Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Merlin was broken.

No, being broken was too simple, too easy, not enough.

From being broken one could somehow heal, one could become whole again, even after the entire world had fractured around him, leaving him without any hope.

Merlin couldn't heal from what had happened to him.

And how could he?

Emrys.

A druid name.

A mockery.

Immortal.

Kilgharrah had told him so, after seeing him try everything.

“ You are the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk this earth, Merlin .” His old friend had said. “ You are magic. No mortal or immortal blade can destroy you, because magic cannot be destroyed. You are air, earth, fire, water and everything else we have .”

What Merlin had felt was only hatred towards the dragon.

How could he not tell him? How could he have lied to him?

And how could Merlin survive without Arthur?

***

Merlin's life was no life.

Merlin hated every single moment of that existence , but what could he do, anyway?

No way for him to die, no hope for Arthur to return.

No chance of meeting somewhere in the middle.

“No man ever came asking for ways to die.” The witch said, a young and powerful woman. “Many people ask me ways to live longer.”

“I have lived more than enough.” Merlin replied, shaking his head. “Now I just want to stop.”

“Don't you have any ways to kill yourself?” The witch asked.

“I am called Emrys.” Merlin told her, watching her eyes widen at the recognition of the name.

A deity, he was called.

Blessed by the Triple Goddess.

Merlin was starting to feel like his existence was a curse for all the ways he had failed.

A curse. A reminder.

A burden.

***

Merlin sat in a bar.

The castles had fallen into ruin, the dynasties ended, extinct and diluted in time and space, the people had changed, for the better, society continued to develop.

Now, Merlin had landed in the city called New Orleans.

Passion was everywhere, music a pleasant melody, but also a way to go further, to have more. Passions were running high and everyone did what they wanted, safe in the night, without fear of other people's judgment.

“Nice evening, isn’t it?”

Merlin turned, looking at the boy who had approached him.

He wasn't very tall, but he made up for that with a muscular build. His hair was dark brown, and he had dark brown eyes, calculating and mischievous at that moment as he watched Merlin.

He had strong features, a well-defined jaw and high cheekbones. At that moment, she had a charming and slightly flirtatious smile as she watched Merlin.

His posture was relaxed, but confident, as if he owned the place and didn't need to look around.

Merlin's gaze went straight to the magic-pulsing bracelet the boy was wearing.

A witch, then. Or someone who knew witches and had enough charisma to get something out of them.

"Enough." Merlin nodded, taking a sip of his drink, and observing the newcomer out of the corner of his eye.

He smiled, leaning over and whispering in Merlin's ear. “I'm Kol, nice to meet you, darling.”

“Merlin.” Merlin replied, turning and watching Kol step closer and look him straight in the eyes.

“Don't move or talk.” Kol whispered, and Merlin had to contain a laugh.

Vampire.

He had just been approached by a damn vampire.

“Sorry, honey, but it doesn't work on me.” Merlin smiled.

"You are a witch." Kol said, noticing how Merlin glanced at his bracelet. “And powerful if you can feel the magic in that.”

“I prefer the term warlock.” Merlin said. “It's less offensive.”

“ Warlock ?” Kol frowned. “No one uses that term anymore, it must have been at least a thousand years!”

"Take or leave." Merlin nodded. “We weren't very good at keeping track of time in Camelot.”

“Wait… are you that Merlin ? Emrys ?” Kol sounded reverential now.

Merlin nodded, looking away.

Kol looked very Gwaine at that moment.

“Is it true that you are an immortal sorcerer?” Kol asked, looking at Merlin.

“Well, look.” Merlin waved his hand and the glass in his hand filled itself. Then, swinging it again, a knife landed in his hand.

“ Wow .” Kol whispered.

“And as for immortality…” Merlin eyed the knife, before stabbing himself with it.

Kol's shocked and frightened look was the last thing he saw before he closed his eyes.

***

Merlin opened his eyes with a groan, looking around in surprise.

He wasn't used to dying and waking up in a bed.

Usually, whenever he died, he woke up where he died.

"Are you fine?"

Merlin turned his head, seeing Kol with a basin of water placed nearby and a cloth in his hand.

“Did you clean the blood from me?” Merlin asked, confused and surprised, running a hand over the now clean area.

“I… I didn't think you would kill yourself to prove that you couldn't die!” Kol exclaimed. 

“If I'm still here, you can hardly say I killed myself, right?” Merlin said, speaking ironically.

“I…” Kol sighed, before handing Merlin a plate. “Eat a little. I promised my brothers that they would talk to you. After you feel better, of course.”

"You are so sweet." Merlin smiled amusedly, before eating the food offered to him. "And thanks."

“Of course, Merlin.” Kol nodded. "Certain."

Chapter Text

Merlin knew that Kol was watching him questioningly, curiously, and perhaps slightly anxiously.

The boy had seen that look before, in Lancelot's or Gwaine's eyes when he got hurt and they couldn't help him in any way.

Merlin swallowed. He wouldn't just torture himself by thinking back to those days.

Kol didn't know Merlin, he knew Emrys , the legends around a name, the power he had, not his personality.

Kol wasn't worried about Merlin , Merlin told himself, no matter how he was currently staring at him.

“Elijah and Klaus are waiting for us.” Kol informed him, leading him through the huge house. “We didn't know you were coming…”

“No, I guess I was not waited.” Merlin said amused. “I just walked till here.”

“Looking for something, I guess.” Kol said, looking at Merlin curiously.

Merlin raised an eyebrow at Kol. “Are you interrogating me?”

“No matter my intentions, Klaus and Elijah will definitely do it.” Kol said. “We have problems with some more extreme witches. You didn't end up here at the best time.”

“I never do that.” Merlin replied wryly.

Kol smiled hesitantly. “Although, personally , I'm very happy to have met you.”

Merlin snorted. “Yes, I've heard it several times. It doesn't always last.”

Kol smiled, amused this time. “If you stab yourself every time you meet someone, I can easily guess why, love .”

Merlin chuckled. “It's not my fault if people get scared by a little blood. And it's not even theirs ."

“Well, I really like this phrase.”

Merlin turned to see what he assumed to be Kol's brothers. Klaus and Elijah.

Their confident postures, their alert gazes, and the stillness in the air around them all communicated one thing: predators .

Merlin smiled. “I take it you're Klaus.” He said, looking at the one who had spoken. Then, he turned to the other, still sitting. “And you must be Elijah.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Emrys.” Elijah spoke softly, his tone soft and light.

Merlin turned up his nose at the formality and the name chosen. “Merlin is fine, thanks. You wanted to talk to me… why ?”

“You caused a bit of a scandal last night, darling.” Klaus said, eyeing him with a predatory gaze. “We can't let you scare our tourists.”

“I thought there were just supernatural creatures at that party.” Merlin said. “Have none of them ever seen a bit of blood?”

Kol chuckled, and Klaus smiled.

Elijah spoke up. “Given the recent events in New Orleans, I have to ask… are you involved with the witches here?”

"No." Merlin said. “I came to see if they could help me, but no, they are completely useless .”

“What did you want help with?” Klaus asked, immediately jumping on the phrase.

“To die.” Merlin answered honestly. He had no reason to lie, after all.

“I can help you with that.” Klaus promised, smiling.

“Well, if you can, I might even thank you.” Merlin retorted. “But I've tried to get killed by a vampire before, either by draining my blood or breaking my neck. I threw myself off a cliff, I tried to break all my bones, I stabbed myself with every weapon imaginable, I sat in the middle of a fire..." Merlin swallowed. “Poison, weapons, … Nothing works.”

“You are immortal with your magic and yet you wish to die?” Elijah asked, "Why?"

“My family is all dead.” Merlin replied, still honestly. “I lost everyone and it’s just me. I’ve been alone for centuries . What is the point of an immortality spent completely and utterly alone?”

Silence fell in the room.

Klaus was the first to break it. “You are a powerful sorcerer, aren't you?”

“According to some, the most powerful.” Merlin confirmed. "Why?"

"Stay with us." Klaus replied. “We could use the advice of such a powerful sorcerer. You help us win these wars…. and we could help you with your little problem .”

Merlin snorted. “I was told by a dragon that it is not possible for me to die.”

“Then it wouldn't hurt to make a few attempts for us, would it?” Klaus replied, a smirk making its way onto his face.

“I guess there's nothing wrong with that.” Merlin murmured in response. “Except, well, everything .”

Klaus had a satisfied smile on his face. “Kol will show you to your room, love . I am sure we will all be happy with this collaboration ."

Chapter Text

Merlin knew that accepting the help of the original vampires, as Kol had told him he and his brothers were, had not been a good idea.

It was never a good idea.

But Merlin had nowhere else to turn, no support, and part of him thought that being with them would be better than trying to find a way to die on his own.

“Merlin?”

Merlin turned to see Elijah standing behind him.

"Am I disturbing you?" Elijah asked, frowning as he looked around the room. “Didn't you bring anything with you?”

“I had nothing when I lost my family.” Merlin shrugged. “And my magic keeps me from dying from cold, hunger, or disease.”

Elijah looked at him with empathy, understanding his pain.

"How was it?" He asked him, sitting on one of the chairs in the room, “Your house. Your family."

Merlin sighed, sitting cross-legged on the bed and closing his eyes, remembering .

Elijah held his breath and Merlin opened his eyes.

The image of Camelot, the castle, the town, the inhabitants, was an illusion, but Merlin's heart leapt anyway.

“It seems peaceful.” Elijah murmured, in ecstasy at that magic.

“Oh, it wasn't .” Merlin snorted. “Always someone trying to kill Arthur .”

His voice broke at the name, but Elijah didn't comment.

The image moved to the castle halls, showing Gwen, Gwaine, Lancelot, Leon, Elyan, Gaius, Percival and Arthur.

“I didn't have many friends growing up. I was the monster they were warned about.” Merlin whispered. “Uther had declared war on magic, and all who possessed it were killed, betrayed, and sold by their own family at times.”

Elijah nodded. “It's one of the reasons that pushed my mother to leave her country of origin. It wasn't a good place to have magic. It wasn't a good time."

"No, it was not." Merlin nodded. “Mom knew Gaius, a good man. She made me go to him,” the image showed their first meeting, “he always helped me. A support and a father that I had never had before.”

“He taught you magic, then?” Elijah asked. "Control?"

“I have always been an anomaly, for magic. I was moving things before I could even walk.” Merlin smiled. “He taught me to think before acting. Many times… I had a power that no one else had, I had to help others. Otherwise… what kind of person would I have been?”

Merlin snorted. "But Uther, he... hated all magic, whether used for good or evil. He didn't make distinctions."

Elijah nodded.

The magic showed Gwen. Their moments spent together.

Merlin's smile became soft.

“Gwen was my first friend in Camelot. She was so good, pure in a way I didn't know was even possible. Right, and time has only made her wiser and stronger. A true queen.”

Elijah smiled, looking at Merlin and the reflection of the images in his eyes.

The pain that accompanied him and the love he still felt, after all those years.

“Lancelot found out about my magic first.” Merlin continued. “And he protected my secret. He reminded me that I wasn't a monster. My mother and Gaius... they were family, almost, it was natural that they would protect and accept me, and even love me. But Lancelot ? He had known me for three days and decided to protect me.”

Elijah murmured. "A true friend."

“Gwaine,” Merlin laughed, tears in his eyes as he looked at the image of his second best friend, “he always tried to protect me. He repeatedly told Arthur that he was in Camelot because he had sworn loyalty to me and could not legally do so.” Merlin shook his head. “He had a good heart and an agile mind, but he pretended to be a fool to protect himself from being hurt.”

“A good person to have around.” Elijah said, smiling at the images of Gwaine and Merlin. Gwaine pushing Merlin off a wall and then reaching him, him promising to fight for him and Merlin returning the promise, their whispered night conversations, a shared pain.

“Percival came to Camelot for Lancelot.” Merlin said. “A gentle giant. He helped me after Lance died… He stayed with me as I mourned him every night.”

Elijah wanted to get up and hold the boy, who suddenly looked so young and lost.

“Elyan was Gwen's brother. We saved him from Morgause and Cenred, and then he stayed.” Merlin said. “He was calm. And he knew many ways of the kingdom of Essetir, where I had grown up. He made me relive my childhood, the best parts that I missed.”

Then, the images showed Leon.

“I think I gained Leon's respect after I decided to face a dragon out of loyalty to Arthur.” Merlin murmured. “He was loyal, fair, a true knight. Noble in blood and heart.” Merlin swallowed. “He forgave me for my failure towards Arthur.”

And then, the pictures showed Arthur.

Elijah felt his heart stop as he saw the pain in Merlin's face.

“He forgave me for all the lies and accepted me for my magic.” Merlin whispered. “I disappointed him and he accepted me.”

Elijah gulped, rising from his chair and sitting next to Merlin, lifting an arm and wrapping it around Merlin's shoulders.

"I miss them. They can't go back to Avalon and I can't go in there.” Merlin whispered. “The witches say I have a gift, but it's not a gift. This is a curse .”

Elijah blinked. "I understand. I understand you." Then, in a whisper. “You have my word that I will do everything I can to help you.”

***

The conversation with Elijah had been sentimental, and Merlin had felt slightly better after remembering and seeing his friends' faces once again.

After he realized he couldn't die, after he saw the lie Kilgharrah had told him, he conjured up their images as consolation and as punishment for himself at the same time.

Seeing them together with Elijah had been different . It always hurt, it would never stop hurting, but he had seen the vampire's look.

He knew Elijah would understand his pain and his love. The burden he carried.

Even so, a part of Merlin had been relieved when Klaus had joined him to talk about the trouble a local witch was causing them.

“This is sacrificial magic, not ancestral magic.” Merlin said as he saw the symbol Kol had drawn for him.

"Meaning?" Klaus smiled lethally.

“The sorcerer who did this is not getting his magic from the ancestors who reside in this place, like the witches of New Orleans do.” Merlin explained patiently. “He is killing his victims and taking their latent magic.”

“How can we stop him, then?” Elijah asked, frowning.

“Well, this particular magic is very dark and very powerful.” Merlin explained. “I've seen many magicians get lost in that power and not be able to come back. They let themselves die and pass through the Veil they were playing with until a moment before. If this magician really has as much control as you say he has… he is channeling someone alive to maintain a strong connection to this world.” Merlin frowned. “The magic he's using is corrupting him too much, he needs something that won't consume him completely.”

Kol murmured thoughtfully. “What could he use?”

“Well, I would say a family member.” Merlin said. “Does he have a pet or a relative here with him?”

“He showed up with two kids, here in New Orleans.” Elijah said. “How do we break his connection to the source?”

Merlin swallowed, remembering the time he asked Kilgharrah the same thing and the response that followed.

“The source must be killed and then it will be possible to kill this sorcerer.” Merlin said.

Klaus' smile was merciless. “Yes, I can leave him a message .”

Chapter Text

Merlin knew that Klaus would kill the two children.

He had known it from his smile as he walked out, the cruel smile he had seen time and again on the faces of mad rulers who would stop at nothing to continue their reign of terror.

And Merlin had shown him the path to take to stop his enemy.

“You chose this.” Merlin remembered, sighing. “You chose this path and destiny .”

Deal with it the consequences , it was what he hadn't said to himself, but what he knew he should have done.

"Everything okay?"

Merlin turned in time to see Elijah raise his eyebrow in his direction, clearly concerned.

Right, he probably seemed crazy.

“Yes, great.” Merlin replied. "It's… It does not matter."

“I suppose, for someone who lived with Arthur Pendragon, my family's ways seem… a little barbaric ." Elijah commented.

“No, it's not that .” Merlin denied it. “I'm used to violence, I solved many problems in Camelot by killing Arthur's enemies. That's not it."

“You feel bad for the kids.” Elijah said then.

Merlin nodded. “It wasn’t even needed their consent to be their father's or guardian's liaison on this plane. So, they died from something they couldn't even control or fight. And even if they could, that was their father .”

“And we will always make excuses for our parents' behavior, even when that is extremely disappointing.” Elijah murmured, moving closer to Merlin. “Are you speaking from personal experience?”

“Not me, but I've seen Arthur come up with every possible explanation for Uther.” Merlin said. “Even when that behavior was in no way forgivable.”

“But he was his father.” Elijah nodded, sitting up and watching Merlin with careful eyes. “And you also appreciate him for that love he reserved for his father, even though he was totally undeserving of his son's esteem.”

“Or of no one .” Merlin replied piqued. “He loved his illegitimate daughter much more than Arthur, yet he failed to love her properly , driving her away without not even noticing that she was no longer there , despite all the arguments they had had.” Merlin's pace around the room became frantic. “And unable to show his son that he would have done everything for him, the right care. There were at least three moments where he showed that he cared for Arthur. Only three in over twenty years of life .”

“More than Niklaus can boast as far as our father is concerned.” Elijah murmured.

At that moment, Klaus entered with a black cloak in his hand, stained with blood.

“Productive hunting?” Elijah asked, lazily raising an eyebrow at him. 

Klaus smiled, before tossing the cloak to Merlin. “I need the presence of a very powerful witch who knows how to play the part.”

“Any witch would be able to recognize my power just by proximity.” Merlin replied, starting to feel a headache from the idiocy he had just heard. At least, he thought, this time they wouldn't make him wear a ridiculous hat . “I don't need a black cloak with a hood.”

“It helps if I don't want you to be recognized, darling.” Klaus answered him. “I need a way to keep these ancestral witches under control, and you, my dear little bird , will be the perfect way.”

“And the cloak is for?” Merlin asked. “Instill fear? Make everyone wonder who I might be? Dramatic effect ?”

"Yes." Klaus nodded, smiling. “Especially when they see you by our side . They'll start wondering how we found you, what connection there is between us." With a sneer, he added, “How loyal you are to us.”

“I am not loyal to you.” Merlin said. “I have not listened to all sides in this war. As far as I know, you are in the wrong.”

"We have built New Orleans.” Klaus growled. “It's our home.”

“Okay, fine.” Merlin raised his hands in surrender. “I'm just saying there are things I can't ignore. Like the murder and torture of innocent children.”

“I just killed two children.” Klaus pointed out, eyeing Merlin suspiciously.

“And did you do it for sadistic pleasure or to stop Papa Tunde?” Merlin raised an eyebrow, peering at Klaus.

“I take no pleasure in hurting children.” Klaus exclaimed. "Why should I? I'm not Mikael !”

" Who ?" Merlin blinked, before saying. “Anyway, good, I see we agree. What about the innocent adults? Are they safe from you too?”

“If they declare war on me…” Klaus began to speak.

“…I wouldn't consider them innocent.” Merlin snorted. “If they decide to attack an original vampire, they can face the consequences. Especially if they are adults.”

“We can agree to spare children and innocents.” Elijah said. “That seems perfectly reasonable to me, brother. Especially considering it was something we had already done before.”

Klaus growled, before nodding. “Will you put on your cloak, then?”

“I mean, you have to find little joys in life, since you're so old .” Merlin agreed, pulling his cloak around his shoulders and raising his hood. “You're lucky I have magic, becauseI can't see anything with this hood!”

Kol laughed, Elijah snorted, and Klaus replied. “If you don't see them, they won't see you.”

“Yeah, I'm not sure of the logic behind that , but as you wish.” Merlin rolled his eyes, sure he wasn't seen. “Who are we going to find so dramatically ?”

“We will interrupt a clandestine meeting of witches.” Kol announced. “Some of my contacts have let me know that they are gathering to celebrate Papa Tunde and his way of keeping us Mikaelsons in check. Now, it's time to ruin their party.”

“Do you have witches as your contacts?” Merlin asked, putting the last name aside and wondering if it had anything to do with the Mikael Klaus mentioned. “This is… impressive . And quite unusual.”

Witches tended to avoid vampires, and vampires only joined witches to use their magic.

They shared no information about their covens, and they had no way of communicating with vampires, especially not one with Kol's reputation.

Unless…

“You're the vampire who runs with the witches, right?” Merlin asked, remembering when a witch had told him to join the vampire who would appreciate him. He could never have been killed either. At least, the witch had said with a kind look, he would have the company of someone who would appreciate him and not use him, and, above all, who would never leave him.

"It's me." Kol confirmed, smiling. “Are you suddenly happier to have arrived at our door?”

“I think I crashed your party .” Merli tilted his head, pretending to think, “And that I ruined the mood by killing myself momentarily .”

“It's not a real party if someone doesn't die for a while.” Kol shrugged. “Actually, maybe I should thank you . It could have been me , the one who ended up with a dagger in the chest.”

“Nice to be helpful.” Merlin smiled. "I’m here just to please.”

“If you're done,” Klaus murmured laconically, glancing at his younger brother, “we have witches to threaten.”

“And another party to crash.” Kol nodded. “I love this part!”

Merlin snorted in amusement.

Chapter Text

“I think I suddenly understand your brother’s desire to kill everything that breathes or moves.” Merlin said, speaking calmly to Kol, who chuckled, shaking his head.

“Klaus doesn’t kill people because they give him too many gifts, Merlin.” Kol said, laughing and taking a sip of blood from a glass. Merlin wondered if the owner of that blood was still alive or if he had made a final, eternal donation . “In fact, I think they started with the gifts in hopes of convincing him not to kill them too quickly .”

“And what do I have to do with their desperate attempts ?” Merlin asked, blinking in confusion. “It’s not like I’d really have a chance of stopping Klaus if he decided to kill everyone in the room just for dramatic effect or to make a statement .”

Although, it only happened twice in the last week. Merlin considered it a victory. 

Kol snorted in amusement. “Good, but they’ve realized that you’re a force to be reckoned with and that you don’t answer to my brother. I think a witch overheard your discussion a few days ago, and drew her own conclusions when she realized you hadn’t been killed yet for disturbing my brother’s moment of peace .”

“You mean his painting ?” Merlin asked, tilting his head. “He’s pretty good at it. I hadn’t thought of the pieces around the house as his , but it’s pretty incredible. I’ve met working painters who weren’t as talented with a paintbrush as Klaus clearly is.” Merlin murmured thoughtfully. “I don’t think anyone else is capable of using a paintbrush to kill a werewolf and then using his blood to add red to the painting anyway.”

“No, I think that’s my brother’ s prerogative, that one.” Kol admitted amusedly. “Not that Elijah approves, of course. He’s always really disappointed by it, if I’m honest. Quite boring , but it doesn’t really matter, I suppose.”

“No, I don’t suppose Klaus cares much about Elijah’s disapproval of his violent impulses either.” Merlin agreed. “Which doesn’t justify the gifts I’m getting as payment for keeping Klaus quiet! It’s insulting and frankly pointless! They’re just wasting my time with all these gifts!”

“Not theirs ?” Kol asked, cocking his head like a very excited puppy dog. “You know, since they’re the ones giving the gifts and all.”

“ I don’t care if they decide to waste their time trying to bribe me!” Merlin replied, glaring at the vampire. “I care if they decide wasting my time is an acceptable response! ”

Kol burst out laughing. “You can always tell Klaus he can add the gift givers to the list of people he can kill to leave a message .”

“I can’t , because that would set a dangerous precedent for our discussions, and then Klaus could use the fact that I let him kill the people who annoyed me and continue to stop him from killing the people who annoyed him .”

Kol raised an eyebrow. “I thought you couldn’t control my brother.”

“I don’t control your brother, we talk and he realizes I’m often right !” Merlin argued. “And anyway , I wasn’t complaining about useful gifts, you know? Just expensive and completely useless ones !”

“Are there any useful gifts?” Kol asked, interested. “I know your magic is very different from that used by the witches here, so their charms are of no use to you, but are there any useful gifts you can actually use?”

“Some trade information .” Merlin admitted. “Probably the witches who realized they couldn’t control me using their kind of magic, not like they do with their witches.”

“ Information .” Kol nodded, looking impressed. “Those witches are pretty useful, then. Maybe I should get closer to them, then.”

“Do it, then maybe they’ll send you the gifts and leave me alone .” Merlin nodded, before stopping, reading a letter. 

“Interesting information?” Kol asked, noticing the way Merlin paused and tense.

“I’d say so.” Merlin murmured. “Someone found evidence of Katerina Petrova.”

Kol stood still, looking at Merlin, before saying. “Well, Klaus will want to know.”

***

Klaus wanted to know.

Klaus was also dramatic and very violent , so Merlin didn’t flinch when the vampire threw a few tables around, nor when he snapped the neck of the vampire who had only come in to check that no one was hurt.

“Niklaus, please .” Elijah said wearily. “There are better ways to communicate your irritation.”

“Let him vent now , before he kills the messenger .” Merlin moved his letter, glaring at Klaus as he did so. “Though you migh t want to let me know if your sulking will last much longer. I have many more letters to open and I can't wait to finish them.”

“Don't move.” Klaus growled at him, his eyes turning red, bloodshot. “ Katerina . She's still alive , that traitor .”

“Yes, I imagine that.” Merlin muttered sarcastically. “She didn’t want to get killed for trivial reasons. What a nerve .”

“ Trivial reasons ?” Klaus growled, moving towards Merlin at vampire speed. “You dare call my curse a trivial reason? When I offered you a home and help…”

“ In exchange for my help with your problems.” Merlin remembered coldly. “And what do you mean by your curse ? Wasn’t the curse for all vampires?”

“ Why would I care to fight for all the other vampires?” Klaus shook his head. “The more they need me, the more loyal and grateful they will be for the favors I grant them.”

“How very nice of you.” Merlin commented laconically. “What’s the curse?”

“It binds my wolf, making me incomplete .” Klaus growled. “And if it weren’t for the doppelganger, for damned Katerina , I’d be whole again by now.”

Merlin remained silent as Klaus sent Elijah to command the vampires to find Petrova, dead or alive. Preferably alive, of course.

Merlin wondered why Klaus was worried about that matter, but he didn't have to wait too much to receive his answer. 

“If she’s dead,” Klaus said, as he began to walk out of the room, “I can’t torture her for her actions against me.”

Well, Merlin should have expected Klaus to have such a noble reason for wanting someone alive.

Chapter Text

Merlin knew that Klaus hated Katerina with all his heart. And, after finding out the reason behind that hatred, he could partially understand the vampire's contempt for the doppelganger.

There was just something about the whole thing of the ritual itself that didn't convince him.

So, deciding to use Kol for his own purposes, he had dragged him along in search of an old acquaintance, believing that the vampire would appreciate meeting a Valia, given his love of magic and nature.

Kol had appreciated it, and a lot.

But Merlin should have remembered that the Valia were creatures that were not very good at reading unspoken signals .

Kol had not stopped laughing for the last half hour , as he and Merlin walked home.

Merlin didn't even know what was so funny .

Merlin had watched with amusement as Kol went berserk as the Valia spoke to him, allowing him to feel the echo of magic on his skin, as Kol had always done as a boy.

Then, his eyes widened when the Valia closest to the vampire said, “I’m sure Emrys would have no problem sharing himself with his lifelong partner.”

Merlin had started coughing, before saying, “No, we’re not married!”

“No?” The Valia looked almost disappointed. “Of all the vampires you could have a relationship with, Kol would be the best, but I suppose… Is it too early to talk about marriage? You like courtship first, don’t you?”

Merlin had resigned himself to the Valia’s insinuations for the rest of the visit, which had at least been productive.

Kol looked at him with amusement. “Now, is that any way to talk to your husband , Merlin?”

“You’re going to be a very dead husband if you don’t stop this now .” Merlin glared at him, hurrying into the Mikaelson house, hoping to leave the vampire behind.

It was a vain hope, but Merlin was pretty sure Kol would disappear the moment Klaus showed up.

He just had to find Klaus quickly.

“Ah, how quickly you forget our vows and promises, my love .” Kol put a hand to his chest, batting his eyelashes at Merlin.

Merlin raised an eyebrow. “You look like you’re having an aneurysm ,” he said tersely.

Kol pouted, but before he could speak, Klaus appeared.

“Little bird, you’re gone.” Klaus narrowed his eyes at Merlin. “You smell like a witch .”

“Well, I am one, so I guess I should smell like that.” Merlin wrinkled his nose. “You smell like blood , and I can tell you that’s really disgusting . You should consider washing more often.”

“Torture often gets messy .” Klaus smiled. “Your informant must be rewarded. Katerina is now in my possession.”

“She’s not dead, is she?” Merlin asked, suddenly frightened by the possibility.

Sure, there would be the other doppelganger, and Merlin already had a way to keep her from dying, but the original ritua l called for the deaths of three other beings , the witch who would break the curse, a vampire, and a wolf to free Klaus. While the ritual Merlin had found only required a few drops of Katerina’s blood.

“She’s had me chased for over three hundred years.” Klaus smiled fiercely. “I’ll make her suffer for much longer .”

“Oh, that’s good.” Merlin smiled, before frowning and saying. “I mean, not your plans to torture Katerina until the end of time and maybe even beyond, but the fact that she’s alive.”

“ Why ?” Klaus tilted his head. “Do you want to talk to her? Did your informant have an ulterior motive in directing you to Katerina, perhaps?”

“That informant’s only ulterior motive was to not be killed by you in an unspecified future for a fit of sulking.” Merlin rolled his eyes. “And if you stopped having fits of sulking , I would stop receiving gifts from complete strangers who hope to gain my favor but are only driving me insane .” Then, Merlin shook his head. “No, you know I’m not the normal kind of witch you’ve met in your life, right? I’m not like the witches who live here, who get their magic from their ancestors, or even like witches like the original witch, who get their magic from the nature around them.”

Klaus nodded. “I’m well aware of that. That’s why you’re immortal, and they’re not.”

“Yes, also that is right.” Merlin confirmed. “But that means I don’t have to follow the rituals that the ancestral and nature witches devise to have the rituals performed. Or to break their rituals and spells.” Merlin handed Klaus a piece of paper, the one where he had written all the steps for the ritual and the words he would have to say. “I don’t even need a full moon.” He admitted. “Being a hybrid gives you the advantage of transforming whenever you want. Besides, well, I’m pretty sure the witch who performed the ritual on you absolutely didn’t want you to create any more hybrids , because the ritual you were going through would prevent that.”

“What do you mean?” Klaus asked, frowning.

Merlin explained. “You would have needed the blood of the doppelganger to create more hybrids. Instead, this way, you can use the blood of any human . You don’t have to wait five hundred years to have a human to use.”

Klaus smiled. “My little bird, you are incredible .” Then, turning to someone at his side, he said. “Prepare what is written on this list and then call me back.” Klaus showed the vampire the list. “Kol, call Elijah.” A smile appeared on Klaus’s face. “Soon I will be whole again.”

Merlin sighed.

All he knew was that once Klaus was whole again, he would use his wholeness to have new methods of torture.

Well, Merlin mused, at least he would never become boring and unoriginal .

At least there was that .

Chapter Text

Merlin looked critically at the altar Kol had prepared, following Merlin’s instructions.

The Celtic knots had been reproduced so perfectly, Merlin wondered if he should have done anything at all.

Kol must really be missing his magic, Merlin mused, as he walked to the prepared spot.

“I know you’ve been visiting our prisoner ,” Klaus said, appearing with the usual gust of wind that Merlin had come to associate with vampire speed.

“Yes, well, I won’t comment on having a prison and a torture chamber in a house ,” Merlin said, speaking slowly, as he was holding off on commenting on both, “but I needed some of Katherine’s blood.”

“The doppelganger.” Klaus spoke slowly. “My mother almost tricked me into living alone.”

“Just because you were the only one of your kind doesn’t mean you were alone .” Merlin corrected him. “You have siblings who are also immortal, right?”

“That’s different.” Klaus said. “They can’t understand…”

“What’s it like to be torn from your identity, and forced to live a half-life ?” Merlin interrupted, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. “You know that Kol can no longer practice magic because of your parents’ actions, and there’s nothing worse than being torn from your magic.”

“I’ve never been a witch.” Klaus murmured. “I couldn’t add that to the list of insults our mother has given me.”

“Well, Kol can.” Merlin said. “And he hasn’t had the opportunity to grieve the loss, and there’s no ritual that can reverse that. Not like you, who will have your wolf identity again. Kol is hopeless, but he stood by you without hesitation .”

“I know I don’t deserve my brothers’ loyalty.” Klaus said, speaking slowly and then turning to Merlin. “And I know the only reason you’re loyal to me is because you hope to see your end come soon .”

“Don’t put words in my mouth that I never said.” Merlin warned. “I had no reason why I should look for a way to break the curse and allow you to create hybrids however you wanted, but I did . And you couldn’t have known it was in my power to do such a thing.”

Klaus was silent. Then, hesitantly, he asked. “What did you need Katerina’s blood for?”

“Do you see the runes on the ground?” Merlin pointed to the runes that Kol had personally carved. After Klaus nodded, Merlin continued to explain. “Katherine’s blood will fill the grooves. During the ritual, you will stand in the center of the altar, surrounded by Celtic runes and the doppelganger’s blood.”

“And I don’t even have to kill to do it.” Klaus murmured. “Why do my mother’s spells involve so many sacrifices?”

“Because she’s weak .” Merlin shrugged. “She’s weak and uses death to amplify her powers.”

Klaus laughed in amusement. “I almost feel bad that the old woman is dead now. You could easily destroy her, couldn’t you?”

“Her and anyone else.” Merlin nodded. “It doesn’t hurt that I can’t be killed in any way.”

“Fantastic.” Klaus smiled. “So? Shall we get started?”

Merlin nodded, gesturing toward the altar. “Please, don’t make me stop you.”

Klaus walked to the center of the altar, and Merlin tilted the cup containing the doppelganger’s blood and slowly let it drip into the carvings that ran all the way around the altar.

As he did so, he sang in ancient Celtic.

"Scaiptir na slabhraí, léigter an mallacht. Atáim ag guidhe anois, a Bandia Threise, d'fhearg a thabhairt don mac tíre os mo chomhair.

Ná bí a nádúr briste níos mó, go dtiucfaidh na míreanna le chéile arís.

Léigter an draíocht agus deisigter an bhriseadh."[1]

When Merlin finished walking around the altar, he looked up to look at Klaus.

The original had fallen to his knees, holding his head in his hands.

Then, Merlin glimpsed a smile.

And Klaus looked up, two golden lights staring straight into Merlin's mirrored ones.

Chapter Text

Merlin opened his eyes to see a golden muzzle right in front of him.

“Klaus, get off me.” Merlin said. “And I don’t want dog hair on my bed.”

Klaus barked.

Merlin was starting to doubt his own intelligence.

If he knew that Klaus would start roaming the house like a wolf, following him wherever he went and spreading dog hair everywhere , then Merlin wouldn’t have helped him break the curse.

And he would also be worried about being punished for his actions in a previous life.

Someone must have been keeping score and decided that Klaus was the punishment for all of Merlin’s misdeeds.

Merlin really wanted to talk to this person and offer him the dog Klaus as a pet .

Along with the headache Merlin had that would never, ever , go away.

Merlin stumbled into the kitchen, finishing buttoning all the buttons on his shirt.

Elijah handed him a cup of coffee.

“Good morning, Merlin. Is my brother awake yet?”

“Klaus is trying to see how long it takes me to snap his neck when he is in his wolf form.” Merlin growled, gratefully taking the offered cup and drinking it. “Thank you.” He then added, remembering that Elijah had done him a favor and that there was no reason to insult him or be rude to him.

“Don’t think about it.” Elijah smiled, before sitting down in front of Merlin and a frankly oversized breakfast.

Rich people .

“My brother has a habit of annoying the people he cares about.” Elijah took a sip of coffee, before continuing. “You should consider yourself lucky to be back on that remarkably short list.”

“I don’t feel lucky right now.” Merlin shook his head. “Kol?”

“I’m afraid I don’t know where my brother is.” Elijah looked displeased. “But I’m sure we’ll hear from him very soon. Kol doesn’t like to go unnoticed. His messes often lead us to take drastic measures , so to speak.”

“I imagine Klaus will be in a good mood for a while, which will save Kol from being stuffed into a coffin.” Merlin shrugged. “And Kol is nothing more than a younger brother trying to get the attention of his older siblings. Since Klaus’s curse has been lifted, and Katherina is under his… special care , could you think of helping Kol?”

Elijah was silent, considering.

Then, surprising Merlin, he asked. “Tell me, have you ever been a big brother? Or a parent?”

“I can’t say I have.” Merlin shook his head. “I was younger, considerably younge r, than all my friends. I could be considered a little brother of sorts. Although I was never called that way.”

“But you felt it, the bond.” Elijah nodded. “You can’t understand the pain of seeing your children and siblings in pain, Merlin.”

“I watched them die .” Merlin whispered. “I would say I can understand the pain very well.”

Elijah nodded. “I will help Kol. I think I can offer some comfort.”

“Good.” Merlin nodded.

Klaus then entered the room, thankfully not in a fur coat.

Merlin glared at him.

“Don’t be like that, little bird.” Klaus smiled fiercely. “While Elijah comforts Kol, you and I are needed elsewhere.”

“And where, if I may ask?” Merlin replied, managing to sound extremely tired.

“At a faction meeting.” Klaus said quickly. “The humans and witches want their voices heard. And it’s only right that werewolves know that they can become more powerful than anyone else.”

Merlin rolled his eyes.

He really wished he could have a talk with whoever was doing the math and doling out the punishment.

Merlin absolutely did not deserve Klaus Mikaelson in his life.

Chapter Text

Merlin was looking at one of the witches. She had black hair, green eyes.

And she was grinning, looking at Klaus, while she was mocking him.

Merlin closed his eyes, trying to shake it off the awful sensation that pervaded him in that exact moment.

Morgana was dead. Nothing could ever take her back to life, no amount of magic could ever bring one of them back to life.

Merlin tried, he tried so hard, to bring them back, or to join them.

She was just a witch, and apparently having dark hair and bright eyes was a witch sign, like it was having a name starting with the letter M - like Merlin, Morgana, Morgause, Mordred. Merlin asked himself a couple of times if Mithian could have magic as well, but never discovered it.

Merlin didn’t doubt that if that witch was Morgana, she would have already tried to kill Merlin, even if all her previous weapons, comprehending those creatures that she used in her life to control and torture Merlin and his friends.

Merlin shook his head, glancing at Klaus only to realise that the hybrid was now showing his golden eyes at the witch, grinning at her unease.

Merlin sighed.

If he knew what kind of trouble Klaus would have gotten him into, he would never agree to help him.

***

“Is everything okay, little bird?”

Merlin looked at Klaus, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“I saw you, before.” Klaus answered. “And you didn’t look okay.”

“Thanks.” Merlin said, dryly.

“So, what troubled you?” Klaus insisted. “If that witch is a burden for you, I can easily kill her. So that you won’t need to look at her.”

“Woah, there is no need to kill her just because I don’t like her!” Merlin raised his hand, trying to stop the hybrid from his murder plans. “She just reminded me of Morgana.”

“The Queen.” Klaus nodded.

“The myths are wrong.” Merlin stated. “She was never queen. Oh, well, she was , but like, three months overall. Arthur took back his kingdom every time and in not that much of time. Gwen was queen much longer than Morgana.”

Klaus nodded. “Did you care about her?”

“She was my friend before.” Merlin answered. “But she changed and I’m not to be blamed for her chance. She listened to Morgause before I did anything against her. She helped Morgause to attack Camelot before anything I did against her.” Merlin gulped. “I was hurt by her betrayal, but I am not to be blamed.”

“Very well, little bird.” Klaus smiled. “Guilt is for the weakest. You’re too strong to be burdened by that useless feeling.”

“If I did something wrong, I should feel sorry for it.” Merlin raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Klaus’ statement.

“If you did something wrong, you learn from your mistake and you must be sure it never happens again.” Klaus corrected him. “You don’t waste your time and energy on a sense of guilt. It won’t take you anywhere, my little bird.”

Merlin tilted his head. “It was a… correct advice. I’m surprised you came on your own. Elijah told you?”

Klaus snorted. “My noble brother told me that a couple of times, yes.” Then, the hybrid placed a hand on Merlin’s shoulder. “And, Merlin, you’re not alone. Not anymore.”

Merlin smiled a little. “You promised to kill me, if you recall.”

Klaus smirked. “I’m sure, love, that you won’t want to be dead, after I’ll find a way to kill you.”

Chapter Text

Klaus was in a darker mood than usual, which didn't really surprise Merlin.

Usually, dealing with witches had this kind of effect on Klaus.

"Vampires aren't themselves." Klaus growled. "Why are they still defying me? Don't they understand that I'll destroy all of them, killing their loved ones before ending their lives, if they rebel?"

"I guess it doesn't matter much, after all," Merlin said, surveying the scene before him. There were ashes from burnt herbs, a used black and white candle, and scattered objects. "Are they easily impressionable vampires ?" Merlin asked, nodding at the objects.

Klaus nodded. "What does that mean?"

“It's a hoodoo way of controlling dreams. You light a white candle to open the passage and a black candle to anchor the dream. You place the person's object in front of you and burn the mugwort and absinthe together. That's the smell you smell: the smoke left something behind.” Merlin said. “The poppy seeds and valerian are used to conclude the ritual. You whisper whose dream you want to ruin. The candles allow you to control the dream itself.”

Klais grimaced. “I don't like it.”

“Yeah, I'm not surprised.” Merlin snorted. “Actually, I don't think anyone likes it.”

“How do I stop whoever is doing it from continuing?” Klaus growled.

“Even if one stopped, the others could start again. Literally, the magic required is minimal. Even a human could carry out this ritual.” Merlin replied. “The only way to find out who's behind it is to see if there are any residual traces of that person's magic.”

“Vampires won't come near you, Merlin,” Klaus growled. “They're too scared of magic right now.”

“I suppose that would make you vulnerable .” Merlin mused. “Every witch would benefit from that. The one we are looking for now is probably the one who's suffered the most and is willing to die for their cause.”

“I'll kill them all,” Klaus promised.

Merlin sighed. “It's one way to solve the problem.”

Chapter Text

"Can you repeat what the hell happened here?" Elijah asked.

Merlin flinched. Elijah never swore.

It was against his... whatever it was.

Elijah didn't swear, Kol wouldn't stop at a little slaughter, Klaus loved violence, and Rebekah fell in love too quickly with anyone who loved her.

Merlin wasn't ashamed to say he'd hidden from her when the vampire decided they'd get married.

Klaus laughed and said Merlin seemed less troubled when the witches tried to kill him.

He was more used to being threatened than courted.

Especially from the vampire who... well, kept watching her lovers die.

"Now, it wasn't my fault," Merlin said quickly, before pointing to Kol and throwing him under Elijah's car, "But only his. I'd like to put that in writing, thank you."

Kol snorted in disbelief. "My fault?! Dude, you're the one who didn't correct me!"

"If I had to correct you, that implies... well, it's your fault." Merlin waved at Kol, before looking at Elijah. "I was really just trying to limit the damage!"

"Look, how was I supposed to know that consort meant we were married?" Kol exclaimed, gesturing between himself and Merlin. "Besides, why are you so offended? What, am I not good enough for you?"

"No, because you're an idiot!" Merlin answered himself. "If I were to marry one of the Mikaelsons, it would be Elijah because he's not a psychopathic idiot!"

Elijah coughed, but said nothing.

Merlin continued. "Besides, let's see... What the hell do you think consort means? Are you really that ignorant that you don't know the language you speak?"

"Hey, I'm very smart and I have a lot of connections!" Kol replied.

"Then why the hell didn't you know what consort meant?" Merlin replied. "And fae are violent if they hear a lie! I had to save you from being brutally murdered, you idiot!"

"Well, no one asked you!" Kol replied. "You could have minded your own business!"

"My own business?" Merlin blinked. "And come back here explaining how you became a dead man? No thanks!"

"You can't die, anyway!" Kol replied.

"That doesn't mean I enjoy the experience of trying!" Merlin replied irritably.

Elijah sighed, clearly questioning his life choices up until that point.

"As soon as Niklaus returns from his afternoon with Marcellus, we'll talk about this."

Merlin snorted, crossing his arms. "Next time, I'll let you die, you idiot."

"Hey!" Kol replied. "That's no way to talk to your husband!"

Merlin groaned.

Elijah wasn't the only one questioning his life choices.

Chapter Text

Klaus had said they needed to persuade the city's new lord that they were on his side.

If Merlin had known he had to pretend to be with Kol, he wouldn't have agreed that quickly.

"I told you not to sit this close." Merlin hissed, before glancing at Elijah. "I trusted you to stop this madness!"

"Niklaus's idea has its merits," Elijah admitted. "And the fae will be suspicious if they don't see you interacting like a married couple."

Kol, who had snuggled up against Merlin like an oversized evil cat, smiled. "Oh, my love, if you go any further like this, I'll be left suffering from terrible loneliness." With a dramatic pause, Kol looked at him. "Do you really want to leave me... dehydrated?"

“If by dehydrate you mean ‘stop giving me free beer because they think I’m paying everything for you’…” Merlin paused. “Yes. That’s exactly what I want.”

Kol smiled, wiggling his eyebrows. “It’s your fault they think I’m the bride here.”

“And you’ve done absolutely nothing to correct the rumor.” Merlin hissed.

“Why should I? It’s the funniest idea this town has ever had.” Kol offered. “Besides, you have no idea how much my reputation among the witches is boosted by knowing that I have Emrys on my arm.”

Klaus interjected. “I thought you were the one on Merlin’s arm, not the other way around. Since you’re the bride.”

“Specifically, they refer to you as the ‘beloved and fragile companion.’” Elijah nodded. “That’s quite interesting.”

“And without a good explanation.” Merlin groaned. “Why did I have to pretend to be with Kol, of all people? Kol is an idiot!”

“Maybe you have no good taste,” Klaus offered.

Kol, however, beamed. “My Merlin and I have decided to explore the pleasures of a modern relationship. He works, I enjoy life. A perfect dynamic.”

“How come you know that?” Merlin looked at him, narrowing his eyes. “What the hell? Did you say that first?”

“We agreed on it together!” Kol defended himself, staring at Merlin.

“We didn’t decide anything!” Merlin protested. “You just sat on my lap!”

“You let Kol sit on your lap? In public? Really?” Klaus looked at him, almost disappointed.

“It happened too fast to avoid it.” Merlin muttered, still annoyed by the event.

“It’s not my fault I have a certain… irresistible charm.” Kol winked.

Merlin wasn't amused. "If by charm you mean the ability to cause trouble with your mere presence... yes. You have it."

Elijah cleared his throat.

"Come on, admit it." Kol smiled. "I amuse you a little."

"You tire me. It's different." Merlin sighed wearily.

"Tiring is just entertaining harder." Kol nodded seriously.

"No. Tiring is being Kol Mikaelson." Merlin replied annoyed, making Klaus smile and Elijah sigh.

"Yes. I can confirm," Klaus said, his eyes flashing gold for a moment.

"Very thorough." Elijah commented.

Kol smiled. "Fantastic. Then it's settled: I'll continue to be your beautiful, adorable wife. At least until you find something more chaotic."

"There's nothing more chaotic than you." Merlin hissed in annoyance.

“See?” Kol asked brightly. “We’re perfect together.”

Merlin buried his face in his hands.

He should have ignored the original vampire family.

It didn’t look like much fun following them around.

Chapter Text

Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you her nephew?”

Marcel swallowed, raising his chin in defiance. “It doesn’t matter. We love each other, and I’ll marry her.”

Merlin narrowed his eyes. “I don’t think Rebekah is… the best choice for a partner.”

“How dare you?” Marcel exclaimed. “She loves me, and I love her! We’re getting married!”

“Okay, but she’s an immortal vampire and your aunt, and you’re a human who… will die,” Merlin explained, waving. “And if she was the one to turn you, then she’d add the fact that she’s your sire to the bond between you, making everything weirder and crazier.”

“Klaus will turn me,” Marcel said confidently. “Then we’ll go away together.”

“Klaus will turn you to be with his sister?” Merlin grimaced. “Are we talking about two different Klaus?”

“I’m his son, and he will do it. For me.” Marcel lifted his chin. “Why don’t you go keep an eye on your husband instead, before Klaus stabs him?”

Merlin snorted, wondering how he hadn’t appreciated Klaus and his intelligence before, which he clearly hadn’t passed on to his adopted son and his younger sister, who seemed to believe that being with her nephew was a good thing in the life line.

It wasn’t, and it made Merlin feel like he used to read old stories, where Mordred was Morgana and Arthur’s son.

Disgusting.

“Klaus!” Merlin burst into the Mikaelson house screaming, finding Klaus, Kol, and Elijah gathered around a table.

“Merlin.” Klaus smiled at him. “Will you join us for tonight’s celebrations?”

“No, but tell your sister that being with her nephew is worthy of Greek myths for delirium. But in Greek myths, they usually didn't know when they're with their nephews, it just happened.” Merlin was smoking. “And maybe make it clear to your nephew that you prefer your brother to him, okay? His insinuations that you'd choose him over Kol bother me.”

“Does it bother you because Kol is your husband?” Elijah asked, turning the page of the book. “And I can't believe Rebekah would start a relationship with her nephew. It's strangely…”

“Disgusting.” Kol wrinkled his nose. “Or Marcel being with Rebekah.”

Klaus remained silent, looking seriously at Merlin. After a moment, he nodded. “I'll make it clear to Marcel that, as my son, he has rules to follow, not just privileges.” Klaus shot an irritated look at Kol before speaking. “And I'll also point out that my brother and his husband are as much, if not more, family than he is. I certainly wouldn't choose him over one of you.”

“We should also talk to Rebekah,” Elijah said. “A relationship with Marcellus is… disturbing.”

“We will,” Klaus promised.