AN : Don't own the characters – TVD rules. Extract from a longer (unfinished as of now) story introducing the Mikaelsen heir. Set a few years after the baby is born. Caroline is caught up in supernatural wars and ends up in a New Orleans cell. Where she meets the boy. Just an idea... also inspired from another fandom. Points to readers who'd recognize it.
THE BOY
The kid didn't look older than four years old. Caroline didn't need translation as to who he was. His dark chestnut hair and amazing blue-green eyes told everything she needed to know about him. She was looking at Nathan Mikaelsen, son to Hayley and Klaus. She smiled. Granted, he was more than cute. He was considering her with a very serious air.
« Are you an angel ? »
Caroline shook her head, smiling.
« No. I'm a vampire. »
He came closer, holding a small stuffed animal in his hand. So gloriously a kid, Caroline thought.
« Why are you in a cell then if you're one of us. »
She smiled.
« I didn't obey rules.
-Why ?
-I didn't like them.
-Why ? »
She grinned wider.
« That rule was unfair to people I know.
-And you protected them.
-I tried.
-I don't like rules either. »
Caroline smiled, reminded of so many kids she knew. Nathan sat down crosslegged in front of her cell.
« Can I stay here for a while ?
-Why ?
-I'm hiding from Aunt Bekah.
-Why ? »
He pulled a face.
« I drew a picture with her make-up. »
Caroline chuckled.
« You're going to be fine, Nathan.
-Nice people call me Nate.
-I'm Caroline.
-I saw you before in Dad's paintings. You're very pretty.
-Thank you. While in hiding, you're welcome to stay here. »
The little boy grinned.
« Do you know stories ?
-I know some.
-Tell me one. »
Caroline got closer to the bars of her cell and started the story. By the end of it, Nathan was sitting back on the wall near her door and she was sitting just a dozen inches from him on the other side.
« That's a good story.
-Thank you. Some of it happened for real, you know ?
-You mean, you've been on adventures ?
-A few. But I'm sure your family has plenty more to tell...
-They don't have time...
-Nate. Have you even asked them ? »
The little boy smiled.
« You think I can ?
-You bet.
-I like you, Caroline.
-Everybody likes her, mate. »
Nathan lifted his eyes to his father and grinned.
« Time to go.
-Aunt Bekah still looking for me ?
-Just say you're sorry. » Klaus advised.
Nathan turned to his new friend's cell.
« I'll see you later ?
-Don't get yourself in trouble.
-You too. »
He grinned and ran out. Caroline shook her head, very much amused.
« Caroline. » Klaus whispered in disbelief.
She turned to him and stood up, seeing the unshed tears in his eyes.
« He loves you already, he sighed.
-Your son is awesome, Klaus. Really. You're a great father. »
In a flash, the door to her cell was opened and Klaus was pinning her against the wall.
« Caroline, I need you. Without you...
-Without me, you're dealing just fine.
-No. I want you by my side.
-Can't. I need someone to be selfish with. And I can't ask you that. I can't. So, I'm going to be selfish on my own and find happiness by living my life the way I planned it.
-Do you love me ? »
She searched his eyes and answered simply.
« Yes. »
He stepped back, searching her face. Caroline stopped thinking. He flashed back to her and kissed her long and hard. When he pulled away, he cupped her face.
« Sorry, love. I can't let you go. »
He pulled her with him out of the cell, kissing the living daylights out of her.
xxx
As usual, let me know...
In my head, the baby could be a girl, but I'd much rather he was a boy. And just so you know, to me, that baby can not be named anything else than Nathan « Nate » Mikaelsen.