"Who's a beautiful girl?" Elijah cooed as he carried his new granddaughter around the kitchen while Kayla and Selina looked on. "Florence Evelyn, that's who!"

"You're gonna be sorry you handed her over. I don't think you're ever gonna get her back," Selina muttered as Kayla snorted into her tea cup.

"Maybe not right away," she agreed. "But it's a small price to pay to not get a lecture and actually be welcomed back into this house after I ran off and stuff."

"I can't believe this is happening again," Ricky said with a shake of his head.

"I can," Selina nodded. "Every time a girl comes into this family, this is what happens. Your grandfather loves his girls! It's sweet in its way sometimes...and other times...not so much."

Kayla scooted closer to Ricky and rest her head on his upper arm. "I'm so sorry I missed your wedding. I hope you won't hold it against me."

"Oh, you were there in spirit," Ricky assured his aunt. "I know you weren't avoiding us on purpose and would have been there if not for this whole complicated Kai/Vicky situation."

"I sure would have," she agreed and kissed his hair before striding up to her father. "Daddy, give me my daughter back!"

Elijah clutched Florence to his chest. "What? No!"

"What did I say?" Selina asked. "Did I not warn you?"

Kayla laughed along with her mother and nephew then gave her father a stern look. "Five minutes more, okay?"

It wasn't until Mackenzie began screaming bloody murder from her father's neglect that Elijah finally agreed to give Florence back to her mother.

"Good god," Elijah shook his head as a smug looking Mackenzie nestled against her father. "I had no idea she had such good lungs. Well, I did, but..."

"I...I still can't believe about Grandpa and Ms. Vane," Kayla shook her head.

"Yep," Ricky came and put a hand on Selina's chair. "Grandma, the two of you will be hosting the wedding of the century!"

"Oh, don't remind me!" Selina shook her head. "I'm no professional and this...this is a big thing!"

"Why don't you call a professional?" Kayla asked. "It's not like you don't know any."

"They want to get married soon enough that there's no time!" Selina cried and brought her palm down on the table. "Plus I just...I want to prove I can do this right."

"If the wedding is tonight, that doesn't give you a lot of time at all to plan, does it?" Kayla frowned.

"Oh, the wedding's not tonight," Selina shook her head, got up to pace, and grabbed a whole handful of cookies out of the jar. "Tonight's just the engagement party at your grandfather's penthouse."

Rickey's eyes widened. "But you've never been there!"

"Right," Selina nodded. "And I was probably only invited this time because Sybil asked and he can't say no to her."

"Not to mention the little surprise he asked you to make," Elijah said.

Selina flushed. "Oh, the surprise!"

"Did you forget?" Elijah's eyes widened.

"It won't take me long," Selina shook her head. She immediately got out her heart and flower shaped cookie cutters as well as all the ingredients for sugar cookies.

"Do you need help?" Elijah asked.

"No," Selina shook her head, although her voice was frazzled. "I can handle it!"

Seeing that her mother was panicked, Kayla gave Florence back to Elijah, who sat happily with the two babies on his lap, although neither girl was as happy.

"It'll be fine," he assured her. "My father has good taste and any ill will he might feel he won't show while Sybil's around." He then made a face and set Mackenzie in her baby seat while gripping Florence tight again. "I know, I know," he said, trying not to shout. "But Miss Mackenzie, we have to learn how to share." He kissed her hair and that stop her crying but she still looked betrayed.

"Has anyone told Klaus that Sybil and your father are getting married?" Selina asked. "Have you done it?"

"Why do I have to?" Elijah asked.

"Because you know how to break things gently to people and for delicate situations like this, that matters!" Selina said as she cracked an egg into a bowl.

"No, I'm holding Florence and that's all that matters," Elijah countered.

Selina scoffed. "You're a giant coward, you know that, right?"

Kayla grabbed an apple, taking a bite after settling Mackenzie in her own arms. "That's right, I forgot! Uncle Klaus and Sybil used to be a couple, right?"

"Yep," Ricky nodded. "And they had a son."

"No!" Elijah shook his head. "No, you don't! New topic of discussion, please!"

Selina then locked eyes with Kayla. "And speaking of children, does Kai know about Miss Florence?"

"Yeah, I told him," Kayla sighed. "I also said that if he wanted to, he could come meet her."

"Was that wholly necessary?" Elijah asked, making a face. "Remember how much hurt you? It would have accomplished the same thing if you'd written him a letter."

"Daddy!" Kayla stood up and put the hand that wasn't holding Mackenzie on her hip.

Elijah had the grace to look ashamed. "I know, I know. I'm sorry. It was just a thought."

"When's he coming?" Selina asked.

"Tonight," Kayla replied. "I know it's short notice but I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible."

"But we're not going to be home tonight?" Elijah cried. "Who in the world is going to chaperone you and that boy?"

"It's fine," Ricky tried to reassure his grandfather. "I'll be here. I'll keep an eye on them."

"That's comforting," Elijah replied, sounding somewhat sarcastic, although he was relieved to know Kayla and Kai wouldn't be alone.

"Are you two serious?" Kayla raged and stomped her foot, then strode over to her father. "Give me my daughter back!" She took Florence from her father and gave him Mackenzie instead. "I'm going to go feed and change her while you realize that you need to butt out of my private life!"

Once she was gone, Elijah turned to Ricky. "You'll keep an eye on them? Do you swear?"

"Yes," Ricky nodded. "I promise."

"I can't believe you two!" Selina cried. "She just gave birth! What makes you think she can't handle her baby's father?"

Elijah put up a hand. "I knew you'd have objections, but it just makes me more comfortable knowing that there's someone else with them."

"Right," Ricky nodded. "And I will be while Remiel watches Mackenzie. Now if you'll excuse me, now that we have that settled, I have horses to feed!" He strode over to the door, pulled it open, and slammed it shut.

"You know, like it or not, Kai is Florence's father, remember?" Selina reminded her husband. "That's not something you can ignore because you don't like how their relationship started or whatever."

"I know and I'm not forbidding her to see him, am I?" Elijah countered. "It's just that..."

"It's just that you're worried about your baby Kayla," Selina nodded.

"Yes!" Elijah nodded. "That's exactly it! I'm glad you see my point."

"Whether I see it or not, she still loves him."

"I know," Elijah sighed. "And that's what's worrying me."

They sat in silence for a few seconds before the doorbell rang, making Elijah get to his feet and sit Mackenzie in her high chair. "I'll get it!" He ran off and opened the door, finding Gabrielle on the other side. "Hello," he greeted her with a nod.

"Hi," Gabrielle greeted him. "I'm sorry to show up unannounced, but..."

"Nonsense," Selina yelled from the kitchen. "Come on in! I'm just about to make a fresh pot of coffee."

Gabrielle stepped inside and removed her coat. "Thank you!" She called.

"Don't think I don't know why you're here," Elijah muttered. "Are you sure you want to do this now?"

"Yes," Gabrielle nodded. "She's my friend and I can't keep this from her anymore."

"All right, if you insist," Elijah sighed. "Here goes nothing!"

Selina took some cupcakes out of the cake display and set them down on the kitchen island. "You can have those if you want them, Gabrielle," she told her as Gabrielle came into the room and sat down. "And did you get the pictures Eloise took of the girls? They're getting so big now, aren't they?"

"Yes, I saw them," Gabrielle nodded, rubbing her hands together and trying not to lose her courage. "But I didn't just come to talk, at least not about nice things like that."

"You sure you want to do this?" Elijah murmured one last time.

"Are you two all right? What's going on?" Selina asked.

"I...we have something to confess," Gabrielle blurted out. "And before you ask, it's not that we had an affair."

"I wasn't going to think that," Selina shook her head as Elijah put a hand to his forehead. "But thank you for taking that off my list of things to worry about." She sat down with a cupcake. "So...what's the problem?"

"Don't be mad at Elijah because I told him what I did and asked him not to tell you!" Gabrielle said. "I had a one night stand and he was-"

"Nice? Handsome? Good in bed?" Selina smiled. "You don't have to be ashamed to tell me stuff like this. I am the last person who would judge."

"Even if the man I had the one-night stand with was your son?" Eloise blurted it out, froze, shut her eyes tight, and waited.

Selina froze. "Excuse me? What did you just say?"

"When it happened, she had no idea who he was," Elijah told her, trying to hold off a fight.

Selina turned on him. "You knew and you didn't tell me?"

"Gabrielle told me," Elijah nodded. "And then she told me to-"

"Told you to what, Elijah?" Selina interrupted, eyes narrowed. "What happened to our promise that we wouldn't keep things from each other?"

"Please don't be mad at him, Selina," Gabrielle implored.

"Oh, shut up!" Selina yelled. "It's not your place to tell me if I should be mad at my husband or not!"

Gabrielle looked down at the floor. "I know I'm not the type you imagined to be with your son, even if it's just a one night stand, but-"

Selina's whole body tensed. She was beginning to get a headache. "For Steve's sake, Sybil! It's not my place to say who the right person is for my son and who isn't! What is bothering me is that you confided in my husband, that you told him a secret, and then you two kept it from me when there wasn't even a need to!"

"Well I just didn't want make things awkward and lose my friend over something that didn't mean anything!"

"If it didn't mean anything, then why did you keep it from me?"

"I just didn't want you to think I was a loose woman who was taking advantage of your little boy!"

"Little boy," Selina scoffed. "He pushed me away years ago! I'm not a part of his life and he's not a part of mine. In fact, if you would have told me the truth, I would have sided with you. I don't like people who lie and keep things from me. That's a problem."

"I'm sorry I lied to you," Gabrielle apologized. "It's just a very complicated situation with your son, and-"

"Well, ours is a very complicated situation too, so join the club," Selina sighed.

Then Gabrielle looked at the clock. "It's...it's time for me to go to a party," she said. "Elijah, would you be kind enough to give me directions to your father's place?"

Elijah quickly wrote them down for her and when she was gone, he gave Selina a look. "Before you start in on me," he told her as she advanced on him, "don't you think we should be heading out too?"

"I guess," Selina nodded. "But this isn't over!"

"Right," Elijah sighed. "I don't see why it would be."

Kai felt butterflies in his stomach as he parked his car at the ranch and got out. His life had become a rollercoaster lately: Kayla had gotten pregnant, Vicky had come back, Kayla had given birth, and now, here he was, about to meet his little girl! One more deep breath and he began to stride confidently toward the main house until he noticed Ricky Mikaelson on the porch, standing and watching as if he were waiting for him. "Hey, Ricky!" He called.

"Kai," Ricky greeted, arms crossed.

"If you're thinking of throwing me out, I've been invited," Kai informed him. "Kayla gave me permission to come and meet our baby."

Ricky nodded and crossed his arms. "I know, she told us."

"So I think I'll just go and do that, if you don't mind." Kai headed up the porch steps and past Ricky to the door. Then, when his hand was on the doorknob, Ricky put a hand on his shoulder.

"Not so fast!"

Kai groaned. "What now, Ricky? What's the problem? It's not like I'll set the farmhouse on fire!"

"My grandfather asked me to keep an eye on you," Ricky told him. "That's what."

"Oh, what more could I do?" Kai cried. "What does he think will happen?"

"You could hurt her more than you've hurt her already," Ricky answered.

Kai swallowed and averted his eyes. "I...I know I've hurt her, but I love her, all right, Ricky. I know you probably don't believe that and I bet there's nothing I can say or do that will change your mind, but, I do!"

Ricky shrugged, unmoved. "Do you love her like you love your wife?"

"Ex-wife!" Kai spat. "She died, and that means that under the law, I'm not married to her anymore!"

"Does that change how you feel about her?"

"I will always love Vicky, but...not how I love Kayla. Kayla holds my heart in a way no one else ever will!"

Ricky sighed. He could tell Kai was telling the truth and desperate, but he couldn't bring himself to let the guy off the hook. "Regardless," he told him. "You hurt her and now she's...different."

Kai froze, his eyes widening. "Different how?"

"Ricky, ease up on him and let him come inside," Kayla called.

"Sorry!" Ricky apologized. Then he came back to Kai. "I'll be coming inside too!"

Kayla came to join them, her arms crossed. "I don't need you to watch me. I'm a grown woman and a mother. I don't need you to babysit me, even if my father asked you to do it!"

Ricky rolled his eyes. "I'll at least stand in front of the house. That way, if Grandpa asks, I can say that I tried."

Kayla shrugged. "Do whatever you want. Kai, please come in."

Kai nodded and advanced onto the porch, being sure to make a face at Ricky as he passed him and went into the house, taking off his jacket and putting it on one of the decorative hooks by the door. Then he went and stood across from Kayla, who wore no expression, other than tilting her head up so that her chin was in the air.

Kai cleared his throat. "You...you look well. Healthy. That makes me happy."

"You too," Kayla nodded. "I gave birth at my uncle Kol's place, with the help of one of his midwife friends."

Kai swallowed again and rain a hand through his longish thick hair. "It's...it's amazing that we made a miracle."

Kayla shook her head. "She's a child, Kai. Not a miracle. We know babies just don't appear out of nowhere." She headed into the kitchen and picked up her daughter from a carrier set on the kitchen table. "This is Florence Evelyn Parker Mikaelson," she said.

Kai chuckled. "Florence? Like Italy? Where pasta is from? Good choice!"

In spite of herself, Kayla couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, sure I guess."

"Can I hold her?" Kai asked, his voice shaking as tears welled up in his eyes.

Kayla handed her over. "Of course. She's your daughter after all."

Kai, of course, couldn't help but notice she was a good-sized baby. "Wow, Miss Florence! You're a big girl, aren't you?" He kissed her hair and forehead, overwhelmed. "Just..look at you, Miss Florence!"

Kayla looked down at the floor so Kai wouldn't see that she was about to start crying herself. She hadn't realized that seeing him hold their daughter would make her feel this way. But she couldn't give into her feelings. She had to be strong so she could have her own life and build something good for her and her daughter. Finally, she took a deep breath and brought her head up. "She weighted ten pounds when she was born.

Kai chuckled. "Were you surprised?"

Kayla gave a small laugh. "No, not really."

Kai cuddled Florence close and inhaled her baby smell, his eyes closed. "You're beautiful," he murmured to her. "Just like your mother."

Kayla winced. "Please don't say that, Kai!"

"Why not?" Kai asked. "It's the truth!"

Kayla heaved a big sigh and put her hands in her jeans pockets. "Listen, you're Florence's father and I would never deny her the chance to get to know you or for you to be in her life, but don't you equate that with you and I being together again. In fact, I think it would be best if I didn't have anything to do with you anymore."

Kai winced and then turned back to face Florence, the love obvious in his eyes and how he held her before setting her back in her carrier. Then he turned to her mother. "If it helps anything, Vicky and I have parted ways. I'm free to be completely yours, Kayla."

She shrugged. "Well, I'm not yours. I can't be!"

"You're lying," Kai told her, trying not to kick a chair in frustration. But he kept his cool, pulled her hand out of one of her jeans pockets and gave her his most winning smile as he massaged her palm with his thumb. "You still love me, I can feel it."

"No," She shook her head, pulled her hand away, and brought her hand up to slap him, but he grabbed her wrist. "No," she repeated, softer. "I've fallen out of love with you."

Kai smirked, crossed his arms, and got so close to her that their chests were practically touching. "Oh? Then why are you blushing so much then?"

Kayla shrugged. "I guess it's my usual way of reacting around you," she said. It's nothing special. We share a child, but you'll live your life and I'll live mine."

"Right..." Kai nodded.

Then Kayla cried out in surprise as he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her close against him, her breathing picking up as she looked up at him, wide-eyed.

"What about now?" He hissed. "Is this a usual way of reacting around me too?"

Kayla kept her gaze on his, her voice not shaking as she spoke. "Kai, please don't do this!"

"Please don't what?" Kai asked. "Take you in my arms? Kiss you?"

"I-" Then his lips crashed against hers as she tried to pull away.

"Kai, let her go!" Ricky cried, trying to separate them.

"Fine." Quite suddenly, he released his grip and pushed Kayla toward Ricky, causing her to stumble and nearly fall as they wiped their lips off.

"This is my child!" He cried. "You can't take her away from me, you just can't!"

"I'm not trying to!" Kayla shook her head. "You're not forbidden to see Florence at all!"

"Florence is my child," he breathed. "And you, Kayla, you're mine too. And if I have to set the universe on fire to get you back, I will."

"You need to go," Ricky said. "Now. And go quietly, or I'll throw you out myself and make sure it hurts!"

"Fine," Kai said. "I'll go quietly. I'm done here anyway. For now."

"Mikael, we have to talk about this outfit," Sybil said, striding into the living room.

Mikael looked up in awe. "I just knew you would look marvelous in that black Prada suit!" He said. "Were the Louboutin pumps a bad idea? Should I have gotten you flats?"

"No, no, the pumps are fine," Sybil shook her head. "It's just that I-I-" She stopped and looked around. The penthouse had clearly gained some of her touches since she'd moved in with her clothes, Princess Leia, and her new supernatural bulldog, Niles, bought from Mikael's daughter, at his suggestion. Anna ran a supernatural kennel and was very popular.

"Yes?" Mikael asked. He had Princess Leia in his lap and the dog was beside him on the sofa, resting on a plaid blanket. His suit was covered in cat hair, but he didn't seem to notice, or if he noticed, he didn't care.

"I...you know I appreciate you buying me a few things, but I saw the price tag on this and I can't possibly-" She began to complain before he cut her off.

"Stop right there," he said. "We agreed when you moved in here that you would let me spoil you, so I'm afraid that if you say anything about how much I'm spending on your clothes, I'm going to have to spank you so hard that you won't be able to sit down."

"Oh, really?" Sybil grinned, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. "I don't think you'd do that. Not when I'm carrying your babies."

"Perhaps not," he agreed. Then he grinned wickedly. "But I assure that I'll find a way to demonstrate my displeasure."

"Oh, I can't wait for that demonstration," Sybil drawled, then watched with interest as Mikael absentmindedly reached out and scratched the bulldog's ears. "He seems calm," she remarked. "The dog, I mean. You must be a reassuring presence to him."

Mikael gave her a look. "You are just very lucky I have a soft spot for French bulldogs," he said. "And as much as I hate to admit it, you might be on to something; he hasn't tried to disappear for quite some time now."

"Actually, I think that's why your daughter recommended I get that particular breed," Sybil said. "I explained to her who I was and what was going on and she must've figured that since you'd have to put up with a dog, the least she could do to help me is recommend a sort of dog you could stand."

Then the dog scooted closer and rolled over on his belly, waiting for a scratch. "Oh, my gosh!" Sybil clapped. "I think he likes you!"

"I don't understand why," Mikael replied, tossing the magazine he'd been reading aside. "As much as I love you, Sybil dear, I can't say I'm too pleased about having to take a lot of allergy medication because I have a zoo in my penthouse now."

Sybil lowered her eyes to her shoes and tried to hide a grin before striding over to him. He was just saying words, she knew that now. They didn't actually mean anything. The fact that the animals were here in the penthouse showed more. Mikael wouldn't do anything that he didn't actually want to do, even if as was the case now, he was doing it more because he loved her than because he himself liked animals. Or maybe he did. She wasn't sure. "Can I sit in your lap?" She asked.

He smiled and moved Princess Leia to the floor. "Do you honestly think I would ever refuse you?" He asked.

"Well, I just wanted to check," Sybil replied and gave him a quick kiss once she'd sat down. "You've been very good to me and Niles and Princess Leia. We appreciate it so much."

He blushed a little. "Well, you're lucky you're such a beautiful woman, Sybil Vane," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You're not so bad yourself, Mikael Mikaelson," she told him, taking his face in her hands and kissing him again.

He felt her body start to shift, her chest brushing against his. As he felt himself begin to get aroused, he gave her a spanking. "Don't be a tease," he chided her. "Now isn't the time. Our guests will be here any minute!"

She sucked in her breath and rested her head on his shoulder. "I...I'm so nervous," she said.

Mikael kissed her hair and rubbed her back. "I promise you it will be all right. It's just a small gathering, I assure you: my son, Selina, Malachai, Avery, and your good friend Gabrielle. She made an awfully good impression on me."

Sybil smirked. "Well, if she made a good impression on you..."

Mikael spanked her again. "Stop it now. Has the food arrived?"

"Yes, it's all here," Sybil confirmed. "And I've set the glasses of champagne on the table."

"Perfect!" Mikael smiled. "How are you feeling? Are you feeling ill? Do you need to run to the bathroom before the party starts?"

"No, I'm all right," Sybil assured him.

"Marvelous," he grinned. "Then I guess all we can do now is sit here and wait for the doorbell."

Avery skidded and nearly fell on the newly waxed floor of the lobby of Mikael's building, righted herself, and made her way to the elevator, giving the wide-eyed clerk a nod before pressing the button to bring the elevator down.

"Wait!" Called a voice as she rolled her eyes and fidgeted, wishing the damn thing would hurry. When the doors opened, she reluctantly held it and let Malachai inside. "I thought it was you," she said. "I'd recognize your voice anywhere."

"Hello, Avery," he greeted. "I bet you're going up to the penthouse."

"Yes," She nodded. "Are you?" She paused. "Of course, because Mikael is your friend. And people invite their friends to celebrate their engagements."

"Yes," Malachai nodded. "And you should know that they're both very grateful you put them together and made them fall in love. But..."

"But?" Avery arched an eyebrow.

"But if you think about it, if I hadn't made you angry that night at Noah's club, you wouldn't have cast the spell that brought the dead back to life so they should be thankful for me too!"

Avery chuckled. "Wow, you have no use for subtlety, do you? Is my brother teaching you how to speak as well as dressing you?"

Malachai shook his head. "I didn't come here to start a fight," he said. "Can't we please be civil to each other tonight?"

"Of course we can, Malachai," she nodded, giving him her sweetest smile. "Of course we can, Malachai. I have nothing against you. It's you who-"

Just then, the elevator gave a jolt that sent Avery tumbling into Malachai's outstretched arms. He held her tight and put a hand on her head before kissing her hair. "Are you...are you okay?" He asked.

"Oh, yes, thank you," she said, raising her dark eyes to look into his. "What about you? I hope I didn't hit you too hard. Or at all."

"No, no, I'm fine," he assured her.

"What in the world happened?"

"I'm not sure." He pressed a few of the elevator buttons, but they didn't do anything.

Then a voice filled the elevator. "Sorry folks, just a little power shortage. The elevator should start up again momentarily."

"Thank my father," Avery sighed as Malachai loosened his grip on her and she stood on her own. Then he gave her a shy smile as he looked her over.

"You...you look very nice," he got out.

"Thanks," Avery smiled back. "So do you."

When the elevator had reached the penthouse, they got out and stood in front of the door.

"You want to knock?" He asked her.

"No, no," Avery shook her head. "He's your friend. I think you should do it."

He gave her a smile and a nod and knocked.

To their surprise, it was Mikael who opened the door. "Hello," he greeted them warmly and with a smile. "Please come in. Avery, may I take your coat? It looks lovely."

"Yes, thank you," she said and handed it over.

They went further into the penthouse and were met by the sight of a roaring fire, appetizers and wine, and the smell of a few scented candles. The soft jazz playing added to the very comfortable atmosphere.

"What a lovely place you have here, Mikael," Avery complimented.

"It should be for the amount of money I pay for it," he said. "Thank you."

Malachai grinned and removed his own coat. "It doesn't surprise me you pay an arm and a leg for this place. You've never been cheap." He held his coat out and waited for Mikael to take it, but Mikael let it fall to the floor as he looked at his friend in surprise.

"What in the world are you wearing?" He asked, reaching out to touch the cashmere sweater under the blazer his friend wore. "Is that cashmere?"

"Yes," Malachai nodded. "I believe it is."

"What have you done to my friend, Avery?" Mikael asked in pretend shock. "Helped him find a fashion sense?"

"As much as I would love to take the credit for this miracle," Avery told him with a smirk, "it goes to my brother, not me."

"Well, I'm sure that as his girlfriend, you've brought out the best of him in other ways," Mikael smiled.

"Well, actually," Avery bit her bottom lip. "We're not together that way anymore."

"You're not?" Mikael's jaw dropped and he punched his friend in the shoulder. "What did you do to her?"

Malachai frowned and rubbed his shoulder. "I made a mistake, all right? And I truly regret it!"

"Well, lucky for you, it's never too late to right a wrong," Mikael told him. "I mean, look at me! I'm about to get married!"

"Hello!" Sybil greeted as she joined them. "Sorry I'm late. Nice to see you. Welcome to our party and thank you for coming!"

"Hello," both of them responded with enthusiasm.

"And Sybil you look beautiful!" Avery added.

"Really?" Sybil asked nervously. "I'm not a mess?"

"No," Avery shook her head. "Not a bit."

"Very lovely," Malachai added.

"And you look very nice too," Sybil told Avery. "Very femme du monde."

Avery looked down at her white blouse and black pants and heels, blushing. "Thanks. I was going for sophisticated. I'm glad I seem to have pulled it off with these old pieces I found in my closet." She then took a gift bag off the table and handed it to Sybil. "And here is your present: some crystal flutes for you and Mikael." She gave her a conspiratorial wink as Sybil opened her mouth to speak. "I know you can't use them yet, but when you can...I bet you'll be more than ready to celebrate."

"Yeah," Sybil chuckled nervously, her hand going to her belly. "I suppose we will. That's very thoughtful. Thank you again!"

"Yes, thank you," Mikael added after Sybil gently elbowed him in the ribs. Then he looked at Malachai as if to say 'Didn't you get us a present?'

"And I bought some fine wine to go with it," Malachai added. "Don't drink it all before Sybil has a chance to try some, Mikael!" He knew his friend wouldn't wait months but he had to put it out there.

Mikael snatched it from him. "I'll be the judge of whether it's fine or not," he said. "You have good qualities but sometimes I question your taste in wine." He looked it over. "Well, you've done well this time," he said. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome," Malachai got out and rolled his eyes. "I'm glad you approve."

"Did you notice, Sybil?" Mikael grinned. "Apparently my friend Malachai wears cashmere now!"

"I did see," Sybil nodded. "He looks very nice. Why don't we all go into the living room?"

"Sure," Avery nodded and took Malachai's hand. "Let's go!"

When they arrived in the living room, Malachai couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Malachai, stop!" Avery hissed, blushing furiously as she tried to elbow him and he got out of the way.

"I can't," he said. "It's just so funny that he has a dog now!"

Niles jumped off the sofa, let out a whimper, and became invisible.

"You see what you did?" Avery scolded.

"Well, that's new," Malachai got out.

"He's a supernatural dog," Avery explained. "And when he gets scared or nervous, he becomes invisible!"

Malachai tried to become serious, but it didn't last long. "Oh, I'm so sorry, but he's so small, and..." he doubled over with laughter.

"Yeah, laugh all you want," Avery scoffed. "Smart man who broke up with an amazing woman!"

"What?" Sybil asked sadly. "You two broke up?"

"We...we're taking a break," Avery clarified, deciding not to label it. That would take some of the pressure off. "We have some things to figure out."

"Can I get you two anything to drink?" Mikael asked. "You still drink bourbon, don't you, Malachai?"

Malachai nodded while Avery asked for white wine.

"Coming right up!" Mikael said and left to get the drinks.

After they sat on the sofa, Avery felt compelled to compliment her host. "You have very good taste, Mikael. I love all your furniture!"

"I try," he told her.

"And he's so humble about it too," Malachai smirked.

Sybil leaned forward. "I know this party is supposed to be about Mikael and I but, Avery, we have to thank you for casting that spell that brought us together."

"Don't mention it," Avery blushed and waved the compliment away.

Then Mikael came back with the drinks. "Bourbon for Malachai and a glass of white wine for Avery."

"Thank you," they said together.

Then he turned to Sybil. "What about you, my dear? Your usual water? Milk? Juice?"

"Water's fine, thank you," Sybil told him.

"Why would you want water?" Malachai asked in surprise. "That's not celebratory!"

"Yes," Avery drawled. "Why ever would you want water?"

Sybil grabbed Mikael's hand and smiled. "Do you want to tell them, or should I?"

"Sybil and I are having twins!" Mikael said.

"Oh, my gosh, you two!" Avery cried, clapping. "Congratulations!"

Meanwhile, bourbon had come out of Malachai's nose and he was coughing loudly. "Twins? You? Oh, Mikael, those poor children!"

"Ha ha, very funny," Mikael told him. "You laugh all you want now. It doesn't matter to me because as soon as you stop, I'm going to hit you."

"All right, I'm done, I'm sorry," Malachai shook his head. "I'm very happy for you. I wish you the best of luck."

Mikael inclined his head ever so slightly and then went to get a glass of bourbon for himself and some ice water for Sybil.

"A toast!" Avery proclaimed and held up her glass. "To your engagement, and upcoming wedding and family. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone repeated and then took a drink.

Selina cleared her throat as she and Elijah reached the door of the penthouse. "Do you have the gift?" She asked him. "My hands are already full of Sybil's present that your father specifically ordered for her so it's not like I could carry it myself."

"Of course I do," Elijah told her. "Why would I forget it? What do you think I'm holding in my hand?" He showed it to her.

"All right, I was just checking," Selina huffed. "No need to bite my head off. I've agreed to truce for one night and not talk about how you're a horrible liar. I thought you would be able to be mature enough to do the same."

"Of course I can," Elijah snapped. "Because I didn't do anything wrong! I made a promise to Sybil and I didn't tell you about it cause it wasn't my place!"

"Okay, okay," Selina nodded as she put her hand on the doorknob. "Truce from here on out, okay?" She paused. "Do you think your father and Sybil will like a crystal vase? Or will they have like, five million of them? I knew I should have gone for the ice cream maker!"

"I have no idea," Elijah said. "I think playing it safe with a classic gift was a good idea but I've only been to his place once. I have no idea what he needs or doesn't need."

"Well lucky you for being invited!" Selina snapped. "It's my first damn time!"

Elijah knocked and it didn't take long for Mikael to answer.

"Elijah! Selina! Welcome!"

"Thank you Father."

"Thank you, Mikael."

They stepped inside and Elijah shut the door behind them as Mikael reached for Selina's coat.

"Would you like me to hang that up for you, my dear?"

"Yes, please," Selina smiled, removing it and handing it to him. "How thoughtful!"

As Elijah removed his own coat and hat, Mikael looked over his brown pants, dark sweater, and jacket wit appreciation. "Thank you for dressing up, son. I thought with all your cow days, you'd forgotten."

"We don't have any cows at the farm and you know it, Father!"

"I know," Mikael chuckled. "I know, son. I was only teasing."

Selina strode further into the penthouse and looked around, a picture above the table catching her eye. "This is a beautiful, exquisite place, Mikael. And is that a Van Gogh over there? The one with the yellow flowers? That's my favorite."

"It is," Mikael grinned. "You have a very good eye!"

"Wow," Selina smiled. "Just...wow."

"Sybil, hello!" Elijah greeted her and kissed her on both cheeks. "Congratulations on the engagement and the babies."

She blushed and put a hand on her belly again. "Thank you. You're very kind."

Selina then kissed both of Sybil's cheeks. "He's worried he's gonna have to call you 'Mom'." She whispered conspiratorially. "Would you ease his mind a bit please?"

Sybil burst out laughing and then gave Elijah what he hoped was a comforting smile. "We can just keep being Sybil and Elijah. That would be all right with me if it works for you."

"Yes, that would be perfect," he told her and then winked. "Sigh of relief!" And now that we have that settled...here is a Tiffany crystal vase for you. I hope you like it."

"Marvelous!" Mikael told him. "You have exquisite taste, just like me!" Then he turned to Selina. "Would you have...anything else?"

"Mikael," Sybil blushed. "I would think that you would have better manners then to-"

"No, he's right to ask," Selina said, setting the bag on the counter and pulling out the cookie bouquet. "This is a present for you. He wanted it to be a surprise."

"Oh, my gosh, it's beautiful!" Sybil cried, looking at all the artfully arranged and colorful cookies shaped like hearts and flowers. "Can I eat them?"

"Yes," Selina smiled. "That's what they're there for! I hope you find them tasty!"

"I have no doubt I will!" Sybil grinned wider. "Thank you!" She gave Selina a hug. Then she turned to Mikael. "What a marvelous idea. Thank you too for thinking of me. It's very sweet."

Mikael nodded and ran his fingers through his hair. "I know I'm not always the best at that smoochy, lovey-dovey stuff. Hopefully the cookies make everything clear." Then he cleared his throat. "Now that that's taken care of, why don't we go into the living room? Malachai and Avery have already arrived."

"Sure," Selina nodded. "Sounds good!"

"And what can I offer you to drink?" Mikael asked her with a wink. "Would you prefer poisoned or non-poisoned?"

"I would prefer non-poisoned, please!" Selina replied, returning his smile.

"And since our days of rivalry are behind us, I'm more than happy to oblige," Mikael assured her.

They entered the living room and Malachai and Avery rose to their feet.

"Sorry we kept you waiting so long," Selina told them. "I hope you weren't bored out of your minds!"

"No, of course not!" Malachai told her as he shook both their hands. "It's lovely to see you again."

"I love your dress, Selina!" Avery added.

"Thanks!" Selina grinned down at the black dress covered in white polka dots. "I love it too!"

"Do you two want anything?" Mikael asked.

"Would it...would you serve a lady whiskey?" Selina asked. "Or is that too..."

Mikael chuckled. "A lady can have whatever she wants." He turned to Elijah.

"I'll have the same," Elijah told him. "Thank you, Father."

"Yeah," Selina called at his back. "Thank you very much!"

After looking over her shoulder and breathing a sigh of relief that that fool Arthur was nowhere in sight, Gabrielle stepped into the elevator, setting her clutch purse and the candles she'd bought as a gift on the floor so she could adjust her shoe before picking them up again and reaching out toward the elevator button.

"Hang on!" Cried a sickeningly familiar voice just as the doors began to close. And Gabrielle watched with displeasure, her stomach twisting as who else but Arthur Gray forced the doors open the rest of the way and got inside. "That's lucky, isn't it? I would have missed the elevator."

"Yes, that would just be awful wouldn't it?" Gabrielle asked. "Where are you going?"

"To the penthouse," Arthur smiled.

"But you can't go there! There's a party and I don't know why in the world they would invite you!"

"They didn't exactly, my Gabrielle. I'm your plus one. It's gauche to show up to a party alone. Wouldn't you rather show up with a handsome man on your arm?"

"If I stroll in there with you, your mother and stepfather will be very upset with me!" Gabrielle hissed. "And how did you know about this? I certainly didn't tell you!"

He pulled out some paper from his pocket. "The engagement announcement of Sybil Vane and Mikael Mikaelson." He grinned. I figured the petite soiree would come soon enough and when I saw you were dressed so fancy, I realized I was right!" He looked her over. She held out her red clutch as if she wanted to hit him with it and waited.

"I like the outfit," he said at last. "White suits you." He reached out and ran his hand over the arm of her sweater. "This looks very soft. Can I hug you?"

"No!" She pushed him away. "You are a rat! And you can't just come barging into my private life whenever you please."

"I have a good reason this time," he said seriously. "I thought this would be good practice for when we go to my work functions. I don't think it's wrong to see how you handle yourself." He paused. "Don't worry, I brought a gift too, so you won't have to be embarrassed." He looked her outfit over again. "Wait a minute, that's...I sent you those things, didn't I?" His eyes swept her body. "Nice to see they fit so...well."

"You're doing this on purpose!" She yelled, moving to the other side of the elevator. "You want me to be miserable! You want my life to go to pieces!"

He pulled her to himself, nibbling on her ear, his lips against it. "Oh, Gabrielle, don't be so melodramatic. No one cares if we're screwing each other."

She let out a whimper. "We're not screwing each other."

"Not yet, but we will, soon," he said, cupping her bottom and squeezing.

It when then that Gabrielle reached around, grabbed one of his hands, and bit it, making him swear loudly.

"Your mother knows and she cares, so don't you touch me!" She cried.

"She knows?" Arthur grinned. "Well, this will be interesting then, won't it?"

Gabrielle squirmed out of his grip, sighing in relief when the elevator opened and she could get out of his grip and run for the safety of the penthouse. But before she could take too many steps, he grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her to him and bringing her in full contact with his body.

"You're looking a bit pale," he told her. "Let's get some color back in those cheeks," he said. Then kissed her deeply under her cries of protest. When he finally pulled away, she was blushing deeply. "That's better."

"I despise you!" She cried. But before she could say another word or hit him, the door opened and Sybil smiled at them. "Hello, Gabrielle, so glad you could come!"

"Sybil!" Gabrielle smiled and hugged her. "I wouldn't miss this for the world!" She let her go and looked her over. "You're absolutely glowing!" She cried. "Babies?"

"Yes," Sybil grinned. "Twins."

Then she looked over Gabrielle's shoulder. "And who's your friend?"

"Arthur Gray," he smiled, introducing himself as he held out his hand. "Lovely to meet you."

"I'm afraid I can't return the sentiment, Mr. Gray," she told him. "I don't like men who take advantage of women, especially when one of those women is my friend."

"I understand why you feel that way, Ms. Vane," he told her. "I wouldn't expect anything else from you and I respect that."

"It's fine, Sybil, I promise," Gabrielle tried to assure her since she looked like she was gonna murder him right there in the hallway.

"Who is it now?" Mikael asked cheerfully. "Gabrielle, how wonderful! And...Arthur Gray!"

"I wouldn't dream of intentionally putting him in your presence," Gabrielle assured him. "He just kind of invited himself. And I don't think you'll have any luck making him go away; I tried already."

"All right," Mikael sighed. "You better behave yourself, do you understand, Mr. Gray?"

"I intend to," Arthur nodded. "I even brought you a gift. All I want to do tonight is accompany Gabrielle to your lovely event."

Mikael gave Gabrielle one long look. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine," she assured him. "Let's just get inside."

He let them in, but caught Arthur's eye. "No trouble, I mean it. I don't want to have to throw you out during such a nice occasion."

"Of course," Arthur nodded. He vaguely remembered Mikael's name on Gabrielle's contract and he didn't want the man to have any more reason to cause him trouble.

While Sybil and Mikael coordinated the bringing out of the appetizers, Arthur and Sybil's arrival brought obvious tension to the room.

No one trusted themselves to speak until Avery finally cleared her throat. "This place is impeccably decorated, wouldn't you say?"

Selina and Gabrielle just gave each other a look.

"My father is a man of good taste," Elijah said.

"And would you say you follow suit?" Arthur questioned. "Like father, like son, Elijah?" He sipped from a glass of champagne he'd grabbed on the way in and absentmindedly played with Gabrielle's hair.

Elijah sighed loudly. "Is there something you'd like to say, Arthur?"

Arthur shrugged. "Not really; just trying to make small talk. Nice to see you out and about, Mother. That's a lovely dress."

"Leave her alone, Arthur," Gabrielle mumbled.

"Oh, that's right, you two are friends!" Arthur nodded. Then he got close to her. "Or are you anymore?"

"This is all my fault!" Avery wailed.

"What makes you say that?" Arthur wanted to know.

"Just let it go!" Malachai urged. "There's no need to say any more."

"I can't!" Avery cried. "I thought that since the spell I put on Mikael and Sybil worked, it would work with Arthur and Gabrielle too, but obviously I was wrong! Obviously I made a terrible mistake!"

Mikael came back with a plate, with Sybil following close behind. "You put a spell on Arthur and Gabrielle?"

"Yeah, so they would fall in love like you guys did, but obviously it was a terrible idea."

"In order for him to fall in love, he has to learn what happiness with a woman means," Selina said. "And that's never gonna happen if he keeps treating women like objects like he's doing with Gabrielle!"

"Maybe I would have behaved better toward women if my mother had been around to pay attention to me and love me instead of ditching me for others!" Arthur spat.

"If I can say something," Mikael interrupted before Selina could respond. "Something I'm just beginning to learn after all my years on this earth is that we can only receive love if we respect it. If we let it do what it wants to do and not force it." He put his plate down on the table, sat down, and gently tugged Sybil down so she was sitting beside him. "If we allow it to come and don't try to control it."

"Thank you," she smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Excuse me," Arthur said, standing up and striding off toward the terrace.

Once he was gone, Gabrielle looked at Selina imploringly. "I had no idea he was going to follow me here. I'm so sorry!"

"It's not your fault," Selina sighed. "If there's one thing I know about my son, it's that he likes to stir up trouble."

Gabrielle's whole body tensed. "Sometimes, it takes all I have in me not to knock his head off his shoulders. I'm sorry, I know he's your son, but-"

"He's indeed a troubled young man," Mikael nodded. "Reminds me of myself in a lot of ways."

They sat in silence for a while and then Gabrielle sighed and got up. "I'll go talk to him."

"All right, but if you're not back eventually, we'll send a search party," Elijah assured her.

"This could work," Avery said hopefully as they all watched Gabrielle stride purposefully toward the terrace. "Maybe she cares for him in a weird way and there's hope for them after all!"

"A toast?" Malachai said and held his glass up. "To improbable pairings and an unexpected engagement between two people who fell madly in love!"

"Hear, hear!" Everyone else replied and brought up their glasses.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle strode outside and found Arthur standing against the guardrail with his hands in his pockets.

"Hey," she told him. "Are you all right?"

He didn't look at her. "Go back inside. You didn't have to come out here."

"You seemed lonely," she said, getting closer. "I thought you wouldn't mind company."

Now he did turn and gaze at her. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I'm sorry to have gotten you involved in this mess with me and my mother. You don't deserve to be in the middle of it."

"It's not all your fault," Gabrielle sighed. "I got myself involved too. Do we have to talk about this now?"

Arthur sighed. "We signed a contract. We'll honor it."

"Of course," Gabrielle sighed. "Of course you can't just let everything go."

"Am I so despicable to you?"

"No," Gabrielle shook her head. "Why would you say that?"

"Because it seems like you're acting like my mother," he said. "And that you can't stand the sight of me."

She sighed. "If I couldn't stand the sight of you, I wouldn't have had sex with you. What bothers me is how rude you are to me and your mother."

"Fine!" He huffed.

"Fine what?" Gabrielle asked.

"I'll be more respectful toward you," he promised.

Gabrielle scoffed. "Geez, don't try and force it out of your mouth. If you don't want to say it, you don't have to!"

"I'm trying, all right, Gabrielle?" He cried. "I-I'm just tired of all the escorts. I know you might find it hard to believe but I genuinely like being around you and I think...I think your whole personality and savoir-faire would really help with my business ventures."

"Well," Gabrielle put a hand on his back and gave him a small smile. "It's a start."

"As for what's going on with me and my mother, please don't involve yourself with that anymore. It's between her and me."

"All right," she nodded. "But I'm not going to stop asking for her forgiveness or trying to be her friend because she's amazing. I hope you get to see that someday."

"All right," Arthur sighed and stepped away from the rail. "As you wish."

"Let's go inside," she suggested. "It's getting cold. And if I don't get in soon, you might get murdered."

"Well, we don't want that," Arthur told her, then offered her his arm and they walked together back to the party.

"The coast is clear," Mikael commented wryly as he headed out to the terrace with a cashmere blanket to put around Sybil, who'd left in search of peace and quiet. "Why don't you come inside so you don't freeze?"

"I wasn't hiding," she protested as she put her arms around him and he pulled her close, putting the blanket around them both. "I just wanted some fresh air. So...everyone gone? Did you give them my apologies?"

"They understood," Mikael assured her. "No worries."

She nodded and shut her eyes, leaning against him and feeling her body relax.

"They all left and no one died," Mikael continued.

Sybil chuckled. "And here we thought we would be the center of attention at our own party!"

Mikael chuckled. "Apparently not, but I don't mind it. It was nice that way." He kissed the top of her head.

"And Niles?" She asked. "Is he...back?"

"Yes," Mikael nodded. "Calm, visible, and asleep on the couch next to Princess Leia." He shook his head in amazement. "I am very surprised how well those two have taken to each other."

Sybil smiled and hugged him tight. "I love that I get to stay here with you now. That there's no twenty four hours or anything like that. It doesn't seem like it should be real." She looked up at him. "It is real, isn't it? I'm not dreaming any of this?"

"Yes," Mikael nodded. "It's all real. It's how it will be forever, or at least as long as you'll have me." He sighed. "All I want now is to bring you to bed and make love to you and then, of course, make you my wife in front of, you know..."

"Steve?" Sybil chuckled.

"Yes," Mikael winced. "But we don't need to mention it."

"Sorry," she grinned and kissed him on the lips before nuzzling his neck. "Do you accept my apology?"

"Yes," Mikael chuckled.

She gave him a real smile then. "I love you, Mikael Mikaelson."

He smiled back. "I love you too, Sybil Vane. Or should I say Sybil Mikaelson?"

"I like it," She nodded. "I think it has a nice ring to it. Want to go inside and have some of my cookies?"

"Yes," Mikael nodded and offered her his arm. "I would love that."