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It was Camille's birthday. Although she wasn't growing any older, Rebekah believed it to be a significant occasion that "simply could not go unaccounted for".
Cami knew Rebekah meant the best intentions, but this day felt more and more like a consequential curse than a blessed day.
Klaus knew Cami didn't want to go all out for this day, and as hard as it was to contain the natural extravagance of a Mikaelson, Klaus was able to convince Rebekah to cancel the glorious party he was sure she had already planned out. Instead, Klaus opted for a small gathering of all of Cami's friends at the compound.
Vincent, her best friend, came, as well as Josh, Marcel, and even Davina flew back in from her trip with Kol to spend the day with her friend.
Cami appreciated the sentiment and was glad there was no big party that'd make her feel more lonely.
She received heartfelt gifts from all her loved ones and she cherished them all with her heart.
But she didn't know the best gift had yet to come.
She met Klaus back at her apartment. She opened the door to see a white covering in the middle of her living room. Klaus stood behind it. Though she couldn't see it for herself, she knew Klaus held his hands behind his back.
Cami knew that whatever was under that painting had to be some sort of art piece. The thought that Klaus took the time to dedicate his talent to a birthday gift for her made her heart smile.
"Do me the honor of lifting this veil. After all, it is your birthday," Klaus spoke. He had a hint of a smile on his face, but Klaus knew his voice held a tone of nervousness that Cami could easily pick up.
She lifted the covering and brought her hands to cover her mouth to stifle her surprised gasp.
Klaus could see the tears begin to well in her eyes.
He figured it was time to break the silence, but he wanted to give her a moment to just absorb what stood in front of her and collect her emotions.
Standing in front of her was a portrait of the most important person in her life. Her twin brother, Sean.
Klaus walked around the portrait to stand next to her. Cami still had yet to move, and he was afraid that he may have triggered her grief or worsened this day for her. But her awe filled voice quickly ceased his thoughts.
"Klaus... this is the most amazing gift anyone has ever gotten for me. I..." her voice cracked, "thank you so much," Cami's voice wobbled with what sounded like sadness, but the smile on her face said otherwise. She looked at him with the most grateful look anyone has ever regarded him with.
"It's amazing what one can find in the Church if they looked well enough," Klaus said. Klaus thought back to when he searched around St. Anne's Church to find some sort of picture containing Sean. Much to his fortune, he found a group photograph of Sean and the other Priests-to-be. Klaus frowned when he realized those were the nine seminary students he slaughtered uncontrollably. He tried not to dwell on it, and instead focused on Sean. He knew that he was Camille's twin, but he could not get over just how similar the two looked. The way both of their eyes crinkled when they smiled, the hair color, the overall facial structure. He really was Camille's splitting image.
He had studied Sean's features like his life depended on it. He needed the portrait to not only embody Sean, but memorialize him. And Klaus did exactly that, if he did say so himself.
"What are you talking about?" Cami questioned carefully. Klaus pulled out the photograph he'd been carrying around in his pocket. He made sure to cut out the other seminary students so that Camille would not think too much about such horror. As far as she was concerned, it was just a picture of her beloved brother.
She breathed out a sigh at seeing the other half of her heart's actual face. No crude words like "murderer" sprawled across his image, and no crumpled mess of his face. She wanted to cry of both relief and despondency.
Without any further words, she then turned back to the portrait with a wistful look on her face. She mindlessly brought her arms up, and hugged the Original Hybrid's waist without turning her body to meet his. She rested her head on his shoulder, as they both stared on at the painting.
Silent tears rolled down Cami's face and landed on his shirt, but Klaus was okay with that. He was fortunate enough that she would share a moment of absolute vulnerability with him, when it was usually the other way around.
Yes, he was more than okay.