Heartless to Heartfelt

Authors Note/Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries or The Originals or Legacies. All credit goes to the writers and creators.

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Chapter Eight


Klaus had heard her footsteps, could smell her scent before she entered the dining room.

"Bonnie."

"Klaus,"

There was tension in the air, as she slid into her seat, her gaze never flickering from his. He didn't dislike Bonnie, in fact, he thought she was an incredible witch. It was that his encounters with witches over the years had not all been pleasant, he was weary of them and although Caroline had reassured him that Bonnie would never hurt him, the intensity of the witches glare said otherwise. "Can I,"

"If you break her heart, I will kill you."

The words were spoken in a calm casual manner, like she delivered threats in conversation all the time.
He would have reacted defensively to it had it been before his daggering, would have moved to eliminate her but things were different now. He was Klaus 2.0 as Joshua liked to refer to him. While the threat unsettled him, a part of him also knew she was only being protective over Caroline, and that he could admire.
If he broke Caroline's heart, he certainly wouldn't object to Bonnie's attempt to kill him, however he also knew after everything that he wasn't ready to die.

"Can I point out that I have children."

"Fair point." Bonnie tilted her head, observing him. "If you break her heart; I will make you suffer, to the point that you would wish you were dead."

Klaus nodded, that he would not object to. If he broke Caroline's heart then it would be fair. "I can agree to that."

Bonnie smirked slightly. "I am glad we can agree on your suffering."

"I have no intention of causing her any pain, Bonnie; I hope you understand that." He was sincere in his words; and although he would normally never seek to reassure anyone, he did this time. Bonnie was Caroline's best-friend, her person. To find a friend that was as committed like Bonnie and Caroline were committed to each other was rare. He knew that it was better have Bonnie on side then the alternative. "She is all I'll ever need."

"You don't need to worry that I'll curse you in your sleep, poison you; or dagger you," Bonnie relented, the glare she had previously held no longer to be seen. "I won't attempt to kill you."

"I,"

"From the moment you met, it has been clear that she has loved you. Now she finally gets to live her dream and I would never to anything to risk that. So you are safe; as long as she remains happy."

Klaus breathed deeply; he figured that was Bonnie's way of saying she approved of their relationship. "Can I ask you something?"

"You can ask; no promises I'll answer." She reached forward to grab a scone from the table.

"Last night Lizzie rushed into my bedroom in a panic, Josie wasn't in her bed."

Bonnie's eyes widened, and she lowered the scone from her mouth. "I,"

"Do not worry. I reassured both Lizzie and Caroline that Josie was safe in your bedroom." He calmed her before she could run off to find Caroline. "It wasn't just panic I saw within Lizzie and Caroline, but fear."

Bonnie knew where this conversation was going; she could see it in Klaus's eyes, all the questions he wanted to ask. "You should speak to Caroline,"

"I will speak with her." To him this wasn't a fishing expedition, he wasn't asking Bonnie for all the information. He just needed to know from her perspective, if he was right to be worried.
He knew that Caroline would withhold information, not because she wanted to but because she would be worried about his reaction. He knew that each member of the family was worried that any bit of information could tip the scales and turn him back to whom he was before. Caroline was no exemption, she didn't want to unnecessarily burden him. "This isn't a gossip session, Bonnie. I will speak to, Caroline, you have my word. I just wish to know if,"

"They're safe." Bonnie interrupted him, then paused. There was no rule that she couldn't speak of it, just an unspoken rule that they didn't speak of it. "Caroline and girls went through an," She bit her bottom lip, trying to decide the right way to word it. "Experience. They were all deeply affected by it. Last night would have been a trigger."

"What,"

"Caroline will tell you; she won't deny you the truth, Klaus. But you need to know that the reason she hasn't told you is she is worried of your reaction. There is no need to seek revenge or to hunt, the only thing you can do is be there for her." Bonnie gave him a small smile. "They are all fine. They are safe. Just comfort her."

"Josie," He spoke the little girls name. Last night seeing Caroline and Lizzie's panic over the little girl had him remembering what he had seen within her eyes.

"What about her?"

"When I was in wolf form, I could see in her eyes. Panic. Fear. Nervousness." He didn't go into how guarded she looked, and how his wolf had noticed these emotions because he too had felt them. "Was she,"

Bonnie leaned forward in her chair, eyeing Klaus with determination. "I may only make you suffer if you break Caroline's heart, but if you hurt those girls in any way, I will kill you, Klaus." Those two little ones were the closest beings she had to children; they were her goddaughters and she was sworn to protect them.

Klaus prided himself on the fact that he did not flinch but her words were spoken with such conviction, he knew that she truly meant them. "I would never hurt them." He countered, his voice strong and firm. He didn't have many rules, but the one he did always follow was no children. No harm would ever come to a child by his hands. If any child did then he would not object to Bonnie's outcome. "I might be a monster Bonnie, but I make a point of protecting children at all costs."

"Good."

"Bonnie!"

Bonnie startled slightly at the sound of her name; though she was confident that Caroline had not heard anything. The moment she entered the compound, she had been aware of the silencing spells on each room. Once you stepped over the threshold anything you said could not be heard outside of that room. "Care," She bit her bottom lip at the glare on the blondes face.

"Lizzie just flared up a mini tornado in the middle of the bedroom."

"Impressive." Bonnie and Klaus mumbled at the same time.

Caroline placed her hands on her hips. "Not impressive," Though her facial expression softened just a little. "A little impressive...a lot impressive." She saw Bonnie smile, and she let a small one take over her lips. "But that is not the point, it cannot happen in the house."

Bonnie nodded. "I'll talk to her." She knew that Caroline would have spoken to both girls about it but since she was a witch and understood magic it was her Auntiely duty to speak with them too. She was their teacher and that meant encouraging the use of magic in a productive way. A mini tornado would be fine, in the right context. "Has Josie been using her magic too?"

"No." Caroline shook her head, Josie tended to be more reserved with her magic.

Since the twins were syphioners they could only use the magic of another being or object; the bracelets Bonnie had made them allowed them to harness the elements to a degree. Though it seemed to be that Lizzie took advantage of that more then Josie did. "Okay...I'll go chat with them." She stood up glancing at Caroline. "Maybe I'll have Josie join me and Davina in a lesson." She'd give Lizzie a one on one later, and perhaps try and harness that tornado in a better environment.

Caroline nodded. "I think that would be good." She was worried that Josie was trying to push her magic aside, and although she wanted them to live relatively normal lives, she knew that Josie would benefit from using magic.
She knew that after the lesson with Bonnie, Josette would be a different girl; it would give her a sense of freedom.
Once Bonnie was gone, Caroline turned to Klaus, raising her eyebrow. "Impressive? I bet you wouldn't think it was impressive had Lizzie destroyed their bedroom."

Klaus reached out, pulling her down onto his lap. "I'm always looking for reasons to remodel, love."

"Remodel or rebuild?" Caroline giggled. "Lizzie is wild at times."

"I've always wanted to add an extension."

Caroline raised her eyebrow. "You'll regret saying that, Nik. You better find a contractor."

"I have four witches living under my roof," He gave her a slight smile. "I have one on speed dial." He reached up to sweep the blonde hair out of her eye. "Can I ask you," He was cut off by her lips on his, her arms winding around his neck. Klaus immediately relaxed into the kiss, placing his hands on her hips, holding her steady and deepening the kiss.

"Oh god!" Marcel smacked his hand over his eyes. "Tell me when it's safe."

Caroline rolled her eyes, pulling away from Klaus's lips. "Are you a teenager?"

Marcel slowly lowered his hand, making sure the coast was clear. "A child, no matter their age, never wants to walk in on their parent kissing another individual." He reached for a glass. "It is going to take some getting used to this publicly affectionate Klaus."

"How was your journey home?"

"Fine. Uneventful." He sat down in his chair. "So Finn huh?"

Klaus breathed deeply. They had no answers on Finn's whereabouts, and no idea on what his plans were. It all made Klaus feel a little uneasy. "Yes Finn."

"Can't wait to meet him."

Klaus raised his eyebrow, confused by his sons statement. "You can't be,"

"Serious? Deadly. There are many burning questions to be answered. For one; is he as delusional as the rest of your siblings?"

"Finn is unpredictable. We cannot possibly no which side he is on."

"So he's like all your siblings?" Marcel countered; he was aware that Klaus's relationship with Finn was strained. Rebekah had filled him in on all those details when he first moved in with the Mikaelson's. Though he had never met Finn which heightened his curiosity to at least see the eldest brother for the first time. "He cannot be any worse then Elijah or Freya at this point."

"Hmm;" Caroline hummed in agreement, tracing a circle on Klaus's shoulder. "He did try to kill the entire family in Mystic Falls though, so there is already a strike against him,"

Marcel shrugged. "Plotting to kill members of this family is a typical Tuesday for the Mikaelson's," Marcel quipped.

Caroline laughed. "You are a Mikaelson."

"Sort of."

Klaus's eyes snapped to his son; he had intently been watching their interaction. Happy that Marcel seemed to be getting along with Caroline. Though he would never show it, what his children thought of Caroline was very important to him. "You are a Mikaelson." He spoke firmly; wishing to disburse any notion in his sons mind that he wasn't apart of this family. "If I have come to value anything in life; it is that family is more then blood, Marcellus." Before his siblings had daggered him; he would have thought blood was everything. It made a family. Now; he didn't see that to be the truth.
Elijah, Freya and Rebekah were his blood. They had betrayed him, discarded him and taken his daughter.
Marcel and Davina; though not his blood had stuck by his side. They showed loyalty. They were family.
"You have been a Mikaelson from the moment I took you into my home, Marcel. My son." He squeezed Caroline's hip just lightly, hoping his next point would be clear to her as well. "Everyone here under this roof; may not be a Mikaelson in name but that does not mean a thing. We are all family."

Marcel nodded slightly; feeling a spread of relief within his body. Mikaelson's were a complicated bunch; and even though Klaus had chosen to raise him, for years he had felt as though at any point he could be discarded. It was nice to have reassurance that he had a place within this family.

Caroline smiled at the two of them; she couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky to have Klaus back in her life. To be privileged enough to see this side of him. "I love you." Her voice was spoken in no more then a whisper.

Klaus tilted his head in her direction. "I love you too, sweetheart."

Marcel watched the exchange from across the table; he might not have known Caroline that well personally but he was pleased that she was here. He wasn't blind, he had seen brief exchanges and heard small pieces of conversations. She was good for Klaus, a positive influence. "I think I like you." He openly admitted to Caroline; if she was able to get Klaus to openly admit his affect for her then she had to be special.

"You have little choice in the matter. You are going to be my step-son for eternity, you'll eventually learn to not only like me but love me." She glanced at the clock over his head. "Uh, the girls have a video call with Katherine in 10 minutes. I better head up, it has to be supervised. God knows what Katherine Pierce will have my daughters doing." She shifted off Klaus's lap, giving him a kiss on the cheek before she left the room.

Klaus's eyes followed her figure, completely fixated on her. His heart racing; and head spinning as the words she had spoken echoed in his mind. Eternity with him. It wasn't that she hadn't said it before; she had but it was her other words that had him in a spin.
Stepson.
She had said that Marcel would be her stepson. Did it mean that she was thinking of marrying him?
Caroline Forbes was planning to marry him.

"Breathe before you pass out." Marcel chuckled; he could see that Klaus was clearly overthinking it.

"I'm a hybrid. I don't pass out." Though Klaus did as Marcel had instructed and took a deep breath. "Did she just," He grabbed his drink from the table; needing to sooth his suddenly dry throat.

"Call me her step-son. Hmm, yes." Marcel mused. "Did you pop the question?"

"No." His answer was immediate.

"Guess you don't get a choice then." Yes, Marcel was certain he liked Caroline. "Never had a stepmother before." He could barely remember the time he had with his biological mother. "Huh, I'm older then her. Much older." He snorted at the fact, leaning back in his chair. "This family is weird."

"Very." Klaus mumbled his agreement, though his eyes were still focused on the space where Caroline had just been.

Marriage.

Caroline Forbes wanted to marry him...

Caroline Mikaelson.


Hope poked her head into the study, her eyes finding her Aunt who was sitting at the desk. "Auntie Freya, I'm going to my room to draw."

Freya glanced up. "Okay, sweetheart. I'll make us some lunch in an hour, alright?"

"M'kay." Hope mumbled, quickly retreating out of the room and upstairs.

This was the only time she could do this; all the vampires in the house were gone which meant she could roam freely without being heard. It wasn't like she wanted to do this, but it was the only choice. First mom had lied to her, and then her dad. That made her sad, she had faith that he would tell her the truth even after her mom lied but he just...

"Well, darling; you have two Uncles. Finn and Kol. They both passed before you were born."

"So I just have two Aunties and two Uncles?"

"Yes."

She didn't understand how but she knew they were lying; the tugging in her heart told her so. It was like a string, aching and begging to be heard but she couldn't tell anyone because they all lied and kept secrets.

Hope breathed deeply, finally coming to stand in front of Rebekah's bedroom door. She cast a brief look behind her to make sure Freya hadn't followed before she twisted the door handle and slipped into the room, her eyes scanning the surfaces.
Tip toeing across the floor, she grabbed the journal off Rebekah's nightstand and bolted as quietly but as fast as she could out the door and to her own room.

She didn't normally do things like this; it was wrong and against the rules. It wasn't who her mom and dad wanted her to be. A thief.

Shutting her bedroom door; she walked over and climbed up onto her bed, her fingers running over the journal.
She was hesitant to open it; she knew that it was private to her Auntie, just like her journal was private to her but she had to know.

Taking a deep breath; she quickly flipped it open to the first page. There was no going back now.

Dear Nik;
She was born today. She has our eyes and I already know she will have our fiery temper.
Hayley has called her Hope; it's a beautiful name. I think you would agree.

Hope frowned; skipping the rest of the page, and flicking through the book. The first words always the same.

Dear Nik;
Dear Nik;
Dear Nik;

Dear Nik;

Hope smiled for the first time today, at me, I can already tell I am going to be her favorite Aunt. That sounded a little boastful didn't it? You would be so proud of her, big brother.

Hope frowned. Big brother. Her hands tightened around the book; she had been right. They were lying.


"A mini tornado? That's my girl!"

"Katherine!" Caroline scolded but the brunette merely laughed. "Outside maybe; but inside the house, that isn't..."

Lizzie turned her focus back to her Aunt, instead of listening to her mom rant again. "I wanted to add fire or water to it; but Josie said it would be too dangerous."

"You what?" Caroline startled.

"Josie's right; Aunt Kat should definitely be there to supervise a firenado or waternado. I've never seen either one."

"Aunt Kat should not encourage her niece." Caroline grumbled, sinking into the couch beside Lizzie; her eyes finding Katherine's face on the ipad screen. "I swear you're my third child."

Katherine poked her tongue out.

"Point made."

"Care, you know I would never let anything harm them. Not even a firenado." She wasn't quiet sure how she would stop one but she'd figure it out.

Caroline nodded; Katherine was wild and she encouraged that side of Lizzie, bringing out all the mischievousness and at times getting them into risky situations; but she knew despite all of that Katherine would protect both girls and never place them in a life threatening situation. She loved them to much for that. "I know."

"Aunt Bonnie is going to take me outside to make another one later."

Katherine turned her eyes back to Lizzie. "Aunt Bonnie gets all the fun." Katherine whined, showing them the stack of books beside her. "And I have to do all the work."

"Excuse me?" Stefan's voice rang out from in the background.

Katherine rolled her eyes. "Oh please; Stefan, you've had your head in that romantic novel for the last three hours." She turned her eyes back to Lizzie. "Your Uncle is driving me loopy." She made Lizzie laugh.

"Elizabeth; I can hear you giggling." Stefan's face shot onto the screen.

Lizzie bit her bottom lip; trying to fight the grin. "Uncle Stef!"

"Hey kiddo; how's New Orleans?"

"Fine. I miss you both lots."

"Miss you too." Stefan glanced at Caroline. "Hey Care, how are you?"

"I'm amazing but you two need to get your backsides back here soon, that means head out of the romance novels, Stefan." Caroline teased; though she meant it when she said she wanted them back here. They were her family.

"Okay you two; bugger off. My hurricane and I have to talk." Katherine made a shooing gesture towards Stefan. "Tell me, any more adventures lately?"

Lizzie shook her head, looking disappointed. "No. But I saw Klaus as a wolf, he was huge and I wanted a ride on his back, he said no."

Katherine tilted her head to the side, observing Lizzie's disappointment, if there was one thing she didn't like, it was her nieces being denied anything that would make them happy. To say she spoiled them was probably an understatement. "Hmm; between the two of us we should be able to get you a ride on his back. We could hit him with one of those darts, put him to sleep and strap you to his back. When he wakes up..."

"Katherine!" Caroline scolded her. "My god; you are not..."

"Do you have the darts, Auntie Kat?"

"Elizabeth," Caroline started to speak.

"Let it go, Care; you know what they are like." Stefan's voice rang out from the background. "Don't be an accomplice."

Katherine raised her eyebrow at the blonde. "Nothing to see here, Care."

"Yeah, mommy. Nothing to see."

Caroline rolled her eyes. "You two are ridiculous. You are not darting him."

"But,"

Caroline shook her head at both of them. "No."

Lizzie looked at Katherine. "Can we get him a leash?"

"Run Caroline." Stefan's voice sung from the background.

"Oh god," Caroline sighed, standing up. Normally she would have stuck around, and ruled out pretty much all their plans but since it was Klaus they were discussing, she did not want to be evolved. "I'll leave you two alone to plot that scheme. Keep it tame, girls. Understood?"

"Yes Ma'am."


Davina shut the door behind her; breathing deeply as she headed for her bed, plopping herself down onto the edge. She could already tell that it was going to be exhausting to keep this from everyone; there were more eyes in the compound now; and with Bonnie here she was doing magic in the library instead of the comfort of her own room.
She opened the book she was holding; heading straight to the section that was jarred open a little and pulling out one of the blood bags.

The smell of blood normally disgusted her even though it was supposed to be her main source of food. Ever since that small drop of blood touched her lips to seal the transition, she had known that something wasn't right.
The witch side of her rejected it which meant the first few months of her new life were a balancing act as she tried to discover what each side of her needed.

Looking down at the blood bag now she didn't feel disgusting; in fact she could feel her veins protruding; and she ripped into the bag draining the contents. Her vampire side overriding the witch in a desperate need to recharge.
It didn't take more then a moment for her to be reaching for the second bag. This time she had used her magic in a manner that the vampire side demanded more fuel.

She didn't want to admit it to herself or to anyone else that she was slightly terrified by what occurred when she used her magic. It wasn't until Klaus had awoken that she found herself focused on it; before she had been so caught up in finding and waking him that it was easy to push aside her worries and problems but he was awake now and she couldn't ignore it.

She knew she would be doing more skilled magic now that Bonnie was around; she would be learning more spells and it filled her with such excitement but it also weighed heavily on her.
The consequences of using magic, meant her vampire side would weaken; it would be drained until it eventually found the overriding need for survival in which she would then have to drink blood which she normally despised.

And just like now as she crawled under the covers, she would need to sleep to recharge both parts of her being.

Davina laid her head on the pillow and breathed in deeply. It wasn't just that, that worried her though; it was the other side effects...like how using magic affected her abilities to heal at the rate a vampire should.
Closing her eyes; she couldn't help but wonder, if she was healing at a slower rate, at a mortal rate until the vampire side kicked back in, did that mean in the small window she was vulnerable to death?


"Do you always linger in doorways?"

Marcel chuckled slightly; leaning against the frame. "It's a regular thing. You must be Bonnie."

Bonnie hummed; closing the last book on the table. "And you are Klaus's son; Marcel, right?"

"That would be me."

Bonnie frowned; it was hard to ignore the fact that he hadn't taken his eyes off of her. "Is there something you need?"

"No."

Bonnie sighed. "Then why are you staring?"

Marcel tilted his head. "Just seeing how long,"

Bonnie raised her eyebrow at the words; cryptic. Yes, this was undeniably Klaus's son but what did he want with her? "How long til what?" She found herself asking, although she should have known better then to engage in the this kind of conversation as if she expected answers.

"How long til you're finished." He clarified.

Bonnie frowned slightly; picking the two books up off the table and placing them on the bookshelf. "And why would that matter to you?"

"Klaus requested I show you the quarter."

Bonnie spun back to face him. "Klaus what?" Those were not the words she had expected to leave Marcel's mouth; in fact this was not at all how she expected to meet him.

Marcel's lips quirked at her reaction. "He figured since you're going to be here for sometime that it is only right that you see the quarter and all it has to offer. Consider me your personal guide."

Bonnie was definitely going to talk to the hybrid. Personal guide? What did he think he was doing? Since his daggering had he taken up matchmaking? "I don't have time." It was an accurate answer; although she was here to help Davina not obsess over magic, it certainly didn't mean she couldn't. Trying to find Finn was a top priority for her, and that meant she had work to do.

Marcel gestured to the dark sky outside the window. "You've been in here all day..."

"Are you keeping tabs on me?" Bonnie asked; unsure whether she should be worried. This was Klaus's son after all.

"Of course not; I just know witches like you..."

"Witches like me?" Bonnie raised her eyebrow; crossing her arms over her chest. "And what kind of witch do you suppose I am, Marcel?"

Marcel took a step away from the door frame, straightening up. "Hey, now; no need to get defensive. I meant it as a compliment, sort of..."

"Sort of?" Bonnie questioned, her stance not softening. "Care to explain that?"

Marcel rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly. "I just meant you are devoted to your witchcraft, like Davina; you don't take breaks...but you should."

"Hmm; I'm fine." Bonnie shook her head and turned back to the bookshelf.

Marcel rolled his eyes. "Come on; Klaus wants me to show you around."

"And you always do what daddy tells you?" Bonnie snickered.

"Uh, have you met Klaus? The guy doesn't exactly take no for an answer."

Bonnie turned back to him. "Marcel,"

"An hour; just give me an hour to show you around. That's all I'm asking."

Bonnie glanced out the window at the dark sky. It was true that she needed a break, and there wasn't much else she could do for the night. "One hour. Not a second more."

Marcel sighed with relief. "One hour." He could only hope that by the end of the hour she found him a little more charming; he didn't think he had ever had anyone reject a night out with him before relenting like they had no choice. She was certainly an interesting woman exactly like Klaus had said.


Klaus traced patterns on Caroline's shoulder; they were lying in bed together, her head on his chest. It was peaceful and he cursed himself for wanting to interrupt it, but his mind was curious, eager to be satisfied.
He couldn't help but acknowledge that had he not been in wolf form then he would have missed this, he would have been distracted and none the wiser.
But it was important that he spoke with Caroline; because this wouldn't disappear. He had been watching Josie; how she studied him, it reminded him of how he would study adults when he was was a child. Cautious. Trying not to act fearful but also not feeling confident. Speaking a little but not enough to be noticed.

"Caroline," He paused his movements, waiting for her to tilt her head which she did. "I need you ask you something,"

"Anything." Caroline smiled at him.

"Does Josie like it here?"

Caroline raised her eyebrow; it did not go unnoticed that he focused on Josie, not including Lizzie. "Josie takes a while to warm up to places; but this is our home base now, and she certainly likes the idea of that." Josette was her shy one; though she knew that was for good reason, after all her daughter had been through.
This was the first time the girls had been around other people for a prolonged period of time and although Josie found it hard to trust; Caroline was impressed with how well the little girl had been adjusting. "She's doing just fine, Klaus."

"I've heard her nightmares." He admitted; at first he had thought they were just dreams, but after seeing into her eyes and his talk with Bonnie, it was clear that it was more.

Caroline pulled back from him just slightly. "Klaus,"

"Love; when I was in wolf form, I could see and sense that," He paused noticing that Caroline had squeezed her eyes shut. "Hey; Caroline," He placed a hand on her cheek. "Talk to me, love."

Caroline breathed deeply. "You must promise to control your emotions. Nothing can be done, he's dead."

"Who?"

"Alaric." Caroline opened her eyes; noticing Klaus's confusion because she had yet to tell him who the twins father was. "Alaric is the girls father."

Klaus took a moment; frowning. "How?"

"Genetically the girls are not mine; they are Alaric and Jo's twins. I am only their mother because they were transferred into my stomach before Jo's death." Caroline placed a finger against his lips; silently telling him to wait and let her talk. "I carried them, birthed them and I am their mother."

Klaus swallowed; not quiet sure how to respond to that knowledge. He had known that the twins didn't come to her in a conventional way; because fully fledged vampires could not procreate. Though Lizzie did look exceptionally like Caroline. "Of course you're their mother." There was never any doubt in his mind. "So I understand that Alaric is dead?"

Caroline nodded. "Yes. I started to notice when the girls were around two years old, that he treated them differently. Josie is the spitting imagine of her biological mother; which became really clear about that age and from what I chose to understand, he fixated on that." She felt Klaus grab her hand, and she squeezed it gently; the fear from those years creeping into her body. "Around the time they turned three, I could no longer ignore it. Lizzie's spirit was being crushed by her fathers ignorance, the girls weren't dealing with being separated for long periods of time while he took Josie places."

"He was tearing them apart?" Klaus felt guilty the second he interrupted her, but his thought was confirmed when Caroline nodded.

"Yes; but it wasn't only them. He couldn't bond with Lizzie, and he forced a wedge between me and Josette. He would never allow me to tend to her, when she called out for me, he would go instead. It was..." She gripped his hand a little tighter, blinking back the tears that rushed to her eyes. "There came a point where Lizzie learnt to live without Alaric, she didn't ask for her dad; didn't want to be with him but she yearned for Josie and so did I. So I took them and we moved in with Bonnie. I thought things were heading in a better direction but it seemed he was only biding time. He..."

Klaus couldn't take it; he had to gather her in his arms. He could see the tears, and the slight trembling of her body. Just comfort her. He remembered Bonnie's words and he held Caroline tighter. "I've got you." While he was thankful Alaric was dead; he wished he had a chance to speak with him. There was anger rising but he attempted to push it down, trying to remind himself that they were safe. Caroline was fearful he would retreat to who he once was, he could not do that to her. "I've got you, sweetheart." He kissed the top of her head.

Caroline took a deep breath; knowing that she had to finish. Once it was in the open, it was done. "He came in through there bedroom window, and took Josie in the middle of the night. He stole her from her bed; I'll never forget waking up to Lizzie's screams."

Klaus hoped that Alaric was thankful he was dead; because the pain he would suffer if he wasn't was drastic. "She's here, Caroline; she's safe."

"She was gone for a eighteen months, Klaus. Lizzie and I endured eighteen months without her; when I got her back she was five. I will always cherish that hug; how she wrapped her arms around me with such fierceness. We might not have had the connection that Lizzie and I had because of Alaric; but she knew then that I would do anything for her, she knew I would love her and protect her. I had my baby girl back." Caroline sobbed; burying her face in Klaus's neck.

Klaus held her tightly; placing a kiss on the side of her head, his right hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. "No one will ever take her away again, Caroline; not as long as I stand." He meant that; her sobs were ripping through his body. "Who killed him?"

"Katherine and Bonnie." Caroline mumbled; she had been so focused on Josie. Her baby girl had been all that mattered, but she did remember looking into his eyes, holding Josie tight to her chest as Bonnie forced him to his knees with her magic, and Katherine stuck her teeth into his neck. She remembered blocking Josie's ears; and saying her final words. My daughters. Those words had struck him; she had seen it in his eyes, the fury as Katherine drained his blood.
He had deserved it, every painful second of it. She had seen the marks on Josie's arms and face; Alaric deserved his death, she would always stand by that decision.

"Caroline," Klaus spoke her name softly; attempting to bring her back from her memories; she was gripping his arms with fierceness, holding on as if he was all that kept her grounded.
Although he was furious with Alaric; he pushed all the anger he was feeling deep into his chest; breathing deeply and peppering Caroline's head with kisses. "No man will ever lay a hand on you or your girls again." He knew that she told him no promises, but this was a promise he was willing to make. He knew what it was like to have a missing child; it was an unbearable pain.

"Mommmmmmma! Mommmmmmma!"

Caroline and Klaus broke apart, just as Josie came tumbling into their bedroom. She ran across the room, launching herself onto the bed and into Caroline's arms; her cheeks were filled with tear streaks, breathing heavy.

"Momma,"

Caroline wrapped her arms around the girl, kissing her on the top of her head. "I'm here, sweet girl; you are safe." Caroline promised; she noted that the nightmares had been more frequent since they had moved into the compound, though she hadn't said anything to anyone, not wishing to worry anyone else. "I'm here. You're okay," She whispered.

Josie held her mothers night gown tightly in her hands, drawing comfort that she was there. "Mommy,"

"I'm here, Josie. Mommy is here."

Klaus moved slightly over to allow Caroline to readjust her position and place Josie in-between them, the little girl burying her head into Caroline's side.
The sheer panic in the little girls voice brought memories swirling to the forefront of his mind.

"Mother! Mother!"

He could clearly envision his younger self yelling for his mother, unlike Caroline, his mother never responded.

"Did you have another bad dream, darling?"

Josie nodded against her mothers chest. "Uh huh," She sniffled.

Caroline closed her eyes, breathing deeply. "Oh, baby; you're safe." Caroline reassured, rubbing her back softly.

Klaus tilted his head; reaching over to rummage through his beside draw, pulling out a little wooden object. His held it tightly for a second; he always kept it near by, a reminder that nightmares could be over come. "Hey, Josie, I have something for you." His lips quirked just a little when she peaked over at him, her eyes focusing on the object, tracing all the details of it. "When I was your age, I got these terrible nightmares and my brother gave me a knife and a piece of wood, and I carved this." He tilted it in her direction, watching as she looked at Caroline for guidance before taking it gently in her hands. "It's a knight; he protects against bad dreams."

Josie traced over the craved lines with her fingers. "What about memories?" Her voice was so quiet that Klaus was thankful for his vampire hearing.

In all his years of living; Klaus knew how much security and comfort played a part in allowing the mind to rest. If Josie truly believed that the wooden object worked against memories then there was a good chance she would be able to get a few good nights rest. He wasn't saying the memories would disappear but perhaps they would become less frequent. "Sometimes." He told her. "If you tell the knight all your bad memories then sometimes he'll help to keep them away." Sometimes all that was needed was to speak about them; to say them aloud and to admit they happened.

"Did you tell him?" She reached up to wipe her eyes with her sleeve.

Klaus's eyes met hers; and he immediately found himself lost in lost deep brown orbs. "Yes; I told him everything."

"Did it help?" Josie bit her bottom lip nervously.

"Yes." He would never understand how exactly it helped; but it did.

He frowned; seeing the piece of wood and knife lying on his bed. A small shoot of panic arising through his body that Kol had taken the knife from their father again.
Breathing deeply he picked the knife up; seeing the small note that laid under it.

Make a knight, Niklaus; it will keep all the bad dreams away.

Klaus raised his head; looking at Kol who was playing on the ground with Henrik. He didn't think Kol would take another knife from their father, not after what he witnessed.
His eyes flickered a little further around the room before settling on Finn who was staring at him, the older brother merely raised his finger to his lips. A clear sign to hush.

He would never understand what possessed Finn that day; but it was the only decent memory he had of his brother. The only memory that was worth keeping, though he wasn't sure it out weighed all the bad memories associated with Finn he had. It had had worked though, it had kept the dreams at bay, it had helped.
Klaus tried to block that from his mind as he focused back on the little girl that was staring at him. "Josie, I want you to know that you are safe here. This is your home now."

Josie looked back at Caroline; her eyes shining. "Momma,"

"Klaus is right, baby; this is our home and you are safe. He is never coming back; I promise."

Josie clutched the little wooden object tight to her chest. "What if he does come back?"

"Josie," Caroline whispered her name; although she had told her that it was never a possibility Josie was still filled with fear; a fear that she could not let go.

"I would protect you." Klaus answered without pause; and both Caroline and Josie looked towards him. He hadn't known them very long, the girls that is; he had barely had a chance to divulge into Caroline before he left Mystic Falls but he knew, somehow he just knew that these girls were his to protect. "You're apart of my family now, Josie; and that means you get what very few people have."

Josie looked confused. "What?" She mumbled; her voice barely about a whisper.

"My protection. I'll do my very best to ensure that you are always safe. Always."

"Promise?" She blinked; eyeing him with uncertainty.

"I promise."

Caroline glanced towards the door; Josie had been in the room for a bit and she knew it was only a matter of time before Lizzie would wake up and notice her twin gone. "I am going to move Lizzie to Bonnie's bed; that way she doesn't panic when she wakes. Will you be okay for a minute, baby?"

Josie nodded slowly, sinking deeper into the bed as Caroline slipped out from under the covers.

"I'll be back in a moment." Caroline promised, placing a kiss on the girls forehead.

Klaus rolled onto his back, knowing that the little girl would feel a lot more comfortable if he wasn't looking in her direction. Instead taking up the same position as her and staring at the ceiling. "Can I tell you something?"

Josie's fingers stopped tracing the little carving; and her head turned just a little in his direction. "Uh huh,"

"My father was similar to your dad; he wasn't a very nice man." He would not tell her any of what Mikael had done; he would not burden her with it but he did want her to know that he understood. "I am scared of him too, Josie; he did some really bad things. I just want you to know I am not like my dad or like your dad." He paused for a moment, he didn't want to lie to her but he also knew children could only handle so much, so he tried to think of the best way to word it. "I haven't always been a good man; but I made a vow to never hurt a child not like the way I was hurt."

Josie very slowly wriggled over in the bed; moving the carving so it was just touching both their hands. "We can share it."

Klaus turned his head; so that he could see her. "Are you scared of me?" It was his greatest fear; that any one of his children would fear him.

Josie frowned; her eyes meeting his. "No." It was the most clear and defined word she had spoken to him; a small amount of confidence oozing into her voice.

"Are you sure?" Klaus made sure to keep very still when Josie started to move her hand, not wishing to alarm her by any of his sudden movements. He simply kept his eyes on her hand as she hesitantly placed it upon his chest where his heart was. "Jos,"

Josie stared into his eyes; her deep brown meeting his blue. There was know hint of her being afraid, no nervousness, all he could see was recognition. "The same." She told him, her voice soft. "We are the same. I'm not scared."

Klaus gave her one of his rare smiles; the ones he reserved for only a few individuals. While they were similar, he prayed they would never truly be the same. He would never want for Josie to live as he did, ruled by what Mikael had done to him. "Thank-you, little lady." His words were a very soft whisper; the reassurance soothing.

Josie leaned her head on his shoulder. "You're welcome."


"Freya,"

"Freya,"

Freya rolled onto her side, the blanket tangling around her legs as she attempted to find a new position. Eyes closed; but tense as if she was trying to hold off a bad dream.

"Freya;

Freya subconsciously reached up to block her ears; a tactic to drown out the voice.

"Freya,"

Her head shook from side to side; the sound of running through her mind. "Go away," Her own words echoed in her mind; pleading with the voice as she attempted to shove the memory away. "I want to go home,"

"This is your home, darling."

"No! I want to go home."
How long had to been? Why had father not come for her? Where was mother?
Her heart pounded in her chest; and the tears kept falling. "I want father. I want to go home."

"You're never going back, child. This is your home now. You're dead to them." Dahlia latched onto her Freya's hands forcing the vision into the child's mind.

"No!" Freya cried out; seeing her mother and father with more children. "No!" She felt the tears dropping faster from her cheeks. "They are my family."

"No." Dahlia released Freya; placing her hands on the girls damp cheeks. "They don't love you anymore."

Freya's eyes popped open and she jolted upright, the words echoing in her mind as she pulled herself up against the headboard, drawing her knees up to her chest.
The memory had wormed it way into her mind despite the walls she had built to keep all the memories associated with Dahlia out.
The nightmares still crept in every once in a while, usually triggered by something, this time Freya knew exactly what the trigger was. She never should have doubled back for that glass of water the previous night; if she hadn't then she never would have heard the question. "Is this all the family I have?" That one simple question that left Hope's lips; it had her rooted in place outside the bedroom door waiting for Hayley's answer.

Had she expected Hayley to answer with the truth; no.
Did she feel a slight sense of remorse when Hayley failed to mention Klaus's name; yes.
Was she terrified that one day all the betrayal and lies would break out, yes she was.

That one simple question; brought it all back. The fear that had been lingering since the moment she'd met her family again. The fear of rejection. She had tried so hard to bury it; but with their life now in harms way, with all the talk of Klaus over the last few weeks. That fear was growing more and more present.

And it was because of her...Dahlia had taken everything from her. A mother. A father. A chance at love. Her unborn child. Her family.
Dahlia was the reason she thought this was only way to be with her family without being the outcast; or being excluded.

"Freya, come. This will do you no good."

"They are my family."

"No dear; they are his family."

Freya's eyes fell to Niklaus, her half-brother; his arm was rested across the shoulders of their sister Rebekah. "I'm their sister."

"That may be; but you took no part in forever and always. Their loyalties lie with him. It is he who they help. He who they try to please. It is he who they follow." Dahlia placed her hand on Freya's shoulder; as if that action was supposed to comfort her. "As long as he exists in this world, they will belong to him. You'll never be able to penetrate his family. You'll never be accepted."

Freya's hands gripped the blanket tightly; knuckles turning white. All she had wanted was to be reunited with them and when the time finally came it was nothing like she had imagined. Two of her brothers were dead and Niklaus; his worlds were branded in her skin.

"You're not my sister."

Freya felt the tears spill over, rolling down her cheeks. If he didn't accept her then the fear was none of them would. "Why couldn't you accept me, Niklaus?" The words spilled from her lips; her voice cracking.


"You are giving them the vial? Why..."

"I have tried and failed to kill them; this way they will never anticipate it coming until it is to late."

"I thought..."

"Our focus is Hope. The tribid."

Finn's insides clenched; he knew that she was the focus and yet every time her name was brought up, he reacted the same way. His insides would bubble, repulsed with the idea. "She's a child."

"A child that was never meant to exist. A child far to powerful for this world."


Please let me know what you think. I love to hear your thoughts on these chapters.

This chapter was an utter nightmare to write; mainly because I had pretty much completed it and then the file was corrupted and I had to restart. :( That was no fun.

So encase anyone is confused.
Caroline moved with the twins into Bonnie's when they were 3, then roughly 6 months later Alaric kidnapped Josie, and 18 months after that she was found, making her about 5. The twins are now 8 but they only had a birthday about 3 weeks before the move to New Orleans.
And to clarify. Hope is 9, only about a month from being 10.
From memory this a bigger age gap between Hope and the twins then in the show but it works for me.

Last details; the next chapter will have a time jump.

I hope you guys liked it.

Much Love. x