. "Remember me? I'm your aunt Roxie, the one who got you all the toys!"

"Thank you for getting one of each," Eloise said. "If they each got three, our house would be so full!"

"I get it," Roxie nodded. "Vince and I had twins, so I do remember." She smiled down at the girls. "You're such beautiful ladies."

"They sure are!" Noah nodded and knelt down on the other side of the stroller. "Now, which one is which again?"

"Celine is closest to you," Adrian replied. "Laurelle is beside her, and then Michelle is in the back row."

"Well, Celine's got a very nice lace bow," Noah remarked. He reached out for it and she grabbed his finger. Although the babies had awoken during the car ride over, they were much calmer now.

"She likes having things in her hair," Eloise replied. "And she's always trying to snatch my jewelry."

"A fine lady with good taste," Noah smiled and tickled Celine's belly as the baby smiled back at him. "I like it!"

"And she seems to like you," Eloise added. "So why don't you hold onto her for a little bit? I'm sure it will be a thrill for her to meet someone new."

"Oh...Oh, I couldn't!" Noah protested. "I..." But before he could say any more, little Celine was plopped in his arms.

"Why not?" Adrian asked. "Look at how well you're doing!"

"Well, hello there," a smiling Noah greeted baby Celine. "You're so pretty. Did you know that?"

Celine giggled and rested her head on his shoulder, watching him.

"Wow," Roxie laughed. "I think she likes you a lot. I don't think she'll ever let you go."

"I told you that she had good taste," Noah countered. "What's not to like?"

"Oh, come on," Adrian grinned. "You Morningstars are always showing off."

Keeping a grip on Celine, Noah said, "sorry to just keep you standing there. Let's go up to my penthouse and have coffee. I promise I've got decaf."

"Sure," Eloise nodded as they all made their way toward the elevator. "But you don't have to keep holding her like that. Do you want me to take her from you?"

"No, it's all right," Noah assured her. "I've got your daughter."

"Well," Roxie grinned. "It looks like Noah likes your daughter as much as she likes him. But let's not say anything. It would be best if he figured it out on his own."