The Original Who Loved Me:
Part 2

New Orleans, December 1890:

"I think luring a woman into a home when you have fabric covering her eyes is usually how a murder begins."

Thomas chuckles softly as his hand grips tighter against Lola's, "All will be revealed shortly." Thomas places his hands against Lola's arms as he stands behind her, he lowers down to be by the side of her face, "Are you ready?"

An eager Lola nods, wearing a broad smile on her face as her eyes are still covered. Her smile doesn't leave once Thomas removes the blindfold, revealing his home that he has built from scratch, "This is beautiful!" Lola turns to face Thomas who remains standing in the doorway, "How did you get this completed so fast?"

Thomas shrugs one shoulder as he steps further into the foyer, "Compulsion mostly." He takes hold of Lola's hand and walks backwards towards a room off the foyer, "There's something else I want you to see. Consider it a Christmas gift."

He removes his grip from Lola's, both hands against the handles of the double doors leading to the room he intends to show Lola. Thomas stops for a moment, moving away from the doors before looking back towards Lola, "I know the compound is your home, but I thought that there wasn't really somewhere that was completely yours. Until now."

Lola's mouth is agape as Thomas opens the double doors revealing a large brightly lit room, two walls completely covered in books, a large grandfather clock at the corner of the room beside two large doors leading out into the gardens. Her eyes fall upon a grand piano in another corner of the room, her brows furrowed slightly as she steps closer to it before looking over her shoulder towards Thomas, "You created this entire room, just for me?"

Thomas wears a faint smile, stepping further into the room, "I watch how happy you look when you speak of playing the piano."

Lola smiles, her hands graze along the keys of the grand piano, "It's true I do love to play. However, there are times when I do play I envision my father standing in the corner, like he always did." Lola plays a note on the piano before rolling her eyes, "Critiquing every key I play."

Lola looks up to the mirror in front of her, seeing Thomas standing beside her still wearing a faint smile, "Perhaps it's time to create happier memories regarding the piano."

"You truly are a wonderful friend, Thomas." Lola turns to face Thomas, she takes hold of his hand, "This is too much."

"Nonsense." Thomas quickly dismisses, "I figured this could also be treated as your sanctuary. Somewhere you can feel at peace."

Thomas' eyes soften towards Lola, their hands still intertwined with each other. Lola glances down at their hands, removing hers from his grip before clearing her throat, "We need to celebrate you and your new home."

"How about tonight?" Thomas suggests, he begins to walk out of the room as his voice becomes more eager, "I can have a dinner arranged for us both."

"Not tonight." Thomas turns to see Lola still standing in the same spot wearing a polite smile, "Tonight is the annual Mikaelson dinner along with their traditional bonfire."

Thomas frowns, stepping closer to Lola, "With it being a Mikaelson dinner, you are expected to attend anyway?"

"Rebekah would kill me if I didn't." Lola laughs breathlessly before stepping away from Thomas towards the door, "We can celebrate another night, definitely. Why don't—" She takes a sharp breath before turning to face him again, "Why don't you join us for the dinner tonight?"

Thomas' mouth gapes open slightly, looking a little startled, "Me?"

"Yes, why not?"

Thomas laughs awkwardly, shaking his head, "The few instances I've been in the presence of them all, it seems as though I'm not exactly welcome."

"Don't be ridiculous, of course you are welcome. You'd be my guest." Lola threads her arm through Thomas' and begin to walk out of the room, "Besides, Rebekah is always there to talk your head off, plus Kol will be there."

—✤—

Rebekah's smile beams as she looks at the entrance of the compound to see Lola walking in, "It's about time you showed up!" She immediately pulls Lola in an embrace, "I've almost forgotten what you look like."

Lola pulls away from the embrace, her eyes are lit with mischief as she smirks over to Rebekah, "Have I neglected you? I'm sorry."

Rebekah playfully rolls her eyes, "No, you're not. Speaking of what has been keeping my best friend away from her home, where is–" Rebekah looks over Lola's shoulder to see Thomas now walking into the compound, looking around feeling out of place, "Thomas Wetherby, there you are!"

He smiles politely towards her, "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Of course not!" Rebekah dismisses, she guides Thomas further into the courtyard, towards the decorated table in the centre of it, "I had a sneaking suspicion that you'd attend so I took the liberty into already creating you a place at the table."

A faint of a smile creeps onto Lola's lips as she watches Rebekah guide Thomas towards the table until she can feel a set of eyes on her. It's then she locks eyes with Klaus who is leaning against the railings on the balcony above the table. The two have barely exchange full sentences to each other in months, ever since the garden party.

It's as though everything and everyone around them is completely frozen in time as they look into each other's eyes, both having the same longing gaze in their eyes without even realising. They both can feel an invisible pull towards each other, desperate to speak and yet with all the will power they can muster up, they don't.

"Lottie," Kol's voice breaks Lola out of her stare towards Klaus, "There's something we need to discuss privately."

Lola smiles innocently towards Kol as she nods. She watches as Kol begins to walk into a different room, she takes one last look up towards Klaus who's stare hasn't left her before she follows Kol.

Klaus releases a long pent up breath as he lowers his head, as though he was holding his breath the entire time. He feels a hand against his shoulder, turning his attention to see Elijah standing beside him, not saying a word.

Klaus rolls his eyes when he hears Rebekah laughing along with Thomas down in the courtyard, "Must that insufferable sod be here today of all days? This stupid tradition that Rebekah continues is painful enough."

"Perhaps," Elijah drawls out before sighing heavily, leaning his back against the balcony railings, "If you spoken to Charlotte all those months ago and said how you feel, the circumstances of today would be different."

Klaus scoffs, standing up straight before also leaning his back against the balcony, "Not you as well, Elijah. I get enough of this nonsense from Rebekah. There are no feelings between myself and Lola."

Elijah stays silent for a moment, glancing over to his brother who is clearly lying to himself, "I found pieces of one of your sketchbooks in the fireplace the day after the garden party all those months ago." Elijah sighs as he notices Klaus begin to tense up, "I highly doubt it's a coincidence due to after that game of croquet you were all playing it began to be more hostile between yourself and Charlotte."

"Those sketchers were abominable," Klaus mutters in an agitated tone, "I couldn't stand to look at them."

Klaus turns around looking back down towards the courtyard when he hears Lola laughing along with Kol and Marcel, his entire demeanour changes within an instant. Once agitated and frustrated, now relaxed and uplifted. It drove him on the brink of madness that a woman he admires to deeply, whom he thought he was beginning to create a close bond with, has completely disregarded all of it and now acts as though he's just a stranger within the home.

Elijah clears his throat as he stands up straight, fixing his suit jacket, "If you want to continue lying to yourself there are no feelings towards Charlotte then that's fine, Niklaus. But know this, I won't allow you to hurt Charlotte with your lies. She doesn't deserve that." Elijah glances down at the courtyard where Lola is now standing beside Thomas having a conversation, "You're not the only one in this family who feels as though there is something off with that man,"

Klaus straightens himself up, suddenly eager that he isn't alone with his doubts. He opens his mouth about to say something but Elijah raises his hand, silencing him, "You're already pushing Charlotte away enough, Niklaus. Don't allow your paranoia to push her away even more. Put your dislike towards him to the side just for this one day."

"I don't dislike him," Klaus begins to defend himself as he shrugs, "I just don't like him. There's a difference."

"Niklaus..."

"Enough, Elijah." Klaus quickly dismisses his brother, "Let's just get this dreaded day over with."

Down in the courtyard, Rebekah walks towards both Thomas and Lola when Thomas calls her over, "I think I may need your help with something, Rebekah."

A hint of a smirk appears as Rebekah glances between the pair, "You've intrigued me, go on."

"You see, I may need your guiding hand,"

"Oh, well," Lola cuts in as she grins towards Rebekah, "Rebekah is never happier when she has a chance to use her guiding hand. Right, Bex?"

Rebekah lowers her head slightly, trying to hide her blush from Lola's quip, "Thomas, do continue."

Lola zones out of the conversation between the two when she sees Kol standing in the corner of the courtyard, gesturing for Lola to go over to him. He glances over Lola's shoulder as she approaches him, making sure no one is looking over to them, "There was something else I forgot to mention, Lottie."

"Not here." Lola snaps in a hushed tone, she turns slightly to see Klaus, Elijah and Marcel who are now standing beside Rebekah and Thomas before the looks back towards Kol, "He will be able to hear us, Kol. We'll talk about it another time."

"Will you two stop gossiping and join us for heaven's sake?" Rebekah shouts over to the pair, she points towards the table, "Find your seats."

Lola's eyes dance around the table, finding the place card with her name on it, which is when she has to refrain herself from releasing a frustrated scoff at the sight of who she's sitting next to.

"I suppose you had this planned all along, love." Klaus taunts as he approaches behind Lola.

Lola looks over her shoulder to see a smug looking Klaus standing beside her, she fully turns to face him not wearing any ounce of emotion on her face, "I can't think of any cleaver way to say this but...no."

"Interesting choice of ear rings," Klaus continues to taunt as everyone takes their seats, "I'm sure my grandmother would have loved them."

Lola hums in amusement as she purses her lips, refusing to look to her side where Klaus is sitting, "Am I to take fashion tips from someone who is like an unscented and dull perfume at a market stall that is full of beautiful fragrances? I think not."

"Are you calling me one of a kind, love?" Klaus' breath causes goosebumps to form against Lola's skin as he leans closer to her, his voice is low, "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Oh dear, my apologies." Lola flashes a fake concerned expression towards Klaus before she wears a smug grin, "I must have said it wrong."

Lola wears a soft smile as she glances over to an uncomfortable looking Thomas who sits opposite her at the table, sitting between Rebekah and Kol. Marcel clearing his throat on the other side of Lola breaks her out of her thoughts and begins to pour her a glass of wine.

Elijah catches everyone's attention as he taps a knife against his wine glass, standing up from his chair at the head of the table, "I'd like to propose a toast."

Klaus rolls his eyes as he mumbles, "Of course you would."

"This night has been a tradition in our family for centuries and it gives me no greater pleasure when we can share this tradition with others." Elijah smiles towards Lola, "Charlotte, I think it's safe to say that you have most certainly made this tradition more enjoyable with your particular brand of whit, here's to many more." Lola matches the same warm smile as Elijah as she holds her glass up, gesturing it towards him.

"Thomas," Elijah drawls out, "We've all been able to get to know you over these past few months and since, you have created a friendship between yourself and Charlotte. Any friend of Charlotte's is a friend of ours so we welcome you to join us on this tradition."

Thomas nods, smiling politely over to Elijah, "Thank you."

"Please," Elijah takes a seat back at the head of the table, he gestures out towards the table as servants begin to place the dishes in front of everyone, "Let's begin."

Muffled chatter spreads across the table as everyone works through the courses that are brought forth. There's a small fraction of silence which gets interrupted when Klaus begins to laugh, causing some confused stares in his direction.

Rebekah kicks his leg underneath the table, "What on earth has gotten into you, Nik?"

Lola scoffs as she reaches for her wine glass, "I think he's finally gone mad."

"It's just–" Klaus clears his throat to cover up his laughter before dropping his fork onto the empty plate in front of him, "I was going over your wonderful toast from earlier, brother. There was one thing in particular that I found amusing."

Elijah sits back in his chair, "Well, please elaborate, Niklaus."

"Thomas Wetherby." Klaus' tone is assertive, "Elijah says how we have been able to get to know you over these last few months but that's not exactly the truth now, is it?"

Thomas laughs slightly, "I'm not following."

Klaus shrugs nonchalant, wearing a smug grin, "Well, I could start off with how you lied about your transition to a vampire." His smug grin broadens when he notices the colour beginning to drain from Thomas' face, growing increasingly more uncomfortable, "See, from what I can recall; you stated that you turned into a vampire only a few short years before Lola did, 1861 was it?"

Lola eyes darken as she glares towards Klaus, "What are you doing?"

"I can be quite a paranoid chap when I want to be, Thomas." Klaus leans back in his chair, resting his arm against the back of Lola's chair, "Isn't that right, love?"

Lola moves her chair backwards slightly, she pushes Klaus' arm off it, "Is this some type of game to you or something?" Her words are doused in venom as she continues to glare at him, "Does it truly bother you so much that I spend my time with someone other than yourself?"

Klaus purses his lips as he shrugs, avoiding eye contact with Lola, "I don't particular care who you spend your time with, love. But I don't appreciate it when those you do spend time with, like to lie to all of our faces." Klaus learns forward, resting his elbows against the table as he looks over to Thomas again, "I've done a little digging into your past, mate. Turns out you went through your transition into becoming a vampire in 1855, isn't that right?"

Thomas begins to laugh maliciously, his posture relaxes as he sits back in his chair, shrugging his shoulders, "So what? You find out I became a vampire earlier than I've previously stated? What harm might that cause?"

Kol shifts slightly in his seat before looking towards Klaus, "Brother, I think you've said enough."

"Oh, I've not even said half of what I know." Klaus seethes, "I understand that you are originally from New Orleans, yes? But how your family left town, or shall I say, thrown out."

"Congratulations, Klaus. You solved the case." Thomas scoffs, "Yes, my family was thrown out of this town all those years ago. I bet you also know the reason why, don't you?"

"Thomas, you don't need to–"

Thomas holds his hand up, silencing Lola before he flashes a soft smile towards her, "It's okay, Lola." His attention goes towards Klaus, the smile vanishes as he glares towards him, "I'll bite."

Lola reaches for her wine glass before slumping back into her seat, glancing towards Kol, both of them wearing the same knowing look when Thomas continues,

"My family and I left this town in 1855, it was only a few months after I became a vampire; or better yet, I was forced into becoming this. My father was caught performing dark magic which our coven frowned upon." Thomas swallows harshly, shifting in his spot slightly, "It was either leave this town or my father would have had to deal with the consequences of using dark magic, which was death."

Klaus glances up towards the ceiling, he looks back towards Thomas wearing a malicious grin, "So you all ran like cowards."

"If you want to call not wanting my father to be killed, cowardly, then yes." Thomas bites back, "I say I transitioned years later because I'd rather not revisit that entire year all together."

Thomas glances around the entirety of the table, each of them looking in a different direction or down towards the table, all feeling as uncomfortable as the other at the heated conversation between him and Klaus. Thomas' lip twitches upwards into an awkward smile for a moment before he places his napkin onto the table, "I know when I've outstayed my welcome, so if you'll excuse me."

Lola looks up from her empty wine glass when Thomas stands up from the table and begins to walk away, as he walks behind Kol, Lola catches Kol's glance once more. Lola clears her throat before placing her napkin onto the table, "Thomas, wait. I'm coming with you."

Thomas remains standing in his spot, turning to face Lola who begins to walk towards him. Rebekah sighs, standing up from her seat, "Lola, stay. We haven't even done the bonfire yet."

Lola looks back towards the table as she stands beside Thomas, addressing Rebekah yet glaring towards Klaus, "I'm not exactly in the festive mood anymore."

Elijah sighs as he watches both Lola and Thomas walk out of the compound, "Achieved what you wanted to, Niklaus?"

Klaus feels no guilt whatsoever that he exposed Thomas for his lies and yet there's something in the pit of his stomach, almost like guilt that he done it in front of Lola. He watches as they disappear from the compound, he stays in his seat only for a moment before he follows them with haste.

As he walks out of the compound onto the bustling streets of the French Quarter, he sees them both walk towards their carriage, "Lola, wait."

As Thomas opens the carriage door, Lola turns to face Klaus before smiling back at Thomas, "It's okay. I'll just be a moment." Lola waits until Thomas has gone into the carriage, closing the door behind him before she steps closer to Klaus, glaring at him, "Are you proud of what you done in there?"

"Quite frankly, I am, yes." Klaus deadpans, showing not one ounce of empathy, "I came out here waiting for a thank you."

Lola can't help but laugh as she raises a brow towards him, "A thank you?"

Klaus scoffs, gesturing towards the carriage behind Lola, "Thanks to me the curtain has been pulled back to reveal his lies." He sighs stepping closer to Lola, his eyes soften and his voice lowers, "I wasn't going to allow him to continue with his deceit towards you."

"Why do you care?" Lola snaps, her posture is stiff and agitated, "You just said in there that you don't care who I spend my time with. So, elaborate, Klaus. Why did you decide to say what you did and in front of everyone? Was it to make me feel embarrassed?"

Klaus frowns, shaking his head, "Of course not, I–"

"I know about when Thomas was really turned." Lola cuts Klaus off, "I've known all along. So what he said he turned into a vampire a few years after he actually did, why does that matter?" She continues to glare at him, wearing an irritated grin, "And as for the true reason his family left this city all those years ago, I think you know how it feels to be ran out of your home against your will." Lola stays silent, allowing her words to sink in until she steps closer to Klaus, closing the gap between them, "You know, just because you continue to live this lonely and pathetic life doesn't mean you can drag the rest of us into it. Goodnight, Klaus."

• ────── ✤ ────── •

New Orleans, July 1891:

The bright sunshine beams through the large open windows within the music room in Thomas' home. Lola sits at the edge of the bench at the piano, back straight as her mind runs away with the keys she plays against the piano.

The warm summer breeze moves the sheer drapes along with it that are against the open large double doors looking out to the gardens.

Thomas can't help but smile as he walks through the gardens, after finishing a hunting round with Kol when he can see Lola sitting by her piano, looking relaxed as she plays.

"That was beautiful."

His compliment makes Lola jump slightly, not even realising he was standing in the doorway watching her play, "It was one of my Aunt's favourites." Lola smiles softly, looking down at the piano, "How was the hunt?"

Thomas chuckles slightly as he leans his shotgun against the doorway, "Could have been better. Kol tells me the opera is tonight."

Lola nods as she stands up from the bench, "Yes, that reminds me I should head back to the compound to get ready for it. It's a shame you have a prior commitment otherwise I'd have suggested you join me."

Thomas grimaces slightly, "Given the fact I haven't been in the same room as all the Mikaelsons since Christmas, it's probably wise I don't attend." Thomas stays silent for a moment until he closes the gap between himself and Lola, "Perhaps it may be best you don't attend either."

Lola looks up at him confused, "Why ever not?"

"It seems lately that whenever we're in the presence of that family, something happens." Thomas sighs heavily, looking down towards the ground, "I fear that the Mikaelsons don't have the best intentions."

Lola can't help but smile through her confused stare, feeling caught off guard at what Thomas is saying, "They wouldn't hurt me."

It's as though Thomas' entire demeanour changes just for a second, his expression is blank and eyes are dark, "Are you sure?"

She takes a step back, narrowing her stare towards him, "What are you insinuating?"

"They know about your past, yes? What happened with your Aunt?" Thomas questions, getting a small nod in return from Lola, "I am sure you have had experiences of your own where you have seen how that family behaves. They use people as weapons."

Lola scoffs as she holds her hand up, she step back from him, "I'm going to stop you before you continue any more vulgar conspiracies. I may have not known them long but I know for a fact they wouldn't use me as some sort of weapon."

Lola shakes her head in disbelief as she begins to walk out of the room. Thomas watches as she does, face full of thunder when he scoffs, "I would have thought you'd be smarter than this." Lola stops in her step, she hears his footsteps getting closer to her, "Especially given everything that has happened in your past."

"Don't speak to me like that, Thomas." Lola snaps in a harsh yet bland tone, she looks over her shoulder to him with a deathly calm expression, "I like you but I don't like you that much."

—✤—

It's been almost six hours since Klaus has been pacing around in his art room, staring at a blank canvas. He waits for inspiration to hit yet he just won't admit to himself the inspiration is already there. The soft natural curls of honey coloured hair is imprinted into his mind, the green orbs that go deeper than any forest he has came across. The bright and warm smile that is graced with an infectious laugh that makes you smile and laugh along with it without even realising. It's all Klaus could think about.

His muse.

All he seems to find himself doing is imagining how it would feel to have Lola in his arms, it vexed him that this ran through his mind constantly. He wasn't mad for thinking that there was something between them, there has been ever since the first night they met. He wishes he could go back to the night they met, knowing all the downfalls they've gone through, he believes he'd be able to rectify them all.

Anger begins to build within when he can't help but imagine Thomas Wetherby's slime like hands on Lola, it infuriated him. Klaus figured if he exposed Thomas in front of everyone all those months ago then it may have brought himself and Lola closer together, but if anything it pushed her away even further. She was holding something back, Klaus could sense it. But whatever it may be, he didn't know but was determined to find out what.

In a wave of frustration, Klaus throws the blank canvas across the room. He inhales and exhales sharp breaths as he storms towards his drinks table, pouring himself his fifth large glass of scotch within the last hour or so. He finishes it all at once, slamming the glass back onto the table and grips the side of it. He attempts to control his breathing as he tightly shuts his eyes, his jaw clenched until he can hear a set of familiar footsteps getting closer and closer to the room.

"Lola."

Lola looks into the room, slightly startled not realising Klaus standing there. She flashes an awkward smile as she glances down the hallway and back towards him, "I was looking for Rebekah."

"She's off gallivanting somewhere, forced everyone else to go along with her." Klaus informs which gets an awkward nod back from Lola. She stays standing in her spot, not quite knowing what to do or say next. They've barely spoken since Christmas and whenever they're in the same presence as each other, the tension can be sliced with a knife. Klaus clears his throat as he gestures towards the drinks table within the art room, "You look like you could do with a drink or two."

There's a part of Lola that is screaming internally to not accept the drink and yet she finds herself stepping into the art room, curiosity getting the better of her as she looks around while Klaus pours them both a glass of scotch.

She notices the blank canvas that is on the opposite side of the room to his easel, her eyes brighten with tease, "Are you going through an artistic block?"

Klaus chuckles softly, glancing towards the canvas before handing Lola the glass, "It can be rather vexing at times."

They clink their glasses together, their gazes not leaving each other as they both take a sip of their scotch. Both having a thousand things to say to each other but having absolutely no idea how to begin everything they wish to lay out on the table. Simultaneously the pair glances away, looking at different parts of the room,

"Can you–"

"Perhaps–"

They both lock eyes, both as equally amused that they spoke at the same time. Two strong minded people majority of the time, now each feeling as anxious as the other.

Lola laughs slightly as the looks down at the glass in her hands, "Can you remember when we were at that art exhibit?"

Klaus' interest piques as he gestures for her to continue, "And you said if the idea of art continues to fascinate me that you'd offer a helping hand." She shrugs as she places the glass of scotch onto the table beside her, "I just wondered if perhaps your artistic block wouldn't stop you from providing that helping hand." 

He doesn't even bother to attempt at hiding the broad smile that appears on his face when he nods, "I'm more than happy to oblige." Klaus takes a blank canvas from the pile in the corner of the room, placing it on his easel. He gestures towards the set up, "The best way to learn to paint is to just simply start painting. Find a colour that draws you in the most and start from there." 

Lola smiles as she steps closer to the easel. She looks at the table beside it, looking through the various colours of paint before looking towards Klaus with hooded eyes, "What is it about painting that interests you the most?"

"Painting is a metaphor for control." Klaus' tone is calm, relaxed, "Every choice is mine: the canvas, the colour. As a child, I had neither a sense of the world nor my place in it. But art taught me that one's vision can be achieved with a sheer force of will." He smiles genuinely towards Lola as he steps closer to her, "The same is true of life, provided one refuses to let anything stand in one's way."

Once again, Lola can feel an invisible pull towards Klaus, without even realising she too steps closer to him, her lips just a few mere inches away from his, "Well, in that case..." Lola leans closer towards Klaus, tilting her head slightly as she leans closer to the side of his face, "I think I should probably choose my own canvas, don't you?"

Klaus breathes in the strong scent of jasmine against Lola's skin as she steps away from him, mischief lights up her eyes making a low rumble chuckle escape him, "Very well."

Lola replaces the blank canvas with another that is slightly larger. She hums to herself as she looks back towards the various pots of paint, her hand gently guides across the edge of the table until she spots a pot of yellow. She glances up towards Klaus who's stare hasn't left her, she clears her throat as she feels a wave of heat rush towards her cheeks. 

Lola takes hold of the pot of yellow paint and a paintbrush, she stares at the blank canvas for a moment before she shrugs, "So I just simply start to paint?"

As Klaus watches Lola press the paintbrush onto the canvas, without even thinking twice he steps behind her. He places his hand over Lola's holding the paint brush, making both of them hold their breath for a moment until Klaus clears his throat, "The key is to be gentle with the brush." Lola inhales a sharp breath when Klaus' hand doesn't leave hers, he begins to guide her hand across the canvas, his lips brush against her ear. His voice is low, sending shivers up her spine, "Imagine the canvas is made of silk, you guide the brush across it as gentle as you can and yet it makes an impact."

Lola turns her head slightly, her entire body is frozen as she feels how close she is against Klaus in this very moment. She swallows harshly as her throat begins to dry up, not daring to breathe. The pair stay silent for a moment, unsure what to do next. Lola closes her eyes as she feels Klaus' breath against her skin. The heat from his touch seared her to the bone, her heart beats against her ribcage with such high intensity it's as though it can be heard from miles around.

Klaus breathes in a shaky breath, about to remove his hand until Lola steps back slightly, pressing her body against his, "Don't stop."

Lola pulls her hand away from the canvas, Klaus hand still against hers, his thumbs grazes over her skin. As their longing gazes lock with each other, neither of them verbally say a word and yet a thousand words are said just through their stare alone. Their lips part slightly, staring at each other's lips not realising how much they have longed for this exact moment. Without even realising, they both edge closer to each other, their breathing becoming more shaky and rapid as they do. Klaus' other arm wraps around Lola's waist as their lips brush against each other, but only for a moment until they can hear movement coming from downstairs. They both break away from each other suddenly, Klaus steps forward towards Lola about to say something but Lola quickly rushes out of the room before he can.

A flustered looking Lola walks into the courtyard when her brows furrow to see a guilt ridden looking Thomas looking helpless as he stands in the middle of it, "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to apologise." Thomas pleads, he frowns when he notices paint against Lola's hand which she quickly picks up on and covers it with her other hand. Thomas clears his throat as he steps closer to Lola, "I didn't mean to cause something negative between us both."

As he steps forward, Lola steps backwards, "But I'm sure you intended to create negativity between me and the Mikaelsons. That stops now." Lola clenches her jaw, not even bothering to hide her annoyance towards him right now as she steps closer to him, "Don't for one second think that you have any say in what I do. You don't have that sort of power, Thomas. The only thing that makes you interesting is me, remember that."

Thomas rolls his eyes as Lola walks away from him, he scoffs as he glances up towards the balcony to see a smug looking Klaus looking down at him, "Enjoy the show?"

"It was exceptional I must say." Klaus taunts, he chuckles slightly as he watches Thomas begin to walk out of the compound until Klaus jumps over the balcony and appearing in front of Thomas making him step back, startled. Klaus eyes turn dark as he steps closer to Thomas, "Word of warning, mate. Go near Lola again and I'll take pleasure in ripping your tongue from your mouth. Understand?"

Thomas' lips form a thin line, trying to fight back an irritated grimace. He clenches his jaw as he nods before stepping closer, "It's not exactly your decision to make whether I carry on spending time with Lola. Just because you ruined whatever you had going on with her doesn't mean you can pathetically attempt at ruining this."

—✤—

"So, there's Louise tonight but the problem with Louise is that after one too many glasses of sherry she makes me want to commit murder." Kol begins to ramble, pacing around Lola's bedroom as she sits beside her vanity, too busy consumed with her own thoughts to be listening to Kol, "So the big question is, do I really want to invite her to tonight because there will be sherry, unless I make sure she just doesn't touch the drink. I don't know, does that make sense to you?" Kol looks over to Lola to see her in a world of her own, he scoffs as he nudges her shoulder, "Lottie, are you even listening to me?"

Lola snaps out of her daze, looking over to Kol through her mirror, "Yes, I'm listening."

Kol's shoulders slump, looking at her unimpressed, "What did I just say?"

"Something about sex with..." Lola brows furrow for a moment before she perks up, turning in her seat to face Kol properly, "Lucy!"

Kol scoffs as he begins to pace once more, "No, I'm talking about Louise!"

"Give me a break, Kol!" Lola snaps, turning back to face her vanity, "Your love life is harder to dissect than a Latin book in the dark! It also doesn't help that since Samantha told you where to stick it, every woman who's dress you try to get underneath begins with an L." Kol looks at her stunned, he steps closer about to quip something back but Lola holds her hand up as she turns to face him yet again, "And if you so much as try to add me onto that list, you won't be underneath my dress, you'll be underneath my god damn shoe!"

She sighs heavily, looking at herself through the mirror in disgust, "There's only two hours until the stupid opera and I look like I've been dragged through the entire bayou backwards!"

"You're worried about the opera?" Kol rolls his eyes and can't help but laugh, "Do you expect me to believe that?"

Lola frowns, refusing to give him eye contact as she shrugs, "Yeah, so..?"

Kol chuckles slightly as he steps closer to where she is sitting, "We both know this isn't about the opera, it's about who is going to be there tonight."

"Absolutely not."

"Yes it is!" Kol rests one hand against the back of Lola's chair and the other against her vanity as he lowers himself down to her eye level, looking at Lola through the mirror, "And do you know what else I think?"

Lola purses her lips as she shrugs, "Uh, I really don't care—"

"I think you're beginning to feel guilt about the little scheme we have going on..."

Lola hits Kol against his chest as she glares up at him, "Keep your voice down!"

Kol rolls his eyes, waving Lola's annoyance away, "Everyone else is too busy getting ready for tonight to even bother eavesdropping."

"You don't know that for sure." Lola grabs hold of Kol's shirt, pulling him closer to him as she wears a stern glare, "Kol, I swear if you do anything to risk our entire plan turning to a complete failure—"

"So you don't feel guilt?"

Lola releases her grip from Kol's shirt, pushing him away slightly, wearing no emotion on her face, "I feel nothing."

—✤—

Crowds begin to grow within the opera hall, waiting for the concert to begin. Several groups of chattering all merge into one as Lola scans around the room, anxiously looking for a particular Mikaelson in mind. 

When she spots Kol, Lola heads straight over to him, "There's a problem." Lola threads her arm through Kol's pulling him away from flirting with his date, "I think we need to stop while we are ahead."

Kol can't help but laugh as he takes two glasses of champagne from a waiter walking by, "I knew you were starting to feel guilty."

Lola rolls her eyes, taking one of the glasses from him, "I can assure you I am far from feeling guilt. There's just more people getting involved than I'd have liked and it's just going to end sour." 

"Lottie, you have came so far in this plan to turn back on everything now." Kol watches the uneasy expression flood Lola's face, doubt filling her eyes with a hint of assurance, "You know deep down you don't want to do this." 

"I know." Lola sighs heavily, she closes her eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath and nodding, "I know."

Kol glances over to the other side of the room to see Elijah standing in the corner in the middle of a conversation with Klaus who glances over to where Kol and Lola are standing now and then, "It's been clear since day one that there is something between you and my brother and for both of your sakes, you need to nip it in the bud for the time being."

Lola looks over to Kol, stunned before she laughs breathlessly, "Kol, I don't–"

"It's for the best, I know that and you know that." Kol interrupts her, "It won't be forever, it's just until everything we have planned has finished for good."

Lola can feel a set of eyes on her, she looks over her shoulder to see Klaus looking over to her. A rush of heat runs through her veins, quickly becoming hard to breathe just being in the same room as him. As an elderly woman walks past her and Kol, Lola snatches the woman's fan out of her hand and begins to vigorously fan herself, "I don't know how much more of this I can take."

"Lottie, look at me." Kol places his hands on either one of Lola's arms, "I promise you that this is going to be over soon." They both glance up towards the ceiling as the lights begin to flash, "It's about to begin, I'll see you up there."

Upstairs in their box, Lola sits completely spaced out, deep within her thoughts. She dug her nails into the palm of her hands until crescent grooves etched into her skin. Lola jumps out of her thoughts when she feels a presence sitting beside her, she looks to her side to see Klaus sitting beside her who glancing down at her hands, "Are you all right, love?"

Lola nods as she looks away from him, straightening her dress, "Yes, I'm fine."

Klaus sighs watching Lola lie to him and to herself that she's fine when he can clearly see there is something on her mind. He shifts slightly in his seat, leaning closer to her, "We should talk about what happened earlier today."

Lola's posture straightens when the curtains are drawn on the stage, "Not right now, the show is about to begin."

An array of applause cascades around the opera hall as the performance begin. Lola glances to the door leading out of the box, wondering where Kol has got to. Everyone else is sat in the box and yet Kol is nowhere to be found. 

Klaus picks up on Lola glancing to the exit, "Are you expecting someone? Thomas perhaps?"

Lola frowns as she shakes her head, "He was never coming here tonight."

Klaus can't fight back his smug grin, glancing down at his lap, "I figured as much. I suppose we won't be seeing him in future?" Lola looks at him even more confused, "Given the tiff you both had today."

Lola scoffs as she shakes her head, "Not that it's any of your business but that little tiff that you call it, is over. We're fine." Lola lowers her head as she can feel the animosity begin to grow between the pair, "Excuse me."

Everyone sitting in the box watch as Lola rushes away with haste into the room adjoining to the box. She takes deep shaky breaths as she paces around the room, feeling as though the air is becoming too thick, unsure how long she can continue her and Kol's plan. She sighs, rolling her eyes when she turns to see Klaus entering the room, "If you've followed me in here to share your unwanted views on Thomas then you can save your breath." 

"I followed you in here because I wanted to make sure that you were okay, Lola." Klaus stays quiet for a moment before he steps further into the room, shrugging his shoulders unable to fight back his mischievous grin, "Although I must express my hope that you were going to tell Thomas where to go and to leave you alone for good."

"And why might that be, Klaus?" Lola faces Klaus, she laughs spitefully, "So I can be a distraction for you again?"

His mischievous grin vanishes, staring at Lola wide eyed making her scoff, "What's wrong? Shocked that I heard everything you said that day at the exhibit?"

Klaus' mouth parts and clamps shut as he tries to find the right words, he laughs breathlessly as he steps closer, "Lola, I–"

Lola steps backwards, holding her hands up to silence him, "I'm not interested in being disrespected any more by someone I lowered my standards for."

Klaus takes hold of Lola's hand as she tries to walk past him. They both stay frozen in their spot, staring down at their hands joined together. Their eyes slowly move to lock with each other as Klaus closes the gap between them both, their lips hover over each other, "So you admit it in your own twisted way that there is something between us."

Lola exhales a shaky breath, staring at Klaus' lips before looking away, "Even if there was, there's nothing there anymore."

"How do you explain earlier today?" He softly brushes his lips against Lola's before he rests his cheek against hers, his voice is low and dominate, "You know yourself if that vulture didn't walk in the moment he did, you wouldn't have pulled away. You can try and convince yourself that you would but you'd be lying to yourself." Klaus spins Lola around, pressing himself against Lola's back, his hand still joined with hers as the other snakes around her waist, "Look for yourself."

Lola swallows harshly as they lock eyes in the mirror ahead of them both, her breathing becomes erratic as Klaus' lips twitch up into a smirk, "You long for someone to ruffle those perfect feathers of yours, Lola. Do you know all the things I could do to you in this very room without anyone hearing us?" 

Klaus' hand slowly moves out of Lola's hand, softly grazing up Lola's arm, creating a trail of goosebumps until his hand places against her neck. She leans into his touch, neither of them breaking their eye contact through the mirror when Klaus' lips graze against the bare skin of Lola's neck, "Do you have any idea how many things I could teach you?"

"What makes you think I need to be taught?" Lola practically whispers, she turns around in Klaus' hold. She leans closer towards his lips, letting her lips brush against his as she smirks, "Perhaps it will be myself that will teach you."

Klaus' breath halts at the back of his throat when Lola places her hands against his chest, moving them upwards, agonisingly slow until she reaches his shoulders. She pushes him down slightly, allowing him to lean against the table as she steps between his legs, "You have no idea what I'm capable of, Klaus."

Her eyes sparkle with tease, her gaze following her hands as they slowly move down Klaus' chest, down to his abdomen until she reaches the waistband of his trousers. Her eyes darken slightly with dominance, smirking as her eyes meet Klaus' once more before she leans closer looking at his lips, "Will you give me anything I want?"

Klaus stands up straight from the table, his hand goes to the back of Lola's neck bringing her closer to him. He nods faintly as he rests his forehead against hers, "I will give you everything."

They sharply open their eyes when they hear the door leading to the box opening to reveal a stunned looking Rebekah staring at them both, "What's going on?"

Klaus releases an annoyed sigh, looking over Lola's shoulder with hatred darkening his glare. Lola bows her head down slightly, stepping away from Klaus, "It was nothing." Lola continues to have her back to where Rebekah is standing, instead she looks over towards Klaus wearing a cold expression, "I'm going to find Kol."

Lola rushes out of the room, getting half way down a set of stairs before she leans against the handrail, one hand against her chest where she can feel her heart pounding. Mentally kicking herself for subduing to Klaus. She closes her eyes for a moment, attempting to control her shaky breathing before she continues down the set of stairs to see Kol standing at the edge of the bar, "How long is left of this?"

Kol hums to himself as he takes out his pocket watch, "About three hours." Lola scoffs obnoxiously loud, snatching Kol's drink out of his hand and finishing it all. Kol clears his throat as he points towards an intoxicated looking Louise from afar, "However, Louise is already on her fifth sherry and I'd love a companion to escape here with me."

Lola looks at Kol who is wearing an up to no good grin which she matches, she threads her arm through Kol's as they both head towards the exit, "You are my favourite Mikaelson, did you know that?" 

• ────── ✤ ────── •

New Orleans, November 1891:

It's been months and yet whenever Lola thinks back to the night at the opera, she can still feel Klaus' touch against her skin. She has barely been able to concentrate on anything, things that should be a priority in her mind and yet Klaus completely fogs over it all. She needed to create distance from him, whether she wanted to or not, it's what she needed to do. 

What isn't helping her thoughts is the black velvet box in front of her, staring up at her with a diamond bracelet inside of it, from Klaus. 

"Miss Salvatore," Lola's maid, Annabelle breaks her out of her thoughts. Lola hums in response, looking through the mirror to Annabelle standing beside her, "Is there anything else you need from me?"

Lola smiles politely at her, shaking her head, "That will be all for now. Thank you, Annabelle."

Lola waits until Annabelle fully leaves the room, closing the door behind her. She sighs as she glances around her room within Thomas' home, where she has been staying most of the time ever since that night at the opera. She felt grateful that Thomas had a room within his home decorated to Lola's taste, telling her this can also be her home too if she wanted it to be. But deep down, she didn't like being here. She felt more at home at the Mikaelson compound, being around those she soon came to class as family. 

Lola pushes those thoughts to the back of her mind when she hears a knock at the door and Thomas walks into the room with a smile on his face, "Are you almost ready?"

Lola smiles as she looks at him through the mirror and nods, "I'm ready."

"There's just one more thing." Thomas reveals a small box from behind him as he steps closer to Lola who narrows her eyes at him tilting her head slightly. She turns in her seat to face him when he opens the box to reveal an extravagant diamond necklace, "Happy Birthday."

Lola gasps slightly looking down at the necklace before her eyes widen towards Thomas, "This is beautiful, but it's too much, Thomas."

"It's not enough to express my gratitude towards you, Lola." He takes the necklace out of the box when Lola turns to face her mirror once again. Thomas unclasps the necklace as he stands behind her, "This is the least I could to do show you how grateful I am to have you in my life."

He places the necklace around Lola's neck, his hands graze against her skin and yet she feels no electricity, nor does she ever when it comes to Thomas. Lola's mind falls back to the night of the opera, her breathing becomes unsteady when it's not longer Thomas' touch she can feel, but Klaus' instead. His familiar scent, the warmth of his breath, it's all she could think about and it was becoming unbearable. The thought of Klaus consumed her and it made her worried to think how long it was going to be until it became too much.

An array of knocks breaks Lola out of her daydream, not realising Thomas had just finished clasping the necklace around her. Thomas walks towards the bedroom door, opening to see Annabelle, "The carriage has arrived."

Thomas looks over to Lola, holding his hand out towards her which Lola gracefully accepts. He leaves a soft kiss against her knuckles, "Beautiful." 

—✤—

Lola walks into the large orangery that extravagantly decorated, no doubt thanks to Rebekah who insisted Lola celebrated her birthday this year after refusing every year before this. 

Rebekah sees Lola walk in, she rushes over to her wearing a broad smile, pulling Lola into a tight embrace, "Happy Birthday, Lola." She pulls away, taking hold of Lola's hands as she glances around the hall, "What do you think?"

Lola smirks over to Rebekah as she tilts her head, "This was small?"

"As small as I would allow." Rebekah teases.

"Thank you." Lola squeezes Rebekah's hand, smiling genuinely towards her, "I love it."

Klaus stands amongst the crowd, in the middle of some meaningless conversation when he spots Lola at the other side of the room. He throat forms a dryness almost instantly, seeing how beautiful she looks. How the lights within the room shine onto her as though there was a radiant aura surrounding her. The invisible noose around his neck tightened, a tiny bead of sweat trickled down the back of his neck as he tries to fight himself from going straight over to her. And yet he fails, finding his feet stepping closer to her without his brain even realising at first, desperate to be her first dance of the evening.

Lola spots Klaus as he begins to walk towards her, immediately knowing what he wants. In a panic, Lola takes hold of Thomas' hand and walks into the middle of the dance floor and begins to dance with him instead. Avoiding Klaus stare as much as she can, yet can still feel his eyes burning holes into the side of her head.

Hours fly by during the ball, Lola stands in the corner of the room having a conversation with Marcel, deep down feeling impressed with herself that's she's managed to avoid Klaus for so long. That's until she sees in the corner of her eye, Klaus approaching the pair. He doesn't say anything with words, yet his eyes say it all on their own. She looks down at his hand reaching out for hers, after a second of hesitation, Lola takes hold of his hand and allows him to guide her onto the dance floor.

While dancing, Lola attempts to look anywhere but at Klaus, knowing the second she does her stone like exterior will crumble right before her. Klaus' lips twitch up into a smirk as he picks up on what Lola is attempting, "Penny for your thoughts."

"Do you mind being quiet?" Lola quips, "I'm trying to figure out how long is left of this dance so I can walk away from you."

Klaus can't help but laugh at her whit, he shakes his head slightly, "The option to walk away is open wether the dance is still going or not. It's your own choice that you continue dancing with me, because you want to. Are you not going to ask what I'm thinking?"

Lola purses her lips until she locks eyes with Klaus, his are warm and inviting and Lola's are cold as she smiles wickedly at him, "I'd rather bathe in a vat of acid, besides, I shan't offer you a penny because I suspect your thoughts aren't even worth that."

"You're calling my thoughts priceless?" Klaus retorts with a hint of smug in his tone, "I see we're getting somewhere. How about my thoughts are more like questions, such as how long are you going to attempt at continuing this fake annoyance you have towards me?"

Brows furrowed, Lola glances at him looking confused, "Why assume it's fake?"

Klaus shrugs, looking nonchalant, "Because I know you."

Lola doesn't even bother to fight back her urge to roll her eyes when she scoffs, "This overbearing attitude of yours is getting a little old, Klaus. I assure you, you have no idea who I am or what I want."

Klaus lowers his head until his breath skated over her skin and he breathed in her euphoric scent, his voice becomes hoarse, "Try me."

Lola's chest rose and fell harder as she swallows harshly, "My favourite colour."

"Trick question, you don't have one." He simply states, "You find all colours beautiful and especially like odd combinations and natural gradients. You enjoy seeing paintings and natural scenes with a gradient of both cold and warm. Choosing a favourite colour makes you feel as though you're limiting yourself."

Lola looks away for a moment, a faint smile appears slightly taken back from his accurate response, "My favourite season."

"Spring. You enjoy spring because it's a symbol for rebirth, everything begins fresh. But, deep down, winter fascinates you." Lola frowns slightly at his answer, although she knows deep down it's true, it intrigues her how Klaus explains it, "Winter speaks to the darkest parts of your soul. It's everything you fear and yet you love it. Because the fear makes you feel alive."

The band played, people around them both swayed along to the music and yet it just feels like it's the two of them in the room with no one else around. A shudder rolled through them both the exact same way and at the exact same time, as though they're both in sync.

Lola inhales sharply as she clears her throat, "What do I want?"

"We both know the answer to that. However, you should be the one answering it to yourself. Yet, we both know it's not Thomas." Klaus taunts, Lola glancing around the room to see Thomas standing in the corner of the room, "You've known that from the very beginning but for some odd reason, you continue whatever it is you have going on with him."

Lola scoffs as she pulls away slightly, "There's nothing–"

In one swift motion, Klaus spins Lola to the music. He brings her back towards him, his chest pressed against her back. Both of their hearts beating rapidly, "Admit it, you think of me when you're with him."

He spins Lola around once more, bringing her back towards him, chest to chest and faces just inches apart. He shoots his brows up slightly, waiting for Lola to quip something back to him and yet he is greeted with silence. Whereas inside Lola's mind, she's screaming but unable to fathom any words.

Some obnoxiously clears their throats besides them making Klaus roll his eyes, he looks to see Thomas standing beside them both, "Am I interrupting?"

Klaus doesn't remove his hold from Lola, glaring over to Thomas, "Yes you are, so sod off."

Lola quickly pulls away from Klaus, standing in the middle of the dance floor for a moment, staring down at the ground before she heads towards the nearest exit, "I need a moment."

Klaus waits for a short while before following Lola out into the gardens, he looks around different parts of the large garden yet she cannot be found. Until he steps down a set of stairs leading to a secluded part of the garden where he can see Lola crouching down, staring at a patch of daisies on the ground. He stays in his spot for a moment, while Lola doesn't realise he's standing there and he can't help but smile. How can a patch of flowers seem to make her so relaxed? This is the most relaxed Klaus has seen Lola in months as he hands run across them on the ground.

It's not until he steps closer to her, he sees a somber expression on her face, finished with a sad smile and glossy eyes. Klaus clears his throat to make his presence known, "You like daisies?"

Lola glances up startled before standing up straight and swiping a stray tear from her cheek, "I do. They remind me of my Aunt." Lola's stare doesn't leave the patch of daisies as she smiles, "If I was ever upset she would take me into the gardens and we'd make daisy crowns until the sun would set. One of the rare instances where I was able to completely shut off and ignore all the complications in my life."

"Lola–"

"Please," Lola's voice breaks as she sighs, "Just don't." Her breathing becomes heavy as she rests her hand against her chest, "How can we be outside and yet if feels like there is zero air? I just-" Lola rips the diamond necklace from herself, throwing it onto the ground, almost feeling a weight being lifted yet it wasn't enough, "I feel like I can't breathe." She scoffs, looking down at the bracelet from Klaus before removing that and throwing it towards him, "I wish people would stop thinking they can just buy me off with jewels!"

Klaus catches the bracelet, he sighs, "Talk to me."

Lola begins to pace around, laughing to herself, "What is there possibly to talk about?"

"We can talk about the fact that ever since that walking virus came into your life you've acted different." Klaus tone is stern, yet calm, "You're not yourself."

Lola rolls her eyes, bringing her hands to her temples as she releases a frustrated pent up breath, "Stop talking as though you know me! You don't know me at all, Klaus."

Klaus doesn't even begin to raise his voice, he continues to remain stern yet calm, "I know you a lot more than you think I do. We've already proven that tonight."

"What? That you guessed that my favourite season is spring?" Lola laughs maliciously, "Oh, my mistake, yes of course you know me more than I know myself!" She takes a deep breath as she looks away, "And as for Thomas–"

Klaus frowns noticing the change in her posture, more stiff as though the mere mention of Thomas angers her even further, "What?"

Lola's lips part as she looks back towards Klaus, wanting to say something and yet fights it back, "Nothing."

Klaus moves closer to Lola, closing the gap between them both, "Say what you were going to say."

Taking a deep shaky breath, Lola looks away from him, "What happens between Thomas and I is none of your concern."

Klaus frowns as his jaw tightens, lowering his head slightly to try and catch her gaze, "Has he hurt you?"

"What?" Lola breathes out, unable to stop herself from laughing slightly, "This is absurd–"

"Then why do you always act so cagey whenever Thomas is brought up in conversations?" Klaus hated that he was prying but since the beginning he's had a feeling something wasn't right between Lola and Thomas, "There's something you're not telling me–"

"Just stop it, Klaus!" Lola pushes Klaus away by his chest, her skin heated with so much frustration and anger, "Why must you constantly harp on about this? I was just a distraction, remember? So, why must you continue with this?"

"Because I've never met anyone like you." Klaus' voice breaks slightly, his breathing becomes shaky as his eyes soften towards her, "You're stubborn, arrogant, you think that no matter what anyone else's opinion is, yours will always rank higher. Your obstinate determination to constantly refuse to ever agree with anything I say."

Lola smiles crudely, "Well I can certainly understand why that would effect a man like you. Someone who is always used to getting their own way, someone who expects everyone to go down on their knees before you." She steps closer to him as her voice begins to raise, "A man who thinks he can click his fingers and control everyone around you. Thinking you can control me and who I spend time with–"

Klaus almost laughed at her sheer ludicrousness,"I'm not controlling you."

"You attempt at controlling me all the time!" Lola seethes, "You expect me to listen to all your vulgar deceits–"

"Perhaps you should listen."

Lola laughs spitefully, splashing her arms through the air, cutting off the conversation, "Oh, I will never listen to you! I won't listen to anyone who attempts to control how I feel!"

Klaus' eyes remain soft as he steps closer, "How do you feel?"

Lola scoffs as she steps backwards, "Don't do that."

"It is maddening how much you consume me." Klaus leans forward, his expression is intense, "You continue to wear this stone-like exterior and yet there is a fire within you that is itching to escape."

Lola shakes her head, looking anyway but directly in front at Klaus, "You're talking complete and utter nonsense."

"Am I? I've seen it for myself, the fire you try to keep contained." Klaus' chest felt tight, closing the gap between himself and Lola. His voice is low and hoarse, his lips brush against the side of Lola's face towards her ear, "Do you have any idea how hard I have tried to keep you out of my thoughts?" The pair close their eyes, Lola can't help but lean into Klaus' touch, her breathing is as heavy and shaky as ever before, "I'll do anything to block my mind from the thought of you and yet all it takes is just to hear your laughter, to see your smile. Looking you in the eyes or taking in that intoxicating scent." Klaus breathes in sharply, taking in the jasmine scent he's come to obsess over. He breathes out slowly as he moves his face, his nose brushes against Lola's, tilting his head slightly to create an easier route towards her plump lips that have already parted as though they're waiting for Klaus' to join them. Both of their eyes are hooded, slowly opening to lock their stares, Klaus' eyes darken slightly with a possessive undertone and yet Lola doesn't back away, "Then you are back to being the dominant craving that I can't get rid of. Continuing to being the object of all my desires."

Both of them edge their lips closer to the other, ever so slightly brushing against the other until Klaus breathes in harshly and stepping away. He turns his back to Lola as his breathing becomes ragged, "You should go back inside."

Lola swallows harshly, coating her dried throat, narrowing her stare to Klaus, "I should go back inside? I was out here first."

Klaus' shoulders slump as he looks up towards the moonlit sky, he turns to face Lola with a cocky grin twitching at the corner of his lips, "Go inside."

Lola raises an amused brow towards him, a short, sharp hum of amusement as she steps closer to him, "It's simply adorable that you think you have a say in what I do. You cannot control me, Klaus. So if I choose to stay out here..." She smirks knowing her stubbornness is getting to Klaus, his eyes darken with frustration, he breathes heavily as Lola leans closer to him, "I will."

Unable to keep everything contained within him for a moment longer, Klaus' hands run through Lola's honey coloured hair, pulling her closer, his lips landing against hers. Electricity shoots both down their spines, every single ounce of frustration the two have built up for so long completely fades away as their lips move together in perfect harmony. Lola's brows pull together as she breaks away from Klaus, her hand rests against his chest, feeling his heart beat going a rapid speed just like hers is. Her stare fixates on her hand against his chest until Klaus' hand places on top of hers, his other hand rests under her chin, making her look up towards him. Seeing the warmth and affection gleam in his eyes caused the invisible pull once more, Lola wraps her arms around Klaus' neck, her hands grip hold of his hair as she pulls him towards him in heated kiss. Klaus hands wrap around Lola's waist, his hands pressed against Lola's lower back, pressing his body against hers as he walks her backwards and presses her against the stone wall behind her.

"Lola?" Rebekah's bellowing voice from above them makes Lola push Klaus away from her, both panting as they catch their breath. Eyes are wide staring at each other but not saying anything, "Are you out here?"

Lola vamp speeds to the top of the stairs, leaving Klaus standing below in the darkness. She fixes her hair slightly, smiling innocently over to Rebekah, "Bex."

Rebekah turns to face Lola, smiling at her, "There you are!" She frowns noticing Lola looking rather flustered, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Lola clears her throat as she threads her arm through Rebekah's guiding her back towards the ball, "We should head back inside."

Lola stands amongst a group of people with Rebekah, staring out in front of her completely dazed. Unable to think about anything but what just happened with Klaus in the gardens, still able to feel his lips against hers; it makes her heart start to race all over again. She breaks out of her thoughts when a figure standing on the other side of the room catches her gaze, she locks eyes with Klaus who wears the exact same expression as her. Both partially shocked at what happened, yet both desperate for more.

• ────── ✤ ────── •

New Orleans, December 1891:

Lola stares out towards the gardens in Thomas' home, watching the now bare tree branches blowing in the wind with the odd pine tree looking at vibrant as ever.

"Lola." Thomas' voice breaks Lola from her thoughts, she hums as a response yet doesn't remove her stare from the gardens, "You're letting your tea get cold."

"Right." Lola turns her attention to the set table in front of her, Thomas sitting opposite her. She sits forward, taking hold of the cup of tea, "Sorry."

"Are you feeling all right?" Thomas tilts his head slightly as he frowns over to her, "You've seemed very much out of it since your birthday."

"Yes, I'm fine." Lola shakes her head, she wears a warm smile, "I'm sorry. From now on, you have my undivided attention."

Thomas eyes don't leave the cup in Lola's hand, watching as she brings it closer to her parted lips, "I said to you on your birthday that I'm so grateful to have you in my life, Lola." 

Lola takes a sip from the tea, choking instantly. She drops the cup onto the floor causing it to smash as she grips hold of her throat, eyes watering as she continues to choke. Thomas watches on, completely unfazed, his smile is cold, his face twisted and morphed into a hideous mask, "I just wanted you to know that I truly do mean it."

Lola tries to stand up from her chair but falls to floor, gasping for breath as she chokes on the vervain spiked tea. Thomas sighs, as he comes to a stand, he walks over to Lola, bending down on one knee as he flashes fake concern to her. He grips hold of her hair, pulling her up slightly, "Even though right now it may not seem like it, it's the truth." 

Thomas' other hand, caresses Lola's cheek before snapping her neck and dropping her to the floor. Leaving Lola laying on the ground, he walks back over to his chair and pours himself another tea, he raises it up in a cheers motion to the empty room, "Let the fun begin."

 —✤—

oop...cliffhanger and whoops it's over 11K words...sorry

i am so sorry it took so long to get this chapter published, i have no idea why i have struggled so much with this one. it's probably because it feels wrong to write lola spending time with someone who isn't klaus, aghh

and also trying to make thomas sound nice when in reality he is a piece of shit after that cliffhanger, YIKES

here's some memes to make up for the delay in this chapter lol

hope you're still liking the story

holly x