*Happy Birthday to Me!*

"Faulty Gas line leads to tragic explosion at Young farm." Claire read in a slightly questioning voice. She looks up from the newspaper that rests on the island. She shifts Madelyn to her other hip, her eyes looking between Elijah and Klaus. The two of them were sitting at the table. Elijah had his ankle resting on his leg, drinking some tea mixed with blood. Klaus stat beside him sketching quietly. "I didn't think you two were the blowing up type."

"You're right." Elijah nods setting the tea down on the table. "We didn't blow up the farm. The fire started on the inside, we just didn't attempt to save anybody."

"Blowing people up is too quick" Klaus grumbles obviously upset about not getting his hands on revenge. He wanted to kill them personally for coming after his family, after his mate, after Madelyn.

"They blew themselves up?" Claire asked frowning her eyebrows. "Why would anybody do that?" She wonders.

"Don't know, don't care" Klaus shrugs. "They're dead. We don't have to worry about the bleeding council anymore." He smirks slightly.

"Morning" Hanna said walking into the kitchen.

"Good morning" Claire smiles at her. "Klaus is sending some of the hybrids over to your house today. Depending on the damage, you'll be back home by the end of the week at the latest." Claire informs her.

"Thank you" She says sincerely.

"It's no problem. I'm just glad everyone is alive and safe." Claire says. Hanna nods in agreement as she began to make breakfast for the humans in the house.

"Tyler was attacked this morning." Caroline blurts walking into the kitchen.

"Good morning to you too" Claire says sarcastically. She walks around the island and puts Madelyn in her high chair.

"I was with him this morning and some guy named Conner comes an starts interrogating the Mayor." Caroline says completely ignoring her little sisters remark. "He was asking why she wasn't with the council when they blew up. Then he starts shooting Tyler."

"Looks like we're not the only people he's pissed off." Claire mutters not caring if the boy lived or died.

"They've never met before." Caroline told her.

"A hunter?" Elijah suggests.

"Great. Something else to worry about." Claire mutters rolling her eyes.

"Hunters are fairly easy to get rid of love" Klaus assures. "Especially since the hunter has nothing that can kill us." Klaus says referring to himself and his vampire siblings. Claire gives him a thankful smile. 

"Well, get rid of him before he figures out my twin is a vampire and goes after her. I kind of like her, I want to keep her around." Claire grins giving her sister a playful wink. Caroline rolls her eyes but smiles.

"Consider it my top priority" Klaus says grinning at his mate. Claire blows him a kiss and he winks at her.

"You seem to be in a better mood." Caroline noticed walking over to her sister.

"Well, everyone I love survived yesterday's fiasco. It does me no good to dwell on the past so, I guess I am happy." Claire smiles at her. Caroline grins and hugs her.

"Oh, and Elena's a vampire" Caroline brought up pulling away from her sister.

"I very distinctly remember bleeding Elena dry of her blood." Klaus says looking at Caroline.

"And she died with vampire blood in her system thanks to Dr. Fell." Claire informs him. "Matt came by yesterday and told us while you were out not blowing farms up." Klaus smirks slightly.

"Well, this just got slightly more interesting." He mutters sharing a glance with his brother. Slowly Asher, Archie and Penny began to come down for breakfast. They sat at the island quietly, none of them being morning people. Hanna served them the breakfast she finished cooking before giving a plate to Claire.

"Are you going to the ceremony today?" Caroline asked walking over to Madelyn. She pulls up a seat and begins to feed her niece.

"Go to a ceremony for people who tried to kill us? I think I'll pass." Claire rolls her eyes.

"Ceremony for what?" Penny asks before stuffing her face with food.

"The ton is holding a ceremony for the members of the council that died last night." Hanna told her.

"The people who attacked us?" Archie asks raising an eyebrow. "Why would they have a ceremony for them?"

"Because in the eye of the public they were normal towns people who held regular jobs within the town." Hanna explains. "Not everybody is aware of the supernatural" She reminds her kids.

"Kind of hard not to be aware." Archie mutters sarcastically. Claire gives him an amused grin.

"The whole town's going to be there." Caroline told Claire glancing at her between giving Madelyn her baby good.

"Which means this hunter you've told us about will most likely be there as well." Klaus realizes. He stands up and walks to Claire. He kisses Madelyn's head on the way to his mate making the almost one-year-old giggle. "Seeing as it is more than likely that the hunter will be there, I want Claire and Madelyn as far away from that place as possible."

"I don't think you should go either, Care" Claire said glancing at her sister nervously.

"Tyler's adamant about going so I'm going with him." Claire pressed her lips together. Claire gives her a reluctant look. "Claire, he's going after Tyler.. I have to be there for him."

"Tyler's a big boy and I'm sure Stefan, Damon and all of them will be there to protect the little mutt." Claire mutters rolling her eyes. Caroline sighs slightly annoyed. She was starting to get tired of Claire's attitude towards Tyler but she still could understand why Claire hated him so she never said anything.

"They don't care about Tyler, they're not going to protect him." Caroline said. "Don't argue with me on this, I'm going." Caroline said sternly.

"Well, looks like we're going too." Claire sighs shrugging.

"No" Klaus shakes his head instantly. He stands beside Claire gripping her arm. "This is obviously a trap, it doesn't take a genius to figure that out." He tells her.

"And I'm not just going to let my sister walk into it alone." Claire said giving him a look. Klaus returns it clenching his jaw. His grip tightening around her arm. Kol appear besides him in an instant. Kol grabs Klaus's hand snapping his wrist.

"Don't grab her like that" Kol growled shoving his brother.  Klaus growls back putting his wrist back in place.

"Boys, don't start" Claire said not wanting them to fight in front of her younger siblings. 

"Darling, he was hurting you" Kol snapped lightly taking her arm and she holds back a wince. Klaus's face falls slightly.

"I'm fine" Claire assures Klaus. "I'm not mad of glass" Kol wraps his arms around her waist holding her against his chest possessively.

"I'm sorry, love" Klaus mutters refusing to make eye contact. Claire sighs. This wasn't the first time any of them have given her a bruise. Even Henrik's bruised her before and he's human. She just has delicate skin.

"It's fine" Claire reaches out for his hand. He looks at it before grabbing her. He walks closer ignoring his Kol's growls. Klaus places a gentle kiss on Claire's forehead.

"Elskan, if I may say something" Elijah speaks up. Klaus lets Claire go and takes a few steps back. Claire sighs and turns her attention to Elijah. "Why not have one of us go with your sister?" He suggests standing up. "You stay here with Madelyn, safe, and we'll make sure Caroline is safe as well." Elijah suggests walking towards the sink putting his cup down. He didn't want Claire to go to this either but was more willing to speak diplomatically unlike his demanding brother.

Claire contemplates it. She didn't like her sister going to the ceremony without her. She knew it was dangerous. She felt like her and her sister were better together than apart.

"I don't need a baby sitter" Caroline complained. Elijah presses his lips together and sighs. He knew Caroline didn't need a baby sitter. He knew she could handle herself. However, he also knew that this was one of the only ways he could keep Claire home and give her a peace of mind. Otherwise Caroline would find a way to go with her sister or stay home and worry her beautiful head off.

"Would you rather have Claire come with you or one of us?" Klaus snipped thinking the same as Elijah. Caroline presses her lips together but understands.

"I still think I should go with you Caroline... I don't like the thought-"

"I'll take Elijah" Caroline spoke up. She glances at the noble brother and he nods in agreement. "You stay here with Madelyn and Elijah will make sure nothing happens to me."

"Fine" Claire reluctantly agrees. Caroline smiles at her sister. "But be careful, both of you." She said eyeing her and Elijah.

"We'll be fine, Elskan... We'll come straight back." Elijah assures her. He kisses her gently before leaving with Caroline.

"Why don't we do something today?" Klaus suggests. 

"Like what?" Claire mutters her mind still concentrating on the fact the Elijah and Caroline were walking into certain danger.

"You haven't been to the barn lately" Klaus say. Claire smiles as she thinks about her time with Henrik at the barn.

"You have a barn here?" Penny asked.

"Full of horses" Claire smiles at her.

"And I'm just now finding out about this?!" Penny shouts. Claire grins widely and giggles. Klaus grins happy to see Claire's mood lightening. Kol whined slightly not wanting to go out horseback riding. He never really liked any animals.

"Why don't you go get dressed and I'll take you out back." Claire promises. Penny nods and dashes off to her room. "You two are more than welcome to come join us" Claire says looking at the boy twins.

"We're good" They both said at the same time. Claire smiles and shakes her head.

"There's more to life than video games" Hanna tells them.

"And that's spending the day with mindless animals?" Archie asks raising his eyebrows.

"Have you ever even been around a horse? I can assure you, they've got minds. Minds of their own." Claire says. Archie shrugs not really caring. "I'm assuming you want to stay with them and play video games?" Claire asks Kol, who's still holding her.

"I want to be wherever you are" He mutters kissing her cheek.

"I won't be upset if you stay" Claire grins at him. He smirks and kisses her on the lips.

"Thank you, Darling"

"You don't need my permission to do something or not to do something, Kol. You're your own person." She reminds him. He simply nuzzles his head into her neck.

"Kol, you ready?" Asher asked standing up from his spot.

"For what? You to get your ass kicked?" Kol smirks disappearing with the twins.

"Pigs, I've raised pigs." Hanna shakes her head grabbing her son's plates. Claire laughs and helps her clean up as Henrik and Finn join them in the kitchen.

"Any food left?" Henrik asks. Claire makes him a plate and hands it over. He grins grabbing the plate, wraps an arm around her and pulls her to him. She grins and kisses his lips softly. "Thank you, baby" He mutters.

"You're welcome." She whispers back. "Penny, Klaus..." She holds his name out and glances at him. Klaus gives her a nod and she smiles. "Penny, Klaus and I are going to the barn in a little bit. Would you two care to join us?" 

"Mmm, the barn, huh?" Henrik winks at Claire causing her to blush. "I'd love too." He nods eating quickly.

"If it'll make you happy" Finn says kissing her lightly. She grips his shirt and pulls him close. He presses her against the island.

"You always make me happy" She whispers to him. He smiles caressing her face gently.

"I would love to join you, Princess" He whispers kissing her again.

"I'm ready! I'm ready!" Penny said hopping into the kitchen. Finn quickly pulls away from Claire slightly startled. Claire smiles kissing his cheek effectively relaxing him. She looks at Penny and grins.

"Well, I guess we can get a head start while Mr. Slow Poke over here gets ready" Claire winks at Henrik while he wiggles his eyebrows at her. Claire gives him a gentle kiss before walking out the door with Penny, Klaus and Finn.

"Wow" Penny whispers seeing all of the horses. A few hybrids were here and there taking care of them. "I want to ride that one!" Penny said walking up to a tall Appaloosa.

"Maverick" Claire says. "Do you know how to tack up a horse?" Claire asks. She shakes her head. "I'll show you."

Klaus chooses the horse across from the one Penny's riding. He brushes the gelding while watching Claire teach Penny about the horse. He smiles at her. She seemed like she was in her element. She's relaxed, comfortable but most importantly, she's happy.

Once all the horses were tacked up, warmed up and ready to go, they mounted. Henrik joined them and they set off on a trail. Klaus takes the lead (surprise, surprise), with Claire and Penny riding side by side behind him. Finn and Henrik ride behind them.

"I can't remember the last time I road a horse." Henrik fidgets in the saddle. In his human life Klaus was still teaching him how to ride. He remembered the basics but that's about it.

"You're doing fine, just loosen your reins a bit and relax, the horse can feel you tensing." Finn advises him. Henrik nods and takes his advice. They continue to ride throughout the property, the only ones really talking are Penny and Claire.

"I'm really glad you and mom met" Penny said. Claire smiles at her. "I've always wanted a sister. I love Archie and Asher but they can be mean."

"Their boys, boys can be mean." Claire told her. "But girls can be even more annoying." Claire tells her. "You just need to find out what annoys them. Not just something that they can brush off their shoulder, no, you need to find what annoys them to their core and just keep doing it." Penny grins and giggles.

Henrik grins as an idea pops into his mind. He sees a hill up ahead. He raises his hand and mutters a spell under his breath. The trees lean over the path connecting together making an arch. Dozens of different flowers appear and dangle down on vines.

"Wow" Penny whisper. Henrik smirks as Claire looks back at him. He gives her an innocent smile. He felt a small sense of pride knowing he's impressed her.

"Show off" Klaus mutters. Finn smirks but doesn't tell Henrik what Klaus muttered.

When they returned to the barn, Penny practically darts to the house to tell Hanna all that's happened. Claire helps take care of the horses before walking back to the house with the others.

"I'm going to take a shower" She announces. She gives her mates a quick kiss before going up to the bathroom. She takes her clothes off before sliding under the nice, warm water. She hums closing her eyes enjoying the feeling of the water cascading down her body.

Before she can start with her shampoo the door opens and quickly shuts. She senses it's one of her mates, so she doesn't freak about someone just walking in on her. She hears them undress before joining her. She grins widely seeing Elijah has returned safe and sound. However, she can feel the stress radiating off of him.

"Rough day?" She asks. He looks into her eyes not answering. He doesn't need too. "Is everyone alright?" She whispers. He nods.

"He attacked, as we thought he would but nobody died." He promises her. Claire relaxes. "You went riding today" He note shaving smelled the scent of the horses on her clothes.

"You should have seen Penny's face when she found out we had horses" Claire grins. He smiles back while moving closer to her. "Thank you for going with Caroline." She whispers.

"Anything for you" He mutters before kissing her lips. Claire runs her hands up and down his chest holding to help alleviate some of his stress from the days events. Her hands go up to his shoulders, messaging them.

His hands gently glide along her skin. His hands cup her ass and give a firm squeeze pulling her up against his chest, deepening the kiss. She moans softly as his fingers dig into her skin. He lifts her off her feet, pressing her back into the shower wall. Her legs hook around her waist, her arms draping around his shoulders.

"Elijah" She whispers in his ear as his lips travel down her neck. Feeling the need to keep this moving, one of her hands moves between their bodies. She grips him lightly. He smirks as she aligns him. He slowly pushes into her. She moans loudly, pressing her head against the shower wall.

Elijah gradually picks up speed before digging his fangs into her neck. She gasps clinging to him like a lifeline. He could feel his stress being washed away. He could feel his body relax as he releases inside of her and her release around him. Her thick, rich blood falls down his throat satisfying him more than any blood bag or any other open vein.

"I love you" He mutters before kissing her with everything he has.