"Looks like a giant snowflake" Claire teases softly as she enters Klaus's art room. She hugs herself, her hair not completely dry from her shower. She watches as a small smile appears on Klaus's face, his eyes still on his painting.

"I prefer to think of is as an expression of postmodernism," Klaus says stepping away from the painting. He turns to her, setting the brush down. She smiles at him. "It's my donation to the Winter Wonderland charity event."

"How generous of you." She mutters, a smile dancing on her lips. He smirks at her while a hybrid enters the room.

"You said it was urgent" Claire looks at the hybrid. She recognizes him as one of the loyal hybrids, Brandon.

"Yes, take this to the Mystic Grill immediately." Klaus orders. Brandon gives him a look.

"You want me to be a delivery guy?" Brandon asks. Klaus steps closer.

"What I was is for you to do whatever I say, without the attitude," Klaus said sternly.

"What he means to say, is," Claire spoke up moving towards the two boys. She places her hand on Klaus's chest pushing him back slightly. She moves in front of Brandon and gives him a kind smile. "Would you please take the painting to the Mystic Grill, I would appreciate it. In the meantime, I will make sure he learns some manners like a good boy." Brandon holds back a chuckle and takes the painting.

"Be careful with that, it's still wet" Klaus scolds but Brandon hardly takes him seriously. Claire thanks Brandon as he walks past her with the painting, he nods back to her. "Must you undermine me in front of my hybrids?" Klaus whines.

"Must you be so rude to them?" Claire asked raising her eyebrows at him. "You know, kindness is free." She reminds him. He sighs quietly. "Our problem with the 12 hybrids is because of you mistreating them and their families. Klaus, you don't need to be so forceful." She said walking up to him. "It's better to be loved than to be hated."

"People all over the world fear me yet desire to follow me."

"True loyalty does not come from fear," Claire tells him. "The 18..." Claire's breath hitches. He grips her hips softly in comfort. "The 17 hybrids that are still on our side are not on our side because of fear but because they care. If you have something to fight for, you fight harder than the ones who are forced to fight out of fear. You've taken them from their homes, their families, they follow you and do what you ask, can you not grant them kindness? Say 'thank you' every once and a while, or how about 'please'?"

"They'll think I've gone soft" He mutters. Claire smiles and shakes her head.

"Kindness is not weakness," She tells him. "People admire kindness. I know you're kind, I've seen it. So the hybrids you care, make them want to follow you and they will. Loyalty by choice is far better than loyalty by force."

"And how do you suggest that I show them kindness? That I get them to be loyal to me?" Klaus questions. "I'm not a moron, I know they don't stay for me." Claire smiles and kisses his cheek.

"Come with me" She whispers grabbing his hand. He leads her without hesitation. The two of them walk into Claire's closet room.

"Going to entertain me with a fashion show, love?" Klaus smirks. "I'm honored."

"You wish" She winks at him. She walks over to the vanity and opens the drawer. She pulls out a thick piece packet of paper. She hands it to Klaus. He frowns his eyebrows and looks through it.

"What is this?" He mutters.

"A list of your hybrids. The highlighted ones are the ones loyal to us, the others are not. By each name is their information. Their immediate family, debts of the family or hybrid, schooling expenses of the family and hybrid. The underlined names are the names of the family members that are deceased because of your actions." Klaus glances up at her, she gives him a hard look in return.

"You wish for me to pay their debts, help them through school and what for the deceased?" He questions, his tone completely business.

"You can't bring them back but an apology and compensate them for their funeral expenses," Claire said sitting on the chair. Klaus finishes looking through the packet before glancing at her. "It's the least you can do after everything you've done to them."

"Well, I'm just glad you don't have a list of every life I've ruined" Klaus teases. Claire doesn't smile.

"Force any other werewolf to turn, kill any family member because of some childish tantrum and we'll be doing this again," Claire warns him. "If you want more hybrids you will do it the diplomatic way. You will convince them to want to be a hybrid but if they don't want too that's their choice and you will move on. If you get more hybrids you will give them the knowledge to break the sire bond and the ability to do so."

"You drive a hard bargain, and expensive bargain might I add" Klaus paces slowly. "And what will I get in return?"

"Well, for starters I won't give you the silent treatment" Claire smirks at him. He smirks back.

"You think I'd break by a simple silent treatment?" Klaus muses.

"I think you'd cave faster than a deck of cards" Claire comments without missing a beat. Klaus raises his eyebrows. "You will also gain faithful followers who will do what you want of their own free will. If you take any of the new hybrids from their homes, you will offer to take care of their family."

"Now, love-"

"They are giving you their lives," Claire said standing up. "They're leaving their homes, everything they know to follow you. I love you Klaus but being loyal to you is dangerous, their putting their lives at risk being with you. If you're providing their families with care then they will want to follow you because if they refuse they will not get our protection, our finances."

"I love your use of 'our'." Klaus teases.

"I once remember Elijah saying 'what's mine is yours'. I also remember him saying that I could spend as much money as long as I want and I wouldn't make a dent in his bank account. I assume your bank is as big, if not bigger than Elijah's." Claire said. "Doing this small act of kindness will not break you but it will mean the world to your hybrids. Show them you're willing to take care of them and they will take care of you."

"As I said, you drive a hard bargain." He said moving closer to her.

"And what is your decision?" She asks as he stops in front of her.

"I doubt your threat of the silent treatment is a bluff and I would rather not wish to test my ability to outlast you-"

"You don't have that ability" Claire smirks. "I'm very stubborn." Klaus laughs quietly and shakes his head.

"I've figured that out, love" He mutters. He cups her cheek lightly. "I'll do as you ask not only because you want me too but because I want too. I suppose it will be more satisfying to have willing followers rather than forced." She smiles. "Though, how do I keep them loyal? Keep them from betraying me?"

"Treat them fairly. Keep their families safe and dependent and they'll be loyal." Klaus smirks deeply.

"There's a little deviousness in you after all" He mutters gripping her chin lightly.

"Guess you're rubbing off on me" She whispers.

"Not too much I hope" He whispers in return. "Never lose your kind heart but never let anybody take advantage of it." He warns. "Your kindness is your strength, do not stoop to any level lower, that's my job." He presses his lips on hers. She smiles and leans into him.

"Now that that's done, I guess I should inform you that Stefan's been waiting outside to talk to you about the cure. Apparently, their having complications and he's getting antsy" Klaus grins amused.

"Then I suppose I should go talk to him." He kisses her again. "I'm glad we had this chat"

"Me too" She whispers. He places his lips on her forehead gently before leaving the room. She watches him leave before sitting back at her vanity.

"How are you holding up?" Claire looks up quickly seeing Caroline standing there.

"As good as one can" Claire shrugs. Caroline walks into the room and looks around.

"You have your own room for clothes" Caroline whispers in awe. "Have I ever told you how jealous I am of you?" Caroline teases though there's some truth in her words. Claire smiles and approaches her sister.

"We're a package deal, remember?" Claire smiles. "We have a spare room, it's yours if you want it"

"Tempting... very tempting" Caroline grins. The two of them laugh quietly. "Are you going to the Winter Wonderland charity event?"

"Yes, we were going to make an appearance" Claire smirks.

"Look at you, talking like a celebrity." Caroline teases.

"Well, the Mikaelson's are pretty much famous in this town and ever since I got knocked up the first time, I've been the hot topic." Claire shrugs. Caroline grins but soon turns serious.

"I broke up with Tyler," She said. Claire's head snapped towards her. "My decision, not Tyler's."

"Why?" Claire asked.

"Hayley" Caroline grumbled walking over to the sofa. She collapses on it. Claire follows her. "They were together. Tyler said it was a 'no strings attached' situation as if that's supposed to make it better" Caroline scoffs. Claire pulls her into a hug. Tears slowly fall down Caroline's face, her head resting on Claire's shoulders. "You warned me... You warned me and I didn't listen."

"Stubborn bitch" Claire muttered. The two of them laugh. "I'll make him regret it" Claire whispers. "I'll make him regret fucking with us, for being such a shit father to Madelyn. He'll regret all of it when I'm done with him." She whispers.

"So dark" Caroline jokes but looks at her sister with concern.

"I warned him, Caroline," Claire said standing up. "I told him what would happen if he abandoned me and Madelyn, he didn't listen and he abandoned us. I told him what would happen if he hurt you, he didn't listen. How many freebies am I supposed to give him?" Claire snapped. "And now, he's corrupted the hybrids and he's planning on killing my mate!" Claire paces in front of her. "He's hurt my family too many times, I won't allow him to do any more harm."

"So, what are you going to do?" Caroline asks wiping her tears. Claire's face softens and she takes a seat beside Caroline again.

"I'm going to make sure my sister is alright" Claire whispers hugging her tightly. Caroline clenches her eyes shut and lays her head on Claire's shoulders. "You're going to find him... or her" Claire whispers. "Whoever they are and they are going to be amazing. More than you can ever dream and show you happiness you can never imagine."

"Sounds amazing" Caroline sniffles.

"It is and when you find them, the wait will be worth it, I promise you," Claire whispers resting her head on Caroline's.

"Thank you" Caroline whispers. Claire hums. "For being my sister." Claire smiles and hugs Caroline tighter.

"I couldn't have dreamed of having a better sister" Claire whispers. "Except for maybe Penelope." Caroline gives her a playful nudge and they giggle.

"You know whatever Tyler and Hayley have planned... it'll happen tonight" Caroline warns.

"I figured as much" Claire whispered. Caroline sits up and wipes her tears.

"I should get going," Caroline said standing up. "I have to look presentable for the party." Caroline smiles at her sister though Claire could still see the pain in her eyes.

"I'll see you there" Caroline grins and nods.

"Oh, are you bringing Madelyn?" Caroline asked before she left the room completely.

"I don't think it'll be very safe" Caroline nods in agreement. The twins smiled at each other before Caroline left. Claire sighs and stands up. She walks towards her dresses, most of them red because heaven forbid she wears a different color.

"You look wonderful, darling" Claire smiles and spins on her heels to face Kol. He grins and walks closer to her.

"You better take a good look at it now because, in a couple of months, nothing flattering is going to fit," Claire warns him. Kol smirks and pulls her into his arms.

"And I'll still find you sexy and desirable." He mumbles pulling her into a kiss. She grins. Her body molds into his. "Please tell me that it doesn't matter that you're pregnant, I can still have you."

Claire smirks and seductively drags her fingers down his chest. Her other hand slithers through his hair. She kisses him again and captures his bottom lip between her teeth. She tugs at it, he moans and slams her back against the wall. She giggles responding to the heated kiss he places on her lips.

"It doesn't matter" She whispers to him.

"Good to know" He grins grinding his hips into hers.

"Don't" She whispers. He pouts. "We have to get to the charity event"

"The event isn't going anywhere, we have plenty of time," Kol grumbles.

"If we all make it out of this alive tonight, I promise I'll make the wait worth it." She smirks at him.

"You're a seductress, my love," He whispers to her. "And you have me under your spell." She smiles and grazes his hand along his cheek.

"I love you" She whispers. He smiles and kisses her gently. He mutters his love for her in her ear. "I'm going to check on Madelyn then we can get going." Kol nods following her to her daughters' room. "Megan personally told me I could trust you two," Claire said looking at the two hybrids protecting Madelyn.

"You can" The woman, Alison, speaks up. "We'll protect Madelyn with our lives, you have our word."

"I'm sure you ill know what will happen should you fail and something happens to Madelyn," Kol said nonchalantly with a devious, bloodthirsty smile. The hybrids glance at each other uneasily and then at Claire who had an expectant look on her face. They both knew if something happened to Madelyn, Claire wouldn't stop Kol or any of the Mikaelson's from tearing them apart.

"We understand" The male, Oliver, confirms. Claire smiles at the pair of them.

"Don't worry, I don't think anything will happen. Just keep her inside and everything will be fine" Claire assures them. The two hybrids smile and nod. Claire kneels beside Madelyn. Madelyn reaches for her mother and Claire picks her up. "I love you" Claire gives her an Eskimo kiss making Madelyn giggle. "Be a good girl for mommy" Claire whispers bouncing Madelyn around. Claire presses a long kiss on Madelyn's forehead. "I love you, baby girl, I love you so much." She whispers before setting Madelyn down and leaving with Kol.

"She'll be safe, love" Kol assures her.

"I know but I just can't help but worry," Claire whispers. Kol smiles and kisses her head. They meet the others down on the main floor before getting into the cars and heading to the center of town.

"I have to admit... I'm impressed" Kol mutters looking at the decorations and the fake snow falling. Claire shoots him a grin before they all climb out of the car.

"Want anything, Princess?" Finn asks coming up on the other side of her.

"No, I'm fine" Claire smiles at him. She then turns to Klaus. "Where's you're painting?" She asks.

"Allow me to escort you," He says squeezing his way between her and Kol. Kol growls quietly not liking the idea of being separated, even if it's just a few feet. Knowing his little brother was annoyed, Klaus smirk widens. Claire rolls her eyes at the pair of them.

"It truly is beautiful," Claire says when she and Klaus come to a stop in front of the painting. He thanks her quietly. "The brother colors, the detail...Perfection" Claire praises. Klaus soaks it in.

"It's a bloody snowflake" Kol mutters. Henrik snorts. Klaus shoots them a glare. "Oh don't get me wrong, a very... pretty... snowflake" Kol shrugs. Klaus rolls his eyes at him.

"There's Caroline" Claire mutters. "I'll be right back." She walks away from them knowing fully well they were keeping an eye on her. "Caroline" Her sister turns to her.

"Wow, do you own any other color?" Caroline teases.

"Well, I know what works" Claire smirks. Caroline looks at her mates and knew what she meant.

"Tease" Caroline smirks. Claire grins and shrugs. "Have you figured out what Tyler and Hayley are up too?"

"No.. I haven't seen them yet" Claire grumbles looking around. She notices Penelope with Hanna. Claire grins and waves at the two of them, the mother and daughter wave back. "Have you seen Klaus's painting yet?"

"No," Caroline said. Claire grins and pulls her sister towards the painting.

"It's it beautiful?" Claire asks.

"Nice snowflake" Caroline compliments Klaus.

"Is my work really that literal?" Klaus wonders slightly annoyed. Claire smiles and kisses his cheek. Kol smirks from across the room knowing that his comments had gotten under his brothers' skin.

"I'm serious" Caroline tells him. "There's something... happy about it." Klaus smiles at her before smiling at Claire.

"I have every reason to be happy" Claire smiles and kisses him softly. "How about a dance, love?" Klaus whispers.

"Not before I get a dance," Henrik said whisking Claire away. Claire laughs as Henrik lifts and spins her away from Klaus. He practically carries her out of the room and towards where everyone is dancing.

"Hello, Henrik" Claire grins at him.

"Hello, Angel" Henrik smiles and twirls Claire. The two of them danced until Henrik passed her to Elijah who eventually passed her to Finn. Claire mingled with her friends and danced some more with Kol and then Klaus.

"It's been a peaceful night" Klaus notes.

"A little too peaceful" She whispers. Klaus frowns at her answer. "What is it?" She mutters tilting her head.

"You shouldn't be used to chaos," He tells her. "You shouldn't have to worry about all this drama and nonsense."

"This is my life now, Klaus," She tells him. "And I'm perfectly happy with it."

"You'd be happier without all the troubles." He says swaying side to side to the music. "Without having to worry about which hybrid is loyal and which isn't. Which vampire you can trust and which you can't. Without worrying about hunters and witches." He whispers. "You deserve a normal life."

"I would rather spend my life worrying about the loyalty of the hybrids and all the drama that comes with the vampires, werewolves, and witches. I would rather worry about the hunters and have an abnormal life than not know you. I choose you, your brothers, over a normal boring life every day." Klaus smiles and presses his forehead on hers. "I love you and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"I love you" He replies going to kiss her but freezes.

"What is it?" She whispers. He leans up and turns to the side. She follows his gaze and notices Hayley walking towards them. Klaus pushes Claire behind his back.

"I don't want any trouble," Hayley says instantly.

"Then speak your piece and leave" Claire snipped. Hayley glances at her before looking at Klaus.

"The hybrids are planning to trap you in another body and bury you in concrete until they can find a way to kill you for good" Claire could feel Klaus's anger burning. "Tyler's leading them, he also plans to take Madelyn while everyone is focused on Klaus," Hayley warns them.

"Where are the hybrids?" Klaus growls. Claire frowns her eyebrows and watches Hayley closely.

"In the woods... not far from the Lockwood cellars," Hayley tells him.

"Stay with my brothers, love" Klaus said before walking away.

"Klaus, wait... Klaus!" Claire said following him but he was too fast. He disappears. She clenches her fist and turns towards Hayley, who's walking away. "Hayley... Hayley!"

"Going somewhere, love?" Kol smirks appearing in front of Hayley. The werewolf glares at Kol and knew she had no choice but to face his mate. Hayley turns towards Claire. The short siphoner marches up to the werewolf, the noble Original standing very tall and intimidating behind her. Hayley glances around and notices that she is discretely surrounded by the remaining Mikaelson's.

"What's your play here?" Claire snapped.

"What do you mean?" Hayley asked.

"I mean, what the fuck are you doing?" She snapped quietly. "You've been working with Tyler, with the hybrids this entire time and suddenly you betray them? Why?"

"Maybe I didn't like the fact that Tyler used me to cheat on Caroline" Hayley shrugged.

"Bullshit, you don't give a damn about that." Claire glares at her. "What are you doing, Hayley?"

"I'm giving you a heads up. I don't owe Tyler or the hybrids anything." Hayley said. "Let's just say I had a change of heart." She shrugs.

"You're a lying, backstabbing bitch" Claire snapped.

"I do what I have to do and damn the consequences" Hayley snapped back. She then smirked at Claire. "You should know a little something about that by now"

"Excuse me?" Claire snapped moving closer to Hayley. Elijah growls but wraps his arms around Claire, holding her to her chest. Kol does something similar to Hayley but one of his hands discretely wraps around her throat.

"You're either brave or stupid for talking to my mate like that" Kol growled in her ear. His grip tightens, his other arm holds her arms down. "I'd say you're stupid." He snapped.

"Kol," Claire says reluctantly.

"Yes, love of my life?" Kol asks sweetly.

"Not here... Not now." Kol growls annoyed.

"Count your lucky stars, little bitch" Kol growled. "You won't be lucky forever" He snipped before shoving Hayley away from him. Hayley stumbles and gasps for breath. Hayley looks at Kol then to Claire and Elijah. Claire could see the nervousness, the fear in her eyes. The werewolf turns to walk away but bumps into Finn. She stumbles back before quickly walking around him.

"Elijah, can you go home and check on Madelyn?" Claire asks softly. He nods kissing her forehead. He glances at Kol, the two of them having a silent conversation. Kol nods before Elijah leaves. Kol moves closer to Claire making it clear he wasn't leaving her. "Finn, can you find Klaus?"

"I'll find him, don't worry," Finn assures her before disappearing as well. Henrik moves closer to his mate.

"I don't know what Hayley is playing at but I don't trust her" Claire whispers nervously. Kol kisses the side of her head, spins her to him and starts to sway to the music.

"Elijah will make sure Madelyn is safe. Finn will make sure Klaus doesn't do something stupid. Hayley isn't here right now neither is Tyler. Just focus on us beautiful." Kol whispers in her ear before spinning her into Henrik's arms. After a few peppering kisses, Henrik finally gains a smile from Claire.