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Chapter 22: Without Hesitation

Walking into the Mikaelson home, I'm greeted with a full house. I had expected Hope to be home, because Klaus had specifically spoke about this tea party he was having with his daughter. What I didn't expect was every other Mikaelson to home as well. My feelings for the Mikaelson siblings had been a bit muddied due to past encounters but today, especially in front of Hope, I would let bygones be bygones. At least for the time being.

Hope soon leads me over to where everyone in the house has settled. First she introduces me to Marcel and Rebekah who are cuddled on the couch, hands linked displaying matching wedding bands. You can tell just by looking at the two of them, just how much they love each other. Its infectious.

"It's good to see you again Bonnie!" Marcel says in that easy going way about him. Aside from Hope, he is probably the most welcoming of the family. I can tell he's a good guy by the eyes, he seems genuine. He was also so very good looking. I'm almost positive that Rebekah had to fight off the girls and guys, with a stick, and maybe some fangs.

"Likewise." I say grinning back at him. I guess I was gazing a bit too long because it seemed that the blue eyed siblings didn't appreciate it at all. Rebekah snuggles closer to Marcel all the while flexing her finger that a beautiful ring sits on. I wasn't a home wrecker, so she could settle down. I was just appreciating the fact that Marcel was so damn good looking.

As for Klaus he was extremely close, so close that if I took a step back, I'd run into him or step on his boots. We share a look, causing his lips to twitch, all the while Hope starts talking.

Klaus leans forward his breath a hair away from my ear. He doesn't say anything but his eyes say it all. I was caught checking out Marcel and if the hint of gold that tints his eyes is any indication of what's to come, then I knew, it was on.

"Marcel is quite right– it is rather nice to see you." Rebekah calls causing me to snap my head in her direction. "You've been the hot topic of all conversation for this morning. Nik here can't stop talking about you." Rebekah grins with a gleam in her eyes.

"Lies." Klaus bellows from behind me.

Rebekah rolls her eyes skyward. "We don't know much about each other, aside from when our paths crossed all those years ago." Pause. "And as it seems you and my brother are still in each others orbit, so it's only right we become the best of friends."

Klaus now stands on the other side of me, his hand lightly brushing against mine. He's got a stormy look that crosses his features, that has no effect on his sister. "Rebekah!"

"Niklaus!" Rebekah calls sitting up from her comfortable position against Marcel. "After giving every single person I ever looked at, a cavity search, surly you can handle Bonnie and me, going out to lunch and having a girls chat?"

Klaus looks like he's about to explode which was probably normal with him. However I look over to Hope who's busy talking with Elijah and decide to just end this all together. It really wasn't that serious. Besides out of the two siblings that were here, I'd pick Rebekah all day everyday over Elijah and his punk ass.

"Sounds fun." I finally say causing all eyes to land on me.

You could hear a pin drop– well till Hope and her infectious energy started up again.

"Can I come too, Aunt Bekah?" The little girl asks nearly flying out of her uncles embrace and then hopping on the couch landing on her knees.

I can see it, the love Rebekah has for her niece. In fact I can see that way they all love Hope so very much. Rebekah looks like she's ready to cave in when Klaus comes to the rescue. Creeping up, he soon scoops up Hope in his arms.

"What about me, Hope?" He asks holding Hope on his hip. "You'll leave me all alone to have a girls day? "He asks pouting.

I watched as Hope adorably placed her head on her fathers shoulder all the while clinging to him for a much needed hug. My eyes flick up to Klaus and the look that crosses his face. At that moment our eyes lock when he gives me a wink before turning his attention back to Hope.

I could feel my face flush, at the sultry wink he sent my way. Daddy Klaus was definitely a mood.

"It's ok papa." Hope continues. "You can play with Marcel and uncle Elijah!" Hope says thoughtfully in the most honest child manner. Then she placed a kiss on his cheek before Klaus set her down to run about.

Rebekah claps her hands garnering my attention which had been solely on Klaus. It was official Klaus in dad mode was probably the most attractive thing to ever witness.

Looking up I notice that Marcel has a small grin on his lips while Rebekah is looking at me almost knowingly. Oh goodness, I needed to get it together.

"Well, then it's settled." Rebekah beams suddenly. "We'll exchange numbers and set up a later date."

"Cool." I say breezily.

"Come on Bonnie, we have more family!" Hope squeals as she drags me in the direction of the last person I want to see.

"This is uncle Elijah." Hope says climbing into her uncles lap. If I weren't so disgusted by the mere sight of him, I would say that his eyes held affection for his niece. In fact though I had been speaking with Rebekah I had never really kept my eyes too far from Elijah because he could not be trusted. However, whenever I did glance his way- he was looking at his family with warm eyes.

Now though as the two of us lock eyes, Elijah is as stone as his heart and I am certainly positive that I am letting my hatred for him show. I hope he chokes on it.

I eye him with a slight squint before fixing it once Hope looks my way. The eldest Mikaelson is back to his suit, with a drink in hand as he looks me over.

"Elijah."

"Bonnie, it's good to see you." Elijah says passively. "You're looking well."

Flattery would get him nowhere with me. "And you're looking reminiscent to your M.F. days."

At my mention the of the past I can see Elijah go stiff because we both knew that last time I had seen him in M.F. and what occurred that night.

The tension in the room suddenly is at an all time high in fact I can hear my magic sizzling in the air. The only people who seem to be surprised is Marcel who really doesn't know the history between Elijah and I. And Rebekah who is probably more shocked that neither of her brothers are shocked by my intense reaction to Elijah.

When Klaus clears his throat all eyes are on him, even mine.

"Family, you'll have to excuse us, we've got plans." Klaus says as Hope bounces his way. He then kneels down to whisper something to his daughter, that makes her eyes go wide.

Before I have a chance to question what we were doing, we're off.

MG-MG

Marcel

Getting up he watches as his father, places his hand on the lower back of his recent flame.

"I gotta say." He says still watching the way Klaus acts around Bonnie. "I have never seen him like this, even when he was dancing around Cami." He admits mystified. This was new side to Klaus if he had ever seen any.

Turning round, he see's that the original siblings are watching each other. They too looked stumped about what they had seen.

Rebekah twitches her lips, while Elijah only crosses his legs.

"Do you think it's love?" Rebekah as suddenly.

Elijah squints. "You know Niklaus, love is usually the furthest from his mind." Pause. "It's probably infatuation, more so lust."

"But he's never looked at anyone the way he looks at her." Rebekah admits with wide eyes. "And did you see the way his hand brushed against hers- it was almost out of a romance novel."

Coming back to sit in a chair he looks over at the brother and sister duo. "And what's with all that tension between you and Klaus's new girl?" He asks as Elijah tries and fails at being effected by someone showing so much disdain toward him. "Never in the history of ever, have I seen anyone with so much quiet anger pointed at you Elijah."

Elijah walks over to the drink cart and pours himself another drink after downing the other. "It's- a long story."

He frowns whilst looking over at his wife, who is way too quite for her own good. "This isn't going to turn into that weird thing you had with Haley is it?" He asks shaking his head.

Elijah only gives him a stern look, while Rebekah has his back.

"I told you, everybody thought your thing for Haley was weird." Rebekah speaks up.

Elijah only tosses back another drink.

He shrugs. "I'm just saying, this isn't something fleeting." Pause. " I've only seen Klaus and Bonnie together maybe three times and every time, he looks happy."

Elijah turns to face them. "I know, and that is why I have to make things right."

Rebekah who was scrolling through her phone looks up. "Elijah, that isn't going to be easy. "She gets points for not going on the attack immediately but," She puts her hair behind her ear. "You are the reason her mother..." She stops mid sentence at the pained look that crosses his features.

Elijah looks thoughtful for a moment. "My next steps are not the concern of either one of you. All you need to know is that I will make things right for the family." Elijah says diplomatically. "Now, let us continue to discuss your recent marriage."

Rebekah beams. "I've got tons of pictures and video."

He sits back and watches as his blushing bride shows her brother wedding pictures all the while thinking that- this thing between Elijah and Bonnie is far from over. And by the looks of it, Klaus was not playing games, not when it came to Bonnie.

BB-BB-BB

Bonnie

The amount of energy that Hope Mikaelson possessed was enormous. From the very moment the four year old had seen me, the two of us had bounced all around. First, she had shown me her wide assortment of dolls, that included 12 inch dolls with a massive doll house, baby dolls that could walk, talk and cry as well as rag dolls. Her bedroom was one that was filled with everything a little girl could want. Painted butterflies, lady bugs and dragon flies adorned the walls while the whole scenery was something out of a mixture of story books.

The littlest Mikaelson had taken nearly to every square inch of her bedroom, while Klaus followed his hands behind his back, his dimples of full display. After touring the massive bedroom, Hope then proceeds to introduce me to her stuffed animals and the rest of her toys. It had to be the hybrid in her, that made the tiny 3 1/2 year old whirl around so fast because my head was spinning at her speed.

I felt a hand on my shoulder only to look up at Klaus who wore a knowing look on his face. "Once she gets going, she doesn't stop." He says affectingly. "She takes after me you know."

I flick my eyes up to his seeing a wicked gleam to them and know something dirty is about to slip from his perfect lips.

It doesn't happen as Hope now holds a baby in her arms. My lips twitch at the scene that is adorable. "Papa, here hold that baby! I'm going to cook dinner." Hope says in the most serious manner before going back to her playhouse where she proceeded to cook us food.

I watch as she moves about in the kitchenette grabbing fruit and food and placing it on plastic plates. I cant remember the last time I had been around energy that was so pure in my entire life. And the pure energy didn't just come from Hope, but from Klaus as well.

Speaking of Klaus, I chance a look to see that he's still holding the baby Hope had given him. "Aren't you a very dutiful Papa." I say gesturing to the baby doll in arms.

Almost embarrassed his flicks denim blue eyes to the baby he's still holding and then sets it down. "She's my everything." He admits. "With her, I have someone and she has me." he says with a chuckle. "So if I have to play dress up, or get my hair tugged on while she plays beauty parlor, I'll do it– as long as it makes her happy."

I look up to see the smiling girl and then back at her father.

"Look at you, maturing and shhh," I say stopping myself. "It only took you over a thousand years." I say playfully. "But I digress, it's good to see that you've finally come to the conclusion that there is more to life than slaying anyone who disagrees with you."

He grins that slow Klaus grin and the butterflies in my stomach start to flutter all over again. Seriously I needed to get a grip.

"Says the woman who was seconds away from combusting my brother."

I bite back a grin, though its obvious Klaus too, had noticed everything. "I thought about it, but perfect Elijah, with his perfect suit and his perfect hair is just fine." I bite my lip. "For now."

He cackles at my words and I'm grinning as well.

He sits back eyes alight. "You know, I still do enjoy good brawl every now and again." He admits his attention on Hope now. "But having her, and knowing that I have her makes everything much better. I'll always have Hope and she'll always have me."

The vulnerability in his voice always leaves me nearly speechless. Klaus was the last person I ever expected to be so open, when it came to his feelings. He was the type of man that was honest wether you were friend or foe, he never lied, he just kept it real every day of the week and that was refreshing.

Gone was the man I had first met back at home, and what replaced that man, the angry man who was the cause of many sleepless nights, was replaced with someone I was very fond of.

"You keep giving me those bedroom eyes love," Klaus calls causing me to snap back into the present. "I feel myself blushing all over."

I bite back a smile. "Is that so?" I ask. "Even after last night?"

He dimples my way and I swear the room has just gotten hotter. His attention quickly goes to Hope who is busy playing with her toys before he once again fixes his sights on me. "Especially afer last night." He says, his voice getting much deeper, sultry even.

In that split second as his blue eyes flicker with hints of gold, I'm reminded of the way he had me clawing at his back and panting his name.

Three blinks later Hope is grinning in our face. She's brought her doll stroller over and greets us with a beaming smile and dimples like her daddy. "I made you food." She says going back to her kitchen to gather the plastic pinks dishes that both have fruit on each plate.

"You like strawberries, I like strawberries and pancakes." She says looking my way.

I lean forward looking at the strawberries. "I love them!"

Hope looks at me for a few seconds almost as if she's studying me, or trying to my figure me out. I guess I past the test because soon she's placed a plate on my lap.

Never to be forgotten Klaus peaks up. "What about me? Are you leaving me to starve in favor of Bonnie?"

"Papa." Hope giggles at her fathers words tilting her head back as if Klaus has said the funniest thing she's ever heard. "You're so silly." she says handing him a plate. "Here papa, blueberries and raspberries."

Klaus looks up suddenly sharply. "Did you say raspberries?"

Next thing I know, Klaus has Hope in his arms tickling her, as fits of laughter echos through the room. He then blows raspberries on her belly. Suddenly I feel a rush of happiness that I know isnt mine. It's Hope she's too young to realize that she's sent a burst of energy out that only pure happiness could bring.

Three sharp knocks later, and the door opens to reveal a sheepish looking Josh. "Sorry to interrupt, but you were very specific about the set up and," He pauses to glace my way. "And chef had some questions?"

Klaus raises a brow. "Just chef?"

Josh wipes his hands on his pants. "Not me, but you know Yuri wants you to look at the color palate and chef wants you to taste his menu for lunch."

Klaus only nods before looking my way. "Do you mind?"

I look from Klaus to Josh and then back at Klaus. "Go ahead, we'll be fine." I say waving him off.

He then looks down at Hope, nuzzles her nose. He then uses his speed as a vampire to leave the room which has Hope smiling again.

"Papa is so silly!" Hope says sitting next to me. "Is your papa silly?"

I swallow hard. It was never easy talking about my father or anyone in my family for that matter. But the silver lining was now I had Lucy, she was my family and I had my friends, Damon, Caroline and Matt. Even Elena and Stefan were family to me, even when we disagreed.

"My papa, is in heaven." I say a gently as I can.

Hope then surprises me by putting her head on my arm. "It's okay. Papa says heaven is a happy place– your papa is happy."

Hope then gets up to sit at her table. "You wanna color with me?"

"Sure." I say joining Hope at the coloring table.

KM-EM-KE

Klaus

He's quite sure the house is in a bit of a tizzy if all the chattering, clicking and clattering not to mention the hushed tones of his siblings were any indication. He knew they were surprised with his sudden movements, when it involved a certain Bennett witch. And truth be told he didn't give a damn! He had always lived his life on the wild side and wouldn't stop now because Haley had some reservations about the woman he was spending his free time with. As for the rest of his family, he knew Marcel would go along with whatever he wished. Rebekah seemed to be warming up to Bonnie, though he would still keep a close eye on the two in case of an emergency. And of course last left Elijah, who was wearing the hardwood floors thin presently.

Descending the last step, he decides to ignore his brother who is in deed waiting for him. He can tell by the worry lines that plague his brothers forehead that Elijah has something to say and he is almost positive he doesn't want to hear it. Instead he pops into the kitchen and looks on as his personal chef and those in the kitchen continue on with their jobs. He had been very specific of the meal choices and expects nothing but the best.

"Niklaus, I am almost certain that you and I need to talk." Elijah calls as he stands close to him, shoulder to shoulder. His older brother looks on at the kitchen with disdain, while he only twitches his lips.

"And I , assure you brother that whatever we have to talk about can wait till I no longer have company." he throws over his shoulder, before stepping further into the kitchen to taste the food before it is served.

After his taste test he turns to his favorite two chefs, Lexie and Alexander who seem to be on pins and needles.

"Now chefs, Bonnie likes to sample different dishes, so you better empress me with your food selection." He growls causing the room to go still.

Chef Alexander is the first to speak, though his voice is shaking "I assure you, your guest will be pleased with our menu." The chef says red faced.

"The first dishes will be sent out any minute now." Lexie, the co chef says. He looks between the siblings and nods his head.

"Good, chop-chop." He says walking out of the huge kitchen with his own brother on his heels.

Ignoring his brother who is still following him around probably in hopes that he'll get annoyed and say something snarky. However, he keeps his words to himself. He can tell by the way that Elijah is on him like film of sweat that his brother still wants to discuss things.

Coming to a halt in the massive backyard he looks at the set up. He had instructed that a tent be erected as well as the inside of the tent to be decorated in his daughters favorite colors with a whimsical flare added to it.

Elijah stands next to him, hand in his pocket. "What is this Niklaus?" Elijah asks a raised eyebrow. "Please tell me I am not to expect a second sudden wedding announcement?"

He flinches so hard the perturbed look that once crossed his brothers faces melts away giving way to an almost comical smirk.

"No need to get dramatic Elijah–I do not long for the life Rebekah has wanted all these years. You don't have to worry about me straying." he says offhanded.

Elijah only fiddles with his tie, a tell, tell sign that he's uncomfortable.

He only dimples further. "To answer your previous question, this is an ode to that princess movie Hopes loves so much. It's decorated in the same color scheme. It'll be the perfect tea time, late lunch for Hope."

Elijah smiles briefly. "I'm talking about B– ," Elijah stops short of saying her name at the glare Niklaus sent him. "You bring her to our home."

"My home." He corrects.

"And introduce her to Hope." Elijah adds.

"Yet again, my daughter." he says with a swift glare.

Elijah sighs. "I know you don't like to be told what to do but, you've grown rather attached to her."

Blue eyes flash with a hint of gold. "Would you rather I was out in the streets wrecking havoc?" he questions a dark look on his face. "I suppose you find it much more pleasing when I'm brooding and quick tempered?"

Elijah reaches out to grab his arm, sensing he was about to walk away. "I'm thrilled you've found a companion, I just want you to be careful Niklaus." Elijah says sternly. "You've opened yourself and the rest of us up to Ms. Bennett."

He chuckles now, Elijah was always the hypocrite. It didn't matter that Elijah was now seeing Lucy. Because Elijah was suppose to be the good brother who made all the right choices. While he was supposed to be the reckless one, and thus bringing Bonnie into the fold was reckless, at least in the eyes of the great Elijah.

"I see you're buying into the b.s. that Haley is spewing." He chuckles again. "Just so you're aware- she's probably bending over backwards for Jackson, her husband as we speak." He says with a twitch of the lips.

Elijah squints. "I am no longer interested in Haley. My concern is for you–" Elijah admits, hand on the back of his neck. "You're my baby brother and I want to protect you and this family."

He licks his teeth. "The only thing we need to worry about is those damned invaders and the people who follow them." He curses.

"What about your attachment to Bonnie?"

He growls suddenly. "What goes on between She and I– is between the two of us." He says through gritted teeth. "I wont tell you again." He says his voice gravely. Bridging the gap between he and his brother he speaks again. "Bonnie is off limits." He bumps his brother with his shoulder sending Elijah soaring. "End of discussion."

BB-HM

Bonnie

While Klaus is gone Hope continues to color before my phone starts buzzing. Looking up I notice that Hope is far more interested in her picture then my phone and decide to pick it up.

"Stefan? What's going on?" I ask not wasting any time. The younger Salvatore and I had been on not so great terms since he had expected me to drop everything and save Elena like always. It had appeared that Damon had least gotten the memo, Stefan still thought I was the same easily manipulated girl I had been before. Hopefully by now he had learned his lesson.

"It's Damon." Stefan says his voice low as if he's trying to keep it down. "You know the lengths he's willing to go for you, my question is do you even really care?"

"Of course I care!" I say through clenched teeth. With a quick spell I silence my conversation so that Hope cant hear it, all the while I can hear her in case she starts talking again.

"Is that why you're probably still dating Klaus?" Stefan rapts out. "You could've stopped him- but you didn't!" Stefan growls out. "Are you too wrapped up in Klaus of all people?"

I blow out air as my magic dances on my fingertips. "My personal life is none of your business."

"It is when it involves my brother." pause. "Listen Bonnie, you know how I feel about you, and Damon and Elena,"

"I have nothing to do with that train wreck of a relationship." I snap back.

"He's in love with you!" Stefan admits suddenly. "And he's choosing you even if he's not aware of it. I just hope you choose him.

I let out a shaky breath. "Don't you ever call me to question my loyalty again!" I say my voice raising.

"What do you expect, from what I hear you're sleeping with Klaus."

"Fuck you Stefan! You're one to talk with your history."

Stefan chuckles. "My brother is out here with one of his worst influences all for you," Pause. " I need to know that you'll bring him back because at this point I don't think Elena nor I have as much influence on him as you do."

I let silence settle between the two of us for a moment before speaking. "He's stronger then you think, and for the record I'll always have his back."

"And he'll always have yours."

I decide to hang up after that because Stefan was starting to make my blood pressure rise.

When I look back at Hope she's finished with her picture.

"Do you like my picture Bonnie?"

I look at the picture which is pretty good for a little girl at her age. She must take after Klaus in that department. I had seen some of his work, and even when I detested him, I could admit he was very good at art.

"I do!" I say with a smile. "Tell me about your picture?"

Hope then holds her picture up. "Thats me in the pink dress, I'm singing."

I nod letting her go on.

"And here is papa." Hope says beaming. "He's smiling because he's happy." Hope says pointing to a picture of a man with blond hair and a big smile resembling a happy face.

"He does look happy." I point out.

"And here is you." Hope says finally looking up at me. "You're happy, just like Papa."

"Wow!" I say with a small chuckle. "That's a really pretty picture."

"You can have it!" Hope beams. "Let me write my name."

Sure enough Hope writes her name. I'm touched that she even took the time especially for me.

"Papa says your special like me!" Hope continues on while giving me her handmade picture.

I smile down at her. "I am." I say holding my hand out, which Hope takes.

"Papa says that makes us family."

I use my other hand to start a sequence of fluttering colorful butterflies in the room.

"We sure are."

KM-KM

Klaus

He had been watching the two of them for quite some time now. Hope, who was usually shy had taken to Bonnie very quickly. That alone should cause alarm bells to run off in his head because he and Bonnie weren't long term. At least that was the plan.

However, when he walked into the room and saw that matching smile that had appeared on both their faces, something told that maybe this thing with Bonnie, was right. And maybe just maybe while everyone else saw it as wrong, maybe Hope saw it for what it was. Two people that were making each other happy- for however long they had.

"Papa!" Hope squealed leaping into his arms. "I made Bonnie a picture and I wrote my name on it!"

"You did?" He asks looking at his little girl.

"Yes papa, and we have big smiles!"

He then looks over to Bonnie who stands up. "It looks like Hope might give you a run for your money in the artist department." She says with a wink.

"I welcome it." He says placing a kiss on Hopes head. "I see you've invited butterflies to the party."

Her skin shimmers with a flush he'd love to see more of. "That was me." she says with a soft smile. "Hope, tells me you told her I was special, just like her."

He dimples as he runs his eyes over her yet again. "That you are."

Before they could get any further with the light conversation, Josh pops up.

"Everything is ready." Josh says looking between the three of them.

He nods his head. "Good." Pause. "Good job Josh, for all your hard work you can have the rest of day and night off."

Josh shifts back from one foot to the other. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, now go before I change my mind."

Once Josh leaves he now turns to Bonnie. "Bonnie, Hope now come with me- I have a surprise for you."

A.N. 2: Spoilers: Bonnie, Klaus and Hope share a fun filled day.

More to come: A proposition, and a confrontation.