SEASON TWO - EPISODE FOURTEEN
"I LOVE YOU, GOODBYE"
...Back Roads Of Arkansas...
It is night time now, and Cami and the twins are speeding down the road in the SUV. Baby Hope is crying, and Cami turns back to comfort her. Cami looks panicked.
"It's okay, sweet girl. I just need to find a pay phone" she says softly.
Cami finally finds a run-down auto garage and pulls in. There is a car with its hood popped in the parking lot, but otherwise it is completely deserted. Once the car is parked, Cami gets out and rushes over to pick up the still-crying Hope and a little agitated Theodore from the back seat before they head toward the pay phone. After a moment, Cami trips and accidentally drops all of their changes onto the ground.
"Damn it!" Cami mutters frustrated.
Hope starts to cry harder, causing Theodore to start to fuss and Cami looks guilty.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I'm sorry. You two are being so brave, the least I can do is watch my..." Cami cuts herself off when she hears a metallic noise nearby and freezes in place. She gulps nervously before raising her voice to call out to whoever is lurking nearby.
"Whoever's out there, if you try anything, I will gouge out your eyes!" she says bravely, even though she was scared to death.
She pants nervously before hearing a voice behind her. It's Elijah, whose clothes are burnt in places and whose body is covered in ash, but he is otherwise unscathed.
"Actually, Camille, that's probably not necessary" Elijah says.
He reaches his hand out to her to communicate that she should come over to him quickly. As she does, she looks at him with panic in her eyes.
"What the hell happened back there?" she asks still scared.
Elijah quickly but gently ushers her and the babies to the SUV.
"That's a discussion for the car" he says.
He checks to make sure no one is watching them as they get into the car before circling around to the driver's seat.
"Let's move!" he says.
...Mikaelson Compound...
Rosalind is in her bedroom, quickly packing up a bag of clothes, when Klaus enters the room.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asks suspiciously.
Rosalind doesn't even look at him, she just continues packing her bag.
"Elijah said they're on the road. So, I'm going to go to them and get my babies" she says without even looking at him.
"My love..." he was cut off.
"Do not tell me that it's not safe! I'll tell you what's not safe...blowing up a house just to keep your evil brother from finding them!" she snaps.
"We will deal with Finn" Klaus sighs and walks over her.
"And then what? Every time you kill him, he's just going to jump into another body" she says finally looking up at him.
"We tried running. We tried hiding. Neither will work" he says.
"So what's your bright idea?" she asks.
"As it happens, I am working on a plan as we speak! One which will be bolstered greatly if you just calm down and keep your eye on the prize!" he explains.
"Do not manage me, I have every right to..." he cut her off.
"Rosie, your sister are getting married today. An act which will seal the loyalty of all the wolves that answer to Finn" Rosalind gives him a look "You will be queen to an army"
He takes the bag out of her hands and sets it on the bed before walking over her and cupping her face in his hands.
"And a queen does not run" he says firmly and she nods.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Rosalind and Hayley are arguing inside Rosalind's bedroom about Hayley's dress, when Rebekah appears in the doorway.
"What the bloody hell is happening here?" she asks eyeing the sisters, who barely paid any attention.
They kept arguing and Rebekah rolls her eyes.
"You're getting married and should've been enjoying the best part of being the star of the night" Rosalind complains.
"It doesn't suits me" Hayley argues "I'm gonna look like a doll"
"A very beautiful one" Rosalind points out and Hayley rolls her eyes.
"No!" Hayley says "and that's final!"
"Yes!" Rosalind says "and that's also final!"
"Does anyone cares to explain this current predicament?" Rebekah asks annoyed.
"Gladly" Rosalind smirks "My sister here is trying to offend me by getting married with sneakers"
"I didn't say sneakers!" Hayley points out "I just don't want to use something so sparkling-huge"
Rosalind huffs.
"Stay here!" she points at Hayley and turns to Rebekah "don't let her escape here! I'll be back"
Rosalind walks out the room.
"Alright, bad news first...I will have to miss your nuptials" Rebekah says.
Hayley looks at her in disappointment, and Rebekah looks at her guiltily.
"Kol has a bit of a life-and-death matter he needs help dealing with" she continues.
"Anything we can do, Rebekah?" Hayley asks.
"It's witch business. Which now seems to be my thing" Rebekah shrugged.
Hayley laughs and rolls her eyes.
Rosalind enters the room again with a huge white box in her hands.
"The fairy godmother just arrived" Rosalind says in a singing tone.
Rebekah and Hayley looks over her confused.
"Open it!" she claps her hands excitedly.
Hayley undoes the lace over the box and opened it, seeing a beautiful white lace slightly bright dress. She gasps in surprise and turns to see Rosalind smiling proudly.
"What's this?!" Hayley asks in awe.
"A dress" Rebekah answers still looking at the dress too.
Rosalind rolls her eyes and takes the dress off the box.
"A very especial dress, Bekah" Rosalind corrects "I used it at my high school prom"
"Really?" Hayley asks touching the dress with a smile "it's beautiful"
"My mom had it made for me" Rosalind smile softly "and I just had to adjust a little to look more like a wedding dress"
"You adjusted it?" Rebekah asks surprised.
"Yes" Rosalind says proudly "now you have everything you need to be the most beautiful bride"
Hayley rolls her eyes with a smile.
"Thank you" she says in truly gratitude "This is like one of those family traditions that everyone has"
"And now you have too" Rosalind says "consider it as your heirloom too"
Hayley eyes glistened a little and she nods incapable of saying a single word, too emotional for that.
Rosalind and Rebekah smiles at her and watches as Hayley stands in front of her full-length mirror and holds the dress against her body to see how it looks on her.
"Awn!" Rosalind covers her mouth excitedly "you look perfect"
"I agree" Rebekah smiles.
"Jack will be in his knees for you" Rosalind smirks.
"Agreed too" Rebekah says.
"Only if the bride was you" Hayley says with a smirk.
"Agre..." Rebekah starts but suddenly realized what Hayley said "...What? What's that supposed to mean?"
Rosalind huffs.
"Nothing" she says.
"Oh yeah" Hayley says in fake innocence "nothing" she mocked.
"Oh shut it" Rosalind says "now go, we have to get you ready"
The blonde hybrid disappeared into her giant closet and walks back holding some bags.
"Here" she gives it to Hayley.
The brunette raises an eyebrow.
"My present for Jack" Rosalind answers.
"And you're giving it to me because..." Hayley trailed off.
Rosalind smirks mischievously and gestures for her to open it. The brunette opened it just to find a white lace pair of undergarments, a very sexy one by the way.
"ROSALIND!" Hayley yells shutting the box.
"Congratulations to the bride and now go" Rosalind pushes her to the bathroom "I prepared the tub with perfumes and hot water. Go!"
Hayley huffs and enters the bathroom.
"You know..." Rebekah starts "...if I were to get married, you'd definitely be my bridesmaid"
Rosalind smiles.
"Well, it's not too late! From what I understand, Marcel is still single..." Rebekah smiles shyly and licks her lips "Have you told him yet that you're...you?" Rosalind asks.
"I thought I'd hold off on that for the moment. Only complicates matters. And, I'm not exactly sure how long this..." She gestures at her body "...is going to last"
"Right" Rosalind nods.
Rebekah smiles and walks toward her as she looks at Rosalind affectionately.
"Rosie...I wanted to say...Now, you might have found your blood family and also count with an amount of annoying people in Mystic Falls..." Rosalind laughs "...but you'll always be one of us. A Mikaelson"
"Gosh, I just went back to take care of my siblings and now I am living with the most dangerous and also oldest vampires in the world. How did I end up like this?" Rosalind says in a funny tone.
Rebekah smiles and winks at Rosalind before she turns and leaves the room.
"How many bottles of soap did you use?" she hears Hayley's yells and sighs with a smile in her face.
This feels like home.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
The ballroom of the compound is full of decorators and caterers who are setting up for the impending wedding. Rosalind is talking on the phone, while directing everyone into their respective functions.
"More flowers at the tables and please do not ruin my planner. Thank you" she dispenses some of the people.
She vamps speeds upstairs and enters her room. Jackson has just arrived, and he enters her room.
"Jack?" she asks surprised "what're you doing here? You shouldn't see Hayley before the wedding"
He smiles.
"Just wanted to check everything out" he answers.
She gestures around them.
"Please, this is not the first big event I've planned" she says with a playful scoff.
"Ohh, I so do not belong in your world" he says.
"My world?" she asks with a smile.
"All this huge and expansive things" he says.
"Well, I'm enjoying the fact that this family disposes of any resources that I might need to plan the perfect wedding to my little sister" she answers and shrugged.
"Do you think she's getting cold feet?" he asks cautiously.
"No" Rosalind shook her head "She might be a little nervous but..."
"Yeah. Yeah, I think so" he nods.
Rosalind takes a step closer.
"I know this whole situation is a mess and everything happened really fast, but I want you to promise me that my sister will be happy" Rosalind says "she's amazing and I just want her to have everything she's ever dreamed about"
"I know" he nods instantly "I promise, she'll be happy Rosie"
"Thank you" she says honestly "you're a good man, Jack. I hope you could be a good husband to her as well"
He stares at her affectionately, noticing how flawless she look. Her skin, eyes, mouth, voice, how innocent but still dangerous she manages to look like.
She notices his intense stare and cleared her throat awkwardly.
Klaus enters the room.
"My love" he glares at Jackson who looks away.
Rosalind looks expectantly, waiting for him to continue, but Klaus just kept glaring at the Crescent Alpha.
"What's the matter?" she waves her hand in front of his face
"There are someone who wishes to say hello" he finally continues and she frowned.
She joins Klaus and walks into the courtyard with Jackson trailing behind her. Just as they make it into the courtyard, Cami and Elijah, who is now wearing now fresh clothes, walk in from the opposite direction. Cami is holding Theodore as Elijah holds Hope in his arms. As soon as the babies saw Rosalind, they started to smile and giggle happily.
"jesus christ, Niklaus" she says incredulously turning to face him, causing everyone to chuckle at her expression and choice of words "you brought them here? Finn could be anywhere"
"Do not worry, my love" Klaus says taking a step in her direction "I've taken precautions. There'll be no uninvited guests at your sister's wedding, and after, your wolves will be the first line of defense to this home. No more running, Queen"
Klaus smiles at her and gestures for her to go see the twins. Elijah nods at them encouragingly. Rosalind goes and takes the babies out of Cami's and Elijah's arms, and they immediately begins cooing and babbling happily when they finally get to see their mother. Rosalind and Cami both giggle contently and Rosalind looks at Elijah who smiles weakly.
She fixes her stare at the happy babies and turns around, walking towards Jackson.
"Theodore, Hope, this is Jackson. Jackson, these are Theodore and Hope" she says smiling brightly.
Jackson smiles when he sees them, and the babies stare at him in wonder. When Jackson holds out his hands, Hope and Theodore clutches his fingers tightly and coos at him. Rosalind and Jackson can't help but smile at them, while Elijah watches them from afar, looking troubled as Klaus' jaw tightened in jealousy.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
In Klaus' study, Klaus pours himself a shot of bourbon and drinks it quickly as Elijah joins him. Klaus pours himself another shot and doesn't turn to face his brother right away.
"I thought your children's return would please you" Elijah says.
"I'm overjoyed" Klaus drinks the second shot "And I'll be even more so provided you do nothing to ruin this special night for Rosie"
"Is there something you wish to discuss, Niklaus?" Elijah asks confused.
Klaus turns to face Elijah with an annoyed expression.
"Everyone knows you're in love with her. But Rosie has worked really hard to get everything done and turns this into a magnificent night" Klaus says "and I hope you do not jeopardize her moment this night"
"Do you believe I would, under any circumstances, take something away from her? Especially related to her happiness?" Elijah asks incredulously.
"We're mobilizing an army. She is still feeling guilty for her sister. And you will do nothing to prevent that" Klaus says.
Elijah strides over to Klaus so that he can look him straight in the eye.
"Unless, of course, I learn that she was pressured into sacrificing something in the name of some political alliance" Elijah says.
"Now you, brother, believe that I would force her into something she doesn't agree with?" Klaus asks slightly angered.
"Of course not" Elijah says.
They stare at each other for a while. Let's just say, loving the same woman wasn't new for them, but this time, it was different, deeper...stronger.
"Rosie is putting family first. I suggest you do the same" Klaus finally says.
"Family is always first" Elijah agrees.
Klaus claps Elijah on the shoulder as he leaves the room.
"Well, then we won't have a problem, will we?" Klaus asks rhetorically.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Rosalind is getting dressed in her bedroom in preparation for the wedding. She's wearing the a light pink dress and her hair is half loose and half pinned. Theodore and Hope are sitting on the floor, playing with their toys and cooing happily next to her.
Rosalind turns around from the mirror and smiles widely at them.
"I still can't believe that you two are here!" she kneels down in front of Hope and Theodore "it's looks like a dream"
They stare at her in wonder.
"Now, Mommy has to go and do this big thing, but don't worry! Because Cami will watch you both, and after that, I'm not letting you two out of my sight never again!" Rosalind says caressed their cheeks.
Hope makes a squeaky excited noise and chews on a little teddy bear as she leans into Rosalind's face, while Theodore holds Rosalind's finger tightly. Rosalind laughs, clearly thrilled to have them there. After a moment, Elijah appears in the doorway and watches them silently for a moment before knocking on the door to get her attention. When Rosalind sees him, she smiles, and he watches her as she stands to her feet.
"You look perfect" he says amazed by her. How flawless she always managed to look.
He hesitates for a moment before he speaks.
"Rosie, I understand that this arrangement is important to your cause, and I will do nothing to intervene on it. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you, at least once..." she cuts him off.
"Don't. Don't say it" she says quietly.
Elijah sees her playing with her fingers.
"Please, Rosie..." again, he was cut off.
"You know, ever since the first day that I met you, I've seen something special in you and for a reason, I can relate to it" she says "but then, things started to happen and despite the times you apologizes to me, you were never really able to be honest with me and I suspect that neither with you"
He only stares at her.
"And I get it, you can't just be the guy who says how he feels" she continues "I'm not telling you're wrong...it's...just, who you are"
She looks down at fingers and wrings her hands nervously.
"But Jackson is" she says "And my sister is getting married with him"
Elijah looks at her with tears in his eyes, and silently starts to cry.
"She's sacrificing her freedom for me" she says at the babies, who were staring at them intently "for them, because she knows how important this union is to protect my babies. Because this is what a family does, we fight, we protect and we die for each other"
She looks up at him, to see tears falling from his eyes.
"Hayley is doing this for me. Because she's my sister and her love for Hope and Theo is almost as bigger as mine" Rosalind continues "this is what having a sibling means and even if you try to deny it, it's what you have with Nik, Rebekah and even Kol"
Elijah looks uncertain to where she's hinting on.
"And I can't be the reason as to why you keep fighting to your brother. I will not be the reason behind your fights and arguments with Nik. I'd never forgive myself if I, under any circumstances, destroy a pact sealed thousands of years ago" she finally says and he opens his mouth to argue, but she only continues.
"I just want to be happy, Elijah" she says and a tear fell from her left eye "I have my babies with me now and we can protect them now, more than ever. I just want to be with them and stop letting people get hurt because of me"
"Nothing about what happened was your fault" Elijah says emotionally "you have no reason to fell guilty"
She smiles weakly and sniff quietly.
"I do" she whispers "I do very much"
He frowned a little.
"Why?" he asks.
"Do you know Hayley agreed to get married instead of me, in order to protect Jackson" she answers and sees the confusion in his face "she knew that Jackson's death sentence was sealed if I were to get married with him"
"Rosie...I..." he struggles to complete his phrase.
"Do you deny it?" she asks and he only looks down, causing her to quietly chuckles.
She took another step towards him and rests one hand in his cheek. He closes his eyes, enjoying her touch, but also trying to hide the feeling of his heart shattering.
"I just want to be happy" she whispered and wipes a tear from his cheek "I really do, Elijah. So, whatever you're going to say to me..." She shakes her head "Please don't say it"
Elijah looks devastated, but nods in understanding before leaving the room without another word. Rosalind looks sad and guiltily before turning back her attention at the babies on the floor.
"Thank god you two are here with me" she whispers wiping her tears.
In another room, Jackson is getting ready for the ceremony. He's trying to tie his tie, but his hands are shaking nervously, and he frustratedly unknots the tie and sighs. Aiden, standing behind him, chuckles in amusement as he pours them drinks.
"Need a hand with that?" he asks.
Jackson sighs and tosses the tie aside in annoyance.
"No" he says annoyed.
"Look, I'm sorry Oliver couldn't be here" Aiden says apologetically.
"Yeah, me too" He takes the drink Aiden offers him "Although, I'm sure he'd have a lot to say about me in this get-up in the vampire house!"
They both laugh and drink.
"So, you really think the wolves will be cool with the vampires?" Aiden asks.
"And if not, screw 'em! I mean, we're done chasing old grudges! We got real enemies to worry about" Jackson says.
Aiden takes a huge gulp of his drink, looking nervous, and Jackson suddenly realizes what Aiden meant.
"This ain't about vamps in general, now, is it?" Jackson asks.
"Look, I know you know about me and Josh" Jackson nods "And I'm not asking you for permission, okay?"
"Good! 'Cause I'm pretty sure we had the 'love is love' talk when you were seventeen" Jackson says smiling.
"Yeah" Aiden rolls his eyes.
"Hey, he's good enough for you?" He shrugs "Then it's good"
"I just don't want him caught in the crossfire, you know?" Aiden says.
Jackson walks toward him and claps him on the shoulder affectionately.
"That won't be easy. But we got no chance of winning this fight without something to fight for" Jackson says.
Aiden nods, and Jackson claps him affectionately on the shoulder again. Rosalind and Hayley appear in the doorway, and when Aiden notices them, Jackson follows his gaze and turn to find the sisters smiling at him.
"Wow" Jackson says stunned.
Rosalind smiles and Hayley laughs nervously.
"I think that's my cue" Aiden says.
"Mine too" Rosalind says.
Aiden offers his arms at the blonde and she takes it, before walking away.
"There's no rule about seeing each other before the ritual, is there?" Hayley asks.
Jackson smiles widely and shakes his head. Hayley notices Jackson's tie laying on the chair and gestures toward it before walking to pick it up. Jackson laughs nervously.
"Um, heh-heh...is everything okay?" he asks nervously.
Hayley walks over to him and starts tying his tie for him.
"Yeah! I was just getting a little nervous" She smiles and chuckles "Wanted to see you, make sure you weren't wearing a flannel tux"
Jackson laughs nervously again and watches as she ties his tie and straightens his collar.
"Thank you. Um, I'm actually glad you're here...I got something for ya" he says.
He walks over to the table and picks up a small wooden box. He opens it to show her a silver chain with a crescent moon pendant with a green stone in it.
"Um, the, uh...the stone is moss agate. You were born under a planting moon, so it's your mineral totem. It symbolizes healing and courage, and after everything that you've done for our pack, I'd say that's just about right" he says.
"I don't know what to say, Jackson" she says.
Jackson takes out the necklace and walks around Hayley to fasten it around her neck.
"You're wearing Rosalind's dress, getting married in Klaus' house. I figured you should have at least one thing that is just yours" he says.
Hayley smiles, clearly touched by his words.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
The guests, both vampires and werewolves, are all seated in the ballroom just before the ceremony is about to begin. Davina enters the room in a blue velvet dress and gets a program from a young girl. She looks around for a seat until Josh calls out to her.
"Davina!" Josh calls out for her.
Davina smiles at him and sits down next to him. A moment later, Aiden arrives. When he sees Josh and Davina sitting on his left, he walks over to them.
"May I?" Aiden asks politely.
She kindly gets up so Aiden can sit next to Josh, and when he's seated, she sits next to Aiden. Aiden smiles at Josh and reaches for his hand, squeezing it tightly.
Meanwhile, Rosalind was adjusting the lasts details from Hayley's dress and hair.
"I'm nervous" Hayley says.
"You look amazing" Rosalind says "the most beautiful bride I've ever seen"
Hayley smiles.
"Thank you" The brunette says.
"I'm sorry" Rosalind whispers.
"What?" Hayley asks confused.
"You're compromising yourself with something that should be my responsibility, just because you love me and my kids" Rosalind answers.
Hayley shook her head.
"I'm happy Rosie" she says "I have a family now. I have a sister, a niece and a nephew...and now, apparently a husband too...almost" she continues and Rosalind laughs "I want to do this. I really do"
Rosalind laughs and nods.
"Don't cry or you'll mess with your mascara" Rosalind says and Hayley chuckled "I'll go first and wait for you upstairs"
Rosalind kisses Hayley's cheek and slowly walks to the doorway to the ballroom and stands still for a moment as all the guests stand to greet her. She's holding a single white rose and a vial in her hands as she walks down the aisle. She smiles and nods at various people when she sees them. When she reach the two staircases, she takes the one at the left and walks upstairs, where Mary is waiting for her, Hayley and Jackson to preside over the ceremony. An orchestra plays as she makes her ascent, and she smiles, reaching the altar.
She catches Klaus' eyes from the balcony and smiles weakly, seeing his stunned face.
He couldn't take his eyes off her. She was perfect. A true angel. He wondered how would she look alike being the bride. His bride.
Oh god.
After a moment, Hayley and Jackson make their entrance as the orchestra starts a special music. They walk down the aisle until reaching the stairs, before separating from each other and walking up stairs, towards the altar where Rosalind and Mary are waiting.
"Please, be seated" Mary says as Rosalind stands besides her.
The guests all sit back in their chairs.
"We gather together as a community seeking peace, inspired by this couple standing before you" Mary continues.
Elijah joins him a moment later and stands at Klaus' side, in a complete trance, seeing Rosalind standing there.
"There was a time when werewolves saw themselves not as cursed, but blessed with connection to our most pure selves. And tonight, we honor that blessing with the long-awaited unification of the two Crescent bloodlines" Mary performs a hand-fasting by binding Hayley and Jackson's wrists with baby's breath flowers and taking the vial from Rosalind's hands.
"In doing so, we choose to embrace Rosalind's vampire nature and recognizing her rare connection with her twin sister, Hayley" Mary says "With this union, Rosalind will share her unique gifts with her pack"
Mary places a long lit match into Hayley and Jackson's linked hands to light their ceremonial candle. She opens the vial, containing Rosalind's blood and let the content fall over the candle.
"And now, your vows" Mary says.
Jackson takes a deep breath.
"I pledge to honor you and defend you and yours above all others" he says.
"To share in blessings and burdens. To be your advocate, your champion" Hayley continues.
"To be your comfort, your sanctuary, and for as long as we both shall live" Jackson says.
"To be your family" she says.
"To be your family" Jackson says.
They smile at each other and light their candle together. Mary smiles at them.
"You two have endured all the traditional werewolf rituals and trials, with the agreement and help of Rosalind" Mary says and Rosalind smiles "There is only one remaining...Jackson, you may kiss your bride"
Jackson looks almost scared, but Hayley smiles at him encouragingly. He stares at her for a long moment before he cups her face in his hand and kisses her. Rosalind smiles seeing her sister and for a moment she caught Elijah's intense stare at her. She quickly looks away, shattering his heart.
When Hayley and Jackson finally pull away, both of their eyes glow gold along with Rosalind's, indicating that the Unification Ceremony worked. They smile at each other happily and turn to look at the crowd. The guests all look at each other curiously. Josh and Davina are smiling, and when Aiden looks back to smile at Josh, his eyes glow gold as well. Everyone begins to smile and chatter, all thrilled that the ceremony has empowered their pack. Marcel and Gia look at each other, slightly nervous at this new development, but Klaus looks relieved.
Klaus walks out onto the balcony overlooking the courtyard, where the reception is being held. Elijah follows behind him and joins him, wagging his finger at him knowingly.
"I know that look. I see it all too often. What are you planning?" Elijah asks suspiciously.
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about" Klaus shrugged.
"Jackson marries the aunt of your children, in our home, solidifying his rule over the wolves you yourself once sought to control. Talk to me" Elijah says.
"Let Jackson have Hayley. We both know I wouldn't allow him to take Rosie instead" Klaus says "Although, he isn't exactly fit to lead an army tasked with protecting my children. His reign will be short-lived" Klaus says.
"Niklaus, you cannot honestly believe that I would allow you to harm Jackson on the day of Hayley's wedding..." Elijah was cut off.
"He's not one of us, Elijah! He's mortal. Mortals perish" Klaus dismissed.
Klaus goes to walk away, but Elijah grabs him roughly by the arm and stops him.
"What are you doing?" Elijah asks.
"Confide in me, brother...how did you feel when you found out about the possibility of being Rosie instead of her sister?" Klaus asks.
"Niklaus, I'm warning you..." Elijah starts, not wanting exactly to think about this possibility.
"...Face the facts! You're even now forcing yourself to deny you want Jackson dead just as much as I do. In fact, I think you want it more" Klaus smiles at him and walks away, leaving Elijah alone to think.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Rosalind is in the twin's nursery, holding a slightly-fussy Hope and a very smiling Theodore in her arms as she looks out the window. She turns when she hears Klaus approaching behind her.
For a moment he just stood there watching the alluringly scene in front of him, Rosalind holding the babies and talking with them as she moves herself back and forth.
"I heard Hope crying" Klaus says walking further the room.
Rosalind smiles turning around.
"Oh, she's probably just teething" she says and kisses Hope's head "she's biting everything. You better be careful with your fingers"
He laughs softly and walks closer to Rosalind, who smiles at him happily.
"I still manage to surprise myself on how perfect they are" Klaus says staring at the babies in awe.
"They are" she says "actually they're pretty low-maintenance for someone with your blood" he playfully rolls his eyes "They've been smiling and looking all around. I think they like it here. Feels like home" She watches Klaus smile at Hope and Theodore "You wanna hold them?"
Klaus doesn't move, he just speechlessly stares at the babies. Rosalind licks her lips in amusement.
"I know you feel a little insecure around them sometimes..." she trailed off and took a step closer to him "...but they're yours as much as they're mine, so you don't have to worry about doing the wrong thing because we're learning this together"
She hands him a smiling baby Theodore and Klaus even a little insecure, takes his son in his arms and smiles seeing him playing with his tie.
Rosalind smiles at the scene, feeling Hope playing with her necklace.
"You know..." she starts "...some advice I learned from developmental psych and only now I've seen it happening?" he frowns "Happy mom, happy dad...happy babies"
Klaus looks at Theodore, who coos at him, and he smiles. Looking up, he sees Hope resting her head in Rosalind's chest, as the blonde soothes her back and hums quietly.
Downstairs, the reception is still going on in the courtyard. Some people are eating and drinking, others are dancing, but everyone is mingling together while caterers come around with hors d'oeuvres and trays of drinks. Hayley and Jackson are dancing together in the middle of the room when Aiden walks over to where Josh is standing off to the side.
"Look, I know that this won't be easy..."
Aiden again, Aiden cuts him off before he can finish, but this time, he kisses him softly in front of everyone. They keep kissing for a long moment, and when they pull away, they smile at each other.
While Hayley and Jackson dance together, Hayley looks up to see white flower petals raining down on them, and Jackson smiles widely as he spins her around. Up on the balcony, Elijah watches the party downstairs, in deep thought of a certain beautiful blonde. After a moment, Rosalind and Klaus comes down to the courtyard with Theodore and Hope in their arms and gestures for the band to stop playing so he can make a speech.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please? I would like to propose a toast" Klaus says and Rosalind frowns, sharing a look with Hayley and Jackson.
"I want to welcome you all" Klaus says while holding baby Hope in his arms. He gestures between him and Rosalind as he speaks "As you know, last spring, Rosie and I had a son and a daughter. Due to tragic circumstance, they were lost. Now, they've returned home. His name is Theodore and her name is Hope"
The guests gasp and begin to murmur amongst themselves about this revelation.
"They will live here among you, their pack. Their family. We implore you...protect our children. Teach them. Love them, as one of your own"
In the crowd, Jackson nods at Klaus in agreement. Klaus takes a glass of champagne from a nearby tray. Elijah continues to watch from the balcony, and Klaus smiles at him before continuing his toast.
"Jackson, I invite you and your bride to live here, uniting your proud and noble people in peace. Welcome to the family, mate" Klaus says and Rosalind's eyes widen.
Jackson nods at him again, and Klaus holds up his glass.
"To Jackson and Hayley!" Klaus says.
"Cheers!" Various guest cheers.
Klaus holds his glass up to Elijah and smiles at him devilishly.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Elijah is walking down the hall upstairs when Rosalind approaches him from behind. Elijah, sensing her presence, stops, but doesn't turn around.
"A lovely ceremony" he says.
"It was. Thank you for being there" she says shyly.
"With the wolves unified, the twins are safe. Everything is exactly as you intended" he says.
Rosalind looks uncomfortable, and Elijah sighs.
"And, in the interest of maintaining the peace, I have decided to join Marcel in Algiers. I believe with the correct instruction and guidance, this community may well prosper" Elijah says.
"You're moving out? Elijah, this is your home" she says surprised.
"In my long, long life, I've called many places home, Rosie" he smiles sadly.
"I didn't know that Nik would ask Jack and Hayley to live here, but that...that doesn't mean that you have to leave" Rosalind says.
Rosalind's and Elijah's conversation is interrupted by Rebekah, who rushes over to them.
"Elijah" she says worried.
Elijah squints at her, not recognizing her new appearance right away.
In the nursery, Klaus is leaning over the twin's crib, watching them as they fidgets around. When he hears Elijah and Rebekah come into the room, he sighs in annoyance.
"Must you intrude on every moment?" Klaus asks annoyed.
"I'm not here to quarrel, brother" Elijah says.
"It's Kol. I couldn't help him" Rebekah says sadly.
Klaus turns to her with a shocked expression on his face, and Rebekah's face is solemn.
"He's not gonna last the night" she continues.
Downstairs, Marcel and Gia are pouring champagne glasses for the guests when they notice Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah march down the steps and rush out the door. Marcel glances over at Rebekah, and though he's not yet seen her new vessel, he seems to recognize her spirit anyway. He sets down the bottle of wine and moves to get a better look.
"Do you know that girl?" Gia asks.
"I think I might" Marcel mutters.
...Arkansas Morgue...
Finn, finally healed completely, gingerly sits up on the autopsy table with Freya's help, and he sighs in relief.
"What did you do?" he asks.
"It took a while, but I healed you. Brought you back from death, using this" she answers.
She points to her blue pendant talisman in Finn's hands, which he examines.
"Your pendant" He laughs in wonder "You said it would protect me"
"It's a talisman used to focus my power. I knew it would be dangerous to face Elijah. I didn't want you to be hurt" she says.
"Just like when we were children" Finn says.
He stands to his feet and groans slightly, visibly sore after his resurrection.
"I seem to recall you were always defending me" he comments.
Freya takes his hand and squeezes it.
"You're my brother, Finn. I love you. And we'll need to protect each other. If Dahlia has sensed Klaus' children, she's already on her way" Freya says.
"Niklaus used magic to cloak the babies' from my mother. It's going to take a bit of time before Dahlia finds them..." he was cut off.
"You don't understand. Esther was nothing compared to Dahlia. I was taken when I was only five years old. I had just started to display a potential for magic. It is the magic that will draw Dahlia. It will serve as a beacon, calling her" Freya says in fear.
...Mikaelson Compound...
At the compound, Rosalind holds Hope in her arms in the nursery as Hayley holds Theodore and dotes on them while Jackson watches from the doorway.
[voiceover] "Dahlia will come, and she will take what's hers" Freya says.
Hope burrows into Rosalind's shoulder as Rosalind looks over at Jackson and Hayley, smiling lovingly.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
The babies are home!!! This writer is very happy!!!
Don't forget to vote!!!
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xx