SWEET KISSES FROM RUSSIA

Fan Fiction – Alternate Universe

Caroline & Klaus

Elijah & Katherine

From: Lovely Vero

Disclaimer: This story is, and will always be, a fiction story, that is coming from the imagination of the author. It is not a bibliography of the author or any of the readers, neither a story that is exploring your own experience in life. It is not meant to be informative or to represent the perception or opinion of the author about the subject at hands in her own private life; it is not an encyclopedia, or a medical reference. It is only a fiction, the characters are fictional, and the story should be taken as such and not be mistaken with the private life of the readers, or any of their personal experiences. Thank you.

Writer's note: Thank you, once again, and from the bottom of my heart for your unconditional love, and appreciation of this story. I love you all very much; and I wish you the greatest of happiness.

Side note: This last chapter will bring you from Las Vegas to Italy, with a final detour to Mexico. I hope the last scene will make you pee in your pants with laughter. Without a doubt the best scene I could have come up with to finish the story with a smile on my face ;) Though, I truly sobbed knowing it was truly coming to its finality.

I'll respond to the anonymous reviews (at the bottom) by updating the chapter; after receiving them.

Chapter 34

"The end is near …"

Part 2

FINALE CHAPTER OF "SWEET KISSES FROM RUSSIA"

"If I tell you it's concerning "her" would you come then?" Vittorio questioned; his chin raised.

"What do you mean it's concerning "her"?" Damon stumbled on his own feet; taking a few steps to reach the warlock. "Don't fuck with my brain man!"

"Come!" Vittorio proposed, impassive.

Damon reluctantly followed the warlock inside of a van; before being drove to an unknown recluse hostel-pub, thirty minutes out of the nearest city or village.

They both descended a few cement stairs leading to the entrance, before taking a narrowed corridor toward an imposing wooden door.

"That's enough theatrical for one day, warlock!" The century Vampire growled; grabbing Vittorio's shirt collar, before pushing the poor lard on the brick wall behind his back. "Where are you bringing me? And most of all: why are you bringing me here?" Damon spat, angrily; his face at a near inch of the warlock's.

"Now, now darling… If you could only calm down and let me bring you inside this pub; you'll soon understand why I brought you here." Vittorio managed to explained; under a shortness of breaths.

"Fine!" Damon pushed the warlock in front of him; without much consideration.

Vittorio pushed the large door, entering inside the empty pub; the vampire very closed on his heels.

"Now what - bleached head? Why are you setting all this circus?" Damon questioned, angrily; turning a few times on himself to scatter the empty place. "I'm telling you, Vittorio…" He took a step forward to reach the warlock's standing position, who swallowed a lump in his throat in fear. "I'm this close of snapping your head off your shoulders, pulling your heart out of your chest, or hanging your balls on the chandelier – What will it be?"

"Just … Just a question before my upcoming death? The last option for you, is this a form of flirting?" Vittorio tried to relax the atmosphere.

"That's it, earthworm!" Damon forcefully grabbed the warlock by both upper arms, before alleviating him in the air.

"Let him go, Damon!" The order cut the air like a sword.

Damon froze all his movements, dropping the warlock back on his feet; a sense of déjà vu filling his entire being at the sound of the female voice. He slowly raised his head, having the feeling that his past human heart was beating like a drum in his chest; even if it was technically impossible. And then … He saw her! Anastassia was standing up the stairs, which probably lead to a few bedrooms.

"Anastassia?" The name escaped his trembling lips; a veil of tears blurring his sight. "What did you do? Why did you create this hallucination – Do you have a sick perversion to make me suffer?" Damon turned his head back toward the warlock, while snapping angrily at him.

"It's not what you think…" Vittorio shook his head, vigorously; not being able to finish his explanation. "This is real, Damon!"

"Damon; I'm real." The redhead Russian girl reassured the vampire with a single sentence.

"How?" Damon stood speechless, both arms falling flat on each side of his body.

"I'll let you explain to him." Vittorio nodded toward his female friend. "Keep your boyfriend on a leash, would you?" He mocked, gently; turning on himself to reach the door.

"I intend to." Anastassia responded, with a shy smile; watching her friend closing the door behind his back.

They stood there in silence for a few minutes, Damon at the bottom of the stairs, not being able to grasp the reality of her being alive.

"How is this even possible?" He asked, once more.

Anastassia slowly descended the stairs; her red high heels hitting the wood in rhythmic tempo.

"Vittorio …" The bombshell let the name escape her parted lips. "He brought me back to life using black magic." She explained, reaching his level. "He was able to reach and carry my body out of the cavern and did some sort of dark spell to bring me back to life; with the help of witches affiliated to the Vatican."

Damon slowly raised his right shaking hand to caress the soft outline of her cheeks.

"Oh baby, you're alive!" He let a smile spread on his manly lips; before pulling the redhead in the comfort of his arms; squeezing her so hard over his chest, that she let a small cry escape her lisp. "Oh my God; I can't… I can't believe it … I can't believe that you're alive." He stammered, nervously; caressing and sliding his fingers through her long red curls.

"Oh I've missed you so much, Damon!" Anastassia let the admission slip out of her lips; both hands caressing the base of his neck.

"You're real… You are so freaking real!" He exclaimed, joyfully; before coming off of their embrace to cup her face with both hands.

"I'm real… And you… You did not shave for how many centuries?" She questioned, small laughter escaping her throat; both hands caressing the scruff on his chin and cheeks. "And you smell like bourbon all over!"

"Nothing had mattered since you've … I mean, since you left me." Damon let the true admission escape his mind and lips. "I … I fell in love with you; Anastassia… I couldn't imagine my life without you in it."

"Oh Damon …" She shook her head, lowering her head while suddenly losing her smile. "I love you too, but …"

"What? No, no … There's no "but" anymore, you hear me?" He grabbed her chin, raising her head to drown his sight in hers.

"There was a loophole – A price to pay to bring me back, Damon; a huge one." The Russian woman admitted; tears filling her eyes.

"What kind of price to pay?" Damon inquired, swallowing a lump in his dry throat.

"I'm human." Anastassia admitted, in a single sigh.

"What?" The young vampire exclaimed, frowning. "But … How? And why?"

"It was simply the loophole attached to the black magic Vittorio had to use to bring me back." The redhead explained.

"What if … What if I turn you? What if you become a vampire again?" Damon suggested, hopeful; grabbing both of her hands in his.

"No, Damon… If you do such thing; you'll kill me – I can't turn back again; it's the real price to pay to have me back in the living." She informed him, toneless.

"Your father? Mikael Mikaelson? Maybe Vittorio had tried to bring them back to life also? Maybe they'll find a way to go back as what they were?" Damon tried to find a slim chance of hope.

"No." Anastassia shook her head, once more; a tear rolling on her cheeks. "Vittorio told me he couldn't bring them back; because he wasn't able to reach their bodies."

"Are you sure?" Damon asked again; whipping her tears off her cheeks.

"Yes." She nodded. "That's why I waited a little time before asking Vittorio to bring you back to me. I'm not the "Anastassia" that you used to know; and maybe..." She shrugged, biting into her bottom lip.

"And maybe … Nothing!" Damon reprimanded her. "I don't give a fuck if you're human, vampire or an alien, Anastassia."

"But, Damon … I'll age, and … You won't be able to look at me the same way." The Russian woman replied, pleading her case.

"I will always look at you the same way, Anastassia; because I love you." Damon replied, honestly; slowly bending his head to brush her parted lips of a kiss. "We'll find a way, I promise … We'll find a way." He brought her back in his arms; softly rocking her body out of her dark thoughts. "Now, let's get out of this place and find a decent way for me to make love to you all night long." He suggested, a huge grin spreading on his lips.

"Can I tie you to the bed?" Anastassia asked, kinkily and with a single wink.

"Still?" Damon raised both eyebrows in surprise.

"I'm human, but still myself, Damon." She whispered, near his left ear; softly biting into his earlobe.

"Oh baby, you can tie me to anything you want." He replied, small laughter escaping his throat, before crashing his lips on hers.

Vatican; Rome - Italy…

Kol pushed open the two brass doors, entering the huge parlor room of the East Wing of the Vatican, with Bonnie close on his heels. A few priests and the Cardinal Gorski promptly raised on their legs, from their comfortable sitting positions on leather armchairs; consternation and fear showing on all of their faces.

"In the name of the Vatican and God – Lower your weapons now or die!" A few guards placed themselves in front of the Cardinal, with the obvious order to guard his life, while a few others who were standing near the group of religious men, rushed toward the Original.

Kol raised his sword in the air, letting a loud growl out of his throat, before cutting a few additional heads from their bodies; his own face being splashed all over by fresh blood. In the meantime, Bonnie would elevate a few more in the air; before pushing their bodies on the opposite wall, with the help of her magic.

When all was taking care of, a pile a headless bodies at their feet; Kol slowly advanced toward the Cardinal, his fiery sight narrowed on the pitiful man.

"I give you two choices; I'll kill your priests or I'll kill you? What would a man of the Vatican, a man of God would respond?" Kol narrowed his eyes on his victim; who stood proudly in front of him, with his chin raised.

"You're a vampire, an abomination – a monster!" Cardinal Gorski spat to Kol's face.

"I think that part has already been established by you!" Bonnie made her way among the dead bodies. "You tracked us like animals; who are you to decide whose good or not? Who are you to decide if the supernatural species should be allowed on this earth?" She spat to the man's face.

"Cardinal Gorski, what is this young woman talking about?" One of the eldest of the priests demanded, mostly outraged.

"Calm down my child; the tracking down was absolutely not against the witches or warlocks; or you for a matter of fact!" The Cardinal responded, dryly. "She obviously don't know what she is talking about." He finally addressed the priest.

"Oh no? And killing my grandmother was a terrible mistake too, I suppose? Simply because she was against all plans the Vatican had to get rid of the magic community?" Bonnie replied; closed fists placed on each side of her tensed body.

"Is this all true?" Another priest asked, with much concerns in his tone.

"Just shut up all of you!" The Cardinal warned the entire assembly; pointing a forbidden finger toward each of the priests. "You have no idea to what length I went to protect the Vatican from these … These monsters! All of them: vampires, hybrids, werewolves, witches, warlocks!" He exclaimed, angrily.

"I guess you've just chosen their faith then?" Kol arched an eyebrow; staring at the group of priests.

"What? Of course I want to live – I'm not an idiot – God would want me to live, for the sake of the Vatican!" The pitiful man replied, disdainfully looking at the group of priests. "Kill them if necessary; if this means I'll stay alive, they'll die for the cause."

"Wrong answer." Kol exclaimed, Cardinal Gorski's head rolling on the marble floor a second later; a trail of blood reaching the priests feet. "I hope this will be a lesson for all of you present here today." The Original added, toneless. "This man tracked us like animals in the mere intention to kill all of our species."

The group of priests remained silent, staring at each other; sadness, horror and stupefaction plastered on all of their faces.

"We can live in peace; if you allowed us to be part of this world." Bonnie added, tears filling her eyes.

One of the priests, the eldest, suddenly advanced toward their own standing positions.

"We weren't aware of this conspiracy made against your supernatural world." The middle age man declared, truthfully. "God put all creatures on this earth for a purpose. Even the devil himself was one of prettiest angel on his wing." He added. "This said, if we promised to you to stop all retaliation against your species; you need to promise to me, to all of us, that you'll keep the Vatican safe in all cost?"

Kol and Bonnie stared at each other for a few seconds; finally nodding at their shared silent decision. The man seemed like an honorable one, with only one word of honor.

"I promise that the Vatican will be safe from our species as of now; if you're keeping your word." Kol agreed.

"There is enough blood on both my hands and yours to last a century." The priest concluded, with a single nod.

"You seem quite eager?" Kol grinned; watching Bonnie jiggling herself out of her panties, from his sitting position at the foot of the bed.

They have rented a bedroom in a luxurious hotel in the city of Rome; where a set of silk bed sheets and platted gold fixtures in the master suite bathroom silk had been waiting for them.

'What can I say; seeing you decapitate our enemies can trigger my sexual appetite." Bonnie pushed her panties off her feet, unhooking her bra; before lowering her right hand to slowly rub his hard and long shaft through the fabric of his boxer. "Get rid of them, now; so I can ride you…" She ordered; whispering the words near his right ear. "Hard … Very hard!"

"Yes, madam!" Kol hurried to remove his boxer; grabbing her waist to bring her in full contact with his bulged chest. "There, you can ride me now." He mouthed the words on her parted lips; a huge smile plastered on his face.

"You seem quite eager?" She teased him, gently; striding him, before slowly lowering her wet entrance on his engorged member.

"Oh Bonnie, you drive me crazy!" He whispered, with anticipation and pleasure; placing himself at her entrance, before feeling her narrowed walls engulf him to the depths of herself. "Fuck!" He growled, head bend toward the back; while keeping her rapid pace in rhythmic pushes and pulls.

"Shush…Just enjoy the moment." She whispered herself, softly nibbling on his earlobe; a loud moan escaping her parted lips when his fingers started to pinch her erected nipples.

"I intend to, darling." He replied; crashing his lips on hers, while accelerating their tempo.

"Mm… darling…" Kol Mikaelson mumbled, in his semi-state of consciousness; before frantically opening his eyes, noticing that both of his wrists were restrained by handcuffs to the iron bed. "What the fuck; Bonnie?" He exclaimed, with wide opened eyes. "Tell me this is one of your many kinky moments?" He demanded reassurance.

The young witch was standing at the foot of the bed, arms crossed over her chest; wicked smile raising both corners of her red lips.

"I wish I could, baby; but this is more "goodbye" actually. I have a train to take, which will bring me to the airport; and then … Well, I'll discover the world, like I always wanted." Bonnie replied, before grabbing the backpack left at her feet. "How do we say it in Italian? Oh yes: arriverderci!" She waved her fingers at the Original, before blowing a kiss at his intention. "I'll never forget you, Kol Mikaelson!" She added, before turning on her heels, to leave the bedroom suite.

"Bonnie Bennett, come back here, now!" Kol spat, pulling on both of his wrists; without being able to free himself from the handcuffs. "Baby, baby … Please? You're scared and afraid of what you're feeling for me; because it's too strong for you to handle." He begged and tried to explain at the same time. "Come on; don't do this, please? I fell in love with you … And deep down you know that you have fell in love with me also. We can do this darling, I swear we can."

Bonnie held her hand on the handle for a few seconds, eyes closed; while taking a long and deep breath into her lungs. He was right! She was scared as hell of her new found feelings for him … She was scared of what that could mean … And she would gladly prefer to leave him behind, like the coward that she was, than face her own fear of loving him.

"Bye Kol!" She gave him a goodbye for the last time, tears rolling on her cheeks; the door being closed behind her back.

"For fuck sake, come back here, Bonnie Bennett!" He yelled, through the closed door. "I'll scatter the entire planet if I have to, but I swear that I'll find you; and will bring you back to Italy with me… Mark my words for it, darling!"

U.S.A. / Las Vegas City

"Stop whining and get your ass out of the damn car!" Stefan ordered, sliding his head through the opened passenger window of the rented 1979 convertible Mustang.

"Are you crazy? If I step a foot out of this relic, people will know that we rent it…On purpose!" Rebekah exclaimed; her arms firmly crossed over her chest.

"Of course I rent this car on purpose!" Stefan replied; mostly annoyed by her princess attitude. "It's a classic car for God sake, Bekah!" He added, promptly pulling the lock up, before opening the passenger door to pull out his female companion. "Now step out and look!"

The female Original stepped out, before placing her right hand as a visor on her forehead, so as not to dazzle.

"Elvis Chapel!" She read out loud the colorful sign, with bright light flashing around it; being mostly horrified by it. "That's it Salvatore; you can't ask me to get married to you inside this … This … Impostor of a chapel, and by a pastor dressed as Elvis!" She turned on her heels, before rushing the opposite side, down the sidewalk.

"What? But it's the perfect spot and the only available at this hour, Rebekah! Now, come back here – This chapel is perfectly legit; we'll be married by law in less than fifteen minutes; if you stop acting like a shrew for a change." He ran after her; passerby starting to notice their couple quarrel.

"Did you say that I'm acting like a shrew - A SHREW, REALLY?" Rebekah turned on herself to face her interlocutor; closed fists firmly placed on each side of her hips. "Are you kidding me? Did you take a look at me lately? At the outrageous wedding dress I'm wearing?" She pointed two straight fingers toward the white - two sizes too large for her – short lace dress.

"You're acting foolishly, you look beautiful in it. You would wear a garbage bag that I would still find you attractive." Stefan pulled the reluctant Original in his arms, both hands firmly placed on each side of her waist; his head bended to softly kiss her left cheek.

"Beautiful? It's two sizes up of my own size, for God sake!" Rebekah replied, while trying to squirm herself away from his strong grip. "And cowboy boots?"

"Yes, but with the leather belt we've put around your waist; the size is hardly noticeable – And the brown color of the belt goes perfectly well with the boots." Stefan shrugged, unapologetically. "And it's the best I could do in such short notice. Now come!" He grabbed Rebekah's left hand, pulling her on his heels toward the entrance of the chapel.

"Stefan … You really want to do this?" Rebekah asked, anxiously, taking an abrupt halt at the end of the red aisle; her sight glancing at the atrocious Graceland décor, and the pastor dressed as Elvis. Adding to the horrific picture, a young couple reciting their vows over the "You're always on my mind" song.

"Don't you?" Stefan questioned, fingers still interlaced with hers; serious stare straight in front of him.

"I… Is this us?" Rebekah questioned, out loud.

"You're right, you're right … What was I thinking?" Stefan shook his head, while releasing her hand; consternation plastered on his face. "Let's go … Let's leave now, we should go back to Italy." He pulled her toward the exit door.

"What? But I thought … I mean; aren't we supposed to get married?" Rebekah hold her ground; holding his own rush to a halt.

"Yes, but … You deserve so much better than a marriage in Las Vegas chapel, with a pastor dressed as Elvis Presley." Stefan replied. "You probably want the big wedding with the nine yards of flowers and a dress fit for a princess. And now that I'm thinking about it, I'm probably not suited to be your husband."

"What, no, why would you think and say that?" Rebekah exclaimed, with strong shakes of her head.

"Well, isn't it the truth?" Stefan lowered his head, to hide both his amusement and prank.

"No, no … I don't care about fancy wedding, dress and all the shebang. I just want …" Rebekah grabbed both of Stefan's hands.

"Yes, Rebekah … What do you truly want?" Stefan raised his head; drowning his fiery sight in hers. "Can you tell me? Can you be truthful for once?"

"I … I just want… I just want to be married to you, here, now… I don't care about the chapel, the pastor dressed as Elvis, or the dress that is two sizes too large for me." She stammered, nervously. "All I care is being married to you: Stefan Salvatore, forever."

A large grin appeared on Stefan's lips, a glow of happiness spreading on his facial traits, a bright light filling the iris of his eyes.

"Rebekah Mikaelson, it took you long enough to prove me that you truly wanted to be married to me as much as I wanted to be married to you." He cupped her face with both hands. "I guess my plan worked?"

"What do you mean? You tricked me?" Rebekah questioned; mouth wide opened. "Why would you do that?" She hit his left upper arm with her closed fist.

"Don't be mad, baby; please don't be mad?" Stefan kissed her parted lips. "I needed to test you, to be certain; I needed to sense that we had both grown up to what we were supposed to be as a couple." He tried to express his true intention. "There is no more running away from your part, no more tossing you on the side of the route from my part. Now, there's only two souls who desperately want to be joined together for eternity. I want you to belong to me, and I want to belong to you, Bekah."

"Since when did you become such a romantic, Salvatore?" Rebekah questioned; a small laughter escaping her lips, with tears rolling down on her cheeks.

"Since a beautiful blonde vampire bombshell, with a stubborn head on her shoulders, entered my life." He replied; laughter escaping his own throat. "Let's get out of here, and find you a nice dress and a decent way to get married."

"No, no … I want to do this!" Rebekah pulled him back at the end of the aisle, just at the mere moment the young couple were leaving the premises, large smiles plastered on their faces.

"Are you sure?" Stefan questioned, with an arched eyebrow.

"Yes!" Rebekah turned her head to lock her sight with his. "I love you forever and with all my heart, Stefan Salvatore."

"I love you too, Rebekah Mikaelson, forever and with all my heart." He replied, now finally confident of their shared feelings for each other.

Italy, two years later …

"Christopher!" Carolina shouted her son's name; both closed fists placed on each side of her hips. "I've told you to not bother the tourists!"

They had this daily routine now of walking along the beach to pick-up a few shells along the way.

"But mummy… I was just saying hello to the nice lady." The blonde, curly hair little boy pouted, adorably; crossing his arms in front of his chest as a gesture of rebellion. So much of the stubbornness of his father in him, Carolina thought, letting a long sigh escape her lips.

"Oh, he's no bother at all!" The lady who had placed a few beach towels on the sand responded; her hand placed on her forehead as a visor. "Your son is adorable and so polite, how old is he?"

The lethal question … Once more! How was she supposed to explain to the ordinary humans that her son was technically two years old – but talked, walked and thought like a young boy of five? How was she supposed to explain that her son had been created in a supernatural way, by a powerful hybrid man named Ludvic Petrov; with the help of magic?

"He's five years old." Carolina replied, a large forced smile spreading on her lips. "Now, come here, Christopher; leave the nice lady and her family alone, would you."

"Well, he's a good looking young boy." The mother of what seemed to be twins responded to her, politely.

"Thank you." Christopher nodded, smiling; rushing toward his mother, before sliding his little fingers in Carolina's.

They walked, side by side, hand by hand, on the beach for a few minutes; before she would kneel in front of her son to talk to him.

"Did you show your sparkling eyes to the lady?" Carolina inquired, calmly.

"No mommy; you've asked me to never show my sparkling eyes to anyone but you, Aunty Katerina, Uncle Elijah, grandmother…" The young boy started enumerating the long list on his little fingers.

"It's OK, sweetheart; I know the list as well as you do." Carolina replied; trying to hold her laughter. "You're a special boy, Christopher; with …"

"With special powers, you've told me." The young boy nodded, cutting her sentence short. "Like the power of Captain America!" He raised his closed fists as a sign of special power and honor.

"Something like that, yes." She raised her right hand to place it over her mouth; to hide her growing need to burst into laughter.

"Oh look mummy; it is grandma and Uncle George on the boardwalk, can I run to say hello – Please, please?" Christopher exclaimed, enthusiastically, jumping on both joined foot; while pointing toward the boardwalk.

"OK, OK … Yes; but just take your sandals in your hands, and don't forget to …" Carolina gave her strict instructions, but the young boy was already rushing to reach the boardwalk in a rapid run.

Carolina shook her head, raising herself on both legs, a smile plastered on her face. He was his father's son for sure: impulsive and free like the wind; she thought to herself. She carried her own sandals in her left hand, her right raising the length of her sundress skirt, before turning on herself to face Klaus Mikaelson in the flesh!

Her eyes opened widely, a small cry escaping her parted lips; with her legs giving up on her. The sandals firstly hit the sands, before she fell herself falling on her knees, her right hand raised over her chest.

He had finally came back to her!

Maria buried her eyes in the immensity of the blue sea and beach laying in front of her sight.

"He's a fine looking young boy." George commented, watching Christopher ran on the beach, toward the boardwalk; while sliding his hands upward on Maria's back to gently squeeze her shoulders in a gentle massage.

"He surely is. I can see so much of his father and grandfather in him." Maria agreed. "Oh that feels good, George!" She moaned with pleasure; lowering her head on his bulged chest. "You have magic hands." She closed her eyes, letting the truth escape her lips.

"I thought you already knew that fact about me, after last night?" He teased, mockingly; his lips trailing a line of fire down on the left side of her neck.

"George!" She protested, vehemently; before reopening her eyes. "Keep your voice down, someone could see or hear you."

"Who? The tourists?" George replied, rolling his eyes to the blue sky. "You think I give a fuck about the tourists?"

"And your language!" She scolded him; hitting his chest with a closed fist.

"Do not tell me you're still feeling ashamed of us?" George exclaimed, in shock.

"Ashamed of us? No! Why would you think something like that for heaven sake?" Maria commented, mostly outraged. "There's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Well, you're avoiding all public display of affection." George shrugged, dumbfounded. "Because if this was the case, Maria; I wouldn't make much sense to me."

"After two years or courtship; you've never noticed that I was a reserved woman?" Maria questioned, with amazement.

"It simply thought you haven't fully accepted us." He shrugged.

"I think the cry you got out of my lips last night made it perfectly clear to my children that I have accepted you!" Maria replied, a deep color of red appearing on both of her cheeks.

"Grandma Maria, Uncle George!" Christopher yelled, reaching their standing positions on the boardwalk.

"Hey champion!" George raised the young boy in his arms, to give him a kiss.

"Did you see me run? I'm faster now." The young boy announced, proudly; before being dropped back on his two feet.

"I certainly did!" George gave him a high five.

"Grandma?" Christopher pulled on Maria's skirt to get her attention.

"Yes, my sweet boy; what is it?" Maria lowered her head to glance at her grandson.

"Who's the man with mummy?" He questioned, pointing, and with his sight narrowed at the horizon.

"Oh my God, George!" Maria wrapped her fingers around the bodyguard's left wrist. "Look, it's Klaus! He's finally back!"

"Who's that man, grandma?" Christopher continued to ask; his head turning from George to Maria, alternatively. "I have an idea of who he could be, but I am not sure?"

"I'll find the others." George nodded; blessing her forehead of a sweet kiss before turning on his heels to run toward their Italian mansion.

"Grandma Maria?" Christopher called, in a louder voice. "Are you listening to me?"

"Oh sweet, sweet boy. Of course, I'm listening to you." Maria knelled in front of her grandson; both hands cupping the young boy's face.

"Is the man who running after mummy, my father?" Christopher asked, his blue eyes buried in Maria's.

"Oh dear God; how could you even know that?" Maria questioned, mostly to herself.

"I don't know… I just do." Christopher shrugged, fatalistic.

"Yes, he is." She confirmed, caressing his cheeks. "He's your father, his name is Nicklaus Mikaelson."

"He seems strong and tall." The young boy has noticed; and came to the conclusion that it would make him a hero. "Will I ever be as strong and tall as him?" He wondered, tilting his head.

"Oh …" Maria lowered her head, tears filling her eyes. "I believe you'll even be stronger and taller."

"Good!" Christopher let a smile spread on his face. "Will I meet him later?"

"Most likely." Maria nodded, wiping the tears from her face.

"Why are you crying, Grandmother?" The young boy questioned, with wondering eyes.

"It's … It's because I'm happy to see your father again." Maria explained, in simpler words.

"I understand." Christopher concluded; with much thinking from his part. "Can I go play now?"

"As long as I can see you from where I'm standing in the boardwalk, yes." Maria replied, much emotions filling her heart and soul.

Elijah Mikaelson entered his bedroom suite; his sight falling on his wife, Katerina; who was sitting on an armchair, set of needles knit in her hands.

"Knitting, really; Katerina?" Elijah questioned, teasingly; raising his head to the ceiling, both hands placed on each side of his tensed body, a nerve twitching his left cheek and jaw. God that woman had the talent to make it out of its hinges.

"You forbade me to continue to scatter the world to find my sister's husband, therefore I'm knitting." Katerina responded, dryly; her hands busy at the said task.

"You call that, knitting?" Elijah approached her sitting position; arms crossed over his chest, right hand raising in front of his mouth to hold his laughter. "What is it supposed to be, exactly?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Katerina raised her head and sight to her husband. "It's a sweater for Christopher!" She replied, raising the atrocious mesh wool.

"To a blind it would be obvious, perhaps?" The Original tilted his head toward the back, bursting into a loud laughter.

"Why are you laughing?" She jumped on her joined feet; steam coming out of her ears, closed fists placed on each side of her hips.

"Well, beautiful … It's Italy, it's a hot country; I just don't think Christopher will have the chance to wear this piece of art." Elijah tried to lower the blow.

"It's colder in winter even in Italy, and this is cotton wool." Katerina tried to explain. "I used to knit sweaters for Carolina when she was younger, back in Russia."

"Poor girl; my heart goes to her." Elijah mumbled to himself.

"What did you just say?" Katerina crossed her arms in front of her chest; her fiery sight narrowed on her husband.

"I meant; she was obviously very lucky to have you in her life, to take care of her." Elijah lied through his teeth; reaching his wife's standing position, before blessing her forehead of a sweet kiss. "Like I am the luckiest man to have you in my life."

"If you're trying to lower my temper by offering sex to me, the answer is no!" Katerina pushed herself at arm length.

"I'm sorry?" Elijah raised an eyebrow at her sudden outburst. "Why would I need to beg to have sex with my wife?" He questioned, shrugging. "And what are you wearing on top of your pair of short anyway? Is it some kind of new fashion statement from your part?"

"пояс целомудрия!" She replied in Russian, with a raised chin; and a huge grin spreading on her voluminous lips.

"A chastity belt?" Elijah repeated, in shock. "Tell me you're joking? Tell me you're joking now, Katerina?" He shook his head, dumbfounded.

"Until you grant me the authorization to restart looking for your brother; neither you nor I will have sex with each other, Elijah." She explained, proud of herself.

"Obviously!" Elijah exclaimed; furiously. "What in hell, Katerina? Give me the damn key, now?"

"No." She shook her head. "You've always used sex to lower my temper, I grant you that I'm obviously not immune to your charm; so it's the only way that I found for me to stand my ground."

"Where would a sane woman find a chastity belt in this second millennium?" Elijah questioned; grabbing two hands full of his tick dark hair. "Not that I'm staring at a sane one at the present moment!"

"I was an escort once, remember? I have my ways of finding kinky "things"." She shrugged, unapologetically. "And you would be surprised what you could find on the internet; especially on the erotic sites."

"This is going too damn far, Katerina Mikaelson." Elijah spat to his wife's face; a straight finger pointed toward her chest. "I understand your need to protect your sister, because I always felt the same with my own siblings; I understand that you have been feeling helpless the past two years, believe me I felt my share of disappointments. But, Katerina; you can't change the outcome in life – You can't change the fact that my brother will come back when he'll decide to come back, and not before that time!"

"Stop yelling at me; I'm not deaf!" The brunette vampire spat back at him. "You won't have the key until you'll grant me the authorization to look for your brother." She stood on her ground, once more. "My sister cries herself to sleep every night. Yes, she is showing a wide smile in the days, and she is also a wonderful mother to Christopher; but I'm her sister and I know better, I know her heart ache for his return, Elijah."

"You think I don't know that, Katerina?" Elijah lowered his upper body and head at a near inch of his wife's. "How stupid to you think I am?" He questioned her. "But, we also have our own marriage on the line. We can't continue to live in the shadow of my brother, for God sake."

"You're not satisfied by me?" Katerina questioned herself, all colors leaving her cheeks.

"What? No, no … Why would you even think something like that?" Elijah shook his head, in shock. "It's because I want always more of you. I'll never be satiated, never!" He added, in a cry. "You infiltrated my heart, my body and soul … You're like this decease to me!"

Katerina startled, all of her movements frozen on spot. A decease? She felt the first tears rolling on her cheeks, before turning on her heels to rush toward the suite bathroom before slamming the door to his face.

"Katerina, open the door, please?" Elijah begged of her, while turning the handle in all directions. She had obviously locked the door. "I meant it in the best of ways possible. I can't get enough of you, beautiful. You're everything to me… Everything…" He lowered his forehead on the panel, a loud sigh escaping his lips.

Elijah startled, his eyelids slowly reopening through his semi-state of sleep; while slowly regaining his consciousness. He must have drifted into the unconsciousness an hour ago; now awakening at the subtle creaking of the bathroom door.

And then he saw her … Stepping across the threshold, like a divine apparition.

"I fell asleep." He informed his wife, sitting on the armchair; softly rubbing his eyelids.

"I'm sorry; Elijah." She confessed, while approaching his sitting position.

"What are you sorry for, beautiful?" The Originals asked; suddenly regaining full use of his sight, while glancing at the sexy lingerie that his wife was wearing. "It's me who should be ashamed, not you." He shook his head. "I expressed my deepest thoughts in a wrong way; and while using the wrong words."

"I know; I realized that; and I got rid of the chastity belt." Katerina informed him; sensually biting into her red bottom lip, both hands playing with the two ribbons holding her full breasts inside the sheer fabric of her sexy teddy.

"I can see that." He responded, sliding his fiery sight on the length of her wife's body. "Is it new?"

"Something that I've picked up when I bought the chastity belt." Katerina shrugged, while playing her erotic game; before straddling his legs to sit on his lap. "You'll have to forgive me though…" She lowered her full breasts in full contact with his bulged chest.

"I don't see why?" Elijah whispered; enrolling a strand of her long curls around his index finger. "I prefer this to the ugly chastity belt." He added, with one of his most seductive smiles; his left hand sliding on the small of her back.

"I forgot to buy the set of panties that goes with the teddy." She informed him, teasingly nibbling on his left earlobe. "I hope you don't mind?"

Elijah let a loud growl escape his throat; promptly raising Katerina's body in his arms, while rushing in his vampire speed toward the King size bed to lay himself in top of his wife's trembling body; his hands ripping the silk fabric before his mouth could find the sweet deliverance of her erected nipples, his right hand finding the growing wetness between her legs.

"Oh Elijah!" She let a loud cry escape her lips; both hands buried in the softness of his hair.

"I love you, Katerina… I love you so much. Please, forget about my brother; forget about the world… Just think of us both." He begged of her, raising his head to bury his sight in his wife's.

"I love you too… More than life itself." She replied; before feeling his manly lips crash on her parted ones.

Prior to all these events…

He hadn't changed much if it wasn't for his tick beard, and his longer curly hair, that he was now wearing shoulder length.

"Oh my God Klaus… You're here, you're really here." She managed to let the words escape her trembling lips.

"Carolina…" Her name escaped the Original's lips, his fiery sight taking all of her, all at once. He dropped his backpack on the sand; falling on his knees to face her, a few seconds later.

"It's you …" She raised her right hand, barely brushing the skin of his left cheek, before pulling it back near her chest; redness filling both of her cheeks.

"I understand." He swallowed a lump in his throat; under the tightness of his jaw. "If I was you, I couldn't touch me either."

"What? No, it's not … It's not what you think; I'm just overwhelmed by your presence." The blonde shook her head; cascade of blond curls falling on her shoulders. "It's been two long years, Klaus…" She added, tremors in her voice. "Can you blame me?"

"No, I can't blame you, Carolina." The hybrid shook his head himself; slowly raising his right hand to grab one of her long curls. "You've grown your hair?" He commented, a shy smile spreading on his lips, while enrolling a stand around his fingers. "I like it." He added, before lowering his hand without adding any more comment.

Carolina held her breath; range of shivers spreading in her spine.

"The blonde boy …" He asked, emotionally; knowing by instinct that she would know how to answer this unformulated question.

"You're wondering about the blonde boy that you saw by my side? Yes, he's your son." Carolina nodded, slowly raising her sight in his.

"What … What is his name?" Klaus inquired.

"Please, don't be mad at me." Carolina begged for his indulgence.

"Carolina, I could never be mad at you…Whatever you've chosen to name our son, it'll be fine by me." He nodded, a shy smile raising the delicious curves of his full lips. "I lost any say in my son's life, the day I left you in the middle of your pregnancy."

"It wasn't the middle of my pregnancy." She shook her head.

"What do you mean?" Klaus inquired, frowning.

"The pregnancy was not what we could call a regular pregnancy. I gave birth soon after… Soon, after you had left." She explained.

"Who…" He raised an eyebrow.

"Your mother… I mean; she gave birth to our son." Carolina informed him.

"I thought it would be her." Klaus nodded, expressionless.

"It's Christopher …" She started enumerating, waiting for his reaction. "Christopher Ludvic Mikael Mikaelson."

"I see." Klaus responded after a few minutes of silence; his right hand raised over his chest.

"Please say something? Are you mad at me for choosing these middle names?" Carolina nervously rubbed her hands together.

"No, Carolina… I understand why you did it." The Original responded, truthfully. "Both of his grandfathers are Christopher's heritage."

"Yes, and they are your heritage too." Carolina grabbed both of his hands in hers. "I know why you left, Klaus; I know how much darkness, ugliness and pain has filled your heart over the centuries. And after they both died, you simply…Lost it." She added, bringing his hands to her lips to kiss them; with much emotion filling her voice. "You were lost inside of yourself; you needed to rebuild your self-esteem brick by brick."

"Don't pity me, Carolina; I don't deserve it." Klaus shook his head; tears rolling fluently on his cheeks. "I … I left you, once again. How could … How could you even look at me?" He lowered his head and sight, in shamefulness.

"Because…" Carolina grabbed his bearded chin to raise his head, sight now locked back in hers. "I must be crazy, I know; but I can't help myself." She shook her head. "I would have … I would have waited a thousand years for you to come back, only to see your face one more time."

"Why would you … Why would you wait for a man like me?" He inquired, an indescribable pain filling his chest.

"Because... I have deep feelings of love for you, Nicklaus Mikaelson. It is as simple as that." Carolina replied, a single tear rolling on her left cheek. "But…" She lowered her head. "I would understand that after such a long time; you've probably met …"

"No, Carolina!" The cry escaped his lips; his fingers grabbing her chin to raise her sight back in his. "The past two years, my hands have never touched another woman, my heart never has beaten once for anyone but you." He confessed, under their hold of breaths. "Why is he so developed for his age?"

"We don't know. After your father's death, there was no way of knowing." She shook her head. "He's just growing up faster than other boys of his age. But, he's perfectly healthy. I can at least reassure you of that fact."

"Any signs of supernatural manifestations?" Klaus wondered, out loud.

"Many. We are taking it one day at a time." Carolina nodded. "Please, tell me that you won't leave again? Please, tell me that you'll meet him? He needs you in his life, Klaus."

"Is it … Is it wise, Carolina?" He shrugged, apologetically. "Do I have anything left in me to give to that young boy?"

"You have plenty to give; if it was otherwise you wouldn't be kneeling in front of me." Carolina protested.

"Do I have anything left in me to give to you, then?" He asked the relevant question; colors leaving Carolina's face all at once.

"If you don't … I'll give you time with your son; and we'll part ways, while finding a common ground to raise him together." She raised back on her legs; her right hand placed in front of her lips to hold her sobbing. "We'll get a divorce and … I'm sorry, I need to leave." She concluded, raising the skirt of her sundress, before turning on her heels to run away from him; her feet sinking into the sand, while her vision blurred more and more by the tears filling her eyes.

"Carolina, wait, please … Carolina!" Klaus yelled, rushing to grab her arm; but oddly enough even her normal speed was faster than his?

Carolina reached a small cove; away from the tourists' eyes. She lowered her speed, lowering her forehead on a large rock; tears still rolling on her cheeks, down her neck.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were a vampire now?" She heard the hoarsely voice ask her. Obviously, he had catch up with her.

"Does it change anything?" She shrugged, sniffling the rest of her sobbing; before turning on herself to face her husband.

"What happened?" Klaus asked, hands placed on each side of his hips.

"I lost a lot of blood at the birth of our son." She started her tale. "Your mother gave me her blood to reinforce my immune system; but … I was still weak and near death."

"My mother turned you?" Klaus concluded, more than ask.

"Yes." She nodded; nervously rubbing her hands together. "Please, don't be mad at her. I know you were against it; but Christopher needed a mother, and …"

"I'm not mad, Love." The hybrid shook his head, compassionate. "I'm just surprised; you seem the same, that's all."

"I'm the same. Except for drinking blood every day." Carolina shrugged, a shy smile spreading on her lips.

"I'm so sorry, Carolina – All of this is my fault." Klaus shook his head, repentant; pacing back and forth in front of his wife. "If I hadn't searched for a wife in Russia; you would still be human as we speak."

"Human perhaps… But loveless." She replied, truthful.

"Loving me gave you heartache and sufferance." The hybrid replied, spiteful at life, but mostly at himself.

"Loving you gave me courage, understanding, compassion, forgiveness/" Carolina started enumerating on her right hand. "But, most of all, loving you gave me Christopher. Loving you is like breathing to me, Klaus." Carolina replied, truthful.

"I abused you, both physically and mentally, I abandoned you more than once; how can you even look at me." Klaus turned on himself to face her; cupping the delicate features of her face in both of his hands.

"I'm looking at the man that I love more than life itself, right now." Carolina replied; strong emotions filling her heart and soul. "You did abused me both physically and mentally, you did abandoned me more than once; but I still love you. I wasn't able to leave, because my heart belonged to you, Klaus. How hard it is for you to understand?" She confessed, grabbing both of his wrists. "Love is forgiveness, and forgive you, I did and I do."

"Carolina…" Klaus pronounced his wife's name in a low whisper; softly caressing the roundness of her cheeks. "I don't deserve you, sweetness." He shook his head, tears rolling down his cheeks and jaw. "I don't deserve your love."

"You deserve way more." She whispered, raising herself on her tip toes to brush his lips of a kiss.

Klaus startled at the intimate contact of her warm lips; his eyes kept opened. It has been years of celibate; and the subtle brush of her lips and breasts on his t-shirt set his body in fire.

"Do you love me?" Carolina mouthed the question on his parted lips; fear of being disappointed infiltrating her heart.

"Oh, Love…More than life itself; do you even have to ask?" Klaus responded, softly nibbling on her bottom lip.

"Then show me." Carolina begged of him. "Show me the love you have in your heart for me."

The hybrid let a loud growl escape his lips, both of his hands sliding on the delicious curves of his wife's body, before grabbing her buttocks to raise the blonde bombshell in his arms; her legs now wrapped around his waist, while her body was being pushed on a large rock, his lips passionately crashing on hers.

Carolina moaned loudly, while sliding her hands on his bulged chest; finding the hem of his t-shirt to raise it above his head.

"I need to touch your skin, it has been too long." She explained, her hands wrapping behind his neck.

"I won't be happy until my lips will bless every inch of your body, Love." Klaus replied, pushing the straps of her dress down, before his lips could bless the curve of her neck, valley of her breasts; with his fingers softly pinching her erected nipples.

"Klaus!" She let the loud cry slip her parted lips; being carried and lay down on the sand.

"Until my hand has felt the heat in the deepness of your core." He added, sensually; slowly sliding his right hand between her legs to raise the fabric of her summer dress up on her thighs and hips. His finger finally meeting with her panties, before parting the soft fabric to feel her wetness. "Oh Love, it's been way too long!" He whispered, his lips meeting hers; while his fingers make her cry with pleasure.

Klaus Mikaelson, and his wife Carolina walked in silence, hand in hand along the beach; with the single sound of waves hitting the large rocks. Their love filling all the words that could have been spoken.

"Oh dear…" Carolina raised her head and sight, her left hand placed as a visor on her forehead, while noticing the rapid approach of their family members.

"On a scale of one to ten; how pissed is my brother at me?" Klaus questioned, swallowing a lump in his throat.

"A good twenty." Carolina replied, squeezing his hand to grant him comfort and reassurance.

"Your sister?" Klaus turned his head, taking a quick glance at his wife and love of his life.

"I'm not sure there's a number high enough to describe how mad Katerina is at you, to be truthful." The blonde vampire replied, with a single shrug.

"Well, that's reassuring." The hybrid commented, a sour smile plastered on his face.

"But they love you with all their hearts… Well, my sister is getting there, but still… don't forget that fact, would you?" Carolina encouraged him, with a sincere smile.

"I'll try for you, Love." Klaus promised, raising her right hand to place a kiss on her wrist.

"I don't know what could hold me back for crashing my fist into your face, Nicklaus?!" Elijah spat, bare feet, while approaching their standing positions; a straight finger pointed toward the hybrid's chest.

"You would have all the right in the world; Elijah." Klaus replied, raising both opened palms in the air. "Do it; I won't fight you back."

"Oh, no, no, no … You will fight back! You'll act like a man for once in your life!" The Originals circled his own brother; the hems of his trousers pants brushing the sand. "Two fucking years, Nicklaus; I scattered the entire planet to find you; where were you for God sake?"

"Amazon." Klaus responded, truthfully.

"Amazon?" Elijah repeated, in shock; with both opened arms. Probably the only place he hasn't look for him – Bastard! "You got to be kidding me?" He passed a rapid hand through his tick dark hair. "You son of a bitch!"

"Mother would love to hear you say that." Klaus commented, half serious-half mocker.

"Just shut-up, you hear me!" Elijah pointed the same finger underneath his brother's nose. "Two years, Nicklaus; two years of trying to find you to bring you back to your wife and son."

"I needed time, brother; can you at least acknowledge that fact?" Klaus asked for his brother's indulgence.

Elijah stared at his brother for a few seconds, before reprising his pacing around his prey; a loud growl escaping his throat.

"I forgave him; maybe you could find within yourself the strength to do the same, Elijah?" Carolina suggested. "I will always be so grateful for your presence in my son's life."

"He's my nephew, Carolina; it was my duty as his uncle to take care of him in the absence of his father; at least the few first years of his life." Elijah replied; still pissed as hell.

"Thank you, Elijah; for being what I was never being able to be, before this day." Klaus thanked his brother, truthfully.

"Before this day, really?" Elijah inquired, with a raised eyebrow. "Or until your next escape?"

"No, I'm not running away anymore; Elijah." Klaus shook his head. "I came back to the ones I love, I came back to my wife and son, forever."

"Well, you better tell the truth this time, Klaus; or I swear…" Elijah mumbled, under clenched teeth; closed fists placed on each side of his tensed body.

"Duly noted, brother." Klaus nodded, a shy smile raising both corners of his lips.

"I'm going to kill him!" Katerina rushed toward her brother-in-law, taking great strides to reach the small group; right hand raised in the air to prepare her blow.

"Katerina, no!" Elijah intercepted his wife; enrolling a strong arm around her waist to pull her back. "Calm down, my love; please?" He whispered near her right ear.

"Calm down? I'll be calm the minute my hand will slap this asshole on his face." Katerina spat to Klaus's face; fists and feet kicking in all directions.

"Though, I truly like when you're this passionate in our bedroom; this is not the time to cause more trouble." Elijah whispered, more.

"Let her go, Elijah; I deserve to hear what your wife has to say to my face." Klaus ordered his brother.

"As you wish!" Elijah released his wife; who rushed to her brother-in-law' standing position.

"Katerina, please, don't do this … I forgave him!" Carolina tried to retain her sister, with a grip on her right forearm; but without succeeding.

"You're a jerk, Klaus Mikaelson! You left my sister and her son alone for two tucking years!" Katerina spat to his face; chin raised, closed fists hitting his bulged chest, repeatedly.

"You're right; I'm a fucking jerk, Katerina." Klaus agreed, closed fists placed on each side of his tensed body.

"What? Since when do you agree with what I have to say to you?" Katerina stopped; amazement plastered on her face.

"Since it's the truth." Klaus responded. "I've been an asshole to my wife, son, mother, sister, brothers, to you even…"

"To me even?" Katerina crossed her arms in front of her chest, sight narrowed on the hybrid.

"Well, it's not like we were in the best of terms, would you say?" Klaus commented; wincing.

"I would say." Katerina replied, with a loud sigh escaping her red lips.

"I'm truly sorry… I wanted your sister to be happy; and … In my mind, the only way she could reach that happiness was without me, and without all the heartache I could cause her and my son." Klaus tried to explain his motives.

"I see." The brunette vampire replied, her full lips kept in a thin line.

"I'm not expecting you to forgive me anytime soon, but…" Klaus tried to explain more.

"You got that right; it will take me a long time, if not forever." Katerina pointed a finger at him.

"Fair enough." The hybrid agreed, with a single nod; while Carolina and Elijah exchanged a smile.

"Nicklaus Mikaelson, I'm coming for you; asshole!" Rebekah yelled; while approaching all of their standing positions, near the ocean.

"Oh for God sake Elijah; why did you forget to mention that Bekah was here?" Klaus growled at his brother.

"And forbid myself the joy to see the surprise on your face, never brother!" Elijah winked, enjoying his revenge; a large grin appearing on his lips.

"What's wrong with you?" Rebekah struck her brother, with both closed fists. "Why did you do leave Carolina?"

"Rebekah, for God sake, if you could stop hitting me; I could perhaps explain myself." Klaus tried to defend himself, to the best of his capacity; while not losing his temper.

"Then talk!" Rebekah ordered him; both closed fists now placed on each side of her waist.

"You could have waited for me, Bekah?" Stefan Salvatore spat, angrily and out of breaths; while rushing to reach her side. "As for you, you're really an asshole, you know that?" He pointed his finger toward his best friend.

"So, I've heard about a thousand times, today." Klaus shook his head; calmly. "With the addition of pointed fingers to my chest."

"Well, let's make it a thousand and one then." Stefan added; angrily. "What were you even thinking?"

"I wasn't, Salvatore; that was my problem to start with." Klaus shrugged, apologetically. "Why are you so bothered by my actions, anyway?"

"Because, I'm part of the family now, brother!" Stefan grinned, raising both of his eyebrows in a comical way.

"Brother?" Klaus narrowed his sight on the young vampire. "Elijah - Explanation, now?" He turned his head to glance at his biological sibling.

"Stefan wedded our sister, in Vegas." Elijah shrugged, huge smirk raising both corners of his manly lips.

"You got that right?" Stefan nodded, proudly; trying to hide his amusement. "Elvis married us."

"Vegas and Elvis?" Klaus rapidly glanced in direction of his sister; biting into his bottom lip to retain his laughter. "Was she drugged and tied to the bench when she said yes to you?"

"Very funny, Kaus; I'm still waiting for your explanation you know?" Rebekah narrowed her fiery sight on her brother; obviously not amused by their exchange of jokes.

"Well, welcome to this family, Salvatore." Klaus shook his friend's hand. "I couldn't have chosen a better man to tame my sister." He added, with a wink.

"You're such a jerk!" Rebekah exclaimed, shaking her head.

"I appreciate the vote of confidence, coming from you." Stefan replied, teasingly; while returning a strong shake.

"As for you, sister. I'm sorry, Bekah; I acted like the biggest asshole – I just needed time to realize it." The hybrid presented his deepest apology.

"Did you forgive him?" Bekah turned her head toward her sister-in-law. "You're an angel if you did, Carolina?"

"I forgave him, a long time ago; I was just waiting for him to come back to me and our son." Carolina nodded, with a comforting smile; while grabbing her husband's left hand.

"There's something we need to tell you." Stefan said; approaching his friend.

"Talk." Klaus nodded.

"It's about Anastassia." Stefan added, swallowing a lump in his throat.

"What about her?" Klaus scattered the small group; noticing they have all lowered their heads, discomfort plastered on their faces.

"She's alive." Rebekah nodded, a shy smile spreading on her lips.

"Don't do this, Bekah." The hybrid replied, with a drier tone of voice and a single shake of his head. "I know you're mad at me; but this is cruel."

"It's the truth, Klaus; she's alive." Elijah confirmed, with a nod.

"She was dead; there's no way she could be alive now." Klaus refused to believe it.

"Vittorio managed to bring her back; using dark magic." Carolina explained, calmly, to him.

"But there's a loophole; she's human now and can't be turned back as a vampire." Stefan continued to explain.

"Where is she now? In Italy?" Klaus inquired, in shock.

"No; she's with Damon, in France. He's trying to find a way to reverse the spell; and give her a chance to an eternal life." Stefan explained. "There's a lead of a powerful warlock that could help her. I can't tell you much more than that."

"I see." The hybrid replied. "Well, if there is someone more stubborn than me; it's your brother. He'll find a way."

"I know that regardless of what you could say; you got attached to her." Rebekah commented. "And she's your sister too after all."

Klaus nodded, unable to articulate his real feelings for his half-sister; but willing to open his heart to the possibility.

"Nicklaus has the biggest heart; that's the reason why he needs to run away sometimes; when his emotions are taking the best of him." The female patriarch voice filled the silence; making them turn their heads to glance at Maria.

"Mother?" Klaus called her.

"Hello Nicklaus, you came home?" She added, with a smile. "Give your mother a hug, please?"

"I came home." He nodded, emotionally; before shortening the space between them to hug his mother.

"I'm sorry about the loss of both your fathers." Maria whispered to her son's ears only; while caressing the base of his neck. "And I'm sorry for turning Carolina."

"It's ok, and thank you for all you did for her and my son." He whispered, himself, with much emotions; before gently pushing himself at arm length.

"Hello." He heard the soft call of the young boy; before lowering his sight on his son.

George, Elijah's bodyguard was holding a young blond boy by the shoulders; his deep blue eyes meeting the hybrid's sight in an inquiring look.

"Hello." Klaus replied; his knees hitting the sand in front of his son.

"Are you my dad?" Christopher asked, taking a few steps to reach his father's kneeling position.

"Yes, I believe I am." Klaus nodded, tears filling his eyes.

"He came back, mummy?" The young boy raised his head to glance at his mother, a huge smile spreading on his face.

"I know, sweetheart; I've told you that one day your father would be back." Carolina nodded, tears rolling fluently on her cheeks, as well.

"Mummy is crying." Christopher commented to his dad.

"Sometimes, I make your mother cry." Klaus commented.

"Me too." The young boy commented, with a nod. "I'm Christopher, by the way." He handed his small right hand to the hybrid.

"I'm Nicklaus." He replied, shaking his son's hand.

"Excuse-me." Rebekah brushed a tear from the corner of her eyes; the sudden loud ringtone startling everybody. She buried her right hand in her jeans' front pocket to pull her cellphone out. "It's Kol!" She finally informed, noticing the caller identification, before answering the call by placing the device near her right ear. "Yes, he's here. Stop yelling for God sake. I'll put you on speaker."

"Is Klaus near?" Kol asked, loudly; through the device. "Can he hear me?"

"Yes, Klaus and the entire country of Italy can hear you now." Rebekah confirmed, while rolling her eyes.

"What's your fucking problem, Mikaelson? Abandoning your wife, son and family for two years, just like that?" Kol's angry voice filled the quietness of the beach. "It's the kind of bullshit that I would pull; but you, you're not allowed to do it. Do you hear me?"

"I would need to be deaf not to hear you, Kol!" Klaus mumbled, under clenched teeth. "My son is here, by the way."

"Hello Christopher!" Kol saluted with a kinder tone of voice. "I bought you a giant Koala as a gift!"

"Hello uncle Kol!" Christopher responded, near the device. "Cool!"

"Well, you better stay put in Italy, because I'm coming for you; and I swear my closed right fist is going to meet your face soon enough – if it's not my baseball bat!" Kol warned his brother, dryly.

"Duly noted." Klaus added, with a loud sigh.

"What you mean you're coming back to Italy? Did you manage to find Bonnie?" Rebekah asked, a huge grin spreading on her lips.

"Yes, in Australia! She's handcuffed to my wrist as we speak!" Kol confirmed; with a small laughter. "No way will she escape me this time. She's not very happy about it, but I couldn't care less. We'll take the first plane back to Italy tomorrow morning."

"Ewww…" The general audience responded, wincing at the mere thought of Bonnie being handcuffed to Kol.

"Give me the phone, Kol!" They all heard Bonnie's voice, smiles spreading on their faces.

"Bonnie, is it you?" Rebekah inquired.

"Yes, it's me – Your asshole of a brother is being a pain in my butt!" Bonnie yelled through the device.

"Do you love him?" Rebekah asked, with a small laughter.

"What?" Bonnie asked, surprised. "What kind of question is that?"

"Just answer me." The blonde Original asked, once more.

"Sometimes…" The witch replied, with a low whisper. "He's handcuffed to me… Or I'm handcuffed to him; so I can't speak louder."

"I'll take that as a yes." Rebekah confirmed. "Then, come back to Italy with the man you love, Bonnie; it's time to come back to your family now." She added, before closing the cellphone.

"Well, as for all of us, I suggest we all go back home and enjoy Isabella's dinner." Maria suggested, all smile. "For once, my entire family will be sitting at the same table, by my side." She added, joyfully.

"Hear, hear!" Stefan raised his right fist in the air.

"Minus Kol and Bonnie." George wrapped his left arm around Maria's waist; taking their first steps in the sand, to reach back their mansion.

"They are on their way." Maria commented, raising her sight in her lover's.

"Maybe tonight I could ask your hand in marriage to both or your eldest sons?" George suggested; blessing her forehead of a sweet kiss.

"You're not obligated to…" She started explaining, before being shushed with one of George's finger placed on her parted lips.

"I know that I'm not obligated to do this – I want to do it, because I love you, Maria Mikaelson; and I want to marry you." He explained; lowering his head to bless her lips of a tender kiss.

"Daddy?" Christopher pulled on Klaus's cargo pants. "Will you tell me stories before I go to bed tonight?"

Klaus felt his chest raise in the air; being hit by an invisible punch in his stomach.

"Are you ok?" Carolina asked, squeezing her husband's hand.

"Yes, I'm ok, Love." He replied, raising his head to stare at his wife. "What kind of story would you like to hear, young man?"

"I want to hear where you've been the past two years; all the adventures you had to experience." The young boy asked, excitement filling his voice.

"Then you shall hear that." Klaus replied, raising his right hand to caress his son's head.

"Come Christopher; your uncle need to talk to your father." Katerina took her nephew's hand; pulling the young boy behind her own steps.

"You'll stay with us now, daddy?" Christopher asked; while turning his head to glance at his father, one last time. "Forever?"

"Forever, it's a promise." Klaus nodded, tears filling his eyes.

"Thank you." Elijah mouthed the words to his wife.

"I love you." Katerina mouthed back. "Sweet kisses from Russia." She blow him a kiss.

"I love you more, Katerina." He replied, truthfully, and with a single wink; seeing them leave behind the small group.

"I'm proud of you." Carolina hugged her husband; blessing his bearded cheeks of a kiss. "But, the beard needs to go."

"Deal." Klaus replied, pulling his wife in the comfort of his arms; his lips meeting hers. "Now go; I'll be home soon." He gave her a friendly slap on the bottom.

"I love you, Klaus Mikaelson." Carolina confessed, happily.

"I love you more, Carolina Mikaelson." He replied, all smile; waiting a short while for her to walk at a distance. "What is it, Elijah?" He finally turned his sight toward his brother.

"Petrov's army of hybrids has been on a sabbatical since you've left." Elijah informed his brother, hands placed on each side of his waist. "They received Petrov's strict order to wait for your return."

"How many?" Klaus inquired, with a narrowed sight.

"A thousand men, maybe more." Elijah shrugged. "It's your heritage, Klaus; you can accept it or denying your right to become their leader."

"I can't do this alone, Elijah." Klaus shook his head. "You are the moral compass of this family, I need you by my side "if" we decide to do this I couldn't imagine doing it without you." He added, both hands placed on his brother's shoulders.

"Let me think about it, would you? It's not a decision that I'll take lightly." Elijah replied. "In the meantime, brother; it's been a while since we sat at the same table." He added, sliding his right arm around Klaus's shoulders.

"A long time indeed, Elijah." Klaus replied, a huge smile spreading on his lips; joy filling his heart and soul.

He was finally home…

Tapachula city, Mexico…

The small bar located near the beach of Tapuchula was filled with locals and a few tourists who were cheering and toasting loudly with their Tequila shots and glasses of beers raised in the air. A few Mariachis placed at the corner of the room, strumming the cords of their guitars, with their melancholic voices singing the lyrics.

One imposing, dark hair with grey strands, bearded man was standing at the far edge of the bar counter, slowly sipping his bottle of beer; his sight lost in the grandness of the ocean.

"Who would have thought that we would be both stock in here, one day?" A male companion appeared by his side, snapping his fingers at the bartender.

"What will it be Senor?" The short and corpulent Mexican man asked.

"Double shots of Tequila." The man called with a dry voice.

"Si Senor." The bartender nodded; grabbing a small glass to fill it to the edge, before sliding it in front of the customer.

"What got your underwear in a twist tonight?" The bearded man asked his companion, taking another gulp of his beer to hide his grin.

"I'm suffering from arthritis! My fingers are literally curving …. LOOK!" The salt and pepper hair man showed both of his hands, a sour expression plastered on his face.

"What were you expecting in your old age anyway?" The bearded man shrugged, mostly amused. "And it's you who wanted to come to Mexico – Because of your arthritis, you've said – The Ocean and hot climate would do you good, you've said – remember?"

"Fat chance! It's hurting me more than ever." Mikael Mikaelson gulped the entirety of his double shots; wincing at the taste. "Shit! I can't even hold my alcohol anymore." He swore, under clenched teeth; wiping the corners of his mouth with the back of his right hand.

"Well, when you'll be rolling on the floor, drunk as you can be; I'll be able to sip my beer quietly." Ludvic Petrov commented, teasingly.

"Go fuck yourself!" Mikael snapped back; asking the bartender for a second refill.

"No, I think I'll fuck the pretty Mexican woman who's lurking in my direction instead." Petrov commented, winking at the middle age – good looking woman who suddenly blushed under the Russian man's examination of her many charms.

"Fuck the pretty Mexican woman?" Mikael tilted his head toward the back, busting into loud laughter, while stroking his watery eyes. "Man, the last time you've tried to … You know, "fuck", you needed a blue pill, and it still did not worked at the end."

"Shush! Would you lower your voice for God sake; Mikaelson!" Ludvic warned him, with darted eyes and a pointed finger underneath his nose.

"Ok, ok…" Mikael lowered his head and nose in his glass of Tequila; before gulping it entirely. "Shit! This hurts like a bitch!" He exclaimed, loudly. "You know, the person responsible for all our misery is entirely your warlock: Vittorio!"

"Just be grateful that he was able to bring both of us back to life as humans, Mikael, with in addition my beautiful daughter, Anastassia; and stop whining about it all the time!" Ludvic replied, under clenched teeth. "And Vittorio did this, even if his life is now in jeopardy for doing so."

"Don't tell me you are finding this all experience as a human, an enjoyable one?" The eldest of the Mikaelsons asked, dumbfounded.

"No, I'm not finding it enjoyable at all. But, instead of whining all the time, I'm thinking of a way out." Petrov signed the waiter to bring two more bottles of beer, before handing one to his companion.

"There's not fucking way out!" Mikael growled, lowering his head near Ludvic's. "Vittorio told us that we would be stuck in our human forms until our … Well, real deaths this time – It's the price to pay, Petrov!"

"There's always a way out, Mikael!" Ludvic grabbed the Original's right forearm to give it a squeeze. "I wouldn't have been glorified as their "King" if I wasn't a fighter to start with."

"And in the meantime?" Mikael inquired with an arched eyebrow. "What is there left to do?"

"Well, the sea, the ocean, beers, Tequila, and women?" Petrov shrugged, under the loud sigh of annoyance of Mikael. "You know what? Let's make a toast on the single fact that our sons are about to become the leaders of my army of hybrids. It would have never happened if we were still alive. They would have fought us, fangs and claws out!" He grinned, raising his bottle of beer in the air. "Let's keep both of us death until they'll be up to their chins in their new power trip!"

"I like how you think, my friend, but… But, technically, we're not dead?" Mikael shook his head; still toasting with his friend. "You're still the leader of your own army."

"News flash for you: They know nothing about that fact, and let's keep it that way!" Petrov winked, playfully; raising his bottle one more time. "Another toast to your beautiful ex-wife and my beautiful ex-lover: Ingrid Esther Maria Mikaelson; I hope she'll find happiness with her bozo vampire George, until we'll be back in her life to wreck this shame of relationship."

"That would mean we'll once again be both in competition to win her back?" Mikeal titled his head, a grin spreading on his lips; hitting his bottle, one more time, with Petrov's. "I like the thought of that."

"Exactly! It will be fun?" Ludvic let a small laughter escape his lips. "It will be like old time, my friend!"

"My turn." Mikael strengthened his shoulders, raising his bottle one additional time in the air. "To Christopher, your grandson, may he be the "King" of a new species one day."

"I hope he'll be, indeed? And technically, he's your grandson too." Petrov toasted, with much emotion in his voice, taking an additional gulp of the amber liquid. "I can't wait to hold him in my arms. But for the time being, it has to wait."

"Hello Senor, do you care to dance?" The beautiful Mexican woman, who was staring at Petrov a few moments before, saluted with much shyness and enthusiasm.

"Well, good evening, beautiful; do I care to dance?" Petrov repeated, charmingly. "Do I care to dance, Mikael?"

"Just disappear from my sight, asshole!" Mikael replied, laughter filling his voice, before pushing his friend toward the Mexican woman and the dance floor.

Mikael stared at Ludvic and the woman for a few seconds, a large grin plastered on his lips; before raising his bottle one final time in the air.

"May all of our children find happiness, regardless of our past errors, and in better ways that we ever did. Cheers, my friend!"

~ The End ~

So I say for now ;)

Thank you for all the anonymous reviews received, guys!

My answers will be written very soon below.

If I have forgotten someone in the responses to the anonymous reviews, it was not intentional, and I thank you for it!