Freya agreed to wait.

One day, that was all Elijah asked of her. One day for an 'important event' and then, she'd be welcomed into the Compound for brunch. She didn't mind, and she seemed to know exactly what the event was without needing to press on further.

"Are you sure you don't want to spend the night at my apartment?" offered Andra. "I really wouldn't mind."

"I've found temporary accommodations," Freya assured her. "Please, do not worry about me. You are very kind. It is good to know that my father had someone he could find comfort in. Even if he could not bring himself to say that he did."

"How did you know? How could–?"

"I kept track of my family for a very long time. Never able to approach but always finding ways to learn what they were up to. I knew how much you meant to him. And I knew when I saw you together that something about your relationship was fractured. When you told me what you were... I realized what was wrong."

"I didn't think it was possible for a witch to restore the memories taken by Malivore."

"I do not think it would be, most of the time. However, you and my father shared an emotional bond made physical by the gift he gave you. I used it and it worked. I do not believe I could repeat the same trick with someone you were less close to or someone you did not receive a gift from."

"That's the only one I needed," whispered Andra. "Thank you, Freya. I don't know how I could repay you for it."

"You brought my father to me, Andra Clarke. You do not need to repay me."

"I will do whatever I can to free you, Freya. That, I promise you."

The woman reached out, brushing her knuckles over Andra's face. "How I always wanted a sister. Now I may have two."

Despite her insistence that Freya ought to stay somewhere more comfortable (given she refused to admit where exactly she was spending the night), Andra left her at the St. Louis Cathedral and returned to her apartment.

She slept as peacefully as Landon, hugging him to her chest and smiling to herself, wondering how long it would take for Mikael to return. Now that he remembered her, what would happen? Maybe they could go back to their regular training sessions. Maybe they could sit and talk at a bar the way they used to and she could explain everything that'd happened with Malivore. With Freya in the picture, would he be more gentle? Would he be as tender as he'd been when he handed those knives back to her, crying because he remembered how much he cared for her at long last?

She didn't know but she was eager to find out. And she hoped that somewhere along the way he could find it in himself to respect his actual children. She doubted he would ever apologize but perhaps laying off of Klaus could be a start.

The next day, all anyone could focus on was the wedding. Andra scrambled to prepare everything they needed to spend the day at the Compound, ironing and setting items out while Ryan handled bathing Landon, and then himself so Andra could focus on her dress and accessories.

"Look at you, tiny tuxedo," she cooed, holding Landon up. "It fits perfectly! Say, thank you Ryan for dressing me up!"

"You're welcome, buddy," said Ryan, motioning for Andra to fix his tie.

She reached out to adjust it. "Cami agreed to watch Landon alongside Hope. Won't that be nice, Landon? You already have a little friend."

"I still can't believe she's alive," said Ryan. "You know what it means, don't you? For the future?"

"Yes. In the far future. Something we can't bring up with the Mikaelsons anytime soon."

"I know. But I'm really excited."

"So am I. Look at this! A wedding! I haven't attended a wedding in so long! Such a beautiful day."

"You're in good spirits. I'll have to thank Freya for having put the light back in your eyes. Hey–" he caught her arm, lips curling into a smile. "I don't think this is a situation where 'congratulations' is said, even if it feels like it deep down, but I will still say it. Congratulations. I'm happy for you, Malia. I'm happy that Mikael remembers you."

"I'm happy, too," she said, pulling him into a hug. "I just wish you could have known him the way I did. Or had someone like that."

"I didn't need or want him or anyone. I had you. I wanted a sister and I wanted to be a brother. You, on the other hand, were created with this fire, and it couldn't be contained. You needed guidance in a way I couldn't provide and I'm thankful you got it. And now you're going to pass it on to Landon." He squeezed his brother's cheek lightly, "Aren't you a lucky boy?"

"I wouldn't know how to take care of him if you hadn't taken care of me all those years, Ry. It's because of you that I was even able to find Mikael. I know I don't say it enough but I appreciate you. If there's one thing Malivore gave me, it was the best big brother I could have asked for."

He hugged her again, almost squishing Landon between them. "I love you guys," said Ryan. "And I hope one day, we can have this. Some... some event celebrating us, doesn't have to be a wedding. Could be a birthday party, an engagement party, some gathering because we win a fucking award, anything. We need to learn we have value, too. We are worth being recognized. Even if we are just seen as Malivore spawn by most of the supernatural world, pests that can't be eliminated, we need to remember that we are more than that. We are badass and in Landon's case, very lethal when not fed on the dot."

Landon squealed as Ryan tickled his neck. "Don't worry, buddy," said Andra, "we're going to make sure you have the finest formula available tonight. When you're older, we can go to another wedding party so you can enjoy the food. Ah... I still can't believe it. A wedding! Dresses and food and music and just... happiness."

"Party," said Ryan in a sing-song voice, dragging out the 'y.' "So, the apartment is going to be empty tonight."

"Is that a statement or a question? 'Cause if it's a question then, uh, am I supposed to be going somewhere? You kind of have to let me know about these things in advance so I know where Landon and I are staying."

"No. The apartment is going to be empty for you. I'm spending the night at Gia's."

"Great. Landon and I will probably go right to bed, depending how tired we are."

"You're so boring. You said it yourself: it's a wedding, for fuck's sake! You don't let yourself have fun. Cami could easily keep an eye on Landon overnight. She already told me she's staying at the Compound! She loves babies! Let loose, Malia. It would be good for you. I want you to promise me that you will do something entirely for yourself tonight."

"I'll see if anyone catches my eye," she relented. "And we'll see what kind of fun I have. It may just be taking a few shots with someone new."

"Good! Something, anything, please, Malia. Even if at the end of the day it is just relaxing for one night without your annoying brothers. Be selfish for once. We deserve it. We've been through too much to continue denying ourselves the small things in life."

They arrived early, volunteering to help set up for the wedding. Ryan loved decorating (even if he'd often pretend he was being forced into it) and Andra simply enjoyed bossing people around. Landon could be entertained with anything; in this case, he had fun meeting Hope, who was fascinated by the streamers.

"Oh, look at you two," said Cami, watching them roll around on a playmat. Andra peeked over between barking orders at one of the maids, who'd nearly dropped a centerpiece because she was gawking at the flower delivery man.

"That should be all," said Andra, motioning for the ballroom to be cleared. "Do you know if Hayley needs help getting ready? I realized it's a little late for me to be asking that, but..."

"Rebekah's been with her all day," said Cami, waving her hand. "She got her a dress, promised to do her hair, and I think she is forcing her to wear heels, too. Nothing else needs to be done. I'm sure she'll be thankful you helped make this place look so beautiful."

"This screams royal wedding. I like it. I'm surprised Klaus was okay with this."

Cami smirked. "He's not the happiest with the arrangement but no way in hell would he let Hayley have a boring wedding."

Andra could only imagine what Klaus might come up with if he one day decided he wanted to get married. He seemed self-indulgent enough to hire photographers, live painters, and probably an entire orchestra, not to mention purchasing five different types of cake.

And if Cami was his bride... well, that wedding would be truly spectacular.

She helped Cami and the two babies get settled in the upstairs study once people began to arrive. She popped in to check on Hayley, who had been left looking absolutely stunning. Rebekah's touch was even more magical in a witch body.

Ryan had picked their seats, saving space for Marcel, Gia, Davina, and Josh. The witch arrived first, disappointed that Landon was missing, but happy once Josh came and asked if she could move one seat over to make room for Aiden, who was apparently his partner. Andra and Ryan smiled at each other when they heard this, and made sure to also shift down the row to make enough space.

"Didn't tell me you'd be here."

She glanced up as Marcel arrived. "I got back early," chirped Andra, motioning for Gia, who was behind him, to sit directly beside Ryan. "Nice suit," she let her eyes trace over his body, almost considering herself to be flustered when she saw how good he looked. Had he always been this handsome? "You clean up well."

"Didn't think me capable of it?" he asked, holding a hand over his heart. "Rude." He leaned closer, "You're looking pretty dapper yourself."

"Thanks," she said, smoothing down the skirt of her dress. "I found it at a thrift store a few weeks ago and made some alterations. I really like how it turned out."

"It suits you," said Marcel. Considering he met Andra when she was wearing a dress, he shouldn't have been at such a loss for words. Why did he find it hard to talk to her now that she looked like this? She'd always been beautiful, but there was something ethereal in the way she'd put a dash of glitter on her eyelids, gloss on her lips, and let her hair down. She glowed more than ever and it was incredibly hard to look away.

This woman could kill me if she wanted to. She's probably armed and ready to decimate anyone who tries to ruin this for Hayley.

Somehow, that sounded thrilling.

"Landon doing okay?" asked Marcel, opting to change the subject.

"Yes, he's upstairs with Cami." She winked, and Marcel nodded, understanding that this meant Hope was there, too. A choice few of them knew the truth now that Hope was back in town, but the majority of the wedding party (mainly the wolves and other vampires) remained unaware. "I'm sure he's happier singing the ABCs than sitting here having to be quiet. Oh," she put a hand on her chest when she saw Hayley making her way toward them. "She is just stunning."

The same could be said about you.

The same could be said about you, too.

They got to their feet as Hayley made her entrance. The guests turned to the middle aisle, where the hybrid waited for her groom, nodding to both sides and accepting Jackson's hand when he arrived. The two walked together, splitting at the staircases that led up to the balcony, an orchestra beneath playing as they made their ascent.

"Please, be seated," said the wolf Elder conducting the ceremony; Jackson's grandmother, Mary Dumas. "We gather together as a community seeking peace, inspired by this couple standing before you. There was a time when werewolves saw themselves not as cursed, but blessed with connection to our most pure selves. And tonight, we honor that blessing with the long-awaited unification of the two Crescent bloodlines." She bound Hayley and Jackson's wrists with a wreath of baby's breath flowers. "In doing so, we choose to embrace Hayley's vampire nature. With this union, Hayley will share her unique gifts with her pack."

Andra felt a tightness in her chest, not having fully internalized what this meant for Hayley until this moment, when she watched her and Jackson light their ceremonial candle. Uniting the wolves to keep them out of the witches' service, making a strong alliance to benefit her daughter. Had anyone asked Hayley how she was feeling about this? She knew Jackson liked Hayley and that Hayley was fond of Jackson, but Andra swore that there was something going on between Hayley and Elijah since she'd known them.

Whatever the hybrid was feeling, she didn't back down. She wasn't afraid, she wasn't even hesitant. Andra wondered how a person could feel that way when they were giving up their freedom. She could kill a million people in one day but she could never marry a person she didn't fully love just for an alliance. Hayley spoke her vows with a certainty in her voice, and when the ritual was done, she encouraged Jackson to kiss her as if everything was okay, as if this was right. When they withdrew, all the wolves around them began to whisper to each other. Andra turned to where Aiden sat. His eyes, like those of the entire Crescent Pack, glowed golden.

She faced Marcel, who had locked eyes with Gia, the two slightly nervous, but honoring the alliance they had made with Hayley and the wolves in preparation for the wedding.

"You really don't see a problem with this?" Marcel had asked when they learned of Klaus's deal with the wolves. "In one night, we'd be going from hunter to prey."

"Calm down," Andra had coaxed. "It levels the playing field. I doubt the wolves are going to attack you. They can't really get along with you if they feel they're constantly at a disadvantage. You have to realize you guys have never been the apex predators here. It just makes it a fair fight. Nobody is gonna hurt anyone. The wolves will feel better about being able to defend themselves and that's that."

"It's okay," said Andra, reaching out to take his hand. "Everything will be fine. Peaceful. You made a good choice for your community. I hope you know that. You're a good King. The city will thrive, Marcel."

He smiled, bringing her to her feet as the wedding party made for the street. "I heard they're having a big parade. Whoever ditches their shoes first owes the other a drink."

"I'll go ahead and forfeit right now." She held up her shoes, untwisting the heel. "I got adjustable ones for this very reason." She handed both heel attachments to Ryan, who just put them in his pocket before heading out with Gia. "I'll owe you a drink at the free wedding bar. Congratulations."

Marcel puffed out his chest. "I knew you wouldn't last."

"That's what she said," Andra cooed under her breath.

He wasn't sure how serious she was being about that. It was such a simple joke. Surely it was pure teasing. But it definitely made him gulp when she wasn't looking. I don't know why I want to prove her wrong.

Andra noticed he didn't respond, and wondered if she took it too far. Why did she care? Why did it matter? She wasn't challenging him intentionally. Was she?

The flats were more ideal as they followed Hayley and Jackson through the neighborhood, a jazz band announcing their procession. Andra let Marcel twirl her around, until it became a game of seeing who would manage to twirl hard enough to knock Ryan off his feet. Marcel flung her so hard, she nearly barreled into a couple of wolves they didn't even know. He reacted quickly, snapping her back toward him to prevent a catastrophic collision.

"I almost had them," she complained, wiggling out of his arms. "It would be considered bonding. Come on, we haven't actually knocked anyone to the ground."

"Well, I think we might be a bit too close to the front to do that," said Marcel, letting her spin once more before whipping her toward him. She crashed into his chest, immediately looking down to avoid eye contact. His heart skipped a beat when she put her hand on his shoulder, leaning forward to stabilize herself wordlessly. "How about we dance properly now?"

"How boring," she said, with a playful posh British accent. She mustered up the courage to look at him, placing one hand in his as she continued to grip his shoulder. "The spinning not fun for you?"

"It's very fun," he admitted, guiding her in a fairly uncoordinated waltz that was probably more dangerous than their little spinning top game. "But so is this."

She let out a sound somewhere between a hum of agreement and a small squeak as he slid a hand down to her waist. "Much more peaceful..."

"Is it?" he said, feeling the outline of a knife at her hip. "Just what I expected. Always prepared."

"I try to be prepared for everything," said Andra shakily. Everything except this. I don't know what to do when you're looking at me like that. When you're touching me like that. She wasn't sure why she'd never paid attention to how dashing his smile was. It really did have the ability to make someone weak at the knees.

"I can tell," said Marcel. Is she getting shy? I've never seen her be anything other than talkative. He tried to be casual as he led their dance, guiding them back to the Compound with the rest of the crowd. Andra didn't make many comments throughout, often looking ahead, which she hoped he would interpret as her wanting not to fall.

"Should we get that drink now?" he offered when the wedding party flooded back into the building.

"Yeah," she replied stupidly. "Drink would be nice."

Why couldn't she stop thinking about how good he looked in that suit? How different it was to hang out in a setting like this, one night in a rough year that they could relax and have fun together? She hated that her stomach kept knotting up, and random thoughts continued forcing their way into her mind. That smile, that damn smile, and those hands and how they felt touching her. How much she liked dancing with him, how she felt she could be playful and then serious without much effort to transition in between. He understood both sides and had them himself, too.

Ryan had encouraged her to have fun. This was fun. Marcel was fun. He was safety, he was happiness, he was home. New Orleans was her home because of him. Because he'd helped her stay there even when he could have forced her out of the city. And since then he'd done everything to keep her comfortable and free. He had no obligation to and he did it anyway.

Was this what her brother had been picking up on all those weeks ago? The way she felt around Marcel? How hadn't she thought about it? With so many things going on, she hadn't had a moment to sit and think until he touched her waist and her mind went oh. That feels nice. And it feels nice because I trust him, I enjoy him, I like spending time with him.

Is it safe? Am I safe? Malivore can't hurt me but he's not gone. Is this a risk I should take? To drag him into my messy life? Time and time again I love and I lose and I can't do it anymore, I don't think I can. Everyone I have ever cared about always winds up dead or gone and it's always my fault because I am a curse, I am created from a wicked monster that makes people disappear. Is it safe to open up and let someone in? What if I just get them hurt or killed?

It is safe. Freya thought so. I lost Mikael and I have him again. I lost Ryan and I have him again. I gained Landon when I thought I'd never have another sibling, never get to take care of a little one all on my own. I can have this, too. If I want it. If I am brave enough.

"Do you want to dance again?" she offered, once they'd downed a few shots and had some dinner. "Maybe in a less dangerous setting?"

"I thought we both lived for danger," said Marcel, accepting her hand. "Are you going soft on me, Andra Clarke?"

"Such accusations," she tried to tease, once again finding herself struggling to speak when his hand found her waist. "What else do people do at these things in the modern world? Is it still dancing and drinking until the bride and groom leave?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure nobody here is going to want to stop partying just because Hayley and Jackson are gone. But if Hayley isn't here, I bet Klaus will get bored and kick everyone out. If he doesn't, I'll just enjoy this until I get tired. Do you have a curfew tonight?"

"No, I'm not allowed to have one, technically, Ryan encouraged me to have fun. Landon will not mind having his first sleepover and Cami is trustworthy."

"If the party gets shut down, maybe you'd like to accompany me, see what else we can do? Take advantage of the fact we're already dressed up."

She smiled. "Sure. There's bound to be something out there for us."

The music stopped abruptly, the silence followed by a man clearing his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen," said Klaus, "may I have your attention please?"

"What is he doing?" muttered Marcel, seeing that Klaus had Hope in his arms.

"No idea," murmured Andra.

"Hayley," urged Klaus, "if you would join me, I would like to propose a toast."

She reluctantly walked over to join the hybrid, who handed Hope to her. "I want to welcome you all," he continued. "As you know, last spring, Hayley and I had a daughter. Due to tragic circumstance, she was lost. Now, she has returned home. Her name is Hope."

"Oh boy," said Andra as the guests began to whisper amongst themselves, stunned and frankly, confused.

"She will live here among you, her pack. Her family. We implore you– protect our daughter. Teach her, love her, as one of your own."

Across the courtyard, Jackson nodded in respectful agreement. Klaus reached for a glass of champagne, holding it up, casting a devilish smile at his elder brother before adding, "Jackson, I invite you and your bride to live here, uniting your proud and noble people in peace. Welcome to the family, mate." He raised the glass, "To Jackson and Hayley!"

"Cheers!" cried the majority of the guests.

"That was messed up," Marcel said, guiding Andra to the staircase, where Cami was bringing Landon to join the party. "Hey there, little guy. Don't you look handsome."

Landon hummed, perhaps an attempt to say Marcel's name. He giggled when Marcel pretended to sniff his neck. "And you're wearing cologne?" he said. "My, you have good taste."

"Ryan must have smeared it all over him," chided Andra. "A baby does not need cologne. I only put some lotion on him earlier. Say, do you want to dance with your friend, Landon?"

They guided him to where Hope was now held in between Jackson and Hayley, who were continuing their dance after the interruption. Hope squealed at the sight of Landon, who leaned away as flower petals started to fall from the ceiling. The little girl encouraged him to reach out for them, smiling as Marcel leaned Landon closer, playfully pretending they were going to collide.

Andra was pleased with the chance to hold Hope (though Klaus cast a very intense stink eye from across the room), allowing her and Landon to continue playing in midair.

"You're good with kids," Andra observed, able to see just how comfortable both babies were around Marcel.

"So are you," said Marcel. "It's kind of strange, having siblings so much younger than us. In a way, though, it's cool."

"It is," said Andra, pressing her cheek against Hope's and tickling her. "You are such a sweet little thing. And that dress is adorable."

Landon didn't seem to think so, because he tugged at one of the flowers on it, pushing it onto the floor. Hope shared the dislike of the corsage pinned on Landon's suit, somehow managing to detach it without touching it. Andra and Marcel shared a look, wondering if all the movement had loosened it, or if she'd somehow done it with her mind.

They took the babies back upstairs once they grew hungry, feeding them and setting them for a nap. Hayley and Jackson were already exhausted, and said they were happy to just relax with both babies, the two finding comfort in the small bundles that resembled angels.

As Marcel predicted, Klaus began to shoo people out as soon as Hayley and Jackson left. They snuck a few pieces of cake and walked out, unsure where to head next. Andra wasn't exactly tired, but she did think she might have had enough fun for one day. Marcel apparently felt the same, and began to walk her home.

"I'm sorry I didn't come up with any good ideas for an afterparty," said Andra, feeling she might have bored him to death by not being brave enough to guide them toward some more entertaining activity.

Marcel made a face. "Why are you apologizing? It was just an idea, not a necessity. I had an amazing time, Andra. You are not the worst unofficial plus one at a wedding."

"Ah, well that seems to be an upgrade from mercenary and manager. I'll take it as a compliment. You are also not a bad plus one."

He puffed his chest out playfully. "I know, I'm great."

"Well, does the 'great Marcel' want to have another couple of drinks and maybe watch a movie? Or just talk?"

"Oh, the horror, having to spend another minute with the infamous Andra Clarke. How will I ever cope?"

"Poor thing! The King, captive, at the hands of a lowly peasant girl. Who will rescue him?"

"You are definitely not a peasant girl. Not even close." I'd consider you a Queen. "Did you have a title, all those centuries ago?"

"A few different ones. Once I was a Duchess, once I was a Lady, never quite a Princess or Queen but without compulsion that would have been near impossible to pull off. Really, all I needed was aliases for meetings. I did no such duties..."

She trailed off when he reached over to open the door for her after she unlocked it. Andra could hardly look at him, figuring that if he caught sight of her face, he'd realize how red it had become. Or maybe he already knew, maybe he sensed it.

He knew. He saw it. And because she wasn't looking, she didn't realize he was just as flustered with the proximity.

They watched the movie in silence. Andra fell asleep midway through The Shining, which Marcel didn't think could be possible. He wasn't complaining, however, when she curled up with her hands tucked under her head, face so relaxed that she almost looked like a regular twenty-two year old, perhaps tired after an exam and a late shift and dreaming about something as mundane as the next bill to be paid and how she would budget for her weekly necessities. No one could have looked at that serene face and thought that this same woman was an experienced killer who at this point wasn't bothered by anything.

He knew everything about her, about what she was, what she could do. And all he could think about was how sweet she was, how much it mattered to her that she protected people who didn't have a good support system, and how funny she could be. Every conversation with her was entertaining when it was just Andra being Andra, silly and blunt and with a laugh that would make anyone's heart skip a beat.

I am so screwed. I like this girl. I really do. It probably isn't safe, I could be putting her in danger if I tell her how I feel. Someone could use her against me. She might not care because she can't be killed but I won't let anyone try and harm her just to get under my skin.

He brushed a hand over her hair, silently turning off the movie and covering her with the couch's throw blanket.

Andra felt his touch, aligning with the image of Marcel in her mind, dancing with her, except in the dream there was no one around but them. Her head was on his chest, his arms were completely looped over her back, and all she could think about was the warmth that radiated through her body.

Holy shit, I think I like Marcel. And that's dangerous for him. Anyone who wants to hurt me or needs leverage will go right to him. There are so many ways that he can die. He may not think it possible but I'll be damned if anyone lays a hand on him to get to me.

She sat up as the front door closed, sighing when she realized he was gone.

It's probably for the best that I keep my mouth shut.

He said the same thing to himself as he walked home.