It was seven AM and Klaus was already wide awake, a cup of coffee in hand as he stared at out the window and waited for the approaching sunrise. He'd been inspired to draw nature, so his sketch pad was on the breakfast bar nearby, for when the right moment came, and the morning colors were at their best.

Fall colors were the best colors, but it was still early enough in the season that it could be warm during the day and at least a few weeks before they could be sure of constant cool temperatures, but he didn't mind. This was one of his favorite times of year, and for the first time in a long time, he was enjoying it, and, for the first time in ages, he was certain he was at peace and truly happy.

A smile curved his lips as he began to think of the source of that happiness: the beautiful woman who was sleeping naked and tangled in his bed sheets. She was not a morning person when she had the choice, especially not on a Sunday morning. Angelica Morningstar was larger than life, and the sexiest woman he'd ever met (even though he knew she'd deny it if he called her either to her face), and just…just by being herself, she'd turned his life around.

For centuries, he'd tried his best to return to the person he'd once been…to the man he'd wanted to be again. For centuries, he'd failed. Then she'd showed up and accomplished it in one summer. And with her in his life, he had come to terms with what he'd done, with the horrible way he'd treated Amy. It was behavior he hoped never to repeat again, especially not with Angel.

Just then, he heard the subtle knock of bare heels on the wood of the kitchen floor. Turning, he bit his lip as Angelica appeared, still half asleep and clad in nothing but a pair of tiny black lace panties, her magnificent breasts and long legs very much visible to him. This was his Angel for sure, the most enticing, sexual creature he'd ever met, but with a bit of childlike innocence and a smile that made him melt.

Not that she knew that. Or at least not how deeply he felt for sure. He was sure she had no idea. Not one!

As she stood there, topless, with her tangled hair, and magnificent long legs, he grabbed his sketchpad and a pencil. She was in her element, and he was sure that it would be a while before he'd have the opportunity to sketch her if he didn't take advantage of it now.

"Coffee," she kept muttering over and over, like a robot as she headed for the counter by the refrigerator where the industrial machine sat. "Coffee, coffee, coffee…"

"I already made it for you," he told her. "And you're just so close to the cup. Over. Over…just a little bit more…" He'd made her a latte with some pumpkin powder stirred in and whipped cream on top.

She blinked, seeming more awake as she took the cup in hands and inhaled the scent of the pumpkin. "You made my favorite coffee?" She asked, her eyes wide with awe as a sweet smile curved her lips. "That's so nice of you. You're a very sweet man! And my savior really, if you think about it."

Klaus snorted and blushed. "I've never really been referred to in those terms before, but since it's you, I'll take it," he told her. Then he paused, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "You know, I was thinking about you, just as you were coming downstairs," he told her.

"And were you gonna make a 'speak of the devil's daughter' joke?" She asked knowingly.

"Yes," Klaus confessed. "But then I got distracted by you muttering about coffee and the moment for it passed." He raised his cup in the air. "Good morning," he said. "Since I forgot to say it when you came down the stairs."

"Good morning," she returned, raising her own cup before blowing on it, taking a drink, and then shutting her eyes tight as she savored the taste of it, her nearly bare bottom raising in the air as she leaned against the counter. "This is marvelous, Klaus! And it tastes like heaven! Thank you again for making it for me."

Meanwhile, Klaus sat frozen watching her, his heart pounding and his breath picking up. And something else was picking up too. The sight of her perfect ass was making him remember just how much he wanted her. Not that he needed any reminder.

He tried to take a deep breath and look away. If he wasn't careful and in control, he'd pick her up and fuck her right there on the kitchen counter, as they'd done before, their bodies bathed in the morning sunlight. And now was not the time.

Focus! He ordered himself as he shook his head. You're no animal. At least not at the moment. And let's keep it that way! Though she was an eternal temptation for him, he managed to keep sketching, thinking that once it was done, with her permission, he'd like to have it framed and hang it in their bedroom.

He cleared his throat as she sat there drinking her coffee and grabbing a couple of pieces of bread to put in the toaster. "I know you just woke up," he said. "But a certain someone really wants you right now."

"You know I love wee-wee and he'll always be my favorite," Angie replied without missing a beat. "But drinking my coffee and getting food in my stomach always comes first." She paused and went to look in the fridge, shivering a little as the cold hit her. "We have butter and strawberry jelly, don't we?"

"Yes," Klaus said immediately as he shamelessly eyed her butt again. "Both right inside the fridge door."

"Right, here they are," she said with a nod. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Klaus replied as he continued to draw, filling in her nipples on the page. "And you don't have to worry about Mrs. Johnson seeing you in your birthday suit. She's not outside and I've closed the blinds of the window she can see into."

"Well, if she's not even outside, I'm not worried," Angelica assured him with a shrug. "I'm wearing panties and it's not like you've never seen me naked before. In fact, as long as we're in the comfortable confines of this house, I don't mind walking around this way one bit." She took another drink of coffee and gave him a worried look. "You don't mind, do you? You don't think my walking around like this makes me…trampy?"

Klaus tried hard not to laugh because she seemed genuinely troubled. "Angel, if you think that seeing you naked and nearly naked is troubling me, you've learned nothing about me or us."

She grinned and took a deep breath, inhaling air that was drifting in through the half open French doors nearby. Then, with the contented smile still on her lips, she turned to face him, suddenly realizing what he was doing as her lovely smile disappeared. "What are you doing?" She asked, her eyes narrowed.

"Sketching," he responded evasively without looking her in the eye. "The sunrise is beautiful today."

"Sunrise my ass!" She spat and stomped her foot. "I know you're sketching me, and I told you not to do that!"

"I'm not," he lied through gritted teeth. "And if I was, could you blame me? Because you have very fine ass, Angelica Morningstar!"

A growl of rage escaped her lips and, if he wasn't seeing things, her eyes flashed red for a moment as her hands became fists on either side of her delicious naked body before she dived for him and tried to take his sketch pad away. "Give me that!" She cried, with an air of someone who's used to getting what they want without argument. "Give me that sketch pad now!"

"Hey, hey, hey!" He scolded, waving a finger in her face as he held the pad out of her reach. "Hold your horses, little girl! What has your lovely panties in a twist this morning?"

"You're not listening!" She whined and stomped her foot. "I told you not to sketch me!"

"My home, my pencil, my sketch pad," he reminded her firmly. She may be used to getting her way at home, but she would listen to him here.

She scoffed. "Well, fine. It's my body, so don't sketch it! Especially when it's practically naked!" She took a deep breath. "And besides, it's a waste of paper. I'm not…I'm not beautiful enough to be sketched."

His jaw dropped. "Love, you're joking, right? Because I'm sorry, but what you're saying is absolute crap!"

She sniffled, lowering her head as her arms crossed over her naked chest.

"Well, fuck me," he murmured, sitting on his sketch pad so she wouldn't see it. "Angelica," he gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her between his legs before wrapping them around her waist. "Angelica, look at me." He cupped her face with his hands. "Please."

Slowly but surely, she looked into his gray eyes, still pouting adorably. "Do you realize the effect you have on me and on wee-wee? Woman, you have breathed so much new life into this old body of mine," he confessed humbly. "And I don't mean just physically." He gently caressed her cheeks. "You're beautiful inside and out. You have this amazing ability to be candid and innocent like a child, and bold and sexy like a woman, and those things come together to make the woman that is you!"

"I am beautiful?" She questioned shyly, giving him a small grin before balancing on her toes for a second like a ballerina

"Yes, you silly person," he told her and kissed her forehead. "How can you even doubt it?"

She sighed and swore under her breath. "I'm so sorry about before. Snapping at you like that. It was uncalled for, especially after you've been so nice to me, making my favorite coffee and always making sure I'm taken care of." She hugged him tight and lowered her head down on his shoulder. "You know, when I was young and foolish and thought that the only way anyone would love me was if I was the hardest working, the most giving, and the kindest, I thought I was entitled to have someone wait on me hand and foot cause of how much I was putting into the world." She paused. "And here you are, doing it for nothing."

"Oh, not for nothing, never for nothing," he murmured, kissing her hair and running a hand down her back. "It's my pleasure. And it's not like you don't give anything in return. You make the best pancake and waffle breakfasts in the entire world. They're a wonderful way to wake up!"

"Thanks, but…" she sobered. "You're still an asshole because I told you I didn't want to be sketched." She stared him down, unblinking.

"True, you did," he nodded. "I'm sorry about that." He paused. "But even if I'm an asshole, I'm your asshole, right?"

"Yes, you're my asshole," she assured him with a chuckle before giving him a kiss on the lips.

"Oh, don't tempt me," he warned, turning her around and giving her a gentle slap on the bottom. "Eat your toast if you still feel like it, and then go get dressed before wee-wee feels compelled to take you on the kitchen counter!" He paused. "Then, afterward, if you're hungry for something other than toast, we'll eat a real breakfast and go on a hike to look at all the fall colors. But don't worry, it won't be a long one if you're not up to it."

"Oh, that sounds marvelous!" She exclaimed and clapped her hands before kissing his cheek and then heading for the stairs. "What fun!" She paused. "And don't worry. I can hike quite a distance. It's a bit of a requirement if you want to go Christmas shopping with Valerie. She doesn't do it halfway."

She disappeared from sight, and he chuckled, taking up his sketch pad again. He had every intention of finishing this sketch and then showing it to her so she could see how beautiful she was to him. Maybe then, just maybe, she'd finally believe him.

Briefcase in hand, Alistair entered the Council building, his head held high, and his person clad in an impeccably tailored Prada suit. He walked for a bit and then turned a corner that would take him down the hallway to the main conference room, when all of a sudden, Malachai Fale bumped into him.

"Alistair," Malachai acknowledged him politely with a nod. "You're here for the meeting, I suppose? I like the suit. You look very dashing for someone just going to a conference."

"Malachai," Alistair returned coldly with a slight nod. "Yes, I'm here for the meeting, but I don't see how my clothes are any of your concern."

"My mistake," Malachai apologized. "Very strange, don't you think? This meeting was called by chairman Fraser, you know. I mean, not totally surprising, since Astrid is still on maternity leave. Isn't she?"

"All will be explained to everyone in good time," Alistair assured him. "And in the meantime, don't spread gossip around. I don't want to worry anyone."

"I'm certainly not the type to spread gossip!" Malachai huffed and then let out a huge sigh. "By the way, I believe that D'artagnan suit really works for you." He did his best to try and correct his missteps, but it sounded awkward even to his ears.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" Alistair inquired with a wince. "Or an insult?"

"Of course, it's a compliment!" Malachai sighed. "Why would I be dumb enough to intentionally insult you?"

"Oh, I don't know," Alistair huffed, crossing his arms. "Why were you dumb enough to have an affair with my wife?"

"You've got to be kidding me!" Malachai's jaw dropped in shock. "For the last time, I did not have an affair with Astrid! I have a girlfriend and her name is Avery Morningstar!" He paused. "I think. She may have changed to her mother's last name with all the trouble her brother's having lately."

"No," Alistair shook his head. "She hasn't."

"Correct," came a cold voice behind him. "I won't be changing my name any time soon, or expecting you to, since we're not dating, or engaged, or married. We're not anything! In fact, last time we saw each other, you told me to go to hell!"

Both men looked at the dark eyed young woman who stood before them, steel in her gaze and arms crossed over her chest.

"That is…um…well…" Malachai stumbled over his words as he did his best to keep his private life with Avery private.

"Come on, spit it out," Avery encouraged. "Please, tell me what it is, since you're the only one who seems to know. I certainly don't have a damn clue."

"That's our private business, is what it is, Avery," Malachai hissed at last. "No need to bore Alistair with the details."

"You're right," Avery took a deep breath. "I apologize, Mr. Fale.

"No problem, Ms. Morningstar. Now if you two will excuse me, I need to make my way to the conference room."

As Alistair excused himself and went on his way, Malachai glared at Avery. "Did you have to say all that in front of him?"

"Did you have to be an asshole the last time you dared show your face at my brother's mansion?" Avery demanded, poking Malachai in the chest. "And just so we're absolutely clear: I'm not your girlfriend anymore! I've grown and I have much better taste than that now." She started making her way to the conference room and he followed her.

"Don't worry, I get the message loud and clear," he spat, his tone spiteful. "I figured it out all by myself!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about, but I would appreciate it if you didn't make a spectacle of yourself or us at any point during this meeting. Remember, the eyes of a lot of important people will be on us," she warned as they reached their destination.

"Fine," Malachai hissed, agreeing to her terms and coming to stand beside her. Then he whispered, "do you have any idea what this meeting is about? I don't!"

"No," she admitted with a shake of her head as they went inside. "I'm afraid I'm as clueless as you are." Then she saw an empty chair next to Amy Burke and went to sit beside her. "What a pleasure to see you," she told the redhead, giving her best and most comforting smile.

"Oh, likewise," Amy replied with a blush. "And you too, Malachai."

"How kind," Malachai told her and sat on her other side with a smile.

"Everyone else I've asked is clueless, and so I need to ask," Amy murmured. "Do either of you know why we've all been called here? I'm absolutely dumbfounded.

"No idea," Avery shook her head.

"Perhaps for some big announcement," Malachai suggested.

They sat in silence to think this over, then Avery nudged Amy. "So…how's things? Natalie? Life?"

"Natalie is growing to be a fine young woman, if a bit mischievous," Amy told her. "And life…life is good too." She blushed as she finished.

"Oh, that's so nice to hear," Avery told her as her gaze turned in the direction of the door. It opened again and she nudged Amy. "Well, look at that! A very sexy Original just strode through the door! What do you think about him?"

"Avery, my goodness!" Amy exclaimed with a deep blush, glancing in Kol's direction. He quickly caught her eye and gave her a seductive glance. "Kol is very nice to me, but…I don't think it's wise for me to be with another Mikaelson!"

"So what?" Avery asked. "He's perfect for you, especially after you've kissed so many frogs! It's time you found your prince and I should know, since I nudged the two of you together and everything. It's all about happiness! Who cares?"

"I do!" Amy said. "I care!"

Malachai burst into laughter at Avery's words. "'The path to happiness'? That is precious! Please, Amy, if you actually want to be happy, don't believe a word she and her father are saying. They'll put you on the path to your soulmate and then crush you like a fucking cockroach!" He finished his statement with a pout and his arms crossed over his chest. "And they will have you kiss thousands of frogs to get there!"

Both Amy and Avery stared at him in shock after this statement.

"Well, I can't talk to you about Kol yet because I'm still working on figuring things out in my life. I thought that after Klaus, it would best to take my time," Amy whispered. "But I can see the path to happiness for you and Malachai is a bit…rocky, to say the least."

"Hello, darling," Kol purred, coming up behind Amy, grabbing her gently around the waist and kissing her cheek. "Malachai. Ms. Morningstar."

"Mr. Mikaelson," Avery returned without a bit of discomfort. "So nice to see you at this meeting."

"Likewise," Kol nodded. "But I must confess that I don't exactly understand why I'm here." He adjusted the sleeves of his blazer. "Considering that I'm more of a traveling expert on craft magic."

"We were all wondering why we're here too," Malachai told him. "It must be some pretty big announcement, that's for sure!"

In the meantime, Alistair was arranging files on one of the conference tables just as his daughter Helene entered the room with Gwen Hamilton, Avery's mother.

"Hi, Daddy," Helene greeted her father as she kissed Alistair's cheek. "How's Mom?"

"Hello, sweetheart," Alistair replied, smiling for the first time since he'd arrived and kissing her back. "She's the same." He tried to avoid his daughter's gaze as he gave the disappointing report.

Helene scoffed and crossed her arms over her Chanel suit. "You mean she's still mad, drunk, and infuriating?"

"Watch your tone," Alistair told her. "She's still your mother.

"I know and I love her to death, Daddy, but…but I can't handle what she's putting on your shoulders. How she's completely ignoring everything, including my brother. How can a mother refuse to take care of their child? I hope Leighton is all right anyway."

"There are good days and bad days, but he's a real trooper," Alistair assured her with a smile.

"Good," Helene nodded. "I'll take that if I can't have anything else." She paused. "Do you think Mom will be coming back to the Council soon?"

"I don't believe she will," Alistair shook his head. "She needs more time to get through things. But enough about that. How's your husband, the prince?" He gave her a wink.

"We're in a better place," Helene assured him with a blush.

"Mr. Fale," Gwen greeted and gave Alistair's hand a shake.

Alistair nodded and shook her hand too. "Ms. Hamilton. Always a pleasure."

"Do you know why we're here? I've asked everyone else, and no one seems to know." Gwen told him. It usually didn't take her so long to get answers. Being with a man who knew everything had spoiled her.

"Actually, I do," Alistair nodded. "It's almost time to take our seats and the chairwoman will explain things soon enough."

He strode off and Gwen grabbed Helene's upper arm, whispering in her ear. "What's your father hiding from us?"

"No idea," Helene replied truthfully. "Absolutely none. Sorry."

Gwen sighed in exasperation. "Well, I guess all we can do is take a seat then."

As Kol and Malachai chatted about the purposes of the meeting, Avery raised her head just in time to see Dorian Gray enter the room. She rose from her chair and quickly ran over to meet him. "Hello, Mr. Gray. We meet again.

"Ms. Morningstar, right?" Dorian teased, cocking his head to look at her. "It's nice to meet you in a more natural setting instead of you just showing up uninvited on my doorstep."

Avery laughed and grabbed his arm. "Well, aren't you charming and funny?"

"Oh, don't worry, I'm not alarmed by what you did anymore," Dorian quickly assured her. "You brought me back, so naturally, you'd want to check on me and make sure things were working out. I don't know why that didn't occur to me."

Avery nodded. "You don't beat around the bush, do you, Mr. Gray?" She gave a nervous cough. "Straight to the point. That's you."

"Right," Dorian nodded. "I don't have time for much else."

"And how are you? Still good?" Avery asked. "Not disappearing much? Or at all?"

"From time to time I still disappear," Dorian informed her. "I've made my peace about this second return. Saw my son again. Did everything I need to do. If it's decided I have to go back to being dead, I'm ready."

"Oh, no, no!" Avery shook her head. "Things will be better soon, Mr. Gray. Just hang in there. This is truly a second chance for you, I promise."

Dorian eyed her skeptically. "You seem awfully sure of yourself."

"Well, that's because I'm awfully sure you'll get your second chance at happiness," Avery told him.

Dorian scoffed and rolled his eyes. "I doubt it!"

"Stop doing that, would you?" Avery asked and then left him to return to her seat.

"If everyone would take your seats, we'll begin the meeting," the chairwoman called. "I'm sure you're all curious to know why we're here."

Everyone present took their seats and gazed at Alistair, who began speaking once he was sure everyone was settled. "I bet you are all wondering why you've been called here today. First, I would like to thank everyone for your words of love and support regarding my wife and my son, Leighton. It's been a long, hard road, and Astrid is still going through a lot, so we both came to the decision that it would be best for her to step down as Council president for the foreseeable future."

The entire room went quiet with shock for a moment and then people began to chatter.

"Who's going to take her place?" Malachai called out.

"As Council chairwoman," announced the lady on Alistair's right, "It is my pleasure to announce that Alistair Fale will be taking his wife's place until such time as she's recovered. I know we're entering uncharted territory here and the idea of a man running our government is new and different, but if anyone can carry out their duties in a manner that would make Astrid proud, as well as carry out her vision, it's her husband."

"Thank you," Alistair said and shook her hand. "Thank you very much, chairwoman!"

"Did you know about this?" Gwen asked Helene, barely moving her mouth as she spoke.

"Well, not specifically," Helene replied. "I mean, I thought it would be a possibility, given the state Mom's in, but still…now that it's happened, she'll be devastated!"

"I don't think there's anything to worry about," Gwen tried to comfort her. "I'm sure your father is more than capable of taking over her duties here until she recovers."

"I promise this won't be much longer, but…I have some things to discuss," Alistair continued, notes in hand.

"I did not see this coming at all," Gwen said, her mouth open.

"I wonder how Alistair will run things," Amy mused. "Do you think we'll all get to keep our jobs?"

"I wonder if Alistair and Astrid will survive all this and still be together," Kol mused.

"Of course they will!" Avery nodded, sounding very certain. "Just have faith!"

Malachai scoffed. "Yes. Let's all listen to the woman who doesn't know who'll be together and who won't but likes to think of herself as Steve 2.0." He chuckled.

Avery punched him in the arm. "Oh, go to hell, Malachai!"

After some time, the door opened again, causing everyone to gasp.

"Well, well, well," Astrid slurred as she made her way to the stage, stumbling a little and regaining her balance, before she turned to look at the crowd. "Look at all of you, coming to celebrate my husband's coup to replace me while I sit at home and rot!" She had a bottle of liquor in one hand and half her face looked like a demon.

"Mom?" Helene asked, rising to her feet, her voice full of worry. She had something to do with this whole mess that was destroying her mother, and she had to do whatever she could to keep her normal.

"No, sit," Gwen advised and pulled her back down.

"Why?" Helene whispered back. "Something is wrong! Someone needs to help my mother!"

Gwen sighed. "I know it's painful to watch two people you love have difficulties with each other, and that it's tempting to just want to sort things out for them, as bullheaded as they both are, but trust me. In the end, it's best to just stay out of it and let them sort it out themselves! It'll help you stay sane, I promise."

Helene knew she was referring to Steve and Avery. "All right," she sighed. "I'll back off. But it still hurts to watch."

And it did, especially as Astrid stormed the stage and pushed the chairwoman out of her seat for no reason before facing Alistair and giving a burp. "Sorry I'm late," she told him. "I would have come on time, but you seem to have forgotten to invite me to your nomination." She grabbed him and kissed him soundly. "There. There you go! A kiss for the president!"

"Sit!" Alistair whispered, wiping his mouth.

"Make me," Astrid spat, making Alistair's eyes widen as he stepped back a little.

"You need to sit down," he commanded, trying to pick her up and carry her off the stage. But she kept out of the way.

"I do not!" She shook her head. "I need to save my place! You're ruining everything! You just want to be powerful! You just want to make me look terrible! You don't-" She paused to take a drink and then hiccuped. "You don't care about the Council at all." She slapped him, causing the whole room to gasp.

"Dear," Alistair told her through gritted teeth as he tried to take her arm. "Dear, you're not well. I think you need to go home and rest. I swear to you that I'm not trying to eclipse you. I'm merely doing what I'm doing because someone needs to run things while you're ill, and who knows your view for this world better than I do?" He paused and took her face in his hands. "I promise that you have nothing to worry about, and you're disgracing both yourself and me for no reason."

Just then, Astrid threw up all over Alistair's suit. He let out a cry of disgust and caught Helene's eye as she rushed to the stage and grabbed her mother, who was about to fall off.

"Mom, let's go," she tried to calm her mother. "I think you've had enough excitement for one day. We'll go home, I'll make you some tea, and then you can go to sleep."

Astrid continued to struggle and shout hysterical nonsense as Helene practically dragged her from the room, taking her alcohol away and throwing it in the trash and making Astrid emit a howl everyone heard. But once the noise died down, Alistair cleaned off his suit and continued as if nothing had happened.

"I would like to present my deepest apologies to you, the esteemed members of the Council and other honored guests, for my wife's unseemly interruption of the proceedings. Now that she's been escorted back home, I'm certain Helene will take excellent care of her.

"After all this, I know we're exhausted, but there's still one thing that needs to be addressed: We need to fill the position of prosecutor for the Council. Someone whose job it will be to bring all the monsters and villains of the supernatural world to justice." Alistair raised his head to look around the room.

"As this is a very important position with much responsibility, it's going to take time to find the perfect candidate, so-"

"I'd like to nominate myself, if you don't mind," came a voice they all recognized but couldn't believe they were hearing. "I know that it's not exactly in line with Council rules, but really…who could do this better than I could?"

They all turned to look at the newcomer, unable to utter a word.

"Eleanor Morningstar?" Alistair asked, his voice full of shock. "But…why? I don't understand?"

"I second the question!" Gwen added. She understood not knowing about the meeting, but Steve should have known things about Eleanor!

"What the hell is going on?" Amy whispered to Avery, since she was the closest thing to Steve they had, her voice full of shock. Then Avery and Malachai shared a look of deep concern.

"I'm not completely certain," Avery told Amy. "But I wouldn't be surprised if it has something to do with my brother, Lucifer!"

Finally, Alistair invited Ellie up to the stage. "My dear Mrs. Morningstar, you know what a boon you've been to the Council over the years, and if you'd like something to do to fill up your time, you only need to say so. And I would be stupid to deny the fact that you have many of the qualities we're looking for in the candidate for this position due to all the time you ran hell. But…"

"But what?" Ellie snapped.

"But I really would prefer someone with a…a degree in magical law," Alistair told her. "I'm sorry."

Ellie rummaged around in her briefcase and pulled out something bound in leather. "You mean a degree in law like this?" She cried triumphantly and handed it to him. "Go ahead and look it over. Then I'll have my job, please."

"Oh, my gosh, it's real!" Alistair cried. "A real law degree! From the real university!" Then he pulled her close to whisper in her ear. "And what do you think you're doing? What the hell is going on?"

"I don't think my reasons for applying for this job are either your business or the Council's. And I resent that shocked look on your face. What do you think I've been doing all these years?" Ellie asked. "Sitting on my ass and eating bonbons while waiting for my husband to tell me when he wants to have sex? Just because I knew I'd probably never be able to use my degrees of which I actually have many (thank you, Steve for the missed opportunities), that doesn't mean I didn't take the time to use my brain!" She scoffed. "You know, your wife would have never put me through this crap. So, do I get the job or not, now that I have the right piece of paper?"

"I would say that we'll seriously consider you," Alistair told her. "And I'm very impressed with what you've accomplished."

"Right," Ellie sighed, feeling less offended now. "Thank you." She went to sit next to a shocked Gwen, who made a mental note to talk to Steve when she got home.

After finishing a few chapters in the novel, she was reading, Sybil realized that it had been a while since she'd seen her babies. She knew Mikael was taking care of them to give her some time on her own and she wasn't worried, but maybe he could use a break of his own.

When she reached the living room, she was about to step over threshold when the sight before her made her pause. Tears rose up in her eyes and she put her hand over her mouth to stop herself from crying out and ruining the beauty of the sweet and touching vision of Mikael, sound asleep on the sofa, and snoring softly, both babies resting in his arms with their heads tucked in his shoulders.

She took time to drink in the scene, then tiptoed to the sofa, carefully picking up her baby girl so she could sleep in her own bed, then doing the same for her brother. After that was done, she left the nursery, shutting the door soundly behind her, and headed back to Mikael in the living room.

He was still asleep, but she sat down beside him anyway, sitting beside him, her head resting on his left shoulder as a tear ran down her cheek

Then he woke up with a start and a snort, smiled at the sight of his wife, and gently kissed the top of her head, before looking down at his lap, wide eyed as he realized the children were no longer with him.

"Where are the babies?" He asked, his body tense and his mind alert.

Sybil sat up straight and locked eyes with him as she put a calming hand on his chest. "Don't worry, nothing bad has happened. When I found all three of you sound asleep, I thought it would be best to put them in their own beds. They're completely safe."

"Oh, thank goodness," Mikael let out a sigh of relief. "I was beginning to think I was crazy because I knew they'd been with me before."

"Yes, they were," Sybil nodded. "I just moved them." She began gently tracing the line of his chin with her fingers.

He took her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers, then got a good look at her. "Why are you crying? What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing," Sybil shook her head, wiped her eyes, and sniffled. "You're just a wonderful man, that's all."

Mikael shook his head. "You must be delusional, woman," he told her with a playful wink. "You do remember who the man you married is, right?"

"Oh, I remember who I married, Mikael," she reassured him with a shy smile. "It's just that…that…" she trailed off and lowered her head, ashamed to finish the sentence.

"Hey, please don't do that," he told her, putting his fingers under her chin to bring her eyes up to his. "What's the problem? What's bothering you? You can tell me, you know."

"Well," she swallowed. "It's probably going to make you hate me when I admit it, but…before the twins were born, I thought…I thought that you wouldn't take care of or love them as much as you do now. I thought…"

"You thought I would be repulsed by the thought of two half demon children," he finished. "Avoid being a father to them? Drop them like old socks and go run in the other direction?" To her surprise, he was grinning.

"Yes," she continued with a sigh. "I thought it would be too much for you, especially since we didn't plan on anything after our original deal. I thought it would be too much and you would just…just abandon them and, well, me too, eventually. But I've seen how caring and loving you are with them. What a big effort you're making for this family, and-" She stopped, a cry escaping her lips as she brushed more tears off her face.

"Oh, Sybil…" he took her face in his hands, gently brushing her cheeks with his thumbs. "It's not a surprise to me that you believed that once. I'm not mad at all. I've never really ben a good father to any of my children, and especially with Klaus, well…you know."

"But that's natural," Sybil told him. "It's not like you had a good example to look up to." She encouraged, trying to make him feel better. "Your father was a cruel man, and that explains everything you've done before…"

"Don't," Mikael shook his head. "I know you mean well, and I know you're trying to make me feel better, but…it doesn't help. I need to take responsibility. I need to be better."

"Why is it different now?" She asked.

Mikael sighed, looking in her eyes as he gave her a sweet kiss. "My sweet, sweet darling. Do you really need to ask? It's all about you. About my love for you, Sybil Vane. And our children. Yours and mine."

"Really?" She sniffled.

"Truly." Tears were filling his eyes and he let them run down his cheeks. He wiped them off and gave her a wicked grin. "On to another pleasurable subject. I've been keeping track of the time, and…well, I believe it's been long enough that you and I can…you know. Am I right? He winked playfully."

"Yes, we can," she replied with a grin. "I've been keeping track too, and I asked Sean at my last appointment. He gave me the green light."

"Oh, sexy man, that is so sweet!"

Mikael and Sybil both froze, startled by the sound of Nana's voice. They both blinked a few times and the sight of the tiny woman in the armchair, eating a bag of chips became clear to them. "You're so lucky, Mrs. Sybil. Your long wait is over, and you finally get to make love to your incredible man."

"What in the name of god do you think you're doing here?!" Mikael yelled, gently setting Sybil aside so he could jump to his feet and go into battle mode.

"Eating a bag of chips and listening to your beautiful words of love, sexy man," she replied and then sniffled, grabbing a handkerchief out of her pocket to dry her eyes.

Mikael let out a growl and his face turned red. "I will crush her like a…"

"Now, now," Sybil tried to calm her husband and spare Nana's life as she put a hand on his arm. "She lives here too, remember, and we never told her she couldn't watch TV. I'm sure she didn't mean any harm."

"She listened in on our private conversation!" Mikael raged. "Is nothing sacred in this house?"

"I didn't mean to," Nana replied. "Technically, I was in here to watch a movie when you two came in, but when you two started talking, I told myself, 'Nana, this is way better than ay romantic comedy or porn movie."

"I will kill her," Mikael promised between clenched teeth.

"I think you need to take a deep breath and calm down," Sybil told him. "Breath in, breath out, repeat."

He took one breath and let it out, then turned his back on Nana, picking up a surprised Sybil and kissing her soundly. "All this silly breathing won't do a single thing to lower my blood pressure. What will help is taking you to our bedroom, far away from here…where I will lock the door and not have to answer to anyone until I'm good and ready!"

"Sounds good to me," Sybil nodded, and kissed him again as they began to walk away.

"Have fun, you two," Nana called after them. "And don't worry. I'll look after the babies!"

Angelica let out a satisfied sigh, a grin curving her lips as she lay her head on her pillow, her hair a tangled mass of curls.

They had planned to get dressed and take a walk outside to get fresh air and look at all the lovely fall colors, but…she'd caught a glimpse of him as he'd reached for his pants to put them on and that had been the end of that. It had been straight to bed with her on top and riding him hard for most of the day and night.

"Looks like we missed getting fresh air on a nice sunny day again," she whispered to herself. "We always seem to do that."

At least they had been able to laugh about it after. How no matter what their plans were, they always seemed to end up in bed. But it was exercise, just like the hike among the leaves could have been. And sex was good. So why was she thinking about this?

She chuckled and turned over on her back. Things were so simple with Klaus, and it was just the way she liked it. He had his fancy side, like when he'd bought her the dress and they'd gone out to the restaurant, but nights at home with takeout or one of them cooking were much more the norm. No muss, no fuss. No hours of planning for something that was gonna be done in an hour or two, if that. What a blessing.

She started a little as the bathroom door opened and Klaus strode out, naked as the day he was born, his shaggy hair wet and dripping a little on the carpet.

Sitting up, she brazenly looked him over, biting her bottom lip as her brown eyes slid over his muscular body. Then she licked her lips. Even after riding him all day long, he still looked good enough to eat.

"What's got you all hot, Angel?" He teased, fully aware of what was on her mind. "Haven't you had enough already?"

"Grandpa gave me eyes," Angelica replied. "I figured I might as well use them to look at certain very attractive things." She chuckled.

"Oh, really?" He winked and came to get in bed beside her. "What sorts of things?"

"Well, handsome and sexy things, of course." She turned to face him before raising up on her elbow and giving him a soft kiss. "I hope I haven't exhausted you with my stamina. I mean, I know you're not a young man," she teased. "Much younger than my dad, but…how's wee-wee?"

Klaus scoffed and slapped her bare bottom. "My old age, Angel. Really?"

"Manners!" She cried as she rubbed her tender pink flesh. "Sorry, it was just a joke."

"I know," he grinned. "I'm not exhausted at all. As for wee-wee, he took some well-deserved time off to take a rest under a hot shower."

"Wee-wee deserved some pampering," she agreed. "He's worked a lot in the last few hours and done a marvelous job. I'm a very satisfied customer!" She winked.

"Well, wee-wee loves to satisfy his customer," Klaus assured her. "And what about me?" He played at hurt feelings. "Is all you see when you look at me? My body?"

"Of course not! You've made marvelous efforts too," she admitted with a small laugh and a wink. "But I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate your body…a lot!"

"Good to know, love," he grinned and winked back, lying on his left side to face her, his right hand following the delicious curves of her breasts, waist, and hips. "Angelica Morningstar, you are a woman of many talents."

She chuckled, sliding her fingers lightly over the line of his jaw. "Right back at you, Mr. Mikaelson."

"I also love that velvet blanket at the foot of the bed now," he told her.

"It's called a throw, and I thought it would help keep us nice and toasty now that it's beginning to get chilly out."

"Yes, I agree," he winked. "I think that the blanket will do an excellent job of keeping us nice and toasty."

"You're such an ass," she said as she pounded his chest playfully. "I thought it would brighten up the room and make it a bit cozier, but…I didn't overstep my bounds in your bedroom, did I?" she looked worried.

"Repeat after me, Angel: our bedroom," he said firmly.

"Our bedroom," Angelica repeated.

"You can do whatever you want," he continued. I know that you're talented and actually know what you're doing, so if you want to do some redecorating, go ahead!" He shrugged.

"Really?" Her eyes widened, and she re-positioned herself to squat on the bed "Oh, I'm so excited!" She clapped her hands. "I really have so many ideas!"

"What have I done?" Klaus asked himself with a chuckle.

She looked around and bit her nail. "I have so many ideas, I don't know where to start."

Klaus shifted into a sitting position, his arms around his knees, smiling at her. "You have an artistic eye just like I do. I know you'll do wonders with my old house," he complimented before sliding his hand under his pillow to pull out his sketch pad. "And speaking of artistic eyes, "Would you mind if I show you something?"

Angelica stopped smiling and shook her head.

"Please, Angel?" He asked kindly as he softly caressed her cheek. "I finished your drawing and I'd like you to take a look at it. Just a peek."

She looked at the sketch pad and gave him a quick nod.

He put it in her hands and then turned to the right page.

When she saw it, she was pleasantly surprised; it wasn't what she'd been dreading. "This…this is so beautiful!" She gave him a shy smile as she looked over the picture of a half-naked woman looking out at the horizon and sipping coffee. "Is this…is this really me? No, it can't be!"

Klaus chuckled. "Oh, it's you, all right, he reassured her. "The magnificent, gorgeous woman in this picture is all you, Angelica Morningstar. Love, this is what I see when I look at you."

She stared at it for a few more minutes, then handed it back to him as tears began to fill her eyes. "I didn't know I looked like that," she said as she raised her head to stare in his eyes.

"My angel, all mine," he murmured with a smile. "Would you mind if I…if I framed this and put it on one of the dressers? Please?"

She eyed him a little longer, then nodded. "Sure. If I can put pink paint on all the walls. I have no reasons to disagree."

Klaus' jaw dropped. "Please tell me you're joking."

Angelica laughed uproariously, and when she caught her breath, she cupped his scruffy cheeks. "Yes, you silly. Of course I'm joking!" Then she kissed his lips. "I know I was against it at first, because I didn't know my drawing would be like this, but…thank you for this beautiful drawing of me. Thank you for showing me…what you see in me."

"You're welcome," he smiled back. "And I hope…that if you ever forget, all you need to do is look at it again, and it will help you remember. Will it?"

"Yes," Angie nodded and kissed him soundly. "I think…I really think it will."