Caroline turned the shower off and stepped out. She rubbed away the condensation on the mirror and combed her hair. She secured a towel around her chest and exited the bathroom. Having packed up all of her clothes to stay in Klaus' house for the remainder of her time in New Orleans, Caroline only had one clothing option. Jeans, a sleeveless blouse, and a cardigan. Her boots were by the door. She dressed quickly and went into the bathroom to do her hair.
Caroline emerged with her bag in hand after checking out of her hotel. It was a short walk to the Mikaelson estate and she unlocked the door with the key Klaus had given her. She shut the door rapidly behind her and wandered up to Klaus' room, getting lost along the way. He wasn't there, she hadn't expected him to be. He was meeting with Marcel or Kieran or someone else. Klaus mentioned many people, she hadn't been able to follow it all. She unpacked her bag into his dresser; he had cleared out a drawer for her. How sweet.
It didn't take her long to get settled in and soon, she found herself exploring the home. She found herself in the library, browsing the books. She had never had much time for reading in high school with all of her activities then there was the whole turning into a vampire thing that brought so much more drama to her life. Lately, her life had only been drama. Vampire drama and problems and life threatening situations. She wanted a simpler life. She was sure that Klaus was not the person to chose if she wanted that, but he was her choice and she knew that he would try for her.
Caroline settled on a book from the year 1800, Castle Rackrent. It looked to be an original copy, which she figured it was given Klaus' age. Marbled cover, brown spine, black label. It was beautiful. She almost didn't want to read it. However, she settled down into a large leather chair and opened it up. She wasn't far into the book when the door opened. She smiled, thinking it would be Klaus, but it faltered when Hayley walked in. The pregnancy was visible with her and Caroline felt something strange.
"Sorry, I didn't realize anyone would be in here." Hayley said, half-backing out of the room.
"Do feel the need to leave because of me." Was all that Caroline said, returning to her book and not giving Hayley another glance.
The pregnant wolf walked fully into the room and gave the vampire a large perimeter. Hayley found a book for herself to read and sat down on the opposite side of the large room. It wasn't long, though, before she found herself talking to the vampire.
"So, are you and Klaus an item now?"
Caroline looked up from her book and glared at the wolf. She replied, coldly, "We're together, yes. Not that it concerns you in any way."
Hayley set her book down. "It doesn't concern me? You do realize that I'm carrying his unborn baby right?"
"Yes. But that's all that you are to him. Once that baby is born, you will no longer be of use. You will be cast aside like the dog you are." Caroline smiled as she tilted her head to the side playfully. "Or should I say, wolf?"
Hayley stood quickly. Caroline remarked, "Careful, you wouldn't want to injure the cub."
"How dare you…" It was an empty threat that was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.
"I heard raised voices and I knew I would find you two at the epicenter." Klaus said, grinning. "Settling in well, Caroline?"
"Very." She said, smugly.
"How could you let her stay here?" Hayley asked, advancing on the original.
Klaus raised a hand to stop her. "This is my home, little wolf, you'll do well to remember it."
Hayley walked past Klaus and exited without another word. Klaus looked at the door as it slammed shut behind her before he turned back to Caroline. "Am I right to assume that you two had a discussion about me?"
"Not everything is about you, Klaus."
Klaus just looked at her, patiently waiting for her to continue — he knew well enough that she wasn't done talking. Sure enough, she wasn't. "God! How could you ever sleep with her? She's vile. I just…ugh! I, I can't…"
The tears started then. Klaus rushed forward and pulled Caroline against him. She fought him off but he kept at it until she settled against his chest and was crying softly, her arms wrapped tightly around him.
He whispered in her ear, "It's alright, Caroline. We can talk about it when you're ready." He ran his hand over her hair softly, trying to sooth her. She was shaking in his arms as he held her in his.
It took her a while to calm down. She finally pulled away from him and said, "I'm sorry, that was…I don't know what. I, I'm sorry." Caroline just shook her head and walked away. Klaus followed after her, keeping his distance. He followed cautiously and she ended up in his bedroom. He entered the room after her and found her sitting on the bed. He sat next to her and placed his hand on her knee.
"If it makes you feel any better, I would like to show you the present I got you." He said, quietly. Caroline looked at him. Even with her mascara running down her cheeks and eyes puffy from crying, Klaus still found her beautiful.
"Why did you get me something?" She asked, frowning. He took her hand and pulled her up onto her feet.
"Let me show you, please, Caroline." Klaus said. She pulled her hand away and ran into the bathroom. He was about to kick a chair but she came back out, face clear of all makeup. He preferred her like this. She took his hand and said, "Show me."
"As you wish."
He led her out of the home and a few blocks down the street. He stopped in front of a shop. It had no sign to say what it was. It had a "For Sale" sign in the window. The inside of the shop was bare, a few bits of crumpled paper lay around, wallpaper was peeling from the walls. Dust seemed to cover every surface. Caroline turned to Klaus and said, "What's this?"
He offered her a small smile and replied, "It's yours. You enjoy fashion, don't you?"
Caroline's jaw went slack as she stared at him blankly. "You bought me a shop?" Klaus nodded. "People don't just buy other people shops, Klaus!"
"Does it not please you?" He asked, a deep frown setting on his face.
Caroline took his hands and said, "It does; don't be upset…it's just that, well…"
"Yes?"
"You once told me that you would show me what the world had to offer and I'm ready to take you up on that."
