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She'd taken to motherhood like a swan to water, nurturing and caring for Marcel just as a true mother would.
Marcel had been living with them in the quarter for a week, but the effect he'd had on the original family was magnificent.
The changes were subtle, but Klaus was observant enough to notice.
His wife barely left the boy's side, while her eyes were no longer heavy with grief, instead filled with a bright light.
A bright light that had died alongside Ivar hundreds of years ago.
It was soothing for Klaus to see his wife at peace, and it was evident Marcel was becoming reliant on Astrid, looking up to her as a mother.
Perhaps she was over coddling the boy, but Marcel had been deprived from such affection, so Klaus had no issue for Astrid's overcompensating.
But it wasn't just Astrid who Marcel had affected; it seemed his older brother was also fond of the young boy.
Elijah apparently seemed to think him and Astrid looking after Marcel was his redemption, not that Klaus cared what Elijah thought.
According to Astrid, Elijah was going to tutor Marcel, wanting the boy to learn needed skills like reading and writing.
His sister, however, was a different story, Rebekah's thoughts were evidently torn on the boy.
She thought Marcel was very sweet and had such an unfortunate upbringing, but she was worried of the affect it was having on her sister-in-law.
Rebekah found it rather unnerving, and though she could reason with Astrid's desire for motherhood, she found it worrying how she was treating Marcel. As if he was her true son, as if he was Ivar.
Of course, Rebekah hadn't voiced these concerns to either Astrid or Klaus, whilst Astrid would be heartbroken, Klaus would be furious enough to drive a dagger through her heart.
But Klaus Mikaelson was no fool, he knew his little sister well enough to understand the situation at hand. He cared little for her opinion, and if she had any brains she'd keep quiet on the matter.
He wouldn't let Rebekah ruin Astrid's chances at motherhood, and his chance at winning back the love of his life.
Over his dead body.
The sound of delicate footsteps seemed to snap him out of his thoughts as he quickly turned his attention on the incoming human. Their heart was beating calmly as they approached his study.
Without knocking, the door swung open, revealing a smiling Marcel. If it had been anyone else entering his study without permission he'd no doubt have killed them, or at the least ripped out their liver, but he too was developing a soft spot for the small boy that reminded him of himself.
Marcel's presence was also slowly mending his relationship with Astrid, she now met his gazes and would send him warm smiles when he interacted with Marcel.
The two were on speaking terms, especially around Marcel, though the closest physical contact the two had was Klaus wrapping his arm around her shoulder, which she would allow.
But that was enough for Klaus, he had been celibate during the time Astrid had been daggered, therefore he could handle a few more weeks.
"Mr Klaus, would you like to come on a walk." Marcel asked shyly, as Klaus sighed.
Marcel took Klaus' silence a chance to assess the office.
He'd never been in Klaus' study before, but it was just as he expected. It was grand and open planned, a large window bringing light into the dark mahogany room.
The walls were coated in paintings of scenery, but the one above Klaus' desk centrepiece was a painting of Astrid.
She was wearing a beautiful gown with a seductive smile as she stood in a beautiful field of sunflowers.
Marcel wondered who had painted the picture, perhaps a famous artist Klaus had met along the hundreds of years he'd lived.
Glancing towards his desk, which was filled with paperwork and letters, Klaus was ready to politely decline the offer when Marcel continued.
"Ms Astrid's comin' too, she said you might like to come." He offered shyly, glancing down at the leather shoes that felt clumsy on his feet.
The paperwork was soon forgotten as Klaus nodded, walking over to Marcel to place a hand on his shoulders. "Well it is a lovely day."
...
Walking along the wide pathways, Astrid watched with a fond smile as Marcel ran ahead of them, giggling as he chased the leaves that flew around in the wind.
He was carefree, a big grin on his lips, despite the many times he tripped over his own feet and toppled to the ground.
Each time Astrid was instantly by his side, helping the boy up and holding him close. As she fussed over him, checking him for injuries, Klaus smiled.
Marcel was slowly becoming accustomed to wearing his new clothes, though it was the shoes that were the biggest hazard.
He had grown used to sharp twigs and stones cutting into his bare feet, he felt a lot heavier on his feet.
He preferred being barefoot but wore the shoes regardless as they were one of the many generous gifts Mr Klaus and Ms Astrid had given him.
The last thing he wanted to do was offend the couple that had been so kind to him.
As Marcel continued to run, Astrid found herself inching closer to Klaus, her shoulder nudging his as he glanced down at her. "I'm proud of you, Nik." She spoke softly.
Klaus tried not to smirk, draping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer. She enjoyed his warmth, nestling into his side as her eyes briefly fluttered close.
Her stomach was swirling at their close proximity as she opened her eyes, finding his loving gaze fixated upon her.
"And I love you, Astrid." Nik responded; his voice oddly quiet for a moment as Astrid tried to fight the small smile that threatened to surface.
Despite his unforgivable action of daggering her, she wanted to run into his arms, to embrace him tightly and run her fingers through his short curls.
He'd been patient with her and had stopped sending gifts as she had requested, he'd been kind to Marcel and had been determined to show her he was a changed man.
Nodding, Astrid paused, Nik following in pursuit as she turned to face him completely.
Her nose brushed against his, but she made no movement to press her lips against his as her fingers gently brushed against the pad of his cheek.
Klaus' eyes fluttered shut at the contact as her warm breath fanned against his lips. "I forgive you, Nik. Don't ever betray me again." She whispered.
His eyes snapped open, hand moving to cup her cheek as he smiled. "Never again, my love."
As soon as the tentative words left his shapely lips, Astrid pressed hers to his, a heated feeling flushing over her.
