"Yeah, it's here," Maya said happily, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she checked the contents of the envelope.
"Thanks for all your help," she added, her voice brimming with gratitude.
"You're welcome, darling," Katherine replied, her tone warm and affectionate.
Maya tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I've gotta go help Babbo choose the right outfit, and Uncle Elijah's gonna help Klaus, right?"
"He is," Katherine confirmed with a reassuring smile. "And he's promised to take responsibility for you tonight so that neither of them can try and get out of this."
"Good," Maya replied, a hint of relief in her voice. "Thanks, Katherine. I couldn't have done it without you."
"It was no problem," Katherine said, her voice filled with genuine care. "If you need any help with anything else, call me anytime, okay?"
"I will. Bye, Katherine."
"Goodbye, Maya darling."
As the call ended, Maya placed her phone down on the table. She picked up the envelope Katherine had sent, containing the portkey that would take her dads to the location of their first date. With a determined nod, she left her room and headed down the hall to babbo's. A lot of effort and love had gone into planning the perfect first date for her dads, and she wasn't about to let either of them weasel out of it, no matter what the excuse. Which was why she'd ended up getting Uncle Elijah involved, if he was her responsible adult for the night, then neither of them could use worrying about her safety as a reason to not go.
Maya knocked on the bedroom door and waited.
"You can come in, kiddo."
Damon was standing in front of his wardrobe, turning her way as soon as she entered the room. His brow furrowed, and she could see the hesitation in his eyes.
"Listen, I've been thinking—"
"Everything's ready," Maya interrupted before he could continue. "It's gonna be amazing, you'll love it."
"With everything—"
"It would be a complete waste if you don't go, after all the effort I've put into arranging it all."
"Maybe now's—"
"Plus, Uncle Elijah's already promised to be my responsible adult for the evening. He has a whole thing planned, and you wouldn't want him to miss out on an evening with his favourite niece, would you?"
"You're his only niece."
"That doesn't mean I can't be his favourite."
Damon sighed, a reluctant smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Fine. What should I wear tonight, casual? Smart-casual? Or formal?"
Maya's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"In between smart-casual and formal."
"Alright, in between smart-casual and formal it is." Damon nodded, turning back to his wardrobe, rifling through it for a few minutes before pulling out a pair of fitted black jeans and a white silk shirt. "How about these?"
Maya pursed her lips and tilted her head to the side in a thoughtful pose.
"Yes, to the shirt. No, to the jeans." She smiled, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "Tailored trousers in black, with a fitted black blazer. No tie—you don't want to be too formal. And the Italian loafers you like; the black ones."
Damon chuckled, shaking his head.
"Alright, fashion consultant. Tailored trousers and a blazer it is." He reached back into his wardrobe, pulling out the items Maya suggested. "Will I need a coat?"
"Nope. The date's inside, but just in case I checked the weather, and it should be nice and clear where you're going tonight, anyway."
"Still not gonna tell me where that is?"
"Nope." Maya popped the 'p,' grinning at him before jumping off the bed and going over to the drawer where he kept his accessories. She carefully examined them for a moment before finding the one she wanted and pulling it out—the Patek Phillipe watch, wasn't one he wore often, but it's black leather band, and simple watch face paired perfectly with the rest of the outfit she'd chosen for him.
"This," she said, holding it up, "is the perfect finishing touch."
He took the watch from her and placed it on his bed with the rest of the outfit.
"If you insist, Kiddo."
"Definitely," Maya replied, her tone serious despite the playful glint in her eyes. "This is an important night, and I want it to be perfect."
Damon smiled pulling her into a hug.
"With you planning it, I have no doubt it will be."
Maya hugged him back tightly, feeling the warmth and love in his embrace.
"I love you, kiddo."
"I love you too, babbo."
He kissed the top of her head, before letting her go.
"Now, off you go so I can get ready."
"Don't take too long, your date will be here soon." Maya said, as she turned and left the room, her steps light with the satisfaction of a job well done.
"Ah good, you're here," Elijah said, finishing pulling a shirt out of Niklaus' closet and laying it on the bed with the rest of his outfit before turning to face his brother.
"What's this?" Klaus asked, his brow furrowing.
"Your outfit for tonight," Elijah replied, glancing at his watch. "We have an hour till we need to be at the Salvatore's, so I suggest you be quick about getting ready."
"I'm not sure—"
"Maya has everything arranged. I've been assured that both you and Damon will enjoy the evening immensely."
"Now's not—"
"Your daughter put a lot of effort into ensuring this night would be perfect. You don't want that to go to waste, do you?"
"But with—"
"Not to mention, that you refusing to go would mean disappointing your daughter as well as depriving me of an evening spent with my favourite niece."
"She's your only niece."
"Really Niklaus, as if something like that could prevent her from being my favourite." Elijah tutted and checked his watch again. "You now have fifty-seven minutes, so I wouldn't waste any more time dawdling if I were you. I'll be downstairs when you're ready."
Elijah didn't allow him any more time to argue, speeding away and leaving Klaus in an empty room with an outfit laid out upon his bed. Klaus sighed, running a hand through his hair as he looked at the carefully chosen clothes. Maya's determination and Elijah's insistence left him little room for excuses.
He picked up the shirt, feeling the soft fabric between his fingers. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he thought of his daughter's meticulous planning. The shirt was a deep shade of midnight blue, soft yet structured, the kind of shirt that whispered elegance. The blazer and trousers were perfectly tailored, a blend of modern sophistication and classic charm. With a resigned yet amused sigh, he placed the shirt back down and headed for his ensuite, silently promising himself to make the most of the evening Maya had worked so hard to arrange.
Klaus moved with efficient grace, his supernatural speed making short work of the grooming process. As he showered, he let the warm water wash away his doubts, focusing instead on the promise he made to himself. By the time he emerged, he was a man transformed, the cool confidence of his exterior a stark contrast to the warmth in his eyes that spoke of familial love.
He was showered, dressed, and downstairs with plenty of time to spare, much to Elijah's silent amusement. Elijah raised an eyebrow as Klaus entered the room, impeccably dressed in the outfit he had chosen.
"Well, look at you," Elijah said with a hint of a smile. "I didn't expect you to be ready so quickly."
Klaus shrugged, adjusting his blazer.
"I figured I'd save myself the trouble of your nagging."
Elijah chuckled.
"Wise decision. Now, shall we?"
Klaus nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity about the evening ahead. He had no idea what Maya had planned, but he couldn't deny that he was looking forward to spending the evening with Damon.
The drive to the Salvatore mansion was smooth and quick, Elijah's car gliding through the night with the ease of a predator on the hunt. They were met at the door by a beaming Maya, her eyes twinkling with delight as she looked her father up and down, her approval evident in the proud smile she sent his way before giving Elijah a thumbs up.
Klaus shook his head and was about to tell his daughter that he was perfectly capable of picking his own outfits, until he caught sight of Damon coming down the stairs, and the words caught in his throat.
Damon was dressed just as impeccably as he was, the dark, tailored clothes hugging his form in all the right places. The crisp white of the shirt contrasted nicely against his olive skin, and made his blue eyes stand out even more. The fitted clothes accentuated his lean, muscular frame, and his hair, tousled just enough to be effortlessly stylish, framed his face perfectly. Damon had never looked sexier in Klaus's opinion.
Klaus felt his heart skip a beat, his breath catching as he took in the sight before him. Damon moved with a predatory grace, each step down the grand staircase exuding confidence and allure. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of them, caught in a shared gaze that spoke of unspoken promises and deep, unyielding desire.
He swallowed hard, the emotions swirling within him almost too intense to bear. He barely registered Maya's excited chatter or Elijah's knowing smile. All he could focus on was Damon, and the undeniable pull he felt towards him. Tonight was going to be an evening to remember, and Klaus was determined to make every moment count.
"Nik," Damon murmured when he reached the door, "let me guess, your outfit was chosen for you as well?"
"Our daughter has good taste," he responded, giving Damon another once over and drinking it all in.
"So does her uncle," Damon parried, his gaze on Klaus just as appreciative.
Elijah coughed, drawing their attention back to the present.
"As much as I enjoy watching this mutual admiration society, perhaps it could wait for a moment." He suggested, tilting his head in Maya's direction, and reminding them both of their daughter's presence.
Maya either hadn't noticed or had chosen to ignore the way they'd both been undressing each other with their gazes and held out a large envelope.
"Here. It's a portkey, it will take you to the location of your date."
"And where might that be?"
"You'll see," Maya replied with a broad grin, "It will bring you home again when you're ready, the trigger word's inside." With that she basically shoved them both out of the house and closed the door behind them before either of them could object.
Klaus looked at the envelope in his hand, then at Damon.
"Ready for an adventure?"
Damon smirked, his eyes glinting with excitement.
"Always."
Klaus tore open the envelope Maya had shoved into his hands, the anticipation crackling between them. Inside, he found a belt buckle and a piece of cardstock with a single word elegantly inscribed. He held out the belt buckle for Damon to grab as well, raising an eyebrow in question.
As they both gripped the belt buckle, Klaus read the word on the card aloud.
"Serendipity."
In an instant, they felt the familiar tug behind their navels, and the world around them blurred into a kaleidoscope of colours. When the spinning finally ceased, they found themselves standing in an expansive room, the walls adorned with some very familiar paintings.
"Is this—?" Damon started, his voice trailing off as he took in their surroundings.
"The Metropolitan Museum of Art?" Klaus finished, his eyes widening in recognition.
"No wonder she got Elijah involved in helping her," Damon murmured, still taking in the sight.
"Gentlemen," a voice interrupted, drawing their attention. A man dressed impeccably in a suit that wouldn't have looked out of place on a Maître D at an upscale restaurant approached them, his smile warm and welcoming. "If you'd like to follow me, your table is ready."
The man led them through the grand galleries, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. They passed masterpieces from the Renaissance, each piece seemingly more magnificent than the last. Eventually, they arrived at a table set up in the middle of one of the grand galleries. It was elegantly adorned with fine china and crystal glasses, illuminated by the soft, enchanting glow of fairy lights strung artfully upon frames that had been dotted strategically about the room. Soft music from a string-quartet added to the romantic ambiance.
The soft strains of a string quartet floated through the air, adding to the romantic ambiance. The music blended seamlessly with the setting, enhancing the feeling of being in a timeless bubble where art and life intertwined.
"This is incredible," Damon said, his voice low with awe as he took his seat.
"Maya certainly knows how to create an experience." Klaus nodded, a rare, genuine smile curving his lips as he sat opposite Damon. "Though it may make our second-date pale in comparison. I'll have to put some effort into ensuring it's just as memorable."
As they settled in, the man in the suit poured them each a glass of sparkling champagne, the bubbles dancing merrily in the soft light.
"Enjoy your drinks, gentlemen," he said with a polite nod as he stepped back, "I'll bring your first course along momentarily."
Klaus raised his glass, his eyes locking with Damon's.
"To serendipity."
Damon clinked his glass against Klaus's, the sound ringing softly in the grand gallery.
"To serendipity," he echoed, the word taking on a deeper meaning as they basked in the magic of the moment.
"You know why she chose this place, right?" Damon smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the ambient glow of the fairy lights.
"Of course," Klaus replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "It's the first place we took her together. Just the three of us."
Damon nodded, his smile widening.
"She was so excited that day. So happy to be with you here because art's something you both love and she wanted to show you all her favourite exhibits, but –"
"– she didn't want me to know that, because I might think she'd forgiven me." Klaus finished, with a chuckle, the memory warming him.
Damon laughed softly.
"She was so determined to keep up that façade, but she couldn't resist dragging you from painting to painting."
"And she pretended it was all for herself, that she didn't care what I thought," Klaus nodded, a fond smile on his lips, "She's a stubborn one, our daughter."
"I wonder who she gets that from," Damon teased, his eyes twinkling.
Klaus chuckled, shaking his head.
"She inherited a lot of traits from me and Jasmine – her cunning, her temper." he remarked fondly, "but her most important ones she learnt from you, kindness, determination, strength, and the willingness to believe in the inherent goodness of people."
Damon smiled, his eyes softening with emotion.
"She's got your resilience and your passion for life, Nik. It's a good mix, and she's an amazing kid that we can both be very proud of."
Their reminiscing was interrupted by the arrival of their first course.
"Our chef has crafted a truly exquisite appetizer for you this evening," the Maître D began with a warm smile. "Allow me to present our perfectly seared scallops, nestled on a bed of vibrant microgreens kissed with a refreshing hint of citrus. To elevate this dish even further, we've added a delicate drizzle of aromatic truffle oil." As the Maître D spoke, a pair of waiters elegantly placed the beautifully plated dishes in front of them. "Bon appétit! We hope you enjoy every bite."
"This looks amazing," Damon remarked, picking up his fork and taking a delicate bite.
"It does," Klaus agreed, savouring his first taste. The flavours were exquisite, a perfect balance of fresh and savoury.
They continued to talk as they ate, the conversation flowing as easily as the champagne. Damon had been worried that it wouldn't, that without the buffer of Maya, their conversation would be stilted and awkward. But even when they weren't reminiscing on times spent with their daughter, they found things to discuss.
Exchanging stories from their pasts, they found themselves delving into personal anecdotes that revealed new facets of each other's personalities. Damon told Nik the story of the seven years after he'd been turned and how they had led him to meeting Henry Potter.
"He saved my life," Damon said, a fond expression crossing his face. "No reason to, he didn't know me, didn't know what kind of person I was, but he saved my life anyway. Henry and Elladora were the ones who truly made me believe that being a good person and being a vampire weren't mutually exclusive."
Niklaus listened intently, his eyes fixed on Damon.
"It sounds like they were very good friends."
"They were," Damon agreed, his voice filled with emotion. "All the Potters I've known have been good friends and the most remarkable of people."
"I'm not surprised," Nik said, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "In my time on earth, I've found that most people fade rather quickly from my memory once they're gone. But every single Potter I've ever met stands out like a star in a sea of darkness, refusing to be forgotten."
Damon smiled, feeling a deep connection in their shared sentiment.
"They have a way of leaving an indelible mark, don't they?"
Niklaus nodded.
"Yes, they do. It's rare to meet people who can affect you so profoundly, but the Potters seem to have that gift."
Their conversation temporarily halted as the Maître D approached with a smile.
"For your next course, our chef has prepared a sumptuous butternut squash soup," he began, as the waiters placed the bowls before them. "Notice the rich, velvety texture, a testament to the care taken in its preparation. It's beautifully garnished with a luxurious swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, adding both flavour and a delightful crunch. Enjoy!"
"This food is superb. Who do you think chose the menu, Maya, or Elijah?" Damon asked, taking a sip of the soup, and savouring its complex flavours.
"A collaborative effort perhaps," Niklaus mused, smiling at the thought. "Elijah has impeccable taste, but I'm sure Maya had the final say on everything."
"Including our outfits."
"You know, I'm fairly certain she would have ordered me to go home and change if she didn't like what Elijah picked out," Niklaus added with a chuckle.
"She's come a long way. The first morning after she arrived on my doorstep, we took her out to buy clothes, she had barely anything and needed a whole new wardrobe." A hint of sadness entered Damon's eyes, and Klaus reached across the table, placing his hand over Damon's. "She was overwhelmed by all of it, didn't even know what she liked, let alone anything about fashion. Now she's picking outfits for us." He finished, lips curving into a smile as he shook off the sadness of those first few months with Maya.
"I don't know if I could have done as good a job with her as you have, if things had been different and it was me, she came to first."
"Don't sell yourself short, Nik. I think if you'd had to, you would have risen to the occasion and done just as good a job, perhaps even better," Damon said, his eyes filled with sincerity. "You love her, and as corny as it sounds, sometimes that's all you need."
"More than I thought possible," Klaus admitted, "I look at her and I feel like my heart's going to burst out of my chest, it's so full of love."
Damon smiled warmly, squeezing Klaus's hand.
"That's what being a parent is, I suppose. It's overwhelming, but in the best possible way."
Klaus nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"It's true. She's changed me in ways I never imagined. I want to be better for her, to give her the life she deserves."
"And you're doing that, Nik. Every single day," Damon reassured him. "She's thriving because of you."
"Because of us." Klaus corrected, "because of everyone she now calls family."
The next course, a perfectly cooked filet mignon, was served with roasted fingerling potatoes and asparagus, accompanied by a red wine reduction that tied everything together beautifully. The rich flavours of the meat and the wine were a perfect match, each bite a testament to the chef's skill. Once the Maître D and the waiters had retreated, their conversation resumed.
"I never even considered being a father, not even when I was still human," Damon confessed, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and vulnerability. "My father was—well, I guess you know what bad fathers are like."
"I do," Klaus replied softly, the weight of shared painful memories hanging in the air.
"The only reason I stuck around once I was old enough to leave was for Stefan, to protect him from our father. I never wanted to turn out like him, and I guess I thought the only way to be certain of that was to never have kids of my own." Damon shook his head and chuckled softly. "Now I can't even imagine a life without Maya. She makes it all worth it—all the pain and suffering, every moment that led me to her, was completely worth it."
Klaus nodded, understanding the sentiment deeply.
"I know what you mean. Maya has given me a reason to hope, to strive for something better. She's a reminder that I'm capable of more than just destruction."
Damon smiled warmly, his eyes locking with Klaus's.
"She's the best parts of us, Nik. And she's a testament to the fact that we're not doomed to repeat the past. We can break the cycle."
Klaus took a sip of his wine, the rich flavour complementing the thoughts swirling in his mind.
"You're right. We've come a long way, Damon. And we're building something beautiful together."
Their conversation continued to flow effortlessly as they enjoyed their meal, discussing their dreams and hopes for the future. They talked about the possibility of showcasing Klaus's art, of traveling to new places, and of creating more cherished memories with Maya.
When the main course was cleared away, the waiter brought out a decadent dessert: a rich chocolate mousse, served with fresh berries and a sprinkle of edible gold leaf. It was the perfect ending to an extraordinary meal, each bite a symphony of flavours that left them both thoroughly satisfied.
As they finished their dessert, Klaus raised his glass once more.
"To our daughter, who has orchestrated a truly unforgettable evening," he said, his voice filled with pride and affection.
"To Maya," Damon echoed, his eyes shining with emotion as they clinked glasses again.
The music shifted to a soft, romantic melody, and Klaus stood, extending a hand to Damon, a smile playing on his lips.
"Mr. Salvatore, may I have the honour of this dance?"
Damon looked up, his eyes sparkling with amusement and affection. He placed his hand in Klaus's, allowing himself to be gently pulled to his feet.
"Why, Mr. Mikaelson, I'd be delighted."
They moved to the centre of the gallery, the fairy lights casting a soft glow around them as they began to dance. The string quartet played a beautiful, slow melody, and they swayed together, lost in the moment. The world outside the museum ceased to exist; it was just the two of them, caught in a timeless bubble where art and life intertwined.
As they danced, Klaus pulled Damon closer, their bodies moving in perfect harmony.
"I have to admit, despite my long life, I've only been on a handful of dates," Klaus murmured, his lips close to Damon's ear. "This evening has surpassed each and every one of them."
"Same here," Damon replied, his voice equally soft. "I'm glad you convinced me that this wasn't the terrible idea I thought it was."
Klaus chuckled his breath warm against Damon's ear.
"It's amazing what Maya and Elijah can accomplish when they put their minds to it."
"They do make quite the team," Damon agreed, leaning into Klaus's embrace. "And they've certainly outdone themselves tonight."
They continued to dance, their movements growing more fluid and relaxed as they lost themselves in the music and each other. The night felt magical, the kind of night that would be remembered and cherished for years to come.
Eventually, the music slowed to a gentle stop, and they stood there for a moment, holding each other close. Klaus leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Damon's lips, a gesture filled with all the love and emotion he felt.
"Thank you," Klaus whispered, his forehead resting against Damon's. "For everything."
Damon smiled, his eyes shining with affection. "Thank you too, Nik. This has been perfect."
With the night drawing to a close, they returned to their table, finishing the last of their champagne and savouring the moment. The Maître D approached them with a smile and handed Klaus two envelopes. Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, he opened both and pulled out the cards they each contained.
"Well, Elijah may have had much less to do with all this than we thought."
"What is it?" Damon asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Apparently, Maya didn't just ask Elijah for help, she asked Katerina," Nik replied with a smirk. "I should be annoyed."
"But you're not."
"But I'm not," Nik agreed as he lifted up one of the envelopes. "This will take us home."
"And the other?" Damon inquired, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation.
"The Grand Penthouse at the Mark. Elijah has agreed to be responsible for Maya until we return home, whether that's tonight or tomorrow morning."
Damon couldn't deny the thrill that ran through him at those words, but he hesitated.
"We said we'd go slow."
"We did," Nik agreed, picking up each envelope and holding them out to him, "Your choice, love."
