While a nice Kentucky Bourbon will always be his first choice of drink, Klaus appreciates the taste of the cognac as it coats his tongue. With a hint of sweet plums mixed with the spiciness of ginger, the drink is warm and comforting. Much like a certain witch with green eyes and his initials on her wrist. Being around Bonnie and their son–son- he still feels that unfamiliar giddy sensation at the sound of that word–has left him in an emotional state that can only the Remy Martin Louis XIII bottle and the soft piano keys of the jazz piece playing in the background could cure.

"If you are interested in continuing to stare at me, I shall happily procure a portrait of myself, my dear Camille," Klaus says as he moves the glass on his hand ever so slightly; a small smile curling his lips.

Despite being used to his overly self-confident nature, Cami's pale cheeks flush pink; much like a teenager who got caught daydreaming about her crush of the week.

"Well, you can't blame for staring," she responds with a shrug of shoulders and takes a few steps to enter the study. "You've been MIA ever since we've met with Bonnie and her husband."

Not only that but in the last time Cami has seen Klaus, he was jittery, furious and filled with anxious energy. Now, Klaus seems to be the picture of quiet contemplation. Something just doesn't add up. She may not know Klaus Mikaelson for the longest of times, but Camille considers herself to be skilled in the art of observation. And after months of sessions, Cami knows there is no way he could go from one end of the spectrum to the other just like that.

"Should I worry about poor unsuspecting tourists that flock to the bars in Downtown Charleston?" Cami asks; cringing at the nonchalant tone of her voice when wondering about murder.

"Your lack of faith in me truly hurts my feelings, Camille. Not one of those pathetic stumbling drunks was injured by my hand," Klaus assures her as he takes another sip of the caramel-colored liquid; sighing in satisfaction.

"O-kay, as your therapist slash mediator slash babysitter, I kind of feel obligated to ask where you've been. Look, even if you don't believe it, you've made such great progress and -"

"I saw Julian," Klaus finally says; his lips curled in a small smirk when he realizes the unexpected words have shocked her into silence.

"You did? When? How are feeling?"

Despite years of college and reading countless books on the human psyche, Cami realizes her ability to put a coherent sentence together have deserted her. Given the way everything has happened, she did not expect Klaus to be having secret meetings with Bonnie, much less taking the huge step of meeting his son. But then again, Klaus Mikaelson remains an enigma to her, even after their weekly sessions. He may have been willing to unveil a part of himself concerning his past days of creating havoc and even the dysfunctional relationship he's had with his family, but Bonnie Bennett has always been a sore point.

Unsurprisingly to Cami, the prospect of discussing his current emotional state is enough to get him spooked. It is rather fascinating how he can close off with little of a warning. Just a slight hunch of shoulders and fingers gripping the crystal glass.

"It would seem that Bonnie and I are close to an agreement despite that dramatic reunion we staged earlier," Klaus tells her as he takes another sip of cognac; trying to ignore the slight tremble of his hand. "That's good."

"That's good?" Cami echoes his words in a disbelieving tone. Out of everything she could expect Klaus to say, a simple that's good does not rank high on the list.

"Yes, that is a perfectly appropriate way to describe the situation, Camille."

"Can't you see it?" Camille asks as she takes a seat on the plush armchair right across from his own; unconsciously putting on the figurative therapist hat. "You just met your son, a child you've never believed you could have, a child with your soulmate, and you are acting like it's no big deal."

Legs crossed; an ankle over his right knee, Klaus does little to hide his displeasure at the direction this conversation is headed. His scoff may be ill-mannered, but he hopes it will discourage Camille from pushing this. No wonder vampires turn their emotions off. Experiencing those feelings is rather exhausting and at this point, he would rather fight two of Marcel's armies than continue to feel this way.

"Is this an impromptu little therapy session, Camille?" he questions; the tone sweet and yet laced with poison.

"Yes, Klaus, it is. And I don't care if you try to convince me seeing your son hasn't shaken you to the core. We both know better."

For a fraction of a second, Camille regrets the bluntness in her words, but then she remembers who she's talking to. Even though Klaus is far more fragile than anyone can imagine, the walls he's built around himself are ancient and too resilient. She must throw a stone in order to get that first hairline crack.

"What would you have me do, Camille? Admit my own weaknesses to you repeatedly?"

"I would like you to be honest," she says, and bringing a hand to swipe the hair out of her face, she tries to conceal a sigh of frustration. "You asked me to come with, to help you become a better person. There is no point in wearing the mask of the big bad hybrid in here."

"Oh, Camille. What you do not understand is that it is not a mask I wear. It is what I am."

Standing in that house - the home that Bonnie's created with her husband, a place filled with family portraits, random knickknacks and the purest form of warmth he's ever felt–brought him the realization. He is that. The ruthless hybrid who kills for sport, who would not hesitate to slaughter an entire army of vampires to conquer a city and get revenge. Julian, however, is everything he's not. So innocent, pure and filled with unbridled joy.

"Klaus," Cami says; her voice taking on a patient tone this time as she struggles to keep a neutral expression on her face. "Last time I've checked, big bad hybrids don't go to therapy or try to get custody of their child. Is that what you fear? That you being a hybrid will have a negative impact on Julian's life?"

"He has my eyes. Henrik's eyes," Klaus mutters as the image of Julian's big blue eyes, framed by brown, thick eyelashes comes to his mind. His son is just like his brother was, perfect and with a sunny smile. "I do not want Julian to suffer the same faith as him. I will not allow that to happen."

He is just too afraid that he will fail Julian as he did Henrik.

What a difference two months could make, Bonnie thinks with dismay as she takes a sip of the warm peppermint tea, hoping that it will settle the anxious butterflies in her stomach.

On a usual Saturday night, their two-story house would be filled with laughter, music or the sounds of a baseball game playing on the television. Teddy, who has always been more proficient in the kitchen than her, would light up the grill outside to cook steaks and they would have drinks (beer for him and a small glass of red wine for her) after putting Julian down.

There is none of that today. No game playing on television, no squabbling with Teddy over grilled avocados on the salad (he loved them, she hated them) or Justin Verlander (she loved him while he couldn't stand him). Tonight the only sound filling the family room comes from old Project Runway episodes she's been watching while eating bland popcorn.

"You got him to sleep," Bonnie says in a grateful tone when she sees his figure enter the room; tousled sandy blonde hair, less-than-groomed beard and wearing his favorite navy blue Georgetown Law sweater. Heavens, how is she supposed to carry on a conversation when the mere sight of him broke her heart?

Teddy offers a curt nod as he stuffs both hands down his jeans and Bonnie realizes they are both doing a weird dance. Neither of them aware of how to properly follow the choreography. She wants to reach out and hug him, to say she's sorry for everything. Teddy wants to accept that, to kiss her on the forehead as he did Julian a few minutes ago and just to forgive her. But he can't.

"Jules' missed you," Bonnie whispers after another grueling moment of awkward silence. The as did I is not uttered but clear in the way her green eyes–bright with unshed tears-look up at him. "We haven't heard from you in two days."

Despite the small flash of satisfaction that runs through Teddy when he sees that she is as wrecked as he is, he also feels guilty. It may not be his blood running in Julian's veins, but the love he bears that boy is just as strong now as it was at the moment his trembling hands cut his umbilical cord.

"I never meant to disappear like that, I just couldn't…" Teddy trails off; a frown on his face as he can't bring himself to say the words.

"You couldn't be here around me," she finishes his sentence, trying to ignore the painful churning of her stomach. "You're here now, though. That has to mean something, right?"

"It means I've realized I can't just crash on Ashley's couch and pretend I'm his roommate anymore," he says and squeezes both eyes shut just so he doesn't have to look at her face. Fuck, how can she mess with his head with just one look, one blink of those big, green eyes? "And I.."

"And you…" she prompts with a broken whisper; terrified of what he is about to say.

"God, Bonnie, you know you're my life, both of you," Teddy says as he remembers the way this woman entered his life and changed everything. "And I knew you had a soulmate, and I didn't care because you chose me, you were with me. But seeing you with him the other day was just so fucking devastating."

"Teddy."

His name - the name she usually utters in loving whispers or breathy chuckles - comes out in a pathetic pleading.

"The way you looked at each other; a bomb could go off and you would be none the wiser."

Teddy winces when he remembers that scene back in the restaurant; a couple filled with pain but still breathing in unison, lost in a reality of their own. A reality he would never be allowed in.

"I could play pretend when he was far away. I could try to compete with a memory, but to have him here? I can't do that, Bon."

Blood rushes to her head; legs trembling and tiny black dots appearing on her vision. Bonnie's tried to imagine how this conversation would go, to prepare herself for this. All in vain. Everything hurts, and she's not ready for this. As selfish as it, she's not ready to let him go, but what can she say?

"It's not a competition, Teddy," she assures him; overcome with the urge to take him in her arms.

"You're right, it's not. I've already lost. He is your soulmate, Bonnie."

There it is, the one fact he didn't want to face. The realization he can fight for Bonnie until his hands are a bloody mess and he will still lose; that Bonnie can't be entirely his because a part of her already belongs to Klaus Mikaelson.

"He was my soulmate years ago when you proposed and I said yes, and when I said I do. The soulmate bond doesn't have me hostage, Teddy!" Bonnie cries out; her raspy voice becoming louder. She closes the distance between them and stands less than a foot away from him. "I have my free will, I fought for that because I wanted to be with you!"

"And I want to be with you, Bonnie! I would love to wake up and pretend this was nothing but a nightmare, but we can't," Teddy says, moving closer to her until he can feel her breath on his face. Warm and pepperminty. "I would try to move on and it would work for a few months. Then I would wonder if you're thinking about him to the point of obsession. We would hate each other in the end."

Bonnie loops her arms his waist, holding him close and breathing him in. There's so much she wants to say, and yet the words are too jumbled up in her head to make any sense. The words come out in the form of tears; soaking through his sweater. After almost a month of trying to place everything together, of trying to put reason over her own feelings, Bonnie can feel every single emotion in her body come to the surface.

"I wish things could have been different," she says in between quiet sniffles. "I wish you could have been my happily ever after."

"So do I, sweets," Teddy whispers, trying his best to rein in the tears.

Bonnie's been his life for the past three years. Jules, his heart. Fuck the soulmate bond. It broke him years ago when Claire passed away and now it's shattering him again.

"What now? Do we need to discuss divorce proceedings? Because I really don't want to do that," Bonnie confesses as she takes a step back; hesitant and almost afraid of his answer.

"Afraid I'll take you to court for alimony?" Teddy asks with that crooked smile of his, making Bonnie release a wet chuckle.

"Afraid I won't ever see you again."

She knows how unfair it is; to break his heart, her vows and expect him to be around. It is such a selfish move, but she doesn't care. If Teddy can still stand to coexist with her after everything, she will gladly take it.

"You don't have to worry about that, sweets," Teddy answers, a little surprised by the sincerity in his tone. "I know he's not my biological son, but…"

"I know, Teddy," she murmurs; a hand on his cheek and understanding clear in her voice.

"You're here," Klaus says; part of him wondering if spending the better part of the afternoon drinking Bourbon is interfering with his eyesight. Surely the vision of Bonnie and a sleeping Julian, standing in his suite, is not real. It doesn't feel real.

"I'm here," she confirms with a little nod as she shifts her weight from one leather boot to another, feeling unsure of herself. How can it be? Nik is her soulmate, he's been the one certainty in her life before Jules. Why are her legs trembling now? "You were right."

"While I appreciate the sentiment of you admitting that, what brought this on?" Klaus asks as soon as he gets over his shock; walking down the room to reach her without a second thought. She is there; Julian makes their bond even stronger. How can her not want to be closer?

"You're Jules' dad and I want you to be here," she explains; looking down at their interlaced fingers and wondering how that happened. "I want you to teach him how to be mischievous despite my best judgment."

"Is that so?" Klaus wonders; the corners of his lips curling upwards as he envisions the future she's offering him. It is a small piece of paradise, a tangible chance to get back what he's lost. "Did I finally wear you down, love?"

His tone is charming as usual, and for a moment Bonnie wants nothing but to give in and follow his plan blindly. For just one moment. Reality settles quickly, washing away any kind of deluded plans that have been brewing in her mind.

"You should be around Jules, but I can't go to New Orleans."

In a quiet yet dramatic fashion, Klaus lets go of her hand, and Bonnie can see his blue eyes flashing amber for a second. The discontented wolf ready to protest his wishes being defied. Any other person would have backed down, but seeing a glimpse of his hidden nature only strengthens Bonnie's resolve.

"You know as well as I do that city is a battleground. Just a few weeks ago you were a sitting duck, ready to be taken down by one of your countless enemies," Bonnie reminds him, perhaps a little harsher than necessary, eager to drive home the point.

The fantasy of them settling down in that idyllic plantation house of his, slaying enemies and then coming home to their child, the fantasy of them as Queen and King is just that. A fantasy.

"And just like a knight in your white armor, you came in to rescue me. It took five witches to do what you were able to do in a single evening," Klaus says; a hint of admiration tinting his tone. How can he not admire her? Bonnie is the most powerful witch he's known, and she is his.

"But I don't want to have to keep saving you! I don't want to worry about the Strix or the werewolves threatening your life and using Julian to get what they want!" Bonnie cries out; fear, exhaustion, and frustration all swirling inside. "Besides, it may surprise you, but I actually have a life here."

Despite her firm stance, it takes a lot out of Bonnie to ignore the bond's most basic instinct. Surrendering herself to Nik. Perhaps if there was no Julian, no motherly instinct to overcome the bond, she would have said yes. But this is where they are, and even though Nik is her soulmate, Julian will always be her priority.

"How much I despise your stubborn nature," Klaus murmurs, offering her such a sweet little grin it disarms Bonnie right away. Having to contend with Nik's anger was expected. His resignation, however, is stunning.

"You wouldn't love me if I wasn't stubborn," she says, bringing a hand to cup his cheek. An action so familiar to her she thinks nothing of it. "We'll be okay, I promise."

"Even though I do not understand how to be a father?" Klaus wonders; a keen and foreign sense of vulnerability overtaking him. His sweet witch is nothing but patient, though, taking his hand in hers just like she used to do years ago and she wanted to bring him some comfort.

"You'll learn just like I'm learning," Bonnie assures him before placing a small kiss on the back of his hand; an unspoken promise of sorts. "If the job of ruling New Orleans gives you a break, come back in a weekend and we can take Jules to the pumpkin patch. God, that sounds like a horrible plan, doesn't it?"

"No, no, no," Klaus rushes to say in an equally anxious and grating tone, one that is so unfamiliar to him, he wonders if that is truly his voice. Perhaps the adorable manner in which Bonnie crinkles her nose and shakes her head is the cause. "Nothing horrible about it."

And it is indeed far from horrible, Klaus realizes a week later as he watches Julian toddle around with his little uncertain, chubby legs. In any other time, he would have found this scene off-putting. A place crawling with riotous young children is usually somewhere he does not wish to be.

And yet, Klaus realizes that this makes him happy. Hearing Julian's shriek of delight as Bonnie chases him is what's right.

He should have known it wouldn't last.

A/N: I am baaack! This story was never abandoned, but I have no organization, too many ideas and that combination is not good, you guys! Regarding the little situation I had, all I have to say is: if you're not feeling the story, you don't have to keep reading it. If you decide to keep reading it, don't proceed to shit on every single aspect of the story.

That said, I have to give a huge shoutout to my Klonnie fam! Don't worry, I promise I am working on an update. Let me know what you think of this chapter and please forgive me for this looong hiatus!