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WARNINGS: LIGHT SMUT, MENTIONS OF TRAUMA, CHILD ABUSE, VIOLENCE AND PREJUDICE

┌─────── •✦• ───────┐

Friday, February 17th,1918:

BLISS is what the Lumière siblings should've felt the moment they entered the new year but that emotion became harder to grasp the moment they realised they were orphaned.

No, Erebus didn't pass away, but his absence created a morbid feeling inside of them, mimicking grief. He hadn't been seen in almost two months.

They supposed he went to stay with friends in a different city as it was radio silence from the Lumière Patriarch. So if he didn't want to be found, they wouldn't look for him, even though it hurt to even resist the magic travelling to their fingertips whenever they picked up a plain-looking map.

Adrienne couldn't bare to stay within her house, constantly reminded of the last words he ever spoke to her. As brutal and harsh as they were she wanted to know her father was safe, even though she doubted he cared about her wellbeing.

Hadeon and Mira had the house to themselves, although the door was forever revolving with whatever and whoever they could find, to warm their bed.

The oldest heir seemed calm but he was drowning in the illegal alcohol he was consuming as well as the thoughts he knew were not safe to utter aloud.

At least he had Mira and, Adrienne had Klaus.

The city was no longer in a danger.

But how long would all that truly last?

After all, It is only a dark twisted fantasy.

─────── •✦• ───────

Moans and whimpers bounced off of the tall walls of Klaus' room.

Some say it's his and Adrienne's now, but no one would dare to question the illustrious events that take place within those fall walls, well, it's not hard to guess. The only witness to their sins was the sculptured angel that was placed on his bedside table since she had been staying at the compound.

The cool winter sun snuck its way into the bedroom through the edges of the blinds. Its soft light cascaded across the teen Queen's face and the hybrid King's messy morning hair, which she raked her slender fingers through.

They were as naked as the day they came into the world, with only a thin sheet concealing them. The heat emitting from the pair was enough to fight off the icy temperature that surrounded the windows.

"You're crushing me," Adrienne teased when Klaus turned his head on her stomach.

Her body was wrecked as if she had gone through a few rounds at one of the local boxing gyms. Her lover never wanted to take his hands off of her, out of love and possessiveness - he cater to the latter more.

The hybrid playfully glared up at her, "Are you calling me a pig?"

She snorted, "A dog would be more fitting."

He huffed and stared at her, silently contemplating his next move and before she had the chance to object he pounced on her, emitting a squeal from her lips.

His hands were on either side of her head, where her coily kinks fought to be free from her silk scarf, fortunately, it hadn't unravelled during the night.

"Do I need to punish you again?" he asked, with a mirthful glint in his eye.

"You teased me enough last night," her seductive tone was enough to drive him mad.

He suppressed a groan when her knee grazed his crotch before he gently pushed her away and she childishly pouted in response.

"And don't forget that you enjoyed seeing me that way, begging for your touch," she added with a smirk.

Adrienne's hands trailed over his toned chest, he let out a grunt when her nails gently scratched against his flesh, making his heart rate go into a frenzy.

Klaus lowered his head, letting his lips grace over her ear, sending a shiver down her spine, "And I loved every second of it," he whispered, then nibbled along her lobe.

Adrienne whimpered, she fucking whimpered... I'm such a whore for him.

She cleared her throat and pushed him back, before snaking her arms around his neck, eyeing him lustfully.

"Just like I love seeing your head between my thighs," she whispered back, drawing a guttural groan from him.

Adrienne couldn't hide her amusement and let a giggle slip past her lips.

Klaus rolled his hips into hers, and her breath got caught in her throat as she gawked up at him.

"Oh really?" he taunted, "Because I recall you were on your knees last night and your mouth was very full."

The events of the previous night were burned into their minds, her lips wondered his body and his hands gripped onto her waist, getting tighter with every thrust and moan. When hopped off of him and lowered her mouth onto his thickness, breathless groans emitted from him as she licked and sucked on his-

Her gasp brought him away from the memory, "Not for long," she managed to respond.

He arched up his brow, "Oh it was a long time."

"If you think six minutes is long my love then you need to rest your pretty little head."

"Well, I certainly know where to rest it, my love."

They exchanged a grin that morphed into a heartfelt smile.

"I love you," he muttered against her lips.

He had finally been able to proclaim his feelings to her during the chaos that is their twisted life and when she confessed the same thing, he finally felt he was living in a beautiful fantasy, a fantasy that if he was ever dragged out of, he would be kicking and screaming.

He didn't want to mess anything up, he couldn't step out of line, and he had to keep his paranoia within his grasp but he knew it wouldn't be long before it slipped through his fingers.

Adrienne's smile widened, "I love you... when you don't vex me."

He ran his tongue over his teeth, before saying, "Oh I vex you?"

"Some of the time."

"Really?"

"Yes," she laughed when he started smothering her with kisses.

To her forehead, lips, cheeks, neck...

He was getting lower, nibbling on her collarbone, sucking her chest until she found the strength to push him away.

"I have to get-" he smashed his lips into hers to cut her off, "No I have to wash."

"Later."

"Now."

"No."

"And you can't join me."

Over the next half an hour Adrienne emerged from the bathroom half-dressed, her skirt was resting on the bed along with her stockings.

Klaus slowly raised and rested his hands on either side of him, keeping his impenetrable gaze on her, following her every move.

She felt his eyes on him as she started to get dressed, so she decided to taunt him.

It's one of their many love languages.

Adrienne accidentally knocked one of her stockings onto the Peruvian rug situated beneath the bed, "oops."

Klaus breathed deeply through his nose, as he watched her slowly bend over, raising her behind to the air and plucking the lacing garment off the floor.

By the time she stood up straight and leisurely moved over to the vanity table - he had installed into his room for her - Klaus became aware of the tent forming under the sheet.

Adrienne smirked when she heard him curse in his mother tongue.

Through the vanity mirror, she saw him pick up his undergarments and hastily put them on making her pout.

This had become routine for them, waking up together, eating, working (killing), sleeping and spending time with each other.

Adrienne broke him out of his thoughts when she blew him a kiss that he playfully rolled his eyes at before he jokingly caught it and placed it near his heart.

Now fully dressed, hair slathered in gel and meticulously curled using a comb, Adrienne went to go and pick out her jewellery but Klaus' raspy morning voice she adored, halted her movements.

"Sweetheart."

She shot him a glance, "Beloved."

Klaus' words raced out of his mouth before his mind could comprehend, "Why didn't you tell me about what happened with your mother?"

She tensed at his question, "What?" She asked, tone barely above a whisper.

"You could've told me," he insisted.

By the time he had discovered what happened all those months ago, he was livid and his rage hadn't simmered.

Understanding that Adrienne had been abused similarly to him, leading her to take her mother's final breath with the help of Hadeon and Marie was overwhelming yet not satisfying enough.

Klaus wished he would have seen the life leave Keyara's eyes, wishing that she could've bear witness to him loving her daughter.

Adrienne held his heart firmly within the palm of her hands and he had no will, nor desire, to resist. The conqueror had become the conquered. And never had it felt so good.

"And you could've told me what happened with yours," she rebutted without thought and his eyes narrowed onto hers when she turned around.

"Don't turn this on me."

"I wasn't trying to, I'm simply pointing it out."

Klaus slowly exhaled before asking his next question. He didn't intend to make her feel uncomfortable; he just wanted to know.

"Did you think I would judge you?"

She turned around and walked up to him, "No."

"Then why didn't you feel like you could tell me, come to me?"

"I wasn't ready to talk about it with anyone." She admitted, with her heart hammering against her chest at the topic, she didn't wish to continue but she knew he wouldn't stop.

After all, he was obsessive.

"Even me?" Klaus questioned and his expression seemed like she inflicted pain on him.

He thought he would've prevented more danger if he knew. All the signs were there but he neglected to dig deeper and inquire more into her past, which is why now his mouth didn't stop him from doing so.

Whenever he woke up to her convulsing in her sleep, screeching about her mother, he should've known and not given into her half-truths and discovered the answers for himself.

Adrienne frowned and cupped his face, "Nik, it's not like that," she rubbed her thumb over his cheeks, which he sighed at, before trailing his hands up her arms, slowly, until they met hers.

"Then what is it like then? Explain it to me."

"My mother hurt me long before you came into my life-"

"Death was a greater kindness than she deserved."

"-Let me finish," she nudged him and he clamped his mouth shut, reluctantly. "Every time she looked at me, it wasn't a look of love or adoration, it was just hatred. She never hurt me when my father or brother was around. She was strategic that way."

Klaus wished he could relate to that, however, Mikael seemed to strike whenever and whenever he chose. An audience wasn't anything he sought after, but it added to the torment.

"She usually used magic to conceal the beatings, but the last time she couldn't."

Klaus traced the burn mark over her arm, soothing it with his touch, despite it already scarring over months ago.

Even though he knew now that Valerie didn't hurt her, he still wouldn't be nice to her. Call it a pride thing or a Klaus thing, but verbally, he couldn't do it.

"When Hadeon found out, he would stay with me for days so Keyara wouldn't come near me."

"Where would you go, if Hadeon wasn't there?"

"Kali's."

"Really?"

The shock etched on his face was a surprise to her.

Her brows pinched together, "Is that so hard to believe?"

"Yes," he responded instantly, "I always thought Valerie would've helped you."

Adrienne rolled her eyes at the way he hatefully pronounced her name.

"Warming up to Val, huh?"

He laughed humorlessly, "My sanity would forbid it."

She gave him an odd look, "What sanity?"

"Easy," he scolded, making her grin, "I want you to be able to tell me things."

She nodded slowly, "I want to."

He sighed, "But?"

"It's a lot."

"Do you not trust me?"

"Of course I do."

"Then-"

"Can we not talk about this now? I don't want to be thinking about my mother more than I usually do," she said, dropping her hands from his face.

"Okay. until we speak of this again, just know you can come to me with anything," he stated, picking her hand and pressing a chase kiss to it.

Her heart swelled at his affirmation, "The feeling is mutual."

"I'm serious, when you want to speak, tell me." He repeated more firmly, causing her brow to arch in curiosity.

Adrienne took a step back and folded her arms and tilted her head to the side, "Who else would I tell...Kol?"

All the contentment drained from his eyes and was instantly replaced with a hint of anger.

"I never said that."

"You didn't have to," she shrugged and headed over to the vanity table to put on her jewellery.

"You've been avoiding me." And spending more time with him. He wanted to say.

Adrienne had seen Kol one time since she had taken up residence in the abattoir because the vampire had been far too busy to stop to talk to anyone when he arrived home, but that was enough for Klaus to think otherwise.

Adrienne blinked back her shock, "How can I avoid you when I live with you?" She asked, her tone full of irritation as she fastened the backs of her earrings.

He rolled his eyes and got off the bed, "You avoid talking about certain subject matters."

"Yes, one's makes me feel uncomfortable." She argued, annoyed that he would unintentionally make it about him.

"But you must talk about what's been bothering you," he insisted and handed her the shoes that she had been searching for.

She accepted them with a tight-lipped smile and quickly put them on before he had the chance to help.

"As if you tell me everything that's on your mind," she challenged, whilst she sprayed a bottle of perfume.

Klaus ran his hands over his face, "I won't shut you out."

It was Adrienne's turn to roll her eyes, "I'm not shutting you out."

"Why haven't you performed at the saints in over a month then?"

The question made her halt her movements, he felt satisfied that he caught her out although he did want to know why she hadn't sung or danced at her family's club.

The answer was evident but he wanted to know from the horse's mouth.

She gulped and grabbed her overcoat, "Because my voice is recovering," Said Adrienne, with a slight quiver to her tone.

He stepped closer, "From what?"

And that's when she exploded, "From begging and shouting for my father to not abandon my brother and me," she yelled, making his eyes widen, "Is that what you want to hear? That I can't even go home without thinking about how I've lost not one parent but two in the space of only a couple of months. Are you happy now?"

She huffed once she stopped yelling, her voice may have been her sole reason for living, but now, she just wanted to leave it all the past, even though she deeply wanted to overcome the mental barriers that were tormenting her every day.

It had been a few minutes since she spoke and Klaus didn't know what to do.

He hoped taking a toward her would help, "Sweetheart..."

She raised her hand to stop him, "No. I have things to attend to." Her voice returned to its calm setting.

He would never admit this aloud, it scared him deeply.

"Can we speak?" He dared to ask.

She ignored his question, "Are you coming to the council meeting later or not?"

He shook his head and bowed his head like a little schoolboy, "No, I ha-"

"Have a nice day."

And with that she left, leaving the hybrid regretting that even opened his mouth.

─────── •✦• ───────

Adrienne was determined to focus on her the tasks at hand, for instance; interviewing a new employee. A werewolf to be more specific. Hadeon had recommended the talented musician after having heard him play on the lively streets of the city.

After serving as a tunneler during the war, Easton Williams played his trombone as loudly as possible to ensure the mud never sunk into his ears again. Working below the trenches, deep within the soil, keeping an eye on the ground, insinuated that he hadn't seen Marcel and that they were in different regimens.

She couldn't imagine the things that either man was going through, regardless of being superhuman, benefiting from enhanced healing and increased speed, they wouldn't be the same again. They couldn't be the same again.

"See you soon Ms Adrienne, I'll make sure to bring my wife's strewed chicken for you to try," The wolf grinned as he stood up from his chair.

"I'll make sure to eat all of it," she cast him a small smile and mirrored his actions, "Bye Mr Williams."

"Call me Easton."

The wolf had a dark-skinned complexion, similar to her Adrienne. His build was quite svelte, skin slightly smooth, despite the wrinkles tugging near his doe eyes. His hands, from what she saw were callous – playing an instrument was very different to holding a riffle and a spade for endless months. His voice was calm and comforting, rather surprising, considering what he had been through.

"After you've worked here a month, I'll consider that," she carefully replied, with a teasing tone.

"Whatever you say, boss," he tipped his hat towards her and collected his overcoat and trombone case.

The wolf was only seconds from the door, before it swung open, so roughly and abruptly that it collided with the wall nearby.

Easton's eyes widened as he took a step back. Adrienne's face remained expressionless when Klaus walked in and immediately glared at the wolf in front of him.

The hybrid heard that his witch was accompanied by a male from one of his paid vampires that frequented the property.

Yes, he had people watching Adrienne, out of protection, well that's what he told himself.

He didn't want a repeat of last year, where she got hurt countless times right under his nose.

Additionally, they had a minor blip this morning and he only wanted to be sure she was content and out of harm's way.

"I thought you had work to do Adrienne," Klaus said looking directly at the man in front of him, eyeing him head to toe.

Easton suppressed his smile and kept his eyes on the exit. He was highly amused that his new employer had relations with the man. He didn't exactly picture that they would be a couple but he kept his opinions to himself.

Unfortunately, it seemed like Klaus could read his mind, causing the glare to grow.

"This is work Klaus," Adrienne snapped back, enunciating the very name his enemies used. She saw him tense at that said name but she wasn't in the mood to have a quarry in front of a new member of staff. "Mr Williams-" she went to gesture to Easton but Klaus cut her off.

"A Malraux wolf?" He asked rhetorically.

"Yes, a wolf. Just like part of you."

"Exactly, part of me."

Their tones were quick and cold.

Easton feverishly wanted to leave, so he did.

"I'll see you in a few days, Ms Adrienne," Easton said and walked out of the room, without giving a second look to the Mikaelson man, furthering Klaus' anger.

Klaus needed to do a background check on him, especially if he was going to be close to his witch.

The couple stared at each other for moments, before it morphed into glares.

Klaus waited until he heard the door to the front door slam shut before he started his questioning.

Adrienne sighed when he dramatically cleared his throat and said, "A wolf?"

She blinked at him, "What's your issue with that?"

Klaus scoffed, "I have no dispute with him being a wolf."

"Then what?"

"I'm getting to it."

"Then get to it," she insisted impatiently, whilst simultaneously shutting the door with her magic.

She didn't want anyone to hear their conversation, it was bad enough Easton was there, so she hoped that the rest of her employees stayed downstairs.

"He's too young." Klaus settled on that excuse.

Adrienne scrunched up her face in confusion, "What?"

"I don't trust him around you," he growled, speeding close to the table she stood behind.

She raised a brow, "First of all take that base out of your voice when you speak to me," she instructed, to which he huffed, "and secondly, You don't trust anyone around me."

He instantly shook his head, "That's not true." Lie, his inner thoughts screamed.

"Really?" She scoffed, "name at least five people you trust around me," she said, sauntering around the table and standing toe to toe with him.

Klaus took a moment to appreciate their proximity, he wanted to reach for her hand but knew she would if given the chance, pull away and he couldn't handle rejection especially when they were discussing a man he had never met.

"Clementine," he said mindlessly.

She held back a smile, "Safe choice."

"Hadeon."

"It would be odd if you didn't say him."

"Mira..." he trailed off and his list plateaued.

She snorted, "So you didn't even think of your siblings, Valerie or Kali?"

Klaus folded his arms and kept his eyes on hers, "Rebekah is a liability, Elijah is far too sly and I wouldn't trust Kol to pour water over me if I was on fire."

Adrienne turned her head to the side to conceal her smile, however, Klaus already caught it, sweetening his sour mood.

"Valerie?" She asked curiously and he silently debated his answer.

Adrienne got bored of waiting. Leaning against her table and tapping her nails against the wood, she thought, He looks good in blue. It was hard to not grab him and allow him to have his way with her.

She was still extremely uncomfortable with the fact she had to relive a few bad memories because of him.

Klaus cringed as he answered, "Surprisingly, her bloodlust is the only trait I don't despise about her," he rolled his eyes when she started to laugh.

"So she's trustworthy?"

"I trust her enough to protect you," he reiterated in one breath.

"And not Kali?" She questioned taking a step forward.

Klaus's eyes travelled from her eyes - he often got lost in - to her lips that he so desperately wanted to kiss. They stayed on her face, because if they dropped any lower, neither would leave the room.

"Kali is obviously not to be trusted."

She was taken back and cocked her head to when side, "Why? Because she doesn't like you?"

"Perhaps."

Adrienne sighed and made a mental note to revisit why he didn't trust one of her childhood friends.

"Wow, you only trust me around five people, great," she muttered.

Shockingly, when Kluas cupped her face she didn't pull back, "I trust you, I don't trust others," he said softly, tracing her cheekbones with his thumb.

"Sounds like it," she quipped, tone wreaking of sarcasm.

"And that wolf is not one of the people I distrust."

"He's married," she explained carefully.

He scoffed, "If that stopped anyone, bastards wouldn't exist."

Adrienne's eyes narrowed into slits and backed away, causing him to let out an exacerbated sigh.

"And would that stop you?" she asked, irritated as well as frustrated.

Although marriage wasn't her end goal, it was what society expected of her. Being seen constantly with a white man, raised eyebrows. And when no one was looking, they held hands and occasionally kissed cheeks. Their supernatural status may be carried weight, but regardless of such titles, she was still a black woman and he, a white man. Love was strong enough to pull them together, but it would never have a powerful grip on societal norms.

"So, you want to marry me huh?" Klaus teased and was met with a glare that removed the idea from his mind, but not completely.

"Not if that's going to be your attitude."

"Sweetheart, you know I love you and you only," he huffed out.

"Just like Easton only loves his wife."

"You've known him for two seconds," he gritted, becoming more irritated by the wolf that he would now see frequently.

His blood beginning to boil.

"And?" Adrienne questioned, slumping her shoulders.

She had never felt so drained in her life and this was only adding to it.

"Your faith in him can't be that strong," he remarked, letting out a humourless laugh.

"He's working here, end of," the finality of her tone drove him off the wall.

"Why must you aggravate me so much?" he snapped loudly and was met with silence, so Klaus sped in front of her and screamed, "Answer me!"

Adrienne's eyes flashed with a familiar fear that only gleamed in the presence of her deceased mother.

That look made Klaus back down and realise what he had done.

It felt like the wind was knocked out of her lungs and all the air in the room was out of reach, she had to leave.

"Wait..." he tried stopping her but the door slammed shut, leaving him alone with all the guilt that trembled through his body and caused him to run his hands over his face.

Oh fuck.

─────── •✦• ───────

The hour hand on the clock had finally struck five.

A few blocks away from the Saints, The Mikaelsons stood next to the bar of an establishment. Banners drifted through the room, as streamers fell from high above.

'Welcome back' was written in bold letters, hanging high for all to see.

Marcel was back home and more importantly, he is with his family. Most of their reactions were not so cheerful. Kol had blankly stared at him, malice danced around his iris', but attempted to not allow his irritation to show, somehow. Elijah only gave Marcel a reassuring pat and informed him of the variety of things he had missed. The music, literature and scandalous lovers, whilst drinking up a nice glass of illegal alcohol. Rebekah shunned him and left; not like Marcel could blame her, he had chosen the gift of mortality over her, something he couldn't decide whether he regretted or not. And finally, Klaus embraced him with a warm hug, spreading adoration and glee throughout his body.

His little warrior was finally home.

Marcel just hoped these next few months were peaceful, in comparison to the things he'd seen. Hope breeds eternal misery. But how could things get any worse?

"I've been back five minutes and you're already fighting like an old married couple," Marcel teased as he laughed over the brass band.

Klaus and Marcel rested by the bar whilst they reminisced, discussing experiences even the ones that took place hours before.

Klaus thought that having his men bombard the youngest Lumière heir with treats, delicacies and dresses was a good step in the right direction.

Wrong.

Adrienne had gifted them all to various members of the public who had no home to return to. 'Sell them for a pretty penny', Klaus discovered that she had told them that and couldn't help but smile, but as quickly as it appeared, it soon faded after he realised that he had to try a whole lot harder.

Klaus rolled his eyes at his adoptive son's laughter, "Marcellus, this isn't funny."

"She has you by the balls."

"She would love to hear you say that."

"I don't doubt that for a second," Marcel paused and gave him a pointed look, "But you raising your voice... big mistake my friend."

Klaus sighed, "She might be burning down our home as we speak," he mumbled.

"Can you blame her?"

Marcel only knew Adrienne for a few years before he was shipped off to fight. They had interacted whenever he and Hadeon drank together. They kept their conversations sweet and brief. He knew she was powerful and even more dangerous if you pissed her off, no wonder that she and his adoptive father had hit it off so well.

"No," Klaus murmured and waved down the barmaid.

Marcel nudged him, "Trust you to piss off a witch."

"I've pissed off many witches but-"

"She's a queen."

"My queen," Klaus emphasised, stunning Marcel.

The Gerard vampire could hear the fierceness in his voice, causing him to grow more curious about how deep their relationship ran. Being away in the trenches for only a few years and his sire had fallen in love. It was a pity that he couldn't extend the same gratitude to him and Rebekah.

"You gotta beg," Marcel stated, picking up a shot, then rolling his eyes when he saw a grin pulling at Klaus' lips, "Not like that, well I don't know how you two get down."

"Watch yourself," Klaus playfully warned him.

Marcel chuckled, "I will, especially if I need a glass of water at night and I walk past your bedroom."

Klaus groaned, "Christ."

"I bet I'll hear that too."

"Actually Adrienne is-"

Marcel swiftly cut him off, "Coming over in-" he motioned Klaus to turn around, "three, two-"

The witch queen threw her arms around the war hero and completely ignored the hybrid.

"Marcie!" she squealed in excitement.

"Riri," Marcel exclaimed returning the gesture, although he kept a loose grip on her, already feeling the envy emitting from Klaus.

"I've missed you," she did in fact miss him, although her exaggerated tone made it seem so much more.

Marcel went to respond as they pulled away, but the voice she had been dreading to hear interrupted him.

"Ria-"

"No. don't talk to me." Adrienne snapped, intoxicated or not, she had no time for his nonsense.

Klaus' frown didn't waver, regardless, he still nodded, "I know but put down the glass," he instructed gently.

She laughed bitterly, "no."

"You have a meeting later."

Adrienne looked at him with a blank expression, that slowly turned into a frown once she realised he was right... Why couldn't he be wrong?

With a tense grip so placed down her glass, "I'm putting it down because I chose to."

"I know love."

She rolled her eyes at the smile gracing his face.

Marcel couldn't hide his amusement, "So do I call you mom now?" He teased the witch.

Klaus nudged him, "Marcellus." He scolded.

Adrienne huffed before swivelling on her heels and strolling away, but neither of them missed the smile on her face.

Klaus wanted to go after her, however, he knew she could potentially set him on fire and he wasn't prepared for his Poiret suit to burn.

Marcel snorted, "You're in the dog house tonight." He quipped, earning a deadpanned look from the hybrid.

"Really, Dog jokes?"

Marcel held his hands up in mock surrender, "The opportunity was right there."

Klaus pinched the bridge of his nose and remained silent, going back to drinking and drowning his thoughts.

The two weren't alone five minutes before another Lumière graced them with their presence.

"Has the prodigal son returned?" Hadeon praised dramatically, approaching with his lover.

"Young Hadeon," Marcel grinned, throwing threw his arms around the older Lumière witch, they chuckled as they collided.

The two had been rather close before the vampire went off to war. Both had missed each other dearly and sent many letters over the dark years.

"And who is this?" Marcel questioned with his infamous smile, his eyes fixated on the woman standing near his close friend. She was a beauty in his eyes but judging by Hadeon's possessive grip, the witch could already tell what he was thinking.

Hadeon hummed, "My girl-"

"Mira Tate." Mira confidently introduced herself, wanting to take charge of her life, even if it was something as simple as an introduction.

Her scent invaded the vampire's senses, "Human." he concluded and turned to the witch in surprise.

"What is it with vampires sniffing me?" Mira whined to her lover.

"That's the price of drinking blood gorgeous," Hadeon replied, feigning disgust, "they go a little mad," he paused then motioned to the hybrid, "look at Klaus."

Klaus pointed at the laughing bunch, "Alright, enough of that."

"So you can hold your liquor now?" Hadeon asked rhetorically, eying the drink in the vampire's hands.

"One of the many things I had to do to survive the war," Marcel admitted, "You would know joined me."

Hadeon stared at him with a glimmer of anger in his eyes, "Why would I fight for a country that hates people that look like us."

Mira snorted bitterly, "Aint that the truth."

─────── •✦• ───────

Elijah was sitting with the Équilbre witches, of course. Clementine was the closest to him, with a comforting hand resting on her thigh that slowly edged it up whenever she whispered something into his ear.

Whatever had conspired between the two was clear as day, although, labels? They rejected any claims or accusations.

But, Elijah was waiting for the right time to suggest something more.

Until then, the pair had to deal with the constant knowing stares from their closest confidants.

"He keeps looking," Valerie said, after catching Klaus peer over at their table.

He was still standing with Marcel, Hadeon and Mira. And it took everything in him not to come over and grab his girl.

Adrienne played with one of the olives in her empty glass, "I know."

"I could blind him."

Kali made an amused noise, "I could help."

Adrienne's eyes darted between them, "Who knew that Klaus could bring you two together?"

"Shut up," Valerie immediately shut that Idea down, whilst Kali gagged.

From the other side of the room, Klaus' gaze darkened with anger when he saw his younger brother appear behind their table with a grin. Marcel and Hadeon had to tighten their grip on the hybrid to make sure he didn't cause a scene, even though they would've loved to see how it played out.

"Drowning sorrows are we? I thought you liked Marcellus being here?" Kol slumped down next to the LaMarche witch.

Valerie eyed him in disdain, "He's better than you, that's for sure."

"Always a pleasure Val," Kol winked at her, which made her groan.

"I'm not drowning anything," Adrienne scoffed at Kol's question, then proceeded to pick up another drink.

Kol bit down on his lip to conceal his amusement, "Is that right?"

She groaned, "Shut up Kol."

Kol shuffled closer to them, whilst locking eyes with his half-brother, "My brother has made you miserable already. I told you, you should've taken me up on that date."

Before she could respond Klaus flashed over and slammed his hands down on their table. Their drinks shook and almost spilt onto the ground, earning many shocked expressions from around the room.

Kali immediately rose from her seat and left, shooting a glare at the hybrid before she approached Mira, Hadeon and Marcel.

"What date?" Klaus questioned, his blue eyes almost looked black and If looks could kill, Kol would be several feet under.

Elijah leaned across the table, finally emerging from the bubble he and Clementine were in and whispered, "Adrienne, Niklaus is here," he motioned to the looming Hybrid.

Everyone turned to the nobleman in amazement, as he was rarely drunk, which made the entire matter even more hilarious.

Adrienne smiled at him, "Thank you, Eli."

Valerie blinked quickly, "'Lijah, I forgot you were even here."

"Thank you, Valerie," Elijah cast her a tight-lipped smile, then returned to whispering things in Clementine's ear.

"Sweetheart," Klaus pressed on, turning his gaze to Adrienne.

She glared, "No." her response made Kol almost giggle, almost.

"Fine, what date are you referring to Nikolai?" Klaus looked back at his grinning younger brother.

Kol tossed his head back with a groan, "It was a joke, Niklaus," he explained half-heartedly, "lighten up, you'll get wrinkles."

"And you'll that glass rammed up your arse."

"Children," Elijah managed to scold them, making Valerie pout. She liked watching them fight, it was a sight that made her day.

"Whilst you two were having a short-lived pissing contest Adrienne had gone to get another drink," Clementine said with a sweet smile and nodded to the bar.

Klaus gritted his teeth and walked away.

"You weren't supposed to tell him that Clem," Valerie fake scolded.

"Blame the liquor."

The witches giggled and took another sip of their whiskey, whilst Elijah cracked a smile, neglecting to see his younger brother slip away and exit the building.

Before Adrienne could reach the bar, Klaus caught her arm, causing her to spin on her heels, then shrugged him off.

"What?"

"Please listen to me," he pleaded quietly, pulling her to the side.

Many supernaturals were around and he couldn't have them knowing their business.

Adrienne shook her head childishly, "I don't like you right now Mr hyde."

His lips twitched at the use of his old pet name, "I know."

"And just so you know, If you talk to me like how you did this morning, I'll leave you."

The statement felt like a slap to the face, that sobered him up in an instant. His heart hammered against his chest at the definitive tone she used.

His spirit felt torn.

Adrienne didn't want to be in a situation where she would get hurt again and the way he spoke to her before reminded her of a time that she didn't want to go back to.

"I'm not kidding." She added, "you may not trust me-"

"I do trust you, it's others that I don't trust," she could hear the desperation in his voice.

Trust was everything to Klaus, he valued it greatly. In his eyes, it was one of the deciding factors for whether he should give or take a life... well if he wasn't already angry that is.

He had trust in Adrienne, he did, even though it didn't seem like it.

"Right," she said with a scoff, "every time I look at a man-"

"Not every time."

"It is every time and I feel suffocated," she stressed. With every word, she was getting soberer.

His heart rate was accelerating, "I'll stop."

She squinted up at him, "You won't."

"I'll try." For you, only for her.

Adrienne rubbed her temples and sighed, "I'm too drunk to have this conversation with you."

She wanted to leave, not out of anger, but out of worry. She was afraid she or he would say something they would soon come to regret.

Hurt flashed through Klaus' eyes, "We can't leave the discussion here."

"We won't, it's on pause," she restated.

"Don't."

"Klaus-"

"Nik," He said and urged her to say, only to come to discover she wasn't ready to give in.

"Klaus," Adrienne repeated and his frown deepened.

"Fine, Adrienne." It didn't sound right, he may have initiated uttering their given names a few hours ago - out of irritation - but now, he deeply regretted anything and everything about today.

Well, not everything...

Adrienne grabbed his hands, startling him before he relaxed to her touch.

She missed him and he missed her, however, he deserved her cold shoulder, her angst and would make sure to never be on the receiving end of it again.

If he could help it.

"Look, I love you," she breathed out, making Klaus cup her face.

"And I love you... more than you'll ever know."

A million more things were silently exchanged between them and they were never to be said aloud. They were sacred to them and only them.

"We should go home," she announced quietly, pulling her hands away, not without him pressing a lingering kiss to hers.

"Are we going to the Abattoir?" he tentatively asked, hoping she wouldn't suddenly want to pack up all her things and leave.

"Yes, we're going home, I need to change."

Klaus nodded slowly, breathing out a sigh of relief, "Alright."

He offered her a small and for the first time since their argument, she returned it.

─────── •✦• ───────

The darkness had embraced the sky like a tight blanket.

The council meeting just ended and more troubles had begun.

William and Clarence filed out of the church, chuckling about their plans for later tonight, neither said a word to the hybrid who stood watching the front doors. The wolf merely grunted, meanwhile the human silently gulped as they walked past.

Elijah strolled out next, with a loose tie that he had clearly forgotten to tighten up after his rendezvous with a certain witch. A crooked smile kissed his lips at the memory.

"Penny through your thoughts brother?" Klaus asked with a smirk. He received an eye roll in response, making him laugh quietly to himself, "Oh and if you're going to see Clementine again-"

"-Make sure to pick if more beignets," Elijah recited the phrase he heard every week, "I know," he stepped onto the pavement, walking away from his brother, "oh and if you're going to see Adrienne," he mocked, making Klaus' mood fall flat, "do make sure to grovel."

Elijah grinned satisfactorily, then went on his way.

Klaus nervously played with his family ring as he waited for Adrienne, he need to think of more ways to make up for his mistakes. I'll leave you, her words echoed through his head like a chant that grew louder, the longer he stood in silence.

She wouldn't leave him, right?

Like most of Adrienne's proclamation, it left him in limbo, full of uncertainty and turmoil.

The sound of her heels colliding with the uneven ground broke him out of his thoughts, causing him to look up and smile, "How is my queen?" he asked, taking the small clutch from her hands and checking over her appearance.

"Tired," she replied and rested the urge to interlock their fingers, "nurses are apparently being beheaded throughout the city and I'm just hearing about it today."

"Any insight regarding the culprit," he wondered, why nurses? Such an old target.

"Killing with an axe," she paused and turned to him, "I've heard about incidents like this before but rarely humans."

He stepped closer, "Motive?"

"Nope."

"A man with an axe," he stated and she made a disgruntled noise.

She nearly glared at him, "Never said man." any woman is capable of murder.

Klaus continued, "A man is carrying the axe, but the woman...." he trailed and she quickly caught on.

"Is pulling the strings," she concluded and he cast her nod, "So there is more than one person."

Klaus shrugged, "Just a hunch."

Adrienne shot him a droll look, "Then why don't you come to the next meeting and make use of that crown of yours."

"Heavy as the head that wears the crown."

"And your head is rather large."

"Not much bigger than yours."

She feigned offence, placing her hand over her heart, "So is going to be a habit of yours, insulting and yelling at me?"

"Never again," he spoke with finality, Adrienne made no effort to interrupt, "You may not believe me. My apologies can only do so much. But I need you to know that I am aware that I was wrong regarding the stunt I pulled at the Saints."

Adrienne tugged on her coat, then motioned him to continue, "And..."

"You can employ whoever you want."

"Oh that wasn't up for speculation," she remarked snarkily before he carried on with his apology.

"I just want to protect you," Klaus stated earnestly, towering over her frame, which wasn't far from his height.

Adrienne took his hands in hers, "You wanna protect me, take care of me and provide for me. I know. But I also know there are only a few more times you can say that as an excuse for controlling me. Look I love you, I'm in love with you."

Delight shone from his eyes, "I know."

"You have me... until hell freezes over," she joked.

"Until hell freezes over."

Klaus quickly stole a kiss from her lips that had been beckoning him all day, he'd missed the taste and tenderness of them.

The witch couldn't help but smile. She wanted to keep up her cold facade, but when Klaus stared at her like that she swooned.

She almost built her walls back up this morning, seeling away her truth with each hate-filled word and scream, he came so close to never seeing what it was truly like inside the mind of the youngest Lumière.

Fortunately for him, they were back on track, even though, it may have looked like they took three steps back, it actually was one step forward.

"Adrienne Jasmine Lumière," Klaus emphasised every syllable of her name.

"Niklaus Jonas Mikaelson," she said back with equally as much love.

He chuckled, "Let me guess, I'm going to regret telling you my full name aren't I my love?"

"Of course," Adrienne shrugged.

"I know more than your first, last and middle name," he informed and she motioned him to continue, "You adore lavender, not because of the shade, but the symbolic power it brings; luck. You also believe that Gladioli's bring your power because they represent it, just like you. You love surgery treats and anything with spices. Cooking and baking is a talent of yours although your voice is arguably superior," he shot her a wink, making her small widen, "you tolerate Shakespeare's plays and poetry, but believe that Rossetti is plausibly the best poet when showcasing women's struggles in society. A simple picnic will satisfy you just like the one I put together for our second date," he recalled with a grin, "You want to return to Haiti and eat as much Poul Nan Nos as possible because that was the first thing you learnt to make as a child. Speaking of children, you always wished to have more siblings but are happy with Hadeon because all his personalities account for several people," he added and they both laughed.

"I guess you know me," she breathed out, staring at him with all the love in her heart.

The tears that pooled in her eyes froze due to the harsh weather. They had been standing outside the church for quite some time. Klaus slyly pulled her toward his chest and ran his hands up and down her arms for warmth.

Each word he spoke, made up for the ill-mannered comments he said before. She wanted to applaud him for his efforts, however, it was the bare minimum after all and she couldn't expect anything less.

She was a queen and definitely wouldn't kneel to her king... depending on the situation of course.

Klaus hummed, "Just like you know me."

"You should also know, dresses and jewels may tickle my fancy, but handmade gifts are my favourite," she jested.

"Maybe a few devils could go with the angel on our bedside table," Klaus suggested and Adrienne's eyes bulged out of their sockets.

"You said 'our'," she cooed and pinched his cheeks.

He bashfully smiled, not realising what he said. It was a subconscious decision, besides, he meant it.

"What's mine is yours," he declared, drawing her hands to his and pressing kisses to them.

Adrienne dramatically gasped, "Even the paintbrushes?"

He went to argue, "Ah-"

"And the expensive paints," she added sweetly, making sure he couldn't say no.

Klaus half-heartedly nodded, "Even those."

"You still need to teach me how to paint."

"I will."

"And sculpt."

"I promise."

"Do you remember the first time I slapped you?" Adrienne suddenly asked with a smirk plastered on her face.

Klaus couldn't help but chuckle at the memory.

"Our first date," he answered with a nod.

"And why was that?"

He bowed his head, "Because I was being mean to Valerie."

"Exactly."

The autumn months were nothing more than a memory that they would cherish for life. The leaves weren't the only thing that changed colour during September, Klaus's cheeks brightened and wore a constant tint of red each time he was around his sweetheart. She had chipped away at the ice that grasped his heart, whilst he had become someone for her to lean on, to confide in, to love.

"But remember why you love me," he tugged her closer, smirking when her heart skipped a beat.

Adrienne nodded, "I always do," she reassured, remembering that he must've been unsettled about her previous words.

She wasn't intentionally trying to hurt or scare him, but she did want to keep him on his toes.

He disrespected her and he needed to be reprimanded.

"Our extreme parenting issues brought us together," she said joyfully and squeezed his hands.

The two stood there laughing. If they didn't laugh they would cry. Their parental trauma was another thing that had in common.

"I've missed that."

She raised a brow questioningly, "What?"

"Your laugh."

She playfully rolled her eyes, "That's sweet, but I have to punish you."

"Oh really?" he asked, very amused.

Adrienne on the other hand had other plans.

"Yes, no kisses... for a week." her finger travelled from his dimpled cheeks.

"What?" Klaus sucked in a deep breath when her hand trailed from his face, down his chest at a torturous pace. He closed his eyes and threw his head back when she palmed him through his trousers, "fuc-"

"Not even here," Adrienne mused and dropped her grip.

Klaus desperately reached for her, "Ria."

"Bye sweetheart," Adrienne spun on her feet and ran away, giggling as she did so, knowing that he would chase her.

"Ria!"

Klaus sped after her, catching her and spinning her around, she squealed as they melted into each other, before succumbing to the darkness of the night and the warmth of their bodies.

─────── •✦• ───────

Saturday, February 18th,1918:

Adrienne finally plucked up the courage to walk the halls of her house.

Almost two months had passed and the familiar scent of white oak and whiskey invaded her nostrils. Two months may not have seemed long, but it was the longest she had been away from the Lumière estate. After her interaction with Klaus last night, she decided it was time she visited her brother. Yes, they had seen each other copious times since boxing day, however, it was always brief.

Adrienne missed him and as well Mira, she knew the latter was at work. As for her brother, she knew he was home today.

She trailed her fingers over the frail bannister as she walked up the creaking stairs. Her eyes darted around the house with each step. Not a spec of dust was in sight, must be Mira's doing, she concluded as Hadeon rarely cleaned anything in his life, despite expecting cleanliness, wherever he went.

As she approached the landing, she walked past her bedroom but made a mental note to retrieve more of her belongings.

"Deon?" Adrienne knocked on his door and didn't receive a response.

Suddenly, his bedroom door swung open and an unfamiliar man rushed out, clothes in hand and a worried look on his face.

"Don't tell my wife," he begged, running past her and down the stairs.

"I don't even know who you are," she called out but the front door already slammed shut.

Hadeon laughed from bed, with his head resting between two pillows and most of his bedding and his clothes were on the floor. He licked his lips and rose onto his elbows, dragging a thin sheet up to his waist, concealing his virtue or lack thereof.

"Do I even need to ask?" Adrienne asked, shutting his door. She rolled her eyes at a bottle of brandy that spilt on the floor, we're rationing, gosh. She picked it up and placed it to the side.

She couldn't stand the mess.

Hadeon wiped the corners of his mouth, "He wanted a taste and who am I to turn him away?"

Adrienne tugged on her fur wrap, "Does Mira know?"

"Of course, she knows." he said, raising his hands in defence, "She was enjoying all the fun," he rolled his eyes when his sister gagged, "Until she had to leave for her shift."

"Great," she drawled, it's like a sex dungeon. She picked up his loose undergarments and tossed them at him.

Hadeon effortlessly caught them, despite his squiffy and exhausted state. He slid them on as sister placed her hands over her eyes.

"Was there something you needed sister?" he asked, "you can look now," he added, lying across his bed and letting out a deep sigh.

Adrienne blinked slowly after dropping her hand from her face. Walking over to rest by her side, she sat up straight and checked over his face and body, wanting to know if he was okay, both mentally and physically.

She scoffed, "Do I need a reason to come and see you?"

"No, I suppose you don't," he clicked his tongue, then held his arms out, "Come here."

The siblings hugged, letting out sighs of relief, the tighter their grips became. Pouring everything into their warm embrace, love, loss and grief.

Hadeon missed his sister, but since she was an adult, he couldn't force her to stay. He wasn't their father, nor did he ever want to be.

"You smell like sex," she commented as she pulled away.

He grinned, "And you smell like the bayou," he joked, putting a smile on her face, "How is the dog?"

"Being a toe rag."

"Did he receive a punishment?"

"Of course."

"Ah don't tell me," he attempted to guess, "No walks for a week or did you take away his bone?"

"I certainly took away something," she answered vaguely.

Catching on quickly, Hadeon sat up, "Is he seething?" he asked excitedly, wishing he could see the sight.

Adrienne bit down on her bottom lip to suppress her amusement, "He couldn't sleep."

"Well played."

"I try," she said with an innocent smirk.

The siblings quickly caught each other up about everything that had transpired in these last couple of months.

Hadeon had accidentally proposed to Mira a few times, as he does and each time she said yes, before realising they were not ready. They celebrated her twentieth birthday by taking her out on a horse ride. Yes, Mira was terrified, however, Axel was ecstatic to meet his owner's new squeeze and fortunately didn't throw her off. The budding couple were having a blast, he wondered if fate would keep it that way.

"Are you okay?" Adrienne questioned cautiously, "I know men don't talk about their feelings-"

"We leave that to the woman," Hadeon hissed when her hand collided with his bare chest, "it's true."

"Well change it."

"It's easier said than done," he rebutted, "so to answer your question, I'm fine."

He was never one to talk about his feelings, preferring to wash them down with whatever he could get his hands on.

The one trait he didn't mind inheriting from his father.

The art of papering over pain, laughing through sadness and babbling around the truth. It used to be a challenge, but now it's a game of sorts.

"Deon-" He cut off his sister.

"Are you?" Hadeon asked.

Adrienne sighed before admitting, "I'm trying to be okay," she paused when she remembered, what she was hoping to forget, "what he said that day-"

"He was talking out of his ass, he's a fiend."

Neither felt comfortable saying their father's name.

"Hadeon," she said in a reprimanding tone.

"He is," hadeon insisted, annoyed that his sister tended to defend people who hurt her.

It seemed like a reflex. She was loyal and people took advantage of that.

"He left us," Hadeon continued and a shadow of hurt crept across his face as he registered the memory. They were orphans in the worst way, one of their parents was still alive, just not here.

Adrienne bowed her head, "I killed his-"

"You killed your tormentor, with mine and Marie's help," Hadeon shut down her self-depreciation.

His sister tended to inflict blame on herself, to wither with the guilt despite having nothing to be guilty about.

"Have you spoken to Marie recently?" she asked, changing the topic.

"Yesterday," a smile grew as he continued, "she cooks for Mira and me every week."

"What?" she screeched, making him playfully roll his eyes.

"Don't have a cow, calm yourself."

"I'm happy for you," a grin spread across Adrienne's face.

"Good," he chuckled, "and I'm happy for whatever you and your domesticated canine are doing."

"Deon," Adrienne whined, despite finding the quips regarding Klaus' species hilarious.

"I will stop with the dog jokes when he's proven himself worthy of you," he proclaimed.

A confused look made its way across her face, "And when will that be?"

"When the time is right, I'll let you know."

Although they were friends, for some reason Hadeon didn't trust Klaus with his sister, well not completely. Until he did he would keep something he acquired a few years ago, to himself.

"Okay," Adrienne hummed as an amused look crossed her face, "What about you and all these men?"

"They scratch an itch that Mira can't."

Adrienne snickered, despite being uncomfortable hearing about her brother's sex life. She didn't care who he entertained as she only hoped he was safe and didn't contract the clap or potentially something worse.

"Can you stop being a whore for five seconds?"

"I'm desirable," he excused his promiscuous behaviour, "And so are you my dear sister, multiple mikaelsons-"

"One," she stated definitively.

"Whatever you say," he sang and she huffed out a laugh, "Oh and I've been meaning to ask you, what did you dream about last night?" he questioned out of the blue.

She was confused, nevertheless, she said, "Black cats why?"

"Plural?"

She nodded, "Yes."

He leaned forward, "Funny," his tone was monotone and humourless.

"Why?"

"Because so did I," he went on to explain, "three black cats all stood around me."

Her face scrunched up as she recalled the dream, "Except in mine, one screams, one grins and the other rots."

Hadeon instantly tensed, "Black cats mean many things sister: evil, destruction, and bad luck..." he trailed off, seemingly lost in thought.

The siblings often had premonitions, usually vague, but as they grew up they tended to get clearer, especially for Adrienne.

"And?"

Hadeon clenched his jaw, "Betrayal."

She pinched the bridge of her nose, "Great, we have an axe murderer on the prowl and also a rat."

"Three," he restated.

"I guess we have to find out who they are," Adrienne announced, sounding extremely determined.

Hadeon let out an annoyed chuckle, before rubbing his hands together and said, "Let's get started."

└─────── •✦• ───────┘

a/n:

first chapter of act two guys, what do you think so far?

adrienne and klaus are whores... my whores, but whores nevertheless. the way they fight is something else, adrienne fights dirty and so does klaus so who is really gonna win? their argument sets the tone for the rest of the act btw. klaus has extreme trust issues, whereas adrienne trusts a bit too quickly.

it may seem like adrienne has let klaus get away with speaking her to that way, but she'll make him suffer.

marcel is back... my second favourite mikaelson. can't wait to write more moments for marcel, hadeon and adri.

guys try not to ask for spoilers in my pm's. you can ask or just talk about anything else but spoilers is one thing i won't give up. you can tell me your theories and i might give you a vague response about them but that's it.

as for the three cats that the siblings dreamt of... who could they be referring to? the person controlling the axe murder? i guess we'll find out more next week. trust me when i say pay attention because there is much more at state for this act, especially for our girl.

any questions? you can either ask me on here or check out my tiktok (saintsiren.wp) for edits/ previews or you could check out my tumblr (saintsir4n) for previews for future chapters also.

hope you enjoyed this chapter, keep voting and commenting pls.