Taking Care of the Other One 1
If you like characters on TO other than the Mikaelsons, you probably won't like this series.
No smut in this one *sad trombone*, but I'm thinking about a series that do have something in common. Some character deaths will be included in them and maybe some smut too.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.
Caroline couldn't believe she was here in New Orleans after all. 6 months. Less than a year and she was already on his home turf. She didn't intentionally mean to come here, but supernatural circumstances forced her hand and she was going to make the best of it.
She was soaking up all the sights and sounds of New Orleans after landing and dropping off her bags at the hotel. Beignets and cafe au lait. Zydeco music and Hurricanes, the rum drink, everywhere. New Orleans in June was hot, even for a vampire, and she had taken the time to shower quickly before heading out again, amazed at her self control when finally out of Virginia. She chose to stay in one of the city's fine hotels outside of the French Quarter. She was trying to be as inconspicuous as possibleā¦for now.
After Bonnie and Damon's death, the Mystic Falls gang gathered together outside the city limits to mourn their passing. Caroline stuck with her classes as best she could, but was distracted all the while. Elena was a wreck and relying on Jeremy and Alaric to get her through this.
Stefan was caught up in grief after his brother's death. Losing someone after 160 years was too difficult to bear. Caroline wanted to be there for her best friend. Finals were over and she could see for herself how desperate the situation had become. He was on the verge of turning off his humanity and going all ripper again when she decided to ask for Klaus' intervention. It wasn't her first or best idea, but what she was working with.
She wasn't naive heading to New Orleans. She knew better than to reveal her presence before she got the lay of the land. If the Mystic Falls group of teenagers wanted to get rid of The Originals, there was no telling what the supernatural population of New Orleans would do.
Strolling down Bourbon Street in her sleek coral capris, sky blue sleeveless shell, and sandals, hair thrown up in a quick topknot, she was the picture of Southern elegance. Her eyes were drawn to all of the bars, little shops, and wow, all of the strip clubs open at this time of day.
She decided to stop by the small watering holes to scope out the scene. She found a dark booth at the back of the first place, Rousseau's, where she wouldn't attract too much attention after getting a daiquiri at the bar. Hey, it was early, fruity drinks were appropriate.
The bartender, Camille, according to her name tag, was nice enough, but she was wearing an outfit Caroline wouldn't be caught dead in, no pun intended. She did have nice enough hair though, Caroline thought, not totally dismissing how similar their hair styles and color were of course.
She sat back and listened in for a while, not hearing anything particularly useful, but she was optimistic. Klaus wasn't the shy, retiring type. He'd be mentioned sooner or later, even if it was just because of his good looks.
She was sipping her melting drink when she heard Klaus' name for the first time. Camille was leaning over the bar and telling one of the customers, who seemed to be more of a friend, about this guy, Klaus, who had been flirting with her.
Caroline's ears perked up at this and she couldn't help the surge of anger she felt.
"So he was showing me his art collection, most of which were pictures of this average looking blonde woman, mixed with some really dark modern pieces. I preferred the modern works obviously," Camille said, leaning over while wiping down the bar. "It really is a window into his soul. I feel like I know him."
Her friend asked if they'd been on a date yet. "Not technically, but we have spent a lot of time together. I think he really likes me. I mean when he speaks, he gets so close and it feels like there is no one else in the room," she continued. "Basically I'm letting him set the pace, while I figure out if he's as evil as his reputation makes him out to be. I don't think it's true what they say about him. He obviously hasn't ever been in love before. I think I can be the one to save him," she wistfully finished.
Caroline couldn't help but choke throughout Camille's conversation. She couldn't understand how Camille was still alive as ignorant as she was.
It was time for Caroline to go. She had heard enough to know Klaus was around, people knew about his maniac tendencies, and this bartender was plotting the most boring romance of all time. This was about Stefan she reminded herself on the way out.
After securing an invitation to a private vampire event that night with a little flirtation and picking up a cute new outfit, she was prepared to see Klaus for the first time since their woods encounter.
Rousseau's looked a lot different at night. It was less dingy and there were even more places to hide in the dark. She wasn't planning on hiding though. She smoothed her hands down her thighs, loving the feel of her new black eyelet skirt and corset-style top. It was a mix of feminine fabric in a sexy cut. Her boobs were front and center. Her hair was down in big curls, taking advantage of the humidity. Red lips and lots of mascara completed her look along with her red Jimmy Choos of course.
She took a single step inside after her name was cleared from the event list when she saw him. Klaus Mikaelson. He was looking as gorgeous as ever. He was wearing his usual outfit of black jeans, black Henley, and black jacket. His hair was growing out again, showing off his curls, which she approved of. Necklaces in place of course and dimples on display as he leaned in to hear what Camille, still behind the bar, had to say. It was that loud.
Caroline didn't say a word, ignoring how Camille's face was glowing in the face of his attention. This mission was about Stefan and not Klaus' terrible-after-her romantic choices. She did smirk though as she considered that she and Klaus had ended up with color coordinated outfits. Maybe this was a sign things would work out.
Taking ten steps to get within striking distance, Caroline grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. She knew this would be the best way to get his attention for the rest of the night and she felt empowered enough to do it. Miss Mystic Falls' get things done. Okay, not April Young. She was Caroline Forbes though and while Klaus could be unpredictable, she was pretty sure this would be appreciated. Anyone else's neck would be snapped for their impertinence.
Catching only her scent before being kissed by the sweetest pair of lips, Klaus leaned in, pulled her into his arms, and took control. Caroline, here! Kissing him! He couldn't believe his luck. Scratch that, luck probably had nothing to do with this. She probably needed his help. That didn't mean he wouldn't use the situation to his advantage. He slid his arms around her back getting as close to her as possible.
This might help his Camille problem too. Yes, they spent time together, solely because he wanted to see something, anything, like the girl he loved. She'd been a little clingy recently though. The exact opposite of his Caroline.
After hearing Camille's disgruntled coughs to get their attention, the pair broke apart. Caroline reached up to clear her lipstick from his face.
"Hello Klaus."
"Hello sweetheart. What are you doing here? Are you okay?" He gave her a genuine smile, thrilled with her presence, even though he suspected there were strings attached. He'd play along as he always did.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked, pushing some hair behind her ear.
"Anything for you love. Right this way," he replied leading her to a booth near where she had been earlier in the day. "Oh right, Cami, I'm going to need you to bring us a bottle of your best champagne. It's our thing." He knew this would cause an eye roll from his favorite blonde, sorry Rebekah, and it did.
As they made their way to the booth, Klaus noticed all the eyes tracking her movements. On one hand, he wanted to show off his gorgeous companion who just devastated him with her kiss. On the other hand, he wanted to rip all their heads off as they took in their future queen with less respect than was her due. He settled for a few glares at the most egregious oglers.
"How are you?" she asked.
"Caroline, love, it's about time you made your way to my city, but let's skip to the part where you tell me why it is you're here so I can convince you to never leave."
She rolled her eyes at his arrogance, but deep down she loved how he talked about their future, even if she wasn't ready for it.
"Okay straight to the point. I need your help."
"You're kidding," he deadpanned.
She expected that one and didn't even bother with the eye roll.
"I assume you're aware of the Other Side being destroyed along with Bonnie and Damon?" He nodded and she continued. "It wasn't fair what happened to Bonnie. None of things that happened ever since you came to Mystic Falls were fair to Bonnie, but I'd like to think she found peace. Damon however? I wouldn't think twice about his demise except how hurt Stefan and Elena are. Stefan's the reason why I'm here." She paused for a sip of their champagne which a waiter dropped off. "He's in real trouble Klaus. The break up with Elena, being locked in a safe for months, and being targeted by The Travelers all pushed him to the edge. Damon's death might be enough to tip him over." Klaus knew what it was like to lose a sibling, thinking of Kol, but wasn't sure what this had to do with him. He was waiting for her to make her proposal.
"Could you come back to Mystic Falls, well actually my dad's cabin, and talk to him? It shouldn't take more than a day or two. I think having you to spar with might bring some of his old spark back. Also, if worse comes to worse and I'm not ready to go there yet, I may ask you to use compulsion so he won't turn his emotions off." Caroline utterly hated the idea, but she didn't think she'd ever get the old Stefan back if he went on another ripper binge without Damon or Lexi to help. She also figured if Klaus had him turn off his emotions once, he could do the reverse this time.
"Caroline, I'm a little busy here at the moment, but if you think it would really help, I'll see Stefan. He and I were good friends in the twenties. Having Rippah back would be great fun." His eyes gleamed and he sat back, stretching out as much as possible, arms resting along the top of the booth.
She put both hands on the table and leaned in, "Klaus, no! Not ripper Stefan."
He smirked, loving the reactions he could get from her. He also enjoyed the view her cleavage provided. Of course he knew what she wanted, but what was in it for him. "What's in it for me?"
"Seriously Klaus? Haven't we gone over this?" She couldn't believe his nerve sometimes. Actually she could, but she wasn't going to be dissuaded so easily. "Nothing. Nothing other than coming through for a friend, Stefan, and another friend, me. That used to mean something to you." She looked up through her lashes, "Oh, or are you busy with Camille?"
"Who?"
"Camille, the bartender, over there. She's making eyes at you and telling her friends about your affection for her."
Klaus didn't know what to think. He had two problems to solve. Problem number one: Was Caroline jealous? Problem number two: He obviously had gone too far with Cami and had to rectify that immediately.
"Cami is just a friend sweetheart. She likes my paintings. She reminds me of someone," he trailed off.
Now it was her turn to be offended. "No. Nope. Her? No. Really? No. No." Shaking her head, she knew she wasn't making sense, but his allusion to there being any resemblance between herself and Camille was only hair-deep as far as she was concerned. She also wasn't sure why she was getting involved in what his life in New Orleans looked like. She wasn't prepared to look too deeply into her feelings.
"I may have to smooth things over with her after that kiss, Caroline."
She wanted to gag.
"You know who has my affections."
She blushed, but this conversation was getting too far off track. "I'm going home tomorrow and I came here to speak with you. I've done that and I think it's time for me to say goodnight."
She started to ease out of the booth when he came around to her side, stopping her, and sliding in.
He leaned close, looking deeply into her eyes and she couldn't turn away.
"Caroline, of course I'll help you. I'm not sure this will work, but I've learned it's important to come through for friends. Isn't that the second rule of friendship?"
His reminder of their conversation while digging out the nonexistent stake from his back made her lips quirk up for a brief moment.
"Yes, Klaus, exactly. I still need to go, but thank you. I appreciate this and I'm sure Stefan will appreciate this too."
He slid out of the seat and reached his hand out to her. She took hold and stood. He didn't move back very far, so she was mostly pressed against him. Once they stood there for a few moments, both feeling the sparks shuttling between them, he stepped back and tucked her arm around his to walk her to her hotel.
Any time spent with Caroline was a good time for him. She still wasn't ready to make a commitment to him. He knew how important it was that she finish school and live as realistic a human life as possible at least for a little longer. He could be patient.
As they had almost exited the bar and walked out into the hot Louisiana night, Caroline extricated her arm and mumbled a quick, "I forgot something, I'll be right back." Moving quickly inside and back up to where Cami was standing, she looked deep into Cami's eyes, not bothering to use compulsion, but giving her the look of someone who was not to be messed with, "Camille, stay away from Klaus. He is as evil as they say he is. He's a too arrogant psychotic thousand year old man-child. You're terrible at reading people and lack self-awareness. You know what else?" she continued into Camille's shocked eyes, "He's mine until I decide I no longer want him, right Klaus?" She looked over at him. He once again was wearing that dumbstruck expression. He caught on quickly though, "Yes, sweetheart. That's right. Your last love."
Well that answered his two questions. Yes, Caroline was possessive of him and yes, the Camille situation was taken care of. Things were looking up.
She smirked, gave a piercing glance back at Cami to show just how serious she was, and walked to the Original Hybrid, entwining their arms once again.
"You're welcome."
"Thank you sweetheart."
She didn't explain herself to him and she didn't have to. She was Caroline Forbes, future and only Queen of New Orleans.
