I got out my iPhone 4, a gift from my brother, and scrolled down till I found who I was looking for and sent a text.
Arriving tomorrow, early morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Will text you when I am off the plane. Meet me luggage claim? I only had to wait a few seconds before I got a reply back from my contact.
Ok, I'll be there will bells on and Starbucks! Lol, he does not anything… ;) Can't wait to see you and see his reaction. I laughed and shut down my phone as I leaned against the window and closed my eyes, hoping to get a few hours of sleep before going home.
I was woken up by someone shaking my shoulder gently. I yawned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and I blinked up at the person who woke me up. "Yes?" "Sorry to wake you Colonel, Ma'am, however we just arrived to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport." I nodded and stretched as the young Marine offered me his hand to help me up. "Thank you Corporal…" "Smith Ma'am" "Smith, thank you." I passed him with a smile. I quickly made my way through customs and headed over to get my bags. As I was waiting for my bags to come around on the conveyer belt, I heard someone yell my name. I turned to see my mystery contact grinning from ear to ear. I ran to her, throwing my arms around her in a tight hug. "Hey Sak!" She greeted me before pulling back and holding me at arm's length. "Julie!" I smiled and I was hoping the coffee in her hands was for me. "One venti Caffè Americano lightly sweetened for our TVD Marine." She said winking at me and she handed me my coffee. "You are a goddess among men, and I love you." I laughed and took a nice big swig. The sweet taste made me smile and it warmed my body. "Mmm, oh my god. Real coffee." I hummed and she smiled.Julie Plec is the executive producer and writer on The Vampire Diaries and one of my closest friends. We met while they filming the first season of the show and Julie and I hit it off as well as the other executive producer Kevin Williamson. I became great friends with the cast and crew, but became closest to Paul Wesley who plays Stefan and Ian's adorable girlfriend Nina Dobrev who played Elena the guy's love interest. Nina was like the little sister I never had and we officially adopted each other and she worshiped the ground Liam crawled/walked on, as did the entire cast and crew.
After getting my bag, we walked to her Mercedes and loaded my things in the trunk. Once we got settled, Julie pulled away from the curb of the airport and we were on our way.
"Does Ian know anything?"Julie smiled and winked at me.
"Nope, he is clueless and I like him like that." She laughed and I joined in.
"Sak there is something I wanted to ask you. Are you officially done with The Marines?" I nodded.
"Officially. I was given an honorable discharge by the orders of The President of The United States with retiring rank of Colonel." I explained and she whistled.
"Holy Shit, woman." Julie gasped and I giggled. "Ok, second part of my question; we would love if you would be our new fight coordinator on the show ASAP." I looked at her in shock, my eyes bulging out of my head. Julie Plec wanted me to help out with the show? That would be such an honor. "I know it is a lot to take in so, how about you think it over. Alright?" I nodded, still in shock. "For right now, let's get you reunited with your brother and your son." I couldn't help but get a little emotional that I was going to see Ian again. I missed him so much and couldn't wait to see him. We arrived on location and drove to Julie's parking spot. I hopped out of her car and started walking towards the studio when Julie grabbed my arm and dragged me to wardrobe.
"Wait I thought we were going to…" I trailed off and Julie just smiled as we continued to walk.
"We are but first I got a great idea to get Ian's attention."
After taking a long deserved hot shower, Julie had both hair and make-up waiting for me and told them to go crazy. Then she had wardrobe get me an outfit. After 3 hours, I felt human or more like a pampered woman instead of a tough ass, dirty Marine. I stared at my reflection in shock. The make-up department chose to the smoky eye route and blood red lipstick. The girls who did my hair gave it a thorough shampooing and deep conditioning before giving it a well deserved trim. They dyed my hair charcoal black with blue highlights and straightened my hair. It was swept to the right side of my face with an amethyst encrusted flower hair clip that I got from Ian as a birthday gift.
Phew, now that I was completely pampered, I was given my outfit. It was Michael Kors one shoulder pleated tier dress with a single-tier bodice. It fit me like a glove and I added a diamond belt to accentuate my waist. I pulled on a pair of Calvin Klein knee-high boots which went perfectly with my dress and I put my dog tags around my neck. I had a leather/amethyst bracelet from Han and three small hoop earrings adorned each ear. I walked out nervously to show Julie the finished product. She kept me company the entire time while I was getting my hair done and she filled me on everything Ian didn't.
"Semper Fi, Colonel." Julie said in awe as she gestured me to spin, I smiled, obliging her and did a little twirl.
"Ooh-rah, so I guess I pass inspection?" I asked with a smirk and Julie nodded.
"Has Ian every seen you so dressed up?"
"Nope" I popped the 'p' with a big grin. Ian probably wouldn't recognize me at all.
"Let's go get 'em Marine." Julie smiled and we walked to set.
Julie had me hide just off the Mystic Grill set while she put her plan to motion as they set up the scene where Damon and Alaric were meeting Klaus for the first time for the episode, 'The Last Day'. I met Matt Davis but not the new guy, Joseph Morgan since he was added to the cast while I was stationed. I was nervously twiddling my thumbs as I was waiting for what seemed like forever. Finally, Julie came up next to me with a grin.
"Oh no, what did you do?" I asked and she looked at me, pretending to look innocent.
"I did nothing!" She threw her hands up in surrender, but I didn't believe her. The look on her face was just too mischievous not to question. "However a little bird just told me Ian is trying to get a hold of you, but your phone is not on…imagine that." Julie smirked and I jabbed a finger at her.
"I was wondering where my stuff went! You little sneak." I teased, bumping my hip with hers.
"Julie! Sakura, they are here!" An assistant barked as she walked onto set. Julie grabbed my hand and dragged me to where Matt and the new guy, Joseph, were on their marks. I touched Matt's shoulder and he turned to face me with a surprised look in his face. He was about to bear hug me but Julie's look halted him. 'Later', I mouthed and he nodded winking at me.
I felt like someone was watching me; I looked up to see Joseph Morgan staring at me with a look of awe on his face. I met his blue eyes and felt myself shiver. He was not bad looking at all. He was about the same height as Ian, maybe a few inches taller. Joseph had a dark red shirt on with the top few buttons undone and I took a quick glance at his toned chest. His jacket and pants were black, and his costume made me think of Stuart Townsend from Queen of the Damned. That movie was my guilty pleasure. His dark shirt brought out his pale, perfect complexion and his sharp, masculine facial features. His short, sandy blonde hair and enchanting blue eyes drew me in even more. I nodded my head to acknowledge him and a ghost of a smile touched his face as he did the same. I flashed him a small smile as well. Those eyes. I was lost in them, but our moment didn't last long since Julie's voice broke my train of thought.
"Ok Sak, Ian is on his way. How are we going to do this…?" She tapped her chin as she looked around the set. "Ahh, perfect!" She grabbed my arm and pushed me towards the bar so it looked like I was standing at the bar.
"Ouch woman, abusive much?" I grumbled and rubbed where she firmly gripped my arm. Julie smiled wickedly at me before facing everyone on set and clearing her throat.
"Ok everyone, your attention please." She said and everyone on set went quiet. "This young lady is very special to Ian and before we start to tape this scene we going to have reunion. So, please act natural and please, please don't say a word or do anything. We've worked too hard to screw this up." Julie finished and everyone on set gave her a nod. I groaned, burying my head into my hands, hiding the embarrassment. I heard Matt snicker under his breath and I punched his shoulder. He groaned, holding it and I gave him a smirk.
It was still as stone as I heard Ian walk in. His voice was between worry and anger as his phone was attached to his ear. "Sakura Marion Knight! Where the fuck are you, woman? I have been calling and texting you forever and still nothing. Don't make me call Viktor and fly over there to kick your ninja skilled ass. Your son and your dashingly handsome brother need you." I rolled my eyes at the last remark. "Call me or there will be hell." I smirked at his threat and held in a chuckle. That's the thing about Ian. Yes, he is overprotective and thinks he is hot shit, but when it comes to me he is like a poodle, all bark no bite. I loved that big dork and couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he saw me. I heard him sigh in frustration as he turned to Julie. "Sorry Jul, I am just worried about Sak. You haven't heard from her have you?" He asked anxiously and Julie shook her head.
"Nope. Sorry, Ian." She replied and Ian's face fell. "But I'm sure she is fine and kicking the crap out of recruit or somebody who deserves it. Hey, before we start there is this fan who would love to meet you." I bit my lip to keep from laughing. Ian took a breath before he cleared his throat.
"Yeah sure, where is the fan?" He asked and I smirked. I saw some of the crew, cast and extra's getting their phones out for his reaction.
"I got the fan and they're right here," Julie said as she walked behind me. "Show Time," she whispered. I took a deep breath and slowly turned to face my big brother.
"Hey, Ian." I said and smiled. Ian was stone still as his eyes bulged out of his sockets and his jaw dropped to the floor. "Miss me?" I teased.