XV - 𝔥𝔬𝔪𝔢𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔭𝔱.1

(edited)

"KALE SMOOTHIE?"

Klaus sneered at the paper cup in Lilura's hands.

"Bloody Portlanders," He hissed but took it anyway, never one to resist Lilura Anthemoessa's puppy dog eyes.

After their run-in with Damon, Klaus and Lilura had driven to the Salvatore boarding house and picked up Sirius, much to Lilura's elation.

Klaus, being Klaus, then decided to travel to Portland, Oregon to find werewolves for his unabridged quest - the creation of a hybrid army. So, with copious amounts of Elena's blood, which earned a skeptical eyebrow from the policeman who stopped Klaus for speeding at one point in their trip, and a dog who barked at anything that disturbed his owner, Lilura and Klaus were living the high life.

Well, at least for Lilura.

"It's horrible," He whined, returning the smoothie back to Lilura.

"That's just because you're a carnivore. Honestly, I could trade this for my wine."

Klaus flashed her a knowing look.

"Ok, so maybe not my Trader Joe's wine, but you get the picture. It's proper healthy food, Nik."

Klaus shook his head, "We've got a mission at hand, love."

Lilura slurped the remains of the drink noisily. "Yeah, yeah. Sniff out them wolves."

Bark bark!

Sirius sniffed the straw and scrunched his nose in confusion.

"My little baby boy gets a bone!" Lilura cooed, rummaging for said treat. "You're such a cutie!"

"There!" Klaus started, squeezing Lilura's shoulder in anticipation.

"Yes," Lilura said placidly, "Just stop my circulation would you."

"Sorry," He murmured, unbuckling his seatbelt. "You take the right."

And then Klaus Mikaleson disappeared.

"I can't believe him," Lilura grumbled, slipping out if the car and talking to Sirius. "He's working me to death."

Sirius stared at her with his mouth open, tiny pink tongue hanging.

"Here," Lilura offered, sliding the kale smoothie to her puppy. "Bon Apetit!"

---- Δ ----

"Another one bites the dust," Klaus smirked, dusting his hands off.

Lilura sat on top of a green garbage can, swinging her legs and staring blankly at the transitioning hybrid.

"You're not telling me something."

The young man raised his eyebrows, "I'm not?"

"At first, you told me it would take a week," She leaned against the alley wall. "We've been in Portland for a month and I don't see you itching to go back."

Klaus laughed, "What? Do you miss Mystic Falls?"

"What are you hiding, Niklaus Mikaelson?"

At that exact moment, Klaus' phone rang. Fishing it out of his pocket, the hybrid grinned and answered, "Ripper."

"Hello, Klaus."

Lilura hopped off the garbage can and grabbed the phone.

"Salvatore, where the hell is your cowardly brother?"

Stefan sighed, "Probably hiding because you broke as least 153 of his 206 bones."

Klaus retrieved his phone and put it on speaker.

"Right. Portland is fantastic, thanks for asking. Once you get over all the whiny music and healthy-looking people, it is literally a breeding ground for werewolves," He said, checking the man's pulse.

"Your father is dead."

Klaus' smile froze. "What did you say to me?"

"Oh, my mistake. Not your actual father and not dead. Mikael. Daggered. What do you want me to do with the body?"

Lilura caught Klaus' hollow gaze and felt a shiver runs down her spine. It was the first she had ever seen or it.

"Well, first I want you to explain to me exactly what happened."

---- Δ ----

"You could slow down just a bit, you know."

The answer Lilura received was a hard glare and the acceleration of the car.

"Alright," She put both hands up in defense. Sirius nuzzled himself into Lilura's side, and the siren held in a squeal and the puppy yawned.

"You can sleep," Klaus said suddenly, avoiding her perceptive blue eyes. "It'll be a while."

Lilura ran a hand through Sirius' fur. "Would you like to elaborate on the issue at hand? I can't really kick-ass without knowing who we're fighting."

She had a sinking suspicion that she did indeed know who they were speeding to go see. Afterall, vampire folklore sang of his twisted games and insatiable appetite. Mikael - the Original vampire hunter.

Klaus tried hard not to smile, but alas a small grin graced Klaus' boyish features, and the Hybrid finally cracked.

"My father, Mikael, he's always hated me. In the beginning, I thought it was because I wasn't such a good son. I found out later it was because I wasn't his son at all. And the rest I'm assuming you're aware because of the curse and everything."

Lilura nodded, "Is that why you disappeared in 1483?"

As if triggering an unwanted memory, Klaus grimaced. "I didn't want to endanger you. Elijah and I went to throw him off our trail. Turns out it was a false alarm."

Lilura thought back to that night, centuries ago, when Klaus had woken with one of the worst nightmares. To the enchantress, it was just that - a nightmare. To Klaus, it was a warning.

And the next day, Klaus and Elijah had gone on a spontaneous bonding trip, which Lilura now realized was an attempt to stop the evil.

It made her smile a little.

"He's been torturing us ever since," Klaus whispered. "I want to end it."

Lilura placed a hand on his arm, "Whatever you decide, I'm with you...always and forever."

Klaus met her tender gaze, "Always and forever."

---- Δ ----

"It's not a party, man. It's a wake," Tyler Lockwood slurred, pointing to the door behind him.

Stefan scrunched his eyebrows at he glimpsed the hybrid and the siren. "Good evening everyone! I wanna thank you for being here with me to celebrate! It's been a long time coming!"

The crowd cheered.

Klaus and Lilura were standing on top of a makeshift stage, bodies flushed together courtesy of Klaus iron grip on the enchantress's waist. They had on coordinating outfits, which Stefan found to be incredibly stupid. He cocked his head to the side, admiring how the little black dress fit Lilura like a sleeve and how the dark suit emphasized Klaus razor-sharp smile. Some how, Lilura and Klaus made it work.

Unlike him and Elena, whose couple outfits were really bad.

During their relationship, Stefan had stayed quiet and refrained from showcasing his true thoughts since Elena loved their matching outfits.

Now, he was single and had his humanity switch off, Stefan could very well march over to the Gilbert and scream in her face about how she subjugated him to horrible matching costumes for the duration of their epic love.

The siren's sweet voice brought Stefan back to reality.

"Well, it would have been shorter if he didn't insist on a road trip," Lilura grinned fakely, patting his back stiffly. "My Nik always loves a good...road trip."

The Hybrid flashed her a covert glare in response to her horrid acting. He waved at the crowd with his own perpetually jolly smile and turned the mic off.

"You're a goddamn Siren and you call that convincing?"

Lilura gasped, "You take that back this instant."

"Nope."

"Sirius!" Lilura whistled, "Attack!"

Sirius sprung from the shadows like a ninja, weaving through a sea of shuffling feet and arriving next to his owner. Without a moment to waste, the small puppy launched himself onto Klaus' jean-clad calf and bit.

"GET IT OFF," Klaus roared. "GET THE MONGREL OFF ME!"

"Quite the Homecoming, I see," Stefan Salvatore's uncertain voice broke the oncoming wave of hysteria.

Klaus picked Sirius up by his tail and tossed him to Lilura, who consequently slapped his shoulder to shove her disapproval.

Klaus shrugged, "I've been planning my father's funeral for a thousand years. Granted, in no version of it were any of these people invited, but you get the idea."

"So, what now? Stop running?" Stefan asked.

"Hm- now I reunite my family."

"Your family. You mean the people you cart around in caskets?"

"None of that matters anymore. Mikael is gone. Bygones will be bygones," Klaus said.

Lilura looked around and squinted in disbelief at a girl with a gaudy crown on her velvet head. "Wow, so the Homecoming Queen isn't dead somewhere in a ditch. Where is Rebekah?"

"I have no idea," The blond Salvatore replied. "I thought she was coming with Matt."

"Oh, be honest now, Stefan. Where is my sister?"

"I said I have no idea. How would you like me to take you to your father?"

Klaus and Lilura exchanged a prolonged look that resembled a mental debate instead of a conversation.

"Well, it wouldn't be a party without the guest of honor, would it? Bring him to me," Klaus decided.

"All right. Perhaps there's something in it for me...? My freedom from your compulsion?"

"Oh, you want your freedom," Lilura whispered, finding it strange that the Salvatore would openly demand something from Klaus considering the last time he had been bitten by a rabid Ray Sutton, Klaus only laughed and told him to complete his task before he could get the cure.

"Well, once he is dead and his weapon destroyed, you'll have your freedom. It'll be my pleasure to give it back," Klaus noded. "Run along."

---- Δ ----

"Did Stefan die or something?" Lilura inquired, gesturing to the bartender for another drink.

They had been waiting for a solid hour now, and the siren was becoming restless.

Klaus leaned back in his seat in agreement, "That would be a shame."

"My mom would seriously freak if she saw all these people here," Tyler Lockwood whispered, biting his nails. He had been with the couple the entire time, too caught up in anxiety to notice Klaus' hints to leave him and Lilura alone.

"Your mother won't be a problem: I told Lilura to work her magic and make her go to church and pray for your friends," He said.

Tyler stopped chewing, "What are you talking about?"

"Tweedledee," Lilura snapped, pointing around them. "I want you to look around. There is Bonnie, there is Elena and Matt and there's your pretty little girlfriend Caroline. Epic dance was wrecked tonight and who came through with the party? You did. What a pal. But who are all these other people here?"

"I have no idea. I've never seen half these people in my life."

Klaus chuckled, amused. "That's because I've invited a few dozen friends of my own. That's my friend Mindy...picked her up along the way in Kansas. Did you know that there's an entire bloodline of werewolves in the heartland? That's Tony from North Dakota and let's not forget the Seattle contingent."

"Are those people all hybrids?" Tyler gasped.

Klaus licked his lips. "Well, they also love a good party. And they, like you, were sired by me. They wish to serve their master. So if anyone should so much as make a move against me, they may feel obligated to retaliate. You're free to warn your friends."

Tyler looked around himself with caterpillar eyebrows before disappearing.

"I think you scared the boy," Lilura lamented.

"I don't really care. Besides, he needs a good father figure."

Lilura retched at the blatant sarcasm, "You did not just say that."

Klaus was smiling freely, "Shush, love. I think I see our doppelganger."

The two got up from their seats and walked over to Elena.

"Where's your date?" Klaus greeted.

"Yeah," The enchantress supplied. "Which Salvatore did you bring this time?"

"They're getting me a drink," She replied to Klaus, completely ignoring Lilura.

"Bitch," coughed the siren.

Klaus smirked, "Well, seems I have you to thank for Mikael's demise."

"He came at me. I didn't have a choice."

"Still I'm impressed. It's not easy for a human to dagger an Original."

Lilura immediately understood Klaus' second meaning. From the deeper frown on Elena's face, the human picked up on it too.  "It wasn't the first time."

"Right. Elijah," Lilura smacked her teeth, "You seem nervous."

"I'm not nervous. I just don't like you," Elena Gilbert sniffed.

"Oh, what a coincidence," Lilura clapped. "I don't like that you're breathing too, so maybe you should shut your before I-"

"-Let's get straight to the point then, shall I, love? People have been after me for 1000 years. And I am always one step ahead. So whatever it is you're thinking of trying, go for it, give it your best shot. You won't succeed," Klaus interrupted, grinning despite his threats.

"And if you anger me, which you've managed to do, I will do worst things than just kill your loved ones," Lilura sipped her martini. "Doppelbitch."

---- Δ ----

"You two are the cutest!" A freshman screeched over loud music to Lilura. "I wish I could have a relationship like yours!"

Lilura stopped drinking mid-sip and eyed the small blonde with a terrifying eye. "Are you bloody serious, we're not really togeth-"

"Excuse me, love. I'm so sorry, but I think my wife is very drunk," Klaus cut in smoothly, smiling at Lilura and if she were the sun.

"Oh my god! You guys are married?"

"No, I'm not drunk, and we are not married." Lilura stood up but then tripped on Klaus' outstretched leg. He caught her accordingly, silently laughing.

"Poor baby," Klaus kissed the top of her head. "Pardon us... Matilda. It's just Lilura never wants to admit she's stuck with me for the rest of eternity. Thank you very much for giving us that sweet compliment. I hope we can be friends."

Matilda gaped, unabashedly staring at the couple. "You guys are goals," She whispered.

"Yes, toodles!" Klaus smiled, dragging Lilura after him.

When they were in the clear, Lilura rounded on the Hybrid.

"What was that?"

"What was what?" He replied, grabbing himself a beer.

"Excuse me love, but my wife's incredibly drunk and I'll be making a fool out of her now," Lilura mimicked his deep voice.

"We need to make friends if we're going to be living here. Don't want the neighbors to call the police when they hear screaming from our house."

"Then buy a soundproof basement. I hate it when you torture people for too long. I can't sleep."

"I wasn't talking about their screams, love," Klaus said.

It took her a moment, but when she did get his innuendo, Lilura shuddered. "Klaus!" She groaned.

"See? We're not even alone, and you're already moaning my name."

Lilura turned around, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I can't stand you," She hissed.

"That's splendid because I can't sleep with you, so your annoyance is a win-win."

Lilura spotted the beer pong table a few yards away. "I'm going to go over there and you're not going to follow me."

"Bossy," Klaus smirked, "I like it."

"Ugh!"

---- Δ ----

After ditching Klaus inside, the enchantress opted to go outside for a stroll.

Lilura did put up a good front around others, but now she was letting her walls down. The siren sighed into her glass of champagne, mouth turning down at her thougths. The trip with Klaus and his little quips here and there made her heart skip a beat. It wasn't worth denying. She knew exactly what was going on with her heart, but Lilura wasn't about to accept it just yet. Not with the secrets and the betrayal. Klaus has been right about one thing, he couldn't trust her. Not yet.

However, for some odd reason, Lilura wanted Klaus to trust her. She wanted him to be happy.

She wanted to be happy with Klaus.

In the past, perhaps. She thought, but the present is full of tragedies. If I were selfless, I would spare him the pain.

If only she could turn back time and -

Crack.

Lilura immediately whipped around, hair slapping her face in the process. "Who's there?"

"I see my son isn't as blind as he is stupid," A voice mused from the shadows.

Lilura bolted without another word. She had always made fun of Elena for waiting for confirmation before running, but Lilura wasn't an idiot. She was taking her own advice.

Almost to the door, Lilura was yanked back by a force. "Now where are you going? I reckon Niklaus would like for you to support him at his biggest life-changing decisions yet."

Lilura finally met the gaze of Mikael.

She cocked her head to the side and examined his face.

"Ohhhh ok. Now I understand why Esther cheated," The enchantress giggled. "Have you ever heard of a shower?"

Mikael sighed, "He always did like the feisty ones."

And then Lilura could see no longer.

🌟 oooohhhh what's gonna happen next??