Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries or it's characters. If I did, The Originals would never have happened, Kol would be alive and happily causing mayhem somewhere, and Klaus and Caroline would be travelling the world and sexing it up.
"Is there anything I need to be concerned about?" Alaric asks mildly, voice crackling over the line as she scrolls through the article again on her laptop. "Although I have to admit, loved the breakdown of your active wear, the Daily Mail is really kicking goals nowadays." He adds somewhat bemusedly.
"It's fine Ric, really." She promises, shutting the lid of her laptop gently. "I've bumped into Klaus a few times and I'm staying with his younger brother, who happens to be my best friend's fiance. We were bound to cross paths eventually."
"I'm more concerned about the fact that he's an unnecessary distraction. I don't want you to forget why you're there." His voice is gentle, and she just sighs, running a hand through her hair.
She'd had her first true taste of London weather today, caught in a sudden downpour, the sky absolutely blanketed with clouds of grey. The rain hadn't let up throughout the afternoon, and she'd resigned herself to the fact that today was probably going to be a rest day given traffic was hell and it would take her far longer to reach the gym than usual.
"Klaus is in a highly publicised relationship, and no, I don't plan on being that girl that comes between him and his ridiculously famous girlfriend. I know why I'm here Ric, and you can bet that I'm going to lead that team to Gold."
"I'm glad to hear it. I was worried for a second there that you'd lost your spark. Look, I know you're not going to like this, but I've arranged an interview with a reporter tomorrow from Time magazine."
She groans softly into the phone. She loves what she does, really, but she's never been a fan of the press. She's been burned far too many times in the past, has had her words twisted beyond comprehension on multiple occasions.
"I know what you're thinking, but this is a good opportunity for you. Obviously there has been a mixture of curiosity and concern about what this injury means for both you and Team USA, and I think people will be glad to know that you're still in with a fighting chance. And it's Time Magazine Caroline, not People Magazine."
"Where am I meeting him then?" Caroline asks in resigned tones. "And what will this interview be about exactly?"
"I've put the two of you in touch via email." Alaric explains patiently. "And I promise you, the tone of the interview will be nothing but positive. He just wants to ask you a couple of questions about how you're doing with recovery and what your aspirations are for the Games. Pretty run of the mill stuff that I'm confident you can handle, otherwise I wouldn't have signed you up for it."
"Yeah I know. I'll do it. I would prefer a little bit more of a warning next time though." She replies pointedly, propping the phone between her ear and shoulder as she pulls the laptop towards her once more.
"Noted. Alright, I've got to go. Donovan's form has been absolutely awful on beam and we have a lot of work to do before next year. Keep me posted with how you're going?"
"You know it. Laters, Ric."
She tosses the phone onto the bed once she hears the click and the familiar dial tone.
She can't help but look around the familiar furnishings of her bedroom, happy in the knowledge that she feels good.
There had been some dark days, during her injury when she had thought that it was the end of the line for her. Gymnastics was a high risk sport, and she'd been pushing her body to the absolute brink for as long as she could remember.
During those days, it had been hard to get out of bed, hard to care about anything as the pain threatened to overwhelm her, even post op when she should have been recovering.
Alaric had been rattled, she could tell, and had employed the best sports psychologist he could find to help her out of the funk she'd fallen into.
People always underestimated what a massive hit to the confidence it was whenever an athlete got injured. Usually as a result of human error, either by the individual in question or another person, it was enough to challenge even her previously held set of beliefs.
But now something was different. She didn't know if it was the change of environment or if it was the people that she surrounded herself with, but something had definitely changed.
And right now, she would take that and run with it.
It's on a rainy Tuesday morning that she finds herself slipping through the door of one of her favourite cafes, a friendly smile in place for the regular barista behind the counter, who immediately starts preparing her a latte.
She pulls her beanie from her head, eyes landing on the man in the corner grinning at her. Taking note of the recorder and note pad in front of him, she deduces that this is the man that she's looking for.
"Steven? Caroline Forbes." She introduces herself with an outstretched hand, the other man taking it with a smile. "Apologies for my lateness, the Tube was packed this morning."
"Lovely to meet you Caroline. And no problem at all, I'm not in any particular rush. Thank you for meeting with me, I've been eager to talk to you for some time now."
There's nothing creepy about his statement, just professionalism and the slightest hint of curiosity.
She sits down opposite him, the barista coming over to set her coffee in front of her. She lets out a murmured thanks, stirring some sugar into the hot drink, disturbing the thin layer of foam on top.
Steven is a good interviewer she very quickly discovers. He has a charming and somewhat exuberant manager, and he's an expressive talker, gesturing with his hands as he shares a story or an anecdote.
It's less of a catch up and more of an informal conversation, and she even finds herself paying very little attention to the recorder he has sitting on the table. They talk about everything from how she got her start in gymnastics, to how she juggled it while she was at high school, to how she felt after her injury and how she's feeling now.
An hour and a half goes past before Steven glances at his watch, giving her a somewhat regretful smile.
"I think we're going to have to wrap things here I'm afraid. I have another appointment in twenty minutes and I'm probably going to be horribly late given the weather."
She chances a glance out the window, noting the torrential rain outside.
"I'm sorry for holding you up." She replies with a quick smile.
"Not at all." Steven replies, tucking everything into his briefcase and reaching for the umbrella. "So easy to lose track of time. I haven't had an interview as easy as this for at least 20 years. A pleasure Ms Forbes, and best of luck for the future."
He makes a motion at her like he's tipping his cap and she hides her laughter. She liked Steven, reminded her of the man that her father used to be before he walked out and left her and her mom to fend for themselves.
"Will you send me a copy of the article?" She calls after him as he pauses at the door.
"Of course. You'll get final approval before it goes to print."
She waits five minutes for the rain to calm somewhat before reaching for her own umbrella, flipping up the collar of her coat.
The air is cold as she pushes out into the street, joining the throngs of Londoners on the sidewalk, trying not to get swept along with the crowd.
It takes a moment for her to get her bearings, to figure out what direction the closest Tube station is. She ducks into the awning of a florist for a moment, pulling her phone out of her pocket and moving out of the way of one of the customers exiting the shop.
"We really need to stop meeting like this sweetheart."
She looks up in shock, recognising that voice. Klaus' face is obscured by the stunning bunch of flowers that he's carrying, a dazzling array of orchids and roses and peonies.
"Klaus?" She asks incredulously, because seriously, what are the odds of running into him in a city as huge as London?
"The one and only." He replies, peeking around the side of the bouquet. "You look lost. Can I help you get where you need to go?"
"Nice flowers." She comments instead, reaching out to touch one of the orchids gently. "For Tatia? You're not grovelling aren't you?"
Klaus looks faintly amused at her question.
"No they're not for Tatia. And I don't grovel. Seriously though, you're acting like a tourist who's out of their depth. Can I give you a ride somewhere?"
She pauses at his question and he senses her hesitation.
"Look, it's absolutely torrential out there, and I would feel like a horrible person making you walk anywhere in that weather. I can drop you off at Kol's and then I'll be on my way. That's it."
"The press…" She trails off a little helplessly as Klaus lets out a sigh.
"The likelihood of the press hanging out anywhere in this part of town is highly unlikely. It's why I frequent this florist, apart from the fact they're the best in this city. Let me take you home before you injure yourself again in the crowd." Klaus states firmly, shifting the bouquet to one arm, the other resting lightly on her lower back as he steers them onto the pavement once more.
She ducks under her umbrella, trying to hold it high enough for him to fit under if he desires. He doesn't make any move to get closer, seemingly unbothered by the rain as he takes his car keys out of his back pocket and aims the central locking device at the black Maserati.
Klaus leans forward to open the door for her, and she should be surprised by his chivalry by this point. Instead she just gives him a grateful smile as she slides into the warm interior of the sports car, dropping her handbag on the floor and sinking back into the leather seat.
Klaus joins her a few seconds later, revving the engine before pulling out into the traffic.
"Nice car." She comments, still a little awed by the ostentatious display of wealth. "What did you buy this one for?"
Klaus glances at her with an amused smile.
"I've had this one for years actually. Got it when I signed on with my current team. It's got enough room in the trunk for all my gear."
"Handy. Have you always lived in London?" She continues her gentle questioning, still not sure just how open Klaus is to having near strangers ask about his personal life.
"No, I grew up in Wiltshire. I didn't move to London until I got signed. How are you going with your training?" He asks politely, both hands on the wheel as he manoeuvres through the heavy traffic with ease.
"Slowly, but surely. Obviously there's not a lot I can do right now until my knee strengthens up, but I'm feeling good. Like I'm actually in with a fighting chance. My knee still gets a bit achy every now and then which is frustrating. And a little scary."
"I've got something that can help with that. I'll bring you some next time I come around to Kol's."
"Thank you." She replies with a smile, touched by his thoughtfulness. "That's very kind of you."
Klaus gives her a lazy smile and they soon lapse into a comfortable silence, punctuated only by occasional beeping of traffic and the pop song playing over the car's sound system.
Sooner rather than later, Klaus is drawing to a halt out the front of Kol's building.
"I believe this is your stop. Stay warm and dry, the city is meant to take a lashing over the next few days." Klaus instructs her quietly, windscreen wipers swishing away.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the ride. I'll see you around?" She asks the question, not really sure if she wants to hear the answer.
"Count on it sweetheart." He confirms with a wry smile as she pushes open the door.
She tries not to look back at him as she hears the rev of the engine once more.
"Caroline, can you get that?" Kol calls from the kitchen. "Bonnie's still in the shower and I'm a little preoccupied."
She puts down the book she'd been reading and rests it on the couch beside her before getting to her feet.
"Of course." She replies, raising her voice for Kol's benefit. It was the least she could do considering Kol was cooking an entire meal by himself for them tonight. It was a weird quirk of his, he hated having anyone helping him in the kitchen, insisted on preparing every ingredient of the dish on his own.
It doesn't take long to cross the foyer of the penthouse, and then she's wrenching the door open, blinking in surprise as Klaus Mikaelson of all people gives her a charming smile. It had only been a few hours since they'd parted ways. It was strange, seeing him here.
"Good evening Caroline." He begins smoothly as she casts her gaze over him, immediately wishing that she'd put just a little bit more effort into her appearance tonight.
He's dressed down, jeans, boots, a leather jacket that hugs his upper body. He's got a bunch of very familiar flowers in the crook of one arm and a bottle of wine held in the other, and she immediately steps forward to help him.
"Klaus." She finally stutters in surprise as his smile changes from charming to amused. "I wasn't expecting to see you tonight. Come in, of course." She steps back out of the doorway to let him through.
"These are for you." He hands her the flowers, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek that has her reeling. "Apologies that you've been dragged into the tabloids because of me."
The flowers are as stunning as she remembers, an arrangement of orchids and roses and peonies that are practically bursting with colour. They're heavier than she thought they'd be, and she looks over the top of the bouquet at Klaus, appreciating the thoughtful gesture, trying not to read to much into it.
"Thank you. It's okay, really. I hope it didn't get you into to much trouble with your girlfriend." She remarks somewhat pointedly, trying to set some boundaries between them.
She's not dumb, she recognises that Klaus is stupidly attractive with the ideal personality to match the exterior. But she will absolutely not be the one to come between somebody's relationship. She's seen what it does to people, saw how Elena Gilbert from her gymnastics team single handedly destroyed the sibling relationship between Stefan and Damon Salvatore by dating both of them, one after the other.
She would not be that girl.
Instead of frowning like she expects him to, Klaus flashes her a quick smile.
"Nothing I couldn't handle love." He reassures her as he steps further into the apartment, calling out for his brother.
Bonnie appears from the hallway in the next instant, eyes landing on the flowers and arching a single eyebrow. She just shrugs as Bonnie sighs, crossing the room and opening one of the cabinets, pulling out a crystal vase.
"What are those for?" Bonnie drops her voice as Kol and Klaus greet each other amiably, back slaps and jostling included.
"Apology flowers." She replies with a sigh. "For being in the tabloids because of him."
"A little heavy handed." Bonnie remarks with a chuckle. "But such a Klaus thing to do."
"Can I tempt you ladies?" Kol is holding out the bottle with a grin. "I was going to make margaritas, but my classier older brother went one better and liberated this from the family cellar. Excellent vintage."
"Count me in." Bonnie replies with a grin, squeezing past her fiancé to the sink, filling up the vase with water.
Caroline steps towards the counter, waving off Kol's offer with a polite smile, handing Bonnie the flowers.
"I'm fine, thanks. Trying to be good." She clarifies upon seeing Kol's confused expression.
"Nonsense Caroline, it's a Saturday. It's not going to kill you." Kol replies with a snort. Klaus is already overruling her, pouring out the wine into four glasses.
"For once in my life, I happen to agree with my brother." Klaus remarks somewhat amusedly as Kol rolls his eyes. "Live a little sweetheart."
"Fine." She replies with a sigh, taking the wine glass that Klaus passes over to her. "It seems I've bee outvoted."
"That's the spirit!" Kol cheers, taking a swig of his own glass.
She soon finds herself drifting away from the rest of the group, bright sunshine breaking through the windows as the clouds slowly roll away, west towards the countryside.
Craving the fresh air, it doesn't take much to crack open the balcony door a little, squeezing through the small opening, the cool afternoon sunlight surprisingly warm. Taking a sip from her drink she can't help but admire London spread out before her, the height that she's at slightly dizzying from this vantage point.
"It's a hell of a view, don't you think?" Klaus asks rhetorically, stepping up next to her, curling one hand around the reinforced balcony railing.
"A little too high for my tastes." She replies honestly, stepping slightly away from the edge with a quick smile towards Klaus.
"A gymnast with a height issue. Not something I thought I'd ever hear." Klaus teases lightly, clinking his glass against hers before draining the rest of his wine.
She feels comfortable enough in his presence to reach out and hit him in the arm playfully. He winces theatrically, and she can't help but let laughter spill from her lips.
"Two or three metres I'm fine with. But this is something else. It's stunning." She admits, more to herself than to him as she casts her gaze out over the city once more.
"We can go inside if you'd like." Klaus gestures over his shoulder to where Bonnie and Kol are obviously deep in discussion, heads bent intimately together.
"I'd rather not disturb the lovebirds to be honest. I already feel awful for basically taking up habitation in their spare room." She replies with a laugh.
Klaus smiles, an actual genuine smile. It's a nice look on him.
"Are you sure you didn't get in too much trouble with your girlfriend? I would have hated to be the cause of tension between the two of you."
The subject change is abrupt and she can tell that she's caught Klaus by surprise, if the stunned expression on his face is anything to go off.
"Tatia is…" He trails off helplessly, toying with the now empty wine glass between his fingers. "Tatia isn't my girlfriend. Not like that."
Okay, now she is officially confused.
"I have absolutely no idea what that means Klaus." She tells it to him straight, and he looks slightly sheepish.
"My best friend Marcel is her PR representation." He replies. "Tatia was getting herself into a bit of trouble, and he asked me to help keep her on the straight and narrow. We're fake dating Caroline." He clarifies upon catching sight of her still confused expression.
"Fake dating?" She asks incredulously. "Is that even a thing? Why is that even a thing?"
Klaus looks slightly amused by something. Her naiveté?
"Because as you very well know, anyone high profile is subject to intense scrutiny. Singers usually have it worse than sportspeople. I owed Marcel a favour, and agreed to help for a certain amount of time."
"And why are you telling me this?" She angles her body towards him, meeting his gaze with a defiant tilt of her chin.
Klaus' lips curl into a smile.
"I enjoy you." He replies bluntly, clearly not mincing his words. "You're beautiful and you're strong, and I'd like to get to know you Caroline."
The whole sentence, delivered in his to die for accent, is almost enough to make her melt then and there. Instead, she finishes her drink and leans in towards him.
"It's a shame." She pronounces lightly with a shrug. "Because you see, as stupidly charming and good looking as you are Klaus, you're also a distraction. And at this point in my recovery, not one that I'm willing to get myself tangled up in."
Klaus raises a single eyebrow, somewhat taken aback by her nonchalance.
"So. Friends then?" He asks politely holding out his hand for her. She shakes it briefly, squeezing past him to head towards the apartment.
"Friends. And no more flowers."
His startled laughter is the last thing she hears before she's sliding the door shut behind her.
AN: And here's Chapter 3! Apologies for the delay on this one, hope you all enjoy!
You all know how much I love my slow burns... stay tuned to see just how long Klaus and Caroline as 'friends' actually lasts.
See you on the other side! Don't forget to let me know what you think!