The doorbell rang and, with a groan, Sybil managed to get herself up from the sofa, stick her swollen feet in a pair of slippers, and drag her whole body, giant belly included, over to answer it, finding herself face to face with Angelica Morningstar. The interior designer looked like a million dollars and only reminded her that she must look like an absolute mess. She couldn't wait until the babies were born and she could start looking nice again. "Good morning, Angelica. Come in, and please excuse the way I'm dressed. Not a lot of nice things fit me anymore."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Angelica assured her as she crossed the threshold. "How are you? Can I get you anything?"

Sybil blushed. "Thank you but no. And don't feel you need to ask me that the second you come in the door. That's not what you're here for." She paused. "And how many times do I have to ask you to call me Sybil? I know I've asked about a million times already."

"I know, and I'm touched, but…I like to remain professional with my clients," Angie explained yet again, although she softened the words with a gentle smile. "Thank you, though." She cleared her throat. "Now, if you'll lead me to the nursery, I have samples for you to choose from for the curtains. That's the last thing we have to do for the nursery. I hope you're as excited as I am!"

"You are certainly very professional," Sybil assured her. "Now you might think I'm being overly dramatic, but Mikael and I think you've turned the nursery into a heaven on Earth for our twins."

"Well, I'm glad you're pleased," Angelica said, flushing a little. "I always want to please my clients!"

Sybil then sucked in her breath and put a hand on her belly.

"Don't take this the wrong way," Angie told her. "But you don't look well. Do you need a doctor? Do you want me to get your husband?" She questioned before taking her arm to help her walk.

"Bless you," Sybil told her. "I know I don't look my best, but the twins were at war in my belly all night." They began to walk toward a couch so Sybil could sit down. "I tell you, it's no picnic when you're pregnant with children who are part of a different species than you."

"I bet not," Angie nodded. "Would you like me to get you some water? And you don't look tired."

"Yes, please about the water," Sybil replied.

"And…where's your husband?" Angelica asked, looking around.

"He's in his office having a very important call, but he'll be along once he's done. May I say that you look wonderful?" Sybil asked. "I truly mean it. You're glowing! Tell me, have you found someone yet?"

"What?" Angie put her hands on her blushing cheeks. "I don't think so; I believe you're seeing things!"

"Oh, I'm sorry for pushing," Sybil apologized, feeling embarrassed. "It's not really my place to ask, but you truly look happy and the idea of you finding love again…well, it's nice, even though it's not any of my business."

As she opened the door, Angie waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry about it. It's fine. But I can assure you that I'm most definitely not in a relationship right now. But I just signed a big new business deal that's made me very proud, and my grandmother set me up with a new instructor at her gym who's really helping me get in shape and all, so that explains the glow. He works me hard, but it's good for me." That seemed a good way to explain it," she reasoned with herself. It wasn't a complete lie, but there was no way she was gonna share with the woman who was basically Klaus' stepmother that she had a sex deal with him and now was spending nights in his bed!

"Well, congratulations on the new deal," Sybil smiled. "As for your instructor, obviously, he's going you some good and I'm happy for you."

"Thank you," Angelica replied, resuming her businesslike manner and pulling fabric swatches out of her briefcase to show Sybil what she had to choose from. "Do you like any of these? I can always go and get others if you don't."

"Oh, they're all so exquisite!" Sybil gushed. "All so nice, I don't know how I could choose!"

She looked so genuinely pleased that Angelica couldn't help but smile back. "I'm glad you like them."

"Oh, definitely! And I'm sure Mikael will also! The best part is that panel that will turn the room into two separate spaces. That'll be very good for the twins when they get older."

Angelica nodded. "I think it's one of my best ideas too. I mean, among my siblings are two sets of twins so I've seen how important it is that twins are able to develop their own sense of identity."

"I couldn't agree more," Sybil nodded.

Angelica started to speak again but she was interrupted.

"Mrs. Sybil, how are you feeling? Do you need a cup of chamomile tea?" But before Sybil could answer, a very small dark-haired woman entered the nursery, narrowing her eyes at Angelica.

"Angelica, I don't believe you've met Nana yet," Sybil said with a smile.

"No," Angelica shook her head, confused about what would make a woman she'd not even met look at her in such a way. "I don't think I've had the opportunity."

"She's serving as our temporary nanny until we can find someone to fill the position permanently. We met while we were on Klaus' island for our honeymoon."

Angelica's jaw dropped. "You actually went to Klaus' island? The 'all orgies, all food, all the time' island?"

"How do you know of it, tall brunette?" Nana asked, crossing her arms.

"Yes," Sybil asked curiously. "How do you know?"

Damn, Angelica thought, quickly making up an excuse as she blushed deep scarlet. "I heard about it from my father. You know how he knows about stuff like that."

"Of course," Sybil nodded. "I don't know why that didn't occur to me. Yes, Mikael and I were on the island, but the calmer, non-orgy side."

"Who is your father, tall brunette?" Nana asked, stepping forward, her whole being radiating menace.

Angie cleared her throat. "You know, Nana…that is your name, right?" She matched the woman's stance, crossing her arms and straightening her spine, then leaning right into the woman's face. "My father is the devil himself!"

The tiny woman stared at her, then threw her head back and burst into laughter. "You know, you're a funny girl!" Then she turned on her heel and headed toward the door. "I'll make that tea for you, Mrs. Sybil. It won't take long."

Once she was gone, Angelica stomped her foot. "I don't think that woman believes me!"

Sybil just shook her head. "Don't worry about Nana; she's quite a character and very peculiar. You get used to it after a while though." She paused. "She hasn't quite won my husband over yet, but her heart is in the right place and she's very caring."

"Gee, I wonder why he wouldn't trust her?" Angie raised an eyebrow as it all came together. Klaus Mikaelson, you are a lying, conniving son of a bitch!

"Oh, I see," Sybil nodded. "You think like my husband. You think that Nana, who is tiny as can be, is part of a plot of Klaus' to bring us both down."

"What?" Angelica asked, eyes widening. "Oh, no, no, no! I don't know anything about Klaus Mikaelson, for one thing. I'm very sorry it seemed as if I were trying to tell you who you should have as a guest in your home or as a temporary nanny. It certainly wasn't my intention."

It wasn't a total lie. She and Klaus didn't really talk much at night. Just ate dinner once she got home from work and then…then he took care of her in the most erotic way possible, making her his again and again…with help from wee-wee, of course. She couldn't stop calling it that, even though she knew it was a stupid name.

"Don't worry, I didn't think that at all," Sybil tried to reassure her before letting out a terrible shriek of pain.

"Oh, Sybil, are you all right?" Angelica's eyes widened.

"No need to worry," Sybil tried not to wince. "It was just a contraction." She held her belly with both hands and waited for the next one.

Angelica looked down at the floor, seeing a puddle of water at Sybil's feet. "It looks like your water just broke."

Sybil looked down. "Well, that explains a lot."

"Sybil?" Mikael called before running to the nursery. "Are you okay?"

"Well, I guess, but…we're gonna have the twins today," Sybil informed him. "My water broke, so there's no going back now."

"What?" Mikael asked, eyes wide as he picked her up. "How long has this been going on?"

"Don't worry," Angelica informed him. "It was just now."

"It's about time, woman!" Mikael grinned at her. "Let's get those babies out of you!"

Mikael, don't be ridiculous!" She scolded. "Put me down! I can walk to the hospital, or at least to the car!"

"Not in a million years," Mikael said before giving Angelica a nod of respect. "Thank you for your help, Ms. Morningstar."

"Don't mention it," Angelica told him with a smile before watching him carry his wife from the nursery, and once they were gone, she felt as if something were squeezing her heart. She was trying her best not to be emotionally involved with anyone who was connected to Klaus, but even though she and love weren't friends at the moment, and maybe never would be, she had to admit that love had hit Mikael and Sybil pretty hard. And, in her heart of hearts, Angelica knew that she wanted that for herself too, eventually. Something just like what Sybil and Mikael had. But not now. Now an enemies-with-benefits sex deal with Klaus Mikaelson was about all that she could handle.

They'd taken Sybil away once she and Mikael had arrived at the hospital, and now he was left to pace alone in the corridor, running a hand through his hair. What was taking so long? Why hadn't they let him be at Sybil's side yet? Was she okay? Had something gone wrong? The whole ride to the hospital, with Mikael driving as fast as his BMW could carry them, she had been screaming in pain. Then they'd taken her away and he knew nothing else, but he could still hear her shrieking. That was comforting at least. He knew she wasn't dead.

"Mikael!"

At the sound of his name, he whipped around so fast he almost fell over. "Sean! It's so good you're here! Sybil is going to have our babies and she hasn't stopped screaming since we left the house. Should I be worried?"

"What you should do is take a deep breath. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm," Sean told him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You have to relax, or you won't make it through the whole labor!"

"Right," Mikael nodded, taking a deep breath and put his hands on his hips. "But why is she screaming so loud?" He paused. "That woman in there-" He pointed toward the OR. "That woman in there, Sybil…she is my everything! A true force of nature. So beautiful and strong…and I can hear something that isn't normal!"

Sean smiled and gave Mikael's shoulder a squeeze. "The words of a man deeply in love," he said with a smile.

"I can't lose her," Mikael said. "I can't! Do you understand?"

"I don't believe you will," Sean replied, trying to reassure him. "I just checked up on her and the reason why she's screaming and in so much pain is that your genes and hers are connecting, battling it out, as it were. And it's powerful enough that it's as if she were going through two labors at once."

Mikael breathed heavily. "Will she…will she be okay?"

"It'll be more difficult for her," Sean admitted. "I won't lie to you about that. But we're monitoring her closely and will give her pain medication at the right time, so she won't hurt anymore."

"Can I…can I be with her?" Mikael asked hesitantly. He'd not really been interested before, and most of the time he'd been alive, such a request would have been seen as strange. "I know this is somewhat because of me and I don't want her to go through it alone."

"Of course," Sean nodded. "But just to warn you, she might not be too happy with you. She's in a lot of pain and the sight of you probably won't cheer her up, at least not immediately. It's normal, so don't be offended."

Mikael scoffed and waved the concern aside. "I know all about her moods; she's my wife after all."

"Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. Follow me."

The two men headed to the OR with Mikael following. When he saw Sybil, he wanted to embrace her. She looked like she was in horrible pain. No wonder she was yelling.

"How are you feeling?" Sean asked her.

"I feel like I want him out!" Sybil growled, snapping at Mikael's hand as he tried to brush some hair off her brow. Even though she was now in demon form, he still knew it was his wife who he loved very much. "This is all his fault!"

"He's your husband," Sean reminded her as if this would convince her somehow. "And unless he's a real source of harm, I can't have him dragged from the room." He tried not to look too amused as he spoke.

"Worst mistake of my life!" Sybil cried, leaning back against the pillow and regaining her human form.

"If you need to yell and scream at me and curse my name to get through this, then so be it," Mikael told her. Bash me as much as you want. I know I've been an asshole often enough to deserve it." He sat next to her and tried to take her hand, but she pushed him away.

"Don't touch me!" She spat and pointed at her belly. "This is all your fault, Mikaelson! If you hadn't bumped into me, none of this would have happened!"

"Is that how you met?" Sean asked, intrigued, grinning as he looked over the monitor. "You just bumped into each other and connected?"

"Yes," Mikael grinned. "She was beautiful and fearless, and she took my breath away."

"Oh, that's total bullshit!" Sybil cried. "You couldn't stand demons and that meant that you couldn't stand me, up close or a gazillion miles away, you big liar!" She let him have it before a loud shriek escaped her lips.

"She's not wrong," Mikael confessed to Sean once she had quieted. "But her ass and beautiful long hair, and full red lips were all I could think about."

"You don't say," Sean replied and started to prep for surgery just in case to give himself something to do while they yelled one another.

"That jerk fucked me for twenty-four hours straight, did you know that?" Sybil yelled. "What did he think would happen?" She screamed again. "This happened and now I'm dying!"

"Sybil darling," Mikael tried to soothe her. "During those twenty-four hours, we fell in love and made love so often that we made the twins you're about to give birth to!"

Sean put his hands over his ears. "Okay, that is too much information for me!" Then he shook his head. "Sybil, I can assure you that you're not dying. Your labor is much more painful than a standard labor, but-"

"But nothing!" Sybil snapped. "It's his fault because his vampire-ness is fighting my demon-ness and it hurts!"

"I love you, my sweet Sybil Vane Mikaelson," he told her with a smile. "My only love."

"Oh, go to hell!" She snapped, unmoved.

"I don't think he should go anywhere," Sean told her. "Because, thankfully for us all, it's about time for you to give birth!"

Gabrielle hit the fancy knocker against Arthur's office door and then opened it and crossed the threshold when she was invited inside. His secretary had just told her to go right on in before wishing her good evening, grabbing her purse, and going home for the night. Since it was well past eight, he had obviously stayed with some other employees to get some things done. He was still working with his eyes on a stack of papers instead of on her, so she stood and waited until, after what seemed like a million years, she cleared her throat to get his attention.

"Excuse me!" She cried. "Arthur Gray, will you look at me?"

He looked up. "Oh, I'm sorry! Come in and have a seat! As you can see, I'm running a little late. Take a seat, please."

She sat and put her purse on the floor beside her. "Did I misunderstand your message about needing me for the night?" She stopped and blushed. "The evening, I mean. If you're too busy, we can always reschedule."

Arthur smirked at her words. "No, you didn't misunderstand. I have an important business meeting that will be held at Felix, and I need you to accompany me. It's a lovely French restaurant. I think you'll like it."

"I'm sure I will," Gabrielle nodded, then she leaned forward. "I have to say that I was very surprised to get your message. I wasn't sure if our deal was still on or not. I mean, you haven't talked to me or seen me since Sibyl and Mikael's wedding!"

"Are you sure?" Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow. "Have I not paid your rent and expenses?" He stood up. "And that dress you're wearing now. It's lovely and I paid for it too. I couldn't help myself because I love the deep neckline and the slit up the leg. Makes you look very classy and sexy at the same time." He gave her a wink.

"Yes," she said between her teeth. "You've paid my expenses. And as for the dress, it only makes sense for you to pay for it; You know the sort of look that is required for your business dinners, and I don't. But be sure that I'll do my part. I don't like people paying for me without doing my share."

"You know, that's very professional of you, Gabrielle," he said, rolling down his sleeves, which had previously been rolled up to show his arms.

"Stop pestering me and putting me down, Arthur. I'm not a child. I'm a grown woman who is perfectly aware of what our deal is."

"Do you now?" He asked with a smirk. "You seem stressed, my dear. Has something happened? Let me get a drink to relax you." He poured both of them a glass of wine, which was one of the finest red.

"What?" Gabrielle scoffed. "My life is fine! Nothing is wrong."

"How are your granddaughters?" Arthur asked, genuinely curious. "I hear they're beautiful grown women now, just like their grandmother."

"They are," Gabrielle tried not to blush, but she felt warmth in her cheeks anyway at the compliment. "They're very beautiful and full of joie de vivre." She smiled, thinking of them. There were very few people she loved as much.

"I'm happy for you," Arthur told her grabbing two glasses for wine. "What do you say we relax a bit before we go out. I know you haven't done this before, and I want to make you as comfortable as possible."

Gabrielle narrowed her eyes at him as he filled the glasses. "If you're trying to get me drunk, you know it will take more than one glass. Is that what you're trying to do?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Please, I don't need to resort to stuff like that." Then, as he caught a moment of uncertainty in Gabrielle's eyes, he threw his head back and began to laugh. "Oh, dear. I've missed your wit and charm all this time we've been apart."

As he took a seat on his desk, Gabrielle sipped some wine and found that it was good, which made her angry because she'd wanted to say something to make herself feel superior in this very masculine office. "So," she said at last. "Do you expect me to dazzle these clients of yours? I'll have to know a thing or to unless I'm to sit silently like a doll."

"Like you would do that," Arthur told her and gave her a wink. "This actually isn't too complicated. The dinner is only a formality because the contracts have already been signed, but who doesn't like dinner and dessert, right? My client's name is Mr. Regis Brown and tonight is his wife's birthday so he thought we could celebrate that and the signing of the contracts at her favorite restaurant."

"Well, what's Mr. Regis Brown's wife's name?" Gabrielle asked. She was getting sucked into this. She couldn't help it. And even though it was just a way to earn her keep, she wanted to make sure she played her part convincingly.

"Her name is Celeste," Arthur replied.

"Perfect. It's a good idea to put this plan into action with an actual event," Gabrielle said. "It's very easy to make small talk about someone's birthday. Thank you for that."

Arthur smiled and unexpectedly brought up his hand to caress her left cheek. "You're perfect," he murmured, keeping his eyes on her and not looking away.

She stared back, fire spreading through her body to her core as he caressed her bottom lip with his thumb.

"We had a good time at your friend Sybil's wedding, didn't we?" He asked. "We understood each other very well."

She nodded slightly, unsure of what to say. "C'etait bien," she got out at last.

"Oui," he nodded before picking up his wine glass to take a sip.

"Your tie is crooked," she observed before kneeling in front of him to grab his tie and redo the knot.

"Thanks. It chokes me so much during the day that I loosen it and then forget to tie it again. That would have been embarrassing." Arthur gave a theatrical shudder. Then he put his glass down on the desk and placed his hands on her hips.

"That's okay," she reassured him. "I don't mind fixing it for you."

"You smell nice," he remarked, gently sniffling her neck before caressing the round curves of her hips.

"Thank you," she said. "You know I'm French from my head to my toes so it's Coco Chanel." She then pulled the tie one last time and looked at her handiwork with satisfaction.

"Of course, it is," he grinned. "I wouldn't believe you if you tried to tell me it was anything else." Then she ran her hands over his chest. "Anything else you need me to fix, or are we done?"

"Nope," he told her although his breathing got heavier. He cocked his head, then grabbed the hand on his chest to gently kiss her fingers.

She smiled shyly, doing her best not to betray the fact that her heart was pounding loudly in her chest. He grabbed her chin and was preparing to kiss her when a turn of her head brought his open day planner into her field of vision. The page for that night had the name Cheryl on it.

"Who's Cheryl?" She asked, pointing at the day planner.

"Oh, her?" He asked, looking much less shocked and ashamed than she'd expected him to. "No one you need to worry about. Just an escort I hired for after dinner."

She pushed him away and put her hands on her hips. "What do you mean you booked an escort for after dinner?" She asked.

"Well," he shrugged. "I'm a demon man who has needs. I thought that would be obvious to you without me having to explain it."

"Yes, but I thought…" She trailed off, unable to finish the sentencing and blushing madly.

"You thought what, darling?" He asked, cocking his head. It was so fun to watch her go to pieces like this.

"I thought that in our contract, it said that I was supposed to…we were supposed to…" She lost the sentence once again, unable to look him in the eye.

"Oh, yes, I see where you got confused. Our contract did, at one point say that you would end the night in my bed. However, since the wedding and due to the fact that you're friends with my mother, I thought it would be best not to go down that path. I've had the contract redone and now you're only obligated to join me for business meetings and dinners, no sex required. He said it matter-of-factly, but it made her fume.

"I see!" She cried. "You changed the rules, so now Cheryl will be the one opening her legs so you can fuck her!" She was angry and not trying to hide the fact.

"Why are you so mad?" Arthur asked with a nonchalant shrug. "I thought the change would make you happy!" He was lying through his teeth now. "With the change, now you can be like any other employee."

She began mumbling again, unable to find words or sounds except for "I…I…"

Suddenly, blessedly, her ringtone announced a text message. She pulled her phone out and smiled. "Oh, look! Sybil and Mikael had their babies! How nice!"

"They did?" Arthur smiled. "Don't just stand there, go to the hospital. Go!"

"Are you sure? What about the business dinner? Are you going to ask Cheryl instead?"

"No," Arthur shook his head. "I'll present my apologies and say you were detained. Which isn't even a lie. So don't worry your pretty head about it. Just focus on being there for your friend." He gestured toward the door. "But if you're disappointed about tonight, don't worry. There will certainly be other evenings and other opportunities."

"Thank you!" She smiled, then rushed outside, her heels clacking loudly on the floor.

As the door closed behind her, Arthur sank into his desk chair and grinned wickedly. "This evening wasn't a total waste, Gabrielle. I have you exactly where I want you. And that is good enough!"

As Sybil opened her eyes, she felt very relieved to see the blurry form of her husband at her side. She blinked several times until he came into focus and then tried to speak. "Mi-Mikael?" She managed to get out.

He headed to her side and took her hand, kissing her forehead gently. "Welcome back, darling," he told her.

Suddenly, it all came back to her. "The babies!" She cried, trying to sit and then hop off table. "I remember there was trouble in my labor! They were losing oxygen and then I passed out! Are they all right? I have to see them!"

He gently pushed her back down and shook his head. "What you need to do is stay still and try to relax. They're just fine. We two strong and healthy babies: a boy who will probably drive you crazy like I do, and a little girl who's just as beautiful and stubborn as you are."

She began to sniffle. "How can they be fine? My labor…I remember…"

He nodded. "You were so courageous and strong but in the end it was all too much for you and you passed out. They had to perform surgery to get the babies out instead."

"Oh," Sybil nodded as his words sunk in. "All right. You…you are telling the truth, right? Not just giving me false hope? The babies truly are alive and well?"

They are," Mikael nodded. "Both healthy as can be and strong and stubborn as their parents." He gave her a wink."

"Good," she nodded and sighed as he took her hand and kissed it. Then, tears began falling down her cheeks. "Oh, Mikael, I'm so sorry. I've been so terrible to you, and so hurtful."

"A real fury with a salty tongue," Mikael nodded. "Which isn't that much different from how you usually are." He tried to lighten his say with a smile, but it failed to erase her distress completely.

"How can you smile at me like that?" She asked. "You've been nothing but kind and patient throughout my entire pregnancy, even though it was most likely not the ideal situation for you, while in return for your kindness, all I've done is…" She trailed off, turning bright pink.

"Scream your head off? Call me a bunch of names that shouldn't be repeated in polite company? Hitting me with your fist? All of the above?" Mikael smiled as he ticked off the list.

Her eyes widened. "Oh, please tell me I didn't punch you," she begged, taking his hand in hers.

He turned his head slightly so she could see his reddening cheek. "A good solid punch, actually. You can see where you hit very clearly."

"Oh, my gosh," Sybil cried, her jaw dropping a little at the sight of it before she felt a stab of pain, winced, and leaned back into her pillows. "Mikael, that looks awful! How in the world could you joke about it?"

"Hey, hey, hey! Be careful, please. Let me help you." He adjusted the pillows and helped position her more comfortably against them. "Don't you be moving too much! You were just cut open and had two babies pulled out of you, woman! This is a time for you to rest!"

"While punching you in the process?" She cried, unable to let it go cause the thought was so horrifying. "Please tell me that's all I did. You don't have any broken parts, do you?"

"No, no broken parts," Mikael reassured her. "Oh, and Sean wanted me to let you know how grateful he is that you amused him so much during your labor."

"Please stop joking about this," Sybil begged, putting her hands over her eyes. "I'm so embarrassed about my behavior that once we get out of here, I'm not leaving our house for a century!"

"Darling, look at me," he ordered, moving her hands from her eyes and leaning forward to kiss her lightly on the lips. "I'm touched by the apology, but also very confused about why this is such a problem. I thought that you kicking my ass was our thing!"

"Yes, but at home, behind closed doors and in private!" Sybil corrected. "Not in public, in front of people!"

Mikael chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Well, let's just say we spiced things up this time around!"

"So…so you forgive me?" She asked, still embarrassed by her actions. "Please say you do. Please promise me that whatever horrible things I may have said, you don't believe a word of them. You're everything to me. The love of my life, and now…the father of my children. And I couldn't bear to lose all of that."

Mikael chuckled. "Oh, you won't, my darling. And there's no need to try and convince me of your feelings. The fact that you rode me like a mad woman all last night is proof enough!"

She shushed him abruptly. "Don't shout it out loud for everyone to hear!" She hissed, gently punching him in the arm. "And I was only trying to induce labor! I refused to be as big as a beluga anymore!"

"Darling, you were never big as a beluga," he said, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling. "And also, thank you for clarifying that the only reason you wanted to have all that sex was because of the babies and not because of my rakish grin and dazzling blue eyes. Not to mention my terrific body!"

Sybil chuckled and lowered her eyes. "Well, there's that too," she murmured. Then she yawned and felt her eyes begin to close. "I'm sorry, but I'm just very sleepy all of a sudden."

Mikael smiled and moved some hair off her forehead. "That's not surprising. Rest now, my love. And later, you'll be able to see our beautiful children."

"Oh, you're so precious!" Gabrielle cooed, clasping her hands together and smiling as she stared at her friend Sybil's adorable new twins. After hearing the news, she'd made a few stops, and then rushed to the hospital, hoping to gift her dearest friend a huge bouquet of flowers and give the babies a blue teddy bear and a pink teddy bear, but when she arrived, Mikael informed her that Sybil had fallen asleep. They'd talked for a little while, he'd taken her gifts with thanks and a smile on his face, then suggested that she head to the nursery to see the twins for herself.

"This might just be me, but I think they're wonderful," Mikael said. "And if you go down that hallway, when you get to the nursery, they're in a spot right up against the window. You can't miss them."

And she hadn't. They were adorable, but…they just looked like normal babies, except maybe with a wider forehead that was typical for demon children and a sign they had developed properly and would be able to handle their powers properly one day.

"Yeah, they're adorable," said a familiar voice from behind her. "Especially when they keep you up all night wanting to be fed and changed and things like that."

She turned and looked at him in surprise. "Arthur, what are you doing here?"

Arthur sighed. "Well, we were at the restaurant and Celeste accidentally ingested some fish, which she's terribly allergic to, so here we are."

"Oh, my gosh!" Gabrielle's eyes widened. "That's terrible. Will she be okay?"

"For sure," Arthur nodded, moving closer to her to get a better look at the twins. "She got an injection, which gave her enough time to get to the hospital and be treated. She should be good as new in about half an hour."

"Well, thank goodness for that." Even though Gabrielle never met the woman, she still felt so glad she was all right. Then she watched Arthur out of the corner of her eye as he peered through the nursery window. "You know, for a man who claims he doesn't like babies, you sure are smiling a lot as you watch them."

"What gave you the idea that I don't like babies?" He asked. "I like babies. Little replicas of their parents. Little munchkins who are mostly adorable. What's not to like and look at?" He asked, burying his hands in the pockets of his dress pants.

"But?" Gabrielle questioned. "There has to be a 'but' somewhere."

"Why do you care so much? Do you want to make a baby with me?" He teased.

"Oh, yes," Gabrielle replied, a wicked grin curving her lips. "Why don't we just hop in bed right now? Oh, that's right! You're with Cheryl! Silly me!" She hoped the sarcasm got across and he didn't think she was serious.

"It's because babies aren't for me," he corrected. "I don't have this mad need to reproduce. My mother didn't want me, and I don't want to risk having a child of mine feel that way." Then he grinned. "You seem disturbed that I'm willing to find other ways to satisfy my urges."

"Disturbed?" Gabrielle asked with a chuckle. "Au contraire, this is the best news I've had in a long time! No need to sleep with you anymore! Just being your business date suits me fine. Who am I to complain about getting a free meal?" Then she reached out to put a hand on his shoulder, but he moved away just a little. "And not that it's any of my business," she continued, "but I very much doubt your mother didn't cherish you. I think you're just afraid of opening yourself up to her and realizing that you love her very much.'

"I think you're changing the subject on purpose," Arthur told her. "I'll have you know that I have a good enough relationship with my mother. At least one that she deserves: It's civil, it's respectful. It will suffice!"

"Coward!" Gabrielle muttered. "You're afraid to even build a bridge and give her a chance?"

Arthur got close enough that his breath brushed her lips. "Are you talking about me and my mother? Or me and you? That and the fact that you can't admit to yourself that you want to have sex with me."

"Let me tell you something, Arthur Gray," she growled. "You better not pin that on me. I'm no coward. I signed that contract knowing full well what I was getting into, and I was ready and willing to do my part. You were the one who changed the terms of it. Not me!"

He grinned at her, then suddenly grabbed her wrist to pull her behind him, nearly dragging her as she did her best to keep up with his long strides.

"Hey!" She protested. "Where are you taking me?"

He opened the door to an empty storeroom, pushed her inside, then shut the door behind them both. Then he took the speechless woman by the shoulders, pushed her up against the wall, and kissed her hard.

She began to squirm and try to pull away, but he was too strong for her. She continued to struggle until she felt his tongue enter her mouth to taste her more. She moaned and began to return his kisses, her fingers threading through his dark hair as she felt his hands slide down her back and hold on to her ass for dear life.

"I rest my case, Gabrielle," he said, speaking against her lips after stopping the kiss.

"That doesn't mean anything!" She protested. "It's just my body, responding to…to…"

"Yes, your need to fuck me, I know." He grinned, gently detaching himself from her shaking body and wiping her lipstick off his face. "I'll wait for you to admit it and beg me to put you in my bed. I know it won't be very long now."

Gabrielle scoffed. "I would never beg you! Only in your sick, twisted dreams would I beg you! Besides, I found an escort of my own who is a million times more handsome and better than you. So there!"

"Whatever you say," he whispered against her ear. "I know I'll see you later. In the meantime, enjoy the babies." Then he left her, speechless and alone, in the storage room.

Klaus looked at the clock on the microwave. There was just enough time before Angelica returned to finish dinner. He grabbed a spoon and opened the oven door to stir the beef bourguignon and pour the sauce over it. Then he grinned to himself. Now he could just leave it in there with the auto-heat on. If he was being precise, she'd texted him and told him she'd be home in twenty minutes and that had been ten minutes ago, so any time now, she could stride in and make her presence known in no uncertain terms.

The fresh peas were also ready, and all he really had left to decide was whether he should make rice or potatoes. The potatoes were ready and all he had to do was add butter and mash them, but…he wasn't sure.

His phone rang and he grabbed it to answer, automatically assuming it would be Angelica. "What's the matter, love? Something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," came Nana's amused voice. "I just called to give you the news that the buns are out of the oven. Who did you think you were talking to?"

"Never mind," Klaus told her, changing the subject. "What goes better with beef bourguignon? Rice or mashed potatoes?"

"Why? Is this a fancy dinner for one, or is a certain tall brunette invited?"

Klaus froze, surprised by the question. "When did you meet Angelica Morningstar?"

"You mean the woman who stages furniture and can't stop herself from sticking her nose where it doesn't belong? She kept staring at me with suspicion like I was hiding the biggest secret in the world? Yes, I met her today."

Klaus grinned. Nana wasn't entirely wrong in her assessment of Angelica's character. Then his smile disappeared as what she was saying fully hit him: not only was she beautiful, sexy, and extremely good in bed, but she was also very intelligent, and he bet it would take her no time at all to put two and two together about this plan once she knew of it. "What's the news?" He asked. "Does she have anything to do with it?"

"No, no, your new sex toy is not related to my news," Nana reassured him.

"Don't call her that," he snapped.

"Why not? Isn't it the truth?"

"None of your damn business, woman!" He blustered, very glad she couldn't see him blush.

"You're not this shy on the island!"

"Well, this isn't the island, Nana!" He snapped. "So, what's the big news? Do I get to hear it or what?" He didn't like hearing Angel being likened to a sex toy, but what was worse was that it wasn't far from the truth. That was even more maddening.

"I just called to tell you that the buns are out of the oven," she replied.

Klaus smirked. "So, the twins have arrived at last."

"Yes, a girl and a boy. That's what the sexy one told me."

"Perfect." It was exactly as he'd hoped. Then he winced. "Will you stop calling my stepfather 'the sexy one'?"

"I will not. Because he is!"

Klaus rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Now…about the beef bourguignon?"

"The French put mashed potatoes with it."

"Thank you, now was that so hard?" He grabbed the potatoes and began mashing them.

"But neither potatoes nor rice will stop Miss Morningstar will roast you like a pig on a stick when she finds out what you're up to. Bye, boss!"

Klaus winced and threw his phone on the table. There was no doubt Nana was right. But maybe…maybe a good dinner, some good wine, and a few kisses followed by a good long fuck would wear her out so much she'd just go right to sleep without questioning him. There was always a chance.

"Klaus!" Came Angie's voice from the front of the house.

"In the kitchen, love," he called back. Then he shook his head, put butter on the potatoes, then shoved then in the oven with everything else. It was showtime!

"It smells divine in here," she said with a smile as she entered the kitchen and came to stand next to him. "What are you cooking?"

Instead of answering her, he looked her over. She wore black linen pants under a see-through flowery red blouse that gave him a peek of the black bra she wore. She really knew how to keep his attention day in and day out! "Thank you for the compliment, Angel, but it certainly doesn't smell as good as you do." He grinned and pulled her by her belt loops to bring her in contact with his bulged chest as she cried out in surprise before gently sliding his hands down her back and greeting her with a smile. "Hi, gorgeous!"

"Hi yourself," she returned, placing her hands on his chest and grinning. "I saw your stepfather and his wife today to put the last-minute touches on the nursery, and do you know who I met also?"

"I have no idea, and frankly, it's none of my business," he told her. "The only thing that matters is how red your lip are and how badly you must want me to taste them."

He leaned forward and tried to kiss her, but she moved her head out of the way, but just for a little bit before he gently grabbed her chin so that he was staring deeply into her brown eyes.

"I appreciate you like my lipstick, but-" She tried to speak but was stopped when he crashed his lips against hers.

Damn that bad, bad man, she thought to herself. Once his tongue was in her mouth, she had no hope of saying another word. The battle was lost, at least for now. She moaned and threw her arms around his neck, playing with his hair while the kiss deepened. They were now nipping each other's lips as their tongues intertwined and their breathing picked up. Then he put his hands on her breasts and gently nibbled her neck. "I missed you like crazy, Angel."

"How? It's only been twenty-four hours," she murmured while trying to catch her breath. She also couldn't stop herself from letting him bury his head in her neckline.

"Oh, but it's much too long, love!" He protested with a wink. "Wee-wee's needed you all day and been very insistent about it," he teased before biting down on her nipple through the fabric of her blouse.

She moaned and raised her knee to rub his bulge. "I'm sure wee-wee didn't miss me. Just the nice cozy spot between my legs."

"Oh, it's all the same," Klaus grinned. Then he raised her onto the kitchen counter. "How about he settles in between your legs, and I can take here-" He kissed her neck. "And here." He cupped her breasts again."

"I think that could work," she teased, laughing lightly before stroking his five o'clock shadow and kissing those full lips of his. How much she had missed his lips on hers. And between her legs. Mostly between her legs. "Now, my sexy hybrid, let me tell you who I met at Mikael and Sybil's today."

DAMN! Klaus thought. She would be harder to distract than he realized. Clearly another tactic was called for.

She frowned as she waited for his answer. "Klaus, you know very well that I am neither a fool nor an idiot. Tell me why you keep avoiding answering my question, or-"

She was cut off as Klaus shoved his spoon in her mouth so she could taste the beef bourguignon.

"Good, isn't it?" He asked. "I know I initially promised lasagna, but I was inspired to go elsewhere. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, no," Angie shook her head, her tongue running over her lips to taste the sauce over and over again. "It's so good!"

Klaus grinned and undid the zipper of her trousers. "As good as when I go down on you?" He asked.

"No, but a close second." She bit her lip to hide her smile. "Nana is who I met today! She used to be a staff member on your island and then suddenly, out of the blue, she shows up at Mikael and Sybil's as their temporary nanny. I find it very intriguing."

Klaus sighed and rolled his eyes. "Didn't we agree not to put our noses in each other's affairs, Angel?" He then slid his fingers into her panties to rub her and make her gasp, although she was already wet enough that it almost wasn't necessary.

"Oh…" She moaned as a small orgasm took her by surprise.

"Always so damn wet for me," he whispered with a smile. "Doesn't this feel good, Angel?"

"Yes, but…oh, god! Grandpa give me strength to say this, because I have to." She looked him in the eye and tried to calm her breathing. "Promise me that you will not use Mikael and Sybil's children to hurt them because I swear that if that's what you're up to, I'm done with this deal! I mean it! I'll be out of here so fast your head will spin!"

"No!" Klaus cried. "I swear on my children's lives that's not what's happening!" And he meant it. The rest was not anything she needed to know about.

"You swear?" She asked, her gaze unyielding. "Do you promise?"

"Yes, now can I finish what I started, please?" He asked. "Can you come for me? Then I'll take you upstairs and give you the biggest spanking of your life and wee-wee can have his turn."

"What about the beef bourguignon?" She asked. "We can't just abandon dinner!"

"It's being kept warm in the oven," he assured her. "It'll be fine, along with the peas and mashed potatoes.

"Good, because you know how much I love food."

"And I love being inside of you. Now…can I?"

"Yes, please," she blushed and closed her eyes as his fingers filled her and his lips met hers in a very deep kiss. Then, after she climaxed, he undid his pants and, after slipping off her panties, picked her up and carried her toward his bedroom.

"I've been very bad," she whispered. "I think I need a spanking."

"I think you need lots of spankings," he replied as she smiled and rubbed against him. "Just be patient, love."

Angelica took a deep breath, feeling herself relax to the beat of Klaus' heart as he grinned and ran his fingers though her hair. She lay on top of him and frankly, he didn't mind. He'd gotten used to it. So used to it that the one night in the last week that she hadn't been able to stay, he hadn't slept a wink because he'd missed the feeling of her wrapped around him!

"That was something we just did," she grinned. "Did you want me to work for my supper?"

"To be entirely honest, I wanted to make sure we both worked up an appetite because there is truly so much food to eat," he told her. "I hope that doesn't bother you."

She grinned as he slid his hands down to grip her ass. "I do love a man who can get my famished body into his bed." She looked down. "I see wee-wee is resting at last. Have we worn him out?"

"Don't be sure," Klaus grinned. "When it comes to you, he could wake up at any moment!"

She fake pouted. "Please take pity on me! I'm absolutely famished now!"

"Oh, all right, I'll give you time to rest before we go downstairs and you eat everything in my kitchen," he winked.

"Hey! I'm not an ogre!" She grinned and playfully punched his chest.

"Maybe not, but don't deny you have a big appetite!"

"That's not my fault!" Angie reminded him. "I do a lot of physical activity in here!"

"True," he chuckled and gently kissed her forehead.

"So, is it our thing to go at it like two sex-starved people and then eat like there's no tomorrow?" She asked.

"It's our thing not to give a fuck about anyone else and do whatever we want," he told her.

"I like sex. Sex is fun. But I…I can't just do it with anyone. I need to do it with the right person. If all this taught me one thing, it taught me that," she shared.

"I agree," Klaus nodded. "I learned that the hard way too."

"Amy?" Angelica guessed as a knot formed in her stomach.

"She's a wonderful, beautiful woman and to this day, if she needed it, I would die for her, but…"

"But?"

"We weren't compatible. She didn't understand the sort of person I was, and I hurt her more times than I can count."

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Angelica scoffed. "At least you tried to have relationships, even if they failed. I'm basically a virgin. I've been with Sammy my whole life. One man. ONE! It failed miserably so who am I to judge you? I'm not even that experienced in bed and…ouch!" She frowned and rubbed her sore bottom. "What the hell was that for?"

"What did I say about there being no judgment in this house?" Klaus scolded. "I mean it when I say I don't want you to talk about yourself that way."

"Yes, but," she tried to argue, still rubbing away the pain. "I know you were hoping for someone more experienced, and you got awkward, all over the place, pain in the ass me!"

He shook his head and gripped her chin so that she couldn't look away from him and he had her full attention. "Let me put my cards out on the table: I don't give a damn if you slept with one man before me or a hundred men."

She winced. "Don't you think a hundred men is too much?" She tried to joke.

But he wasn't going for it. "Will you shush while I'm talking, please? The fact that you were just with one man before makes you special. There is nothing to be ashamed of and you shouldn't compare yourself to other women, or your family, or anyone else. When we decided to do this, it was our first time with each other, basically. The number of sexual partners we had or didn't have before is irrelevant."

Angelica's eyes widened. "Who are you and what have you done with Klaus Mikaelson?"

He chuckled and blushed, casting his eyes down. "Don't tell anyone. It doesn't happen very often."

"Don't worry," Angelica smiled. "I'll keep your secret."

"As for your being worried about not meeting my needs, have you seen how those hips of yours work, woman? It's like some sort of crazy magic!"

"Oh, stop!" Angelica blushed and put her hands over her eyes. "Please!"

"I won't," he replied and spanked her more gently this time. "Wee-wee can attest to what I'm telling you: That no one, in my whole time on this earth, was able to make me come and feel as powerless and in awe of them as you do."

She parted her fingers, so he saw one eye. "Really?"

"Really!" He raised two fingers in the air. "Scout's honor!"

"Thank you," she said, lowering her hands and smiling at him.

"You're welcome. Now can we put this subject to rest?"

"Yes," Angelica nodded. "We can."

"What would you say about staying an entire weekend next week?" He asked suddenly.

"An entire weekend?" Angie asked teasingly as she pretended to think it over. "You know that's gonna cost you, right?"

Klaus raised an eyebrow. "How much more? Where are you going with this?"

"I just meant three meals per day, plus snacks and drinks, especially since you don't like to skimp on the details, Mr. Fancy No-Pants." She winked.

"Ah," Klaus nodded and grinned back. "You're right. It'll cost me a bundle. I might have to re-think my offer."

Angie chuckled. "Take all the time you need. Although I might not be able to come."

Klaus' face fell. "Why not? Are you busy?"

"No, no, it's just that…" she sucked in a breath. "Someone's gonna catch me if I have a big suitcase, I just know it. And that someone will probably be my father. He's been eying me even more closely than usual lately. He'll probably catch me and interrogate me, not letting up until I give him some sort of answer, and he will definitely catch it if I lie."

"That is a problem." Klaus thought a moment. "How about you just stick a bag of toiletries in your overnight case and then you can wear my clothes all weekend? They'll be washed beforehand of course."

"Your clothes?" Angie grinned widely. "Really?"

"Damn," Klaus smiled. "You really seem happy about that. It's unexpected."

"Well, you have some nice bikers' shorts, and plenty of t-shirts for me to wear, and I'll just tie my hair back. It's perfect. I'll bring some flip-flops and we can get sun and work on your garden."

He stroked her face, happy she was so excited by the idea. "That sounds like a plan. And maybe you can help me understand why, for the life of me, my stupid garden won't let me grow any tomatoes!"

"Really? But you have so many other vegetables!" She was as clueless as he was.

"I know, but the tomatoes always die, and it drives me mad!" He cried, pulling at his hair.

"Well, I'll research it," she promised. "I mean I've helped my sister Charlotte with her garden, but she mostly grows herbs and things for her store. Actual vegetables are a newer territory for me, but we can figure it out."

"Thanks," he grinned. "So…we can pencil in a sex-filled weekend then?"

"Oh, use pen for our sex and tomato filled weekend!" Angie winked.

"Of course!" Klaus smiled. "And there's something else that I almost forgot to tell you. You'll be so proud of me: I finished my first chocolate souffle!"

"What?" Angie asked, jumping out of bed as naked as the day she was born. "Why didn't you tell me this when I arrived, Mikaelson?"

"Well, because you were horny, and I was horny, and we had sex several times!" He reminded her.

"Just for future reference, chocolate souffle, then sex," she informed him. "That is the proper order." As she left the bedroom, he called out, "Morningstar, remember you're naked!"

"Oh, I remember," she said, poking her head in the door and smirking. "But really, is there a better way to eat chocolate souffle?"

"You know, you have a point," he replied, hopping out of bed and following her to kitchen while enjoying a very, very good view of her.