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Good morning or afternoon, my birthday girl.
I'm sorry to write this down but I couldn't bear telling you.
I have to check in for longer than I expected today,
but I'll be home as soon as can.
In the meantime, enjoy your birthday breakfast,
and have the best day you can.
I love you.
― Dad.
Smiling adoringly around the bacon trapped between her teeth, Lola peeled the Post-it off of the rim of the plate, pressed a kiss over her father's handwriting, and stuck it to the fridge.
It's not a day to be sad. Lola looped the reminder over in her mind, willing herself to keep smiling. You're an adult.
"Knock, knock―"The rapping and chanting sharply came to a stop, and was closely followed by a whine."Oh, momma!"
Lola's inquisitive frown immediately curled up into a smile at the familiar voice. Her smile tugged up into a grin as she circled the kitchen counter and started for the balcony doors.
"Sweetie, you don't need to say the word, 'kay?"
"I know, momma!"Hope huffed out impatiently before she recommenced with announcing their arrival."Knock, knock, knock, knock!"
Lola tip-toed up to the door so that Hope's sensitive ears couldn't pick up on the steps. Quietly tip-toeing her way closer, she clasped the door handles before dramatically swinging them with a squeal.
"Boo!"
Hope startled from where she stood, eyes growing wide and mouth dropping open. Giggles bubbled from her smiling mouth and she shuffled up close to her mother, pressing in close to her and tugging on her hand.
"Momma!"Hope peered up at her mother with glee."Momma, look! Lolly got me."
"Did she?"Hayley asked with a hidden amused smile, pinching Hope's cheek."You're extra lively today. Are you sure Auntie Freya didn't sneak you another cupcake?"
As Hope spluttered out justifications in defense of her aunt Hayley turned to greet Lola with a smile, squinting in the sun and stretching a hand out to offer her an envelope.
"Happy birthday!"She sang in time with Hope, ushering her daughter into the apartment.
"Thanks."Lola took the card with flushed cheeks."You didn't have to, though."
"Accept the card or else."Hayley sighed around her smile, arching an amused eyebrow."Well, or else you'll hear from Elijah. He went around everyone with the card last week."
Lola turned to follow them inside and almost bumped into a large, pink 'happy birthday!' balloon floating its way inside behind Hope. That was when Lola realized the ribbon clutched in Hope's tiny hand and her heart skipped a beat.
"Oh, my..."Lola trailed off into a disbelieving giggle. She grinned at the balloon hovering in the air, amused with how it was being pulled left and right by Hope tugging the ribbon.
Lola's face broke out into an even wider smile and her lower lip jutted out as she let herself be affected by the sentiment before her. Hope turned around to grin up at Lola, blue eyes darting between the balloon and her babysitter.
"Lolly!"Hope burst out around another giggle. She thrust out her hand that was clasping the ribbon."Happy birthday!"
Lola's hand settled over her chest, and she met Hayley's smiling eyes who rolled them fondly.
"Be thankful you only got one because originally there were a lot more."Hayley leaned down to peck her daughter's forehead."Like seven. And I'm pretty sure one was congratulating you on a baby boy."
Lola lowered herself to her knees with a doting breath until she was eye to eye with a beaming Hope. She took the ribbon when Hope offered it again and bent over to kiss the toddler's pudgy cheek soundly.
"Mwah!"She kissed her again and again and accepted the balloon."Thank you, Hope. I love it."
Hope batted her away with a giggle."Open?"
Lola did just that, allowing Hope to help her tear the card open with heightened enthusiasm. She turned the card around to smile at the bubble letters telling her to have the happiest birthday.
When she looked inside she grinned at Hope's excited scrawls at the bottom, just below everyone else's signatures. Each signature was true to the person, especially Hope's own that towered over everyone else's, and finished off with a backward E.
Happy birthday, Lola.
May your day bring you
happiness and one step closer to a brighter future.
With love and best wishes,
HOPE, Hayley, Klaus,
Elijah, and Freya.
"This is beautiful."Lola whispered in awe, leaning over to kiss Hope's cheek again."Thank you, Hope."
"You're welcome,"Hope murmured to her feet, cheeks flushed sheepishly. She met Lola's eyes after a moment, solemn."I'll say thank you to Uncle Elijah and Aunt Freya, too?"
Lola nodded her head with the same amount of solemness, turning around to perch her card along with the others on the side table, making sure it was right in front as she felt Hope's searching eyes.
She set her balloon down just alongside the table, letting it sway back and forth in front of the window. She heard Hope giggle behind her, and Hayley's gentle whispers in response to her daughter's delight.
"That would be so nice of you."She replied with another smile, touching Hope's cheek fondly.
Hope opened her mouth to respond, only to snap it shut when she heard a light purr. Her features glowed when she saw Willow leap onto the back of the sofa, coming to check on the voices filling the apartment.
"Willow!"
Hope cried out to the kitten with a thrilled grin, raising one foot with a high-pitched squeak. Her intention to rush over to the kitten was obvious.
But then the memory of her mother's gentle lecture concerning running off without permission came to mind and Hope quickly set her foot back down on the ground.
"Momma?"
Gently tugging at Hayley's hand, Hope tilted her head up to meet her mother's amused gaze.
"Can I go play with Willow, please?"Hope softly requested, emphasizing the last word. When her mother didn't give an instant reply, she looked to Lola for help."I did last time, and I didn't scare her, right, Lolly?"
"Is that right?"Hayley inquired with a playful tone, forcing her smile to falter when Hope fiercely nodded along.
Lola and Hayley met eyes for a beat at Hope's earnest tone, and both couldn't help but grin at how heartfelt the toddler was. Lola looked over at the Mikaelson when she tugged on her hand beseechingly.
"That's right."Lola eventually confirmed with a nod to Hayley, her reply exaggerated for comical effect.
She heard Hope make a sound of agreement as if her point had made been made and Lola smiled down at the tribrid, voice dropping to a whisper as if she were divulging a secret.
"And Willow's been waiting for you to come back and visit."
The toddler's eyes lit up at the words, and she beamed up at Lola, mouth forming a surprised 'O.'
"Mom-ma..."The tribrid enunciated, big blues meeting her mother's with a hopeful smile."Can I go, please?"
Hayley bit back a smile at the tactic she'd noticed Rebekah had used against her brothers many a time that had no doubt rubbed off on her daughter. She drew out the moment, the smile becoming too much to resist when Hope pleaded.
"Please!"
Hayley smiled then she nodded and the moment her mother gave her approval Hope rushed off with a broad grin, quickly slowing her pace when Hayley warned her to slow down before she fell.
The hybrid mother watched after her daughter tiptoe over to the black cat, careful not to startle her before she sat down beside her and picked up the toys.
"See, momma?"Hope stage whispered over to her mother, peering over her shoulder as she presented the toys to the cat who perked up in interest."She likes me. See?"
Hayley's lips curved up into a small smile when Hope giggled happily to herself as Willow nuzzled into her hand, mewling happily.
"I see you."
Lola and Hayley watched after Hope with matching, adoring smiles.
"I'm sorry I'm still..."Lola gestured to her pyjama bottoms with a grimace."like this! I thought we were meeting at the park at noon-ish?"
Hayley waved a dismissive hand."We were, but somebody couldn't wait. Sorry for the lack of warning."
"No, no! It was a pleasant surprise."Lola shook her head, combing her fingers through her hair.
"We didn't know if you'd even be awake this early,"Hayley began around her smile, pausing to look over at the birthday cards perched on the table."but she's been begging to come by since she opened her eyes and I saw your dad leaving earlier so I just thought we'd crash your breakfast."
"And I appreciate it."Lola said after tearing her eyes away from Hope. She squinted up at Hayley with a softer, smaller smile."Thank you for bringing her. And for the card and the balloon, of course. It made my whole day."
"No, it's no problem. You're welcome."Hayley waved a dismissive hand, setting back down another card she'd been skimming through."Just be even more appreciative that she didn't get to bring the entire stock of balloons they had."
Lola huffed out a laugh, nodding her head enthusiastically.
"You want some coffee?"She offered as she got to her feet, gesturing to the adjoining kitchen."It's still hot."
Hayley put her palms together with feigned desperate appreciation and nodded her head eagerly, drawing a gentle laugh from the other woman.
"I'd love some. I haven't had a minute since five a.m."Hayley slumped down onto the nearest seat with a heavy breath. She shuffled up when Lola made her way over with a steaming hot mug."Thanks."
She blew into the mug and took a small sip, her eyes going dreamy when it hit the right spot. Lola took the seat across from her, legs curling up beneath her.
Hayley cradled her mug with a small smile, turning her head to look around for the missing Louis.
"Is your father not around?"
"Not until the afternoon."Lola shook her head, the rim of her mug pressed to her lower lip."He got called in at work."
Hayley's mouth twitched up into a smile, lips parting to take another sip of her coffee.
"Another life, huh?"
"One you would not want."Lola rolled her eyes heavenward, quick to dismiss the notion."They sit there all day talking about nothing, get called out to fix a pipe here or there, and then talk nothing some more. The boss is a hard-ass, though. Awful."
Hayley laughed into her coffee and sat up straighter to stretch over and deposit it on the table that was situated alongside the seat.
"I'd take that over breakfast with miss trouble once a month."Hayley breathed out wistfully, nodding over to her preoccupied daughter."She whisked away her breakfast this morning."
It was Lola's turn to laugh. She sniffed out in amusement through her nose. The hybrid joined in with wide, animated eyes just as she heard the padding of feet coming in their direction.
"Momma. Lolly."
Lola and Hayley both raised their heads at the quiet calls, Hayley instantly getting up and making her way over to her daughter, expression contorting into concern.
Hayley got to her knees in front of Hope, checking her daughter over while Lola watched on with a worried furrowed brow at Hope's pout.
"What's wrong, honey?"
Hayley murmured nonsense to her daughter as she searched for any sign of fresh scrapes. But she sensed nothing out of the ordinary.
Instead, as she read her daughter's expression, Hayley instantly recognized what was wrong and let out a breathy laugh, fondly shaking her head.
"Is she okay?"
Lola looked up at Hayley as the hybrid got to her feet, touching Hope's cheek lovingly before she leaned down and kissed Hope's forehead. Then, turning on her heels, the hybrid mother made her way back over to the seat, offering Lola a small smile to ease the other woman's worries.
"She's fine. Just sulky."Hayley whispered as low as she could, reaching for her mug with a click of her tongue."Give her a second."
Lola pushed herself up with an understanding hum, crossing her legs beneath her.
A tug at her sleeve drew her focus back to the toddler."Lolly?"
Lola turned to Hope with a cherry smile, hoping she'd get one in response as usual. But, instead, all she got was a melodramatic moue.
"What's wrong?"Lola inquired, imitating Hope's expression with a tilt of her head.
"Willow ran away."Hope answered with a sigh, pawing at Lola's knees expectantly."She doesn't want to play."
Lola set aside her mug and reached for Hope, groaning for effect as she lifted the child and seated her in her lap.
"I'm sure she does."Lola insisted with a shake of her head."She's probably just gone to finish her breakfast or something. She'll be back."
Hope shifted in Lola's lap, peeking up at the woman with an inquisitive expression, arms falling by her sides.
"Really?"
Lola pet Hope's hair with a reassuring murmur. But it wasn't enough for the hybrid so, after squirming around to face Lola, reached up with an extended pinky.
"Promise promise?"
Lola beamed at the toddler, entangling their pinkies with a smile.
"Promise promise, Hope."Lola vowed with all the gravity she could summon.
Placated, Hope brightly nodded in acceptance. She grinned up at Lola, displaying off another tooth that had grown in.
"'Kay."Hope accepted with a clap, wriggling back around to look out for Willow.
Across from them, taking in the two, Hayley's smile gradually began to shrink. While there was no bitterness behind her falling smile she did not feel as relaxed as she had been only moments before.
"What's so―"The words became lodged in Lola's throat when she raised her head."Oh, my..."
Hayley's eyes were glowing amber and spider veins were writhing underneath her eyes. The human swallowed nervously but found it unable to take her eyes away from the hybrid.
She lowered her head to whisper to Hope."Your mom does that too, huh?"
"Mmm-hmm,"Hope affirmed with pride. She tipped her head back and beamed up at Lola."Pretty momma."
The hybrid blinked, lips parting in shock as she snapped out of her stupor. Her brow wrinkled when she detected Lola's stare.
"What?"
Hayley's frown deepened curiously until she glanced at Hope to see her daughter smiling at her, a look of frivolous contentment on her face. Her daughter tried to growl but it only came out as a stifled giggle, her blue eyes flashing amber in reaction which made Hayley gasp in realization.
"Sorry."
"No!"Lola shook her head as Hayley turned away from her."Don't be. I've, uh, gotten used to it by now."
"I guess with the whole you finding out everything I forgot that you haven't seen..."Hayley let out an uncomfortable chuckle, taking a beat. Soon enough, her eyes returned to their typical brown."Sorry."
"Never be sorry. Can do you that willingly?"
"Yeah."Hayley calmly answered without looking at Lola."But it, uh, usually happens when a wolf seeks more strength to defend themselves. Or if...when we're angry or upset."
Lola's eyes rounded with slight alarm. She pressed her lips together thoughtfully, wanting to defuse the awkward uncertainty that was starting to construct between them.
"Why? Is it being somewhere where only humans live?"Lola questioned as she straightened."Because we could go take a walk or something."
"No, it's not that. It's all good."Hayley motioned for the young woman to remain where she was."But maybe Hope and i should take off, though. Give you a break until we head to the park later. Text me when you're ready?"
She'd already stretched to her feet by the time she'd finished. But before she could reach for her daughter she felt a warm grip on her wrist.
"No, please, tell me."Lola urged with a gentle tug, pulling Hayley to seat beside them."What is it?"
"It's just..."Hayley trailed off, eyes veering from Lola. But, ultimately, she complied and sat down."It's that."
Lola's lips parted in realization when Hayley motioned to herself and Hope. Her dark eyes lingered on her daughter sitting in the human's lap, happily toying with a bracelet around Lola's wrist.
Lola's own eyes zipped between Hope and Hayley. The hybrid avoided Lola's gaze.
"Oh."Lola's face fell with the realization."Oh. I'm...I'm sorry, I..."
Hayley interjected by holding out a placating hand.
"It's not...it's not bad. If it was I would've torn your head off by now."Hayley smoothly began, catching herself with a roll of her eyes."I like that you care about Hope and I like that she cares about you. It's fine."
Hayley offered Lola a half-smile, a smile that only widened when Hope, now seeing that Willow had returned squirmed an enthusiastic yell.
"Kitty!"
She wriggled and wriggled until Lola settled her back down on the ground. The second she was on her feet Hope was hurrying her way over to the cat.
With Hope preoccupied, Lola and Hayley fell into a heavy uneasy silence.
"What changed your mind?"Lola softly asked, tangling and twisting her fingers nervously.
"Oh, I still want to tear you limb from limb whenever Hope reaches for you or asks for you. But that's just me being a mom and..."Hayley shifted uncomfortably."and when I was told that Hope chose―"
Hayley cut herself off with a deep breath. She took a moment to herself when she felt the familiar resentment begin to claw at her insides.
"No parent wants their child to feel that bond with anyone else."
She no longer wished harm upon Lola but, as she remembered being told that her daughter had selected a mother figure, Hayley still felt the anger and turmoil whenever she recalled how close Hope and Lola were.
It sliced through her sometimes.
The sound of Hope's laughs instantly made Hayley's lips curl up. Hayley looked over at Hope who was still stroking Willow's fur, giggling each time the cat purred.
"Those paternal instincts are only amplified when you're a wolf because we've got the pack bond. We're more attentive and protective than humans so I guess..."Hayley's smile weakened as she tucked a dark lock behind her ear."I guess I sort of get what Klaus felt with Elijah and, uh, Jackson."
Lola appeared thoroughly stupefied, her eyes wide with wonder and a little trepidation as she replayed in her mind how Hayley had—and still, at times—wanted to tear her limb from limb. Her surprise, however, gradually withered when she witnessed Hayley's lingering upset.
Uncertain, once again, on what to say and how to react because Hayley was, while pleasant at times, slightly intimidating.
"I'm sorry."Lola breathed out with a heavy heart."I am."
The pair met eyes, Hayley immediately understanding that Lola knew what Klaus had done to the mother of his child. She'd seen it. Felt it.
"Why? For what?"Hayley arched an eyebrow at Lola. She narrowed her eyes at her in confusion."You had nothing to do with it. It was Klaus."
"I know. I just..."
Incapable of finding the correct words, Lola's shoulders sagged and she frowned at Hayley, silently begging her to comprehend what she was trying to put across. Hayley just nodded once and flashed Lola an understanding, small smile.
"I'll never fully forgive him for what he's done and, believe me, i'm sure he feels the same about me."There was a trace of an edge to her tone until a reflective smile curved at her lips."We won't ever always agree on everything but he's family and he's Hope's father."
Hayley's expression smoothed out, her eyes lit up, and her body relaxed when she looked over at her happy child.
"Besides, even when you hate Klaus..."Hayley propped her cheek in her hand. She peeked at Lola."Well, you know."
Lola's features softened, though her smile slowly began to weaken as a question sought to roll off her tongue.
"Did you, uh..."
Lola lost her voice for a moment, unsure of how to ask her question without sounding as if she were prying. She was prying, though, and she couldn't hide that.
"Did you date Klaus or something?"
Hayley's smile immediately disappeared, her eyes grew momentarily wide and she tipped her head back. Lola parted her lips and leaned forward, apologizes already falling from her lips. They instantly soured on her tongue when laughter bubbled from Hayley's own.
"That's funny. Really?"
It was Lola's turn to tip her head and she did so with a confused frown.
"No. Never."Hayley shook her head as her laughter finally dwindled."It was a night of two self-loathing, abandoned cast-offs drinking away their troubles that eventually led to a one-night stand."
She took a moment before she expanded on her reply, eyes twinkling and replacing whatever sadness her recollection triggered.
"But that one night stand gave me a miracle, a reason not to hate myself..."Hayley murmured, features brightening."and I know it's the same for Klaus."
She cleared her throat and straightened, rubbing her hands on her legs. Then, an amused smile pulled at her mouth, and she rolled her eyes fondly.
"Besides, he was, like, halfway in infatuation with Caroline."Hayley crinkled her nose thoughtfully."Still is, I think, though there was a Camille thing going on for a while, so who knows?"
Hayley shrugged, eyes drifting back over to Hope when her laughs echoed, not noticing Lola's features clouding with confusion.
"Sorry, I'm sorry, tell me if I'm crossing a line or something, but who's Caroline?"Lola pulled herself closer with a hesitant frown."And, uh, what was that about Camille?"
It was Hayley's turn to frown as she turned back to see Lola's puzzled expression.
"You didn't know?"
Lola's smile wavered, and she lowered her gaze, shaking her head.
THE BAYOU
"Higher, momma! Higher!"
Hope kicked her little legs with all her might, eyes glittering with glee and wearing the brightest smile. She clung onto the front of the bucket swing as if it would drive her higher, laughter spilling from her smile when her mother came hurrying around from behind her.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, what was that?"
"Higher!"Hope cried out, legs kicking out again excitedly."Higher, please."
Hayley made a show of thinking over Hope's request, earning herself more gleeful pleading from her daughter. Eventually, as the swinging began to slow she reached out and pushed with a laugh. Hope's laughter echoed around the park as she was propelled backward and forwards, hands coming down on top of Hayley's as if to aid her.
"See me, Lolly!"Hope called across the park as she came swaying forward, grinning over her mother's shoulder.
Seated at the nearest wooden table was Lola, making her way around it as she unpacked the food they'd taken with them. She paused in her task long enough to wave over at mother and daughter.
"I see you, munchkin!"She yelled back, blowing a kiss to the toddler."Be careful or you'll touch the sky."
Hope gasped in delight, laughter coming faster. She whirled back around to her mother as the swinging began to slow.
"More, momma!"
Hayley bent down to peck Hope's forehead when the swinging came to a stop. She leaned down and swooped the toddler up.
"You can swing more later, okay? We're gonna sit and have some snacks now."Hayley reassured her protesting daughter. "And, remember,"
Hayley lowered her voice, leaning in close with a finger over her lips."we've got a surprise for Lola. Shh."
Hope copied her mother with a squirm."Shh."
Hayley propped Hope on her hip, bouncing on her heels as she looked around with a grin. Hayley tipped her head back, eyes closing momentarily as she took in the comforting and silent atmosphere. The Bayou, for all the bad that had taken place there and a reminder of Jackson, still eased her into contentment.
"Swing later?"
"Later,"Hayley promised with a firm nod. She kissed her daughter's cheek again as they made their way over to the wooden table.
She greeted Lola with a smile as she sat Hope down and took a seat alongside her, accepting a bottle of water with an appreciative breath.
"Snacks?"Hope instantly requested, eyes darting around for food.
Hayley and Lola shared a laugh when Hope peered up at them expectant, the hybrid mother offering her daughter some sliced apples. She then offered some to Lola when Hope helped herself.
Lola reached in for a couple with a smile."Thanks."
"Thank you, momma,"Hope mumbled, already chewing while gazing at the other apple slice in her grasp impatiently.
The three settled into a comfortable silence, sharing the snacks and enjoying the sun shining down on them as they watched parents running around after their giggling kids. Hayley swayed from side to side with Hope when the toddler, reaching for the tub of sliced bananas across the table, clambered into her lap.
"It is nice here,"Lola thought aloud, sliding the tub across to Hope and Hayley with a beam."Thank you for taking me."
"You're welcome. I thought since..."Hayley looked around with a tranquil exhale, placing some fruit into Hope's hand."since you two spent a lot of time together you should see one of her favorite places."
"Well, it's lovely."
"Hmm."Hayley bobbed her head in agreement. She swallowed, smile losing some strength as she peeked over at Lola."Hey, about before. With the whole Klaus thing. I mean, are you okay?"
"No, of course! I'm perfect."Lola's head snapped up, smile stretching and nose crinkling."So was the swing here before or did you put it in for Hope?"
"Um, Jackson did. There wasn't much here for kids for a while so he thought he'd start to make something for them, you know? But since everything…"
Hayley trailed off with a shrug of her shoulders avoiding Lola's eyes as she reached for her water.
"That was sweet of him."Lola softly declared when the silence extended awkwardly."I'd like to come again whenever you bring her back."
Hayley lifted her head with a slight smile. She rolled her bottle between her hands as she let herself be blanketed by the stillness.
"That'd be nice. It's just...nothing but quiet. Nothing but us. Calming, isn't it?"
"It is. I think I like it better than the park. I've got this one-sided grudge going on with a grandmother who sighs and taps her foot whenever she thinks Hope is taking too long―"
"―on the swing!"Hayley cut in with raised eyebrows and a knowing eye-roll."Always holding her bag in a fist like she's waiting to swing it?"
"Yes!"Lola gasped around a laugh. She pointed over at Hayley with her slice of apple."She's the worst."
Hayley groaned, nodding."The worst. She's lucky there are witnesses, otherwise…"
She flashed her eyes amber, letting her fangs peek through her parted lips. She grinned into her bottle of water as Lola clapped her hands together heartily.
"We'd all thank you, Hayley. Honestly."Lola stage whispered conspiratorially, cupping a hand around her mouth.
"Honestly, momma!"Hope piped up, head tipped back so she could look up at her mother.
Hayley pressed her lips together as she bowed her head to look at her daughter. Her shoulders shook before she erupted into laughter. Lola sniffed her amusement, her hand covering her mouth as she chimed in on the laughter. Then, her eyes darting between the two, Hope's face lit up, and began to titter to herself.
"Hope funny."The toddler babbled to herself, munching on her snacks contently."Funny Hope."
Lola mouthed her agreement, pushing herself across the wooden table to pinch Hope's cheeks with a beam. As she did she dabbed at the toddler's face with a napkin, managing to wipe her down before Hope batted her hand away.
"Cake!"Hope suddenly cried out, ceasing her annoyed wriggling long enough to gesture wildly over Lola's shoulder.
"We don't have cake, munchkin."Lola shook her head apologetically, tapping Hope's nose playfully.
She turned to look at Hayley, aiming to share a smile as Hope carried on gesturing happily, only to see the other woman burrowing into her daughter's shoulder with a knowing expression.
"What are―"
Hayley tilted her head up with a sly arch of her eyebrow, lips twitching upwards.
"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,"Hayley sang, beckoning with her unoccupied hand, encouraging Hope by bouncing her knee.
Hayley swept her arm after another beckoning flutter of her fingers and Lola startled when a hand settled on her shoulder. She looked up to see Elijah coming around from behind her, a wrapped platter of sandwiches in his hands.
"Happy birthday, dear―"
Freya patted her shoulder in hello, leaning over from behind her to place down a birthday cake. The cake itself was red and white with roses dotted around and, in the center, her name scrawled. Sprinkles coated the lettering and roses—noticing the praise Hayley was whispering to Hope, Lola assumed the sprinkles had been the toddler's idea.
"dear Lola!"The elder Mikaelson siblings chimed in at Hayley's signaled behest. Freya waved her hand deftly and, in a flash, a few candles were planted in the cake then lit.
Hope cast a disapproving look at her aunt and uncle."dear Lolly!"
"Happy birthday to you!"
They concluded with a flourish, Elijah presenting the sandwiches when he uncovered them, before launching into celebratory clapping, started by Hope who pawed at Hayley's arms until she was stood on her mother's knees.
"This is amazing. Thank you so much."
Lola gaped at the cake in awe with swimming eyes. She looked up at Elijah and Freya, speechless. Lola soon caught Hope's eyes boring into the flickering flames and shuffled across until she could catch her eyes.
"You wanna make a wish with me?"She whispered over to the tribrid with a playful quirk of her lips.
Hope's eyes lit up."Uh-huh."
Lola smiled thankfully at Hayley when she stood and passed Hope over to her. She took the toddler with a merry laugh, planting kisses on her cheeks before she sat Hope on her lap.
"Ready?"Lola murmured into Hope's ear, holding her hands and rocking them both from side to side.
"Ready!"
"Close your eyes."Lola instructed quietly, doing the same when Hope screwed her eyes shut."Think of something nice. Now, in one, two, three..."
Lola breathed in and then blew out her cheeks in time with Hope, their eyes flying open when the candles were put out. She squealed happily when Hope gasped in delight and clapped along with everyone else.
Hope clapped along with a giggle."Yay!"
Lola watched Freya flutter her fingers and her mouth fell open when the candles suddenly vanished without any imprints left on the cake. She sniffed her amusement when Freya tilted her head at her knowingly, a proud glint in her eyes before she took the cake to cut it up.
"This is so..."Lola's hand came to rest over her heart, eyes shining and lips tugging up into a touched smile."this is the sweetest—thank you. Really. I can't believe you did this."
She hugged Hope with a watery smile, playing with their joined hands, and peeked up at Elijah gratefully.
"And thank you for the card."Lola whispered gently, nodding over at the hybrid."Hayley told me it was your idea."
Elijah lowered his gaze with a hidden smile, abashed. He shook his head dismissively, reaching down into the bag he'd carried along with him for paper plates. They matched the colors of her cake.
"It's good for us. We don't get many opportunities to celebrate these parts of humanity."He cleared his throat, busying himself by handing out the paper plates."So it's our pleasure to do this for―"
"Oh, yes!"
A rich laugh announced Klaus' presence, soon followed by an amused clap of hands, and drew their eyes towards the resounding sound. Klaus came down the tracks left behind with his usual devil-may-care gait, despite being mindful of where he was stepping.
"It's been our pleasure to throw your surprise amongst the creepy-crawlies, the debris of its previous inhabitant,"He scanned the area around them with a grimace and sniffed once."and the stench of swamp."
"Niklaus."Elijah drew out reproachfully as he added to Hope's snacks. He slid a paper plate across to her with a warm smile.
"Klaus."Hayley echoed Elijah's tone with a put-upon sigh. She wielded a finger sandwich as she pointed up at the hybrid warningly."You were in charge of butting out and leaving everything to everyone else."
The Original made a show of closing his mouth and holding his hands up in surrender.
"I'm only teasing."
Klaus passed his brother with a pat on the shoulder and an idle smile. He took the plate presented to him before perching himself alongside Lola. The instant he settled he opened his arms for Hope who was already clambering her way out of Lola's lap.
"Hello, my littlest wolf,"He whispered dotingly, balancing Hope on his lap when she insisted on standing."I hear you've been making this special day even more outstanding for Lola."
The toddler replied by patting at his smiling cheeks, scrunching up her face with a playful growl before she let herself slump forward into his arms for a hug. Klaus caught her with a hearty chuckle, bowing his head to kiss her temple.
"I'm very proud of you."
He lingered for long moments, murmuring nonsense into his daughter's ear before he turned his head to smile over at Lola. His already softened features eased into tenderness when he found Lola already studying him.
"Hello to you, too, love."He affectionately greeted her, making use of their proximity to reach out and crook a finger under her chin to tip her head up so they locked eyes."Happy birthday."
Lola found herself floundering at the simple touch, She found herself unable to resist his heady gaze without submitting because, in a flash, her lips were pulling up into a smile. She let herself be drawn into the simplest of touches, into the pad of his thump journeying up and along her jaw, following the outline of her smiling mouth tenderly.
"Hi."She breathed out dreamily."And thank you."
She snapped out of the moment when Hayley's grumbled cussing startled her. Lola came to herself with a blink, catching the other woman as she shook off her wet sleeve with a scowl.
"Damn it,"Hayley muttered to herself, shrugging off her jacket with a sigh.
You didn't know? Echoed in Lola's mind, and the second she recalled it she was peeling Klaus' hand from her face.
She cleared her throat, smile sharpening at the edges, and squeezed his hand before relocating it to Hope's back.
"She's been missing you."Lola hurriedly amended, wiping her face with the back of her hand, trying to efface the ghost of his touch.
Her attempt to expel any concern wasn't enough to placate Klaus. Lola felt his eyes on her as she shuffled away from his side to the other end of the bench. A cautious glance out of the corner of her eye confirmed it—his smile had faltered into an incredulous frown.
"—Niklaus?"
Lola emitted a relieved breath when his eyes drifted from her, the anxious weight bearing down on her chest momentarily relenting.
"Sorry, what were you saying, sister?"
Freya looked up from the pieces of cake she was depositing onto plates."What's the reason for your late arrival?"
"Forgive my tardiness."Klaus extended his apologies distractedly, still taken aback."I was off fulfilling my task."
Elijah and Freya lifted their heads immediately, glancing at one another warily.
"Your task was to, and I quote,"Elijah gestured to Hayley with his half-eaten finger sandwich."butt out. Lest you take over and get a tad bit tyrannical."
Freya pointed her knife at Elijah to display her agreement. Klaus' mouth fell open in a silent gasp much to Hope's amusement.
"I forgot to mention that there was a snag in the guest list."Hayley piped up in defense of Klaus."But Klaus was more than happy to rectify it."
Klaus' frown twisted into a smirk when all eyes snapped to him, Lola's included. Her brows pulled together in confusion as she twisted around to lean over and question Hayley.
"What―"
"Room for one more?"
Lola squeaked when a pair of hands covered her eyes, and she felt a kiss be pressed o the top of her head, a laugh sounding off from behind her. Lola all but leaped into the air when she recognized the sound.
"Dad!"She cried out in surprise, twisting herself free of the table so she could get to her feet."Dad, you're here."
She ended up tripping over her feet and collided straight into him, gasping her giggles into his shoulder as he caught her. Louis raised a hand to salute everybody as he staggered back.
Lola pulled back to beam up at him, bracing her hands on his forearms."What are you doing here? How are you here?"
Louis smiled in the face of her sheer delight, a hand coming up to tuck back stray dark hair from her glimmering eyes.
"You should thank Mr. Klaus for that. Turns out all that old money gets him friends in high places."Louis jerked his head in the direction of the aforementioned Original."One minute I was dreading the next nine hours then the next I was being told my schedule was free for the rest of the afternoon."
Lola's mouth snapped shut, eyes searching her father's face for answers she'd never find. She clung tighter to him as she turned her head around to look down at Klaus, teeth catching on the inside of her cheek.
She gaped at the hybrid, all words lost to her, and could only bring herself to blink at him.
"I'm an adult."She muttered when she found her voice, knowing he'd manage to hear her. She lowered her gaze to Klaus' embraced around Hope."I understand he can't be there all the time."
Klaus tipped his head until they met eyes again. He lowered his voice to reach only her ears.
"It's the least I could do."
"That's..."Elijah trailed off with a pensive purse of his lips. He looked to his elder sister for aid.
"That's very kind of you, Niklaus."Freya chimed in helpfully, sliding another piece of cake onto a paper plate for their newest arrival.
"I would've pushed for the entire day,"Klaus enunciated, standing up with a drowsy Hope so he could stretch a hand out to Louis."but your father outright refused to leave his comrades behind."
Louis looked down at the proffered hand. His eyes flickered between Klaus and Lola thoughtfully.
"They'd run the place into the ground without me."Louis jested as he reached out and shook Klaus' hand."But even the afternoon is….it's everything. So you have my thanks, Klaus."
Lola nodded her head solemnly."Everything."
Klaus imitated her with a contemplative expression, watching after Louis as he smiled down at Lola, his hand returning to Hope's back and rubbing soothingly when she stirred.
"This is..."Lola's lower lip jutted out, overwhelmed. She pushed herself up onto her tiptoes to wind her arms around her father. His arms came up to wrap around her as he buried his face in her black tresses.
"This is the best present she could've gotten."Hayley finished on behalf of Lola, eyes bright and happy.
Louis made a show of losing his balance to elicit a giggle from Lola before catching himself. The two erupted into lively laughter once the sentiment passed, directing their happiness to Freya as she came up with two plates of cake.
"Anything to see her smile."Klaus murmured to himself once happiness ensued, rocking a slumbering Hope from side to side.
SUNSET
"You have two left feet!"
"I'll have bruised feet if you continue to trample on them."Elijah fired back with a frustrated tug on his tie."It's no use even attempting to dance to this...this incessant racket."
Elijah motioned indignantly at the air around them before sending a glower to where Hayley's phone lay on the table, the screen lit up and producing the music. He shook his head, pulled his hands from Lola's, and made a show of wiping his hands of the situation.
"Elijah."Lola deadpanned around a silky laugh."Elijah, where are you going?"
"To go watch over my niece,"Elijah replied with a sigh, pulling a face as he began to walk off."and give my feet some well-earned rest."
Lola spent an amused snicker at his retreating form, covering her grinning mouth with her hand when he cast a disapproving look over his shoulder. He slowed his gait long enough to turn half back around and wave over at her.
"Happy birthday, Lola."
Lola lowered her head with a sheepish smile and waved back at him in thanks. She then spun around back into the music floating from Hayley's phone, almost crashing into its possessor, and grabbed onto her hands to stop herself from tripping.
"Woah!"Hayley burst out with a gasp, eyes wide and pupils dilated.
"Sorry!"Lola hastily said around a breathy laugh."Was just trying to avoid Elijah's disappointed eyes. I stepped on his feet one too many times."
She thumbed over her shoulder to where Elijah was kneeling beside Hope's pushchair, tucking her in with a cozy blanket and talking low to her. The toddler blinked tiredly at him before her head lolled and she fell back asleep.
"That'll do it."Hayley snapped her fingers with a nod. She leaned off to the side to check on Hope."He spends too much on those shoes."
"More than I could do the maths on."Lola agreed with a grimace, shaking her head to clear the thought."I'm shocked he even agreed to come up and dance."
"Eh, he's more..."Hayley tilted her head to the side."perky than you think. I think the spirit of the day got to him."
"Talking about spirits."
Freya appeared out of nowhere at Hayley's side with a merry smile blossoming at her lips a paper cup in hand that reeked of something strong.
"Elijah wishes to head on home."Freya reported with an unimpressed tip of her cup in her brother's direction."Though, he says he's happy to take Hope with him if we want to continue with the celebrations."
Her shoulders rose and fell in an idle shrug when she brought the rim of her cup to her lips and downed a mouthful. Hayley watched her with amused eyes before she looked over to Elijah who was in the process of slipping into his jacket. He'd piled their rubbish and wrapped leftovers up on top of the table and, once he finished getting ready, he shook out a plastic bag he extracted from the bag he'd taken along with him.
"Such a boy scout,"Hayley mumbled under her breath, fondness sprinkled in her words.
"I heard that, Hayley."Elijah calmly called over the music, sweeping the mess into the bag before tying it up.
Lola pressed her lips together to keep her laughter at bay, bouncing on her heels in time with the music. Freya, however, wasn't ashamed in showing just how amused she was as she giggled into her cup.
Hayley hid her smile as she started walking over."Sorry, Elijah."
"I heard it. I never claimed to be offended by it."Elijah shook his head, setting aside the bag and reaching inside his pockets for wipes."I'm more than happy to take Hope home and tuck her in. You deserve a few more hours to enjoy yourself."
Hayley stopped in her tracks, fingers stilling where they were in the process of buttoning up her jacket.
"Are you sure?"
"You're all having a good time. No need to cut it short."Elijah casually replied, already hefting Hope's changing bag up and stowing it beneath her pushchair. He rid of the plastic bag into the nearest bucket before wiping down his hands.
"Thank you."Hayley peeled off her jacket with a bright smile, plucked up a cup, and handed it to Freya."Three fingers of whatever you have in your bag, please."
Lola watched as Freya happily complied while Hayley bid goodnight to her sleeping daughter, kissing her cheeks and then her forehead. She then thanked Elijah quietly, eyes shining gratefully.
"Thank you, Elijah,"Hayley repeated, hand reaching down to comb through Hope's hair.
"It's my pleasure. You all have a good time."Elijah replied as he turned Hope's pushchair around and waved goodbye to Lola and Freya.
Lola and Freya did the same back—the Mikaelson sister with more passion in her tipsy state and Lola in time with her twirling to the music.
The Original shook his head fondly at them all as he took off in a flash into the sunset. Moments later the rumble of his car echoed through the woods, lasting all of a handful of seconds before it was drowned out by Hayley changing the music.
"This sounds more Elijah's style. My dad likes this song."Lola commented, letting Freya spin her around by her hand."It's a shame he went back to work. You missed out on his robot."
"Elijah's more...old-timey step by step."Hayley corrected with a pointed finger, dropping her phone back onto the table and taking her drink from Freya. She took a sip, grimaced into the cup before shrugging and taking a gulp.
Lola turned in time with Freya, swaying and finding she was more in time with Freya's dancing than she was with Elijah's.
She smiled up at Freya when they were face to face."You're different than I thought you were."
"Different? You mean less...reserved?"Freya pronounced with elevated eyebrows, eyes rounding teasingly when Lola huffed abashedly."I'm a lot nicer when I don't have to turn blood to acid."
Lola wheezed, tipping her head back with a series of giggles, ducking under Freya's arm when they twirled again. She found herself letting go of the eldest Mikaelson as Hayley rejoined them, cup held aloft and looking down at her boots mindfully.
"Step, step, step,"Hayley murmured to herself, gesturing to Freya to get involved.
Lola's cheeks began to ache from all her smiling the longer she swayed around and watched everyone around her enjoying themselves. She found herself drifting from the group but her smile remained so she swayed to the music, only catching glimpses of her friends until they became a blur and then Klaus' features came into her sight.
"Hello there."
"Hey, there."Lola replied breathlessly."Did my dad get back okay? No compulsion hiccups?
"I rarely have..."Klaus' lips quirked up fondly as he came up to her."hiccups with my compulsion, love. That halfwit boss of his welcomed him back with nothing but a smile and nod."
Lola bobbed her head appreciatively, fingers wringing behind her back.
"I returned just in time to catch Hope leaving with Elijah. Poor thing tuckered herself out."Klaus conversationally said, his eyes drawn across Lola's shoulder by delighted titters."And it looks like things livened up since I've been gone."
He jerked his head in the direction of Freya and Hayley, arms folding over his chest and shoulder resting against a nearby tree. A regaled, carefree grin appeared at his mouth as he watched on.
"Yeah, Freya's tipsy, and Hayley's will be catching up. They remind me of my aunts on Christmas Eve."Lola glanced over at the two women warmly."I promised to be the sober party when everyone is out of commission. I even crossed my heart when Dad asked."
Lola's fingertips outlined a cross over her heartbeat, finishing the scene off with a sweep of her arm, just to draw a low chuckle from Klaus.
"How has your day been?"
The gentle question crossed the distance between them. She blinked, squinting over at him reflectively.
"I've had the best day. You all made it..."Lola blew out her cheeks in disbelief. She felt so thankful."incredible. Thank you."
"Nothing to be thankful for."Klaus dismissed the notion with a resolute head-shake."You do for those you hold closest to you and, in return, they do the same."
She scrunched her nose at him sweetly. Her hair veiled her face briefly when she inclined her head to watch herself tangle her fingers.
You didn't know?
"I'm still thankful."
It was Klaus' turn to press a hand to his heart. He did so with sincerity."Then you're wholeheartedly welcome."
Lola spent a pleased breath, eyes twinkling across his face before she tore them away. He heeded her venture closer to lean against the same tree he'd claimed and indulged in the sight of her against the vivid backdrop of the sunset.
"It has been the best day, though."
"Still got six hours left of your day, love."Klaus reminded in the wake of an interested hum. He swallowed when she turned slightly, a yearning clouding in her eyes that he was certain was reflected in his own.
He hesitated. Then, with a heavy breath, he extended his hand to her. Lola's gaze searched his eyes then flickered across his face before they lowered to his hand. She took in a sharp breath and shook her head once.
His gaze wavered."Don't―"
He cut himself off with a flutter of his fingers, beckoning her closer. Don't. Don't pull away like before. Don't leave. Don't be anywhere but here.
A warm hand settled on his cheek while another journeyed to the back of his neck, fingers weaving in his curls, as his name was mouthed against his lips. He went willingly when she pulled him down until their foreheads met.
"Klaus."
One of his hands clamped down on Lola's waist, fingers itching beneath the hem of her shirt in search of more warmth, fingers pressing in demandingly. The pads of his fingers continued to press in as his hand snuck around, fingers splaying across her lower back.
His other hand came up to her face, thumb sweeping across her lower lip and he pressed down as she parted her lips for him. He drew her in closer, needing reassurance, mesmerized by the longing in her dilated eyes.
"This is it?"He breathed, voice hoarse and eyes flitting between eyes and lips. His gaze followed his hand as he let himself indulge in just being closer. His hand found a home in cradling her cheek as Lola nestled into his touch.
He found himself smiling when his mouth just caressed over hers, and just a simple touch had everything just beyond them go still. Until Lola's teeth nipped at his lips when the simple brush of their lips ended. And it stirred the beast within, had it howling with relief and hunger—this is it.
Lola arched up into him, a pant escaping her when his thumb crooked under her jaw, and she reacted instinctively, parting her lips again when a flick of his tongue tempted her closer. She responded in kind with a low moan, her grip on his hair twisted insistently, kindling a rumble in his chest before his mouth covered hers.
This is it.
Thank you for reading!
I'm so sorry it's been a long wait. Here is my 8.9k of an apology. But I hope it was kinda worth the wait. If you'd like to see more please let me know.