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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Alright, my loves; here I am back with chapter 12.
In this one we get a little glimpse into Freya's past.
We finally see a bit of Rebekah and discover who is trying to end the Mikaelson family forever. No survivors allowed.
And two people finally come face to face.
Alright, all that said. I do hope you enjoy this. Sorry it took a while.
Chapter 12
He had been in a restless sleep when she finally came to bed; but instead of waking him to speak she had slid beneath the covers and wrapped herself in his arms. He hadn't questioned her knowing from experience that if she didn't wake him to talk it meant she wanted some time to think things over. He allowed her that because she would allow him the same in return.
But now sun had risen and her breathing had changed which alerted him to the knowledge that she was awake. "Did you finally drift to sleep, sweetheart?" He rubbed his fingertips gently against her scalp.
Caroline hummed, twisting slight so she could rest her head upon his chest. "You slept lousy. Tossing and turning."
"Quiet a pair we are then."
"Much on you mind?"
Klaus placed a kiss on her blonde hair. "I think there is much on both our minds, love. Would you like to talk about what happened with Marcel?"
"Bonnie," Caroline breathed deeply, her heart had dropped when Marcel had spoken of how broken Bonnie was feeling. They were best-friends, sisters even. She was annoyed at herself for not noticing, for not paying enough attention to Bonnie. "She's been keeping something from me, something that has been putting a lot of pressure on her."
Klaus massaged her scalp; he recalled his conversation with Bonnie. "Sweetheart, Bonnie is a grown adult. You are not responsible..."
"Except I am Nik, those are my daughters. That pressure that Bonnie is under should be what I am feeling." Caroline sat up, pulling the sheet with her, Klaus mumbled as he shifted to cover himself as well. "I should be under that pressure but I am not because she is keeping things from me. She sent Katherine to Mystic Falls; how could I have not been kept in the loop?"
Klaus touched her back gently. "Our daughters," He softly corrected her, seeing her slight smile. "That talk you asked me to have with Bonnie, well; she was going to tell you what was on her mind except,"
"Hope happened accompanied by our family meeting." Caroline supplied.
Klaus hummed. "Yes, love." He rested his back against the headboard and pulled her back down so she was tucked into his side.
Caroline traced a pattern across his stomach, taking a moment to digest that information. "What did she tell you?"
"Caroline;" Klaus tilted her chin up so their eyes met. "Bonnie loves you and our girls. Her keeping things from you is not to deceive you but to protect you and your happiness."
"And how do you know that?"
"Because it's what I would do for family." He trailed his fingertips up and down her arm. "You need to talk to her. I can handle the girls this morning."
"You sure?"
Klaus placed a chase kiss on her lips. "Bonnie needs you. Not only to comfort her but she needs to be able to tell you the truth herself."
Caroline nodded slowly. "You're right."
"I generally am."
Caroline slapped his arm. "Try to be modest." She scolded him. "How about you? You are waking up with your daughter in our home."
"Just as it is supposed to be." He felt relieved to know that she was already here; but he couldn't shake the nerves he felt.
"You will have to introduce her to Davina and Lizzie this morning."
"Do you think they will get along?" That was part of the nerves that he felt. After what had occurred last night between Hope and Josie, he hoped that a connection could be formed between all his daughters. The thought that they might not get along bothered him. It shouldn't have, after all he didn't get along with his siblings all the time but he still loved them.
Caroline touched his cheek, gently directing his head so their eyes met. "They are girls. Trust me when I say there will definitely be moments but they are sisters; they'll ultimately love and protect each other given time to form connections. It won't happen tomorrow, Nik; but give it time."
He breathed deeply. "I love you."
"And I love you." She listened to the sound of footsteps. "You are on kid duty; I have a witch to deal with."
Klaus chuckled. "How domestic of us?"
Caroline only grinned. "Hmm, very domestic. We have a house, children, school runs and family dinners. Only one thing is missing, Nik."
He smirked; watching as she tossed the sheet off her body and crawled over his body, to reach for her dress. "The ring..." He gently slapped her backside; and she looked over her shoulder raising an eyebrow. "Patience. It'll come."
"Hmm; it better." She reached for her bra. "You better get up, our children will want breakfast."
"Bonnie," Caroline knocked on the witches door, receiving a very quiet and mumbled sense of permission to enter.
Caroline placed her hand on the door handle and opened the door, surprised to find her still buried far beneath the covers in her bed. "You have some explaining to do, missy." Caroline hopped under the covers, and rolled onto her side to face her best-friend.
Bonnie closed her eyes, all the thought of last time came rushing back to her mind. "Everything is fine."
Caroline raised her eyebrow. "We don't lie to each other, Bonnie; that's our rule." She reached out to tuck a lock of Bonnie's dark hair behind her ear. "Marcel,"
"Traitor," Bonnie hissed.
"No," Caroline cut her off, she wasn't about to let Bonnie spiral down that path. "He did the right thing. The one thing that you always forget to do is ask for help when you need it." Her job was to be there for Bonnie. It was a promise they had made to each other as kids. The promise she had made to Damon when they left Mystic Falls.
"Take care of her, Caroline."
Caroline shut the car door, looking through the window at her sleeping twins. "You could take care of her yourself."
Damon gave her a slight pained smile. "She deserves better. Much more then Mystic Falls can provide."
"Then you should come with us." Her turned in his direction.
Damon leant against the side of the car. "She doesn't want me. Not now. Not after who I stood beside." He saw the argument brewing in Caroline's eyes.
"Damon; just because you stood beside her doesn't mean you believe in what she said." It took a lot for Caroline to admit that Damon had changed. That he wasn't the same person he was a few years ago. And it took even more for her to separate him from Elena, to admit to herself that he had his own thoughts on the matter. "Bonnie..."
"Deserves more. After all I put Stefan through, and Bonnie...you." He looked inside the car at the twins. "I don't deserve to be apart of this chapter of your lives."
"Damon,"
He glanced down the street. "Someone has to stay with her. She has no one. I..."
"You are not responsible for Elena losing everyone. You don't have to pretend that you love her and you want to build a life. You are going to lose Stefan, Bonnie and for what? This isn't the life you should live Damon."
He shook his head. "Just promise me you'll take care of her. She'll buckle under pressure before she allows any harm to come to those little girls, to you."
Caroline sighed. "You don't need to ask me to do that. I'll always looked out for her."
Damon's eyes held a sense of relief. "I'll keep my ear to the ground. If I hear anything that can help, you'll be my first call."
"Thankyou." Caroline gently touched his arm. "Take care, Damon and if you change your mind...call. You're family."
"Bonnie, talk to me. What is going on?"
Bonnie reached for Caroline's hand. "You aren't going to like it."
"Whatever it is, we'll fix it together."
Bonnie took a deep breath. "Katherine and Stefan found the book but the information we need was taken by him." Bonnie heard Caroline's sharp intake of breath and she squeezed her hand gently. "They went to Mystic Falls...I..."
"I know." Caroline told her. "Katherine and Elena. We'll deal with that after. Just tell me what they found."
"A letter. Care, it's not good.
Caroline braced herself; she had known after Marcel came to her that this wouldn't be good. Bonnie Bennett was as strong as they came, for her to break, it meant she thought that all hope was gone. "Nothing involving Alaric is good, Bonnie; just tell me. Be straight, they are my girls."
"He scattered the papers around the world, leaving us clues but in order to find the first piece we have to ask Josie to..." Bonnie breathed deeply. "I have to ask Josie where she received her first broken bone."
Caroline felt the fire spread through her body, anger and fury igniting within her only for her to force it back down. Alaric was dead. Nothing she felt for him now would change anything. That was what she reminded herself each time something arose.
Ever since finding out about the merge, she had known that things would be difficult. There had been times when she had truly doubted they would ever find a solution for this problem but since she had gotten Josie back she had pushed all the dark thoughts aside. Her children didn't deserve for her to constantly be tormented and focused on that; they needed to see that she was happy, positive. Lizzie and Josie needed her to be better, stronger because if they couldn't rely on her to fix this then they couldn't rely on anyone.
All the hate, fury and spite she felt for Alaric disappeared at the thought of her girls because he didn't deserve to be in her mind, to share a space with her daughters. Not after what he did. "We," She corrected Bonnie. "We need to ask her." As painful as it would be for Josie; if in the end it could save her life then Caroline knew what had to be done. Their survival had to be a priority. She only hoped that there would be a way to get the information without destroying her sweet innocent baby. "This isn't just your war, Bonnie. It's not and never has been your job to fix this. Those two little girls are my whole world; but don't you think for a second that your wellbeing is dispensable." She squeezed Bonnie's hands tightly. "We are going to fix this," She tried to say it with such confidence even if she could feel that nagging gut wrenching ache. The doubt. "We will," Because they didn't have any other choice.
"Care,"
Caroline gave a small smile, but the pain could be seen in her eyes even though she tried to conceal it. "Alaric has made it difficult but we will defeat him, Bon; evil won't win..."
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you because I knew that you'd hurt and I couldn't bare to see you cry."
"I'm not crying." Caroline told her, and it was the truth. In this very moment she wouldn't let Bonnie see her tears. Later when she was safe within Klaus's arms, she'd let it flow. He hold her make her feel as though this would be okay. "I'm sorry, Bonnie. You shouldn't be under this much pressure. It's my fault for not realizing..."
"I kept it hidden. I didn't want to bring you any more pain. You don't deserve it, Caroline; you deserve happiness." Bonnie's eyes filled with tears. "I just want..."
"I am happy, Bonnie. I have everything I could ever want right here in this compound." She brushed away the tear that fell from her friends eye. "We'll do whatever we need to do to protect the girls, but we will do it together. Not alone."
"it is very loud here." Hope admitted quietly to herself as she listened to the commotion outside the bedroom. Back home everything had been quiet; it had been her and four adults then her mommy had been a wolf so there was even less noise. Here was different, she had been woken by the sound of laughter and running feet.
Hope couldn't help but be intrigued, and she slid of the bed to open the door, just a crack; peering out into the hall.
"What do you think?"
Klaus looked down at Lizzie; his eyes lit up with amusement. "I think it is to early for me to contemplate this request seriously."
Lizzie pouted. "Carter and Jack from school do it."
Klaus raised his eyebrow. "Firecracker; boxing is..."
"Self defense?" Lizzie beamed up at him with a smile.
"You are going to be the death of me; you know that?" He heard shuffling, and he turned to see Hope peeking out the door. He paused momentarily, this was the first time that Hope had awoken inside the family home. The first time that he had seen her in the morning; ruffled bed hair, sleepy eyes and a stuffed comfort toy tucked under her arm, which she quickly threw back into the room when she noticed that they were now looking at her. He hid a small smile, his little girl while only ten was growing up. "Morning, sweetheart." He finally broke the silence. "I do hope we didn't wake you."
"It's okay," Hope stepped out of her bedroom; her eyes meeting Niklaus's...Klaus...her dad. It was a lot to take in, especially waking up in a new house but for once her heart wasn't aching. It didn't feel like she was missing anything and that felt good. It made her feel happy.
Lizzie tilted her head observing the girl standing before her. This was Hope. His kid. Davina had said she wouldn't tear them apart and she did trust Davina; but she couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
Hope could see the girl looking looking at her; and she felt the recognition sparking in her brain, recognizing her as Lizzie from Klaus's painting. "Hi Lizzie,"
Klaus was shocked by the shy smile that crossed Lizzie's features. His firecracker was anything but shy; infact her confidence usually matched that of his. It was intriguing to see her in a different light, and was flattered when her hand slipped into his for comfort.
"Hi Hope," Lizzie's words were spoken carefully, as she let her eyes trail over the older girl. "Are you good at hunting?"
Hope frowned at the question. It was odd. "Hunting? What do you hunt?"
"Snakes. I'm going to hunt for snakes today."
"Lizzie; your mom is going to have a heart attack if you bring a snake into this house." Klaus warned her; ruffling his hand through her blonde hair. "No snakes."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Mom doesn't like it when I bring animals into the house." She informed Hope. "Do you like snakes?"
"Uh,"
All attention was drawn from Hope when the door to her right opened and Davina stepped out; the teenagers eyes darted up from her phone when she heard them move. "Is there a reason we are all gathering in the hall?" Her eyes darted across them all before falling onto Hope; she paused for a moment. Once she had crawled into bed last night, her thoughts had been overrun by the child she had yet to meet. Unsure of how she should act when it came to this little girl, it was a completely different scenario then how the twins came into her life. And more to the point, this was Klaus's daughter; his only biological child. Not that biology should mean much but inside the thought wouldn't squash.
Klaus could practically sense the thoughts running through Davina's head. Prior to Josie's reaction, Davina had been the one he had been most concerned with. Worried that she would see her place in the family as threatened. "Davina, this is Hope. Hope, this is Davina." His introduction was swift, not introducing them as sisters because until now they hadn't met. It would all take some time to process and adapt.
Davina gave the girl a polite smile. "Hey, Hope. Welcome home."
Hope's eyes were studying Davina's features. She was pretty, and Hope felt a little envious of her dark hair. "Hi," She finally greeted as her mind processed the other words. Home. Was this her home now? Was this where she would live? She wasn't quiet sure how to respond to that. She had always felt as if something was missing from her life and now she had finally found it...well, him. Her dad. But once again something was missing, this time her mom, only she didn't feel like she needed to find her mom. Space was good sometimes, that least that was what Auntie Freya said.
Lizzie frowned at the silence; breaking it with her need to know. "Hope; will you help me hunt for snakes?"
Hope wriggled her nose. "No. I don't like snakes and you shouldn't bring animals like that inside. It could hurt someone."
"I wouldn't let it hurt anyone." Lizzie immediately defended.
"You can't control animals. It could hurt Josie, or me." She didn't include Caroline or her dad because they were vampires. Vampires couldn't be hurt by such trivial things. She knew that because Auntie Bex had been bitten by a very bad spider. Hope still remembered screaming but Rebekah had just brushed it off. "Bringing something into the house that could hurt someone is dangerous. I wouldn't do that."
Klaus felt Lizzie's hand slip from his. "Firecr..." He didn't even get his nickname for her past his lips before she was running down the hall.
"I got it." Davina stepped between Hope and Klaus before hurrying after the little blonde girl.
Hope glanced up at Klaus, her expression showing unease. "I didn't mean to upset her."
Klaus's eyes drifted from where he had watched Lizzie disappear to down to Hope. "I know. She'll be alright." He attempted to reassure her. "Lizzie is our firecracker, wild and untamable but she would never do anything to harm a member of this family."
Hope frowned. "Snakes are dangerous."
"Lizzie loves a little danger." He couldn't help but smile. Lizzie was his little reckless fireball; and much to Caroline's dismay he encouraged it though admittedly he did try to insert more safety measures to make Caroline happy. However, there was nothing more heartwarming then to seeing her big grin as she explained some new stunt she wanted to perform. Lizzie's personality and confidence was inspiring and he didn't want to discourage who she was.
Though he did understand Caroline's point of view; with all they had been through she just wanted Lizzie to remain safe but she also realized in some aspects she had to let the little girl have some free reign.
Hope didn't know what to say, or how to feel. Her dad...Elijah, he would never have let her bring a wild animal into the house and if he ever saw her touch a snake he would have freaked out. The idea that her Lizzie was allowed to search for those thoughts of animals was strange.
This house was different. Much different to her house.
"Hey;" Klaus looked down, hoping to distract her for what had occurred. "Are you hungry? I can make pancakes."
Hope nodded slowly. "Choc chip pancakes? They are my favorite."
Klaus smiled. "Anything for you. Come." He held out his hand, his heart leaping in his chest when she slipped her hand into his.
"Lizzie," Davina dropped her backpack at the bottom of the steps before taking a seat next to the little blonde girl. "Hey,"
Lizzie hugged her knees to her chest, her chin resting on top of them. "I wouldn't let a snake bite Josie. I swear."
Davina nudged her gently with her shoulder. "I know that." Lizzie was Josie's fiercest protector. She would never let anything happen to her twin. That much was apparent to anyone who truly knew her. "Hope's probably never been asked to hunt for snakes before. Maybe she was a little scared."
Lizzie let her eyes slide to her older sister. "Scared? I don't think so." She didn't believe that; the look on Hope's face was how she felt about beans.
"To observant." Davina grinned. "You know if you want to hunt for snakes, I'll help."
Lizzie raised her eyebrow, Davina never wanted to do things like that. She always avoided it but that didn't make Lizzie mad because her momma had explained that it was because Davina was a teenager and that she would understand when she was older. That annoyed a little, why was everything always when you're older? "Really?"
Davina nodded. "Sure but if mom gets mad, it's all on you."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Momma will never know."
Davina didn't believe that for a second; Caroline had a way of finding out all things. She had considered that Caroline had to be a professional spy at one point in her life, or perhaps she could be one in the future. The woman had skill. "So after school, hunting, yeah?"
"Yeah." Lizzie agreed, wrapping her arms around Davina in a hug. "Thanks 'Vina."
Davina squeezed her tight. "Anything for you, lil sis." She pulled back slightly. "And you remember what I said right?" She had a feeling that given time Hope and Lizzie would be friends but reassurance was key. Lizzie was her little sister and that made it her job to have her back and protect her.
"Yup. Anyone who don't like me isn't worth it." She grabbed Davina in another hug. "You like me, right?"
Davina laughed slightly. "I love you, crazy girl. Now come on, let's go see if our father is burning the house down while cooking breakfast."
Klaus looked up from the pancakes at the sound of feet, relieved to see his two daughters. "Pancakes, girls?"
"Yes, please." Lizzie took the seat beside Josie, scooting over so she could see what her twin was coloring. "Can I color too?"
Josie wordlessly held out a yellow pencil, tilting her head to look at her twin, frowning at what she saw. "Here," Josie pushed her blueberries closer to Lizzie, knowing that they were her favorite.
Lizzie gave a small smile, taking the yellow pencil and then popping a blueberry into her mouth. "Thanks JoJo."
Davina gave Klaus a brief nod and slipped into the seat beside Hope. She eyed the younger girl from the corner of her eye. Hope seemed to be studying Klaus closely as he flipped the pancakes, the girl hid a grin when the pancake half flipped off the pan. "You'd think for a vampire he'd know how to cook but apparently that is a skill he is yet to master. Caroline's the cook, you'll have to get her to make them for you sometime."
Hope turned when she heard Davina speak, a part of her slightly surprised that the teenager was talking to her. "Caroline? Isn't she your mom?" It shouldn't of confused her; but did. Hope knew that she would never call her mommy by her name, even if she was angry at her, which she was.
Davina grabbed the orange juice off the counter. "Yeah, she's my mom." It was said in a casual offhanded sort of way, as if she expected the girl to know it.
Klaus looked up from the pancake he was cleaning off the stove top, hearing those words escape Davina's mouth had been a breath of fresh air. He hadn't heard Davina call Caroline her mom before. It was new, but it felt right. "I can cook you know." He informed the girls.
Davina raised her eyebrow. "You really can't but you attempt too; so points for trying." She looked down at Hope. "You like orange juice?" She indicated to Hope's empty cup.
Hope nodded. "Yeah,"
Davina poured her a glass to and then slid it closer to her. "Oh, Klaus; did Caroline tell you I'm joining the cheerleading team? I need money to get the uniform today."
"You're joining the cheerleading team?" His voice held quiet the amused tone; it was not at all something he expected. "A real team?"
Davina rolled her eyes. "Don't sound so surprised. Caroline insists I need to participate in a school activity and Bianca is the captain." It was the only reason she had even considered joining the team; spending more time with her new friend seemed like a win.
"Okay, kid; just take the money from my wallet." He didn't question it, the fact that Caroline had convinced her to join an activity was incredible. He wasn't about to stand in the way of it.
Hope frowned at the mention of school. "You go to school?"
Davina grabbed the plate Klaus put in front of her, and then reached for the syrup. "Ugh; yeah. A bit of a drag, I'd much prefer magic lessons with Bonnie all day but Caroline and Klaus are a stickler for normal education." She poured the syrup over her pancakes, drenching them.
Hope didn't understand, confusion flood through her. They went to school, all of them? That was...she couldn't piece it together. They had magic. They were witches. Being magical meant that going to a normal school for humans was unthinkable. Her dad...Elijah had always told her that.
"Daddy; why can't I go there?" Hope pointed across the road at the school they were walking by. There were kids just like her laughing and chasing each other through the playground. It looked fun.
Elijah let his eyes flicker briefly to the elementary school and then back to the little girl. "Honey, you are special...magical. It would be much to dangerous for you to attend school with human children."
Hope frowned, disappointment flowing through her. "But I wouldn't hurt them."
"You cannot know that, Hope. Magic is unpredictable. Besides, my little one; I am an experienced teacher, I can teach you more then they ever could."
"But Auntie Freya could teach to control it, daddy, then I won't hurt anyone and I can go to school."
Elijah gently tugged her down the path, leading her out of the view of the school. "Your Aunt will do no such thing. You are far to young to learn magic, you could be harmed. Come; let's get you an ice-cream."
Hope sighed; looking down at her feet as she felt herself being guided by her dad. Auntie Freya would never let magic hurt her. Maybe mommy would let her go to school. She'd have to ask.
Hope stared down at the pancakes set in front of her. She had asked mommy but Elijah had immediately squashed the idea. Mommy had said that she would get to go to school but it wasn't that much longer and then mommy had become a wolf and school had become a far away dream. "How can you go to school? You have magic, don't you?"
"Yeah, but I don't use it at school." Davina tilted her head. "However, it would come in handy passing my pop quiz in chem."
Klaus cleared his throat, raising an eyebrow at Davina. "Don't even think about it. Cheating will have you missing magic lessons."
Davina sighed. "So will getting an F." She hated the rules; bad grades meant less time to practice magic and more time to study.
"Then I suggest you study." He told her sternly but Hope interrupted him before he could say anything else on the subject.
"You practice magic too?" Hope questioned Davina.
The teenager nodded. "Yeah, Bonnie...that's our Aunt," She clarified. "Is mine and the twins teacher. We have a minimum of two magic lessons a week, more if we make sure our chores and homework are done." For most teenagers doing chores would be something to avoid, however more witch craft lessons worked as good incentive.
Klaus watched the confusion trickle into his young daughters eyes; and he felt it within himself too. Surely his daughter had been exposed to all of this, both school and magic. Wasn't that exactly why they had separated him from her, to give her a chance to lead a normal life? "Hope; do you like school?" It was a simply question but it would provide him with the answer that he desperately found himself needing.
Hope looked towards her dad; eyes filled with sadness and confusion. "I don't go to school. Dad...uh, Elijah; said I couldn't go because I have magic. I'm different. I could hurt someone."
Davina scoffed. "That's a load of bullshit! If you practice magic then you can control it. You wouldn't hurt anyone."
"Language." Klaus warned, but it was said halfheartedly. "You've never been to school?" He looked directly at his daughter. Surely his brother and sisters, Hayley even, knew how important it was for children of magical heritage to socialize with humans. It was a way of life, it was important for them to be able to integrate into the community.
Hope shook her head. "No. Mommy said I would go but Elijah said it was too dangerous. He wouldn't let me. It was to keep me safe."
Klaus felt that rage within him building again but he took a deep breath attempting to calm himself. Not wishing for his daughter to see that side of him. His brother had much to answer for in the near future; much to explain and repent for. "But you have been practicing magic with Freya, correct?"
"No." Hope answered almost immediately. "Well, just a little when da...Elijah was not home but it wasn't much. He told Auntie Freya she couldn't teach me till I was older...Do Lizzie and Josie do magic?"
"Yes." Klaus admitted; the rage bubbling up again. Just what did Elijah think he was doing. By not allowing Hope to practice magic he was hindering her abilities and making her magic more unstable. He was creating a liability. By not allowing her to practice he was making it so she was a danger to humans.
Hope looked between Davina and Klaus. "I don't understand. Magic is dangerous and kids with magic cannot be near humans. That's the law."
"Bullshit."
"'Vina; Klaus is gonna kick your butt." Lizzie sang out from her seat.
Davina rolled her eyes. "Well it is." She looked at Hope, her heart going out to the little girl who looked utterly confused and saddened by what they were telling her. "Elijah lied to you. Magic isn't dangerous if you practice and there is certainly no law that witches cannot be near humans."
Hope looked back at her dad. "Why would he do that?!" She demanded to know; unease mixed with a sense of anger entering her voice. "Why would mommy let him?"
Klaus stared into her eyes; his heart sensing her pain. "I don't know, sweetheart; I truly do not but we will rectify this. I promise." If his daughter wished to attend school then she would, if she wished to practice magic then she would. It was important, all of it, and he would make sure she got to experience it all.
Bonnie found Marcel as he was about to step out of the compound; she quickened her pace and grabbed his arm just before he could escape. "Wait,"
Marcel looked down, eyebrow raised at her sudden appearance. "Here I thought you wouldn't be talking to me."
Perhaps if this had happened a few years ago then she wouldn't have been. After all Bonnie valued privacy and confidence among friends but she couldn't deny that right now she felt relieved. Relieved that Caroline knew about what was happening and that they were now all on the same page, ready to tackle this problem as a unit. "I contemplated it, but you were right."
Marcel smirked slightly; hearing the Bennett witch admit that he was right about something was definitely something to remember. "Sorry, what was that?"
Bonnie slapped his arm. "I won't say it again...but thank-you. I needed that push, and I'm glad you spoke to her."
Marcel surprised them both by wrapping his arms around her in a hug. "I couldn't exactly let you have a mental break down. You are far to important to our family."
Bonnie sighed with contentment in his embrace, feeling as though another weight was lifting from her shoulders. "Where are you heading?" It seemed to be to early for Marcel to be awake and on his way out of the compound.
"To see Josh. Do you want to come?"
"Sure," Bonnie agreed; she knew that Caroline wanted her to get out of the compound and just breathe in some fresh air. To take a day and truly enjoy herself instead of pouring all her energy into witch craft. "We've got to get breakfast though, I'm starving."
"Klaus is in the kitchen. Grab a pancake."
"I'd likely end up with food posioning." Bonnie wriggled her nose. "Come on; I need coffee too."
Marcel rolled his eyes, allowing her to tug him out into the open. "Has anyone ever told you your demanding?"
"Everyone."
Caroline walked into the kitchen to the silence; she had heard the tail end of Hope's confession. The realization that the little girls life had been anything but normal set in to her mind. It wasn't right, she was only ten and she deserved for her life to be filled with all the things that ten year old's loved. They would have to change that, immediately; give her the life she deserved. The life that her family had failed to give her.
"Goodmorning," She broke the silence; watching as Hope took that opportunity to dig into her pancakes. A simple but effect tactic to not need to speak anymore.
Klaus turned from Hope to Caroline, and he could immediately see the hidden emotion in her eyes, much like he knew there would be in his. "Morning, love." He leaned down and gave her a chase kiss. "How was your chat with Bonnie?"
Caroline leaned into his embrace, savoring the hug. "We'll talk later." She felt his hands caress her back as a sign that he was there for her. A simple gesture but it meant that he was there, right beside her for anything.
"Momma,"
Caroline pulled away from Klaus and walked around the island to place a kiss to both Lizzie and Josie's heads. "Hey girls, ready for school? Lizzie, I do hope you remembered to pack your homework. Miss Georgia will not be pleased if you accidently leave it at home again." She knew that Lizzie had left it at home on purpose two nights ago when it was due.
Lizzie smiled. "All packed, momma; Marcel helped me finish it."
"Ah, perks of having a big brother." She ran her hand through Josie's dark locks. God, she wanted nothing more then to pick her up and wrap her in a smothering momma cuddle, but she knew that it would only bring questions and she wasn't quiet ready to fill the girls in yet. So, she just savored that moment, taking in the small smile of Josie's face as she colored her picture. How Alaric could do anything to hurt her innocence was beyond Caroline's comprehension. "How did you sleep, sweetie?"
"She kicked me so I didn't sleep good." Lizzie grumbled, gently nudging her sister but her tone held no real malice.
Josie just smiled at her sister. "You kicked me too."
Caroline rolled her eyes; she was glad they had each other. "Eat up; we have to leave in ten minutes." She told them, walking back across the floor to Davina and Hope; she kissed the former on the head. "Cheerleading uniform right?"
"I told Klaus; he's giving me money."
Caroline nodded. "I'll take you shopping for shoes this weekend." She turned to Hope, pausing briefly because this was different. She wondered it if was to much to kiss her on the top of her head like she did the other girls, or perhaps Hope would prefer to be treated the same. She wondered it the little girl would like a hug, or just a smile...it was going to be trial and error, but she wanted the little girl to be comfortable here, to feel loved. "How did you sleep, Hope?" She placed a very light chase kiss to the top of the little girls head before moving around the island back to Klaus; she smiled in relief when Hope gave her a smile.
"I slept good. Auntie Bex's bed is super comfortable."
Caroline felt Klaus tense beside her at the mention of Rebekah but he masked it well. "Your Auntie does like the finer things in life." Caroline mused, squeezing Klaus's hand.
Klaus knew he would have to get used to his siblings names being mentioned more frequently. Hope had spent ten years with them, there would be memories and connections made that he would never be able to compete with nor erase from her memory. "Did you want me to take the girls to school?" He whispered into Caroline's ear.
"I've got it. Did you make lunches?"
"No. They can do hot lunch; it's pizza day. Right girls?"
Lizzie grinned, fist pumping the air. "Yes. Pizza!"
Hope watched them from the other side of the island. Slightly confused; at home things had always run a certain way. Elijah and her mommy had things they did but they never offered to do the other ones jobs or routine. If it was mommy's responsibility then Elijah never touched it.
But here, her dad was cooking breakfast when clearly from Davina's words it was usually Caroline who did it.
They were deciding together who was taking the kids to school and Klaus had started to make lunches.
And it really confused her why her dad was allowed to ask about what happened with Bonnie, that was Caroline's sister; her mommy had never been allowed to ask what happened with Elijah and Auntie Bex or Auntie Freya.
This was a completely different place. This was a family. A proper family. Like the neighbors they had had when she was eight. She had used to watch them out the window wondering why her family wasn't like them.
"You said we could be a family. You promised!" Freya screamed, trying to force herself into the sitting position.
Dahlia laughed a little setting the baby onto the white blanket on top of the table, trying not to disturb his sleep. "Do not be silly child. You knew the first born would be mine."
"You promised it would be different!"
"Of course I did. I had no choice. You had to bare the child."
Freya tried to sit but the pain seared through her body, causing her to cry out. She tried to make the baby disappear while he was in her belly. Not wishing for him to live the life that she did. She couldn't bare to being a child into this loveless and frightful world. "Give him back to me."
"Oh sweet child. He's not yours anymore."
Freya felt the fear lurch straight into her as Dahlia pulled the knife from under the white blanket. "What are you doing?! Dahlia! No!" Freya felt the strength moving through her and she willed herself to move, only to be knocked flat by Dahlia magic, the wood beneath her turning into vines that wrapped around her body, keeping her firmly pressed to the floor.
"Stay there, child."
Freya tried to move her body. "NO! DAHLIA NO! DON'T HURT HIM!" The tears started rolling down her cheeks as she tried with all her strength to move her arms. "You don't have to do this."
Dahlia sliced her palm, and allowed her blood to drip into the cup beside her. "Of course I do; this child will provide me with the power I desire."
"Kill me. Kill me instead. Not him. Please not him." Freya's tears were making her vision all blurry. "Dahlia, he's innocent. Just a baby; not him. Please." Freya begged.
"This is how it was supposed to be, Freya; from the beginning. I was always after the child you would carry." Dahlia brought the knife up above the babe. "Don't worry, child; he will not feel it."
"NO! NO! NO! PLEASE!" Freya tried to use her magic to break out of Dahlia's binds but the older witch was much to powerful; the constant pull of Dahlia using her magic had left her weaker. She tried viscously to shake the vines lose. "DAHLIA!" Freya's voice was filled with agony and pain as she watched Dahlia drive that knife straight through her babes heart.
Freya scream was horrendous. "NOOOOOOOO!"
Dahlia held the knife up again; her eyes finding Freya's. "This is a little extra; a reminder that you belong no where in this world. That I am the only family you will ever have. Why do you think your mother gave you to me, Freya? Without fight? She didn't want you and no one will ever. Your siblings do not remember you; they will never want you."
Freya's tears were flowing; eyes snapped shut and sobs loud. "Baby," She cried. "Baby," She winced as she heard the knife whiz through the air once again. "NOOOOO!"
Freya bolted upright; the sweat dripping from her forehead. "I..." She reached for the blanket she covered herself with, dragging it up her body. Holding with such fierceness as she rocked her body back and forth.
"Bad dream, sister?" Kol's voice drawled out from the corner where he was chained. He had been watching her from across the room. The way she tossed and turned; the screams. He couldn't help but enjoy it. She deserved all the fear that flowed through her body. Traitorous bitch.
Freya jumped, almost having forgot he was even in the room. She wished he wasn't but Hayley was insistent, to the point that Freya knew Kol would be trapped with or without her. "I'm fine."
Kol smirked. "Wasn't asking how you were. Quiet frankly I could not care."
Freya felt foolish; it was unnatural to think that he would care. He knew nothing of her. Elijah and Rebekah had been with her for ten years, they had heard her wake from nightmares, had heard her screams but they had never asked. Never enquired as to what bothered her.
"Why so quiet?" Kol taunted.
Freya brushed a lock of hair behind her ear; listening for any signs of Hayley but she couldn't hear anything. "Do you know where Hope is?"
"No. But if I did, I certainly wouldn't tell you." Kol's voice was filled with bitterness. "That little angel is much safer away from your manipulative clutches."
"We..."
"You walk into this family after all these years and tear us apart. You committed treacherous acts, ones that you should pay for with your life. Hope is Nik's daughter. You stole her from him. Made it so that she would never be reunited."
"I know."
Kol raised his eyebrow; unwilling to admit that surprised him. He hadn't thought she would willing admit that she caused this. "Then you know you have to die."
"You're lucky child; you get to live."
Freya pulled away from Dahlia's grasp; her eyes blurred from the tears, knees covered in mud as she knelt over his grave. "I wish died."
"That is utter nonsense, child."
"I rather be dead then with you, you murderous witch. At least dead I'd be with my son."
Dahlia merely laughed. "Oh, dear child; I am the only family you'll ever have. Do you think you would be any happier in the after life? I believe not. Your child would not even want you after you allowed him to be killed by me."
"I should have died long ago." Freya mumbled; swinging her legs out of the bed; feet hitting the wooden floor beneath her. "I know I must pay for my part, Kol; I know I did wrong. But I need you to believe I never thought it would be this way."
"What did you expect? That I would forgive your betrayal? That Hope would never find out the truth?" He chuckled slightly. "You are delusional. This family has been though many treacherous acts; but this is a betrayal that cannot be forgiven." He pulled fiercely on the chains that were holding him; making Freya flinch. He couldn't help but smile. She was scared and so she deserved to be.
"Hope was always supposed to know who Klaus was." Freya stood up upon shaky feet. "She was supposed to everything; at the point that Hayley felt it was right." She looked out the window at the sky. "He was never supposed to go into that ocean."
"We must, sister. Leaving him on the surface will tempt those to find him. He must enter the ocean. He must be concealed."
Freya shook her head, looking down at her brother. Inside the coffin; staked, he looked so peaceful. More at peace then she had ever felt. "That is not the plan. We take him with us; wake him when it's time."
"Then we will never be free, sister. Our lives will continuously be ruled by Niklaus. You must trust me. You do not know Niklaus as I do."
"Elijah,"
"If you truly desire to be apart of our family; then you must do this." He placed his hands upon her arms. "You do not want to risk him waking early, Freya; he will never accept your position in the family. Niklaus does not welcome outsiders."
Freya's eyes shone. "I'm your sister, Elijah; if he doesn't welcome me, then you can."
Elijah shook his head. "In this family you protect yourself. We do not stand against him." He gave her a smile, a charming noble smile. "This is the only way; sister; if you do this then you cement your position in our family. He will never be able to take it from you and we can accept you into our lives." He held her gaze as he gestured to the coffin. "He will never come between us. We'll be a family. A true, happy family. And that will be thanks to you. It is you who has finally freed us from Niklaus. Thankyou, Sister."
"I..."
"It is the right thing to do Freya; think of Hayley and her unborn child; think of Rebekah. They both agree that this is for the best."
"You put him there! You threw his body into that ocean like he was no one to you."
Freya nodded slowly. "I did." She didn't deny her part, what was the point? Elijah was becoming more unstable by the hour. Hope was gone. Hayley was losing her mind. And Kol...he hated her. "I made a choice, Kol; a wrong choice." She turned, her body facing him. "No one ever wanted me. From the moment our mother shoved me into Dahlia's arms, I have been nothing but a pawn. I wanted a family and Elijah made sure I understood with Klaus I would never have it..." She walked forward, concert rating on the chain holding his left wrist, it burst open at the weight of her magic shocking him.
"I'm going to kill you." Kol told her; honesty in his voice.
Freya concentrated on the right wrist. "I know. But after, you must find her before Elijah." The right chain burst open and Kol lunged for her pushing her straight back into the wall; her right arm cracking at the angle it hit.
Kol knew it broke under the force; he heard it but it intrigued him when Freya didn't cry out. He remembered the agony had been in when his arm had broken as a child; the pain still vivid in his mind but there was only one person in this world who had seen endure a broken bone with out crying.
"You are good for nothing."
Klaus bit his bottom lip, drawing blood as Mikael's boot yet again landed in his side. He didn't cry out knowing that if he did Mikael's fury would only increase.
"Are you listening to me boy?!" Mikael demanded; leaning down he grabbed Klaus roughly by the arm yanking him upwards. "You are a good for nothing pig. An unwanted runt." He through Klaus back to the ground; the young boys body hitting the floor with force. "Perhaps you will learn to work faster if only one arm aids you." He stomped his foot down with all his force upon Niklaus's arm, the bone cracking loudly beneath him.
Klaus felt the pain; the unimaginable pain surging through his body. The tears that had rushed forth in his eyes but would not drop in fear of more punishment.
Kol was certain he wasn't supposed to see it; but he knew that Nik had been working in the barn. He had wanted to help his brother; in the end he bore witness to something horrific. It hadn't stopped there though; his father had kicked Niklaus a few more times until the boy had passed out.
"Niky. Niky. Wake up, please; Niky. Wake up."
Niklaus blinked, the pain radiating through his body making it impossible to concentrate on the voice that was trying to entice him from sleep. Fear spiked though him at the thought of someone coming across him in this broken state.
"Niky, please! I'll get mama."
"No." The word was a pained croaked whisper. The name; Niky, only one person called him that. Kol. Relief. Kol. Not Rebekah nor Elijah. Kol. Sorrow. His baby brother had bore witness. "Stay." He breathed.
The seven year old knelt by his brother's head; face full of distress. "You're hurt. Mama will make it better."
Klaus groaned. "No. I'm okay." He knew this was the worst he had endured but he could fight through it. He had no choice.
Kol's eyes filled with panic. "Have to tell someone. Your arm looks funny."
"No." Klaus bit his bottom lip; the pain thundering through his arm. "I'll be okay."
Kol would never forget the look in his brothers eyes, the pain that he had tried to keep hidden. It was the same look at Freya held before him.
They both had the same resolve that they would not show their emotions.
Did he feel bad for the broken bone he gave Freya? No...yes; he sort of felt a slight bit of guilt. Nik had always instilled in him that Rebekah was a force to be protected. Their little sister. He had a small inkling, one he couldn't shake; he was beginning to think that perhaps Nik wouldn't approve of this violence against their sister.
He had to push forward with the idea that she deserved it, because after all she had done a little pain was the least she deserve so he refused to apologies.
"Why are you letting me go?" It was a valid question on his part. Needing to know why she had undone the chains.
Freya's eyes met his; there was pain in them, fear even but she didn't voice it. "Because Hope needs you."
"You're broken." Kol pulled back; taking a step away from her as if he was finally noticing something he had been ignoring. "No revenge I commit will be equal to the torture you are providing yourself." He had a small flashback to the way she had tossed and turned on the bed; the way her face had screwed up with fear. He could practically feel how terrified she had been. Her feeling that was much better then death. "Run; sister. Run away from here, and never look back. This family does not want nor need you." With that he pulled back and ran out of the shack they were in; he needed to find Hope.
"Davina, you promised we'd find snakes." Lizzie complained as they entered the compound after school.
Caroline looked down at her daughter. "Absolutely not. There will be no snakes allowed through the front door of this house." She was briefly bewildered. How on earth did her daughter come up with these ideas? Wild animals, dangerous animals. Surely if she was a human her hair would be grey with worry by now.
"I'll help you find some."
"Auntie Kat." Lizzie abandoned her backpack onto the floor, sprinting at full speed to jump into Katherine's arms. "You're here."
Katherine caught the blond girl in her arms, holding onto her tightly. "You think I could be apart from you for long?" Katherine kissed the top of her head, breathing in her scent. It helped to center her mind, relief to know that she was back with them. "Absolutely not; my little tornado. I have missed you."
Lizzie squeezed her tightly; her heart beaming with happiness. Auntie Kat was back which meant Uncle Stefan was too. Their family was whole again. That felt good...great...amazing! "Where have you been? I got so much to show you. We need to do our secret handshake. Do you want to see me make a tornado? Momma says no snakes but you'll help me and Davina won't you? And..."
Katherine giggled, twirling her around. "Hyper speed, Lizzie; calm down."
Lizzie grinned. "But I missed you."
"We have all the time in the world to make tornados." Katherine promised; there was so much she had missed about being with the girls. The mischief that she and Lizzie could get into was just one thing. "And hunt for snakes."
Lizzie leaned forward, placing her lips near her Auntie's ear. "We have to prank Uncle Stefan, it's been to long. We need to get him back for the toothpaste shampoo."
"Hey, I heard that. That prank was deserved after you dyed my hair pink." Stefan scooped Lizzie into his arms, breaking apart the dynamic duo before they could begin to form any plans. "And I have missed you, did you miss me at all?"
"Loads." Lizzie hugged him.
Katherine felt the small arms embrace her waist and she looked down at the little brunette squeezing her tightly. Josie was much quieter then Lizzie but the embrace was just as powerful. "You cannot be little Josie, you are far to big." She heard the quiet giggle and picked her up, Josie wrapping her legs and arms around Katherine tightly. "Hey, sweet girl." Katherine breathed in deeply; holding Josie in a far gentler embrace then she had Lizzie. Her heart breaking at the thought of all this sweet girl would need to go through in the near future.
"I missed you, Auntie Kat."
She gave the brunette a kiss on the cheek. "Not as much as I missed you."
"You two are a sight to behold." Caroline wrapped her arms around Stefan. "It is so good to see you." This was the first time since Stefan had been awake that she was actually seeing him in person; alive and breathing well. It truly was a good sight to see.
Stefan gave her a tight squeeze. "Thankyou." He kissed her on the cheek before pulling back slightly and placing Lizzie on the ground.
Caroline smiled. "You're family." She would have done the same for any member of her family, that being said it hadn't been a chore to unite with Klaus again, it was fate. "I do hope you've managed to keep this one out of trouble."
Katherine glared, though it held no real threat. "I do not get myself into trouble, I just have a little fun."
Stefan rolled his eyes at Caroline. "She hasn't matured if that's what you are referring to."
"Elizabeth, are you listening to them?"
Lizzie tilted her head, looking at her momma and Uncle Stef. "You shouldn't pick on Auntie Kat or I'll have to do something."
Katherine grinned down at her niece; Lizzie was threatening them with some sort of prank exactly like they had done for each other multiple times before. "That's my girl."
"Dear god." Caroline mumbled; walking over to pull Katherine into a hug. "You are lucky I love you."
Katherine gave her a squeeze, though considering her strength it held a weakness. "Hey Care,"
Caroline pulled back, taking a moment to look into Katherine's eyes. She knew exactly what was going on inside her mind. Katherine Pierce was a strong and independent being; she was smart, cunning and while it had once been questionable, it was clear now that Katherine was loyal. It made it easy for Caroline to pin point the look in her eyes. "She said something; didn't she?"
Katherine turned her eyes back to Josie who was still in her arms. "It doesn't matter."
"You're right, it doesn't. We're family, Kat; nothing is going to change that fact." She squeezed the brunettes arm, trying to be reassuring but she knew they'd have to talk about this when there was no children present. "I'll let Bonnie know you're here."
Stefan finally took Josie from Katherine's arms. "My turn; Aunt Kat gets all your attention girls. Please remember that I, your Uncle Stefan, exist in this world."
Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Uncle Stef's a drama queen, Davina; did you know?"
Katherine's eyes cut to the teenager who was standing off to the side slightly; she had been silently watching the entire exchange. So quiet that Katherine had almost forgotten that she was in the room to begin with. To be truthful, she had been intrigued by the child Caroline was now claiming as her own and had been waiting to lay eyes on her. "You're Davina." Katherine circled the teenage witch as if she was prey.
Davina shifted nervously, unsure of this knew woman. She had heard Bonnie and Caroline reference her since their arrival, Josie would mention her often but it was Lizzie who raved about her. The way Lizzie idolized her actually made Davina a little nervous. "Uh, yeah."
Stefan looked across the room. "Be nice, babe." He warned her.
Katherine rolled her eyes. "I'm always nice." She heard her boyfriend snort with laughter.
"Josette; your Auntie is lying again."
Katherine flipped him off, listening to the giggle that arose from Lizzie. "Don't tell you mom." She winked at the blonde. "So, what do we think, Lizzie?"
Lizzie grinned widely. "We think Davina is cool."
Katherine smiled, finally coming to stop at the right side of the teenager. "We think you're cool." She pulled the teenager into an unexpecting hug. "Welcome to the family, kid; fair warning I'm a lot to handle but you'll learn to love me."
Davina giggled slightly; unsure of exactly what was happening. It seemed that Katherine was a little different to Bonnie, and she seemed to have no restraint on showing her affection even though they were stranger to each other. "Nice to meet you, Kat."
"Auntie Kat." Katherine corrected; as she let go of Davina.
Davina raised her eyebrow at that; while she classified Bonnie as an Aunt, she had not once called her that. She had never had an Aunt before, it was new territory for her and she was older unlike the twins who were still quiet young. "I..."
Stefan shook his head at Davina, warning her not to argue with his girlfriend. "I wouldn't argue with her; she'll simply turn your hair an outrageous color until you agree to address her as she desires."
"Right...okay," She looked at the vampire who was staring at her with a slightly daring smirk on her lips. "Now I know where Lizzie gets her slightly terrifying look, Auntie Kat." Davina tested the name, allowing it to roll of her lips. She saw the satisfied look on Katherine's face, and it made her smile.
"See that isn't hard. Now; what kind of mischief can I create here?"
Rebekah gazed out the window, her hand clutching her phone tightly.
Sixty outgoing calls, and all of them went unanswered.
Zero incoming calls.
No text messages.
Was she worried? Immensely.
Her family had literally taken off into the night and never returned home; Freya and Hayley had been together, and Elijah...well, Rebekah couldn't help but think the worst of her brother. He had muttered something along the lines of piecing their family back together and then he was gone. Before Hope was born she had always thought of Elijah as the noble brother, the one that could do no wrong. How things had changed.
The fact that neither Freya nor Hayley had answered her calls made her worry that perhaps Elijah had found them and done something unforgivable.
And here she stood alone, wondering what to do because she knew she couldn't fight him. Elijah would undoubtable win as he often had in the last ten years. It had once been Nik who kept her bound to his side; yet for the last ten years Elijah had taken over that role. The free life she had been promised was not free at all.
Her thoughts were so focused on them and her worry, that she had completely missed it; the feeling of hands either side of her head and then darkness.
Her body fell into a heap on the floor; and the man behind her knelt down; running his eyes over her, admiring what he had just accomplished.
"Sweet Rebekah; my haven't you got more beautiful through the years." He gently brushed the blonde hair out of her eyes, trailing his fingertips across her cheek. "I must admit it will be a pity to see you go. After all, we could have so much fun together." He lifted her body into his arms, turning to the other figure in the entry way. "Where would you like her?"
"In the casket. It's not quiet time yet."
Finn walked into the room just as Rebekah's body was being taken. "I..."
"I do not know where you have been; but I can sense your change. Do I need to worry?"
Finn wanted to say yes, that she did infact need to worry, his loyalty did not lie with her but he could not. He knew that she had taken precautions in this cruesade to end the lives of every member of this family. He wasn't foolish enough to believe he knew all her plans, he knew that there was a part he was missing but he would discover it. He would find out all the information and put a stop to this. He would ensure that this time, her death was permanent, that there was no chance of her revival. It pained him to say it, since he did love her; but this family could not survive if she were to continue to live. "No mother, no need to worry."
Klaus looked down at Hope as they walked through the street, she was quietly eating her ice-cream taking in the surrounds of the place she should have already known. It felt good to have her home, where she was supposed to grow up.
The morning had shaken him slightly, the information that she had not attended school nor practiced much magic bothered him. At ten years old she was supposed to be enjoying life with her friends, getting dirty and playing hard except it seemed as if his daughter had no friends at all. That she had spent the last ten years with no one other then four adults, supernatural adults.
Then there was the burning question he couldn't bring himself to shake. Just how had Hope come to be in New Orleans, and where was his family? As much as he did not want to see them, it was unnatural to think that they would have let her run away. That they wouldn't come searching for her.
"This place is so cool." Hope broke the silence looking across the street at some store fronts. "People really practice magic here?"
Klaus hummed. "Yes. New Orleans is a place full of the supernatural." He watched her face light up, and he felt guilty for having to break such a carefree moment to discuss something far more serious. "Hope, I need to ask you a question."
Hope glanced up, swallowing her mouthful. "What is it? Is it about Lizzie? I really didn't mean to upset her, promise." Hope spoke innocently; her eyes shining.
"No, sweetheart. I'm sure you and Lizzie will get along quiet famously soon enough. Actually, this is about you. I need to know how you came to New Orleans? Did one of our family members bring you, or did you run away?"
"I ran away..."
He sighed; that would mean that his family would be searching for her. It could become quiet troublesome, especially since he would like for them to remain outside the city. "I see."
Hope frowned. "No, I mean, I did run away but then I came here with family. Your not going to tell mommy are you? I don't want to leave yet...Elijah will make me leave and I..."
"No one will take you from me, Hope; this is your home. It is where you will remain." He told her quiet firmly, though his eyes held a sense of confusion. "I do fail to understand. If family brought you here, then wouldn't your mom already know where you are?"
Hope shook her head. "No. Mommy was sleeping...Look; it was him. Uncle Kol." Hope looked both ways before quickly taking off across the street.
Klaus's head moved at the speed of lightening, so fast that he was stunned that his head remained on his shoulders. Kol. His eyes followed Hope as she ran up and wrapped her arms around her Uncle.
Kol was alive.
His baby brother wasn't dead.
It was...Klaus felt himself gasp for air, his body was draining itself of oxygen. "Kol?"
Kol's faint disbelieving voice floated across the street. "Nik?"
Thoughts? I would love to hear what you thinking when it comes to this story.
Much Love. x
