Kol hates wearing suits. They're tight and itchy. The tie always feels like a noose. His family used to insist on them for proper dress, but has thankfully loosened up over the years. Kol only has to wear one for special occasions.

Today is one.

They're meeting with the judge to discuss transfer of guardianship. Luckily, it's not a dramatic court room affair. They'll all meet up with him in chambers to discuss Cami's findings and recommendation.

Kol hopes she hasn't changed her mind.

Elijah finishes adjusting his tie. He wears a suit identical to his baby brother's. "There we go. Nice and straight."

"I hate this stupid thing," Kol mumbles.

"You can take it off as soon as we're done, I promise." Elijah cups his cheek. "And we can go anywhere you want for lunch afterwards."

"If I'm even with you," he mutters.

Elijah shakes his head. "We're not gonna think like that, right? Happy thoughts."

Kol doesn't even try to smile. Elijah kisses his forehead.

"Let's go. Hayley's waiting for us."

Elijah wraps a tight arm around him and leads him downstairs. Much to Kol's surprise, she's not wearing a dress, but instead a suit.

"If you have to wear one, I will too."

That gets Kol to smile. He wraps his arms around her, burying his head in her shoulder. Hayley strokes his hair.

"Do you want me to put your paci leash on?"

Kol shakes his head. "That'll just make me look like a baby." Hayley tilts her head. "I'm not. I'm big."

"Okay," she says, patting his cheek. "I'll bring it just in case, along with your babas and poppers."

Kol ducks his head, hiding a smile. Hayley always thinks of everything. She knows what he needs, even before he does. He still isn't sure how she does that?

"You know it's okay to drop," Elijah says. "It won't affect the judge's choice."

"It could," Kol argues. "They could say I'm not of sound mind."

"You've already been deemed capable of having a say."

Kol bites his lip. Elijah regards him for a moment before speaking again.

"If something happens…"

"Elijah!" Hayley admonishes.

Elijah ignores her. "If something happens, Hayley and I will file an appeal. You may have to go into a foster home for a bit…"

Hayley scoffs. "Elijah, stop. This isn't helpful!"

"It is. Kol needs the truth. He won't feel safe unless he knows all options."

Kol slowly nods. Hayley's features soften. There are times when Elijah being a hardass has its problems. On the rare occasion, Hayley has the tendency to baby Kol and not want him to be upset in the slightest. It's comforting to hear the truth from his brother.

"Regardless of what happens today, we will get you back one day," Elijah promises. "It just may not go the way we wanted. Alright?"

"Alright," Kol echoes.

He can tell his brother's smile is forced as he cradles his cheeks. "Let's get this show on the road, hm?"

Kol fidgets nervously upon seeing Finn in the judge's chambers when they arrive. His eldest brother is also dressed in a suit, though his is black. Finn smiles a little as he walks over. Hayley bristles and turns to look through the bag.

The tension is thick. Elijah is shaking hands with his older brother. Finn awkwardly pats Kol's on the shoulder, telling him he looks nice. He glances at Hayley.

"Nice to see you, Hayley."

Hayley doesn't look at him. "Elijah, I think I forgot the pacifier."

"I don't need my pacifier, Hayley," Kol says.

"You could. Maybe I should go back to the car."

"There's no need." Elijah reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a plastic case that has a baby blue pacifier inside. "I brought one."

The smallest of smiles goes across her face. "You think of everything."

"I'm not going to need it," Kol tries to argue for the umpteeth time this morning.

This time, he's ignored. Kol glances at Finn. He had a few things at his house, but there was never a diaper bag. If Kol forgot his pacifier, he was SOL unless he was with the rest of his family and they had an extra.

Which Haley and Elijah always did. Despite not even having a child.

Cami is next to arrive. She gives Kol a big hug and promises him she's still in his corner no matter what. He isn't sure how to respond or if he believes her, so instead, he nods.

The judge is last. The bailiff that stands in the corner announces her. In spite of his numerous crimes, Kol's never seen the inside of a courtroom. Any legal counsel he's seen in bars, far from their usual attire. All he knows are the ones from movies. Men with powder wigs and funny robes.

This judge is a woman. She wears a pantsuit rather than a robe. Her hair is graying, but it's natural and clearly real. She shakes hands with everyone and introduces herself as Judge Maslin.

Per Cami's advice, Kol sits with her. He'd much rather be with Hayley and Elijah. An involuntary whimper escapes his lips as he's lead to his seat. Hayley frowns. In spite of the pain in his eyes, Elijah gives him a brave smile.

Maslin addresses Finn first.

"How long was Kol in your care?"

"17 weeks, your honor," he responds.

Kol hates how formal Finn's voice sounds. It reminds him of when he'd kiss up to Esther. He begins picking at the skin around his thumb.

"Why did you take on custody of Kol?" Maslin asks.

"He needed a caretaker. As the oldest, I felt it was my responsibility."

"And now you don't?"

Finn doesn't flinch. "No, I do not."

Kol is unsure why he frowns. This is the response he wanted. It's one more point towards Hayley and Elijah gaining custody.

Still, a pit forms in the bottom of his stomach.

Finn doesn't want him. Once again, Kol wasn't enough. They'll never have what he does with the rest of his siblings. In a family as large as theirs, it makes sense that they'd "pair off".

Why couldn't he be the one Finn wanted?

Kol subtly nibbles on his thumb. Hayley is staring at Finn, disgusted. Elijah is taking notes. No one notices him.

"Why?" Maslin asks.

"I thought that I could care for him. The truth is, it's more work than I anticipated. Kol needs a lot of attention."

"More than you're willing to give at this time?"

"Yes, your honor."

Kol sucks back a deep breath. Cami places a hand on his back. He pulls away.

"How often did you leave Kol with your siblings?"

"At least once a week, if not more."

"Where would you leave him the most?"

"Hayley and Elijah's."

"Why?"

For once, Finn doesn't look as high and mighty. His shoulders slouch for a moment. "I knew they wanted a child. Kol always had fun there. He…"

Maslin raises a brow as he trails off. "Finish your thought."

Finn sighs. "There was one night when Kol dropped. He was very young. Out of nowhere, he started crying. I didn't know what to do. He didn't need a change, he wasn't hungry. He just kept crying. I couldn't understand what was wrong. I asked him over and over. It took him hours to answer."

Kol frowns. He doesn't remember this night. Then again, when he's very young, they all kind of blend together.

"And what did he say?" Maslin asks.

"He wanted Elijah and Hayley."

Hayley's face lights up. Kol stares at her, an image taking over his brain.

He was upset. Throat hoarse from screaming, eyes heavy with tears, face red. His breathing was shaky as he wailed. Finn was nearby but seemed so far away. Kol wanted a hug but not from his brother.z

Then, someone knelt in front of him. They had a comforting smile and soothing voice.

"Hey, Bug," Hayley cooed. "It's okay. I'm here. Hayley's here."

Warmth fills Kol's stomach as he remembers her wrapping him up into her arms. Hayley gave him kisses and sang him a soft lullaby. Come morning, he was in her and Elijah's bed, cuddled in their arms.

The place he felt safest.

He only catches the end of Finn telling the story. "He finds comfort in them and not me."

"And how does that make you feel?"

"Relieved."

Kol ducks his head over the honesty.

"Is Kol a challenging child? Do you feel there was more support the state could give you?"

Finn shakes his head. "I had support, your honor. Hayley, Elijah, our other siblings. It wasn't enough. The best thing I can do for Kol is let him go and become his older brother again. Allow Hayley and Elijah to be his parents."

The judge asks him a few more questions before moving onto Cami. She reads her report out loud.

"While conducting the home study, I found that Elijah and Hayley's residence is more than suitable for Kol. He has his own room, outfitted with a bed and dresser. Kol is properly fed and clothed. Their fridge is stocked with bottles of blood and the special formula recommended for littles."

Kol feels his thumb coming back to his mouth. Cami carries on describing the house. He's no longer biting on it. Sucking is the only thing that keeps him from stimming right now.

"Mrs. Mikaelson," Maslin interrupts Cami's report. "Please take your seat."

It's only then Kol realizes Hayley's standing up, something clutched safely in her hand. "I will, just give me one moment."

"Ms. O'Connell is speaking."

"One moment. It's all I need."

The judge eyes her wearily but nods. Hayley walks over to Kol and crouches to his height. She gently removes his thumb and places the pacifier in his mouth. Her bright smile shines upon him as she kisses his forehead.

"Better?" She whispers. Kol nods. "Good." Hayley turns back to the judge. "I'm sorry. The pacifier helps when he's stressed."

Elijah is staring at her as if she hung the moon. Kol sucks on his pacifier, his stomach calming a bit. He tries to read the judge's face, but it's not possible.

"Ms. O'Connell," she says. "You may continue."

Kol doesn't pay attention to the most of her speech. He sucks on his pacifier and rubs his thumb and finger between his tie.

"So," Maslin says once Cami has finished. "Given all these findings, what is your recommendation?"

"Kol has had a lot of upheaval in a short period of time. While I understand the state's worry that the Mikaelsons would pass him along to the next family member in a few months, I believe that is unfounded. Elijah and Hayley want Kol. He wants to live with them."

Maslin nods. Cami takes her seat, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Kol wants to tell her to not seem so optimistic. It's not over yet.

Next, the judge reads reference letters from Klaus, Rebekah and Donna, the mom from the playgroup. All three vouch for Elijah and Hayley. Klaus' is the longest, with several anecdotes and stories of how good they are with Kol. Rebekah and Donna's are concise. Though, his sister's has the vaguest hint of threat by implying the Mikaelsons never give up on each other and this wouldn't be the end. Elijah flinches at that sentence, yet he's still smiling.

Judge Maslin settles the papers down in front of her. "I have an intent to foster, signed by Mr. and Mrs. Mikaelson." She looks at the two. "Is this still what you wish?"

"Yes, your honor," Elijah says. "We want nothing more than to become his official guardians."

Hayley nods in agreement. "He's already family."

Maslin turns to him. "Kol."

He quickly removes his pacifier, sitting up straight.

"What is it you want?"

"To live with Hayley and Elijah." He pauses. "Your honor."

"And you are making this choice of your own free will? You are not being coerced in any way?" Kol shakes his head. "Verbally, please."

"No, your honor. Elijah and Hayley would never do that."

"Why do you wish to live with them?"

Kol looks down at the pacifier. "I told Hayley I didn't need this." The judge tilts her head. "Today. She offered to clip it to my suit in case I got anxious. I told her no. She didn't listen."

Maslin looks just as confused, but doesn't interrupt.

"Because she knows what I need before I do." He glances at his brother, smiling a little. He swears he sees tears in his eyes. "Elijah went over all possible outcomes of today with me. He didn't lie or sugarcoat it. He knows I need to hear the truth."

Kol takes a deep breath.

"I know when I'm with them, I'm safe. That no matter what happens, Hayley will make sure I have what I need. Elijah will always be honest. There's no lies. I don't have to do everything on my own. That's what safe is…that's what home is."

Kol blinks a few times, keeping his tears away. Hayley is already crying, her hand over her mouth. He wants nothing more than to hug her. Kol hates when she cries. He can tell Elijah isn't doing well either.

Cami squeezes his hand, letting him know he's down well. Finn is stoic, but Kol wonders if he sees a flash of guilt in his eyes.

"I have given this case a lot of thought. Like you, Mrs. O'Connell," Maslin says. "I understand the state's hesitance to keep Kol with the family. However, it is what we strive for every day. So many Littles only have an option such as Mr. Finn Mikaelson. The fact that he has an alternative that love him and he does in return, is nothing short of a miracle."

Maslin clears her throat.

"I hereby terminate Finn Mikaelson's guardianship of Kol Mikaelson. He is relieved of all custodial duties and will cease receiving payments from the state effective immediately."

Kol doesn't allow himself to breathe in relief just yet.

"With that being said, I appointment Hayley and Elijah Mikaelson as the guardians of Kol Mikaelson. They are hereby bestowed of the custodial duties associated with the caregiver law."

Kol finally allows his smile. He tucks his pacifier in his pocket.

"Can I hug them now?"

The judge chuckles. "Yes, you may."

Kol begins to vamp over, but Hayley and Elijah meet him in the middle. They sandwich him in a big hug, that would likely kill a human with the crushing of ribs. Kol smells all three of their tears. He doesn't let go.

"You did so good," Elijah coos. "My brave big boy."

Kol allows the babying as he clings tighter to his suit. "'Lijah?"

"Yes?"

"Can I put on real clothes now?"

Hayley and Elijah let out watery laughs. They give him kisses on either side of his face.

"In a moment," Hayley promises. "Let's go say our thank you's."

Cami gives them each a big hug. The judge shakes hands with them, wishing the new family well.

Finally, they turn to Finn. Elijah breaks away from the family to clap him on the shoulder. Finn isn't looking at him. His eyes are trained on his youngest brother.

Kol wraps his arms around Hayley, sniffling. Finn seems so confident. Happy.

Happy to be done with him.

But Kol is starting to believe, perhaps he finds relief in this too.

He isn't sure if he should cling to that or think of the abandonment that comes from this.

Instead, he focuses on Hayley. She's clinging tightly to him, kissing his temple.

"Ready to get changed?" Kol nods. "Good, I brought your favorite hoodie. Do you want to dress yourself?"

"Can you do it?"

"Of course I can." Hayley rubs her nose against his.