Chapter 4 Date night

That evening, Klaus was knee deep in a new portrait. He was struggling to get the eyes just right. Perhaps he was distracted by tomorrow evenings plans or perhaps he was mulling over the curious way Cassidy had to "ask permission" either way, he had a hard time focusing. His strokes were short and stilted as he tried to capture the red hair of the small child peaking around the curtain. Capturing her youth and vitality was essential to capturing her essence. Dammit. He cursed himself, why was it so hard to concentrate. Nonetheless, he continued to paint into the late night only pausing to refill his glass of wine, mixed with blood. A sleepy and lightheaded woman named, Dana, or Sarah or something along those lines, was lounging on the couch. She believed Klaus was painting her. A little compulsion went a long way with subduing company and a steady meal. He'd let the unfortunate soul rest until the early morning before releasing her without a single memory of the night. Although like her memories her name will be forgotten, Klaus appreciated her company in this new and unknown town.

He passed out somewhere between his second bottle and sunrise. The early morning rays woke him from his slumber. He stretched, shirtless in front of the floor length window that over looked the river. His body and soul were rejuvenated and he was eager for this evening.

"Wake up dear," he nudged the sleeping woman. She blinked awake her mind confused. He quickly held her face between his hands. "You had a lovely evening with man who's name you can't remember, and you don't feel ashamed one bit. He treated you like a queen and you'll go on living your life." He patted her head, "Please leave and remember nothing of me," with that she gathered the remnants of her clothes and made her way out. Klaus sighed and pondered what to do with the rest of the day. He grabbed a glass of water and walked over to last night's portrait. The young girls red hair was more vibrant than he remembered. He was pleased with his work as he raised the cold glass to his forehead, hoping to sooth his headache. He picked up the portrait and placed it on the ground next to the others.

"Looks like you made a new friend," a familiar voice asked from behind him.

"Elijah, I didn't hear you come in," Klaus turned to see his older brother standing in the middle of his apartment, head cocked to one side looking at the art collection.

"I arrived last night, but you were …" he paused for decency, "busy." Elijah looked Klaus up and down. He was unkempt from a night of indulging, once again. Whereas Elijah, as always looked impeccable. His suit perfectly tailored to his tall lean stature and his hair cropped short and slightly slicked back. He held a hat in one hand.

"What brings you to Chicago, brother?" Klaus flopped down on the couch dramatically.

"It's our sister," Klaus froze for a second for fear of horrible news, " she's worried about you, says you don't write as often and that you've been drinking too much." Elijah's eye moved to the empty bottles on the coffee table, he pursed his lips.

"So you've come to check on your bastard younger brother?" klaus' eyes narrowed challengingly.

"Of course not, I was merely appeasing our dramatic sister by visiting you and thus avoiding her theatrics if she were to come instead." Eliajh said pointedly. Klaus nodded in agreement.

"Well if you must know, I am doing quite well here," Klaus stood up and brushed his clothes off as if dusting the night before to the ground. "I have become friends with some local business owners as well as I have a date with a lovely woman tonight." Klaus was smug, he wouldn't dare show Elijah the true elation he felt.

"A date?" Elijah asked.

"Yes Elijah a date," Klaus said no more. Elijah understood. "Shall I assume you've seen what you have come for and therefore will be leaving the city immediately?" Klaus knew Elijah would hang around a few days regardless of what he found Klaus up to. "Very well, I'd offer you a place to stay, but as you can see from that around you, there is only room for one here." Klaus motioned to the door. Elijah took the hint and nodded goodbye to his brother.

"Good luck on your date," he said before shutting the door behind him.

Klaus was more than eager for the sun to set, he had barely survived the long hours of the afternoon. But now it was time for him to set out and meet Cassidy. He walked the streets at a steady but quick pace. A giddiness he hadn't felt in ages settled around his stomach. When he entered the restaurant, the maître d' greeted him.

"Good evening Mr Mikaelson, you've been expected." The man took Klaus' coat. "This way," Klaus wasn't sure what to expect upon following the gentleman. He made sure to glance around the room at any sign of danger. The man stopped and pointed to a table near the back. There Cassidy sat one man sat next to her lighting her cigarette the other held her gaze as they chatted. She threw her head back in laughter, the two men joined. Klaus approached the table slowly.

"Ah gentlemen, it appears my date has arrived," the two men looked disappointed but immediately got up from the table. "Till next week?" she waved them off.

"Cassidy," he wasn't sure what to say.

"Klaus don't be jealous," she put her cigarette out in the ashtray and stood to greet him. "Those men were from a card group, we play every Wednesday." How could she know I was jealous? Klaus didn't even know he was jealous. However, all thoughts of jealousy fled his mind when she stood in front of him. The red satin dress she wore clung to her delicate but prominent curves, and her hair was perfectly in place, framing her heart shaped face. She extended her hand. Klaus took it, her hand still gloved. They both locked eyes as they sat down.

"What are you having this evening," Klaus asked. "I still owe you a round from the other night," he smirked.

"Of course" she blushed, "How bold of me to put you on the spot like that," she waved for the server to come over, "I promise that was not my intention."

"What exactly was your intention?" Klaus ordered two drinks. Cassidy paused waiting for the server to leave.

"I supposed to meet someone new," she seemed as if she was deciding for herself why she had spoken to him, "I had never seen you around here and to me you looked different." She blushed slightly. Klaus picked up her heart beat increase as well. She was radiant and yet reserved. The perfect mix of commanding the attention of those around her and being modest. Klaus lifted his drink when the server brought it to him.

"Cheers, to a new city." she smiled. "And perhaps new friends," he winked.

"Perhaps," she sipped her sink with a pursed smile.

"So Cassidy, you know a bit about me, why don't you tell me about yourself. How did you end up in Chicago?" he placed his glass on the table and listened.

"My brother moved us from the suburbs when I was about 15. He was a few years older and in need of work desperately," Klaus nodded as she spoke. "My parents were killed that year and he was our soul provider." She looked down for a second. Her eyes darted back up to his. "Its ok, it has been a long time since then. Plus, Al offered my brother, Pattrick, an apprenticeship and a place to live. When I was old enough he let me earn a small amount as well." She held her glass gingerly. "I don't just sing, I also run errands, deliver messages and occasionally organize his social calendar."

"And what exactly does Al do?" Klaus was intrigued. Perhaps he could discover both mysteries tonight. Cassidy as a person and Al as a business man.

"Ah, not a questions you ask of a generous man," she raised her eyebrow, almost as if hinting towards Klaus' considerable amount of money in a seemingly destitute career choice.

"Very well" Klaus caved, "Where is Patrick now?" he deemed the question fair enough to move on from Al.

"In New York," she perked up, "He has been gone a while but is due back the end of the month." She smiled.

"You seem excited he is coming back," Klaus remarked.

"Yes very! I hate him being away for so long," Klaus wish he could relate. "Do you have any siblings?" she turned the conversation around.

"Yes," he paused, "three brothers and one sister."

"Oh wow! Where are they now?" Klaus eyed her curiously, it was a simple and basic question, yet he found himself not wanting to divulge much about his siblings. She seemed to notice his hesitation. "Klaus, I am just making conversation. She said frankly.

"Rebekah and Elijah are still out west, I believe." A lie. "And Fin and Kol," he searched for a suitable location, "last I heard, they were in London." Another lie. He knew exactly where Fin and Kol were ,safely stowed in their coffins, hidden away from the world. Cassidy nodded slowly her lips tight, almost as if she didn't believe him.

"Four sibling! That must have been fun growing up?" she playfully continued the conversation.

"Loud is more like it." Klaus found himself saying. There was an uncomfortable silence that he wasn't sure how to fill. He hadn't had to have small talk with a human in several years. Especially one that interested him so much. So instead, she filled the void with stories from her and her brother's childhood. Klaus found himself laughing along side her. She was vibrant when she spoke of him. He almost envied their closeness. The conversation from there out was as easy flowing as the drinks. Finally the server informed them they were closing.

Their coats were brought over and like before, Klaus put Cassidy's over her shoulders and extended his arm to escort her home. Upon reaching the street, a car pulled up front.

"Get in." the driver barked. Klaus' eyes narrowed, he envisioned removing the man's throat from his body for the rude way he ordered Cassidy. In response, she rested her gloved hand on his cheek, calming him. It was remarkable how she seemed to sense what he was feeling.

"I hope I can see you again," Klaus did not want their night to end, but more importantly he wanted to kiss her. However, now was not the time nor place.

"I would like that very much," was all she said. She lifted her hand from his cheek and got into the car. Klaus closed the door behind her. The driver spared no time in speeding away from the curb, leaving Klaus in a cloud of smoke. He made a mental note to place the driver on his long list of people in need of manners, or death, both were fairly interchangeable to him.

Despite the long dinner, the night was still young for the 1000 year old vampire. Klaus picked up the slow foot prints of someone stumbling home on a equally long night. He smiled eager for the hunt.