Marcel spent the night.

Andra didn't find out until the following morning when she'd crawled out of bed to brush her teeth and saw him having coffee with Ryan. She waved awkwardly, unsure why she felt so exposed. The panic attack had already happened; Marcel had seen her at a point close to her worst. The aftermath wasn't nearly as bad.

"How are you feeling?" Marcel asked when she sat with them, reaching out for a cinnamon roll.

"Okay," she admitted, tearing it into small bits. No sense in lying and pretending she was better in any way. It would take time to feel like anything was alright. "You?"

"I'm good. Ryan was telling me about his plans for ah... an ideal world."

"They certainly are great plans," said Ryan proudly, ripping apart his own cinnamon roll. (Honestly, Marcel didn't understand why either of them had to shred it so violently before consuming it.) "If it were up to me, I'd do anything to get rid of the Mikaelsons once and for all. They can be suitable allies in many instances, but they can never be fully trusted. They turn on their own as easily as a coin can be flipped, and unless you smarm up to Klaus, there's no guarantee you're safe in any way."

Andra made a face. "Are you being serious? You want to do that?"

"After last night's shitshow, definitely. I never liked Klaus but I like him a whole lot less now. Will I actually try to go through with it? Fuck no. We'll need them for a while longer, and it's not exactly going to be easy; dethroning someone like him can't happen overnight. But should an opportunity present itself..."

"Probably best we don't even talk like that. It's a risk to open our mouths knowing once something is said, it can come back to haunt us."

"Agreed," said Marcel. The last thing he wanted was for Klaus to misinterpret anything he heard them saying and for him to take it further than he already had. He wasn't sure how serious Ryan was being; it could just be a result of his anger after seeing how torn his sister had been. "I know it won't mean shit right now but I'm hoping that somehow, someway, in the future, amends can be made. Despite everything." He motioned to Andra, "You encouraged me to consider peace in the past."

Landon seemed to find this funny, gurgling as both golems considered this, neither appearing to be a fan of the idea. Marcel figured he should have expected that Ryan wouldn't give a flying crap about peace and that Andra was going to cling to other thoughts while she processed her grief.

"Amends with who, exactly?" inquired Andra, hands clasping her mug and feeling the burn against her palms. "I'm going to help Freya, as I said I would. She was kind to me, and she gave me even just one day with Mikael where everything was the way it used to be. I'll never be able to repay her for it, never be able to do anything to give her that. Rebekah is the reason you found me yesterday, so her I am glad to get along with– not that our relationship was ever really fractured. She has her moments but she's been cooperative."

She unclenched her hands, watching as they reddened. "Elijah coddles Klaus far too much but is more reasonable. When it comes to Hayley and her issues with Klaus, I think he could be inclined to stand against his brother and though at the end of the day he will inevitably forgive him for everything— as I would with Ryan and Landon though I know they'd never do something so severe. Nevertheless, a tool that can be used... with the right amount of pushing. Kol is Kol,neither good nor bad at this present moment, a bit of a grey area, really, but he can be appealed to, I suppose. Prices can be paid and he will be like us, working for the highest bidder, except in this case we add a hint of salt... give him the attention his siblings didn't grant him and channel that bitter feeling that lingers..."

Her lips curled, realizing she'd begun speaking as if she intended to manipulate them into something. Maybe it wouldn't be the worst idea. But an idea was all it was. They had no way of hurting Klaus without hurting the others, who hadn't exactly done anything to earn their ire. They were not good people in the slightest, but Andra didn't care about their past, only what offenses they may have committed against her and her family. Right now, Klaus was the only one she reallywanted to harm.

"I digress," she continued smoothly. "I haven't a problem with any of the Mikaelsons I just mentioned; amends aren't necessary. Finn, however, is stuck in a necklace, and he's up for murdering infants. I'll never condone that. I do not believe I could ever see him as anything other than a fool being walked on a leash by his mother, a dog who will bite whatever he is told to. No amends will be made there. And Klaus is the biggest brat I've ever had the misfortune of meeting. Nevertheless, if we want to get rid of Malivore, we will need this alliance at least until Hope is of age to become a full tribrid. And even without considering what we could gain... that little girl has done nothing to deserve his torment. I will defend her every chance I have. The same cannot be said for her father."

Her tone sent a shiver down Marcel's spine. It didn't bring him comfort seeing how Ryan's eyes gleamed maliciously, fully in agreement. How was he the only one advocating for peace now? He'd considered how dangerous Andra would be if provoked; something she'd made clear in the past. The sadistic look in her eyes was quite nearly terrifying. He almost wanted to forget the lessons he'd learned from her, of all people, and say, screw peace, let's get rid of him.

Was it normal to think himself more drawn to her than ever before now that he'd seen a darker side? Was it normal to observe that wicked expression and find his heart fluttering because she looked so good doing it?

Josh might've said he sounded like an idiot. But Marcel swore his thoughts had an explanation, a root. He couldn't be the only one that would think of such a thing. That would find a woman like Andra appealing in every way.

"Well," said Marcel, "I just mean generally mending the alliance somehow. Kind of like you said, keeping up appearances. Elijah and Rebekah aren't happy about what happened. Kol isn't voicing his opinions but something tells me he's not in full agreement with Klaus, otherwise he'd have made it obvious he picked sides. This would be the perfect opportunity to gain favor if he backed his brother up, but he isn't doing that, he's remaining silent. Everyone's tense, Freya's upset, and relaxing isn't an option until Dahlia is gone. Eventually, though, that bunch is going to have to learn to live together after the fallout, and we will need to learn, too, if we intend to remain in New Orleans."

"I can be civil when the witch is gone but I doubt Klaus will ever feel remorse for what he did. If you wish to try and fix your relationship with them, more power to you. I don't fault you for it; in fact, I encourage it because I know if it were me and Mikael and I had been in as tense of a situation as you and Klaus, I'd want to make it better, too. But I won't be making amends with anyone. Though you are right about what must be done if we intend to remain in New Orleans. To that end, we take a stab at acting. Even just the semblance of a still-strong alliance could be the difference between captivity and freedom. If we must pretend, we pretend. If we must manipulate, we manipulate. We make him believe anything. But I will not be truly friendly with that man ever again. All kindness henceforth will be a lie. Klaus has earned nothing. He is the worst team player."

Marcel shrugged. "If he knew how to cooperate, it would be easier on all of us. You know, Elijah told me Klaus is now hiding Mikael's ashes. Refuses to give them up despite knowing they're ingredients to make weapons."

"Let him rot, then," said Andra. "Let the whole family burn at the hands of the witch if that's what he wants. I wonder if it ever crosses his mind that a lot of the misfortune his family faces is his fault."

"Well, they're not on fire yet," said Ryan, holding up his phone. "Elijah apparently asked Cami to talk to Klaus... Dahlia showed up for breakfast and he's in an even worse mood."

Marcel shook his head. "None of this is going well. Literally none of it. You know, Hayley tried to run off on me last night before the transport to the safe house? Tried to play it off like she changed the rendezvous location, but I'm not stupid. She wasn't planning to go there. My guess is she was planning to run out into the Bayou with the wolves and hide there."

Ryan scoffed. "I'll always support a parent taking their child away from the other one if they are like Klaus, emotionally abusive, controlling, violent, but at least make sure it's really in your kid's best interest. As someone who had a father who put me in more danger with each breath he took, I would have done fine without him. But I can't one hundred percent say the same thing would happen with Hope; there's protection Klaus can provide that the wolves and Hayley can't. That being said, it's more than likely he'll just continue causing that poor little girl problems. Thing is, Hayley needs to think about what problems could happen if Hope isn't near Klaus. Being rash because you're upset or annoyed won't do anyone any good. If they just want to run away with no plan, it's not much better than sticking around to see if Klaus starts working with everyone else as a team. If Dahlia found Hope here, the Bayou won't be much different..." he tilted his head, "But I guess it could solve the problem of not knowing where Dahlia is. Lure her into a trap, find her again, and then we attack the way Andra suggested."

"I doubt they will listen," said Andra. "I'm not going to push it. They know my plan and they can do it if they want. I only regret that Hope will suffer because they can't work together, because they're indecisive and impulsive. I have my moments but I guess not being able to compel or have heightened senses made it harder to just follow that instinct because I knew I had to account for everything and be prepared for the curve balls a plan might throw at me. I had to learn to think like the enemy and plan three steps ahead rather than winging it and fucking around to find out. And whenever I couldn't do it alone, I always respected my teammates once they proved they were just as committed as I was. Eliminate weak links, but don't fist-fight the strong ones because you want to control everything. Know your limitations and when you need someone else's help. That's a lesson Klaus needs to learn."

Ryan got to his feet. "Agreed. Listen, I have to go to work soon. I'll come home early so we can have dinner, Malia. Are you going to the Jardin Gris?"

She shook her head. "No, I don't feel up for it. Besides, with Dahlia roaming around, it wouldn't be safe for us or my usual witch customers. It can be closed for a day or two. I'll stay here with Landon."

"I'll keep you company," offered Marcel. "I don't have anything else to do."

The prospect of being alone with him made her heart skip a beat. When it was just the two of them, he might bring up the panic attack, the way she'd been sobbing on his shoulder uncontrollably. She knew he wasn't judging her in any way but knowing anyone had seen her in such distress wasn't comforting. In fact, it seemed like the feeling of dread was magnified because she wanted so badly to think that in Marcel's mind, she was impressive and a force to be reckoned with. Not someone who broke down. Not someone weak.

(Ryan had taught her a long time ago that crying didn't make one weak. Mikael had discouraged it in the past because it hindered her progress, but he hadn't exactly shamed her for it. Still, Andra often felt inept whenever she cried. If she wasn't crying, she could be doing something productive. If she wasn't crying, she was able to be on-guard and ready to defend herself and the people she loved. Knowing that something could tear her down so much was perhaps the one thing she truly feared. Her own mental strength being insufficient, and leading to more loss, until it accumulated and left her alone and unable to escape.)

Marcel seemed to know what she was thinking, or at least he assumed it based on the fact she very quickly got to cleaning in order to avoid conversation. He didn't mind spending time with Landon, who was letting out small bursts of flames each time he grew upset. Marcel could only imagine what the Compound would have looked like last night if Andra had this ability.

"Hey." He stopped her before she could pick up a mop. "Before you continue stress-cleaning, I just want you to know that we don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. What happened at the docks stays at the docks. I will never pressure you into discussing how you feel if you're not up for it. Just know you can be open with me, like always, okay? Especially in this situation. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm here for you. And if you want to take advantage of that, I am happy to lend an ear. If not, just let me know, and I will pretend I know nothing."

Andra considered it, deciding to set the mop down. "I am not... I am not a fragile object. I wish to clarify that."

"Of course you're not, Andra! I could never think that about you. If anything, you're strong. I knew how much you'd been through, everything you told me sounded awful. But all that loss you talked about... I couldn't understand it until I found you leaning against the railing. And I don't think it hit me until then how much of a toll it takes on you and how you still manage to find it in yourself to protect people, to care about your family in a healthy way, to continue your journey even when I imagine it might be easier to find an out. You survived the unthinkable and you got back to your feet and I think it makes you one of the fiercest people I know."

She wasn't sure why she started to tear up. "God, not again," she said miserably, turning away. "I just stopped..."

"It's okay. I'm not judging. Sometimes you just have to let it out. It's healthy."

He guided her to the couch, sitting her down and propping her up comfortably on pillows as she cried into her palm, body trembling. Landon seemed to understand that now was not the time to be throwing a tantrum, cooing lightly until Marcel scooped him up, letting him sit on the sofa. Immediately, he crawled to his sister, laying his head on her lap and gazing up with adoring eyes.

"Oh, sweet boy," said Andra, picking him up and cradling him to her chest. Marcel almost felt like he was invading their private moment, but couldn't bring himself to tear his eyes away as Andra rocked Landon back and forth, crying and finding comfort in how his tiny hands gripped her blouse.

Every single day I think about that face, that addictive laugh and contagious smile, her silly jokes and the fact she never goes anywhere without her knives. She could kill me as easily as she might hug her baby brother. But she knows there is a time and place for things. She never brings the anger from her kills with her, she never lets it anywhere near him, won't allow him to be hurt because of something she did. When she protects, she gives all of herself to do it.

That's why it hurts her so much when it doesn't go her way.

I think it would do the same to me.

"Thank you," sniffled Andra, accepting a tissue he offered. "For being here, for comforting me, finding me last night, and not... not leaving me."

"It's the least I could do. That's what friends are for."

"Yes, many may call it the bare minimum, but to me it isn't. Because I've hardly had people willing to do that. It means a lot to me. I appreciate you a great deal, Marcel. I don't know how I will ever repay you."

"You don't have to repay me, Andra. It is a pleasure to see you as often as I do, and it is a privilege to have you as my friend. I'm not going anywhere. Not without one hell of a fight. And I won't let anyone take you away, either."

"That's what I'm afraid of. Promise me one thing. That you will keep your head on... you will remember that in any dangerous situation, we prioritize the innocent. Landon, Davina, those we must protect. And then, we save each other. As long as you don't forget I can't die. So whatever happens, I'll be okay. I won't let you die for me. I wouldn't... I wouldn't survive it."

"If it's in my power, I will abide by your terms," said Marcel. But he wasn't convinced he could just let her die even if he knew she'd pop back up. What if danger arrived and that was the one time her immortality didn't work? What if there was only a limited number of times she could die? "As long as you do the same for me. You prioritize your brothers and Davina before me. If you can't save me, you have to know when to step back."

She gulped. "I'll try. That, I promise."

Given Landon's presence, they couldn't continue their horror movie from the other night, and they certainly couldn't start any action movies better suited for their tastes. Somehow, Andra still managed to become quite engaged in Oliver and Company, which had her bawling at the end.

"This is really just a modern Disney retelling of Oliver Twist," said Marcel with a smile, holding up his phone as he waited for an update from Davina, who was apparently helping Aiden and Josh make a bracelet for Hope to prevent Dahlia from tracking her. "You should read the book, it's interesting."

"What do you say, Landon?" Andra bounced him on her knee. "Should that be your first novel? I think so. If Marcel will help us read it."

"I could." He waited until Andra had taken Landon to the kitchen for some applesauce before replying to Davina, who had deviated from their current topic of conversation to ask if Andra was doing alright. She'd assured Marcel that she and Kol had finished a weapon that could be used against Klaus– a golden dagger that would put him to sleep just as he'd done to his siblings for so many centuries. Marcel couldn't claim any innocence when thoughts began to swirl in his mind.

Ryan and I could pull that off with them. We don't need to kill Klaus, we just need him shut up in a box where he can't cause a problem. Hayley won't have to leave; they can wake him when he's learned his lesson. Andra can have some peace without him.

I never want to see her in that much pain again. I hate knowing that someone made her cry like that. The next person that inflicts even an ounce of sadness or anger and draws a single tear from her will not live to see another day.

And even if he didn't use it to get back at Klaus for what he'd done to hurt Andra, he considered that Klaus was literallyoff the rails. Hiding important ingredients, not even trusting his own siblings. He refused to give them the tools they needed to defeat the witch, as if he believed he was the only one capable of stopping her. Marcel would have loved to see him try; it would go as pathetically as last night had. If Klaus continued down this path, it might be more convenient to put him down and let everyone else handle the situation rationally, even if it would tick him off.

"So, what are we feeling for dinner?" asked Andra, drying Landon's hair after a bath. "Hmm, are we craving some pasta? I can toss a salad as a starter. You like lettuce, don't you, Lan?" She swirled on her heel as the doorbell rang, checking the peephole. "Aw, Davina is joining us! How sweet!"

She threw open the door, face falling when she saw Davina's eyes were puffy and red, a golden dagger in her hand.

"What happened?" said Andra, ushering her in immediately. "Davina, who hurt you?"

"Klaus," said the witch darkly. "He killed Aiden."

Marcel shot up from the couch. "What do you mean?! How?!"

"I-I guess he made Aiden spy for him, and Aiden told Jackson, a-and Klaus killed him for it." She sank into the nearest chair. "He and Josh were going to run away. I was going to say goodbye to Aiden, I was going to walk with them to..." she stifled a hiccup, "And then he was just there, without his heart, claw marks on his face. When Jackson came to get Aiden's body, Josh just took off, I-I don't even know where he is."

"Oh, sweet girl," said Andra, kneeling in front of her. "I am so sorry."

Davina held up the dagger, lip trembling. "I want you to use it. I want you to put Klaus down."

Marcel took it slowly. "You sure, D? Does Kol–?"

"He's already with Elijah. He's going to convince him, if you agree. Hayley and Hope are going to run. Klaus is... he's just... I want him gone."

Andra and Marcel shared a look, neither the most comfortable with the idea of Hayley and Hope leaving; they hoped this decision had been made after a great deal of thought.

"I'll go talk to Elijah and Kol, then," said Marcel. "You stay here with Andra."

"Don't be ridiculous!" said Andra. "If Klaus is going to be removed from the equation, I have to be ready to help enact whatever plan is going to be carried out. We can take Davina and Landon to Cami's, they'll be safer there."

Marcel put a hand on her shoulder, "Let me handle getting Klaus daggered first. I don't want him to see you when it happens. I don't want him to know you were involved. Tell Ryan but make sure he doesn't come with us, either. I'll take the fall with his siblings when he inevitably tries to get revenge. He can't hurt me, he won't. But he would hurt you if he thought you were responsible. He's mad enough... if you're there, he might take it too far. Think of Landon."

"The moment you know what the plan is, you tell me, and I will help."

"Of course. I promise. For now, stay here. Stay safe. I'll update you when I can." He tickled Landon's chin. "You take care of my girls, okay? I'll be back soon, little buddy."

Andra's heart leapt into her throat, wordlessly watching as Marcel left, the words 'fuck' and 'shit' being repeated in his head when he realized what he'd said.