The Big Uneasy

the first part of this chapter took me so long to write because i wanted it to be perfect, apologies for the delay. enjoy the 15K word count for the delay <3

All change begins with a plan, the success of which depends on several things: depth of commitment, passion for one's cause...Willingness to embrace a new path. Determination to overcome any obstacle. And, in some cases, even making unnatural alliances.

Artwork fosters the feeling of relaxation, creativity, inspiration; and when it comes to Klaus Mikaelson, it also brings him the feeling of control. He takes a step back from piece he has spent weeks creating with a hint of a smile of his face, a satisfied smile. The red and blue blends in the most perfect way showing the skyline of New Orleans with the reflection of the full moon in the corner of the canvas.

The smile doesn't leave his face when he pictures exactly where he intends to hang this artwork as he wipes away excess paint from his hands. He gets brought out of his thoughts when he can hear a door opening and Scott's voice coming into play, "I'll speak to you tomorrow, Lo."

As Scott closes the door behind himself, he looks further down the hallway to see Klaus already standing waiting for him. With a swift gesture, Klaus walks back into the room he was originally in for Scott to follow which he does.

"Nice." Scott gestures to Klaus' newest artwork as he closes the door, "If I squint my eyes it's sorta like an abstract piece of Spider-Man."

The corner of Klaus' lips twitch up into a smirk as he grunts in amusement, "I hear," He drawls out placing used paint brushes into the jar of water before turning his attention to Scott, "You have formed a somewhat alliance with the representative for the witches in this city."

Scott rolls his eyes, shoving his hands into his pockets, "Look, Klaus. I know what Genevieve has done to your family and if I knew that before I seen her in the bar a few weeks back then I wouldn't have gone there." He scoffs shaking his head, "It means nothing to me, just a simple distraction. Nothing more."

"Might I suggest that you turn that distraction into something more." Klaus suggests with an intriguing brow, "My brother may think that the treaty he created tonight will be the end of the chaos that has descended upon this city. However, I plan to create allies elsewhere. Which is why I will need a witch." He steps closer to where a frowning Scott stands, "A witch who has links to someone within my inner circle."

Scott breathes out, his face shows nothing but sarcasm as he dramatically hits his hand against his chest, "Scott Garcia is in Klaus Mikaelson's inner circle? Well, I'm honoured." He runs a hand through his hair before looking behind him to the door, "You do realise you have a witch just two doors down, right?"

"What I need requires a lot of power, which Lola has." Klaus sighs as he looks out of the window into the night's sky before he looks back at Scott, "But what comes with the power that is needed is strength. Though Lola would say she has it, with the pregnancy coming close to the end I think it's best that she doesn't use her strength for this."

Crossing his arms against his chest, Scott leans against the wall beside Klaus, "What exactly is it that you want from Genevieve?"

The pair both turn silent as they can hear a door opening in the hallway, using their vampire specialty, they listen as Lola's footsteps venture from one room to further down the hall and a door soon closing once again.

Scott's attention then goes to Klaus' hand that goes against his shoulder, Klaus gives him a stern look, "Make sure Genevieve continues to believe the peace treaty is in full swing, which it is. Perhaps get the idea into her head of throwing something extravagant for the witches, she will come here to speak to myself and my brother regarding this and I will make sure it's agreed to go ahead. Once we've allowed her this celebration then that will be our opportunity. Assuming everything goes how I expect, then I will inform her and yourself on what I need. Do we have an understanding, Scott?"

"So, do I call you boss now or something?" Scott quips, Klaus removes his hand away from Scott; face is cold and unamused. Scott awkwardly nods, "Got it. Does Lola know anything about this?"

The conversation that Klaus had with Lola about not keeping things from each other plays on his mind. Although he agreed to not keep anything from one another again, he believes in this instance it's the right thing to do. Klaus sighs heavily, "I think it's best to keep this between ourselves for the time being. When the time is right, we'll discuss this with Lola." Scott shifts in his spot slightly, showing on the outside how uncomfortable he is about keeping something from someone he cares about, "I know the thought of keeping something from her may make you feel uncomfortable but I promise you that what I have planned is a way to protect her and our child. I'm doing whatever it takes to keep those closest to me safe."

A reluctant Scott nods before holding his hand out towards Klaus, "You got it, man. I won't say a word." Klaus shakes his hand before Scott takes a step back, grimacing as he points towards the hallway, "Oh, by the way, I had no involvement in what Lola is up to right now," He smiles awkwardly opening the door, "I just had to do the heavy lifting. Night."

A confused Klaus watches as Scott walks out of the room, Klaus holds onto the door before it fully closes. He is just about to follow Scott until he can hear sounds coming from his and Lola's bedroom, what sounds like bells.

Klaus' posture immediately stiffens as he walks into their bedroom to see Lola sitting in the middle of their bed, with a string of bells in her hands that hover over a grey cat, "What is that?"

Lola's smile beams, glancing up at Klaus before she holds the cat up beside her face, "Her name is Willow. I said I'd look after her while Adrianna and Nate are away."

"Absolutely not." Klaus shakes his head, his words have never sounded more decisive than this moment. He walks towards the adjoined bathroom before glancing back at Lola who wears a pet lip, continuing to hold Willow beside her face. Klaus' shoulders slump, giving Lola a don't-you-dare look, "That is not staying here."

"Okay, first of all." Lola scoffs, rolling her eyes as Klaus walks into the bathroom, leaving the door open a few inches. She lowers Willow back onto the bed who purrs, rubbing against Lola's hand, "She isn't a that. Second, why are you being so weird?" Lola laughs breathlessly, looking somewhat shocked towards the big bad hybrid as he walks back into their room, "You're not seriously freaked by a cat?"

"It's a good thing your brother isn't here." Klaus mocks with a tight lipped expression. Turning his back from Lola he begins to rummage through some drawers, "He might change his diet from rabbits to," Klaus' face twists with disgust, turning around slightly as he gestures towards Willow, "Whatever that is."

Lola's brows turn inward, gasping dramatically as though Klaus' words were a direct insult to herself. She once again picks Willow up, holding the cat up to her face, "Don't listen to him."

Over the years, Lola would be proud to admit she has mastered many languages and accents; which Klaus was always amazed at because of how quickly she'd pick them up. However, his face floods with concern at this new mocking tone of voice. Lola's tone is high pitched, as though she's mocking a child-like voice as she continues, "You're going to have the time of your life staying with auntie Lola. Yes you are." Her eyes light with mischief, looking to the corner of the room where a speechless Klaus stands, "And uncle Klaus."

Lola can't help but laugh as Klaus huffs before opening the doors into the attached living room, heading straight to the drinks table. Still with Willow in her hold, Lola follows, "Come on, she's just a cat." Klaus turns from the drinks table, bourbon in his hand, looking towards Lola as she closes the gap between them both, "She won't—"

Lola frowns, suddenly struggling to keep hold of Willow as she begins to hiss at Klaus, thrashing around in Lola's grasp, "Oh." She laughs awkwardly, stepping away from an unamused Klaus, "You know what, maybe she can smell the dog musk coming from you."

Klaus' mouth is slightly agape, watching as Lola walks to the other end of the room placing Willow onto the cat bed. He chuckles to himself, placing his bourbon on the table before he steps closer to Lola, "You're calling me a dog?"

Lola stands up straight, pursing her lips when she shrugs, "You are my little bitch so kinda." She has an up-to-no-good smirk on her face as she steps closer to him, her hands place against his chest, "It clearly takes animals longer to get used to your scent."

Klaus chuckles dryly, he wraps his arms around Lola's waist pulling her closer, "When you brought our little soirée to an end earlier on, I expected it was because you were tired." He glances over her shoulder with an unamused look, "Not because you enlisted Scott to help you bring all of this unwanted baggage into our home."

Lola glances to where Klaus gestures towards which is a large fluffy cat bed, and a box full of cat toys lie in the corner of the room. Lola bites her lip to stop herself from laughing, not realising this new house guest would have wound Klaus up as much as it has, "Willow needs her comforts if she is going to be staying here for a month."

Klaus' jaw tightens for a fraction of a second, resisting the urge to demand that the cat stays elsewhere. His nostrils flare as he breathes out heavily, "It's not happening, love." He breaks away from Lola, frowning to himself as he gestures to his throat, "I never told you this but in my past life before I became who I am, I was deathly allergic." He flashes an innocent smile as he shrugs, placing his hands behind his back, "So, there is the possibility of our daughter having the same allergies."

A loud obnoxious scoff escapes Lola as she shakes her head, "Now you're just making up lies. I highly doubt you came across many cats in your Viking village."

Klaus lips form a thin line, shaking his head, "I'm not lying, love."

"Yes, you are." Lola narrows her eyes towards him, pointing in his direction, "You're doing that thing you always do when you lie."

That thing?

That thing I always do?

Klaus immediately frowns as he tries to think what that thing possibly could be which made it seem so easy to spot when he is lying. Thinking that he needs to figure it out quickly in order to make sure that it's never used again, "What thing?"

"Oh, like I'm going to tell you." Lola deadpans, trying to stop herself from laughing at how perplexed Klaus looks right now. She shrugs before gesturing to an innocent looking Willow who is now curled up in her bed, "I'll compromise. Willow will stay in here so you're not kept awake all night with your fears," Lola walks back towards their bedroom, showing a false pet lip as she mimics the voice of a child once more, "Of the big bad scary kitty cat."

"I don't enjoy you mocking me." Klaus refrains himself from rolling his eyes as he follows Lola back into their bedroom. He stands beside the doors, pointing towards Willow in the other room before looking over to Lola, "Are you saying that there was a scenario where that thing was going to be in here all night?"

Lola glares at him as she climbs into their bed, "If you keep calling her that thing then you will be sleeping in there."

"The mother of my child choosing a cat over me." Klaus hums to himself in thought, removing items of his clothing before too, climbing into his side of the bed. He leans to the side, watching as Lola does her usual nighttime routine, throwing her hair up into a messy bun, applying moisturiser and placing her engagement ring in the same little trinket bowl she always does, "That chips away at one's ego ever so slightly."

"Well, the whole enemy saga between cats and dogs is as old as time." Eyes are lit with mischief as Lola looks over to Klaus, "Just like you." Her hand finds a place against his stubbled jaw, softly pressing her lips against his before turning away from him and laying down fully, "Goodnight."

Klaus chuckles, remaining in his same spot watching as Lola then switches the lamp off on her side. He leans over her, turning the light back on, "Not so fast." Lola groans, bringing the covers up over her face as Klaus continues to lean over her, grabbing a glass from her bedside table, "Drink this."

Lola peaks her head over the covers, just enough so only her eyes are visible as she cringes, "I think I'd rather drink that horrific tea you make."

"Lola," Klaus sighs, jaw tightening at once again having the same debate they always seem to have whenever it's time for Lola to drink the herb drink. He pulls the covers off Lola fully, "We've talked about this—"

"Okay, fine!" Lola sits up in the bed, snatching the glass out of Klaus' grip, "Continue drinking this disgusting drink until the baby arrives and then figure out a new plan." She forces the drink down her throat, frowning as she does. Adamant the herbs taste of gingko, which she has soon came to despise. She swallows harshly before placing the glass back on the side, giving Klaus an irritated look, "Happy now?"

Smugness covers Klaus' entire face as he grins, "Exceptionally." He kisses Lola softly against her temple, "Now we can go to sleep."

Lola frowns at herself, remaining sitting up as Klaus is now the one to lay down, "One more thing." Klaus opens one eye, narrowing his stare to Lola who remains sitting up, "The day we agreed that I keep drinking these herbs was when we also made the promise that we aren't going to keep anything from one another. Don't get mad—" Klaus sits up, concern floods his face and for a split second, guilt was visible just not long enough for Lola to notice. She grimaces at him, "But I spoke to Marcel today. He came to me asking for a favour which was to create a boundary spell on the attic in St Anne's to keep Kieran in there. He attacked Cami and the hex isn't going away, it's just getting worse. You can be mad about it but I don't regret helping and I'm not sorry." Lola tightly shuts her eyes after she blurts out her confession, sighing heavily, "Okay, hit me with it."

"I'm not mad, love."

Lola slowly opens one eye, frowning over to a calm looking Klaus when her shoulders slump, "You're not?"

Klaus smiles softly, shaking his head before he shrugs, "Though it's not exactly something I'm pleased about. You working with Marcel, the man who time and time again works against us." He takes hold of Lola's hand, knowing she would argue something back and this was his way to stop that, "I've watched as a bond between yourself and Cami is built and I know how important it is for you to do whatever it takes to be there for those you care about. I find it admirable. What's important to you is important to me, remember?"

It wasn't every day that Lola would be as stunned as she is in this very moment. Her eyes widen slightly, mouth agape as she stares towards Klaus who begins to look concerned at Lola's speechless stature, "Hold on." Lola holds her hand up, laughing to herself before she rests her hand against Klaus' forehead, "Let me just—"

Klaus' brows knit with confusion, "What are you doing?"

"I'm just checking if you have a fever." Her eyes glisten with mischief, removing her hand away from Klaus' face, "Do hybrids get fevers?" Klaus leans forward, frowning yet smiling at Lola's teasing nature that comes to easy as she tilts Klaus' head to the side, "Or maybe I can find where this mask can be taken off to reveal who you truly are because you're certainly not Klaus Mikaelson."

Klaus softly takes hold of Lola's hand, moving it away from his face. She sucks in her bottom lip attempting to hold back her laughter until Klaus lowers her onto their bed, him towering over her, "You will never grow tired of being a little minx, will you?"

The same infectious laughter that Klaus fell for over a hundred years ago escapes Lola's lips as she shakes her head. The same flutter that rumbles within Klaus' chest whenever he hears Lola's laughter, it takes him right back to the very first night they met when he heard her laughter for the first time. The bright smile and warm eyes that accompany the laughter make it seem as though the earth completely stops on it's axis, everyone else in the world have disappeared and all that's left is the two of them.

He was completely consumed by her and the loving expression on Lola's face proved she felt exactly the same way. She leans into Klaus' touch as his hand softly grazes along her cheek, finding a home along her jawline. The tip of Klaus' nose brushes against Lola's before lowers his lips towards the side of her face, "I love you."

It was impossible to count how many times Lola has heard those three words roll off Klaus' tongue like smooth honey and yet every single time a swarm of butterflies flutter within her. She had never intended to fall for the Klaus Mikaelson, if anything Lola tried to push her feelings away as long as possible.

But all it would take is one look from him to pull her back towards him with the invisible thread that always connects these two broken souls who feel less broken together. Life had broken her, just as it had broken him. They were two souls who felt like they didn't belong anywhere until they became one. Sometimes two people find each other with broken foundations and they build together as a team to make a foundation that is indestructible.

They both rest their foreheads against each other, saying nothing as their eyes close. Lola's hands go against Klaus' cheeks, softly caressing him with her thumbs, "I love you."

—✤—

When two souls fall in love, there is nothing else but the yearning to be close to the other. The presence that is felt through a hand held, a voice heard, or a smile seen. Souls do not have calendars or clocks, nor do they understand the motion of time or distance. They only know it feels right to be with one another. This is the reason why you can miss someone so much when they are not there— even if they are only in the very next room; or in Lola and Klaus' world, in the same bed.

Klaus has always admired Lola in many different ways, right from the first moment they met each other. He admired her strength, battling through the pain that was thrown upon her as she grew up. Her determination to find peace after the horrific events that occurred with the one woman she was closest to; her aunt. And yet as he looks upon his love in this very moment, he sees her strength and determination heighten even more. How her strength has heightened over the past few months as she grows their miracle child. Her determination to never let anyone harm their child no matter what. He has watched in amazement as Lola grows into the strong, powerful and determined woman she is throughout this pregnancy and can hardly contain his excitement to see her flourish even more once their child is brought into this world.

It seemed like it was a luck of the draw whenever Lola would find herself having a full nights sleep throughout the last month of this pregnancy. This kind of discomfort is a feeling she hasn't experienced before but it instantly fades away whenever Klaus is by her side. He makes her forget everything going on around them and will do whatever he can do to make this happen; even it means being forced to wear a sheet mask for Lola's sole amusement.

Though the lack of sleep was a con in this scenario, these kind of nights were the couple's favourite type. They'd stay up, not even flickering an eye at the hours that pass by, not having a care in the world as the sun rises and they've had no sleep at all. They'd never have a moment where conversation or laughter didn't flow. The kind of conversations would include imaging what their daughter will look like, who she will remind them of and even what kind of personality she will possess.

Klaus is unable to wipe away the grin off his face, walking back towards their bedroom after he was challenged by Lola to sketch anything she says with a two minute time limit for each object. He chuckles to himself walking back into the bedroom, only being gone for a minute to see Lola fast asleep, "I know you haven't fallen asleep that quickly. You only fall asleep this quick when I threaten you with chamomile." Klaus frowns slightly, sitting on the edge of his side when he gets no reaction from her, "Lola."

Lola has always been a light sleeper, the smallest amount of sound would instantly wake her especially throughout her pregnancy which makes Klaus grow even more concerned. He kneels on his side of the bed, softly shaking Lola attempting to wake up, "Lola?"

A strong scent of lavender wakes Lola, immediately frowning at how strong it is. The only time it was like this would be when she spent time at her aunt's rural cottage due to the several lavender bushes surrounding it. A dark feeling forms in the pit of Lola's stomach as her eyes adjust to her surroundings, sitting up in the bed she lies in within Cora's cottage. It's as though all the wind within her lungs evaporates as she looks to the side of the room, to see the two chairs that were always in front of the large bay window in Cora's bedroom; one not being empty.

Her vision becomes blurry almost instantly as Lola climbs out of the bed, slowly walking towards the dark haired woman sitting on the edge of the seat, staring out into the gardens, "Aunt Cora?"

Cora turns in the chair, a warm smile graces her face towards Lola, "Hello, my darling."

"How is this possible?" Lola's brows are knitted together in complete and utter astonishment to see her beloved aunt before her. Her smile is wide, "I didn't think I'd be able to see you while I take the herbs?"

"I've been watching you, dear." Cora runs her hand through Lola's hair before taking hold of both her niece's hands, "I've seen how you've been struggling and used most of my power to push through the herbs."

A shaky, breathless laugh escapes Lola's lips, staring at her aunt in utter bewilderment, "Is it really you?"

She can't seem to shake away this lingering feeling that something isn't right in this exact moment. Maybe it's just because Lola hasn't seen her aunt like this since before she fell pregnant. Perhaps it's even the smile on Cora's face just isn't the same as it usually is, "It's really me. I've missed you."

"I've missed you so much." Lola breathes out, pushing her doubts to the back of her mind when she pulls Cora into a tight embrace, "You have no idea how happy I am to see you again."

"Happiness, hm." The warmth in Cora's voice vanishes, now replaced with a harsh sounding tone when he grip tightens around Lola, "So, you don't feel guilt?"

"Guilt?" Lola echoes in a whisper, she tries to pull away from Cora but is unable to do so, "Cora, let me go."

As Cora pulls away from Lola, it's then she can see her aunt before her but her eyes are dark and cold like a stranger. A wicked grin forms at the corner of Cora's lips, when Lola steps away from her. She places her hand against her hip, wearing the same wicked expression stepping closer, "You must feel some ounce of guilt. You still blame yourself, don't you?"

"Blame myself for what?" As Lola continues to step away, Cora steps towards her until Lola's back hits against the wall behind her, "You're not making sense."

"I can see in your eyes the guilt you have carried with you for over a century. You should be feeling a lot more than grief considering it's because of you I didn't survive." The ins of Cora's brows pull upwards, in a mockingly sympathetic way, shrugging her shoulders, "Maybe your father was right about you all along. You're weak and you're nothing but darkness."

"You're not Cora." Lola breathes out, the hairs on her neck stick up when she's hit with realisation. Her face is drained of all it's colour as she shakes her head, "No. This—" She rushes towards the door of the room, "This isn't possible."

Lola screams, stepping back into the room when Thomas is already waiting, standing in the doorway. He wears the sadistic grin he always does as he steps into the room, "You were always so smart, Lola."

Lola's heart beats rapidly in her chest, so rapid it's as though it could beat straight out of her chest. She looks around the room in a panic, searching for Cora who is nowhere to be seen. Her eyes are stinging with tears threatening to escape, her entire body is trembling, "Why are you doing this?"

Thomas purses his lips as he shrugs, "I made a promise to myself that I will stop at nothing to make your life hell. It's seems only fair, after your family killed my own." His eyes darken with vengeance, his steps become quicker towards Lola, "Then you killed my mother."

"What did you expect to happen?" Lola mocks, she laughs scornfully quickly moving out of Thomas' way. She moves to the opposite side of the room, her hands form tight fists, "Your family started this when you all set up an innocent woman to death because your father was such a weak, pathetic man who forced his own brother to be just as vile as he was!"

Thomas throws his head back, looking up at the ceiling as he laughs obnoxiously. He breathes out dramatically as he slowly moves his eye level back towards Lola, "Do you honestly expect that you and that man will be able to live a happy life with the evil you've created? Every single one of you is going to fall. And I am going to have front row seat to see all of you get what you deserve."

He storms towards Lola, harshly taking hold of her wrist and pulling her out of the corner of the room she was in. She winces in his hold as he forcefully twists her around to face the bed within the room, now seeing a pale, frail and lifeless Cora. Lola gasps, trying to escape out of Thomas' hold which only becomes tighter, he wraps his hand around Lola's throat, forcing her to look towards the bed, "Cora died because of you. Let this be the last image that you see until we see each other again." Lola flinches as she can feels Thomas' breath against her neck before a sinister laugh escapes him, "Tu me trouveras où fleuriront les roses."

With a loud gasp, Lola wakes sitting up straight in the bed with her hand going straight to her throat. Her eyes are wide, entire body is trembling as a horrified Klaus wraps his arms around her, "You're all right, love. I'm here." Lola tightly shuts her eyes but all she can see is Cora's lifeless body in the bed and hearing Thomas' venomous words.

Cora died because of you.

Feeling like she's suffocating, she pushes herself out of Klaus' hold. She rushes out of their bed, running her hands through her hair as she paces around the room. She's unable to fathom any words as her breathing continues to be erratic.

Klaus rushes in front of her, he softly places his hands against Lola's arms to stop her from pacing. His heart breaks to see a broken, frail Lola in front of him with tears streaming down her face. He lowers himself to be at eye level with her, "It was a dream, love. You're okay."

"No." Is the only word Lola can fathom once again pulling away from Klaus, repeating it again and again and again. Her voice breaking after each and every one, "No, it wasn't a dream. He—" She closes her eyes, swallowing harshly to coat her dry throat, "He got in my head again." Klaus' heart sinks as a fragile Lola locks eyes with him, shaking her head profusely, "I don't know how he did it, but—"

Klaus' jaw tightens as he sees the already red marks forming around Lola's neck and wrist, he too swallowing harshly to stop himself from growing more as angry as he already is. He shushes a hysterical Lola, softly, before pulling her towards his chest. He wraps one arm around her waist, the other hand rests against Lola's head, his chin resting above her head. He knows this is one of the few ways to get Lola calm, he allows her to cry out in his hold and will stay like this until however long is necessary.

"You're exhausted." Klaus' soft tone breaks them out of their silence after a while, hearing Lola's heartbeat slow down.

Lola clears her throat, breaking away from Klaus slightly, "No, I'm okay." She swipes away the fallen tears off her cheeks, "I just need to do something to keep me busy."

"No." Klaus' tone is stern just soft, "I know what you're doing, love. You don't want to fall back asleep because you're worried he will get in your head again." Klaus walks towards their bed, he sits on the edge, gesturing for Lola to join him, "I know what I can do to stop him from doing so."

Lola raises a brow towards him, "If this is going to be sexual, I'm really not in the mood." She receives an unamused, knowing stare from Klaus making her rolls her eyes. He holds his hand out for Lola as she steps towards their bed, she intertwines hers with his and climbs into the bed.

The pair get comfortable in the bed, Klaus leans against the headboard as Lola rests against his chest; instantly relaxing in his hold. His hand slowly moves down her arm before holding onto her hand, his thumb circling around the palm of her hand. Klaus pulls stray hairs out of Lola's face, softly kissing her against the temple, "I'll fill your mind with so many thoughts that he wouldn't be able to push through."

A hint of a smile graces Lola's lips as she stares down at her hand in Klaus', his thumb grazing over her engagement ring, "What kind of wedding do you think we'll have?"

"It will be the most perfect day." Klaus practically whispers, he stares down at their intertwined hands as he smiles, "Just the two of us and our beautiful daughter. Perhaps it will be in Italy; Postiano." He can feels as Lola's breathing turns to a smooth rhythm, relaxing in his hold as Klaus continues, "A beautiful secluded home with a view of the beach. Which is where we will stand, as the sun sets and promise to love each other always and forever. And it will be beautiful."

—✤—

Peace can be a fickle thing. Especially when it's in the form of a peaceful nights sleep which felt rare for Lola to have. However as Klaus opens the drapes in their room, allowing the golden sun glow radiate on her skin, he can't remember the last time he seen her seem so peaceful. 

He sits on the edge of the bed, the dip stirs Lola slightly. A smile forms on her lips as soon as she can feel Klaus' touch against her face, pushing stray hairs from her face before he places a soft kiss against her cheek, "You should wake me up like this more often."

"I plan to, don't worry." Klaus presses his lips against hers before reaching towards the nightstand, placing a tray in front of Lola, "I've made you breakfast."

"Breakfast in bed?" Lola's tone has a hint of surprise, sitting fully in bed to see the array of fruits and other breakfast items before her, "You're spoiling me this morning."

As she throws a blueberry into her mouth, Klaus reaches for the glass on the tray holding it out in front of Lola, "Orange juice. It's good to drink that during the last month of pregnancy."

Lola leans back a touch, brow raised in an intrigued yet amused way, "You've been reading those pregnancy books, haven't you?"

Klaus hums in thought, he smirks looking up at the ceiling shrugging his shoulders, "That is a strong possibility." He stands up from the edge of the bed, kissing the top of Lola's head as he does, "After you've had that, get dressed because I have a surprise waiting for you."

Both of their attentions turn towards the door leading to the hallway when they hear construction work happening. Lola frowns, hands cover her ears when drilling sounds are heard, "Is the surprise a wrecking ball destroying the courtyard?"

Klaus sighs heavily, rolling his eyes, "Bloody hell." He storms out of their bedroom leaning against the balcony railings and glares down at his brother standing in the middle of the courtyard, "Enough with all the racket!"

Elijah looks up at his younger brother, an amused smirk plastered on his face, "Is there a problem, brother?" He turns his attention to the group of workers beside him, "Gentlemen, please."

"I agreed to a general sprucing up," Klaus complains, he scoffs gesturing towards the large dug up hole in the middle of the courtyard, "Not a bloody three-ring circus."

"Marcel and his minions abused our home for the better part of a century. Now, you might be content to live in squalor. I'm not."

"Hey, the place is looking good." Scott's voice comes into play as he walks into the compound, he laughs to himself before pointing over to where Elijah stands, "You ever thought of starting a decorating business?"

Elijah smiles to himself, glancing down at the floor, "Scott," His mood alters slightly as he sees a red headed witch walking beside Scott, "Genevieve." Elijah clears his throat, stepping closer to the pair. Scott looks up towards Klaus leaning against the balcony, the pair each giving the other a knowing look until Klaus walks back towards his bedroom. Elijah smiles politely at the vampire and witch before him, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Come on, love." Klaus claps his hands together as he steps into their room, "Time is ticking. Let's make haste, shall we?"

A breathless Lola who is half off their bed glares over to him, "It has took me the time you left this room and coming back, for me to just get in this position. How about you help the woman you love out of bed instead of just gawking there and telling me to hurry up!" 

Klaus' lips form a thin line, stopping himself from laughing at Lola's hormonal outburst. He takes her hand, helping her off the bed and watches as she walks into their bathroom; slamming the door behind her. 

Whiplash can be a common thing in many things, such as the aftermath from an accident, from fighting or even playing sports. However what feels more common than any of them that causes whiplash is Lola's sudden mood changes which are becoming more frequent as this pregnancy comes to an end. 

With his hands behind his back, Klaus silently chuckles as he hears Lola mumbling curse words under her breath as she gets dressed in their bathroom, thrashing things around. Until, he hears Genevieve's voice from the courtyard,

"La Fête des Bénêdictions. Feast of the Blessings."

A wicked grin appears on Klaus' face, knowing his plan is happening exactly as he planned with Scott the previous night. His attention whips around to the bathroom door which gets flung open to reveal an agitated looking Lola who gestures at her large bump, "This is your fault. You know that, right?"

Klaus nods watching as Lola stands in front of the floor length mirror, he stands behind her zipping up her dress, "You love to remind me at any given moment, sweetheart."

Lola narrows her irritated glare at Klaus through the mirror, "What kind of thousand year old, dead, ancient hybrid gets people pregnant." She scoffs walking back towards their bed, "I wonder if there any other women out there I have to give my sympathies to." Lola stands up straight, staring out in front of her as she pauses in thought. Within a second she grabs the fork off the tray Klaus made up for her, pointing it in his direction, "If there are any more—"

"Lola," Klaus sighs softly before he chuckles taking the fork out of Lola's grasp, "It can often be a struggle to just handle one of you." He twists Lola around in her spot to make her face the mirror as his hand goes against her bump, "Soon, there will be two of you which at the moment seems impossible to handle." He wears a teasing expression, resting his head upon her shoulder, "What makes you think that I would be mad enough to add more into this chaotic yet loving mix?"

Rolling her eyes, Lola moves out of Klaus' hold, "Well, soon needs to hurry up. I feel like I've been pregnant for a century."

"You're not the only one, I assure you." He frowns watching as Lola walks out of their bedroom, him following. He takes hold of her hand to stop Lola from walking further towards the courtyard, "The surprise isn't that way, it's round the back."

"I'm sure whatever surprise you have in mind can wait for a minute." Lola flashes a smile, shrugging her shoulders before she gestures in the direction of the courtyard, "I want to see whatever the hell Elijah is doing downstairs."

"So your coven attempted to destroy my family--" Elijah grunts, wearing a stone cold expression towards the grinning red head, "And you yourself held my siblings in unspeakable torment-- and you would like a party for the witches?"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Lola recoils, her hands tightly grasp against the balcony above as she glares down at Genevieve, "Who said you're welcome here?"

Elijah clears his throat, crossing his arms against his chest as he watches an annoyed looking Lola descend down the stairs, "It seems as though Genevieve has came here to ask permission to throw the witches a party."

Lola scoffs as she stands beside Elijah, wearing the same stone cold expression as him, "Yeah, right."

"Come on, Lo." Scott drawls out, shrugging his shoulders, "This whole peace pact is working so why create a bump when it's something G has asked for?"

Lola laughs obnoxiously, a small snort escapes, "G?"

"Lola," Genevieve wears a disgustingly sweet grin, threading her arm through Scott's, "I know we have a long history. I think we can agree that we are never going to be friends but could we at least be civil?"

Lips turning up in disgust, Lola glancing away when she suddenly feels nauseous before wearing a mocking grin towards the witch as her arms fold against her chest, "I don't know what personality deficiency causes you to act this way but I feel obliged to inform you how seriously desperate it makes you look."

"Oh, don't be such a stiff, the pair of you." Klaus mocks as he walks towards everyone, he grins gesturing towards Lola and Elijah before he shrugs, "The tourists love a good festival. Besides, what better way to cement the solidarity than a show of faith toward a one-time enemy?"

Elijah tilts his head, brows shooting up, "A onetime enemy with whom Scott has grown rather nauseatingly intimate."

Klaus grins, gripping hold of Scott's shoulder, "Well, who said maintaining alliances can't be fun, hm?"

Scott laughs awkwardly, running his hand through his hair, "Sure."

Lola scoffs, unfolding her arms and walking away from the group, "I think morning sickness is making a return."

Shortly after Lola walking away from everyone, Klaus follows her. He frowns as he sees Lola who seems perfectly well, in the kitchen pouring herself a drink, "I thought you were feeling sick?"

"I was." Lola shrugs, bringing the glass towards her lips, "Sick of hearing her voice."

Klaus chuckles before holding his hand out towards Lola, "Come with me. Your surprise awaits."

Klaus guides Lola into the garage of the compound, one hand is against her waist as the other hovers over her eyes. A small gasp escapes Lola's lips as Klaus removes his hand for her eyes to be set upon a black porsche cayenne, "You got me a car?" She laughs breathlessly to see her small audi sport car beside it, "I have a car."

"Yes," Klaus stands in front of her, holding the key in his hand for the new car, "You have a tiny sports car where you can fit two people in at best."

"No way." Lola turns around to see a shocked looking Scott in the doorway, his eyes are wide slowly stepping closer towards the car, "No freaking way." He laughs glancing over to Klaus, "Can I?"

Klaus rolls his eyes before throwing the key over to Scott who easily catches it with one hand. A childish laughter escapes as he opens the car up, sitting in the driver's seat. Klaus scoffs softly, gesturing at a giddy Scott, "At least someone shares the joy I expected."

"Wait, no I am so grateful for this." Lola quickly defends herself, she shrugs smiling up at him, "Nik, I don't need a big fancy car. I'll probably crash it."

Klaus wraps his arms around Lola's waist, pulling her closer towards him, "Well, I'm growing tired of having to mess around with the system in my car to stop that incessant whining voice being played 24/7."

Lola laughs, leaning closer to the hybrid with a teasing smirk, "You and I both know you secretly love Britney."

"You are the only one I love." Klaus runs his hands through Lola's honey coloured hair, hands resting against Lola's cheeks as he presses his lips against hers. He pulls away from her, gesturing towards the car, "Take it for a test drive, perhaps to the bayou. Give Hayley my regards."

"Thank you." Lola breathes out, she wraps her arms around Klaus pulling him into a tight, warm embrace. She pulls him in a longing kiss until a mocking borking sound from Scott behind them makes her pull away. Her hand rests against Klaus' cheek, smiling lovingly at him, "I love you."

Scott climbs out of the car as Lola steps closer to his, he hands her the car key before walking around it towards the passenger seat, "Shotgun."

Lola raises a brow over to him, she opens up the car door but remaining outside of it, "What are you doing?"

Scott frowns, shrugging his shoulders as he glances between the car and Lola, "Coming to the bayou with you."

"Don't you want to hang out some more with G?"

The way Lola says the letter G, her tone had more disgust in it than Scott has ever heard before. He breathes in sharply before pointing over to Lola with a grin, "We agreed on no more judging." He looks over Lola's shoulder to see Klaus standing in the doorway, gesturing for him to follow. Scott sighs as he close the passenger door, "Actually, you know what? There's something I gotta go and do but we'll catch up, okay?"

—✤—

"You're stalling."

Lola scoffs down the phone to Adrianna, "I am not stalling. I just—" She glances into the distance of the bayou to see Hayley standing with Eve. Lola cringes to herself, closing her eyes, "You're right, I'm totally stalling."

"Why are you getting so weird about being in the bayou?" Adrianna teases with her tone full of sarcasm, "Does it feel weird that your life isn't at a threat this time round?"

"Okay, just because you're on the other side of the world doesn't mean I won't kick your ass for your sarcasm." A smile instantly appears on Lola's face as she hears her best friend's infectious laugh through the other end of the call. She sighs sadly, sinking into the car seat, "I miss you so much, Ade."

"I miss you too." Adrianna sighs, sadness undertones, "You know I'll fly back the second you ask me to—"

Lola sits up in her seat, her tone becomes stern, "Don't you dare."

"Let me finish." Adrianna drawls out, "I would if you did, but I know you wouldn't. I'm not expecting you to because you have survived decades before you met me. We can survive a few more weeks."

"Yeah, and what good did not having you in my life get me?" Lola laughs spitefully as she rolls her eyes, "A crappy human life which ended when my own father shot me then nothing but chaos and drama in my vampire life which got my memories erased for three decades."

"And now you're able to relive your life all over again, the right way. How's Hayley doing?"

Lola turns back towards where Hayley stands, now with Jackson beside her and Eve. Lola can hear Hayley's laughter from here, something she feels like she hasn't heard in such a long time. Lola's eyes turn glossy without even realising as she wears a sorrow smile, "She looks so happy, Ade. Maybe I'll just go back into the city. I don't want to dampen on how happy she is right now."

"Lo, Hayley is the one who asked you to come out to the bayou. She misses you and you miss her. Just stop being a baby, get yours shoes a little dirty and spend quality time with Hayley."

"Okay, fine!" Lola easily gives in, smiling to herself, "I love you. Enjoy Capri."

"I love you too. Enjoy the swamp."

Hayley's attention goes straight in front of her, hearing a car door shutting. Her smile beams as she looks to see Lola stepping towards her, "You made it!" Hayley shouts out, she rushes over to Lola pulling her in a tight hug, "You're actually here!"

Lola gasps at Hayley's strength, she laughs breathlessly as Hayley pulls away, "Why do you sound so shocked?"

Hayley shrugs before walking towards the shack, "Well the last time I suggested you come out here you faked an allergic reaction."

"An allergy to the humidity of this bayou is more common than you think, Hayls." Lola shrugs, shoving her hands into her pockets as she looks around the bayou, "I just didn't want to intrude, you know? This is your world and I didn't want to risk bringing any chaos to it."

"You'd never do anything like that." Eve wears a warm smile as she walks over to the pair, she wraps her arm around Lola, "Wolf gene or no wolf gene, you're one of us, Lola. Come on."

As the three of them step closer to the shack, Lola frowns noticing the long line of people that's formed. All whispering to each other looking at herself and Hayley, "Why are there about thirty random people in a line? Is there some kinda meet and greet going on?"

"You've gotta be kidding me." Hayley scoffs, she leans closer to Eve as they all continue to walk, "There's at least twelve more here. Seriously, what is going on? Who are all these people? Why are they standing out here all weird and lurk-y?"

"They've come from all over. All the packs." As they all reach the shack, Eve looks in Lola's direction, "I told you, word spread like wildfire about the miracle baby you're carrying."

"So that's why they're all here?" Lola's brows shoot up in surprise as she looks over to the large group of people that continues to form, "To see me? Well, my baby. To see a baby that isn't even born yet?"

"Forget the baby." Oliver mumbles as he steps out of the shack, he smirks over to Hayley, "These freaks, they come here to see Hayley. You know, given the place your parents held in pack hierarchy, maybe they think you're gonna be the long-lost werewolf messiah or something."

"Great." Hayley rolls her eyes, leaning against the shack, "No pressure or anything."

Oliver rests his hand against the shack, Lola's face immediately squirms with disgust. She holds her hand out towards him, "My god, personal space much? Can you take a step back?" Oliver frowns moving his hand away from the shack as he complies, "And another. More." Lola purses her lips, continuing to fan her hand towards him, "Just a few more steps. Okay, good." She wears a mocking grin, pointing behind Oliver, "Now how about you take a dip into the lake behind you to at least attempt at washing away that revolting cologne you have on that no doubt you got in the discount section as the nearest dollar store. It's making me nauseous, dizzy and giving me a migraine all at the same time."

Oliver scoffs loudly, shaking his head, "You got a lot of nerve coming into our woods with your preppy, princess ego."

"Ollie, back off." Jackson sternly warns the other wolf as he steps out of the shack, "Lola has as much of a right as all of us to be here."

"How does she? She ain't even a wolf." Oliver laughs harshly before pointing towards an unfazed Lola, "It's bad enough she used to be a blood sucker, now she's a witch. We gotta have her here as well as the hybrid?"

Hayley raises an unamused brow, standing up straight, "Do you wanna say that again and try it again with a bit more respect?" Oliver takes one step closer towards Hayley and Lola as he scoffs making Hayley vamp speed over to him, harshly pressing his arm behind his back. She slams him into the wall of the shack as her grip tightens, "Lola's blood runs in my veins, she's my family. As for the hybrid I'm still part wolf. Even if I wasn't a hybrid I'd still easily kick your ass so if you keep going with this level of disrespect, you'll see that happen."

Oliver huffs as Hayley lets go of him, he glares over to her and then to Lola standing behind Hayley who is not even bothering to fight the urge to laugh at Hayley's actions. Lola clears her throat, stepping closer to him, "You know maybe you should just go anywhere but here right now. I'd hate it if my ego got so big that it ended up pushing you outta here anyway. Maybe it will push you somewhere close to a barbers where you can get that, washed up, wannabe Kurt Cobain—mixed with a mop—haircut tamed."

"Do you think it's a good idea to piss a wolf off, princess?" Oliver mocks as he takes a step closer to her, "You won't like me if you keep going."

Lola shows no emotion on her face as she shrugs, "I don't like you now."

"Maybe you don't get it." Oliver laughs in a smug way, "You're really not going to like me if you keep going the way that you are."

"I really don't like you now." Lola scoffs looking at the blonde wolf up and down, "Who are you? The hulk? If we were inside somewhere with a roof what you gonna do? Blow a hole through it with your super hulk strength? Make all the trees fall down with your super scary hulk roar?"

Oliver laughs spitefully, his eyes darken with annoyance as he tilts his head, "Do we have a problem?"

"There is no problem." Jackson snaps, standing between them both, "Right, Lola?"

"Well," Lola tilts her head as she shrugs, "He was part of that night at the plantation. You know, where I almost died in a house fire. Oh, yeah. And how he was the one who helped those psychotic witches by setting Rebekah up. But, sure!" Lola's words are full of sarcasm before flashing a glare towards Oliver, "No problem at all."

"Ollie regrets everything that happened that night." Jackson harshly hits Oliver against his chest, giving him a stern glare, "Don't you?"

Oliver scoffs shaking his head, "Whatever."

Lola watches as Oliver and Jackson walk away from the shack before she laughs, "His attitude is almost as bad as his hair."

"Ignore him, that's what I do." Hayley teases as she playfully rolls her eyes. She holds open the shack door for Lola, "Come on. I'll make you some tea."

—✤—

Camille O'Connell is compassionate, intelligent and stubborn. In some ways, people would compare her to Lola Salvatore; maybe that's why they bonded so quickly. One thing they both are equal in is how much they both care for Scott Garcia; the erratic, sometimes clueless, ripper who will do just about anything to look out for those he cares about. 

However, with dark circles underneath her eyes as Cami wipes away empty tables in Rousseau's, her mind is on Scott, like it is more times than she'd care to admit. The thought that perhaps there is the possibility where she may care for Scott in a different kind of way to how Lola cares for him. But, after a night with Marcel Gerard she fears that this slow build up to her gaining the ripper's trust may come tumbling down if he ever learns of her time with Marcel. 

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

Scott's low and hoarse voice makes Cami jump out of her thoughts. She whips around in her spot to see him softly smiling over to her which she returns, "Scott. What are you doing here?"

He laughs awkwardly, running his hand through his curly locks; something so simple yet sends butterflies through Cami's chest, "I just thought you might wanna know that I've created an alliance with someone who may be able to help your uncle."

It's then it's as though every muscle in Cami's body tenses, "Let me guess. Tall, red head, axe to grind. Those resurrected witches are the ones who hexed Kieran in the first place. Why would she help?"

"Because it's in my best interest that she does," Scott calmly explains before he sighs, "You don't want Lola to help, so-"

"It's not that I don't want Lola to help," Cami quickly defends, hostility begins to seep into her words, "I'm looking out for my friend and her health when she is so close to giving birth."

Scott's jaw tightens, his hand rubs against it before he sighs, "By all means, if you don't want me to ask Genevieve then just say the word."

Cami swallows harshly, looking away from Scott as she shakes her head, "No." Scott scoffs, so quietly only he hears it before he stays silent, walking away from Cami. Cami takes a deep breath, "Wait." She turns around to see a hopeful Scott standing before her, "Do whatever you can to help him."

As Scott walks out of the bar, Klaus stands up straight from the wall he was leaning against. He swiftly ends a phone call he was having with the wolf, Oliver, before chuckling walking beside Scott, "Well, that was awkward."

Scott scoffs, rolling his eyes, "Whatever, I told you it would be. I'm gonna go and speak to Genevieve."

Shoving his phone into his jacket pocket, Klaus continues to walk beside Scott towards the cauldron, "I'm coming with you."

—✤—

"Sorry." Usually the word sorry holds meaning, however, when it spills off Genevieve's tongue, it fuels nothing but sarcasm as she harshly plucks a dead flower in her hands, "As I've already said, there's no way to undo that hex."

"Oh, come on." Scott groans, stepping further into the greenhouse where he, Genevieve and Klaus stand, "You and I both know there's always a loophole."

"Not for this. At least not among my people. Although, I do wonder." A hint of curiosity sparkles in Genevieve's eyes as she turns to face both men, looking over Scott's shoulder towards Klaus, "Your mother was powerful. She would have had access to all manner of spells. Perhaps I could take a look through her grimoire."

"You want to use father Kieran's ailment as an excuse to look through my mother's spell book?" Klaus laughs in a mocking way, shaking his head, "It's not happening."

"Come on. The grimoire is worthless to you." Genevieve shrugs, "But with it's power, I could solidify my place in the coven."

"No." Klaus' tone is strict and harsh, "It's bad enough my mother's power was consecrated with your ancestors." He scoffs pointing towards the red head, "The last thing I need is for you to get a look at an entire book of her dirty, little tricks. The only people I trust to have possession of that book are Lola and myself."

"That's unfortunate." Genevieve wears a fake sympathetic look as she steps towards Scott, "Particularly for poor father Kieran. I guess you'll be the one to tell Cami."

Scott's irritation soon electrifies, he harshly grabs Genevieve, slamming her onto the nearby table as his eyes darken, "Do you really think you have the upper-hand in this scenario? You can't manipulate us."

"Vamisa la visia."

Both vampire's groan out in pain, clutching hold of their heads as they fall to the floor. Genevieve breathes out a satisfied breath as she sits up straight on the table, "And I won't be threatened. So, between the three of us, we each know where we stand. As long as we can retain that mutual respect, I don't see a need for any further demonstrations of power." As she comes to her feet, she glares down at a furious looking Scott on the floor, "Don't call me again."

—✤—

As Lola applies her lipstick, she looks into the mirror to see Scott leaning in the doorway to the bedroom. She smiles but frowns over to him, "What are you doing here?"

"I am your escort for the evening." Scott mimics a bow before stepping further into the room as he fastens his suit jacket, "Klaus said he's going to be late to this party so asked if I'd accompany you."

"He never told me that," Lola twists around in her seat to face Scott fully as her face is filled with confusion, "And why is he acting like I need a babysitter?"

"Because chaos follows you everywhere you go." Scott teases as he leans closer to Lola before she pushes him away from her. He laughs to himself looking around the room, "You'll be pleased to know, me and Genevieve are no more."

"Really?" Lola blurts out, sounding happier than she anticipated. She clears her throat, her tone becoming more monotone, "I mean. Oh no, I'm so sad." 

Scott's posture stiffens as his eye catches something unusual on top of Lola's drawers, something he's seen before but never around Lola. She stands up from her seat, stepping over to him, "In all seriousness, are you okay?"

Scott swiftly places the dream catcher into his jacket without Lola noticing, he turns to face her wearing an innocent smile, "Never been better." He holds his arm out for Lola to thread hers through, "Come on."

—✤—

Crowds fill the streets of the french quarter, cheering can be heard from miles around as the three harvest girls are carried along the street. Each wearing extravagant gowns, smiling and waving to the bustling crowds. The girls are each dressed for the element they represented in the Harvest--Monique in floral earth tones, for earth; Davina in bright red-orange, for fire; and Abigail in white, for air. 

Genevieve stands behind the large crowd when she notices Lola appear with Scott, both in a deep conversation as they walk down the street towards Elijah. A man covered in tattoos stands beside her as she smiles, "It's time. Klaus will be at the event which means the compound will be empty. You know what to do."

After watching each harvest girl do their own little performance, Lola and Scott follow the crowd towards the feast of blessings. Lola glances over to Scott by her side, he looks tense as though he's analysing everyone who walks past them, "Why does it feel like you're my bodyguard for the night?"

Scott chuckles glancing down at the ground, "As long as you don't go all Rachel Marron and start falling for me then I'll continue being your bodyguard." He clears his throat when his phone begins to ring from inside his pocket, "I'll be two minutes."

Cami's eyes brighten as she spots Lola outside in the crowds after she walks out of the feast of blessings, "Lola."

"Hey!" Lola's smile beams towards Cami, instantly taking hold of her hands, "How's Kieran?"

"Not great." Cami laughs awkwardly, fearing if she doesn't she will completely fall apart, "I, uh-" Cami breaks away from Lola's hold gesturing to the building behind her, "I was just dropping something off but I'm actually glad I seen you. I need some advice."

"Cami O'Connell is asking me for advice?" Lola's shoulders slump as her brows shoot up in shock, "First Scott makes a remark about The Bodyguard and now you're saying this. Are we now in a remake of Freaky Friday?" She receives a confused stare from Cami which makes Lola shake her head, "Ignore me. What were you going to say?"

"I'm asking for a friend." Cami begins, not even realising the knowing stare she's giving Lola who listens intently, "Say that hypothetically this friend gets really drunk one night because she's had a rotten couple of months. Then some guy comes over and then they both start drinking. Then, one thing leads to another and this friend hooks up with the really hot guy. But, this hot guy is sorta like enemy number one and—" Cami stops herself as Lola's expression changes to a teasing one, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I sorta zoned out after the hook up part." Lola steps closer to Cami as her smile widens, "Who is this guy that you hooked up with?"

"It's not me. It's a friend." Cami insists. Her mouth is agape as Lola gives her a stare to say she isn't falling for what Cami is telling her which makes Cami sigh, "Okay, it was totally me. But we agreed it wasn't going to happen again."

"Come on, you need to tell me." Lola takes hold of Cami's hands before she stands back, shoulders are broad, "Wait. I'm the shrink. Let me figure it out." Lola's brows furrow as she begins to think out loud, "Hot guy. Enemy number—" She stops her thoughts once her eyes widen and her jaw practically hits the floor, "You slept with Marcel!?"

Cami quickly shushes Lola, she glances over her shoulder to see Scott with his back to the pair, still on his phone. Yet she doesn't notice his shoulders tensing slightly. Cami steps closer to Lola, giving her a stern look, "Keep your voice down, Lola! Am I a horrible person for this? It's not like he's welcome in the Quarter right now and then there's the whole Scott situation."

"Which I still need more details on." Lola purses her lips when she receives an unamused glare from Cami, "Not the time, got it." Her face turns shocked, looking over Cami's shoulder to see Scott walking over to them, "Oh, shit."

Cami smiles awkwardly to him, she fears he overheard everything due to vampire hearing. She wants to beat him to the first sentence but blurts out something without even realising, "I heard you and Genevieve broke up. She just told me in there."

"Oh," Scott looks stunned, not expecting that to be what Cami brings up to him. He laughs slightly, shrugging his shoulders, "Well you know me. I'm not one to be tied down." He stands beside Lola who wears the most confused stare she has ever worn as Scott continues, "So, uh, I didn't mean to listen in but you and Marcel, huh?"

Cami laughs in an awkward way yet her eyes are full of annoyance towards Lola who tries to look at everything but Cami, "You heard that?"

"No, I didn't." Scott blurts out without realising, "Well, yeah, I did." He laughs awkwardly, hand rubbing against the back of his neck as he looks down at the ground, mumbling, "I just said I did. Uh." He smiles sincerely over to the blonde, "I'm happy for you, Cami."

"Really, it was nothing serious." Cami shakes her head, feeling as though getting swallowed up by the ground wouldn't be the worst thing to ever happen right now.

"I wouldn't blame you if it did turn serious. I mean, Marcel." Scott breathes out, shrugging his shoulders as he laughs, "He seems like a pretty awesome guy. You know, apart from the whole exile thing but, uh—" He clears his throat, "He seems like one of those guys with the washboard abs, right?"

Cami's brows pull inwards, "Uh, yeah I guess so." She looks so awkward as she looks towards Lola who is watching this encounter in absolute horror. 

"I knew it." Scott breathes out, his tone is almost high pitched, sounding excited. He taps Lola on her back, before nudging her shoulder, "See, I told you."

Lola's mouth is agape, unable to fathom any words to make this situation any less awkward. She feels so speechless, it feels impossible for her brain to even send signals to her legs to walk away.

"So, I was just dropping a gift off." Cami clears her throat, she steps between the pair and begins to walk away, "I'm going to go and check on my uncle. I'll see you both later."

"Bye, Cami." Lola manages to squeak out, she watches as Cami walks away. Staying silent until Cami is far away before she harshly slaps Scott around the back of his head, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Scott grimaces, shoving his hands into his pockets, "Did I let on that I had too many feelings?"

"No, not at all." Lola's tone is high pitched, brows shoot up as she shrugs, "You just let on that you had feelings for Marcel. And his washboard abs."

Scott obnoxiously groans as he throws his head back looking up towards the night's sky, "She doesn't like me, okay?"

Lola notices Scott watching as Cami continues to walk away, the way he looks at her is a look she's never seen on his face before. She smiles softly at him, "But you like Cami?"

Scott shrugs his shoulders, refusing to look at Lola, "It doesn't matter how I feel."

"Scott, of course it does!"

"I ruined whatever chance I could've had with Cami." Scott quickly dismisses, "Now she's moved on and I'm cool with it."

Klaus suddenly appears, his hand goes against Lola's lower back as he looks between the pair confused, "Why aren't you inside?"

Scott looks over to him awkwardly, as he starts mumbling, "Well—"

"I was too busy watching Scott tragically crash to the ground." Lola stifles out a laugh before getting irked look from Scott. Klaus guides Lola into the feast of blessings as she leans closer to him, "Have you brought Davina's gift?"

Klaus nods in response, he scans around the room and smiles when he spots what he needs; Josh who is standing with Davina. Josh wraps his arm around a defeated looking Davina, "Hey. Come on. Let's get out of here."

"Joshua." Klaus calls out, both Josh and Davina turn around to face him. Davina looking instantly annoyed where Josh looks instantly terrified as Klaus wears a devilish grin, "What a fortunate coincidence, finding you here. We have unfinished business."

"You need to leave here." Davina demands through gritted teeth as she storms towards Klaus, "Right now."

"Now, to be fair, love, you're not quite as powerful as you once were, are you?" Klaus mocks, shrugging his shoulders, "You're in no position to give orders." Klaus vamp speeds behind Josh, harshly grabbing the back of the boy's neck who winces, "Come along, lad."

Panic sets in Josh's voice as Klaus drags him further into the party, "Hey, can we talk about this?"

Davina looks helpless as she follows them in, she perks up slightly as she notices Lola standing in the crowd beside Scott, "Lola!"

Lola catches Davina's pleading eyes but is unable to do anything before Klaus lets go of Josh and stands half way up the stairs, holding his arms out, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please." The crowds conversations die down, all looking towards Klaus, "We are gathered here today to pay homage to our beloved witches, but one very special witch has been utterly ignored. That seems a little unfair to me."

With a smug grin, Klaus walks down a few stairs before holding out a small box in front of Davina. She glances between the box in the hybrid's hand and his smug posture before she frowns, shaking her head, "No." Klaus' smug grin instantly wipes away, offended that Davina hasn't accepted his offer, "I don't want your gift."

In the middle of the crowd, Lola stands beside Scott and Elijah. She bites her bottom lip, looking down at the ground as she holds back her laughter. She told Klaus something along these lines would happen but he was adamant they wouldn't.

Enjoying this moment as much as possible, Lola looks back over the chaos as Klaus continues to hold the box out towards Davina, "I understand why you would reject me, given our past. In truth," Klaus breathes in sharply, placing the box into his pocket as he addresses the crowd, "Many of us here today have been wronged in the conflict which my brother's treaty ended. Your friend Josh was involved in a plot to kill me. It would be well within my right to execute him here and now." Klaus slowly descends the rest of the stairs, looking in Josh's direction who squirms in his spot looking painfully uncomfortable, "But, in the spirit of solidarity, and for your favour, Davina, I hereby pardon him." Klaus places his hand upon Josh's shoulder, "Josh from this day forward, you have nothing to fear from me."

Once again, Klaus takes the small box from his pocket, holding it out in front of Davina, "Please."

Davina hesitates before her hand slowly reaches up for the box, taking it out of Klaus' grasp. A small hint of a smile appears on Klaus' lips, satisfied his plan worked. He finds Lola in the crowd who has the same smile on her face. Her smile widens as she looks in the corner of her eye to see an infuriated Genevieve storm away from the crowd.

As Klaus walks away from both Josh and Davina, Josh breathes out a sigh of relief, as though a tonne of bricks has been removed off his shoulders. He looks down at the small ring box in Davina's grasp, "So, are you gonna open it?"

Davina opens up the box, her eyes widen as she stares down at a lapis lazuli ring and a small, folded up piece of paper inside. Her smile beams as she scans through the crowd looking for someone in particular which is when she catches the gaze off Lola. The older witch smiles over to the younger, nodding in her direction which Davina responds with and mouths, "Thank you." 

Josh looks between the open ring box and Davina, still looking confused, "What? What is it?"

Davina wears the same beaming smile, looking up at her best friend, "It's the spell that makes daylight rings."

Hayley walks through the building, looking around at the crowds all in their own little groups in conversations. She takes in the architect of the building until she feels a pull against her arm, she glances over to see Klaus pulling her aside, "I hear you made quite the impression with the wolves. My arrangement with them is supposed to be a secret and yet you forced it out of them. It's very bold. I trust you will keep the plan to create moonlight rings under wraps for the time being?"

Hayley wears an irritated, tight lipped grin as she pulls her arm out of Klaus' grasp, "Are you really going to go behind Elijah's back?" Her voice becomes more harsh as her eyes darken, "Lola's?"

Klaus rolls his eyes, he looks further into the room to see where Lola stands with Scott as she too looks around the room, "What difference does it make to you?"

Hayley scoffs, "I know what Lola is like and I know how pissed she will be when she finds out you're keeping this from her. The wolves are more her people than yours." Hayley steps closer to him, glaring at him, "If you don't tell Lola, I will. She deserves to know your plan. And if you are doing this as some kind of way to mess with the wolves, you'll have me to answer to."

Both of their attentions go towards the large staircase as a large group of drummers in white suits descend down the steps. Everyone's attention goes towards the group, Lola and Scott stand from afar, wearing confused expressions as Klaus joins them both.

"Happy Fête des Bénédictions!" The lead drummers calls out, he gestures towards the crowd in front of him, "We have a message for all of you from Marcel Gerard."

Klaus tenses up at the mention of Marcel, he looks over to the part of the crowd where Elijah stands, wearing the same tense expression. All of the drummers each take out a pocket knife, holding it up in the air before they hold them against their bare wrists. 

Lola's eyes widen, going straight to an uncomfortable Scott when the strong scent of blood fills the room, "Scott...you're okay."

"Control yourselves." Elijah's tone is harsh, stepping out of the crowd and standing before them all, "This is a vulgar trick." He warns each vampire within the crowd who begin to grow antsy at the scent, "We do not violate our agreement."

Scott becomes even more increasingly uncomfortable, his hands cover his face as he shakes hi head, "I can't be here."

Klaus stands in front of Lola, he grabs the back of Scott's neck, forcing him to look at the hybrid, "Can you remember what we spoke about? You're stronger than this, Scott."

The lights suddenly go out, darkness surrounds the room. Screams throughout the rooms ring out as vampires feed on the drummers and other guests of the party, quickly turning the crowd into chaos.

"Lola!"

Klaus calls out when Lola is no longer behind him, his hand reaches out to where Scott was standing but he's no longer there. As the lights are turned on the few living guests flea up the stairs. After being knocked to the ground, Lola looks at the multiple dead bodies surrounding her.

Klaus spots her straight away, rushing over to her when he notices a cut against her forehead. Lola breathes out a sigh of relief she he makes his way over to her, "Nik."

"I'm here," Klaus' tone is soothing, he takes hold of Lola's hand helping her up off the ground before wrapping his arm around her and pulling her towards his chest, "You're okay."

"Charlotte!" A panicked Elijah rushes over to the couple with Hayley soon following him, "Are you okay?"

Elijah follows Lola's horrified stare towards the wall behind him with a warning written in blood,

THERE WILL BE NO PEACE

Lola looks around the room panicked, "Where's Scott?"

—✤—

"We don't need to be worrying about Lola Salvatore." Genevieve boasts to other witches as she arrives back at the greenhouse, "I have an old alliance that is happily occupying that pathetic little witch while we carry on with our plans." Every witch before her, grins at Genevieve's announcement but then their attentions go towards the door when an array of knocks can be heard. Genevieve flashes a smile at them all, "Give me a moment." All the witches leave as Genevieve opens the door to reveal Scott standing before her clutching hold of one large box and one smaller, "What are you doing here?"

Scott smiles towards her, holding the boxes out, "I came with a peace offering." Genevieve keeps the door open as she walks further into the building as Scott follows, "You bailed from your own party so quickly I never got chance to give you these."

"That's because your kind ruined my party." Genevieve scoffs, she looks unimpressed at the boxes Scott place on the table in front of her, "What are these?"

"You don't know this but I can be really stubborn when things don't go the way I wanted them to. But, you probably know that after our little fight earlier today." Scott takes hold of her hand, his thumb rubs against the palm of her hand, "I brought you these to try and make amends. They're not both from me, this one is a peace offering from the Mikaelsons." He lefts go of her head, gesturing at the boxes, "Go ahead. We had a friend of yours give us a little helping hand picking this."

Genevieve gives him a side eye, as she wears an intriguing smile, "What friend?"

"Open it and find out." Scott teases. He watches as Genevieve opens the largest box first, she gasps slightly and face turns into shock to see the two hands of the witch he sent to the compound earlier tonight. Scott's tone becomes more monotone, with a hint of threat, "Did you really think that Klaus or any of the Mikaelsons weren't one step ahead of you?" He laughs spitefully as a displeased Genevieve glares at him, "What made you think that they'd leave something as important as Esther Mikaelson's grimoire out for anyone to latch their hands onto it?" He wears a sinister grin, gesturing at the smaller box, "Don't forget to open my own gift to you."

Genevieve swallows harshly, slowing moving her hands to the smaller box. She gasps as she opens it to reveal the same dream catcher she planted within Lola's bedroom, "How did you—"

"Over the years a lot of people have thought my character was the complete opposite to who I actually am." Scott starts to slowly walk around the room as a frozen Genevieve remains in her place, "They see this guy who can be pretty awkward at times and think he has no idea what's going on." He takes hold of a dried up flower, pointing it over to the red head, "But one thing I'm pretty good at is knowing when someone is targeting someone close to me. I bet you thought when I came in here the other day I never noticed you putting a spell on that. I may not have known straight away what you did to it but when I heard you gloating to your little followers, I knew."

Scott circles around her, as he stands behind her he leans closer. His breath against Genevieve's skin makes her flinch as he speaks in a sinister whisper, "The night that Elijah threw the summit party, you went into Lola's bedroom and hid it. Not enough so the spell wouldn't work, but enough for Lola to not notice. You can tell that worthless piece of crap that he needs to think of a new way to try and mess with this family and when he does we'll be one step ahead once again."

Genevieve breathes out an amused breath as she stands up straight, her shocked and panicked stature fades away. Now, stone cold as she smiles over to Scott, "When we met that night, I honestly thought you were different to the rest of them, Scott. You were kind, funny...sexy." Her smile vanishes, glaring at the ripper, "But you're just as poisonous as the rest of the venomous snakes in this town. I should have realised that sooner, especially when Lola Salvatore of all people walked into your apartment the other day."

"Having ties to different witches in the quarter does come as an advantage." He frowns, stepping back from her as he gestures around the room, "I'm curious, have you noticed an odd smell? Kind of like ammonia?" Genevieve frowns as she looks around the room also, "As soon as you opened that box that scent spread across this room quite quick. I remember Lola telling me about a particular herb that was used on her when she first came here, stopping her from performing any magic. This was just inhaled this time so the effect won't last long, but it will last long enough."

Genevieve shakes her head and can't help but laugh, "Your threats are pointless."

"Are they?" Scott narrows his stare at the witch, slowly stepping closer to her, "Earlier on I was wondering if during your past life or during your time with the ancestors you ever heard of the term ripper? No? Let me make it clear for you." His eyes darken as his hand wraps around Genevieve's throat, harshly gripping onto it as she gasps for air, "If you ever harm Lola, Cami or anyone who is close to me again then I will happily show you exactly what it means." He shows the dark veins under his eyes, only for a second before they fade. He stands away from Genevieve who's hand goes straight to her throat, choking on air. He straightens up his suit jacket, smiling at her, "Do we understand each other?"

"Wow," She breathes out before laughing, "I almost felt threatened. Truth is, you can try and threaten me as much as you want but it's never going to work. I'm not afraid of you or anyone that is in your life. And trust me, Scott— It's you who should be afraid of me."

"Pity." Scott shrugs, pursing his lips as he shoves his hands into his pockets, "I will miss the sex."

"Your friend Cami showed up tonight. Her offering was quite sweet." Genevieve grins, her hand goes to the back of her head where a green peacock antique hair comb, "So, I gave her hope that I would lift Kieran's hex, but there is no hope. Or if there was, there isn't now."

"If the priest dies, then believe me, you will follow swiftly after him."

Genevieve laughs at Scott's threat before she shakes her head, "It would be foolish of you to kill me, a potential ally, in defence of some powerless human. Goodnight, Scott."

—✤—

An unresolved past never truly goes away until you find the courage to revisit all the pain and accept that there's nothing you can do to change the past. What's happened has happened and what's done is done. Until you release the wounds of your past, you are going to bleed. You can bandage up the bleeding with distractions but it will eventually all ooze through and stain your life. You must find strength to open your wounds, stick your hands inside, pull out the core of the pain that is holding you in your past, the memories and make peace with them.

Lola lays across the sofa, holding a small compact mirror in front of her as she wipes away the dried blood from her forehead. The wound healed quickly thanks to the baby's blood in her system but still has a twinge of a headache from the impact of the fall. 

A happy looking Klaus walks into the room with a slight spring in his step, he stands behind Lola and places his hands on either one of her shoulders. Leaning down he kisses her cheek, "Make sure your calendar is free next spring."

"Oh, yeah?" Lola turns her head as she smiles, watching as Klaus walks around and sits on the other end of the sofa, placing Lola's legs on his lap, "Why?"

"That's when we'll take our trip to Italy. If we aren't married before that time then we shall be wedded in Positano." Klaus' eyes show nothing but love in them towards her, he holds his hand out which Lola takes straight away as her smile beams, "Then we'll honeymoon in the south of France which will be the perfect time for when all your favourite flowers are in bloom."

Lola's smile soon fades away as she takes in Klaus' words. She lets go of his hand, staring down at her lap in horror, "What did you just say?"

Klaus leans closer to her, his face floods with worry, "What's wrong?"

"Tu me trouveras où fleuriront les roses." Lola mumbles under her breath, she catches Klaus' worried stare, "You will find me where the roses bloom." She swallows harshly, standing up from the sofa, "I knew it."

"What are you talking about?" 

Klaus also stands up, he stays in his spot and watches as Lola walks towards the desk within the room. She pulls the chair out and opens up her laptop on the desk, "That's what Thomas said to me when he was in my head last night. He used to tell me stories about the grounds his family owned in Chédigny." She scoffs as she shrugs, "Of course I already knew about them given that's where I killed his mother."

Klaus can't help but chuckle as the memory of Lola confessing to Thomas' murder all those years ago, "I think that has to be one of my favourite stories." His expression turns confused as he walks over to the desk, "But why would he mention roses?"

"His mother was so proud and so smug about the rose gardens she had. When Thomas thought I was interested in him, he told me that he wanted to take me there. Something has always been bothering me since we came back here and I found this on the internet." Lola stands up from the seat, she gestures for Klaus to sit which he complies when Lola points at the laptop screen, "It's the Wetherby estate, empty since 1937. The last living person in the Wetherby family was André Wetherby. He went manic, killing his family, then himself and it's been empty ever since."

Klaus scans through the article before watching as Lola paces in front of the desk, "What does this have to do with what's been going on over here?"

"Something hasn't felt right ever since the first time he got in my head," Lola's brows are knitted together as she keeps on pacing, pointing at her head, "It's like he's been leaving clues all along."

Klaus leans back in the chair as he sighs, "Love, might I suggest you stop talking in riddles?"

"The first time he showed me his house in the city, exactly how we left it apart from himself and the book being missing." Lola begins, "When I was trapped in the plantation, it was on fire. Then last night—"

"Tu me trouveras où fleuriront les roses." Repeats the same sentence Lola muttered as he pieces the puzzle in his head. He looks at Lola sternly, shaking his head, "No. I've already told you, it's impossible."

"Do you know what else we thought was impossible?" Lola's hand go against her chest, "Me coming back as a witch. Us having a baby." She laughs in a half suppressed manner as she keeps on pacing, "I think it's obvious that nothing is impossible anymore, Nik." She stops as she looks over to Klaus who leans towards the laptop, he frowns as he intently reads something on the screen, "What is it?"

"The Wetherby estate has been sold off at auction after 75 years." Klaus looks up from the screen as Lola walks around to read it herself, "By a man named Henri Fleurs."

Lola's blood runs cold, a sharp shiver runs down her spine as she breathes out, "Oh my god. It's him." Her eyes widen with panic as she begins to stutter, pointing at the screen, "H-he told me that his middle name was Henri." Klaus frowns, thinking it could just be a coincidence but Lola isn't as convinces as she presses more, "Fleurs. Flowers."

She runs her hand through her hair, breathing out a shaky breath, "I think Thomas is alive."

—✤—

these dramatic endings just get more and more fun to write as i keep going—

i am determined to get season one wrapped up by the end of 2022, keep me in your prayers that i have enough motivation to do so

i'm going to try and make the next chapter as short as humanely possible without it being absolute dog shit just so we can get to the more exciting chapters, eek!!

ily all x

holly x