#allowmetointroduce

Klaus asks Cami to hang around for a little while longer as the new parents get their little one changed and tucked in.

“Do you think he’s gonna be upset? Is that why?”

“No. I just want you to be here with me,” he confesses. “EJ is a smart young man. He made me realize how much I do care and want you with me.”

So the two of them along with Bex and Freya are waiting for them to return. Freya is struggling with wether she should remind everyone of the prophesy now or wait. Klaus seems to be having the same thought, for when she begins to mention it he cuts her off.

“Not tonight. We leave that at the door for tomorrow. Tonight is about us as a family celebrating. After everything our brother has endured for us and all we, mainly I, have put him through he deserves tonight.”

So they agree not to mention it tonight. A little while later Elijah and Charlotte walk in the study hand in hand. Immediately Klaus goes to them and embraces them both.

“I am truly so happy for you both! He is an amazing young man,” he whispers to them.

As he opens his eyes he sees Hayley walking into the study. He gives them an extra squeeze before letting them go.

“What is it Hayley?”

“I saw the study light on and wanted to apologize. Elijah I am sorry for earlier. Everything just came out wrong and I didn’t mean it that way.

All you have ever done is protect Hope and I from day 1. You were the first to accept that this was really happening. You were the only one to just embrace the idea of this family being whole and you have tried so hard to get the rest of us to embrace it as well.

Then today, when you are told that you have a child and get to meet him. When you need your family to be there to support you, I am the one to question it. I am so sorry.

If anyone in this messed up family deserves this chance for happiness it is you and Charlotte. I am on board with you. I just wanted to make sure I was clear about where I stand and that’s by your side. Jackson was there from the moment he saw EJ. Anyway, I just wanted to say I’m with you and I’m sorry.”

She turns to leave but stops when Elijah says her name. She turns to see Elijah and Charlotte each with an arm out for her to come to them. The couple embrace her and ask her to sit.

Charlotte sits on a sofa beside Hayley and hugs her while Elijah remains standing.

“Freya could you please send a message to Constance for us?”

She says she can but says nothing more. Everyone is allowing space for the new parents to process.

“It occurred to me earlier that there are some questions we need answers for and I would rather those answers come from her. For one, does he know about us? His heritage? Has he showed signs of tapping his ability to use magic?”

“And when you manage to get your mind to still and enjoy the moment, Brother?”

He turns and faces his siblings with tears in his eyes as he looks at each one. When his eyes find Charlotte he suddenly walks to where she is sitting and kneels down in front of her. He takes her hand in his and brings it to his lips.

“Our son amazes me,” he chokes out. Finally the damn breaks and he lets it all out as he embraces his wife. “We have a son,” he sobs into her shoulder. His siblings gather round and embrace the couple.

“Let it out ‘Lijah,” Klaus whispers. “You’ve carried that desire for this for so long with no hope of it being fulfilled. Let it go, Brother. You can let it go.”

If anyone had walked in on the scene they would probably assume this was a scene of grief. However, the Original family knew it was from relief and joy. Elijah has carried so much for so long, always being the strong one for his siblings. They felt they owed him this moment of tenderness.

A/N: This wraps up Book 2 and the series Allow Me to Introduce. The story will continue as they deal with the prophesy and adjust to their new addition.

The first order of business was to get some clothes and such for him. This was an interesting process. With all of his Aunts and Uncles as well as his parents showing him things they thought he should look to see if he liked he became overwhelmed.

Seeing this Elijah steps in. “EJ, why don’t you come with me and Uncle Niklaus? Your Aunts and Mom can pick out some other things for you. Do you usually like to sleep in pjs or just shorts or a t-shirt?”

“Pajama pants and a shirt.”

“Are there any things like dinosaurs or cars that you like?” Charlotte asks.

“Both. And trains. I really want to ride on a train,” he tells her.

“Do you like short socks or long ones?”

“Both. If I have to wear them. I don’t like wearing them unless I have to.”

The grownups were all smiles as they got to see glimpses into his personality. Each of them eager to get to know him.

Elijah kisses Charlotte on the cheek and grins at her as he says, “we’re going to take him and let him pick out some things. There’s no need to buy everything now. I’m sure you ladies can pick some stuff and get some necessities after you hit the toys and fun stuff,” he says with a smile.

She kisses him and laughs as she says, “daddy is enjoying this I do believe.”

“I am. He was getting a little overwhelmed with everything. You and I will take him later just the 3 of us. I would like to spend the day tomorrow looking at him picking a room or us showing him his room and then how he would like to decorate it. Maybe some books or paints type stuff.”

“You hear that EJ? We may get to look at some paints tomorrow mate,” Elijah hears Klaus saying to EJ. “What was your bedroom like at your old house?”

He laughs at his brother and is vey happy to have him building a bond with his son. He hugs Charlotte and kisses her softly before joining Klaus and EJ.

“Lijah, EJ was just telling about his bedroom at his old house. What he liked about it and what he didn’t. I think I may have the perfect room in mind for this young man.”

The three guys walk off together laughing and talking. Both men notice that EJ seems to crave their attention and realize he has never had a man in his life. As they are walking Klaus spots an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and gets Elijah’s attention.

Elijah smiles as he asks, “EJ, have you ever had ice cream?”

“I don’t think so. What is it?”

“You are about to find out young man,” Elijah laughs as he picks him up and puts him on his shoulders. The trio makes their way inside and begin showing the different flavors to EJ. They ask if they can sample a couple of flavors since they don’t know which kind he might like.

“So which ones would you like to try,” Klaus asks.

“Daddy, What’s your favorite?”

“I’m incredibly fond of chocolate and strawberry. Your mom likes mint chocolate chip.”

“Uncle Niklaus which is yours.”

“I am partial to butter pecan myself.”

“Can I try all of those?”

Elijah ends up ordering one scoop of each in a big bowl for the 3 of them to share. While they indulge in the treat Klaus snaps several pictures of father and son as well as some selfies of all three.

“So EJ, do you know if you like jeans or pants better?”

“I’m not sure. I just wear what we have.”

“Well then we can buy a couple pair of different styles and material and let you decide which one you prefer,” Elijah tells him. “Just so you know, we are probably going to ask you a lot of questions for a while about the things you like. It’s ok to tell us you don’t like something. It’s also ok to tell us if you don’t know.”

“It’s also ok to change your mind later, mate. As you can see your dad and I are dressed very differently but both are fine. Sometimes you need to dress up more and other times more casual. But I do want to get you some simple, comfortable clothes for you to wear when we paint so your nicer clothes don’t get messed up,” Klaus tells him.

When the ladies catch up with them they have bought a little of everything. Jeans and khakis in different styles and colors. Sweatpants and hoodies as well as button up shirts and pull overs that are casual and some dress shirts. Much to the amusement of Klaus, EJ insisted that they had to buy him a jacket and tie as well.

“You want to dress up like your dad,” he asked him.

“I like the way it looks,” EJ said with a smile.

They also bought tennis shoes, dress shoes, slides and boots. The look on the women’s faces when they saw all the bags made them laugh.

“Don’t look at me, Love,” Klaus says to Charlotte. “We told EJ it was ok to tell us what he did and didn’t like. Turns out he’s that much like his Dad already. The boy loves clothes. The grin on Elijah’s face was adorable.

“Daddy I’m getting hungry.”

“What would you like to eat son?”

“Aunt Con usually cooks something.”

“Have you had pizza before,” Bex asked.

When he looked at her puzzled they decided a buffet was in order so he could try many different things. And he did. By the time dinner was done they had decided that dinner would be a family occasion and everyone would chip in to cook and clean, EJ included.

While at dinner Klaus showed the pictures he had taken throughout the day. Everyone loved the pic of EJ on Elijah’s shoulders looking at the ice cream. The selfie of the three of them with the large bowl in front of them was also a fav.

When the family arrive back at the compound EJ is sleeping soundly in the backseat. Elijah picks him up, trying not to wake him and carries him up to Hope’s room. He and Charlotte get him changed and tucked into bed before joining the others in Elijah’s study.

“Daddy! Daddy! Did you know there’s a room with paintings everywhere! And it looks like somebody paints in there. And guess what Daddy! I went up to the top and looked out of the highest window. There’s a small area up there that I can fit in cause I’m so small. But from up there I could see the city is ssooo big so I know there’s got to be a place to buy the books you said we could get. And Mom says this is your study and that these books and all are yours. Can I have a spot so I can look at books in here to?”

On the first exclamation of ‘Daddy’ the rest of the world fell away as he knelt down in front of his son to hear all the wonderful things he has discovered. When Bex interrupted his excited rant, EJ seemed to just then realize there were more people in the room. He fell quiet and backed into his Dad’s chest and reaches down and takes Elijah’s hand.

“It sounds like you and Mom had fun looking around. And yes there are many bookstores in the city. We will go soon to see about finding some you will like. Now what sort of ‘spot’ to look at books are you wanting? Like a chair or a corner?”

“Well, as fast as your talking you have got to be my nephew,” Bex says.

EJ is looking at the people in the room suddenly extremely quite. “Daddy, why do people feel, like they don’t like each other? It wasn’t like this before.”

Elijah wraps a protective arm around his son. “There was a disagreement while you were exploring. But we also had someone else arrive that wants to meet you. This is your Aunt Bex, EJ,” Elijah explains to him.

Bex bends down in front of him, “Hello, EJ. You are very much like your F... Daddy. You call him Daddy right?”

“Yes mam. I call him Daddy. He is my Daddy,” EJ says still leaning against Elijah.

Bex smiles at EJ and looks up at her big brother, “that title suits you well brother.”

Klaus approaches the pair, “EJ, that room with the paintings you saw? What would you say if I told you that was my room and I was the one who painted all of those?”

EJ’s eye grew wide as he looked at him, “Uncle Niklaus, could you teach me how? I didn’t have much paint at my old house and Aunt Con wasn’t any help.”

“I would be happy to help you. We will get you all the paint you want.”

“It sounds like you have a lot of shopping to do Son,” Charlotte says drawing attention to herself. She is holding Hope and bends down in front of EJ. “I know you ate lunch with her earlier and took a nap together but I wanted to let you meet your cousin. This is Hope.”

“Speaking of shopping,” Bex speaks up. “EJ, do you have more clothes with you?”

“No mam,” he replies.

“Well then,” Elijah states as he stands holding EJ. “It sounds like we need to go shopping. Clothes first. You can ride with Mom and I. Your Aunts and Uncles can follow and go with us if they would like to. Then we can eat dinner anywhere you want tonight. Go with Mom and I will be there in just a minute.”

Charlotte and EJ leave the room to go get Charlotte’s jacket and then down to the Bentley. Once they are gone Elijah turns to the rest of the room, “I am not saying I fully understand any of this Hayley. But look at him. Can you honestly tell me any reason I should not believe he is my son? And before you say anything let me go ahead and tell you this. That is my son. No matter what blood connection is or isn’t there or how much I don’t understand. He believes that I am his Daddy down to his core and I will not take that from him. Nor will I allow him to grow up in an environment where he does not feel safe.

You are all my family and I love you. However, you need to decide right now, tonight if you can get on board with this. I already know Uncle Niklaus is. If you can then by all means enjoy the rest of the afternoon with us out as a family. If you cannot accept this there is nothing I can do about that. But you will not EVER question his parentage to him, in front of him or in this house period. If you can’t agree that then please stay the hell away from us. I don’t want to hurt any of you but I will protect MY son from the environment we grew up in.”

Elijah then walks out and joins Charlotte and EJ at the car. He is followed immediately by Cami and Klaus, Bex and Freya. Klaus pauses at the door and then turns and walks back to Hayley and places his hands on her shoulders. “He will calm down eventually.

But you need to understand that no matter how you meant it earlier what he heard was you saying there was no way EJ could be his child, that there was something wrong with his son and that you thought that precious little boy was evil enough to harm Hope.

He means that when he says to stay away if you can’t accept it because he will hurt you over that little boy. Cami was right when she said if EJ is hurt or anyone tries to take him away from them, the monster that generally lies under control in my big brother will burst out inside of him and he will show no mercy.

Now, I for one am going to go shopping with my nephew and spoil him rotten.”

—————

“Very much your Daddy’s son I see. I’m very, very happy to meet you EJ.”

Elijah laughs at the interaction between the two.

“Niklaus, do you see Charlotte inside?”

“No, I don’t know where they got off to. Shall I go find her?”

“Please, Niklaus. She will want to know he is awake.”

Elijah sits on the sofa in his office with EJ in his lap. The little boy is looking around the room wide eyed.

“There are so many books!”

“Do you like books, EJ?”

“Yes sir. Aunt Con would read to me a lot. She said you like to read and write stories.”

“Your Aunt Con was correct. Although, I think we may need to get another bookshelf or two for in here so you can have your own books.”

“Really Daddy? Thank you! I had to leave all of my books and things when we moved here.”

“I do like the sound of that,” Elijah sighs. He smiles at the look on EJ’s face. “I love hearing you call me Daddy.”

EJ hugs him tightly. “Oh my,” Charlotte whispers at the sight before her. She had stopped in the doorway overwhelmed by the sight of Elijah holding their son. Cami has her camera out snapping pics of the occasion.

Elijah stands up still holding EJ as he walks over to Charlotte. “EJ, this is your Mommy,” he says when they are in front of Charlotte. She quickly wipes a tear from her eye as she says, “hello EJ.”

He turns in Elijah’s arms and does much as he had with Elijah, reaching out and touching her face with his hands before he hugs her. Elijah wraps an arm around Charlotte and pulls her against him with EJ between them.

A few minutes later Elijah clears his throat and wipes his eyes as he turns to his older sister. “EJ, this is your Aunt Freya.” He reaches out to shake her hand but she hugs him instead. “I’m very happy to meet you EJ.”

Klaus steps up to them holding Cami’s hand. “EJ, this is Camille. I believe you met her earlier but I wanted to make proper introductions.”

“Is she your girlfriend Uncle Niklaus?”

Everyone laughs at this as Klaus blushes and looks at EJ with a shy grin. “What do you think, young man?”

“Definitely,” EJ says with a smile. “Does that make her my Aunt?”

“Yes, EJ,” Charlotte answers. “She is your Aunt Cami.” She looks at the shy grin on both Cami and Klaus’ faces and laughs. “Actually EJ, you have a few more family members to meet later but they aren’t here right now.”

“Is Hope my cousin?”

“Yes she is. Hope is my daughter,” Klaus replies.

“Our daughter,” Hayley corrects as she walks into Elijah’s study. “And who is this handsome fellow,” she asks when she spots EJ.

“Hayley, this is EJ. He is mine and Charlotte’s son. EJ, this is your Aunt Hayley and Uncle Jackson. Aunt Hayley is Hope’s Mommy,” Elijah explains.

“What, I’m sorry. It’s nice to meet you EJ,” Hayley recovers from her shock. Jackson reaches out to greet EJ and shakes the boys hand.

“There will be more people coming to meet you soon son,” Elijah says. “What would you like to do right now?”

“Can I explore this place? It’s really big. Do we live here?”

Everyone laughs at his amazement. “Yes we do son,” Charlotte answers. “And yes you can explore. Would you mind if I come with you?”

“Sure, you can come. Do I have a room here?”

“Would you mind sleeping where you took your nap earlier for a little while? That way we can decide which room is going to be yours and get it all fixed up for you,” Klaus answers.

“Sure, I can sleep in there with Hope.”

Elijah is all smiles as he watches EJ take Charlotte by the hand and head off to explore the compound. He keeps watching the spot they left his field of vision after they are out of earshot. Klaus claps him on the shoulder before hugging him again.

“You know, it’s funny how he has some of your mannerisms already brother.”

“Ok I’m sorry but could someone please fill me in on what the hell happened here the past few hours? Who is that kid? Where did he come from and why and how does he know my daughter?”

The fierce expression that consumes Elijah’s face is enough to make Hayley take a step back and look at the group. Klaus steps up between she and Elijah before he replies, “It turns out that due to some circumstances that require more of an explanation than this moment allows that young man you just met is Elijah and Charlotte’s son, EJ. And before you say anything else Love, you might want to look at my brother and then choose your words carefully.”

“I’m sorry, Elijah. It was just a shock for a strange child to talk about Hope like that.”

Klaus turns to Elijah before he says, “Come brother. We should look at what rooms are available and which ones may need to be emptied to get a room picked out for my nephew.” He leads Elijah away from the uncomfortable looking group standing in his study. Once they are gone the group turns on Hayley.

“Are you kidding me right now, Hayley? Did the lovely introduction he gave you not clue you in?” Freya demanded.

“Hayley, I get that you are shocked but no more so than any of the rest of us. And you just insulted Elijah and Charlotte’s son no more than an hour after they found out about him to Elijah’s face. Honey, you’re lucky all he did is glare at you. Frankly I’m surprised.”

“What do you mean I insulted him?”

“Hayley you were more than a little rude,” Jackson offers.

The group hangs out in Elijah’s study while they wait for Bex. When she arrives Freya retrieves her brothers. Elijah still looks ready to murder someone. Klaus stays close to him and begins to explain.

“Ok so the short version of things would be that our family gained a new member today. The delightful little one is Elijah and Charlotte’s 7 year old son EJ. Please let me finish so we can get the shock factor dealt with. My brother is on edge enough at the moment and I don’t think he can handle any more careless remarks right now.”

Hayley starts to interrupt but a low guttural sound emits from Elijah warning her that she shouldn’t.

“While we were all out this morning, a little boy showed up in our courtyard asking for Elijah and Charlotte. Cami at first thought we had forgot to mention that another child was going to be here for a bit because the boy was very calm and relaxed. Later when he was asked why he was looking for ‘Lijah and Charlotte he dropped the bombshell that they are his parents. Skip forward a bit. EJ has a letter with him to give ‘Lijah that explains that EJ is their son, how magic made it possible that this could happen, why neither of them knew about him and how magic caused him to be 7, almost 8 when he was actually born in 1933. Now, Hayley, I do realize the irony of this but if you cannot control your outbursts and poor choice of words then I suggest you leave and come back tomorrow. Otherwise my big brother may lose his generally calm and controlled demeanor for a far less than civilized one.”

Hayley nods but doesn’t say anything. Bex walks over to Elijah and hugs him. “Congrats big brother. When do I get to meet him?”

As if on cue EJ comes barreling into the study and is demanding his father’s attention .

—————-

“Charlotte, let’s let him sleep love. We can talk to him soon,” Elijah whispers though he doesn’t want to take his eyes off of the boy. When they step out onto the balcony she whispers, “Elijah.”

He turns and sees the tears in her eyes and pulls her to himself and wraps her in his arms. He guides her down the stairs and into his study where his siblings and Cami wait. He helps her to the sofa where she is quickly surrounded by Cami and Freya.

Elijah extricates himself from the ladies and steps back looking at his wife until he feels a familiar hand on his shoulder. He turns and looks at his brother who nods towards the balcony. Once the brothers are outside Elijah stands near the railing looking out over the city.

“Talk to me brother,” Klaus says his voice barely above a whisper as he leans back on the railing.

“The city seems different,” Elijah replies.

“How so?”

“It’s never seemed so beautiful or so dangerous to me.”

“Amazing how having a child changes that perspective isn’t it,” Klaus says with a smile. “Elijah, I am very happy for you. We were talking earlier and someone said ‘Daddy ‘Lijah’. It suits you brother.”

“Daddy,” Elijah says with a smile bigger than Klaus has ever seen from his brother. “How I longed for that title my entire existence, Niklaus. I admit when we found out about Hope I was jealous brother.”

“Elijah, don’t. That is water under the bridge.”

Klaus remains quite for a few moments but in the end feels he must say it. “In all honesty, ‘Lijah, I felt guilty at first. I know how much you have longed for a child and yet I was the one being given such an amazing gift. Elijah, that letter said when you disappeared in,” Klaus begins.

“Niklaus don’t,” Elijah replies.

“But ‘Lijah, it’s my fault you missed so much time with your son and I, I am so sorry.”

“Think back to how things were then brother. How things were between us. I am actually happy that things happened as they did. We, and I mean Charlotte and I as well as our family, are in a so much better place to have him with us now. We’ve come a long way since then.” He pauses for a moment, then with his voice full of awe whispers, “I have a son Niklaus.”

“Hello there,” Klaus says as he looks down at his nephew. “Elijah,” he says as he pats his brother on the back.

Elijah turns around slowly and his breath is taken as he finds EJ looking up at him. He knells down in front of him before saying, “Hello EJ. I’m,” he pauses not sure of what he should say. Klaus places a hand on his shoulder.

“Elijah Mikaelson, my Daddy. I know,” EJ says with a smile. “Aunt Con showed me pictures of you.” He reaches out with his small hands and places them on his Dad’s cheeks. Elijah closes his eyes at his sons touch. “I had a picture of you and Mommy by my bed at my old house. I like being able to feel you.”

Elijah leans his forehead against his son’s at a loss for words. EJ wraps his arms around Elijah’s neck and squeezes him. Elijah gently squeezes him back and stands up holding his son for the first time.

Klaus goes to walk away but sensing it Elijah reaches a hand out to stop him. “EJ, this is your Uncle Niklaus.”

“You may call me Uncle Nik if you prefer,” he says.

“I’m happy to meet you Uncle Niklaus,” EJ says as he reaches out to shake his uncles hand.

——————————

Author’s Note: I have to say this has been a labor of love. There are so many feels. I’m picturing these moments as I write them sitting here with tears in my eyes.

If you would like to be tagged in this just let me know and I will add you.

Klaus feels like he may very well explode if someone doesn’t explain things. Something is, not right about this. Elijah has an aura of nervous joy mixed with fear and hope about him. He doesn’t know Charlotte well enough to read her but it must be similar to Elijah the way they are clinging to each other. Camille isn’t saying anything but has a smile she is trying to hide.

“In here Freya,” he calls to her when she enters the home being careful to not be too loud with Hope asleep upstairs. “Now that our sister has arrived can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?”

Elijah begins speaking holding that damn letter that caused his strange mood.

“He what? He’s your son,” Klaus stutters. Cami motions for him to listen but he feels like someone knocked the air out of him.

When Elijah disappearing in 1933 comes up a feeling of deep regret comes over him. It’s his fault they are just now finding this out. He is so lost in his own thoughts he misses part of the letter.

He remains quite and listens to Freya explain how this is possible. A hope that this is genuine overwhelms him as he looks at his big brother. Cami indicates for them all to go upstairs. He brings up the rear of the group and keeps stealing glances at his brother and the joy that is evident on his face.

They walk in the room and look down at the small boy. Klaus looks from his parents to the boy and can see how it is possible from resemblance. When Elijah and Charlotte sit on the sofa to watch EJ sleep he motions for Cami and Freya to come with him and give them some time.

Once they are in Elijah’s study, Klaus turns to Cami, “Do you think this is genuine,” he asks quietly.

Freya looks at them, “it is possible. Whoever this Constance is they both obviously trust her because they didn’t question her in it at all. No wondering why she would do it.”

“I can tell you that EJ accepts that they are his parents with no doubt,” Cami says. “If I had to guess I would say that Constance told him his entire life that his parents were Elijah and Charlotte Mikaelson and when the time was right he would be with them.”

She paused for a moment before she said, “Klaus, I think you all should go ahead and accept this. No matter what the results are of whatever tests you do Freya, that child thinks they are his parents and they are not going to be willing to let him go.

Another thing, this prophesy and these people being in town, you all need to understand something. As protective as Elijah already was of Hope and Charlotte, from the moment he read that letter he became even more so. If anyone tries to take EJ or harm him or even speak ill of him, that monster that Elijah kept behind the red door will come out with no mercy. There will be no reasoning with him. I would imagine she will be the same.

And if something does happen to EJ, you would lose your brother. He would not be able to come back from that.”

“Camille, I know you’re right. But for today, I just want to enjoy the fact that my big brother has finally been given something he has desired for as long as I have known him. My brother deserves this.”

Freya looks at Cami and laughs, “I have a feeling Uncle Klaus may be as bad as Daddy Lijah.”

Klaus laughs and nods in agreement. “I quite like the sound of that, Daddy ‘Lijah. It suits him.”

Elijah and Charlotte are sitting on the sofa cuddled together with odd expressions. Klaus stares from them to Cami and back.

“What’s going on?”

“Can we please wait till Freya is here, brother? I really can’t do this but one time so please just be patient and everything will be explained.”

A few minutes later Freya comes to join them in Elijah’s study. Once they’re all seated Elijah takes Charlotte’s hand in his before he begins.

“There is a seven year old,” Elijah begins.

“Almost eight, he says,” Cami interrupts.

“Boy,” he continues, “asleep upstairs.” Elijah is trying not to smile and there are tears in his eyes. “He mysteriously showed up here earlier and told Camille he was looking for Charlotte and I. He later told her that we,” he squeezes her hand, “are his parents. I know it’s supposed to be impossible. The reason I asked you to come home Freya is this letter that he handed to Camille before he fell asleep. Part of me doesn’t even want to read this out loud. Like I will jinx us and it will be a lie.” Charlotte kisses his cheek and hugs him.

“Dear Elijah and Charlotte,

I know this sounds crazy but EJ is your son. His full name is Elijah James Mikaelson II. That is the name you used all those years ago during your time in that village in France. Since there have been generations of those children’s descendants using your name, I thought it only fitting for your son to bare the name in true form.

The short version of an explanation is Dahlia, your crazy aunt, had a line of witches assist her in completing a spell which would allow a vampire couple of Mikaelson blood to have a child. When she went back into her slumber the spell was hidden from her. That was generations ago and my line. While going through some old grimoures I found the spell and the story behind it.

If a vampire couple, a Mikaelson couple ever deserved that chance it would be the two of you. I didn’t want to get your hopes up if it didn’t work so I cast the spell on you without telling you. The problem came when you disappeared in 1933, Elijah. The spell had been cast and it worked. With the way the world was at the time and you gone missing, I put Charlotte in a sleeping spell of sorts which she can confirm.

What Dear Charlotte did not know is that she was with child. The spell allowed the baby to develop normally while she slept. It was my hope that you would return soon and I could wake her and the two of you could share the miracle together. Time came for her to deliver and you had not returned.

Out of fear for the child, being a Mikaelson first-born who’s father was missing, I cast another spell which trapped the child and I inside it completely. No body to guard. I designed the spell so that for every year of the child’s life inside the spell would equal ten years outside of it.

This would allow time for him to grow and not be so vulnerable but would also have us out in time for you to still have a relationship with him. The timetable was set as it was so that we would be free before Dahlia woke. I knew that she would sense his magic and come for him and we would be easy targets. I had no way of knowing when you would be back.

Since we were freed I have been told that Dahlia woke early and that you defeated her. I assume your niece’s presence in that realm overrode her ability to sense EJ’s presence. I do hope that you will not be too angry with me for missing the pregnancy (Charlotte) and the first seven years of his life.

With all love and respect,

Constance”

When he finished reading he looked up at his siblings but couldn’t bring himself to speak at first.

“Freya is this possible?” Elijah asked.

“Yes. The sleeping spell she put Charlotte under with could be the one used for troubled pregnancies. The 1=10 year equation could be a variation of the spell that she used to make us sleep 99 years. Or she could have combined it with a chambré dè chaśe.”

“What about the spell allowing all of this?” Klaus asked.

“Yes. Dahlia was working on that spell. I never knew it was completed.”

“So you’re saying this could be real? That really could be our son sleeping upstairs,” Charlotte asked when she was finally able to speak.

“Yes, Charlotte it is possible. I will be able to find out when he wakes.”

Charlotte wraps herself around Elijah pulling him tightly to her as tears fall down her cheeks. Klaus and Freya walk over and embrace the couple in a group hug. The adults all quietly walk upstairs and peek in the room where he sleeps. Elijah and Charlotte slip in and sit on a sofa facing the bed so they can watch him sleep.