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WARNINGS: VIOLENCE, MISOGYNY AND SEXISM

┌─────── •✦• ───────┐

Friday, November 11th, 1917

IT'S been ten days since Niklaus has heard from Adrienne. Distance makes the heart grow stronger...but in his case, he was just flat-out annoyed.

He had called, written and even visited her house, but was ignored each time.

Klaus gifted her many dresses, believing that would make up for his ill-mannered comment, Adrienne kept them but she didn't allow him to speak when she received them, and instead, slammed the door in his face.

She had to focus on her priorities and what was right for her species. When Adrienne finally had peace and quiet, she created a brand new spell.

Since she was fond of compulsion, the very idea behind it was mesmerising, literally. So she thought her spell should imitate it as well as rock the idea to its core.

She knew that the brain was malleable, something that could easily be moulded, especially with the right person to shape it.

Adrienne discovered that with only the power of two words she could make dark illusions appear in someone's mind and terrorize them until there is no other choice but for them to end it all.

Like a dark twisted fantasy, that they could never wake up from.

It was malicious, but so are many things in this world.

Adrienne only presented the spell to her inner circle, worried that if another group of people had access to it, the war would never end, only grow until each species was wiped off the face of the planet.

The witch hunter attacks had been sporadic over the last ten days, nevertheless, they were all as cruel as the next.

Disgusting and vile, just like them.

─────── •✦• ───────

Adrienne stood on stage at The Saints, with a full audience staring back at her, apprehensive of what she was about to sing.

Emerson Wilks stood near her, readying his saxophone. He smiled brightly as he stared at a few regulars.

Many men fixated on Adrienne, more importantly, what she was wearing.

She was clad in a sparkly and shimmering two-piece, her chocolate skin was on show as she swayed and moved back and forth.

Her unruly hair was tied down, only the odd curl escaped, luckily no one could see.

"Those innocent eyes,

That smile on your face,

Makes it easy to trust you."

Emerson played softly as he listened to the flow of the music that left his instrument. He enjoyed playing at The Saints whenever the various witches performed.

He was often scared but he enjoyed it regardless.

"If they only knew,

The boy with the tattoo

Like I do."

Adrienne sang melodically, her lips were concealed by the large and round microphone, although the blood-red colour that stained them was still noticeable.

Her eyes were locked on the man that claimed she was his.

Klaus was sat in the back, in a booth that was usually occupied by Rebekah and her peers but tonight he was with Hadeon.

The oldest Lumière heir was only there to see his new lover perform after being employed by him and his sister because Mira had showcased her beautiful voice.

"Doing what you're doing

Just to get to where you're going

Yeah, I see you, baby."

Adrienne's hips swayed, hypnotizing the many men that sat at the front, staring at her with lust-filled eyes and cheering enough to make an enemy out of the Original Hybrid.

"Just don't lose yourself along the way

No, no."

She waved her finger from side to side as she finished her song.

She was quick to receive praise and applause from the audience; the various regular customers along with the tourists that visited the town.

When she stepped down, Emerson sent her a wide smile, "You were great as always Ms Adrienne,"

"You too, Sonny," she shot him a wink.

Mira went up nervously, but her nerves died down as Adrienne whispered something reassuring in her ear.

The Tate woman's soulful voice bounced off the walls of the club as she began to sing, directly to her lover and ignored the other onlookers.

Adrienne also ignored the various men that approached her, due to being in need of a drink.

Klaus watched angrily after he heard the foul and revolting things a few of them were saying about his girl.

He was quick to rise from his seat and rolled his eyes at Hadeon's amused expression, knowing that the witch was only laughing at his jealousy.

Klaus stepped onto the dance floor and weaved his way out of the crowd.

But before he could reach Adrienne and her brigade of rowdy men, his arm was grabbed by a familiar witch.

Melinda park.

The witch in question was known to be quite the seductress, a scoundrel and overall, envious of Adrienne, despite having a lot of respect for the Lumières. Melinda worked a few nights at the Saints, whenever she needed the money or a new lover to satisfy her needs.

"Hey Klaus," she waved sensually at the hybrid, who didn't spare her a look.

He was too busy plotting how to kill the men who wouldn't leave his witch alone.

"Klau-"

"I'm not interested," he was quick to shut her down, She flinched at his blunt tone, his icy eyes turned to her, "ask Hadeon if he wants another go," he smiled wickedly, "if he even wants you, but I've heard he's moved on to someone who knows how to keep her legs shut," and with that, he pushed passed her.

Melinda gulped back her shock and went back to her table, adorning a fake smile as she swallowed the hurt and shame she felt.

She was hardly a maiden but she certainly wasn't a whore. But nowadays if you didn't wear a chastity belt, you were impure. She had a small history with the oldest Lumière heir, not like he really remembered or even cared to.

So, the Park witch sat down, wanting to drown her sorrows, but she knew she had to perform with Kali soon.

Upstairs in the office. Adrienne swivelled on her feet after hearing the door swing open, revealing a bloody Klaus.

She rolled her eyes and turned back around.

"Am I in trouble Mr Hyde?" She mocked, immediately feeling him appear behind her and the door slamming shut.

"Take a guess." He snapped, softly gripping her hips and spinning her around. He was angry but he still wanted to be gentle.

...despite murdering and then disposing of a few bodies only a few minutes prior.

Her tongue poked the inside of her mouth, "No?"

"Take another guess." He only continued to glare at the witch. A thin layer of blood still covered his face, glimmering under the dim light.

"I don't like this game, so I'll just go home." She tried to move past him but his hands rested on either side of the table she was in front of.

She sighed and stared up at him, unbothered by his hard stare.

She could sense his eyes wanted to drop below and wander her body, hell she would've peaked if she was in his shoes.

He let out a humourless laugh, "Funny that you don't like this game when you're clearly playing one of your own."

Confusion furrowed her brows, "Excuse me?"

"You heard me correctly, I found it comical that you can stand up there for a crowd of vile and rowdy men but choose to ignore your man for weeks." He exaggerated.

"Days." She scoffed and held out a handkerchief that rested on her desk, tired of staring at the blood that was becoming a second skin to him.

"Ahah so you don't deny it." He snatched it off of her, and roughly wiped his face, she frowned at his action but attempted to stay calm.

"Why would I? You were distracting me from my duty."

He threw the handkerchief to the ground, hard. It almost dented the floorboards and caused her to shove him away from her, uncomfortable with his aggression.

"Don't lie, I upset you when I kissed you and made an Ill-mannered comment, we've had a spat and I'm over it, you should be too, but no, you just don't want to be around me."

Adrienne cocked her head to the side, she easily picked up on his vulnerability despite it being coated with anger.

"You're barking up the wrong tree." She quipped, suppressing a smile at her unintentional joke.

He gritted his teeth, "Ah, more dog jokes, anymore you want to tell, the stage is all yours." He dramatically held his hands out.

"Are you sure about that? After all, you're searching for something that is not there." She folded her arms, purposely pushing up her cleavage so it practically stared at him in the face.

She caught his eyes briefly drop to her chest, causing a smirk to tug at her lips.

Klaus wanted to mention how beautiful she looked, but he was too irritated to say it.

Anger coursed through his veins quicker than his nerves, especially when he caught the burn mark that scarred her arm, that she attempted to cover with makeup. He remembered that she told him Valerie accidentally caused it, but for some reason, he just didn't believe her, but he was willing to accept it.

His eyes snapped to hers again, "And what is that?"

"A lie, a problem that is non-existence but you are a bloodhound so sniff away." She smiled smugly.

"Funny." He stepped closer.

"No, but you know what I find comical? that you think I really don't want to be with you."

"You don't."

She shook her head in disbelief, "I want to be with a man who knows what he wants but can also understand that his woman has duties that don't involve feeding his ego, so until you can comprehend that, I'll leave you to your tortured mind."

She tried to leave again but he sped in front of her making her let out an exasperated sigh.

Klaus scoffed bitterly, "No, you don't get leave."

"I don't and why is that?" She squinted up at him in irritation.

"Ten days Adrienne," he yelled, she was taken back by his volume, "ten days I've spent thinking about you, missing the feeling of being engrossed by you, your scent, your captivating eyes, the very essence of your being." He ranted, "Ten days thinking about where I went wrong and that kiss, our first kiss-"

"That you ruined." she gritted out. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"So I was right, you are mad."

"Why wouldn't I be?!" She snapped. He was glad he got some reaction out of her.

Klaus felt like she was never truly honest with him, believing that she danced around the truth.

He might've done the same thing, but it agitated him that she matched his energy.

Klaus took another step closer, "Then tell me that, don't put on this foolish facade and pretend like it doesn't bother you when I know it does."

"Why should I?" She spoke through gritted teeth, her tone juxtaposed with her stoic face.

"Because you said you want to be with me, and I want honesty from you if you truly want me to trust you."

She stared at him, contemplating his words, "I don't have time for this."

This time he let her walk away, but only to stop her by yelling more.

"There you go, running off." He clapped sarcastically, resulting in her swivelling on her kitten heels.

She rolled her eyes as she stalked toward him, "I'm not running, I'm merely avoiding the situation."

He shrugged, "Semantics, just admit you can't deal with the feelings you have for me."

She inhaled sharply as she stared up at him, "Fine, I can't and I don't want to feel them." Her voice quivered.

Adrienne felt frustrated that she had to admit the words that she never wanted to pour from her mouth.

He staggered back, "Because of me...because I'm an abomination? Is that it?"

The question itself made her look at him in shock.

She shook her head vigorously, "No, why would you think that?"

"Because the monster that lives inside of my mind," he pointed at his head, "destroys everything around me and you don't want that to happen to you."

Klaus always struggled to keep his demons at bay, he knew he wasn't always like this, he never wanted to be.

But throughout his life, he moulded himself a new identity, a new Alias, wanting, no, needing everyone to fear him, in the way he feared himself.

He understood if Adrienne didn't want to knock down the walls that he built up, he was scared to do that himself.

"That couldn't be further from the truth," she said lowly, as she dissected his proclamation, "I don't want the beast-"

"I said monster." He corrected but she purposefully ignored him.

"-Beast inside of you, to destroy me, but that is not why I don't want to admit my feelings for you, I'm scared that admitting them will make me vulnerable and I'm too young to feel something as destructive as heartbreak." Her blank face cracked, showcasing the emotion he wanted to see.

He stared down at her, feeling slightly disheartened, "And you believe I have the power to break your heart?"

"No, but I've never been with anyone before and frightens me." She admitted, "I don't know what to do."

He gently grabbed her hands, "And you think I do?"

She nodded sheepishly, "Yes."

He softly shook his head as his thumbs ran over her palms, "Being near you, would even make the darkest minds find the light." She let out a shaky breath before he continued, "The words you speak, may carry more weight than intended and I listen because your voice is as captivating as the sirens that live in the ocean." He pulled her closer, as her rhythmic heartbeat clouded his hearing, "Your allure is something else, Adrienne Lumière." He said softly, with a smirk tugging at his lips.

Her eyes began to water, but, she didn't let a tear escape, "Nik-"

He placed his hands on her face, and her eyes found him, "So you may not know what you're doing, but it certainly has an effect on me. And the funny thing is, sometimes we don't need words to speak, a simple and genuine smile from you conveys all I need to know."

His words made her heart flutter, "Really?"

"I've told you more than I've told another living soul about myself and you don't think I'm living up to my word?"

"I do and that's terrifying," she said with a small smile.

His lips curved up, "So, do you accept my apology?"

"If you actually apologise." She sassed, causing him to playfully roll his eyes.

"I've tried but you shut me down." His eyes scanned the room and landed on the handkerchief that he roughly threw on the floor.

He sped over and picked it off the ground, shocking her slightly as he placed it on the desk and then made his way over to her.

Adrienne innocently shrugged, "Because I wanted to see how long it took for you to beg."

"You want me to beg?" His eyes darkened as he pulled her closer.

"Maybe."

The two stared each other down before they began to laugh.

Adrienne was amazed at how they could be arguing one minute and then smiling the next.

"Come on, take a chance with me." Klaus kissed her hand, and then looked at her lips expectedly.

She playfully scoffed and pressed a soft peck to his lips, "And that is all you get."

"For now." He teased.

"Do you want me to take back everything I said? No then stop talking." She deadpanned.

"Make me."

"Goodbye, Nik." She pushed him towards the door.

"Not for long sweetheart."

─────── •✦• ───────

Saturday, November 12th, 1917

Rebekah was sitting in her room, her eyes darted between the many dresses she wanted to wear tonight.

She was stumped.

Whereas Adrienne picked out a couple of outfits that Klaus so very kindly gifted her in the early hours of the morning.

The two were getting ready to go out tonight, their friends and family were already at The Saints, but as of now, the Mikaelson girl couldn't resist a little drama.

"So tell me, was he furious?" Rebekah asked her friend, sounding far too giddy.

The witch nodded as she applied her ruby red lipstick, whilst she sat in front of the mirror,

"He did that thing where his eyes twitched like he's going to combust." she let out a laugh.

"Oh, no," Rebekah laughed along after finally picking out a dress for her to wear.

Luckily both women were going to be clad in coats, otherwise, the winter air might possibly make them freeze.

They soon hoped it would be normal for them to wear trousers, just like men, but neither thought society was ready for that...yet.

"Yes, it looked as if he were about to blow up the entire club just with one look," Adrienne added dramatically.

"He's always been able to do that." the blonde shook her head as more memories filled her head.

Even when they were children, Klaus may have been softer and calmer, however, whenever he was mad it was like his eyes could kill you with just one look.

"It was honestly the oddest thing I've ever seen."

"At least you survive his wrath." Rebekah winced as thought back on the drama that had been going on the walls of the compound, "He almost daggered Elijah yesterday."

Bafflement furrowed Adrienne's eyes, "For what?"

"You don't know?" Rebekah grinned widely and she rolled up her stockings.

"Know what?"

The blonde original rolled back her shoulders as she prepared her exclamation, amusement shone through the Lumière's eyes.

"Niklaus is convinced that Elijah has a thing for you-"

"He doesn't." Adrienne cut her off quickly, causing Rebekah to quirk up a brow.

"Sure," the blonde drawled.

It was clear to Rebekah that her older brother had an attraction to her friend, but he wouldn't take it further...for once.

Both Klaus and Elijah had fought over many things throughout their extended life and women were a part of that

Rebekah never got involved whenever the two squabbled, and neither did Kol, as he was usually travelling or conspiring against Klaus.

And as for Finn, well he couldn't do anything, especially since he was trapped in a box with a dagger plunged into his heart.

Oh well.

"So Nik's acting like a child then?" Adrienne rolled her eyes before she raked over her reflection in the mirror.

"When does he not?" Rebekah scoffed, "But I dread to think how he will behave when he undaggers Kol." she muttered and unravelled the curlers placed in her hair.

Adrienne snapped her head to the blonde with a questioning look on her face, "Younger or older brother?"

"Our youngest brother, but he's older than me," she informed the witch as she styled her long locks. She usually pinned her hair up, which created a short tucked-in bob.

Fortunately for the Lumière witch, she had already styled her hair back in a low slick bun.

"So who is the oldest?" Adrienne wondered, confused with their family tree.

"Finn, he was a bore, so Niklaus never undaggered him."

"Mean." the witch commented and only received a shrug from Rebekah who went to sit at her vanity table, "so how does Kol behave?"

"He's a maniac."

The original had a lot of affection for each of her brothers, although it was clear who she loved the most.

"Any reason why?" Adrienne questioned as she readjusted the dress she quickly slipped on.

She liked hearing about the Mikaelsons, however, she couldn't help but feel sorry for the ones who were bound to a coffin, due to the fury of their bastard brother.

Although she and Hadeon had many disagreements and fights for almost nineteen years, she couldn't part with him for too long.

"He always has been and always will be," Rebekah said conclusively, making a frown appear on her friend's face.

"But has no one asked why?"

The original pondered for a moment, scrunching her face up as she did, she tried thinking back to the last moment she ever had with Kol and she couldn't recall either of them saying anything honest or kind.

"Never, you needn't worry, he will love you," Rebekah exclaimed excitedly as they both put on their coats and headbands.

"And why is that?" Adrienne asked, smiling at the blonde's eagerness.

"Other than your looks, voice and overall charm..." Rebekah wiggled her brows.

"You're right." the witch nodded confidently.

The two women walked over to the mirror after putting their heels on.

Rebekah started, "You're also a witch, therefore he is most likely to throw himself at you, more importantly, he will do it in front of Niklaus."

"Oh great." Adrienne rolled her eyes, then caught the grin on her friend's face, "Why are you smiling?"

"More drama for me to unpack." The two of them started to laugh.

"Come on let's go."

─────── •✦• ───────

Adrienne and Klaus were on the crowded dance floor of The Saints, they both swayed to the soft melody of Kali and Mira's voices.

The Lumière witch had just performed and wanted to drink the night away, but was swept up by the original hybrid.

Adrienne was beside herself. Klaus kept whispering sweet nothings in her ear, making her giggle, the music was nothing but background noise to the pair, as they seemed to be oblivious to the things that surrounded them.

He had a firm hold on her, almost scared to let her slip through the cracks of his fingers.

The song ended and something with an upbeat tempo came on. She thought he would lead them back to their table, but the man continued dancing. She would've been surprised at how good he was, but they had moved like this many times.

She yelped when he dipped her to the floor, and then spun her. They laughed, losing themselves in the song.

Over in their regular booth, Rebekah, Elijah and Hadeon chatted away.

"So are you enjoying the entertainment 'Lijah?" the blonde Mikaelson asked her brother after gulping down another glass of chardonnay.

"I will have more fun if young Hadeon stopped poisoning the air." he gestured to the twenty-one-year-old, who only winked in response and blew out another cloud of smoke.

Between the drinking and excessive smoking, Elijah did enjoy the Saturday scene.

The original had found time in his schedule to relax and enjoy the night, even if Hadeon agitated him.

"So, how is your new lover Deon?" Rebekah drawled and nodded at the human who sang on stage.

"Jealous bekah?" the Lumière eyed the blonde in amusement after taking his eyes off his lover.

He was very impressed with how she was performing, especially because he knew how shy Mira could get, both in bed and out of it.

He, nor Elijah didn't miss the jealousy that clung to Rebekah's tone.

Hadeon had always seemed to have that effect on the youngest Mikaelson, whether it was intentional or not.

"Not at all."

"Lying is a sin." he sang, only to irritate the tipsy vampire.

"Your agnostic." she snapped and reached for another drink, only for it to be moved out of the way by her brother.

"So?"

"Must you two always clash?" Elijah pinched the bridge of his nose, their squabbling was distracting him from listening to the jazz that engulfed the walls of the building.

Hadeon grinned as he sat back, "I'm a very bored man Eli."

"We know." the siblings said simultaneously.

Hadeon rolled his eyes and put out his cigar in the ashtray, which was surrounded by many empty drinks, the trio's attention was drawn to the two équilibre witches that approached the table in their flapper dresses.

Clementine and Valerie.

"Mikaelsons, Hadeon," the Griffith witch smiled at the three of them, whereas Valerie only shot them a nod as the pair sat down.

Rebekah drunkenly squealed and threw her arms around the women, who laughed and hugged her back.

"How much have you had to drink?" Valerie questioned, amused by her behaviour. She didn't like many people touching, let alone being near her, however, she may have had a soft spot for the youngest Mikelson.

The same couldn't be said for her hatred toward Klaus.

"Not nearly as much as you think." Rebekah managed to down another drink before her brother could stop her.

"Now I want to catch up with you," Clementine smiled and picked up the glass and clinked it against her fellow witches.

"It's nice to see you in a more tranquil environment, Miss Griffith," Elijah commented as he eyed the dark-skinned witch, who smirked under his impenetrable gaze.

"You as well Mr Mikalelson." she nodded in his direction.

His eyes narrowed onto hers, "Call me Elijah."

"So, call me Clementine."

Everyone watched as the pair conversed, they might even say flirted. It was odd to watch, especially because they were on opposite ends of the table.

"Beautiful name, forgive me if I'm not mistaken, it means merciful correct?" she nodded at his words, she felt flustered but attempted to keep her composure.

She failed something that fed Elijah's noble appetite.

"Something that she isn't." Valerie quipped before she drank another shot with Hadeon and Rebekah.

The Griffith witch scoffed as she nudged her friend. "Neither are you."

"So?"

The witches shared a knowing smile then they continued to converse with their familiars.

As the night went on, The alcohol seeped into their systems and their ears embraced the music.

The club decided, so Klaus decided to whisk his sweetheart away and toward their table.

When they stepped closer, Clementine shuffled nearer to Valerie, so the couple could sit down.

Klaus shot a glare at the LaMarche witch, a gesture that was quickly returned.

"Did you like my singing Eli?" Adrienne asked as Klaus pulled her onto his lap.

She felt her man tense at the nickname, so she quickly played with the stray curls at the back of his head, making him relax slightly and wrap an arm around her waist.

"It was a delight." Elijah was unaware of the talent she inhabited.

He knew that the Lumière siblings performed, but Adrienne only recently began doing it after her eighteenth birthday because her father deemed it acceptable.

His attention snapped to Hadeon, who drunkenly gasped, "what about mine?"

"I simply don't have the time to listen to you for pleasure."

"Don't lie." the oldest Lumière heir tutted and went back to drinking with the witches and Rebekah.

Adrienne giggled when she felt Klaus's stubble prick at her neck as he kissed down it, "Nik."

A photographer approached the table with a camera in the hold, "ladies and gentlemen," he announced and held up the object, all eyes were on him, he gulped back his fear, recognising the famous figures that were birthed by the city as well as ran it too, he nervously asked, "would like me to capture of your lavish night?"

"Why the hell not."

Hadeon's words encouraged them all to squish together. Rebekah laid her head on Elijah's shoulder. Hadeon threw an arm around Valerie and Clementine. Whilst Adrienne placed a kiss on Klaus's cheek.

A huge flash went off as the picture started to form.

The photographer continued to make his rounds throughout the club.

Hadeon made a mental note to get the picture, so he could add to the mountain of collages that stick to the walls of his family's building.

Adrienne wiped the lipstick off Klaus's cheek, although he didn't mind its placement.

The supernaturals continued to have their fun, laughing and drinking not worrying about the sky darkening.

Clarence O'Connell entered the club, smiling when he found his friend Emerson.

Adrienne noticed how the two were surprisingly calm in her family's establishment, despite the risk of becoming prey to the many predators in the room.

She didn't dislike Clarence, she only found him deeply annoying.

"What do you think of Clarence, Nik?" she whispered into the hybrid's ear, her eyes didn't leave the humans who went over to the bar.

"I don't think of him," he replied, annoyed that her focus was on the council member, "but he would make a nice meal."

She rolled her eyes, "the words that drip from tongue are utterly useless."

"You know more than anyone how powerful my tongue is sweetheart," he spoke absentmindedly, not caring if anyone else heard.

But the rest of the booth stilled and turned to him.

Elijah readjusted his tie and rose from his seat, completely over being near his siblings, he held his hand out to the Giffith witch, who happily accepted it, and climbed over her friends to escape the awkwardness.

The two sauntered onto the dance floor, as did Hadeon, who was in search of Mira, not wanting to hear about his sister's escapades.

Adrienne blinked slowly and stared at Klaus's smirking face, "I'll pretend for the future of our relationship you didn't say that." she stated and he chuckled lowly.

"I think will all of us pretend you didn't say that Nik," Rebekah added in disgust, shaking her head at her brother, who clearly didn't care.

She shivered when a breeze flew through the gaps in the windows that covered the building.

"I hate the cold," Valerie stated as she felt the heat leave the room.

"And I'm tired of wearing dresses," Adrienne sighed, Klaus hastily took off his blazer and placed it around her.

She shot him a grateful smile, before glancing back at the other two.

"Maybe we should wear trousers," Rebekah suggested and the witches grinned, holding up their glasses.

"Maybe we should" they all clinked their glasses and continued their conversation.

"I would love to see you wear trousers," Klaus whispered into his witch's ear, she playfully rolled her eyes and pushed him back, making him chuckle.

"You know we can hear you right?" Rebekah said with a scowl, she gestured between her and Valerie, who glared at the hybrid.

"Sister, you know I don't care," he waved her off before his gaze settled on the LaMarche witch, "And I certainly don't value anything that this one has to say," he received a smack on the back of his head.

"Don't talk to her like that," Adrienne chastised him. Rebekah covered her amusement with her glass.

"Young, old, dead or alive witches are a pain in my arse," he mumbled before he received another smack to the head, "....not you, my love." he tried to place a kiss on her cheek but she pushed him back.

Valarie laughed bitterly, "The bloodhound never stops talking."

Adrienne and Rebekah both tiredly smiled at each other, they knew where this was about to go.

Klaus clasped his hands together and leaned forward, ignoring the annoyed groan from Adrienne, "More dog jokes, I must say you actually have a wicked tongue," he mocked, "although I can't say the same thing about your sorcery." his eyes wavered between her and the scar on the Lumière's shoulder.

"What?" Valerie snapped and Adrienne gulped nervously.

"Take a look at th-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Adrienne cut him off, "take me home, I'm tired." she pouted and then shot Valerie an 'i'll tell you about it later' look.

The LaMarche witch nodded stiffly, "Yes please take him home, I'm bored of his barking." she smirked as the couple rose and stepped down from the booth.

Rebekah continued to drunkenly giggle along with her.

Klaus sent her one last glare, "Sod off Valerie."

─────── •✦• ───────

Along the way to the Lumière abode, Klaus had scooped up Adrienne and carried her, like they were newlyweds.

He found it adorable how she drunkenly talked and complimented him.

It was the only time she was unfiltered around him, around anyone really.

She was a naturally blunt yet flirty person, she had such a way with words that he even struggled to find the meaning beneath them, but he was eager to try.

He wanted to try.

...for her.

She carelessly pulled her key from her clutch and let him open her front door.

They laughed when they stumbled in, but their amusement soon dissipated when they came face to face with Erebus.

"H-hi," she hiccuped, "dad, how are you?" she slurred.

Erebus didn't bother responding and set his sight on the hybrid, "make sure she doesn't drown in a puddle of her own making," he said monotonously and went back toward his study.

Klaus eyed the patriach cautiously, not like his tone or his command, and if he were another man, he would've already lost his tongue for speaking to him in such a way.

But he couldn't lay a finger on him, not without hurting Adrienne.

So he sped them upstairs, pushing open her bedroom door and placed her on the bed.

Adrienne didn't have any energy to sit up, so she collapsed backwards.

She heard him search through her draws, trying to find something, "Nik," she called out.

"Bear with me," he muttered, but when he looked up at the top of her drawers he caught the sight of the sketch he drew for her. It was now framed, causing a red tint to threaten to appear on his cheeks. He quickly paced over to her pillows and pulled them up, to find a long silk scarf, "finally."

"Help me put it on."

"I-i don't know how," he cursed himself for stammering.

"Awww, you're nervous," she hiccuped again, he rolled his eyes as he neared closer and made her sit up, "it's so cute."

"Help me," he exclaimed frustratedly, which caused her to coo more at him.

She took the scarf and folded it inwards, Klaus watched each movement, she then placed it over her head, pulled on the ends behind and tied a knot, then repeated the process on the top.

"Done," she presented it to him and he nodded slowly, trying to remember each move she made, "are you okay?" she tilted her head to the side.

"I think I should go," he announced, making her frown. So beautiful, he thought.

"Don't leave," she pouted and motioned for him to come closer, "please." she whispered, "I promise I won't tell."

A genuine smile pulled at his lips, so he quickly shut the door, then he slipped over his shoes and hers. She grew impatient and dragged him over to her bed and pushed him against her pillows.

He chuckled, but then stopped when she straddled his lap, his eyes widened and wanted to stop her, "sweetheart-"

"Can I tell you a secret?" as she made herself more comfortable, she didn't notice how the panic fell from his eyes and he let out a sigh of relief.

"You can tell me anything."

"I'm scared," she admitted and he quickly sat up against the headboard, anger coursed through his veins.

"Why? Who scares you?" he asked lowly, she missed the menacing glint in his eyes.

She played with his tie, "People that look like you don't like me," she admitted lightly and he tensed, "well some of them do."

He stared away, contemplating his words, he didn't know what to say. He knew he would never experience racial inequity, he could try to understand but it wouldn't be the same.

The anger he felt when he saw his adoptive son being whipped by a slave owner over a hundred years ago, was an image that would never leave his mind.

Klaus softly interlocked their fingers, "Sweetheart don't worry abou-"

"I do and I will, but you don't have to," she mumbled, mainly to herself.

Interracial relations were quite taboo, especially in the south.

Even when she was drunk, it was a thought that rested on her mind, she would never be able to escape.

He displayed a sullen look, he let go of her hands and pulled her closer, "But-"

"You know what I realise?" she asked ecstatically, he was taken back by her mood change, He shook his head, "you haven't given me a nickname."

It was clear that she wanted to change the subject, so he implored her, "What do you want me to call you?"

She tapped her chin, "Well, I call you Nik."

"Amongst other things," he muttered as a slight grin tugged on his lips.

"What?"

He waved her off, "Nothing, proceed sweetheart."

She held her fingers up and started counting, "Umm, something with three letters will be good to match yours."

He loved watching her mind operate, "I'm stumped."

She groaned, "Try harder." she pushed his chest.

"Ria?" he said the first thing that came to his head, she started to squeal excitedly.

"Ooo that sounds pretty." she placed her arms around his neck.

"Very pretty." he nodded in agreement.

"Like me?" she teased against his lips.

"Like you pretty girl." he wanted to kiss her but he didn't want to cross a line.

"And you too," recalling how many times she had complimented him on their stroll home, his beauty was something else to her.

"Thank you," he grinned confidently.

"Let's sleep," she yawned, and he gently placed her on her side. She felt him press a kiss to her forehead before she let sleep take her.

─────── •✦• ───────

Adrienne ran, as fast as she could, her dress ripped and knees scraped as she entered the quarter.

The tears that blurred her vision also stained her cheeks, she didn't even know what she stumbled into.

She let out a shaky breath as she stared up at the stakes that were bound to the centre of the city.

She had to escape. She couldn't let the witch get to her, she had to keep going but it felt like he feet couldn't move.

She wanted to keep going but it was like her whole body froze. The night sky even concealed the stars from blinking down at her, preventing any light to reach her.

Her cries grew louder as magic caused more cuts to slice her skin, She was helpless and alone. Something she never wanted to be.

There was no one to help her, to save her from this torture. Not even her brother.

"Please, stop," she begged as she recognised that it was her mother who inflicted this pain on her fragile body.

"You made me weak Adrienne, you're a weak girl." she spat as her hand scrunched into a fist, making a scream tear from the younger witch's throat.

"Mother please." suddenly Adrienne was bound to the stakes.

"Hadeon ain't even my child and I loved him more than you," Keyara sneered when she neared her child.

"No." Adrienne shook her head as her mother's eyes turned black.

The young witch screamed when felt Keyara gripped her arm, burns and cuts spread through her body as she did.

"Burn my child," Keyara cackled as flames started to engulf her daughter.

The screams that ripped through her throat only brought joy to her mother.

More joy than she could ever ask for.

"Ria!" Strong arms wrapped around Adrienne, she flinched back, scared that he would harm her, but retracted her magic when she recognised who he was, "I'm here." Klaus mumbled against her head.

He was quick to wake up after hearing her painful screams, initially he thought she was under attack, but not mentally.

He rarely slept, but sleeping next to his girl allowed him to fall into slumber rather easily, until now.

"No," her voice sounded so strained. Her chest was still heaving up and down.

He wanted to get her some water, but he couldn't let her go.

"What did you see?" he pulled her away and saw the tears form in her eyes, it filled his rage, he wanted to solve what tormented her.

"I saw her," she said ominously, it made him squint his eyes.

"Who?" he asked on edge.

Her bottom lip quivered as she responded, "My mother."

"In your dreams?" he asked slowly, not wanting to scare her.

"Nightmares, always the nightmares," she whispered, scared that another person might hear her.

"Why?" he asked cautiously, but she only shook her head, so he stopped his questions.

"I don't want to sleep," she stressed.

"Then we won't," his eyes narrowed onto the Grimm tales that sat near her vanity table, "shall I tell you a story?" he questioned and she followed his gaze.

"Please."

"Your wish is my command."

─────── •✦• ───────

Sunday, November 13th, 1917

The next day, both Lumière siblings were extremely hungover.

Adrienne watched Klaus sneak out of her room after giving her a peck on the forehead. He didn't want to leave, as he was inquisitive to know why she was dreaming about her late mother.

She bid him goodbye before she received obnoxiously loud knocks on her door from her brother.

So here they were, in the middle of Oak Alley Plantation, sat on top of their horses, Axel and Hendrix.

Axel; the thoroughbred, beautiful boy. Hadeon picked the name, so the horse soon became his after tricking some farm owners. Hadeon liked the name because it meant 'my father is peace'. He liked the irony of it all, especially because it couldn't be further from the truth.

Whereas, Hendrix; an Arabian horse, which belonged to Adrienne, its name meaning 'home ruler', something that she wanted to be known for.

Ruling, conquering and leading.

The siblings learnt how to ride horses when they were younger, Erebus stated that wanted his children to constantly be on top. Higher than their peers, so he sat them on top of horses and made sure they grinned down at the people that hated them.

The siblings came to this plantation after it recently was abandoned by its owners. They liked to trample over the souls of past slave owners.

They believed it told a message.

A message that everything was changing.

The new south was coming to New Orleans, something that couldn't be said over a hundred years ago.

"You look tired," Hadeon commented as their stopped riding. He took notice of his sister's appearance.

"Well thank you." shot him a sarcastic smile, before she bent down and whispered something in Hendrix's ear, after noting that he was unsettled by the atmosphere.

"How did you sleep?" he wondered.

"I didn't." she huffed and stroked her horse's main.

"Why, did your dog bark again?" he attempted to defuse the tension but was met with a blank expression.

"No, I dreamt of my mom again."

He gritted his teeth at the mention of Keyara, "I never liked your mother." he wished he knew his biological mother, but Erebus kept that information to himself.

"Watch your tongue." she snapped, only to receive a glare.

"Why? It's not like she didn't deserve what happened to her." he stared at his sister knowingly.

"You shouldn't speak ill of the dead," she mumbled as her eyes stared ahead at the dishevelled building.

He bitterly chuckled, "It's not like she can reach out of her grave and touch me with her burnt hands."

"Deon!" she shook her head at him, still sadden by the dream she had.

"If she still torments you after her death, then I can speak ill of her." he shrugged and Axel raised his head as if he was nodding.

Hadeon smiled down at his horse.

"She liked you." she frowned and thought back to their childhood.

He sighed, "And she hated you, therefore I hated her." he announced, then he caught a smile appear on her face, "What?"

"You're being nicer to me recently, are you dying?" she teased.

He feigned offence, "Do you want me to stop?"

"No."

"Then shut up." he tugged on his reigns.

She playfully rolled her eyes and copied his actions, "Love you too brother."

"I know."

"Cheeky fuck."

He laughed, "Wanna race?" he quirked up a brow and she nodded quickly.

Before she could countdown he started riding, "cheater," she yelled and rode after him.

└─────── •✦• ───────┘

a/n:

Lulu Antariksa as 𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸

y'all know that klaus was sexist? Well some of the time. Not excusing his behaviour at all. So I feel like he would've said something like that to Melinda. no I don't implore his behaviour at all. melinda represents a single and unwed, sexually active woman at the time.

klaus is a manipulative and controlling guy, as shown in the first scene he had with Adrienne. don't forget that she is only 18 almost 19, so no she isn't emotionally mature or ready to be in a relationship with the world's oldest drama queen. so if she refuses to tell him parts of her life or the things that scare her, it's not her fault.

before anyone asks, the song that adrienne sang was  "girl with the tattoo" Miguel, but I just changed the words to fit klaus.

my favourite chapter so far because so many characters are interacting with each other, also drunk adrienne is just like a kid. I wanna write drink Klaus but I don't know when to include that.

hope you enjoyed this chapter, kol will be arriving soon don't worry.

also, i have made a trailer for this book, out of boredom, I'll post it on tiktok when it's finished.

you guys still with me?