"Don't forget to top the popcorn correctly, dear," Gwen reminded Avery, who'd only come over from Lucifer's because a lot of fun was in store for her.

"Yes, don't worry, Mother, I know how you like it," Avery promised. "I didn't forget a single drop of butter or salt!" She came and sat down next to her mother, putting the large popcorn bowl between them.

"We can't have too much," Gwen reminded her. "We don't want the bowl to be empty when everyone shows up!"

"You two should be ashamed of yourselves," Steve scoffed as he came upon them.

"Why?" Avery asked innocently. "What's wrong with eating popcorn? Does it have too much butter on it for you?" She winked at her mother. "Apparently eating butter is a sin now."

Gwen tried very hard not to laugh but Steve saw her shoulders shake until, at last, she took a breath and her face sobered. "And just what's wrong with you, dear?"

"You two are eating popcorn on the sofa because you know my daughter Azrael, your niece and sister, may I remind you..."

"I wouldn't use that term," Avery corrected. "We're not that close."

"They really aren't," Gwen shook her head. "Which isn't bad. Sometimes sisters can be a pain."

"Well, that doesn't matter!" Steve cried. "Azrael is coming and so is that...that man! And he wants you to face him Avery! This is not a game!"

Gwen cleared her throat. "When you say 'that man', you mean Mikael Mikaelson, right? My ex? Who also happens to be my sister's ex, since she's gone away now? Marvelous idea, by the way, who summoned you to a meeting between him and Azrael?"

Steve growled. "Dear, I love you, but don't push it!"

Avery nudged her mother. "I think Dad's jealous!"

"No, he's just backed up against the wall and it's killing him," Gwen grinned. "He wants to find out what's going on with Sybil and Azrael and all that, but how will he find out unless Mikael comes to our house?"

Steve gave a resigned nod and even a small grin. "I suppose it's worth it if you put it that way. I do think a little more information about all this might be good." He took a few steps toward them and reached out his hand toward the popcorn bowl. "May I have some?"

"Only if you promise not to fuss anymore," Gwen told him and held the bowl away until he promised, then held it out so he could take a handful.

"I can't believe you, acting like there's still some doubt about Mikael and Sybil's relationship," Avery said to her father. "Their love is as real as it can get!"

"I'm sure you see that," Gwen told her. "But please give us room to doubt a little. Then you can be smug if you're proven right."

"Not 'if'" Avery corrected. "It's when I'm proven right, thank you very much! I concede it won't be obvious to those of us who aren't me, though. At least not now. But Mikael will fight for Sybil, you'll see. That's why I'm here," she happily munched on more popcorn. "I want to see Azrael get her butt kicked."

"Language, Avery," Steve chided.

"I apologize, Father. I'm here to see Azrael get her ass kicked!. And I'm not saying anything that isn't true!"

The doorbell rang and they froze.

"The time has come," Steve sighed. "Nobody needs to get up; I'll get the door."

"The fun is starting!" Avery grinned. "Hand me the popcorn please, Mother."

"Yes," Gwen agreed. "I can't wait to see how this turns out!"

Steve opened the door, eyes narrowed at his adversary. "Mikael."

"Steve," Mikael returned, striding into the house without another word to God himself.

"I was going to ask you to come in," Steve huffed and slammed the door. "But since you already invited yurself, I guess there's no reason to bother!"

"Where is she?" Mikael demanded as he strode into the living room and stared at Avery and Gwen, hands on hips.

Gwen said nothing but looked him over. "Is that a leather jacket you're wearing?" She asked. "When did you get that?"

"Yes, I am wearing a leather jacket," Mikael huffed. "And yes, it is new. Anything more you want to say about it?"

"No, no," Gwen chuckled and shook her head before going for more popcorn. "I wasn't trying to be critical. It really does make you look younger!"

"Whatever." Mikael rolled his eyes and faced her daughter. "Avery."

"Mikael," Avery nodded and swallowed.

But to her surprise, he didn't say another word to her, but turned back to Steve instead.

"All right," he burst out. "Enough of this chit-chat. Your daughter Azrael; where is she?"

"She should be here shortly," Steve assured him. "Have a seat. May I offer you something?"

"I'm no fool," Mikael shook his head. "If I accepted, you'd probably poison it or something."

"What good is that?" Steve asked. "Considering that it wouldn't do anything for you."

"Yes," Mikael grinned smugly. "It's good you know that." He started to pace. "I don't think I'll sit, thank you," he continued. Then he stopped quite suddenly and pointed at Steve. "Do you know that your horrible daughter is threatening the life of Sybil Vane?"

Gwen put a hand over her mouth. "Oh, dear! It's true."

"I told you that already," Avery mumbled. "Why is it so much more believable when he says it?"

"What are you two going on about over there?" Mikael snapped.

"Nothing," Gwen and Avery said together and went back to their popcorn.

"I understand she acted rashly," Steve agreed. "And and after my youngest acted rashly too!"

"I did not!" Avery protested. "I made good things happen! Happy things!"

"I won't wait much longer," Mikael snapped. "You must know that I'm not a patient man. Now, where is Azrael?"

"He's not kidding," Gwen told Steve. "He's not patient at all. You better get Azrael over here."

"Who called for me?" Came Azrael's voice shortly before she appeared in the living room. "Was it you, Father?"

"Not exactly, dear, but thank you for coming," Steve gestured for her to come close. "I'm glad you're here. Mikael Mikaelson would like to have a word with you."

The color left Azrael's face and she tried to step away, but he grabbed her, pinned her against the wall, and put his hand around her throat after pushing a chair to the floor with a clatter.

"Wow," Avery said as Steve started to rise to his feet. "Wasn't expecting that plot twist. This will be better than I thought!"

"Stay down," Gwen advised. "It's not like she can be killed. Let's just get this over with."

"But-" Steve protested.

Meanwhile, Azrael struggled for breath in Mikael's grip. "You listen to me," he hissed. "I'm no fool; I realize that you have a lot in life, but you will not touch Sybil Vane, you understand me? Do whatever you will with the others your sister brought back, but leave Sybil alone! Am I clear?"

"Yes," Azrael nodded and finally he let her go, dropping her to the floor.

"That's it?" Avery pouted. "I was expecting more of a fight!"

"Well, that's surprising," Gwen told her. "Are you saying you want your sister to keep Sybil in the other world?"

"No, of course not!" Avery shook her head. "But-"

"But what?" Azrael asked as she massaged her throat. "You got what you wanted."

"Not all of it!" Avery pouted. "You only have to give up Sybil, at least for now. I think we both won here."

"It's not 'winning' to mess with the natural order of things!" Azrael snapped. "And I will give up no one else, I promise you that." She paused. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to a place where people like me to have a good long bath."

"Say 'Hello' to Angelica for me," Steve requested. "Since you're still bunking with her and Sammy."

"Fine," Azrael snapped. "Not that you deserve it, but I will." She strode out of the house and Steve stared at Mikael.

"And what about you?" He asked. "Are you going too now that you've gotten what you wanted?"

"I'm skeptical about any promises given to me by you or your children," Mikael said. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"But you will go?" Gwen clarified.

"Of course," Mikael nodded. "I have no reason to stay here anymore." He left and the house was mercifully silent, except for the crunch of popcorn.

"Thanks for taking one of the horses out for a walk this morning," Elijah told Ricky as he came through the door and shut it gently behind him. "I know it was kind of early."

"It's all right, no problem!" Ricky said, hands on hips as he looked at the empty kitchen table in confusion and his stomach rumbled. "Why isn't there-?"

"It'll be a minute!" Selina snapped. She was leaning against the sink, her eyes closed tight and her teeth bared as she tried not to swear. Her back was hurting terribly. "I...I'm a little busy! If you're hungry now, have cereal."

"Don't worry, I can take over the pancakes," Elijah told her.

"Well, it's about time you offered!" Selina snapped. "How long have I been standing here in discomfort?"

"Still waiting for my aunt or uncle to come out?" Ricky joked gently as Elijah made shushing motions. "I don't blame you, it looks like it's about time!"

"Don't!" Elijah cried as Selina turned, waving a wooden spoon.

"What?" She hissed, pleased she'd finally found the strength to stand up straight.

"I...I was just commenting on the flowers that you put on the island," Ricky said, backing away as he remembered she'd probably once killed men for talking to her like that. "Not you. You look lovely, Grandma. And so do they."

"Right you are, Ricky!" Elijah added, putting his arm around his grandson's shoulders.

"You do know that I realize everything you're saying is absolute bullshit, right?" Selina spat, eyebrow raised. "But I won't press it because I'm not in the mood. My back hurts, my boobs hurt, I look fat and ugly, and this baby won't come out of my vagina!"

"Oh, do you have to say that word?" Ricky winced.

"What word?" Selina asked, her eyes twinkling a little. "Vagina?"

"Yes!" Ricky howled as Selina ran around the kitchen yelling "Vagina, vagina, vagina!"

"Make her stop!" he pleaded with his grandfather.

"Oh, let her have this," Elijah sighed. "It's the last weeks before the baby is born and she needs it. You brought this on yourself by letting her see that it bothered you."

"Well, I'll remember not to say another word around her then," Ricky remarked. "Are you really gonna finish the pancakes? Cause honestly, I'm not hungry for them anymore and based on how Grandma is feeling, I kind of feel guilty for wanting them in the first place."

"You're right, but since the batter is made, it feels a shame to let it go to waste. I'm sure there's someone in this house who will eat pancakes if we make them."

"What are you two eating cereal for?" Remiel asked as she joined him an hour later. "I thought it was pancake day."

"It was," Ricky nodded. "But Grandma wasn't feeling well and then I accidentally made her mad, so the pancakes didn't get made at the usual time. Grandpa is working on them now."

"And just what did you say to her? Why couldn't you have made them yourself if she wasn't feeling well?" Remiel gave him a look. "Don't tell me you just expected her to make pancakes!"

"Why wouldn't I?" Ricky asked. "She always does it!"

"Men!" Remiel huffed. "So blind!"

"Hey!" Ricky cried. "I'm sitting right here!"

"Don't let it offend you," Elijah advised as he poured the batter in the pan. "Just let it roll off your back."

A short while later, Ricky had a plate full of pancakes that he was shoveling into his mouth even though he'd already had cereal too.

"Are you gonna come up for air eventually?" Remiel asked as she cut her own pancakes into smaller bites and popped them into her mouth with a fork.

"Sorry," Ricky swallowed. Then he paused and looked around the kitchen. "Babe? Where's Lucas? You didn't bring him down with you?"

"Well," Remiel bit her bottom lip and flushed a little. "About that..."

Elijah froze, and Selina, who was now back in the kitchen, grabbed Remiel by the hand and held it tight.

"What?" Ricky asked. "Is he playing hide and seek again? Did he hide too well for you to find him again? Don't worry, I'll go have a look. I'll find him in a jiffy, you'll see."

He headed off in the direction of the bedroom and Remiel called out, "No, Ricky, he's-"

She was interrupted as a young man bumped into Ricky as he left the kitchen and they both fell to the floor, and then got up.

"Excuse me," The stranger said with a smile. "Sorry about that, Dad."

"W-what did he just call me?" Ricky asked, looking pale as Lucas, now fully grown, strode into the kitchen.

"Hello, loving family I adore," he greeted all of them, smiling a smile full of sparkling white teeth. His dark hair hung in his eyes, which shone. "Grandma," he said to Selina, "You're looking lovely today. I wouldn't be able to trouble you for a cup of coffee, could I? Please?"

"Sure," Selina nodded, getting up with surprising deftness and making up a cup for him. It was a wonder what she could do when her back felt better. "Here," she said, holding it out. "I hope you like it! You're looking good! And I mean that in a proud grandma sort of way, just let me clarify! I can't believe it's you!"

"Well, thank you," Lucas inclined his head graciously and drank his coffee, giving Selina a grin. "You make a good cup of coffee!" He remarked. "Thanks a lot! I like being here in the wings and flesh!"

Selina looked at Elijah and Ricky. "Nice to know there's one man in this house who won't bite my head off today!"

"What have I done?" Elijah wanted to know. "I mean, today," he clarified as Selina opened her mouth.

Suddenly, Lucas's eyes widened and he strode purposefully toward the door after putting his cup down. "Sorry everyone. I have to go! I'll be back soon though. Excuse me!"

"Wait just a minute, where are you going?" Remiel asked. "Don't just go running off."

"Sorry," Lucas replied and gave her a kiss. "Someone out there is about to make a huge mistake and I have to stop them. If I don't hurry, it'll be too late!" He then cast one last look at Ricky. "Sorry also for the shock, Dad. Maybe we could talk later. Bye, everyone!"

He ran out the door, leaving everyone else to stare at each other in silence.

Finally Elijah cleared his throat. "Well, he seems like a nice young man." He paused. "Where do you think he ran off to so fast?"

"Based on what he said, perhaps Dad sent him on some sort of Heavenly mission?" Remiel guessed. "I know he enlists my brother's children to do that from time to time and it doesn't surprise me that Lucas is any different."

Then Selina looked at Ricky. "You've been awfully quiet, sweetie. Are you all right?"

"Yeah," Ricky grumbled, standing up and throwing his napkin on the table. "I'm fine. Excuse me."

He strode out the door to the yard without another word and slammed it behind him.

"I knew that when Lucas grew up, Ricky wouldn't take it well. Not that I think he's gonna abandon Lucas like his father left him, but-"

She started to get up, but Selina put a hand on her arm. "Stay here, sweetheart. I think this is the sort of thing that will be better solved by a man to man talk. Elijah, you wouldn't mind talking things out with Ricky, would you?"

"Yes," Elijah nodded and threw his napkin down on the table next to Ricky's. "I think that's a good idea. I don't know how long it will take, but I won't let him leave the yard until we've got this all sorted out, okay?"

"Thank you," Remiel told him as she rested her head on Selina's shoulder. "Thank you very much, Elijah."

Ricky was in the barn and groaned when Elijah caught up with him. "What are you doing here?" He snapped. "Did Grandma send you out here to shame me or something?"

"No," Elijah replied. "Honestly. I just...is there anything you want to talk about?"

Ricky shook his head. "No, I just...this is something I need to get used to, that's all. I just...you know, I'll always be grateful that you and Grandma stepped up after Mom and Dad's whole relationship imploded and all, but...there was lots that I missed. And the second I found out I was having a boy, I thought, 'Here's my chance to make up for that. And to prove to my boy that I'm not the sort of...abandoner that his grandfather was'." He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "But...but now he's all grown and things, so where does that leave me? Once he finds out about all of Remiel's connections, he probably won't want anything to do with me anyway. I mean, you saw how he just ran off without so much as five words." Tears began to stream down Ricky's cheeks. "Do you...do you think he's gonna be so busy working for Remiel's dad that he won't have time for me either?"

Elijah blinked in surprise. Whatever he had expected Ricky to say, it wasn't this. "I...I think you don't have to worry," he said, running his hand over Ricky's back and kissing his hair. "I think that if you make it clear to your son that you're gonna be there for him, he'll do the same for you. You are planning to stay, aren't you?"

"Y-yes," Ricky nodded. "I don't know what's gonna happen now, but I'll stay. I gotta try, at least, don't I?"

"Yeah," Elijah nodded. "I think Lucas would be much better for it if you did."

Ricky sighed and shook his head. "I don't know how true that is, but we'll see." He stood up and reached for Elijah's hand. "I...I think I should go back to the house. I know I kind of just left."

Elijah took it and held it for a moment before they headed back to the house, meeting Selina and a relieved Remiel at the door.

"Are you...are you okay?" She asked as she threw her arms around him.

"I will be, I think, if given time," Ricky nodded. "If we help Lucas together."

"We certainly will," Remiel nodded and took his hand to lead him back to the house. "No way I'm letting you leave now. I love you too much."

Vicky parked her car by a bridge that she'd loved to sit and look out from, slammed the door shut after getting out, and wiped tears from her eyes. "I...I can't do this," she said. "Everyone else came back for a reason. For a chance to be happy. But not me! I think I was brought back because someone wanted to torture me! But no more. I'm done! I won't let them control me one more second." She didn't know what being happy was anymore. She probably wouldn't know it if it fell out of the sky. She strode over to the edge and took a deep breath, knowing that it would probably hurt. She prayed it wouldn't for long and hoped someone would listen, then climbed up to the edge, held her arms out and leapt. But then...but then she didn't feel herself hit the water. She felt herself...flying?

She opened her eyes, looking into the ones of a beautiful young man who was holding her in his arms. She threw her arms around his neck and held on for dear life. "I know I'm not going to die or anything cause I'm already dead," she said. "I didn't think anyone would hear me about dying not hurting, but I'm glad someone listened. It was painless. Like nothing happened!" She paused. "Who are you?"

"Hello, Vicky! You're looking nice and alive," the young man lowered his voice and gave her a wink. "And that's what I was rooting for, frankly. I'm Lucas...your guardian angel, let's say."

She laughed. He looked like no angel she'd ever heard of.

"Are you sure you're an angel? You don't look like one!"

"Of course I do," he replied easily and gently landed them on the ground before unfurling a lovely set of wings. "See? If I weren't an angel, would I have these?"

"Well, how would I know?" Vicky asked. "I could be hallucinating!"

"You're not, okay?" Lucas snapped. "I know the wings are a bit much and make me look really out there and pretentious, but I promise I'm very down to Earth, so to speak."

She opened her mouth to reply but he'd scooped her up again and started flying before she could speak. "I don't trust you!" She cried. "Those wings are probably made of paper and glue! I bet we're gonna crash. You put me down right now, you lunatic!"

The angel just smiled and shook his head at her. "Can't do that. It would go against my mission. Just take a deep breath and it won't be long before we're somewhere safe."

Vicky gave up trying to speak again until he'd planted her on her feet near some bushes by the bridge and pushed her hair out of her eyes to wipe some tears off her face.

"There," he told her. "Back on your feet, nice and safe away from the water."

She took a few steps, stumbled, got back up, and glared at Lucas with hands on hips.

"I told you," he said. "My name is Lucas. You don't remember me, do you?"

"I think I would remember if I met some nut with wings before," Vicky replied. "If this is a joke, stop messing with me. It's not funny!"

Lucas put a hand to his chest and pretended to stagger back dramatically as if he'd been shot. "Now my feelings are hurt. I was the cutest baby boy ever and you don't remember me? I think I've become quite dashing since then. Very good genes. Half comes from Heaven and the other half comes from the first family of vampires, the Mikaelsons. That's my dad, and the first was my mom. She's why I'm an angel."

Vicky's jaw dropped and she put a hand to her forehead. "The Mikaelsons...Oh, my gosh. I think I remember you now. You're my uncle's great-great grandson!"

"You do remember!" Lucas grinned. "I knew you couldn't forget me! And even though you ignored me before, I forgive you."

"But...that makes me your great-aunt!" Vicky cried. "Or at least I think it does!"

Lucas winced. "Technically, it does. But when you died and came back, that process changed everything you're made up with so we're not made with the same genetic stuff anymore. That also means your not biologically related to your family but I'm sure they'll not think any less of you."

Vicky went pale. "And just what do you mean by that?"

"Look, maybe this is a bad time to get into this. You just got through a very traumatic thing and..." Lucas reached out and touched her arm. "Maybe we could get a coffee sometime and talk about it."

She closed her eyes and began poking his chest and yelling. "Look, punk, I don't know who you think you are or what you think you are, but if I want to die, that's my prerogative!"

"You know, I can hardly feel your finger as you're poking me," Lucas told her. Then his eyes lit up. "I must have a six pack already. Oh, boy!"

Vicky rolled her eyes and stomped her foot. "You've made being a pain into a fine art. Do you realize that. That you're being a giant pain?"

"No, no, no," Lucas shook his head. "I'm not trying to be a pain, I promise. I just want to help! I'm here to help you enjoy life again, Vicky!"

"Fuck you!" She snapped and tried to get away from him.

Lucas sighed. "A bit early in the game, but...all right."

"Stop following me!" She snapped as she whipped around and almost knocked him over. "Just let me die in peace!"

"I can't do that! I'm on a mission!"

"Well, have someone else be your mission because I'm not interested!"

Just then, another car parked behind hers and the door opened, revealing Kai hopping out and running toward her, the note she'd written before she'd left in his hand.

"Kai, what are you doing here?" She asked as he reached her, panting heavily.

"What do you mean 'What are you doing here'?" He asked. "You left me a note saying that you didn't want to live anymore, and if you expected me to just leave it be and not try and come find you then you've forgotten a lot about me!"

Vicky gestured at Lucas. "I would have succeeded if it hadn't been for this lunatic!"

"Hi," Lucas reached out and shook Kai's hand. "Lunatic is my father's name. I'm Lucas!"

"Thank you," Kai told him. "She really loves this bridge. We spent lots of time here and I couldn't forget that." Then he really looked at Lucas. "When you say your name is Lucas, are you the same as baby Lucas from before? Wow, you grew up good!"

"Thanks," Lucas nodded. "It's the demon genes." He began walking away. "I'll leave you two to talk. See you later, Vicky!"

"Yeah," Vicky scoffed. "I doubt it."

But once Lucas was gone, Kai looked her in the eye and spoke seriously. "Did you...did you mean all the stuff you said in that note? Is Kayla really pregnant?"

"Yeah, she is, but any more about it should come from her," Vicky sniffled. "Go see her, and fast."

Kai sighed and shook his head. "I bet...I bet that was hard for you to hear about. I would ask if you're okay, but you're obviously not. Do you...do you want me to drive you home? Or to your parents' house?"

"No, thank you," Vicky shook her head. "I'll drive myself."

"Will you really?" Kai asked. "Do you swear? I don't want you to be sneaky and do another swan dive off the bridge."

"I won't," Vicky promised him. "I swear."

But he stayed watching her until she got in her car and drove away, then headed for the Mikaelson farm, hoping with all his might that he'd be able to talk to Kayla in private without having to say a word to her father.

"I can't believe you're setting Dorian up with someone who isn't even born yet!" Malachai told Avery. "Especially considering how fast the man is disappearing, wouldn't it be wiser to set him up with someone more easily accessible? And even if he wasn't, how are we supposed to get something for him to use as an anchor object? May I repeat: the baby isn't born yet! And even if it was, it's not like we can just stride up to the farm, where we've never ever been, and ask for its blankie or something for Dorian. What are you trying to do to me, woman?"

"I think you're worrying too much," Avery told him. "We'll find something, I promise."

"And also, since it's your sister that's making this mess, she should be the one walking around and asking awkward questions for this treasure hunt, not us!"

Avery chuckled. "The look on her face when Mikael hoisted her up in the air is stil making me laugh. I hope it doesn't go away quickly."

"Wait, so he actually did that?" Malachai smirked. "I wish I had been there."

"Yep, he pushed her against the wall and then lifted her up in the air," Avery confirmed. "She wasn't expecting it at all, although she is terrified of him."

"Well, that would make sense...he's one of the rare sort whose destiny she has no part in. At least not permanently."

They lapsed into silence until they reached the farm and then his breathing began to pick up.

"Are you all right?" Avery asked.

"I just...this whole thing is going to give me an anxiety attack!" Malachai told her.

She patted him gently on the back. "It seems like you're already having one. If you want to stay in the car, I can handle this myself."

"No," Malachai shook his head. "I'll be fine, I promise." Then he saw her smile and slight blush. "What?" He asked. "You never blush in front of me."

"Nothing," Avery shook her head and played with her hair. "I just...I'm wondering...ever since we...got personal...nothing has happened. Did my parents showing up and seeing you naked ruin any chance of it ever happening again? Please don't tell me that's the case!"

It was a strange time to discuss it, but Malachai gave her a gentle smile and moved a strand of her dark hair out of her eyes. "Avery..."

"I mean, I understand if you changed your mind about us, but..."

"Actually," he said, with heavy emphasis to shut her up, "actually, it's quite the opposite. With everything going on with your sister and all, I haven't found time to mention it, but since you brought up the subject of our future, would you want to move in with me? This debacle with your sister has only made me more certain. Please say 'Yes'."

A shocked Avery's jaw dropped. "Excuse me. What did you say?"

"I mean, I know you're happy at your brother's and in that case I'm sorry for asking, but..."

"Yes!" Avery cried, kissing his cheeks, lips, and neck. "Yes I'll move in with you, you sweet, wonderful man!"

"Good," Malachai grinned. "Now that that's settled, let's do this!"

They took each other's hands and headed up to the ranch's front door, knocking gently. They were greeted by Selina, who wore sweats and had a messy bun in her hair. She looked very irritated. "What do you want?" She snapped, very unlike herself.

"We just, um..." Malachai began, taken aback.

"She means 'Come in, please'" Elijah told them, coming up behind his wife with a smile. "Don't mind her, she's pregnant."

"Don't tell them what I do and don't mean!" She spat. "And since you're Mr. Hospitality, since you let them in, you deal with them!"

"I thought you liked to entertain," Elijah told her.

"Well, that's before you put a baby in me that won't get the hell out!" Selina snapped. "Haven't I been through enough? You put me through this again and I'll castrate you!"

"Love you too, darling!" He called over his shoulder while Avery and Malachai stared, wide-eyed and open mouthed. "Come on in, you two," Elijah insisted. Then he blinked, as if he realized who he was seeing for the first time. "Malachai?"

Malachai nodded. "Hello, old friend. Are you sure it's safe for us to come in? Or will your wife become a notorious murderess once again?"

"No, I think she's going to be all right. In fact, in a few minutes, I bet she'll come down and start all over again, as if she never treated you rudely at all." Elijah told him. "But before I let you in, are you certain we're old friends? Are you certain things are...in the past?"

"Who is it?" Selina asked in the distance. Over Elijah's shoulder, they saw her, dressed now in neater clothes with her hair fixed.

"It's Malachai, sweetheart," Elijah told her. "He's come to visit!" He then stepped aside as Selina joined them at the door.

"What a nice surprise. Sorry it took me so long to come down and greet you. I'm very pregnant as you can see, so it takes time to find the nice clothes that fit. Very unexpected, but a lovely surprise."

"Yes..." Malachai nodded and cleared his throat. "Truly. And this...this is Steve's daughter, Avery."

"Hi!" Avery said immediately, grinning big, grabbing their hands tight, and shaking them. "So nice to meet you."

"Nice to finally meet you, Avery," Elijah told her. "We've heard a lot about you."

"Good things I hope if they're from him?" She gestured at Malachai.

"Of course," Selina nodded. "Gracious me, where are my manners? You've been standing on the doorstep long enough. Please come in and have a seat. Elijah will get your drinks for you if you tell him what you want."

"Thank you very much, Selina," Malachai told her and they put in orders for a soda and a beer.

When they were settled with their drinks on the living room sofa, Selina sat next to Elijah and he asked, "so, what is the purpose of this visit? I get the sense that you didn't jus come by to reminisce about old times."

"Yes, well...the purpose of this visit..." Malachai cleared his throat several times to give himself time to think of a good reason for them to have come.

"The Council!" Avery suddenly blurted out.

"Yes," Malachai nodded. "The Council."

"What about the Council?" Elijah asked.

"Yes, well, you know how the new school is connected with the Council and we thought it would be beneficial to the students if we brought more experienced people from the supernatural world to come in and give speeches about different aspects of life and things," Avery improvised as Malachai looked on in admiration.

Selina grabbed Elijah's hand and squeezed. "That is such a good idea! Isn't it, sweetheart?"

"And I'm chosen," Elijah interpreted. "Is that what you're telling me? It's not a bad idea."

"You are chosen," Malachai confirmed.

"Well, you didn't have to drive all the way out here to tell me that," Elijah told him. "You could have called or emailed. Astrid has my address."

"I suppose we could have, but-"

"But we were in the neighborhood," Avery cut in. "So it was really no trouble at all."

"What neighborhood?" Elijah asked. "We live in the middle of nowhere. Our nearest neighbor is a good mile or two away!"

"Oh, stop nitpicking and help me off the sofa so I can make Avery and myself some coffee while you get Malachai a glass of that scotch Daddy gave you," Selina told him.

"All right," Elijah sighed and helped her up. He hadn't really been planning on sharing the special scotch from his father-in-law with anyone else, but now that she'd brought it up, how could he refuse?

"Thank you, Selina," Avery told her. "I would love some coffee!"

"What a cute little table," Avery smiled. Selina had brought the coffee to the nursery cause she was proud of the work she'd done and wanted to show it off. "Very delicate."

"It looks that way but it's very strong wood," Selina replied. "My father made it."

"He did?" Avery asked.

"Yeah," Selina nodded. "He dabbles in wood carving and stuff for one of his hobbies and sells the occasional piece."

"And I can see by all the pink and frilly stuff that you're having a girl," Avery continued.

"Yep," Selina nodded and pointed to the dresser by the bassinet. "That's her ultrasound photo right there. You can have a look if you want, but you don't have to. I don't want to sound like one of those pushy moms that can't stop going on and on about their child."

"No, I would love to look at it," Avery assured her and took the photo off the dresser. "It's kind of hard to tell what's what in these."

"I know but I've seen enough of them that I know for sure it's a girl," Selina replied. "I mean, besides the fact that they told me."

Avery smiled. "I bet she'll be adorable. And super smart and tough. I know my dad threw a lot at you in your life because he sucks a lot sometimes but...here you are."

"Yep, in spite of all his crap, here I am." Selina nodded. They lapsed into silence, and finished the coffee and cookies Selina had brought. Then, after they were both up, Selina said, "What do you say we go and see what the boys are up to?"

"Yes," Avery grinned, slipping the ultrasound photo in her purse as Selina turned her back and made her way toward the door. "What I good idea. I hope they aren't missing us too much."

"Sorry, boy," Elijah said as he gently pet the horse's nose. "I know I'm not as exciting as my wife, but...you're stuck with me today."

The horse sneezed and then cocked his head before giving Elijah a nuzzle as if he forgave him. And as Elijah walked him out of the stable, he found himself face to face with Kai, who was pacing around with an apple in hand, thinking about whether to come in or not.

"Kai," Elijah murmured after a little while had passed.

"Yeah," Kai nodded and chuckled nervously before he ran his hand through his hair. "Hello, sir." He paused. "Where's Kayla? Is she here?"

"No," Elijah shook his head. "She had some...she's had a little bit of a surprise lately and...she's gone away."

"Oh, but surely she told you where she was going?" Kai pressed. "Please tell me where! Have to see her. Not for long. I won't pester her, at least not for the moment. I just...I need to talk to her."

Elijah looked up and crossed his arms. "So you know why she went away, I assume. How did you find out? From that wife of yours? From Vicky?"

"Yes," Kai sighed. "She told me in the note she left before she tried to kill herself. Now, where's Kayla?"

"Like I told you, she went away for a few weeks."

"Where?"

Elijah shook his head. "She said she needed time to think about her situation and I'm not going to let you ruin it for her."

Kai's nostrils flared. "Let me make this very clear to you, Mr. Mikaelson: I won't back down or walk away from my child or Kayla. You're always wishing I could show how responsible I am; wanting proof that I won't just abandon your daughter. Well, here I am trying to show you and you're not giving me a chance. It's getting ridiculous. Almost as if I can't do anything right by you, even if I do exactly as you want."

"Because she doesn't want you," Elijah said firmly. "She made that very clear to me and now I want to make it clear to you. She doesn't need you and she might not even want you in the child's life."

Kai's eyes narrowed. "Damn it, I have rights! You and she can't just keep me away!"

"I have rights too, to respect my daughter's wishes while not forcing her to deal with a man who is pining for another woman! And one that he is still married to at that!"

"I love Vicky," Kai said firmly. "I always will. But as Steve is my witness, your daughter means the world to me, and I could never love anyone more than her or the child we made together. Can't you understand that? Can't you give me just a little credit? It's a difficult situation for everyone."

Elijah sighed and shut his eyes. When he opened them again, his expression was much gentler than it had been before and he reached out to put a hand on Kai's shoulder.

"Don't think I don't understand," he said softly. "Don't think I'm just willfully being a jerk without looking at the whole picture, because you're right. And I do believe that you love Kayla and the child, but...Vicky is still around...and that means something. She and your history with her aren't just going to disappear because you love Kayla. And my first duty is to my daughter. Especially, with everything that's happened, I don't want her to be hurt."

"I don't want her to be hurt either," Kai shook his head. "I'm not even asking that we move in together or get married or anything. I just...I know the child she's carrying is mine and...I want to know them. That's all. She can do what she wants. Take what time she needs. She...if she never wants to see me again, I'll support that. I hope that's not the case, but I will. Could you...could you tell her that for me?"

"I will," Elijah sighed. "I don't know what good it will do, but I'll tell her."

"Thank you," Kai told him. "Thank you very much, sir." He turned to go, but Elijah stopped him. "You...you want to get a piece of pie and some leftovers for the road?" He asked gently.

"Yeah," Kai nodded. "That would be very nice, thank you," he said, and followed Elijah into the warm house, glad that even though he wouldn't be there forever, at least he could be there for a little while.

"I can't believe we have to do this again," Malachai sighed as he and Avery stood in front of Dorian Gray's penthouse. "How many more people do we have to be fools in front of before we reunite everyone you brought back with their partners?"

"This is it," Avery promised. "I'm pretty sure."

"Fine, I'll take your word for it," Malachai told her. "Do you have the picture?"

"Yes, it's in my clutch," Avery said. "I hope Selina won't hate me for taking it. She seems like the sort of person that you don't want to be on the bad side of underneath all that niceness."

"Oh, I'm sure that once you explain it, she'll forgive you," Malachai replied. "I mean, it's not like you're kidnapping her baby and giving her to Dorian to raise." He knocked on the penthouse door and they both waited for Dorian to answer.

"What, MalachaI?" He asked with narrowed eyes.

"Hello, my old friend!" Malachai chuckled uneasily. "How are you on this fine day?"

"Wondering just what the hell is wrong with you," Dorian replied. "Since when were we friends? You hate demons."

"Oh, I used to," Malachai admitted. "But not anymore. Isn't that right, Avery?"

"Yes," Avery nodded. "We're very pro-demon." She showed him a bag she held. "Can we come in? We have wine. Then we'll tell you why we came."

"Good," Dorian nodded. "I'll need a lot of that to be able to listen to this story." He paused and peered at her. "Excuse me for asking, but...who are you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Avery replied and shook his hand in the same enthusiastic fashion she had the others. "I'm Avery. I'm...well, I'm God's daughter!"

"How do you do?" Dorian grinned. "I've heard of you, of course."

Avery smiled back. "All good things I hope!"

"Can we come in and crack that bottle of wine open?" Malachai asked. "It's a really good bottle!"

"Sure," Dorian nodded, absolutely dumbfounded. "Please, come in!"

Avery looked around at the art and wonderful solid wood furnishings. "You have a lovely home here, Mr. Gray."

The demon gave her a beautiful smile. "Please, call me Dorian. No need to be formal."

Avery blushed. "No wonder Selina was such a fan of you."

Malachai gave her a look and elbowed her gently. "Shush! Maybe you shouldn't bring that up!"

"No need to walk on egg shells around me," Dorian told him. "We have a past and share a son but it's all old history. Nothing's raw or anything like that. I've made peace with it."

"Right," Avery nodded as Dorian got out two glasses and opened the bottle before filling them.

"Here," he said. "I hope you enjoy."

"Thank you!" Malachai and Avery said at the same time as they took their glasses.

They took a few sips and then Dorian cleared his throat. "Now that we've gotten the pleasantries out of the way, let's cut to the chase and you can tell me the truth about how you two are here because of my disappearing act!"

At that, both Avery and Malachai spit out their drinks and began coughing.

"What could you possibly mean by that?" Malachai wanted to know.

"Well, let's see," Dorian sighed. "You're still at the Council, you're visiting me out of the blue with a bottle of wine, and accompanied by the person who made all the dead souls come back to Earth." He crossed his arms. "I know the story and you don't have to lie to me. Let's start over again, shall we?"

"Wow," Avery said. "Not only are you handsome, you're smart, too! What a relief that someone picked up on it at last."

"Hey!" Malachai cried.

"Don't be offended," Avery told him. "I'm just telling the truth and me saying he's handsome doesn't take away from the fact that you are too. Grow up!"

Dorian tapped his foot. "I'm waiting..."

"It's simple really," Avery explained. "My sister, Azrael, the Angel of Death, was responsible for making you and your fellow...people, disappear. She was upset about the spell I cast to bring you back because she thought I was sticking my nose in her business. She's a very sore loser. So she messed with what I did and the disappearing is the result of that."

"And?"

"And since it's all Azrael's doing, we've been working on making it stop," Malachai explained. "To save you and all the others who are trying to rebuild your lives."

"In order for you to stay here, you need an object will tether you to Earth," Avery explained.

"Something?" Dorian's eyebrows knitted. "Something like what?"

"This," Avery produced the ultrasound picture from her purse and handed it to him. "This baby is very special. Keep this on your person at all times. It's incredibly important."

"Where did you get this?" Dorian asked. "Whose baby is it?"

"I can't tell you that," Avery said. "But you'll find out eventually."

"I want to find out now," Dorian told her. "And don't think I won't!"

"Just remember to keep it with you," Avery told him, knowing she couldn't control what he did or didn't do."

"Is she nuts?" Dorian asked. "Is she messing with me?"

"No, she's absolutely correct," Malachai nodded. "Don't lose that or you'll be very sorry."

They then gulped down the rest of their wine and wished Dorian a good day before he could ask any more questions, leaving him alone with the ultrasound photo as he began to try and figure out just where it had come from or who it would be.