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Elias deliberately tried to bond with Marcel, often taking him around town for little adventures. Wherever Elias went, Marcel was likely to be by his side. He lavished the boy with new clothes and accessories, even when they weren't necessary, and shielded him from any unpleasant remarks or attitudes from others. Using his psychic abilities, Elias ensured that anyone who harbored negative thoughts or spoke ill of them would quickly find themselves silenced or compelled to steer clear of them.

Elias often pondered why he felt so compelled to care for Marcel, whether it was sympathy for the boy's situation or seeing a bit of his past self in him. Ultimately, the reason didn't matter much to him.

As they were preparing lunch together one day, Marcel looked up at Elias with a question that had been on his mind. "Elias, are you and Finn...together?" he asked cautiously.

Elias smiled softly, not at all surprised by the question. "Yes, Marcel. Finn is my husband. We've been married for centuries."

Marcel's brows furrowed in confusion. "But I thought men couldn't marry other men," he remarked, reflecting the common beliefs of his time.

Elias chuckled, a sound filled with warmth and understanding. "That's what many think, and what we believed too, once upon a time. But then we met each other and realized that there are no rules to who you can love. We chose to be together, and that's what matters."

Finn then entered the kitchen He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Elias's cheek. Turning to Marcel with a warm smile, he affirmed "He's right, little one. Love doesn't always follow the rules people set.

Anyway, what have you two been up to today?" Finn inquired, looking at both Elias and Marcel with interest.

Marcel eagerly began recounting their day's adventures. He animatedly described their shopping spree and especially the street performer they saw, a man who appeared to conjure fire right before their eyes. Marcel knew it was likely just an illusion, but the excitement and wonder in his voice were unmistakable as he detailed every moment to Finn, who listened with a smile, enjoying Marcel's enthusiasm and the vividness of his storytelling.

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While Marcel was busy learning from Elijah, Klaus stormed into Elias's room, his expression thunderous with fury. He locked eyes with Elias, his voice seething with possessiveness and anger.

"Marcel is my son, I took him in," Klaus asserted, barely containing his rage. "I don't appreciate you overstepping and bonding with him like this."

Elias, unfazed by the outburst, replied calmly, "Klaus, I'm only helping the boy. He needs guidance and companionship."

"But he's mine to raise! I decide what he needs," Klaus retorted sharply, his jealousy evident.

Frustration mounting, Elias finally stood up to confront Klaus's fury, meeting his gaze with a firm resolve.

"And where were you when he was alone in this huge house?" Elias challenged. "No one takes the boy out or tries to really know him. He's practically trapped here, with nothing to do. You keep him confined, and the moment I decide to get to know him, to take him out for a bit of normalcy, suddenly I'm the bad guy?"

Klaus's face tightened at the accusation, his eyes flashing dangerously. "I have given him everything," he growled, "Safety, power, a name."

"Everything but freedom and understanding," Elias shot back. "He's a boy, Klaus, not just an asset or a project. He needs to explore, to learn, to live."

Klaus paced, visibly wrestling with his emotions. "He is under my protection. The world is dangerous, especially for someone like him."

"And yet, you keep him in a gilded cage," Elias countered. "Protection doesn't mean isolation. Marcel needs to experience life, to make connections. That's what I've been offering him."

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When Marcel was 14, a moment between him and Elias had solidified their bond. They were in the library, Elias helping Marcel with some studies, the room quiet except for the occasional turning of pages.

Suddenly, Marcel slipped up in conversation, a word spoken out of habit more than intention. "Thank you, Father," he said, before realizing what he had uttered. He froze, a look of panic crossing his face.

Elias looked up, surprise and warmth flooding his expression. "What did you just call me?" he asked, a gentle teasing note in his voice.

Marcel stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

But Elias cut him off with a soft laugh, his eyes twinkling. "No, don't be. Can you... can you say it again?"

There was a pause, a tension in the air as Marcel hesitated. Then, softly, almost shyly, he whispered, "Father."

At that, Elias's heart swelled with an emotion he hadn't expected. He stood up swiftly, pulling Marcel into a tight embrace, lifting him off the ground and spinning him around. Marcel's laughter filled the room, mingling with Elias's joyous chuckles.

After setting a dizzy Marcel down, Elias planted a quick kiss on his forehead and rushed to find Finn, eager to share the touching development. "Finn, you won't believe what just happened,"

That was 4 years ago Marcel had grown into a man, but ould always be by ELias side like a child.

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Niklaus became a significant figure in Marcel's life following his interaction with Elias. Having shaped up considerably, Niklaus would frequently take Marcel out, often spending hours in his art studio engaging in conversations or painting. Niklaus had come to accept Elias as an inevitable part of Marcel's life, regardless of his own feelings about it.

In the midst of a family gathering, Niklaus initiated a serious conversation, taking a seat near Marcel. "Now that you're eighteen, Mars, it's time we discussed what you envision for your future," Elias chimed in, his gaze fixed on his son with a mix of pride and curiosity.

Marcel, a bit perplexed, responded, "What do you mean exactly?"

Niklaus glanced at Elias, then continued, "We're wondering about your aspirations. Do you see yourself pursuing further education, starting a family, or perhaps..."

Elias picked up where Niklaus left off, "We're curious if you're considering becoming one of us, a vampire."

Understanding dawned on Marcel's face. He knew the freedom Elias would grant him to choose any path, even one as mundane as marriage and children. Yet, he also sensed Klaus's silent hope for him to embrace immortality. Marcel had always known that his desires mattered to Elias above all.

"I've thought about it a lot," Marcel admitted. "And I want to become a vampire. I don't see myself having kids, but if I change my mind, adoption is always an option. As for marriage," he hesitated, his thoughts drifting to Rebekah, whom he'd fallen for deeply.

Before he could continue, Elias gave him a knowing look. "You're not as secretive as you think, Marcel. I'm well aware of your feelings for Rebekah."

Marcel's heart skipped a beat, caught in the gaze of his father's insightful eyes.

"Marcellus, I must admit, I'm concerned about your relationship with Rebekah," Elias began gently, the discomfort evident in his expression.

As Niklaus interjected with disbelief, Marcel focused on Elias, his determination clear. "I love her, Dad. Truly."

Elias sighed, voicing his worries, "She's much older, Marcel. She's been around for centuries, and you've known her since you were a child. I'm just worried that this might not be the love you think it is."

Niklaus continued to express his shock in the background, but Elias pressed on with a proposition. "Once you become a vampire and learn to manage your new life, I want you to travel Europe alone for a year. Experience the world, meet new people, and perhaps, meet other women. If at the end of that year, you still feel the same about Rebekah, then I'll respect your decision."

The room erupted into further arguments, with Niklaus vehemently opposing the idea and the brothers clashing loudly. Amidst the chaos, Marcel pondered Elias's proposal. A year might be a small price to pay for certainty in a lifelong decision, especially if it meant gaining his family's acceptance. He loved Rebekah, but perhaps experiencing the world could give him the clarity he needed.

By the week's end, Marcel was ready to depart. Elias handed him a necklace, Josephine, and with a reassuring smile said, "She'll protect you while I can't. Keep her with you at all times."

As the boat began to sail away, Elias stood at the dock, watching Marcel venture into the world. He turned to a concerned Niklaus and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry about him, Nik. We've raised him well. He'll be back within the year," Elias assured him, confidence in his voice. They watched together as the boat disappeared into the horizon, hopeful for Marcel's return and the experiences he would bring back with him.

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