''Did you blame us for keeping her from you at one point in time in our life?'' Lizzie asked bluntly not considering the effect it would have on the unsuspecting hybrid across from her.
Klaus had been back to life for almost a year now. Getting into the rhythm of things with his new reality split between New Orleans and Mystic falls, as well as his daughter, and in addition, Caroline's.
They were who they were, and thinking that Caroline and Klaus could somehow abstain from one another and not be together or around each other was wishful thinking on others. They held out for a lot longer than many thoughts. It was mostly Caroline's doing to make sure he was sure about getting involved with her, and subsequently her twins, and also wanting him to get his bearings together with single fatherhood.
Of three girls
It was a transition to get into everyday life with Hope and himself, without his siblings or Haley there to lend a hand. Especially, since after a very awkward meeting with Hope, who was glancing between her father and head mistress with so many questions in her eyes, Caroline, trying to make Hope feel comfortable about the new romance starting up between her father and headmistress, Alaric, disapproving of the set and glaring daggers at the original whilst taking shots at his parenting, and Klaus transitioning between studying Caroline (his favorite past time), glaring at Alaric and giving digs of his own, as well as exchanging reassuring smiles with Hope, letting his littlest wolf know he wasn't going to rip the heart out of her headmaster, they reached an agreement about her living arrangements.
With everything going on, they, or more so Klaus, thought it best that Hope stay at the Mystic Falls mansion with Klaus and commute to school. Most of Klaus' interactions with his daughter were with her as a baby and only scattered weeks through her childhood and teenage years after that. They had a lot to get to know about each other, and not in the supernatural sense, but just generally being in each other's presence every day and going about day to day routines.
Klaus and Hope were adjusting well, and Hope was so excited that her father was here to stay and was setting down roots for her. Yes, he went to New Orleans to deal with things and most times on the weekend Hope went with him, but often times than not, Vincent and Freya had a handle on things, and if not, Marcel could always be there for back-up. That part was easy. Himself and Caroline, that was easy and perfect, like only his lovely could be, the part that started to get difficult was honestly coming from outside sources.
Klaus always knew that Caroline wasn't just Caroline anymore, it was Caroline and her twins, they were a unit, a package deal. That never bothered him, though if he were being honest, it probably was because while the thought of him and Caroline was always something he hoped for in the future, he figured it would be far into the future.
The twins already grown up with their own lives. Sure, they would meet him, grown in their 30's, maybe have a couple of little ones on their hip, but it was just the standard 'meeting moms' boyfriend' routine. They would've been adults, and while he would make sure they were safe, no nasty supernatural business coming their way, Klaus wouldn't necessarily have to take care of them. Not like if things went down differently when Caroline brought them to New Orleans when they were 3. So, Klaus wouldn't have so much responsibility over them, he wouldn't be raising them, or having a hand in their lives.
Or so he thought.
No, the twins were 16, and while liked to be treated as adults, they were still children, and as their stepfather respectively in future terms, it was his job to help take care of them. He was nervous in the beginning. Klaus didn't hate children, but he never wanted them around, except for his own, which was obviously understandable. But these were Caroline's kids, his Caroline, there was no doubt in his mind that he would love them, he loved their mother. Would he like them? That was to be seen around the time of their first meeting...third if you count the phone call with their mother and Lizzie crying, and the Hollow business they went through 3 years prior.
The problems came from the outside sources, the biggest one being Alaric Saltzman, who didn't want his daughters, or mother of his children in the company of the Great Evil, Niklaus Mikaelson. While Caroline laid down the law early on about Alaric having no say in her private life, separate from the girls, he did however have a say in his daughters, a card that he waved around to prolong the inevitable in Klaus' case. Some habits die hard, and Klaus' want for Caroline to be happy was one of them. He knew that Caroline wouldn't be happy with less time spent with her daughters, so it was Klaus' first mission that the twins would always feel welcomed and safe with him. A valiant effort Klaus believed on his part.
Saltzman obviously didn't think so.
There was yelling, a few low jabs, and all-around annoyance in the following weeks of that discussion. Alaric didn't trust Klaus around any of his girls, but while he didn't have a say with Caroline, he certainly had a say with the twins. Caroline knew that the twins would be safe with Klaus, Alaric even knew that, he was just holding on to grudges, well-deserved, and the belief that this was step one in Klaus Mikaelson taking his family away from him. First Caroline, a part of him never really got over the fact that while she turned down his proposal, the father of her children, a good man; she wholeheartedly jumped into a relationship with a man who has been sporadic in her life since her teens and in general is not a good man. It was a blow. One, that Alaric let go, but came out on occasions.
So, for now, the twins weren't allowed around Klaus, which you would think would make Alaric happy, but caused a whole slew of other arguments and problems. HIs favorite student and 'daughter', as the twins dubbed her, was being cold and distant, showing loyalty to her father, that Alaric was treating like the next coming of Satan. Hope and the twins weren't BFF's and were wrapping their heads around being sisters one day, they were still getting used to their parents being together, but they didn't wish ill harm to each other anymore, and could sit and talk or bicker for hours if you let them. They were getting there, and one could easily see that while slow, the three could easily form an unbreakable bond that could rival the first generation Mikaelsons.
For the most part they wanted their parents to be happy and no one could say that the happiest they have ever seen them, besides the births of their daughters, wasn't when they were with each other. If for no other reason, the three girls would bury the hatchet for the couple that has been over a decade in the making.
With that sentiment in mind, Hope took Alaric's refusal to let the twins be a part of dinners with her father and Carline as well as his biting remarks and borderline withholding of the twins from their mother as pathetic and immature.
From the stories she's heard from both her father, Caroline, and relatives, it was common knowledge that Caroline and Klaus would always end up together, they were just waiting on the right time. They were inevitable. Dr. Saltzman knew that. So why was he fighting this hard over something written before Caroline even meant something to him, besides his pseudo daughters' blonde best friend? In true Mikaelson style, she let him know too.
XxXxX
''Hope, you didn't come for training today?'' Alaric asked, wondering where his student had been for the past hour, he was waiting for her at the docks
''I trained with my dad and the twins earlier. No need.'' Hope said nonchalantly, not taking her eyes off her history book.
''Oh, well that's-, wait WHAT!''
''Oh right, nope, my bad, I meant just my dad, seeing as how you won't let the twins be a part of training. Training that could help them in the future. Training that you don't give them.'' Hope said condescendingly.
''And were back to this.'' Alaric said with an eyeroll. Hope hasn't been hiding her dislike of the arrangement and hasn't been holding back her snark at Alaric when it comes to her father's reappearance.
''Hope. It's my family, my daughters, and I can decide what's best for them. No offense to you, but your Dad isn't the best role model I want around them. Not even to you! Look at how your acting!''
Hope's eyes flared at the blatant disrespect to her father. Honestly, Alaric didn't see Klaus as a part of Hope, only when she was in trouble and displaying her dark side, did he bring the hybrid up, using him as reasoning and justification for her actions. Alaric ignored everything Mikaelson about her, and just stuck to the Hope Marshall persona, she had to use when she first started school. Making himself and maybe a little herself, believe she was only a Marshall, a product of her mother, the good side in his opinion, and no one else.
''First of all, Alaric, my Dad is a great father. Maybe not brother, or friend, or leader in your opinion, but he is a great father, and unless you want me to wolf out, you need to find someone else to sit and listen to her belittling's of him, you know, someone bedsides his DAUGHTETER.'' She said putting emphasis on the last word.
''He is an amazing father, to me, and to your daughters. Just because they're not allowed to be around him, doesn't mean he doesn't talk to them on the phone, or get them presents when he gets me something. That makes him earn a few good Dad points in my book, because a father would always try to be there for their kid, no matter the obstacle. Even with you throwing digs at him, he still manages to have a better relationship with the twins than you.''
''Too far Hope! And you don't know what you're talking about. The twins have stayed away, and if Caroline wants to ruin her life and put her future in jeopardy over a high school crush then go ahead, but she's not taking my children down with her.''
''Down where! How would you know?! Your busy chasing me down or with the other dozens of students. Side note, by the way'', Hope said with the jerk of her head and a side eye, ''lovely way to write off the mother of your kids. The only reason their even yours and with you to begin with.'' Hope said with a disappointing sneer at her headmaster, that to his credit, did have the decency to look ashamed and guilty at his words. ''You don't see that Lizzie is calmer or that Josie and her are spending less and less time together, or that they each absolutely dominated P.E. Fighting and Track Course Simulation for the witches?''
''What are they doing following you out on that defense training tournament! Josie and Lizzie aren't trained for that. I didn't teach them that-''
''I know.'' Hope spat. ''My dad sent over a trusted hybrid to train them. He couldn't do it, but you weren't doing it, and he wasn't going to let his daughters be defenseless.''
''They're not his daughters!''
''They are just as much his as yours! Everything he's doing is for them, is your job to do! You're not doing it, so he is! He found a way to be a part of their lives, even with your discouragements.''
''Because of Caroline!''
''Because he loves her!'' Hope shook her head at Alaric in disbelief that he couldn't see that. ''Everything he has done has been for her and me and now the twins.''
Alaric remained impassive. ''So, I take it you don't need to train with me anymore?''
Hope scoffed. ''You know Dr. Saltzman, all those traits you find admirable in me and the tasks I was up for through my years here, that isn't because I am 'one of a kind' tribrid and its easier for me.'' She said making the air quotes. ''It's because of training and the determination and will to accomplish everything that makes me the person you go to for the job.''
Alaric nodded slowly. ''I know that.''
''Good. Then remember I get those traits from my Dad too, and not just my Mom. My thousand-year-old plus father who couldn't have made it this far without those traits. The traits he is willing and eager to show Lizzie and Josie, nurture what's already there and-.''
''That's my job.'' Alaric enunciated slowly, exasperated.
''That you have no time for.'' Hope raised her eyebrows with a shrugged her shoulders and a wide spread of her arms. ''So, my dad is picking up the slack. I don't understand where this is coming from. Why would a parent knock having more people that love their kids? That's all my dad is. Another person that loves and wants to protect them. If you feel threatened by that, then that's your subconscious telling you, you weren't doing a good job in the first place.'' Hope added the hurtful commit softy with fire in her eyes at the human.
He had heard though. She didn't hide it that well. Alaric's whole body tensed, insecurities coming to the surface of the harsh reality the 17 just gave him.
''Me? What about you? I don't see you spending time with your new step mother''. Alaric spat. ''Just another person to love you right? In no way shape or form is trying to upstage or take anyone else's job.''
The room was silent for a moment. Not because of Alaric harsh words, but the root of them. He meant them to sting. To take a shot at the parallels between himself and Caroline's position in the Mikaelson home, and the twins and Hope's parallels of parents and step parents. A jab for a jab.
Though it wasn't the same.
''She's not. She's been the same thing to me when my mom was here, and now that she's gone, that hasn't changed. When I need her, she's here or I know where to find her. My mother was in and out, trying to balance me and New Orleans. Who do you think I went to when I needed to talk, my aunts aren't exactly right around the corner?'' Hope explained calmly.
She wasn't lying to make a point either. Caroline never tried to be her mother. Maybe it was because she had her own daughters, or she wasn't trying to overthrow Haley's words or position, but she's been who she's been since she knocked on the Boarding School's door for the first time. When Haley introduced a pretty woman with blue eyes and curly blond mermaid hair to the intrigued seven-year-old.
''This is an old friend of your dads.'' Haley had said.
While Hope would have been suspicious of that phrase, considering she was well aware her dad didn't play well with others, so having a legitimate friend seems out there. She couldn't see any false lies in the warm eyes and smile Caroline gave her, or in the little tidbits of information she gave the girl missing her father over the years. Some things her mother or relatives didn't even know.
Caroline was her dads' friend and she missed him as much as the child did.
''Caroline was dads' friend, and through the years she became mine, and even an aunt. Now she's just an aunt with a title...eventually. She was then, and still is to me, the most constant woman I have had in my life. Most likely will remain so. She isn't trying to take my mother's place, no one can. But I'm mature enough to know that her being with my dad and in my life, isn't threatening me or making me feel like I'm missing something, if anything I'm gaining more.'' Hope said, stressing the mature part, and emphasizing who she thought was the immature one in this scenario.
''But nice try with the jab, a little low, considering I'm your student and you're the Head Master trying to use your students' dead mother to make a point.'' Hope said calmly.
Alaric huffed and signed shaking his head to the side, knowing he messed up. ''Hope, -''
''I gotta go.'' She said grabbing her text book and leaving the main hall.
''Wait I need to- ''
''Actually, what you need to do, is follow me to the office so we can speak.'' A voice sounding at the entrance of the door.
Alaric and Hope turned to see Caroline looking scarily calm, but understandable hostile at the same time.
Hope couldn't help but give out the classic Mikaelsons smirk a little at her Headmaster.
He was gonna get it.
''I'll see you at dinner.'' Hope said passing Caroline on her way up.
XxXxXxXX
The talk that followed was a repeat of the past fights, adding in the fact that Caroline greatly disapproved of Alaric's bad-mouthing Klaus in front of his own daughter, as well as Alaric's indignation over the fact that Klaus Mikaelson, still had contact with his daughters, despite his ruling. Which led to the surprise that Caroline herself knew about the calls, but didn't know how frequent they were or that he was giving out gifts. She didn't see the problem seeing as they both gave Hope birthday and Christmas presents since they've known her.
The fight also brought out the fact that Alaric didn't know anything going on in the twin's life. Thinking back, yes, the twins were less to be found around each other, Lizzie was much more pleasant, and was talking to Hope more, but he honestly thought that that was in result to another of her 'zap the mean out of me' branchlets and maybe a group project was going on, so the twins weren't around each other for that, seeing as they discouraged sibling team assignments. He never thought it was because of Klaus.
XxXxXxXxX
''Well that shows how much attention you've been paying to your actual offspring's.'' Lizzie remarked dryly.
The twins came in a little bit after Hope left the two to chat. Passing their almost step sister in the hall, they didn't even have to exchange words, just gave each other a look, and could tell by the exasperation and exhaustion of her posture, they knew another argument ensued. However, this time it looked like it took a bit too much out of the reddish brunette. Which led the twins to hunt down their parents and Caroline leaving the three to discuss their behavior recently.
''Girls I am trying-''
''We know.'' Josie said giving Lizzie a stern look to drop it. ''That's all we want you to keep doing.'' Alaric smiled at Jo and her ability to diffuse an argument and give reassurance at the same time, with the same bright outlook on life as both her mothers have.
''I just want you to keep trying, but also be aware that Klaus is trying too. Not because he wants to jab at you or try to steal us, but because he loves mom. We want her to be happy right? She deserves it.'' Josie continued.
Alaric look shocked at the mild accusation. ''Of course, she does. We always root for mom.''
''Good. So why can't you do it now?'' Lizzie interjected. Not hostile, but tired of the ongoing arguments of the past few weeks.
Alaric stuttered and just gave the girls a blank stare, while they waited for his answer back. He was saved from answering when a student stopped in and said Mr. Williams needed him ASAP to break up a wolf/vamp fight in the hallway.
''We'll continue this later.'' Alaric said, walking out.
Josie looked dejected on her bed, while Lizzie just looked mad. As were the twins usual default setting when upset.
Lizzie scoffed angry and packed her bookbag up with homework, sleeping clothes, and her new phone and messenger bag. ''Don't bother.'' She said passing Alaric on her way out. The students parted like the red sea not wanting to incur the wrath of the blonde Saltzman twin when she looked to be on a warpath.
Figuring she was going to her mothers, since as far as RIk knew, that was the only other home the twins had besides the school, Alaric allowed himself off the hook to go settle things with the students.
Lizzie gone and Josie left by herself and remembering that there wasn't a Penelope to just drop by and talk to her, or bicker with left the brunette twin's mood worse than when her father left.
Walking out into the hallway she asked the first student she saw.
Hey, have you seen Hope?
XxXxXxXxX
Like he said. Outside sources. But he wouldn't be Klaus Mikaelson if he didn't always get what he wanted.
And Lizzie, wouldn't be Lizzie if she followed every command that was given to her.
Lizzie wasn't scared of Klaus Mikaelson. Neither was Josie, but the darker haired twin was afraid of disappointing her father, so she followed the rules.
Lizzie however thought the rule was stupid and her dad was jealous and envious of the love between the hybrid and Hope, now Caroline, as well that his 'favorite' daughter and student was back attached to her father instead of him.
Lizzie read the history book. Klaus Mikaelson: The Great Evil. She read it, she took the test over it, she did not however pay any actual mind to it. While her father wrote it and obviously believed in his own words a great deal. Lizzie was her mother's daughter, and she believed Caroline's words, above all else. Caroline painted a different picture of the hybrid. Sure, still evil, but with the distinction that the evil was in the act, and not the person. While that sentiment didn't apply to everyone, it did apply to Klaus according to their mother. Yes, everything in the history books was true, but the parts that weren't mentioned were the reasoning's behind the actions, exactly how evil patriarchal Mikael Mikaelson really was, the artist, the man, and later father, the love Klaus had for his family, if not too much that got them all daggered, and the loneliness and pain one man had to carry for over a thousand years.
That's the history of him she absorbed.
Which is why she didn't follow he fathers' orders.
It wasn't just because of Klaus either. Her mother was in a relationship and very happy. Not that she wasn't happy before, or at least content with life, but this was another thing. She was beaming, happy, and every time Klaus walks into the room, the smile that her mother gave could be blinding. While gross at times the three girls couldn't help but giggle at the love-struck duo.
Caroline was usually always with Klaus. Yes, the teachers at the school had their own wing of the school to sleep in, complete with a tiny kitchenette and bathroom, but Caroline herself, who unlike Alaric, made time to have a life outside of the school, didn't stay there all the time. Caroline had a house on the edge of Mystic Falls. It was a 15-minute drive to reach the actual center of the town. It wasn't small, but it wasn't big. With 5 bedrooms, an office, kitchen, 4 baths, porch, and a huge backyard, overlooking an expanse of land, and further down the Falls landmark. It was beautiful. Caught between a small scale colonial southern house and a bohemian bungalow, it was the perfect mix of adult Caroline and teenager Caroline, that sometimes reared her head, trying to get back the 20's she never got, and hanging out with their aunt Bonnie and other friends she's made.
Lizzie always went away to her mother's home, when she got the chance. When Josie was too much, or her dad was not enough, her mother was always there. Her safe haven.
When Klaus came in the picture. Her safe haven, went to her own safe haven, in the arms of the hybrid, spending the night in his mansion in Mystic Falls.
Children aren't supposed to pick favorites in the family. Favorite sibling, parent, aunt, uncle, or cousin, picking favorites was hurtful and disrespectful which is why Josie always makes sure their parents know they love them equally.
Well, Lizzie didn't have the growth Josie does. Caroline was her favorite, and she thinks her dad knows. Which is why he never makes a big deal of Lizzie runs off with Caroline, but gets suffocating and worried when Josie does the same thing. They had their favorites. And Lizzie was a mama's girl.
It was hurtful, but it was just the way the cookie crumbles in the Saltzman home.
Which is why she wasn't going to let a few pointless rules keep her away from spending time with her mother. Because that was what this arrangement was doing. Caroline was usually always with Klaus in spare time and Lizzie couldn't be with her to talk, so phone calls and texts have been the communication, and she hates it. That wasn't enough. Sometimes she just needs to be in her mother's arms.
I mean. Technically, her father said, he didn't want to see her or Josie around Klaus Mikaelsosn.
His wish, was her command.
It started not long after her mother and Klaus made it official. Lizzie would stop by the mansion and just hang out. Klaus was confused then apprehensive at first, but eventually, like her mother with him, Lizzie got her way in the end. Klaus couldn't fault the girl for thinking of a loophole. Technically the human isn't seeing Lizzie hang out with Klaus and Hope. Even though that's what she's been spending her weekends doing.
The visits were one thing and the phone calls, came out of nowhere, but were welcomed by the hybrid nonetheless. Josie quickly figuring out what her twin was up to, while didn't think the loophole would stand in court, thought phone calls were a better one. Soon after Josie was joining in the calls. Not as frequent as Lizzie, but she could say that she didn't mind the hybrids presence in their lives. If anything, like with Hope said with Caroline, Klaus was making theirs better. A thousand years, taught him a lot. And he was more than willing to pass the knowledge on to the twins.
They both learned to adore one another. Klaus could honestly say it was going well. That he loved the twins, and even Lizzie herself has said the standard teenager 'bye, love you'', to him when leaving his company, too fast for him to get over his shock at first but afterwards, quick enough that his little love heard his 'love you too' back. He and the twins have made leaps, as have himself and Caroline, and Hope and Caroline. Klaus finally had his own little family, separate from his siblings, and in-laws. One that was only his. His four beautiful girls. Three powerful witch daughters who he loved but felt it was the universe way of striking him down with his own karma for how he treated past dalliances and women.
Lizzie came to the door one day while the hybrid was painting, and just made herself at home. Klaus couldn't help but smile at the memory. It always surprised him how much Lizzie was like Caroline and seeing the nature nurture argument in the twin's behavior and disposition. Klaus didn't want to get Lizzie in trouble with Alaric, but he also recognized he couldn't keep Lizzie away from Caroline because he wanted his love all to himself. He chuckled at Lizzie's loophole.
''Dad technically said, he didn't want to see us with you. Well, he can't see me now. I'm hungry, you hungry?'' Lizzie said casually.
Since then they'd been doing quite well. Secrets and jealous fathers aside. Which is why Lizzie's question felt like a kick to the throat. Painful and one he didn't see coming.
''Well... Did you blame us at one point in time in our life?''
''Why would I blame you for anything love?''
Lizzie shrugged, but he knew she had more to say. More than she was letting on.
''Lizzie,'' Klaus sighed and licked his lips, looking up at the ceiling. He had a feeling this conversation would turn out to be something deep. ''You know you can ask me anything right? No judgment, no ridicule, just me listening and being here.''
Lizzie gave the hybrid a small smile. ''I know you will. I feel like you and mom are the only ones that do.''
''Your father and Josie-''
''Want to, they try, but the concerned with underlay of judgmental tone make me even more upset than the pity.'' Lizzie huffed.
Klaus pressed his lips together. This was another subject the two spoke of. Lizzie being the damaged, broken twin, with Josie being the favorite and perfect one. A Disney princess, Lizzie dubbed her. Too nice for her own good.
Klaus could relate, and he always tried to be a safe place for Lizzie to vent to, someone that would understand more than her human father and rule-abiding sister. Klaus knew what it was like to feel like you weren't in control of your own mind, that it drove your actions sometimes, and at its worse, it was just easier to crash and let go, than to keep up the fight with the demons inside of you. He didn't want Lizzie's demons to take over, but he also didn't want her to battle them alone, as he had to. Klaus had taken to being Lizzie's go-to, the one she talked to, resonated with, and leaned on.
Caroline didn't mind. She loved that her girls and her wolf were bonding, and even more so that Lizzie seemed to be doing much better. That she found something...someone that can work with her and make her feel better.
Josie and Hope weren't jealous. The former filling in that role as best as she could through the years, but knowing it was short lived and she came up short sometimes. The latter, wanting to get along better with the twins, knew that her dad and them needed to spend time together, so it was normal. Plus, a part of her always felt bad about monopolizing their own father, Alaric's time. Especially, when in rare cases, the twins didn't hold back how genuinely hurt they were that his attention was rarely, if at all, on them.
Hope was always a bit envious that her father had many siblings he grew up with and got to spend thousands of years with, while it was just Hope and her Mom. Getting to have the twins and hopefully get to a place of real friendship and sisterhood, so all three could one day sit around a table and tell stories of three teenage witches going through puberty, boys, and supernatural drama at a School for the Young and Gifted. While smiling and laughing at memories with the hopes of more to come.
We won't even get into what Alaric would feel like, if he heard about the bonding.
''You met Mom when she was 17 and became friends when she was 18.'' Lizzie started again.
Klaus nodded slowly. Things didn't exactly go that way, but as far as paraphrasing went. Sure, those were the early events of his love story with her mother.
''You had her. I mean-'', Lizzie looked up frustrated, then tried to focus, ''After her graduation and your promise and coming back. You and Mom could have started something. You wouldn't have had to be alone, neither of you, you would have started your story much earlier than 16 years later.'' Lizzie finished eyeing her pseudo step-father.
Klaus eyes dawned understanding and a bit of guilt. He knew where this was going.
''But we came. She could have gone to you. She was done with school, deciding to go back later, Grandma died. Stefan died later. There was nothing holding her here. Except us.''
''Lizzie that's not how it went down, your Mother and I-'', Klaus paused and back tracked. ''Where is this coming from love. Why would you think I blame you, or am mad about it?''
''You needed her, but we needed her more, she would have gone to you, or called, but she decided to take care of us. We took your love from you. Of course, you would blame us.''
''No. Just no.'' Klaus said sternly. ''Elizabeth, there were a slew of problems between your Mother and I before you were even a thought. I had Hope, we made promises, and she was young and still set to live a human life with the ones she grew up with.''
Lizzies snorted. ''Which all but 3 are dead. 1 travels and treats this town like it's a battle ground in hell.''
''Not far off-''
''The other is a prejudice dick head-''
''Watch your mouth young lady, but also true.''
''And for the hundredth time, it is so weird that she is still friends with them. I am so not going to Connecticut for a visit this holiday. I don't care if I blow the cover. I'm staying with you.'' Lizzie said exasperated getting more worked up with each word.
Klaus chuckled. It wasn't so much Caroline was still close friends with the now Salvatore newlyweds. Alaric was. His return sparked the history teacher to rant to the elder Salvatore about the big bad stealing his family away. Which prompted the most annoying doppelganger to call Caroline and talk sense into her head about what she thought she was doing and questioning her ability as a mother.
That resulted in his girls snatching said phone away and throwing a slew of insults and profanities at the doppelganger. Hope setting a stink spell off in their home for a week straight after seeing the hurt and upset look on Caroline's face, and himself taking delight in taking the doppelgangers messages from that point on and relaying that Caroline was busy and would call back at a later date.
Questioning her own ability to pick a life mate was one thing. Questioning and shooting down her ability to be a mother or mother-figure in Hopes case, was another entirely. She crossed a line.
And his love knew how to hold a grudge.
As did his little loves.
The teacher had been trying, unsuccessfully, to bridge the gap his complaining created. The twins weren't budging, and Caroline's glare could melt the sun itself.
Klaus couldn't have been prouder.
''Lizzie.'' Klaus starts, wanting to get the girls attention. ''Is that where this was coming from? Did the Salvatore's say something else about-''?
''About the fact that for all we know this is a trick and you setting us up with false security, when all you want to do is whisk Mom away and make her forget about us and the town. Plus, if you think about it, if the twins weren't here, Caroline would have run to the Big Bad's arms years ago.'' ''I believe that was his words. '' Lizzie said rolling her eyes.
Lizzie took a breath. ''I didn't think anything of it. But mom has two pictures of you too from her teenage years. At a ball and the Mystic Falls pageant. You guys looked perfect and so happy with each other. Laughing. You said even with Hope during some years with your family, you still felt alone and that eternity is a long time, and having someone with you was important to stay sane. We took that chance from you. Did we take that chance from you?'' Lizzie asked.
Klaus opened his mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the classic Forbes ramble.
''I mean for all my faults, I like to think I'm somewhat self-aware, or at least working on it. I hurt a lot of people daily with my words, I know. I try to stay away from everyone when I get my...episodes. But if I don't hurt anyone in this world or try not to, its Mom, Dad, and Josie.''
Klaus nodded, knowing that and about how the prospect of not being able to calm herself quickly weighed on her, and the damage that could happen because of it.
''And now you.''
Klaus looked up wide eyed. ''What-''
''I don't want to hurt you. Its why I didn't come to lunch with Hope the other day. I was having a moment and I just wanted to rest after the after effects. I always hibernate to my room; I didn't want to take chances of being somewhere else or having you around and take that chance. It was easier. Eliminating myself from the equation, if it means keeping others safe.''
Klaus shook his head a bit. The similarities between himself and Lizzie always left him a bit disconcerted.
Klaus knew what she was talking about. Hope explained the twins were going through growing pains from their co-dependency and Lizzie had a freak out and trashed her room a bit. Hope not knowing what to do, called her father. Alaric busy, as always, and Caroline finishing up shipping her European belongings back here and wrapping up real estate, she went to the only guardian she and the twins shared. Lizzie calmed down, but opted to stay in, and Hope after notifying him, stayed with her, and the two shared a night of movies and bonding a bit.
''But hurting is more than physical and I may not know exactly, but I know at least emotionally, you would have had better years if Mom was by your side. Like she is now. It's how she is. No one can truly be unhappy with her around.'' Lizzie said with a small smile thinking of her mother. ''I'm sorry if I took that away from you. If we hurt you.''
Klaus' eyes softened while looking at the wide-eyed girl who was worried that he blamed her for something she wasn't even responsible for. Also, completely touched that she cared enough about him to make sure that he was okay and wanting to make amends, no matter how unnecessary they were to him. All thanks to that no-good waste of space. Klaus thought bitterly.
''Come here love.'' Klaus opened his arms and Lizzie got up and snuggled into the hybrids side on the couch.
''This is not your fault. Even if your mother was ready for me. I wouldn't have been. I always used to say your mother and I were alike, but now having you here, you may just be my own personal mini-me.'' Klaus chuckled.
Lizzie smiled. ''I take that as a compliment.''
Klaus smiled. For being known as the Great Evil in the student's history books the girls never made him feel as such. While he reveled in it as the Original Hybrid, as a father and step-father respectively, he didn't think he ever had any one be as proud of him as his girls were. Hope and Lizzie especially. He loved that they saw qualities in him that they admired and even wanted for themselves.
Klaus kissed the crown of Lizzies head. ''Thank you love. You said you would take yourself out of the equation to save others, and that is a rule I felt like I wrote myself. New Orleans was...is...a dangerous place. It prays on people's weaknesses, and while I would never say your mother's love made me weak, it was something that could be taken away, and I never want that. She was safe here, and her safety comes before anything I could ever want. I promised I would wait for her-,''
''Maybe in a year or a century.'' Lizzie murmured, well aware of her mom's love story with the hybrid. Klaus chuckled.
''It wasn't a year and I didn't have to wait a century. 16 years and now I have her, safe, with two new daughters, that I love so much.'' He lifted her chin to look at him, ''I have everything I could ever want. You kept your mother here, away from me.'' Lizzie averted her eyes. ''Safe.'' Klaus finished.
''You kept her safe. You needed a mother, and she needed to stay for you. By you keeping her here then, I got to find her later. Now I have her, and I'm not letting her go.''
''I don't blame you or your sister Lizzie. If anything, I thank you. Thank you for keeping my love safe and loved and cared for. We are happy, we do smile, I love her with everything that I am, but you two were here when I wasn't. You made her smile and laugh when I couldn't. You are the loves of her life.'' Klaus pulled her close again for a hug.
''Loves of my life.'' He whispered into her head.
''I found unconditional love with Hope, which was a guaranteed I had been told, but never truly believed. Now...being here with all three of you...it's...I hope-''
''It is. We do. Unconditionally.'' Lizzie murmured into his chest.
Klaus smiled softly. ''I was surprised with one daughter, and somewhere in this big world, a supreme force thought me great enough to bless me with two more. You two are not burdens. You as well as Josie and Hope are my world.''
''Never doubt that.''
''You swear?'' Whispered Lizzie.
''I swear it.'' Klaus whispered back.
''I love you Klaus.''
''I love you too, Elizabeth.''
Klaus pulled back and looked at his little blonde daughter. ''Feel better.''
Lizzie brushed her tears and fixed her hair. Giving that award-winning heart stopping Forbes smile. ''Much.'' She said genuinely.
A door opening and closing and footsteps heard, had the hybrid and his daughter turning their heads.
''E.B. you okay.'' Hope asked concerned. Lizzie was always put together and tears were not a part of her M.O. So, seeing them was cause for the worry.
During their prompt movie night, Hope found out that the blonde had a love for the classics and England. While she was named after her grandmother Elizabeth, she also loved that it was the first name of the Pride and Prejudice protagonist. A few of the other movies that the night was some of Jane Austen's greatest hits. Hope separated Lizzie's full name to Eliza Beth. A classic name that wasn't shared with her grandmother or the Bennett Sisters, neither is it the always used shortening of the name to Lizzie, was just shortened to E.B.
While Lizzie rolled her eyes at the nickname and Hope's teasing, she'd never admit how much she loved it. The sentiment of it touched her. An outsider wouldn't know where it came from, or the story behind it. E.B. could mean a host of other things, but for Hope and Lizzie, it marked a memory.
''Lizzie?'' Josie questioned beside Hope. She didn't join the lunches that much, but after the hateful words of Elena and Damon Salvatore, Josie wanted to be around people that loved and trusted their mother, instead of the tension filled dinners and barbs that was present at the dinner table with her father. Or the dinner with the other students that was impersonal and too loud for the witch to even hear her own thoughts. Seeing Lizzie visibly upset, obviously this was a good day to push forward and attend.
''Everything's fine. Just needed to get somethings off my chest.'' Lizzie said as the group got up to walk to the kitchen for lunch.
Hope sighed. ''Eliza Beth ignore what your uncle and aunt said.'' Hope said smirking at Lizzie's gagging of the title of the Salvatore couple. ''They're still living in 2012 with the dopplewhiner being the center of the universe. Caroline moved on. She's just mad that the ones that are left here, aren't following her command like she's used to. Your mom is okay now, a bit still pissed off, but not letting it weigh her down. Let go of that grudge.''
''Agreed.'' Josie nodded. ''Our grounding is officially over anyway, so let's not add weeks. Just feel happy about the jabs we got in while we could.'' Josie and the others chuckled.
Klaus sat and looked at his girls around the kitchen island. Thinking about the progress they have all made. Earlier in the year it was said about the twins that if anyone other than Lizzie took a shot at Josie, they'd end up with scabies. That sentiment rings true now as it did then, except now, Hope is involved. Josie and Hope can make the shots at Lizzie, but anyone else would regret ever being born. And the vise versa, etc., for the other two girls.
Honestly, it wasn't fast paced at all though. Just speeding up the inevitable. They would be sisters soon. Very soon. Looking at each of the girl's new custom made bookbags he got for them, each messenger bags with their first initial and last name, Klaus couldn't help but visualize different titles on the twins.
E. Mikaelson & J. Mikaelson
He knew they would never drop the Saltzman. Alaric was still and always their father, but still, having something with his family name on it and the girls carrying it, made his heart beat faster.
The twins and Hope were well on their way to the 'BFF' stage of their relationship. The funny thing is that watching them and hearing them talk to each other, it seems as though they skipped over that step all together and began working towards sisters. They may not always like each other, more so Lizzie and Hope, but over the last few weeks and dealing with monsters and just the regular teenage girl stuff, they at least were protective and defensive of each other. That was shown with the phone call between the dopplewhiner and his love, intersected, by his little loves.
The flabbergasted and fumbling doppelganger on the other end of the call were worth the 2 weeks, plus they overheard their father saying Elena spent a bit crying over not only the twin's words but Caroline's complete disregard to her warnings. Even pulling in the hostile sheriff into the mix.
The only remains of the once Scooby-Doo gang were the elder Salvatore, Elena and Jeremy Gilbert, Matt Donavan, the newest town Sheriff, how he managed to stay human, heaven knows, and Bonnie Bennett.
Obviously spending his teenage and early adult years in the supernatural world made Matt Donavan a tad bit uncentered. Ignoring the fact that his friends and people he called family were all supernatural, Donavan has adopted the mannerisms of the Founders Council from his youth. Obsessively hating the supernatural and killing them on sight. There was an understanding about the supernatural school, what little remains of familiar bonds he had with Caroline and Alaric, the pseudo guardian of the lot, that he would give heads up and give news to them when any suspicious supernatural business popped up. That however, didn't stop the threats and repeat warnings about what the little human Sheriff would do if he found out one of the school's students were responsible.
The bridge Matt Donavan stood on with his supernatural friends burned after the mutt's death and he was 'trying' to live the human life. With no Caroline, Alaric, and no Damon and Elena, now human, but still they held too many memories of what had passed. Jeremy was still doing favors for Alaric which made him excommunicated as well. Caroline actually didn't mind that much. She didn't take well to the threats and warnings. Taking her back to the time of her transition and early baby vampire years. Also, she herself, and a few others, were still living in the ghost that was the last sheriff of the town 16 odd years ago.
Time heals all wounds, but not enough time has passed for his love not to frown at least a bit when towns people talk about the Sheriff or seeing the familiar work blues. Picturing a blonde woman with short hair, blue eyes, and as fierce as the queen warriors of the past.
Elizabeth Forbes was not forgotten.
Bonnie Bennet traveled the world, as was her promise to her late lover. She sent cards and letters to Caroline and the twins, but visits back to the town where she had lost so much was rare. More visits to meet up or see her were frequent. Gone was the hold it once held, the magnetic bond it used to have with the resident supernatural, Caroline included.
Mystic Falls was now just the place they were all born, but it wasn't home. Never to be again, not after everything that's happened there.
Caroline and himself were even going back to New Orleans when the twins finished school. The conversation about applying for colleges hasn't arisen yet. Although they would love if the girls picked a school in New Orleans, instead of close to Mystic Falls. Klaus was protective of his little girls and he wanted them near. He was anticipating a fight about living at home with them, and them wanted independence and dorm life. A few bread crumbs about a:
Maid service.
A cook.
New cars.
And all would be well. Or he could get them a three-bedroom condo for just them. Nice. Spacious.
Across the street from himself.
''Uh oh, he has the dad face on.'' Josie remarked, bringing him out of his stupor.
It seemed while in his day dream the girls decided to forgo the live-in cook and make lunch themselves. BLT's were in the process with Josie manning the stove, and Hope chopping up the L and T. Lizzie was getting sides of macaroni salad, tea, assortment of fruits, and lemon bars together.
''What look, pray tell, was I donning.'' Klaus asked amused.
''You know the Dad Face. Oh my gosh they're getting so big, what am I going to do.'' Josie mocked.
''I need to keep them safe and hold on forever.'' Lizzie added with a smirk.
''Maybe in a castle in Normandy or a tower in Spain?'' Hope added with wide eyes and a Cheshire like smile, showing how crazy that notion was.
The girls laughed at the expense of Klaus.
''Hardy har har''. Klaus smiled at their jesting.
Josie sighed. ''We love you, were gonna stay your little girls forever, who needs a prince when we have you.''
''Your great, your tough and strong, and protect us from the bumps in the night.'' Lizzie added tilting her head back and forth with her words, concentrating on cutting the vegetables.
''Always and Forever.'' Hope finished.
Klaus playfully huffed at the girls pouting. ''Well I see I'm not appreciated around here. I won't just sit here and be insulted by my-''
''Ohh for the-!''
''Stop!''
''We're kidding.''
All three girls exclaimed at once and left their post to give the hybrid a group hug, leaving kisses on both cheeks and his forehead.
The girls pulled away with a smile that was just as big as Klaus'. He loved his time with all three of them. It would have been better if Caroline was here as well, all his girls together, but he loved the single parent bonding time he got with them. Hope lived here, but he felt he was lacking on hours with the twins with them being in school and technically not even allowed to be around him.
Food done. The four decided to sit at the isle and eat and talk.
''So, tell me about the men and women in your life.'' Klaus spoke.
''Dad.'' Hope groaned
''Yes, that's my title, and a very reasonable topic that needs to be discussed with me. Wouldn't want any suitors' heads to be missing because I don't know who is spending all their time around my princesses.'' Klaus smiled amused at their disgruntled reaction.
He was just kidding around but also serious. He did not approve of them dating, but Caroline assured him it was normal, and there might even be a few, before they find the one. Klaus got sick to his stomach, he didn't even want them to have ones, let alone multiples.
''You should look at Hope, she's the only one with the boyfriend around here.''
Klaus lifted an eye brow at his eldest. ''Yes, the phoenix bird.'' He said.
''Landon Dad, and he really wants to meet you.'' Hope said trying to put Landon in a good light.
''Only because he knows Papa Klaus hates weaknesses and being scared to meet the father is strike one going in.'' Lizzie smirked, reveling in Hopes discomfort.
''Or maybe he just wants to meet the man that makes up half of the girl he loves and who Hope has always talked about since they met.'' Josie said sticking up for Hope.
Hope smiled at Josie, thankful for the back-up, while sticking her tongue at Lizzie.
''Whatever.'' Lizzie rolled her eyes.
Klaus rolled his as well. He was well aware that the boy wanted to meet him for Josie's reasons, and for that alone he begrudgingly had to give him credit, but that did not mean he was going to take it easy on him.
''If I smell him on you, even a whiff, Hope Andrea Mikaelson-''
''Eww Dad!'' Hope squirmed.
''I mean it. And don't go to Caroline, thinking she won't tell me either-''
''She wouldn't.'' Hope interjected smugly. Lizzie and Josie snickered into their tea.
Klaus closed his eyes reigning himself in. Because damn it.
The girl were right.
He wasn't stupid. He knew the girls had secrets with Caroline about well...girly stuff. Things he most likely would ransack an entire city for. He also knew he knew about a few. Thanks to hybrids, filling in the gaps, being in the know about the girls' lives, and his secret weapon of getting his love in just the right mood, hanging on just the right edge, that she would confess to every sin imaginable. Even the ones she didn't commit.
Klaus smirked. ''I bet I could get it out of her.'' He Cheshire grinned at the girls who expectantly broke out in disgust and ewws.
Klaus laughed while taking a bite of his delicious sandwich.
''Okay okay okay, subject change please!'' Josie gagged.
''No no, not so fast. I won't be the only one on trial here. Jo, E.B.?''
''Nursing a broken heart over here, so I'm out, and with my track record I will gladly live with you and Mom for as long as possible and join the group of 30-somethings living with their parents.'' Josie said falsely cheerful.
Three faces looked sympathetic to the youngest plight. Penelope Park left school, and not only triggered a dynamic change in the twins but also a broken heart in his little girl. Klaus rose to refill his tea and gave Josie a kiss on his crown. ''It'll be okay sweetheart.''
''There's other fish in the sea Jo.'' Hope consoled.
''I loved that fish.'' Josie mumbled into Klaus' side; whose arms were around her.
''A new crush will even you out sissy.'' Lizzie remarked digging into her fruit.
''You always say that.'' Josie said grabbing Klaus' glass of tea, and giving him her empty one with an impish smile, he couldn't help but obey with a small shake of his head playfully.
''I say it, because I'm right.'' Lizzie remarked.
''Because she's always right, isn't that right Josie.'' Hope remarked demurely.
''Why yes Hope, she is.'' Josie used her best southern belle voice. Taking her tea from Klaus, who sat back in his seat. ''Elizabeth always says the right things, and has the best advice.'' Propping her elbow on the table and bending her wrist forward, Josie continues. ''I don't know why no one listens to her all the time.''
''You two are a riot.'' Lizzie deadpanned.
''Isn't she just the bees nees.'' Hope asked mimicking the southern belle voice.
''They're here till to 5 ladies and gentleman.'' Klaus remarked into his tea.
''Oh!'' Josie and Hope high-fived, while Lizzie pouted in her seat at their teasing.
Klaus laughed at his girls' antics.
''Well I'll never help you two again.'' Lizzie huffed.
''Oh, come off it. You're the only one who doesn't need help. Dad loves MG.'' Hope rolled her eyes.
''MG is not my boyfriend. Past, present, or future.'' Lizzie sternly said.
Klaus smirked. He didn't love MG. He didn't like anyone that had the potential to take his family from him. He supposes he tolerates MG more than Larson or the Park girl that broke his little girls' heart. Though he did have to give props to her antics in the school. Teenage girls are certainty a force to be reckoned with, that get more dangerous with every generation.
What he tolerated about MG was his tenacious manner in perusing Lizzie. Which if he was honest reminded him of Caroline and himself when he was first perusing her. Word gets around and the gist of the situation was that Milton Greasley fell hard for the vivacious blonde the day they met, at 15. The problem or entertainment, depending on what side you're on, was that the love was one-sided. MG could be seen doing every sweet, brave, and big action he could think of to get Lizzie's attention, and 1 time out of 10, he did receive it, for a little bit. But 9 times out of that 10, Lizzie, like her mother, had a sharp tongue and put it to use shooting down the young vampire.
Klaus admired that while he was sure Lizzie's words stung him. He never let it deter him. Or move on. Yes, he knew he was still a horny arsed teenager with vampire heightened senses, so anyone could easily see him with a townie, but even the townies themselves knew that MG's heart was being held by a blonde witch that ruled the school down the road.
He couldn't imagine his girls with anyone, but a quality that would make them less likely to die would be thier endurance, their lasting quality. Could they last being in this family, did they love and respect his daughters? Would they be there during the good and bad?
MG fit all of those. He didn't have rose-colored glasses on for his girls. He knew their faults. He just loved them in spite of them. MG has seen Lizzie at her worst, best, sprouting insults his way, and even complimenting him once or twice, and he's still here. He takes everything that Lizzie throws at him, and even when she isn't the best to him, he doesn't let anyone else disrespect or hurt her for it. Lizzie overlooked MG in terms of a boyfriend. But he had hope that if anyone was getting the son-in-law title, it would be the vampire.
Down the road.
A long, long, long way down the road.
''You never know.'' Klaus smiled innocently at Lizzie.
''He's too nice anyway. To good. I'd ruin that. Bring him to the dark side and whatever jazz people mumble about.'' Lizzie rolled her eyes, a bit ejected at her words.
Klaus frowned at her words, but didn't sound surprised by them. Lizzie and him had the same mindset about these things, while Hope and Josie chose the direct approach.
He knows Lizzie though. He knows, and has seen firsthand, that she has no problems being cold now, to save someone later on.
While he's sure that some of her words to the Greasley boy were genuine jabs and hurtful remarks, because that's how she felt, he also knew a good chunk of the more malicious ones, where to put up a guard and distance between the two, thinking that he had to give up eventually. Going on two years, and the boy still didn't take the hint.
Good boy.
''Or maybe he'll melt the ice princess's heart a bit and you will be the most epic couple in the books.'' Hope reassured softly, sensing Lizzies attitude about being known as the 'broken twin'.
''You don't know that for sure.'' Lizzie shook her head.
''Neither do you.'' Josie interjected, grabbing her sisters' hand. 'And I'm not just saying that because you're my sister and he's my best friend. You two would be great. And you could run the defense on Klaus and Hope and Landon when she invites him to dinner.'' Josie teased.
Lizzie chuckled softly.
A nervous knock sounded at the front door and two stuttering heartbeats could be heard.
''Or lunch.'' Hope interjected softly.
Klaus swung his head fast to look at Hopes innocent face. ''Seconds anyone? With Landon and MG.'' Hope said high-pitched nervous.
''Oh my god'', Josie looked at the tribrid wide eyed. ''You didn't.'' She stated with an amused open smile.
''I did!'' Hope shrieked and they both ran to the front door.
Klaus was a bit discombobulated. Switching back and forth to go intimidate the boys or address his deprecating daughter.
''Lizzie-''
''Forget it.'' Lizzie shook her head about to head to the door. Klaus gently grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
''Never.'' He said softly. ''I understand what it's like to think people are better without you in their life. I myself am not an easy person, if you can imagine.'' He joked pulling a smile from her. ''I have learned that while that is true for some, if not most, it isn't about the people your trying to save, but the ones who don't need it. That don't see anything wrong with you. Even if that's all you see on most days. Sometimes it's just about finding the right ones. Our diamonds in the rough.''
''Like you and mom.''
''Yes. She's my diamond, ruby, sapphire, and everything in between.'' Klaus said with the smile that always came over him when thinking about his love.
''And yours, maybe standing right in front of you. But you won't know if your too scared to find out. Now out of all the traits those weak, stupid townies have given you, that I will cut off their tongues for,'' they each gave a sly smirk at each other, ''not being brave was never one of them. ''
''You told me that you wanted someone that looked at you how I looked at your mother.'' He led the blonde into the foyer to great the guest. ''I see that look right now. Do you?''
Lizzie looked up at Klaus and gave him a smile. He smiled back and winked and then proceeded to go to the nervous phoenix standing way to close to his daughter for his liking. He stopped a few steps in and turned back.
''That's why I 'love' him the most, fyi.'' Klaus said using air quotes like her mother with a roll of his eyes, but still with true meaning behind them. Lizzie laughed at his antics.
Everyone was a background noise to MG as he stared at the laughing blonde walking in with her step- father. She had on tan shorts, with white converses with the blue and red stripes. A white button-down collared shirt with a light pink sweater on top. Her long blonde hair was curled to perfection and floating done to the middle of her back.
He stepped forward, and for the first time, she didn't step back.
''Hey Lizzie.'' MG said smiling cautiously.
With a quick look to the four faces looking at the scene, and a few second stare off with the reassuring eyes of Klaus. Lizzie looked back to MG.
''Hey MG.''
Lizzie always aspired to be like her mother, so she followed her lead. Forget about Rafael or Romeo and Juliet and Bonnie and Clyde.
She wanted to find the Klaus to her Caroline.
Seeing the look MG was giving her. Not lustful or dopey, but devotion and happiness, in awe of a broken siphoner Gemini Witch, the same look she's seen Klaus give her mother every time he sees her.
Lizzie thinks she's found him.
