A/N Thank you all for reviewing!
"Wakey, wakey, rise and shine..."
Lola's eyes snapped open, and she let out a sleepy moan as her door was nudged open, her father's off-key singing making her clutch her sheets. She faintly heard her father give a complacent laugh, knowing full well that he was annoying her with his singing. She huffed, turning into her pillow when sunlight glared at her after he pulled open the curtains.
"Wakey, wakey, rise and shine..."Lola screwed her eyes shut, letting out a moan as her father carried on."If ya don't get outta bed, i'll kick your behind!"
Lola shook her head and moaned when her father pulled her sheets from off her body, smiling down at her.
"Dad, i'm sleeping."
"It's afternoon; you shouldn't be sleeping."He beckoned for her to get up, smiling at her, presenting the tray he was holding before shaking his head."You can sleep when you're dead."
Lola sighed and sat up, blowing stray hair from her face as she sat up against her headboard. Louis smiled softly at his daughter, it obvious he was biting back questions, but he remained silent on the subject.
"Bacon sandwiches."Louis sing songed, placing the tray on Lola's lap with a smile."Although i'm not sure, you'll be in the mood for them. What with you being ill and all."
Lola raised her eyebrows, touching her forehead and her cheeks despite knowing she wasn't ill.
"Huh?"
"You've never slept this late in your life. As soon as you were able to get out of your crib on your own, you were wandering around at seven in the morning."Louis replied as he sat down on the bed in front of his daughter, clicking his tone as he feigned annoyance."Which sucked for everyone else, by the way."
"Dad, i'm not ill."
"Not from an illness. From a breakup."Her father said, gesturing to her messy ponytail, Mr. Cuggles next to her then the chocolate on her bedside table."You've been moping haven't been talking and watching re-runs. Classic break up aftermath."
When Lola looked away, he nodded to himself, connecting the dots in his mind.
"Is this about the tall, enigmatic, handsome, British guy you have a crush on?"Louis asked, shrugging when Lola sent him a curious look."I'm not blind, honey, he is one handsome man."
Lola couldn't stop the smile that appeared on her face as she playfully swatted her father's hand when he snatched a slice of toast from her plate. He gave a far too pleased smile as he bit off a piece of the toast, chuckling as he chewed.
"His name is Klaus."
"Fine, Klaus is one handsome man. With a kid. And a handsome guy with a kid is like water to a starving man to teenage girls like you."Louis pointed playfully before he raised his voice a little, speaking in a high pitched way."You look and think 'OMG, he's so gentle with the baby, he's marriage, like, material and is gonna be gentle with our babies.'"
Lola, utterly stunned and half amused, shook her head at her father.
"Dad-"
"I know, nobody uses OMG anymore, I get it. But I know how teenage girls work, you have three aunts, remember? The bad boy is always the ones you run after."Louis then pointed at his daughter, shaking his head."And just like I told them when they were your age, the tall, enigmatic, handsome guy is too old for you."
Lola gave a small laugh, nodding in agreement, looking down at her hands, ignoring the bacon sandwiches, anything but hungry.
"Now, tell me. What happened?"
"I told you."Lola quietly replied, looking away from her father as she prepared to repeat the story she'd told him over the phone."I was there to do a job, and Hayley is-"
"You told me something and that something was a big, fat lie."Louis interrupted, clicking his tongue with a shake of his head, smiling when Lola's eyes widened."The tension was thick and the tears in your eyes, along with the rest looking like someone had just kicked the bucket, there is more to the story."
Lola looked astonished for a moment, ready to deny his claims but her father had always been the one to read her. That and she was someone who hated lies, even white lies, that was how she'd been brought up. Lola nodded with sigh, blowing more hair from her face as she pulled her legs to her chest almost defensively, resting her cheek on her knees.
"You're right."
"I am?"Louis looked startled for a moment before clearing his throat, catching himself."I-I mean, of course I am!"
Louis leaned closer to his daughter, confused as to her quick agreement."Why am I right in your eighteen-year-old version of right?"
"Because being enigmatic isn't as alluring when it turns out the guy is a liar."Lola whispered, inhaling a long breath when her vision blurred, her lower lip quivering but she attempted to force her usual bright smile anyway."And it turns out the handsome, British guy is a total liar, and you know-"
"I know you hate liars."
Louis' face fell as he reached out, fingers gently holding Lola's chin and he raised his daughter's head, eyes wide with worry when a tear slipped down her cheek. Louis shook his head, grabbing the tray from Lola's lap and setting it on her bedside table, moving closer to his daughter and taking her hand.
"Did he hurt you?"He gently asked, his playful tone turning darker as he grew more serious."Anyone else? If they did-"
"No, it was nothing like that."Lola cut in, sitting up straight and offering her father a reassuring smile."Nobody hurt me like that. Klaus or anyone else."
"Then what did he do to make you so unhappy? You're not an unhappy person."
Lola shook her head, wiping her wet cheeks."I'm fine."
"Then tell that to your face. You're cheery, smiley; you always look on the bright side."He gave a fond laugh as he gestured to the pictures on her wall, Lola smiling in every one that she was in before he turned back to her."You're my bright side."
It was true. Lola had been his guiding sun during the darkest times, most recently his divorce. She'd always been positive, never failing to find something good in something bad and always ready with a smile to give him the strength to get through the day.
She was sunlight in a dark world.
"Don't let anyone steal your brightness, all right? Without it, the world is really dark, including mine."Louis whispered to Lola, shaking his head when he once more looked at the sombre in Lola's eyes and opened his arms."Come here."
Lola didn't need to be told twice. The young woman almost lunged into her father's arms, drawing in a long breath as she tried to stop thinking of a certain Mikaelson but, as usual, it didn't work. Lola rested her head on Louis' shoulder as he hugged her, fingers curling in his shirt as if she worried he'd disappear.
"It's not fair. For me. For Hope. It actually felt like I was breaking her heart, but I couldn't stay. She was so upset but-"Lola closed her eyes for a moment, attempting to hold back more tears that threatened to come."I couldn't and-"
"You didn't break her heart. A pity party is not what we do in this family.."
She didn't reply, but she did nod, a small smile on her lips as she thought of Hope. The toddler was a bundle of joy, a little troublemaker that loved everything around her.
"I adore that child, I do. I love her, I loved being around her, and I loved when-"Lola's smile quickly faded, and she shook her head, refusing to think about the times she and Klaus would both worry and encourage Hope when she had started to walk."I just miss her."
Louis shook his head when her voice became shaky and he, like Lola would usually do, attempted to remain positive."You'll see her, right?"
"I made a promise, and i'll keep it. I told her we'd go to the swings, Hayley said it was fine, but it won't be the same."Lola quietly replied, uneasily toying with her sheets and using all her willpower not to let her tears fall."I'm not family and t-that's fine. I was there to do a job and, of course, I was fond of Hope. How could I have done a job like that if I wasn't fond of her? But I got attached to her, to others and I thought it was the same, but if i'm here and not there, it's not."
"It's fine. I'm fine."Lola gently smiled at her father when he hugged her tighter, and she turned her head, burying her face into his shoulder, shutting her eyes, voice a little muffled."I need to learn that things, feelings, and people don't always stay, right?"
"You'll always have me."Louis smiled down at his daughter, kissing her forehead lovingly before he tightened his arms around her."You know that, don't you?"
"I know."Lola nodded, head resting on her father's shoulder and she sniffed, wiping at her cheeks again before whispering."And you'll always have me."
Louis feigned an insulted look, scoffing."Don't threaten me."
For the first time in what seemed like forever, Lola gave a genuine smile, her eyes shining with a hint of vibrancy and her dimples showing. Her father smiled back at her, nodding to his daughter in encouragement, hugging her once more.
"It's just one smile at a time."
"So no one told you life was gonna be this way..."
The human stopped long enough to clap a few times before she carried on."Your job's a joke; you're broke, your love life's D.O.A—ha, tell me about it."
Lola hummed along to the theme tune as she slumped back down onto the sofa, setting down the re-filled bowl of popcorn, instantly scooping up a handful. She ignored the fact she'd already went through a full bowl of popcorn all by herself while watching the first two seasons of the sitcom and, instead, let herself enjoy it. She could worry about everything she'd eaten the next day when her father went to find his secret—not so secret—stash of popcorn only to find nothing.
Lola tutted with a shake of her head."You'd think he'd find another hiding place."
The human grabbed the remote as she leaned back against the sofa, attention now on the show just as a Rachel entered Ross' apartment.
"So what do you say?"Rachel smiled at Ross with a hopeful look, a large smile on her face, clearly oblivious to the woman behind the door."Can I be your girlfriend again?"
"Oh, poor Rachel."
Lola sighed as the estranged couple hugged all while the woman behind the door watched, offering him a thumbs up. She shifted to get more comfortable, tossing up some popcorn and catching it in her mouth as she shook her head at the TV.
"You realize how you were wrong, try to make up only to find out good ol' Ross was lying to you."Lola mumbled, pushing a cushion to the end of the sofa and lying across it, making sure to take the bowl with her."That'll show you for putting yourself out there, huh?"
Lola almost instantly swatted her own hand, puling the bowl toward her, tutting to herself.
"No way!"Lola swiped up another handful of popcorn, shaking her head, scolding herself."There will be no pity parties up in here. No way in-"
"YAY!"
Lola shot up so fast that her popcorn tumbled off her lap and scattered out onto the couch, making her face fall. She looked utterly devastated for a moment before remembering the reason for the unexpected reaction. She remained seated for a moment before she suddenly thought of something or someone jumping up behind the sofa and got up from her comfortable position.
"What the hell was that?"
Lola backed away from the sofa, quickly rounding the coffee table and sighing a breath of relief when she saw nobody or nothing. She scolded herself once more when the only sound she could hear was the TV and blamed it on her imagination.
Until a happy laugh came from the apartment balcony.
Lola spun around so fast she almost tripped over her own feet, face going pale at the sound. She let out a nervous mewl, taking an uneasy step towards the balcony doors despite the astute voice in her head telling her to either jump out the window or run for the exit.
Why are you going toward the noise? Cliche much?
"Yeah, well i'm not gonna run through the entire apartment building."She mumbled to herself, tossing more popcorn into her mouth as she ventured over to the balcony doors."Too many stairs."
Lola slowed down as she heard more mumbling, it more high pitched and bubbly which made her less hesitant. The human nervously nibbled on her bottom lip as she reached out and took hold of the door handles. She listened out for more sounds which didn't happen for a long moment until she heard another string of mumbles. The mumbles sounded anything but threatening and, because of this, Lola became more curious.
Lola leaned up against the door, holding tighter onto the door handles and tried to hear more sounds.
"Hello?"
It was silent for a moment before a gentle, sweet voice answered, followed by a giggle."Hi!"
Lola frowned, she knew that voice and, because of that, the human opened up the double doors. A gush of wind hit her, causing Lola to blow black strands from her face. She turned her head left and right, narrowing her eyes in confusion when she didn't see anyone or anything.
Until she looked down.
"Hope?"
On one of the chairs on the balcony sat a smiling Hope who, as usual, had Wolfy in her arms. Her face lit up when she saw Lola and, after a little bit of a struggle, she got down from the chair and toddled over to the human. Unlike Lola, she didn't look afraid or hesitant. Instead, Hope seemed quite at ease as she toyed with her plush, clicking her tongue as she mumbled nonsense to Wolfy.
Lola's eyes widened in shock and quickly stepped out, worry in her eyes. She looked around and, despite not seeing anything or anyone, she ushered Hope inside of her apartment.
"What the-"Lola only grew more confused as she tried to make sense of what was happening."Uh, Hope? What's going on?"
The toddler's mouth curved up into a cheeky yet adorable smile and she quickly rushed over to the human, arms stretched out."Lolly!"
Lola's arms unconsciously opened and she suddenly forgot about her confusion as she bent down and caught Hope when the child jumped up. Hope laughed as Lola spun them around, the human letting out a breathy laugh before she fondly kissed Hope's forehead. She hugged the toddler back, closing her eyes for a long moment as the tribrid's small arms wrapped around her neck.
"Missed you."
Lola's lips curved up into a smile, eyes glassy as Hope hugged her tighter, mumbling to herself as she looked around.
"Oh, I missed you more."Lola smiled again as she swayed back and forth with the child, bouncing on her heels, earning an expected laugh from the toddler."Yes, I did. I've been bored without my best friend."
Hope's laughter grew louder as Lola continued to bounce on her heels, the melody-like sound making Lola's smile only broaden. The tribrid squealed happily, eyes wide with wonder as she looked around before she hugged Lola again, small hands keeping a tight grip on her top.
"How did you get here?"Lola asked, pulling back to look at the tribrid who was now toying with her black hair."Did your momma bring you?"
Hope quietly giggled, blue eyes vibrant as she played with Lola's hair. The human gave a small smile, looking around for the hybrid mother before she looked back at Hope.
"Hope..."Lola arched a curious eyebrow, whispering."Can you teleport?"
"Where did you get that from? Bewitched? Wikipedia? It's almost insulting."Lola gave a gasp, turning around to see Klaus leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed her his chest, and he smiled before wiggling his fingers in greeting."You might as well ask if she has a broom."
Lola's eyes widened, heart, thumping against her ribcage as her mind processed the sudden appearance. As she continued to stare, still startled, her entire being seemed to forget to inhale.
The Original straightened, smile fading as Lola continued to stare."Breathe, love; you'll faint."
Lola did just that, and she held her free hand over her chest, her heart still hammering away far too fast."You startled me so bad I forgot how to breathe."
Klaus quirked an eyebrow, proudly holding out his arms with a chuckle."If I had a nickel for every time a woman's done just that at the mere sight of me..."
The Original took a step forward, about to enter Lola's home only to bump against the invisible barrier. He looked almost shocked at first, raising a hand and touching it before he realized that he hadn't been invited in. Lola watched with a puzzled look while Klaus grew more upset.
The Original let out an angry growl, pacing back and forth, watching Hope and Lola stand behind the barrier.
"I suppose you're pleased that you, your father and I had our meeting at mine, yes?"Klaus asked, gaze skimming over the doorframe with a shake of his head before he looked to Lola."That way you're keeping the monsters under your bed at bay?"
Lola's eye almost twitched at the obvious upset in Klaus' voice as well as the guilt fluttering in her stomach. Each time he shook his head, or his jaw clenched it felt like dozen pangs in her heart.
"So that's true?"Lola said after swallowing, gesturing to the doorframe."You can't come in?"
"That legend is true."Klaus reluctantly answered, glaring at the invisible barrier with almost disgust."A vampire can't come into a human's home without an invitation and, one invited, they are free to come and go as they please."
The Original shook his head with a long breath, coming to a stop, hands behind his back.
He studied the human and his daughter for a long before he nodded to the invisible barrier almost expectantly.
"Well, go on."
Lola narrowed her eyes in confusion."Huh?"
"Invite me in."Klaus replied, gesturing to Lola with a laugh, tone implying he considered himself entitled to the request."It's only fair. I know that Hayley's been invited in and she isn't near as close as you and I. So you should invite me in because-"
"Because why? Because of the adorable creature you know I adore?"
"I much preferred when you thought I was handsome but i'll take it."Klaus replied, offering Lola his famous crooked smirk before he nodded to the toddler in her arms."I wasn't sure what you'd make of my visit, so I admit that, yes, I did remain out of sight until you left the door open. My little princess is insurance just in case you thought about slamming the door in my face."
"You knew I wouldn't do that in front of her. I wouldn't do that anyway; i'm not that rude. I'd hide."Lola sighed, glancing at Hope who was smiling adoringly at her father before she quietly added."I need time. Can't you just-"
"I find that the longer one is alone with their thoughts, the more they tend to distance themselves from others, and it can be very lonely."
"Are you talking about yourself or me?"Lola asked, the words making Klaus' fade and his eyes darken which answered her question."Look, I just need space."
"You should count yourself lucky, love."Klaus quickly said, disregarding her words, hands behind his back, gaze flickering between Lola and Hope with a half smile."If this had taken place only a few years ago, I would've probably reacted very differently."
"Oh, I know."Lola replied with a nod, drawing out a long breath as she tapped her temple."Seen it, actually."
"Ah, yes, the nightmares Jackson plagued your head with."Klaus muttered under her breath, eyes darkening with resentment at the mention of the wolf before he chuckled."Then you should know me well enough to know that i'm not a patient person."
Klaus then nodded to the inside with a ghost of a smile."Which is why we must have a little chat."
Lola turned her head, looking down at Hope who was staring back at her. The tribrid glanced over at her father then back at Lola before she smiled. Lola toyed with her bottom lip between her teeth, an obvious sign that she was hesitant and the Original straightened, fingers drumming impatiently against the doorframe.
"While there are still things you aren't aware of about me, you do know me well enough to know that I wouldn't hurt you."Klaus said as he pressed a hand against the barrier, the low sound of his hand hitting it making Lola jump."Can we talk without this bloody barrier?"
"Lolly, let daddy in."Hope tugged gently on Lola's black hair, demanding attention as she squirmed in the human's embrace."Don't make daddy sad; he's always sad now."
Lola's face fell, and she inhaled a long breath as the guilt returned at the upset in Hope's voice. The human swallowed the emotion, rubbing Hope's back in comfort when the toddler let out an unhappy whine, visibly upset that her father was left outside while she and Lola were inside.
Klaus looked troubled too at his daughter's apparent upset, and he seemed ready to enter uninvited despite the absolute bloody mess it would turn him into.
The Original watched Lola for a long while, a little agitated when she didn't look back, and called for her.
"Let me in."Klaus quietly demanded, gripping bitterly at the wood of the doorframe, looking down at the ground as he added."Please."
At the beseeching tone, Lola's walls couldn't help crumble at her feet.
The young woman nodded, finding her voice long enough to say."You can come in."
The Original seemed startled for a moment, but he quickly recovered. Klaus glanced between Lola and the inside of the apartment, looking paranoid as well as a little relieved. He nodded to himself, looking down at his feet before he slowly stepped forward, crossing the threshold and when he entered the mansion for the first time a smile curved up at his mouth.
Klaus glanced back over his shoulder at the balcony before he turned back to Lola, quietly saying."Thank you."
The human nodded, eyeing the Original as he further entered the apartment, taking his time in observing the new environment.
"Where's your father?"The Original asked as he looked around, gaze lingering on family pictures now and then."Should I be expecting him to be chasing me with a wooden torch sometime soon?"
"My father is terrified of lighting a match, so I think you have nothing to worry about."Lola smiled at the thought of her father glaring at someone without apologizing before adding."He's doing whatever dads do when they get together. Drink, play darts, complain about their rebellious teenagers and talk about the fun it was before the internet, I guess. He does it every weekend."
Lola then playfully tickled Hope's side, adding."Your dad will be doing the same in a few years with you, little Hope."
"Scaredy cat, Lolly."Hope giggled, tapping Lola's cheek with a cheeky smile."I scared you."
The toddler's giggles got louder when Lola stuck out her tongue, and she smiled bright, holding up Wolfy as some sort of shield when Lola wiggled her fingers in a playful threat to tickle her again. She felt less uneasy as she kept her attention on Hope, the tension was no longer a worry for her, but she knew she couldn't put it off forever.
Lola looked up when she heard Klaus moving again and watched him out of the corner of her eye as he, without shame, happily made himself at home. The Original made his way through the lounge part of the apartment, lingering as he came across the pictures adorning the walls. Most were of Lola, her father, and extended family. There were only a couple that had her mom in them, one of the day Lola was born and another at the family gathering.
She watched as he picked up a picture of Lola and her father on her first day of kindergarten. Lola was, as usual, smiling in the photo, perched on her father's shoulders in front of the building and her father was also smiling.
She wondered if Klaus had ever gone to kindergarten. Was it a 'thing' back in his day? Did he have a photo day?
She suddenly felt the uneasiness return as she thought of questions.
"Ask away."
"Huh?"Lola's head snapped up, eyes wide and expression of that a child caught red-handed doing something wrong would and she repeated."Huh?"
"You've got questions."The Original, after placing down the photo frame spun around on his heels with a flourish, continuing."And I know the one that's been at the forefront in that divine mind of yours."
The Original smiled as Hope, eyes having caught her father's many necklaces around his neck which he wore in an almost propensity manner, reached out for her father. A happy giggle fell from her mouth which made Lola smile and the human handed the hybrid his daughter, smile widening when the tribrid instantly claimed her father's necklaces in her grasp.
Hope played with them happily, smiling over at Lola now and then as the human spoke."You do?"
"Of course. But I am going to say this once and once only."Klaus held out a hand, finger wagging at the human as he firmly stated."We do not bloody sparkle."
"Joking, great."Lola nodded, blowing hair from her face as she felt herself starting to get uneasy."That'll get us somewhere."
"You're right, love, I apologize."The Original said when Hope poked her father's cheek almost warningly before she returned to toying with his necklaces."I'm still working on personal progress."
Lola took a step back when the Original laughed, and she crossed her arms over her chest."How old are you?"
"I was born in 980 A.D."Klaus quietly replied, unable to stop a small smile when Lola's lips parted, and her eyes widened as she gaped at him."I've been around for over a thousand years, as has my family."
"Oh, great."Lola gave a far to cheery laugh, blowing her black locks from her face again, turning from the Original."Not only was I crushing on an older guy with an adorable child, but I was also crushing on a guy who's older than dirt. What does that say about me?"
The Original tilted his head, a smirk forming as he gave a far too smug laugh.
"I don't know if I should be flattered or insulted-"
Lola shook her head, raising a hand before he could continue."Stop that."
Klaus' brow furrowed, feeling both confused and playful as he observed her carefully."Stop what, sweetheart?"
"I can hear you smirking."Lola replied, still facing away from the Original and she shook her head, hands on her hips."And the charming, British pet name aren't helping either."
Klaus' smile remained, but he bit back another laugh when Hope once again, as if sensing her father's brashness, pulled on his necklaces. Lola turned around a moment later, fingers uneasily toying with her fingers as she thought about the question that had been on her mind for a while.
"Have you, uh, have you ever been human?"
"Every bogeyman was once human."The Original drawled, offering his most charming smile only for it to fade when Lola raised an eyebrow."Yes, I was human long ago, my entire family was human."
"I have another sister, a younger sister. Her name is Rebekah. She's off on family business."Klaus replied, eyes warm and fond as he spoke of the younger Original before his face fell as he added."I also had two younger brothers. Kol and Henrik."
Lola gave a puzzled look, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt."Had?"
"Kol died not long ago."The Original said, giving a thoughtful smile at the thought of his fallen brothers."I watched him die. Twice."
The human's expression softened when she heard the palpable sorrow in Klaus' voice and saw the pain in his eyes as he spoke of each brother.
"I'm sorry."
"My brother won't be gone long; he wasn't the first time. My family has a habit of cheating death, and if anyone could talk their way out of hell, it would be Kol."Klaus spoke with complete conviction as he nodded along, it obvious he believed what he was saying."I believe he'll prevail in the face of whatever is keeping him from us and will be irritating me once again."
"What about Henrik? Has he been gone long?"
"A thousand years. Henrik died when we were all human at the hands of a wolf, all because I wanted to watch them turn. We snuck out one night, and things quickly spiralled when one of the wolves sensed my brother. They mauled him to death."
"You loved them."
"Of course I did. I do. They are my family."The Original firmly nodded, giving Lola an almost hurt look."Do you regard me as heartless now you know what I am?"
Lola shook her head firmly, crossing her arms over her chest almost defensively again. She looked away from the Original, knowing full well that he was attempting to bait her.
"You know that I don't."
Klaus narrowed his eyes as he observed the human, clearly not liking how defensive she was being.
"Yes, well, we all loved Henrik. His death affected us so strongly that we vowed never to speak his name again in each-other's presence. It is too painful."
Klaus' eyes glazed over as he thought back to the day he carried his brother's dead body back to the village and he remained still until his daughter gave a squeal. He blinked, shaking his head when he noticed that both Hope and Lola were watching him and he straightened.
"His death was what sent my mother over the edge and her desperation to keep us all alive ended with us becoming what we are."The Original gave an almost pensive look as he thought of the handful of genuine pleasant times he'd had as a human."It was supposed to bring us closer together."
"Until I made my first kill which activated my werewolf curse and I turned into a hybrid."Klaus huffed out a bitter laugh, and he shook his head, the resentment he held towards his parents showing once more."The revelation proved too much for both my mother and father because my mother placed a curse on me which forced my werewolf side to remain dormant, and then rejected and abandoned me. A bothersome little thing i've since solved."
"Why did your, uh, wolf side activate and not your siblings'?"Lola quietly asked, looking completely startled at her question before she muttered."Guess i'm actually believing that imaginary creatures exist."
Klaus cocked his head, mouth curving up into a small smile as Lola gave a bemused laugh. The Original watched the human as she nodded to herself, as if believing the what should be unbelievable. His smile soon fell as he remembered her question, his fingers tapping restlessly against the table he was leaning against.
"Because, love, i'm a bastard."
Lola frowned, eyes narrowing, ignoring the pet-names."Huh?"
"My father—well, my stepfather if we're being specific—was an abusive brute who valued only strength. His hatred for me only grew more robust when he found out I wasn't his. My mother had a dalliance with a wolf, a creature my father utterly abhorred, and I was the result of that. Her greatest, shameful secret."
Lola chewed on her lip with a nod, processing and understanding the obvious resentment she heard in his voice. She couldn't blame him, despite his supernatural existence. There wasn't a creature on Earth that didn't hold resentment when a parent abandoned them. Klaus had obvious not gotten over his mother's abandonment and his father's hatred of him. His fear of abandonment had spanned a long time given the fact he still had a need to control others around him.
Lola's arms fell to her sides, her defensive wall crumbling at his pained eyes."Klaus, i-"
"I suppose I should thank her, really."The Original hybrid cut in, forcing a smug smile, stopping Lola in her tracks."I am the most powerful creature on the planet."
As the hybrid forced his smile to remain, he felt a tug on his hand, and he looked down to see Hope shaking her head with a vibrant smile.
Hope grinned up at her father, pulling at his hand."Silly Daddy."
"Forgive me, love,"Klaus chuckled with a doting smile, the smile growing when the child patted his cheek."I suppose I share that title with my littlest wolf."
Lola remained silent while she watched Hope and Klaus smiled at one another, the toddler giggling happily when her father pecked her forehead. The Original's eyes shut momentarily as Hope snuggled against her father, cuddling Wolfy to her chest, his temple resting against his daughter's forehead.
Klaus looked utterly content; he looked almost human.
There was no trace of anything monster-like as he gazed at his daughter, just pure adoration. Lola felt almost confused as she attempted to put Klaus' diabolical actions and his tenderness for his daughter side by side. Despite having been shown things Klaus had done, Lola was unable to imagine the Klaus she was seeing being capable of creating such bloodshed.
It was downright frustrating.
As if reading her mind, the Original's eyes snapped open, and he turned his head, brow furrowing almost anxiously.
Klaus' tone was just above a whisper as he asked."What did he show you?"
Refusing to meet Klaus' gaze and, instead, smiling gently at Hope, Lola quietly answered."Blood, death, pain, the whole nine yards."
"He showed me things only a monster would do."Lola mumbled, swallowing thickly as a memory of bloodshed kept her focus for a moment before she finally looked at Klaus, but refused to meet his gaze."And then I realized the 'monster' was you."
The Originals rapidly blinked, shifting from foot to foot as he processed her words. He looked a little relieved that there was no anger in her voice but extremely defensive for some reason. He finally nodded to himself, jaw clenching as the sudden need to find Jackson and rip him limb from limb surfaced and he welcomed that anger because feeling disheartened wasn't something he was accustomed to.
"He was right; I am a monster. I have ten centuries of blood on my hands, I have slaughtered and tormented my way throughout a thousand years, and I will continue to do."Klaus stated without any shame, refusing to feign remorse if he didn't feel it."I am all that he showed you and more."
"But what you must realize is that my actions aren't solely because of my homicidal tendencies."Klaus gave an almost childish laugh as he rolled his eyes."They are about seventy percent of the time."
He looked to Hope who was watching Lola and Klaus in an almost observant manner; Wolfy clutched to her chest and her eyes wide with curiosity.
"What I did to the Crescent pack, which included Hayley, was what they were going to do to me. I invited Hayley into my home, I fought with her, I wanted to raise Hope with her and she betrayed me. My family turned against me, and was willing to let her take Hope. So, yes, I returned the favour tenfold, and I would do it again."
"I do what I must to protect my family, especially my daughter. I would do anything for her, including give my own life for her."His last few words came off as a whisper, as if saying them were unfamiliar to him and they were because Klaus was still stunned by how much he utterly adored his daughter."Everything I do is in the name to protect her and, yes, I am ruthless, but I am not going to apologize for it."
Lola's eyes widened, looking taken aback for a moment before she shook her head.
"I'm not asking you to. I know you would never be anything other than loving with her."Lola replied with sheer certainty, lips curving up into a small smile when Hope's hand reached out."Your love for her is what proves that you're not the monster Jackson tried to make you out to be."
Lola's smile broadened as Hope made a grabby hand movement to catch her attention. Lola took a step closer, happily taking Hope's hand in her own. She tickled Hope's palm with her fingertips which made the toddler giggle in amusement.
She didn't flinch or retract her hand when Hope's eyes flashed amber, the toddler's grip on Lola's hand tightening a little as she attempted to pull the human closer.
Hope happily laughed, eyes flashing amber once more as her wolf recognized the nurturing surrounding it as Lola came nearer."My Lolly."
Nodding, Lola's eyes glistened with tenderness as Hope tightly held on to her hand, her blue eyes vibrant. Lola tilted her head, smile only growing when Hope grinned up at Lola, hugging the human's hand, resting her cheek on the top of the hand. Klaus watched the moment with a warm smile, his blue orbs holding an affection that was foreign to him.
It was a warm feeling in his chest that seemed only to grow when Lola gave a blissful laugh the more Hope smiled at her.
"Kitty!"Hope suddenly wriggled in her father's arms, squealing happily as pointed to a ginger tabby cat that had entered the room."Kitty, Daddy!"
"That's, uh, that's Willow."Lola said with an almost sheepish look, smiling softly as the cat jumped up onto an armchair."I named her after my favorite character from Buffy."
The Original raised an eyebrow, a series of questions coming to mind as he stared at Lola. Buffy, he mouthed to himself. He huffed out a laugh, a small smile growing when Lola pursed her lips. Hope became more excited in his arms as the cat purred once again, patting Klaus' forearm to gain his attention.
"I wanna play with the kitty."Hope gave her father a bright smile, batting her eyelashes and pouting far too expertly."Can I?"
The Original studied his daughter once more, narrowing his eyes once more. He knew that look. A certain blonde Original had been using that look on him since they were children and, just like he did with her, he found himself unable to resist.
"How could I resist the pout your aunt 'Bekah has obviously taught you?"Klaus drawled, shaking his head to himself as he made a mental note to scold his sister."All right, then, if you must but be gentle with your approach, love, you don't want to startle it, do you?"
Hope shook her head, listening carefully, clearly wanting to do anything but frighten the creature.
"I won't scare the kitty."Hope solemnly stated, turning to Lola with a serious look, determined to never break her word."Promise."
"I know you won't."Lola brushed Hope's cheek with a grin, pointing as she spoke."Her toys are in the corner; she loves to play."
Hope laughed happily to herself as she was set onto the ground. The tribrid didn't waste any time and rushed off as fast as she could, taking full advantage of her newfound ability to walk. She happily laughed to herself before slowing down, hushing herself as she crept toward the cat with large steps, determined not to make any noise.
Lola and Klaus watched the tribrid as she approached the cat with a large smile, giggling loudly when the cat happily purred when the toddler stroked its fur gently.
"Daddy!"Hope stage whispered, eyes shining brightly when she looked to her father."Did you see? Did you see? She purred! Willow likes me."
"I see you, love."
The Original beamed over at his daughter, nodding proudly when she giggled once more after Willow nuzzled into her embrace. He nodded in encouragement, a laugh following when Hope gave a happy gasp as Willow purred once more.
Klaus' attention shifted back to Lola who was still staring at Hope, a gentle smile on her face.
"She missed you."The Original hybrid whispered, taking a step forward, eyes flickering over her face as if he were searching for something then he looked away, inhaling a long breath before he swallowed, looking at her once more, seeming almost sanguine as he added."And she wasn't the only one."
A series of emotions played out on Lola's face.
Cautiousness, which he felt offended by but understood. Ambivalence was next but, when she side glanced Klaus after Hope smiled over at him, it slowly faded. Then tenderness appeared, a smile curving, which he remembered glimmering in her eyes when she calmed him down.
Empathy followed, reminding him that the girl in front of him was human and, for once, he was grateful. Grateful because she still had those emotions, most of which he no longer carried with him.
"Don't break my heart, love, and let me believe your little pet has won your heart as she has Hope."Klaus playfully drawled, nodding over to where Hope had Willow in her embrace, looking utterly besotted with the cat."Hmmm?"
The light-hearted comment momentarily put a pause on their situation and, finally, the affection appeared, and his heart raced up a bit. Her lips curved up into a smile, showing the warmth he had become fond of. The bright smile, which was followed by a breathy laugh, seemingly lit up the room as it usually did.
Klaus' own eyes become more vibrant as Lola shook her head at him, smile only growing as she laughed at him.
"There she is."
She continued to smile but, it wasn't good enough.
The Original gave a small smile, cocking his head to catch her eyes for confirmation. Her eyes told him everything; he could never find a trace of deception in them. He needed to witness the adoration she usually gazed at him with.
Klaus raised his hand to touch her face, only for Lola to shut her eyes for brief moment before she turned her head. Klaus frowned as he finally realised that Lola hadn't met his gaze, just Hope's. She had looked at him, around him or, as it seemed, through him. But she hadn't met his eyes, something she used to do without hesitance.
He'd met her eyes without trepidation; they were vibrant, humane. But, unlike Klaus, Lola would always look away, as if she feared something.
"Love..."The Original let out a long, frustrated breath, tone growing demanding when her smile fell."Why do you refuse to meet my gaze?"
Lola shook her head as Klaus moved forward, taking two large steps back. Her heart thumped against her ribcage as Klaus let out an unhappy growl. She felt a sharp, pang of guilt at his obvious upset but that was soon overruled by the twinge of paranoia she felt.
"Lola?"Klaus gave a warning growl, reaching out and grabbing Lola's elbows, yanking her up against him, sternly asking."Why are you too frightened to properly look at me?"
"D-Did you ever use that hypnotic thingy on me?"Lola quietly asked, pointing to her own eyes then Klaus' with a puzzled look."Ever?"
"Excuse me?"
"You know, the mind control thing you hybrids, vampires whatever else do to, you know, control people?"
As soon as she did it, Lola felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She couldn't imagine the Klaus she knew infiltrating her mind but, with what Jackson had shown her, the lines soon became blurred. The Original looked tempted to shake her but resisted as he heard Hope laughing.
"You believe I would-bloody hell."
Feeling completely indignant, the Original resisted the urge to punch a hole in the wall. He reminded himself that her words weren't an accusation, they were a simply a question.
"I didn't compel you."Klaus shook his head, emphasising his words with a hard tone, needing Lola to believe that he'd never insinuated himself into her mind."I didn't need to compel you. You're perfect."
Lola only seemed more confused."Huh?"
"Hope picked you. Her wolf picked you."The Original firmly said, a hint of pride in his tone as he glanced over at his daughter, watching her for a moment before he turned back to Lola only to see her looking at his daughter."Of course, Hayley would and always will be Hope's true mother. But she needed a maternal presence; she needed you. Someone who would read to her, colour with her, hug her and simply love her. A mother. Unconditional love."
Hope had made sure she'd had what Klaus never did.
A mother-like and nurturing presence.
"Hope picked you because her wolf loved you at first sight and as did you."Klaus carried on with a knowing tone, watching as Lola shifted turned back to him. "It was instant love, something only a motherly figure could do. You're perfect for her."
"You're perfect for the both of us. My family utterly despised my actions; they refused to understand the reasons behind those actions. You did. I had nobody at my side until you come along. You didn't see a bastard, I was a blank canvas to which you projected what benevolence you inspire. I suppose I have become quite selfish to maintain the platform you have placed me on."
The Original, as if unable to watch her expression as he spoke, looked away, eyes on his daughter.
"Your tranquillity, it grounded me."
"When one becomes a vampire, our emotions are heightened. As a hybrid mine was tenfold. My anger, that of a Mikaelson and a wolf, became rage. Pain became agony and hatred tied in with pain. Happiness, however fleeting could feel exhilarating and love..."
Klaus gave an almost exasperated laugh, shaking his head as he thought of the handful of moments he'd allowed sentiment to seep through of the crevices over his heart. He despised the feeling almost as much he revelled in receiving love. He did not like showing what he felt; he much preferred to maintain the power, even if he returned the feeling of love.
He could not give up control, and that had always been a weakness and his biggest strength.
"Well, love became a consuming obsession, and it is our greatest weakness. A weakness that I have spent centuries disregarding in all aspects of life."
The Original gazed at Lola in an overindulgent manner as she inhaled in a long breath when he brushed her black hair from her face, fingertips brushing her forehead as he did.
"But, while I have attempted to distance myself from them, it is known that emotions intensify with age."Klaus' tone sounded similar to a purr before he cupped her cheek."They become harder to escape and, once you are in its clutches, you find it almost impossible to break free."
Lola blinked, a mix between confused and fascinated as she let herself meet his eyes. Klaus seemed somewhat pleased at this and smiled at her.
"And I suspect when Jackson impinged your mind and showed you all of my dastardly deeds, he expected you to lose whatever feelings you have for me."The Original fondly murmured, tilting his head with a small smile as Lola drew in a sharp breath when his thumb traced the outline of her bottom lip."But, thankfully, that hasn't happened, I can see it when you look at me, I see everything when you look at me."
Lola's eyes glazed over and she swallowed thickly, suddenly growing defensive, attempting to take a step back. He didn't let her go that easily and followed her, stepping forward every time she attempted to put some distance between them.
"That was very charming and all. Really."Lola's hands flailed around, a hint of a blush on her cheeks as she attempted to keep the shakiness out of her voice."But, I just can't-"
"Are you going to lie to me and tell me you don't feel the same?"The hybrid cut in with a shake of his head, gaze falling to her lips for a moment before he caught her gaze."I thought you loathed liars..."
"There's a difference between lying and being in denial to protect yourself."The young woman hugged herself, suddenly feeling bare and shook her head firmly, refusing to take the bait he was dangling in front of her face and remained composed."And i'm in total denial. I'm so in denial that i've taken up residence."
He wasn't quick to retort. Instead, he simply stared at her as if he expected her to take her words back. When she didn't, he shook his head once more and slowly took a step forward so that she wouldn't feel crowded. But, without offering her a warning, his hands came up and framed her face, gently tilting her head up so that she had no choice but to look at him.
"Denial or not, love, I meant what I said."The Original smiled to himself when Lola leaned into his touch despite attempting to withstand impulse to turn away."I...I miss you."
Heartbeat racing against her ribcage, Lola glanced out of the corner of her eye as Klaus, somewhat tenderly, combed his fingers through her black hair, humming to himself as he paused every few moments to toy with her locks.
"And I know the feeling is mutual."The Original sounded almost confused as he spoke truthfully about his emotions before his small smile returned as Lola kept his gaze."I see it in your eyes. Just say it."
Lola nervously nibbled on her lower lip, unsure of how to react and, because of that, he grew impatient.
"Lola-"
"I wouldn't be comfort eating if I didn't miss you. So, yes, I missed you."Lola exasperatedly stated, her voice rising in pitch and she shrugged, hugging herself again."But i'm also doing that because you really hurt me. Can you also see that i'm at a total loss?"
"I know. I've heard that before. I'm a complicated case."The Original nodded, gaze skimming her face once more before he offered his most roughish smirk."You are one of many who are unable to resist my charm."
It took everything to not give into her smile and Lola felt the butterflies in her stomach again.
"It's not you; it's your accent."
He quirked an eyebrow, thumb brushing her jawline as he twirled a lock of her hair around his index finger, the strands tickling her cheek now and then.
"Sweetheart, now I know you're lying to me."
As he indulged in toying with her hair, Lola did her best to keep hold onto the last shred of willpower she had left because she felt the urge to luxuriate in the touch as she used to. She remembered the moments where she would wake up during the night, however fleeting those moments were, and feel relaxed with his fingers in her hair.
"I understand that I am a scoundrel for hurting you and I promise that I am repenting."Klaus suddenly after noticing her slight hesitance, shook his head firmly."But don't break my heart and keep me at arm's length."
She was unable to refuse, she didn't want to, as Klaus' hands gently took hers and he unlinked her arms that had been folded in a defensive manner. The human watched him carefully, unsure of what he was about to do but remained silent, curiosity getting the better of her. Tingles soared up and down her arms when his fingers brushed her palms before he held her hands between his own.
He then brought her hands to his mouth and kissed each palm, smiling once more when she gasped at the touch.
"L-o-la..."Her teeth grazed her lower lip, and she peered up at the Original, blinking rapidly as his lips brushed her palms, her heart beat once again pounding against her ribcage."It can go back to how it was. Come here."
Lola drew in a long breath when Klaus pulled on her hands and, before she could realise what was happening, strong arms wrapped around her and she was pulled against him. Her eyes widened, the human startled as he embraced her.
But, unlike the happy reaction she'd given many times before, Lola froze.
She felt hesitant; she couldn't help it.
But, as Lola fretted on how to act, she looked to Hope who was still happily playing with Willow. The toddler was smiling to herself, cat toys scattered around her but she was far too busy stroking the cat's fur.
Gently, as not to startle the cat. Just like her father had told her to, just like how Klaus was holding her now.
He had no intention to harm her.
But, the longer Lola took to respond, she could tell that the Original was the one feeling hurt. The guilt set in and, as she stared at Hope, the toddler's earlier words repeated in her mind.
"Don't make daddy sad; he's always sad now."
Instead of him hurting her, she was now hurting him. He'd answered every question, told her his story, confided dark moments of his past, listened to her and constantly proclaimed he had no intent to harm her and she was the one hurting him.
The constant need to console and make him feel reassured emerged and Lola reacted before her mind could follow. She, as she'd done many times before with Klaus, hugged him back. Her arms wound around his neck, and she arched up into the Original, no longer feeling hesitance.
And she waited.
She waited for one of the flashes to appear, the blood, but it didn't. She didn't feel the fear she had whenever she would witness the flashes. Instead of that the familiar feeling of fluttering in her stomach, the blush on her cheeks and the giddiness returned just like they used to whenever she was embraced by the Original.
She felt secure.
Lola's eyelashes fluttered, and she unconsciously curled her fingers around Klaus' jacket lapel when his cheek touched hers. She inhaled a sharp breath when his nose brushed the underside of her jaw, mouth skimming her throat but she didn't feel fearful of him despite her newfound knowledge of what he was.
Instead, Lola let her eyes close, and she hugged him tighter as if silently telling him that she wasn't scared.
Noticing this, Lola felt Klaus' fingers tangle in her hair again, arm tightening around her as if to ensure she wasn't going to run away.
"Thank you."
And, as she melted into the hug, she swore she felt him smile against her skin.
Thank you for reading!
I hope you liked it, I spent a long time putting it together, re-writing some parts and I hope did a justice.
If you enjoyed this chapter and you would like to see more of this story, please leave a review.