Birthday drabble written for Angelikah. Au, set whenever you like


"And here ladies and gentlemen we have the fighting temeraire painted by J.M.W. Turner in 1838…"

The guide went on to describe the vast details of the painting they were currently viewing going on to answer all sorts of questions from the visitors, adding some extra information for the enthusiastic youngsters and gradually Caroline felt his voice fade into the background.

It wasn't out of boredom or disinterest but she could barely contain her excitement at the chance to see all the pieces of artwork she had dreamt of glancing at when she was younger, and only gotten the chance to do a few months ago.

Looking back at the group that gathered around to hear, she concluded that it wouldn't hurt to explore a bit on her own and move a little faster. True she wouldn't be able to hear all the stories about them but she could always go back and re-join everyone, at least she would have filled her gnawing curiosity, that currently demanded to be satisfied, not leaving her any choice.

Not that she complained.

With a delightful smile on her face, she went around the national museum of London, seeing the various art crafts that were made with talent and delicacy that she could only dream to possess.

And it wasn't just the collectibles that attracted her, the natives that she seen around the building sparked her interest, too, how they behaved and how the little families were, the parents barely containing the excitement of their children. She giggled slightly as she heard a mother scolding her daughter. The thick accent unlike what she was used to.

Spotting one of the paintings she has yet to see, Caroline went to have a look, halting in her movement as she was greeted by the familiar sight.

It was not like she had seen it before.

She'd remember okay.

It was just familiar.

Not like I so totally saw this before, deja vu sort of familiar, it was more of the it reminds me something I have seen before variety.

Which was weird.

She wondered if anyone would object if she touched it, just a teeny tiny peek but ugh, damn her and her curiosity, she couldn't find it in her to care if it was unallowed.

Tentatively, her index reached out to rub across the colour filled canvas, sighing as she touched the rough blendings.

"Insignia" a smooth velvety voice spoke from behind her, making goosebumps appear from the sheer unexpectedness of hearing it. "Done by Lord Klaus in 1490".

She turned to face him, a quizzical look on her face as he spoke but he only smiled in return "It's believed to represent his desire for power".

"Well, it's nice". She commented giving the painting in front of her a once over to prove her point.

Klaus chuckled "I am sure the artist appreciate your praise".

"I am sure". She replied, dryly.

"Would it be to much to ask for a stroll with the fair lady" Klaus said offering her his elbow, and she obliged, locking their arms together.

"What are you doing here?" Caroline asked, bluntly. Let it never be known that she was ever subtle.

"Well why visiting the national museum, of course" he paused " And checking on my very own craft, the curators here are not known for taking vervain, after all"

She grinned at his reference to that night he invited her to his mother's ball, that seemed so long ago.

"Are you worried some vampire might steal your painting in retaliation, seriously" she teased him.

"Well, one can never be too sure, sweetheart".

'The pet names are back' she mused, though secretly thrilled she saw a familiar face, while she wasn't alone during her travels, making the occasional friend here and there, she did miss her old friends sometimes.

Foolish of her after everything that has happened but old habits die hard after all.

"So you lived here in 1490?" she asked remembering what he said earlier, and he nodded.

"What was it like?" Eyes full of wonder and mystification she waits for his answer.

"Well the aristocracy's lives were far from dull, at least to their standards, lavish gowns and balls and music, enjoyment of the finer things in life that their wealth permitted them, meanwhile the commoners contrasted them, creating their own joy instead of buying it, it was an interesting battlefield of a different kind"

"Yes and the bloodbaths were to die for" she sarcastically remarked.

"The 15 century had the best torture weapons, it's true". He goaded her, causing her to roll her eyes at him.

"I am afraid this is where we depart, love", he said and it was then that she realized that they went back to where the tour was, surprising her at the fact that time had passed so fast.

He pecked her cheek, silently walking away, her blue eyes tracking him as he stepped out of sight.


"Come in" Klaus called out as he heard a knock on the door, his face turning to the side half facing the door. One of his servants came in carrying quite the big package wrapped in brown paper with a post card stuck on one of its edges.

"Mister Mikaelson. This package arrived via the post office earlier would you like me to put it somewhere specific?" The man asked.

"Just set it the on the table" he instructed looking upon it with interest and curiosity. Rarely, did anyone send him anything through the baser ways, most preferring the modern technology, half out of convenience and half out of fear of having to come to a face to face confrontation with him, and those who did like to meet, did so in person.

He hurriedly unwrapped the covered object from its packaging.

And almost immediately bulged his eyes out comically.

There in all its glory, was his painting from the hermitage.

He felt his mind filling with confusion at the very cryptic message that seemed to taunt him with his inability to figure it out.

Noticing a note on the side, he picked it up. Seeing the empty paper staring back at him, he turned it to the other side.

"You shouldn't leave the curators of your passion without vervain, someone might steal it ;)" it read.

"I hope you like my gift" a musical voice from behind him said.

He smiled, still with his back to the door to her "I recall that this particular piece was in one of the VIP sections, so I do wonder what is it doing here"

feeling her standing right behind him, he straightened his posture "Well, I thought I'd save you the trouble of someone stealing it for revenge, one can't have the original hybrid irked after all" she mockingly said the last sentence, her voice taking on a posh accent for effect.

"What are you doing here, Caroline?"

Her hair floated from side to side as she took in his art studio "I thought I just answered that" she paused as she felt his eyes on her "and to give you this".

She handed him a white envelope, not even waiting for him to open it. "I hope you guys have a jacuzzi in here, because I just had the most tiring flight ever and in a desperate need of one". Already by the stairs she sped up, and he didn't remember the parchment in his hand until he heard one of the doors closing.

Opening yet another message, seems like Caroline took a liking to that sort of communication, he was surprised to see two first class tickets to Rome.

And a paper accompanying it saying "I don't take no for an answer, so choose wisely".

Classic Caroline.


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