Give Me Love Like Never Before
A/N: Hey guys, here is the next chapter. An update this soon from me? Yeah even I am shocked. It is just that I was really excited about writing a full chapter about Klaroline. They first visit Korea. So I have included some Korean words, names and food. Korean words are italized. I am not sure that I completely got that right. Google and Wikipedia helped me a lot. I have only seen a Korean serial, so my knowledge about them is very limited. Sorry if there are any mistakes. Thanks for your reviews, follows and favorites. I guess enough with the rambling, so here is the next chapter.
Disclaimer: I definitely don't own TVD.
Chapter 10
Packing for a local trip itself had always been a little difficult for Caroline. Now that she had to be ready for an Asian trip, it had been one hell of a week for her. She knew nothing about it. Sure she had been to few places in United States but that was it. Neither her father nor Stefan had taken her anywhere really. Her father had once asked her to join him in Hawaii but she didn't want to be a nuisance in a romantic trip her father had with his boyfriend. And that's how she had never been out of US let alone the American continent.
She had no idea of how it would be there in Asia. She heard that it wouldn't be that cold but still she wasn't sure what kind of clothes she had to carry. So she just made sure to take all types. Maybe that was the reason her luggage appeared a little too much for a week's trip. Stefan came behind her, as Caroline checked if everything she needed was ready. "So you up for this?" asked Stefan eying her and her luggage with doubt. Caroline smiled at how concerned he seemed.
He knew that it was her first trip without her parents or friends and had been worried about it. He even joked that he wouldn't be surprised if she and Klaus end up killing each other in Japan. If you think about it maybe he wasn't joking after all. Caroline still couldn't figure out if she had forgiven Klaus. He did apologize for his actions but still he didn't intend for her to hear it. She hadn't bothered to inform him about her having accidentally hearing that. She did soften at his effort but was annoyed when he had practically ordered her to be back at work. So she was definitely still mad at him.
"Yep, completely ready and looking forward to spend one full unpleasant week with Mikaelson" replied Caroline chirpily. Stefan sighed and started to advice her about keeping a cool head which was what he had been saying the past few days but Caroline promptly said, "Oh, don't worry, Stefan. I won't let some annoying guy spoil my first trip abroad. Yeah he is a nagging person who I can't ignore but then we can anytime return the favor, can't we? I can't be worrying about traveling with someone I despise when I have a world waiting for me to explore"
Stefan felt that was the best he could expect from her so he wished, "Well, I am happy that you are so clear about this trip. I want nothing but you enjoying this one. Have a happy journey and hey be safe" said Stefan hugging Caroline in a protective way. "I promise that your best friend will be back in one piece" told Caroline softly. "Oh, I know Klaus will be fine. It is you I am worried about" joked Stefan earning a smack on his head. "Ow, what was that for?" asked Stefan rubbing the spot where she hit. "For making awful jokes. Seriously you need some help, dude" mocked Caroline checking her watch for time. "Shoot, I am late. See you, Stef" said Caroline rushing to leave. "You take care, Care" told Stefan bidding goodbye.
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Klaus looked into his watch again and started to lose his patience. Caroline should have been here ten minutes ago but she was still not here. To say the truth, he was a lot surprised when Caroline had arrived the next day morning after Thanksgiving to office and acted as if nothing had happened. He couldn't understand what was happening. He hadn't apologized to her nor had he been nice to her. He had actually demanded her to be back to work. Maybe she had heard his apology but it was impossible. It must have been the contract. Yeah, that made the best sense.
Caroline came running afraid of being late to the airport. She was caught in a terrible traffic jam and couldn't make it on time. She was afraid that Klaus would use this as an excuse to boss around. As soon as she reached the terminus, she located Klaus quickly. It wasn't that difficult to spot him in that black jacket of his that very much suited him. He turned just in time to see Caroline approaching him. He was about to pass a sarcastic comment about her being late but then he noticed her luggage and couldn't help but smirk. She struggled to handle that big luggage.
"In case you aren't aware, our trip is only for a week" greeted Klaus. Caroline scowled at him knowing full well that he was enjoying her misery. She wontedly dumped the suitcase with the intention of hitting his toes but Klaus was quick enough for her. "Whoa! I am not judging. You have all the independence to bring all you want. No need for violence" said Klaus still smirking. Caroline muttered something under her breath and asked, "I thought we were attending the conference in Tokyo first."
"Well, we are kind of first going to South Korea and then attending the conference as we have some work to do there. I hear that the language nor the food would be familiar. So be prepared" warned Klaus. "Oh, I guess it must be great then. Only you to communicate with" said Caroline sarcastically. "Yep, time of our life" replied Klaus groaning. "Fourteen and half hours trip to Seoul*. It is going to be a long trip" muttered to himself already hating the trip. Both of them were excited and looked forward to a break from their busy and monotonous New York life but it was their company they hated.
Caroline was never the one to fuss about her seating arrangement but for once she was really thankful that she didn't have a seat near Klaus. That would have been a hell ride. She decided to stop thinking about him and enjoy the niceties of traveling in a first class. She had never traveled in one, so when she got to know about it she was pretty much excited. It was indeed great traveling in first class.
There were fully reclining seats, workstations and an audiovisual on demand entertainment with a variety of films. There were facilities akin to a five-star hotel and served complimentary alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and gourmet meals served with a choice of wine, dessert and aperitifs. Caroline made herself comfortable and picked Ice Age 4 to watch. She was happy that Klaus couldn't see her as she was sure he would have teased her about the choice.
Caroline noticed that the air hostess was a little impatient to talk to the woman with a child. It was as if she was in a hurry. When she squinted hard she noticed that her name was Mona. Caroline sympathized with her thinking that it must be really taxing to keep up a smiling face always and patiently hear all the obscene demands of crazy first class passengers. So when she came to her, Caroline just kept it simple. Mona appeared grateful and moved along. 'Poor thing' thought Caroline, 'Maybe she has some unfinished business'.
She resumed watching the movie and was actually so immersed in it as Manny the mammoth was fighting the scary monkey Captain Gutt. But then she saw that Mona had been in the same place for over fifteen minutes now. When she looked closer she noticed that she was actually happy to wait and was in fact blushing. Curious to know who that lucky guy was she strained herself to look inside and found none other than Mr. Niklaus Mikaelson smiling right at her.
She was furious at the air hostess after having completely understanding the reason of her impatience. She couldn't wait to flirt with the handsome, cute and obviously rich guy. Girl, if only she knew? Mona giggled at some sick joke obviously he had cracked and pitied her. It may be great to flirt with him and laugh and joke around but when it comes to the real him it was always a suicide. 'He is definitely not worth it, honey' thought Caroline going back to watch a mammoth slamming a monkey.
After a long and tiring trip Klaus and Caroline reached the international airport in Seoul. As they were waiting for their luggage Klaus tried to start a conversation by asking, "So had a good flight?" Caroline fake smiled and answered, "Of course. But not as much as you. It is always great to have an air hostess's attention, isn't it?" Klaus looked confused at first but then realized what she was talking about.
Honestly, Klaus didn't particularly enjoy the fact that the air hostess was hogging him all the time. In fact he had gotten irritated and politely but firmly told her to leave him alone. But there was no need to go into that right now. If Caroline thought he had better time than her, so be it. "Yeah, Mary did make the flight pleasurable" smirked Klaus as Caroline rolled her eyes and corrected, "Her name was Mona". Klaus cleared his throat and replied, "Yes, of course Mona. It pays to be good looking, you know. It is indeed a pity that you were all alone for fourteen and half hours".
"Don't worry. I had some real fun" retorted Caroline pulling her bag and making it to the entrance. Klaus just laughed and followed her searching for his name board. He found the guy immediately but frowned seeing Caroline already talking to him. The guy had red hair and a charming smile which could make anyone attracted to him. "Ah, let me take that for you, jagiya*. I don't want your precious hands to be burdened with these" said that red headed guy obviously flirting.
To Klaus' distaste Caroline blushed on hearing it. Klaus cleared his throat to make his presence known making Caroline jump. She looked like she was back to her senses and said, "This is Mr. Niklaus Mikaelson. The guy we are waiting for". The guy bowed his head and told with a heavy accent, "Annyeonghaseyo*, welcome to Seoul, I am Song Woo Bin. Your guide here. It is really an honor to have you here".
Klaus just nodded and asked him to get them to the hotel. Throughout the ride to the hotel Klaus had to endure Caroline and Woo Bin's constant sweet talk that his head started to hurt. On arriving there, Woo bin bowed to Klaus and waited for him to leave. Once Klaus was out of sight he turned to Caroline.
"It was nice seeing you, jagiya. We will meet again. But let me tell you one little secret. Dangsin-eun maeu aleumdabseubnida. Dang-shin ttae-mu-ne ga-seu-mi seol-le-yo*. See you soon.Good bye" said Woo Bin in a whisper and winked at her before leaving. Caroline looked around making sure no one was around and raised both her hands in elation before quickly composing herself. She didn't understand one word of what he said in Korean but she was really pleased.
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The morning after had also been a pleasant one. It was pretty much cold outside and Caroline found it really hard to be ready to go to the office so early the next morning after a long flight the day before. They were able to get pizzas and sandwich here though it tasted a little different. On the whole it was pretty refreshing.
When they reached the office they were welcomed by a really good looking dark haired guy with a boyish smile. Caroline wondered if all the guys here were cute. "Good Morning, Mr. Mikaelson. It is nice to have you here, sir. I am So Yi Jung, the manager. It had been your father who would visit every year and he would always be pleased with our company's performance" said Yi Jung. Klaus knew that the guy was lying through his teeth.
He knew Mikael very well and also knew that he could never be satisfied. This guy obviously was trying to please him by praising Mikael not knowing it had the opposite effect. "Thank you, Mr. Yi Jung. I would like to discuss about company's performance and see the sales record" asked Klaus. "Sure, this way, Mr. Mikaelson" showed Yi Jung. Klaus turned to Caroline and asked her to work about his schedule for that day.
Yi Jung immediately called his assistant to help her out. The girl who appeared looked cute and had a really kind face and innocent smile. Caroline was relieved not to be paired with some obnoxious girl. "Hi, I am Chu Ga Eul. Are you Mr. Mikaelson's assistant?" asked the girl. Caroline found it difficult to get her name, so just nodded and replied, "Yes, I am Caroline Forbes by the way" extending her hand. Ga Eul shook it and slowly said "Car-o-line. Sorry it is just a difficult name for me". "I completely understand" smiled Caroline.
She instantly liked this girl. There was something about her smile which was really warm. "So, you could work the schedule for Mr. Mikaelson with me. Yi Jung wants it to be perfect. He is very particular about it" said Ga Eul. Caroline sympathized with her knowing fully well how it was to work under a demanding boss. "Don't worry. We could make it work, Chu" assured Caroline wanting to get closer to her calling her by her first name.
However Ga Eul shook her head and told cheerfully, "No, you can call me Ga Eul itself". Caroline felt a little disappointed and agreed. Seeing Caroline a bit upset, Ga Eul appeared confused. Realizing what was on Caroline's mind, she explained "Ani*, you have got it all wrong. Chu is my family name. Here in Korea we have our family name first. That is reason for all this confusion. Got it?" Caroline appeared both surprised and pleased with her explanation and said, "Oh, sorry. Well shall we proceed, Ga Eul?" Ga Eul giggled leaving Caroline wondering whether she laughed at her enthusiasm or because she mispronounced her name.
?/
"Could you give me one reason why we are here?" enquired Caroline looking around the restaurant. When it had been lunch time, Klaus had suggested that day they were not eating in the hotel. She thought he had wanted to explore the city and had readily accompanied him. What she had not expected was that for him to explore the city's cuisine. Caroline was open to visiting different cities, admiring different arts and music, but if there was one thing she was not ready to experiment with, it was different cuisine.
Sure she loved Italian pizzas, French fries, Chinese noodles, etc but for her they were a part of every American's diet. So she was always nervous to try new food. Maybe that was the reason she was glaring at Klaus who was rather looking smug. "Well, I think the reason is quite explicit. We are here to eat. You could truly experience a country only if you taste their food" replied Klaus. "I am actually a bit uncomfortable about trying new foods. I will be fine with the burgers" said Caroline.
"Oh, come on, just give it a try. There is nothing wrong with that" tried Klaus. "Sorry but I am really fine with it" insisted Caroline. "For god's sake, it is past lunch time now. You won't get other food now" reasoned Klaus. "So be it, I will starve" retorted Caroline. "So, you are not adventurous as I thought you to be, huh? Afraid of even trying a new cuisine? Pathetic" muttered Klaus quiet loud enough for her to hear. Caroline glared at him and took the menu card forcefully.
She looked through it encountering all strange names. She just randomly chose a soup and noodles and called out to the waiter. She ignored Klaus totally as he looked on with amusement. Their orders came and it seemed like Klaus was at least familiar with the food here as he appeared so sure. He had ordered what was called Kimchi with some vegetable soup. Kimchi looked like a vegetable dish fermented in a brine of ginger, garlic, scallions and chili pepper.
Her own noodles were made with a black bean sauce fried with vegetables like zucchini and potato. She hesitantly touched the food as he looked on curiously. She just closed her eyes and tasted it. To be honest she really liked the noodles though the same cannot be said about the soup. She actually wanted to have more but stopped herself to hold her dignity. She actually owed it to him, since hadn't he mocked her she would have never did it. He knew her weakness and used it perfectly. He was that sneaky.
"So I have got your documents and papers for the conference. Also the flight tickets for Tokyo" informed Caroline. "Great. Let me have it" offered Klaus. "No it is okay. I will have it. This is what my job entails" rejected Caroline. "No I don't take risks when it comes to important things like that. I had always kept things like those with me even when I had other assistants. Well, except Monica. I just don't trust you with something this important" explained Klaus.
'Of course, the bloody Monica' thought Caroline as she glared at him. Klaus sensed it and said, "What it is not like you have earned my trust in such issues. Remember you losing the schedule for Tokyo?" "But I found it in the evening on the very same day" argued Caroline. "Yeah, but you still lost it once. Let us just say you need to improve in your safekeeping skills" said Klaus. Caroline scowled at him as he paid the bill. She protested by saying, "I can pay my own bills". Klaus just smirked and replied, "It will still be my money" and left the place. "Jerk" mumbled Caroline as she followed him.
?
Klaus looked around these unknown people in the party wondering how even though they had even barely met; they were like one big family. Earlier Klaus had believed that it would be strange and awkward to meet people who didn't speak your language though they worked for you. But after having traveled to France, Spain and Japan, he now understood that language was not a barrier if you connect. He just found it a bit difficult to trust anyone. A party was arranged due to his arrival and for him to actually to get to know them.
He could have refused but he couldn't bring himself to do so when Yi Jung asked with such an expectant face. He actually liked this Yi Jung guy. He seemed truthful, hardworking and smart. He seemed to be loyal to the company and put everything into it. The said guy approached him with a glass of champagne. "So how is the party going? Everyone out there enjoying themselves?" enquired Klaus. "Yes Mr. Mikaelson. They were happy that you agreed" said Yi Jung offering the drink.
Klaus accepted it and asked, "So the sales have gone downhill from last year. Any explanations?" "It is mainly because of this new Japanese automobile company. They appeal to the youngsters with flashy cars. We still follow the European style" explained Yi Jung. "Why can't we design such cars?" asked Klaus confused. "Yes. We can. In fact I have some proposals for such cars. It is just that…" mumbled Yi Jung. "What? What is your problem?" demanded Klaus.
"Well, Mr. Mikael didn't want to even see those. He believes such cars won't be classy enough for the company's reputation and doesn't reflect the European style" said Yi Jung. "Bull shit. You can't have international business without having flexibility. We have to cater to the needs of the local people to be successful in a particular country. You just forward me those designs. I will go through it and tell you" told Klaus.
A genuine smile appeared on Yi Jung's face and he said, "Thank you, Mr. Mikaelson. I was afraid that our company would perish" Klaus smiled back and assured, "I would never let it happen" After much contemplation, Klaus cleared his throat and asked off handedly, "By the way, what is the meaning of jagiya?" Yi Jung looked at him strangely and replied cautiously, "Well it means darling in Korean, sir" Klaus looked pissed for some reason and took one big swig of the drink.
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"I just don't understand why he makes it his life's mission to taunt me. He always reminds me of the mistakes I make and always loves to prove that he is the boss. God he gets under my skin" rambled on Caroline as Ga Eul nodded along sympathetically. "I mean come on give me a break. Do you get what I am trying to say here, Ga Eul? Are all the bosses around the world like this?" wondered Caroline.
Ga Eul soothed her by saying, "No not all. But in general, the employees don't like their bosses" "It is true. What about you? Is Yi Jung a jerk too? He seems pretty much a no nonsense guy to me" asked Caroline. Upon mentioning her boss, a slight smile played at the corner of Ga Eul's mouth while she answered, "Yeah, he is definitely a jerk". "Oh really? God I thought he would be different. Why do all cute guys end up as jerks" moaned Caroline.
Ga Eul seemed to be amused by something Caroline said and just shook her head. "How long have you been working for him?" enquired Caroline. "It has been three years" answered Ga Eul. "Three years. God, I don't think I can stand Klaus for three years. I mean I am as such worried to work for him five more months. How do you do it? Is there any secret?" asked Caroline curiously. Ga Eul just laughed without replying. Caroline sighed and said, "Fine, keep your secret. Hey look a cute guy there. Really guys here are so nice. Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Actually I am engaged. My marriage is just three months away" replied Ga Eul showing her engagement ring. Caroline looked shocked and looked at the ring, "Wow, Congratulations. Who is the lucky guy? Childhood friend or co-worker or a stranger?" asked Caroline excitedly. Ga Eul blushed before answering, "Actually you know him. It is So Yi Jung" Caroline opened her mouth to speak but couldn't really form the words.
"Yeah, it is this jerk I am going to marry. This is how I felt too when I started working for him, but he just made me fall in love with him. I realized that if I get past his rough exterior, a genuinely kind and understanding person was waiting for me. Although he acts cold and mean, in reality he is warmer and more pure than others. He just masks his pain with a cold exterior. You know he was a Casanova before? Now he is not even allowed to see a girl" Saying so Ga Eul turned her gaze to where Yi Jung was standing.
At that particular moment he too turned to see in that direction and their gazes locked. There was tenderness, love, trust and even protectiveness in that gaze. Caroline thought back to the times when she thought she was with the love of her life. Even she had been excited to share her life with someone but everything was shattered when Tyler left her. Shaking her head Caroline said, "You are very lucky to fine the One" grabbing a drink. "Thanks. Don't worry. You will meet someone too who will turn your world upside down" reassured Ga Eul. Caroline just smiled sadly draining her drink.
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Klaus felt tired after a long day and decided to retire to the hotel. He wanted to check on Caroline and inform her about his departure but decided against it convincing himself that she was not a baby and that she could take care of herself. 'Even if she was not able to, her sweet Woo Bin would help her' thought Klaus bitterly. Finally he decided to just bid her good night and searched for her.
However he only met Yi Jung's assistant who looked so nervous for some reason. "Any idea where I could find, Ms. Forbes?" enquired Klaus. "Mr. Mikaelson, I am really sorry. But it seems Caroline has had a strong traditional Korean alcohol. She is really drunk. She can't even stand properly. She is now lying on the couch" said the girl pointing to a very unstable Caroline. She was not even sitting properly on the couch.
She kept sliding and looked utterly confused. Klaus was really mad at her for being such a mess. Couldn't she watch what she was drinking? "I can help her to her room if you want, sir" offered the assistant hesitantly. "No I can take care of this. You wrap up this party" said Klaus reaching the couch. Caroline clapped on seeing him and winked at him. She must be really drunk to act so thought Klaus. He reached for her hand and tried to pull her. But she protested a lot and refused to get up.
He just let out a frustrated sigh and reached for her waist as he tried to steady her. He put an arm around her as he guided her out. She fit within him so perfectly as if it was meant to be. She kept looking at his face as he led them out. She reached out and touched his nose, giggling at his annoyed expression. "Hmmm why are you always so grouchy, Klausy?" asked Caroline in her drunken voice. Klaus just shook his head and proceeded. "Hey, come on answer me. Don't treat me like a child" said Caroline indignantly.
Klaus steadily ignored her and got her into a car. He told the destination to the driver and sat beside her. "Come on why are you always treating me like this. Why are you always belittling me? Always make me feel like shit?" asked Caroline loudly. "It is always Monica is the best, Monica this, Monica that. Just shut up about her. I am not her and I will never be. I am better than her" Klaus just shook his head.
"You know you are a dick, yes a jerk. Not at all worried about hurting someone and …" Klaus just dragged her out of the car and prayed to god that the driver didn't know English. As they reached their floor in the hotel, "I only came back because you apologized. Yes, I heard your apology that day. Why can't you say the damn thing in front of me? Are you a coward? Come on talk me, up front" slurred Caroline wagging her finger.
Klaus looked surprised on hearing about the apology. He cursed himself for not noticing her that day. Caroline pulled on his tie that got him a lot closer to her. Klaus looked at her confused while she looked straight at him. Their noses were nearly touching when Caroline whined, "I am hungry" Klaus steadied her and made her sit in the sofa and looked through the refrigerator. There were just some chips and soda.
He carried them to her and placed it in front of her. She reached for the chips packet and tried hard to open it, slipping every time she tried. Klaus grabbed it from her and tore it open before returning it back to her. Caroline grinned at him and said, "Oh you can also be sweetie if you want to, huh?" grabbing his cheeks. "Oh how could you be so bad and yet so hot? I mean look at you all girls drool over you. Hell everyone in your family is good looking. Your brother Elijah with all his suits looks sexy. Kol is not bad. He would really be more attractive if he didn't try that hard. Oh, I forgot Rebekah. Wow she really looks hot! Oops, did I say that aloud?" said Caroline putting her hand on her mouth.
Klaus sighed deciding he definitely didn't need to hear her lesbian fantasies and carried her to the bed. He removed her jacket and covered her with a blanket. Though he didn't want to take advantage of a drunken woman, he just couldn't help but feel the softness of her skin and the tingles it spread through his. He brushed the hair off her face and left before he could do anything more stupid like kissing her forehead.
A/N: So how was it? I am really nervous about this chapter because I really put a bit of an effort. I enjoyed writing it, so please tell if you enjoyed reading it. I wish everyone who reads this chapter reviews. Please please review. Keep suggesting Asian countries.
Ela marelica: Wow I can't believe it. I had actually planned of having a scene like that. Anyway thanks for reviewing :)
1998baby: Lol I am happy that you liked Klaus's actions. He is just a bit stubborn and that makes him even more endearing :)
Mystery Girl3: Glad to hear you loved the chapter especially Damon, Caroline and Stefan part. About who called Elijah, let it be a mystery for a while, ok? Thanks for being a constant support. You have reviewed every chapter and encouraged me throughout. Thanks for everything. Continue to review :) :)
KRISTINE.W: First of all thanks for such a big review. It made my day. I always love lengthy messages but reviews are just like chocolates. And I love chocolates way too much. So you have started writing? That's great. Really waiting for your amazing story. Glad you liked the chapter. Don't feel bad even I have never been out of Asia. I don't know about Germany much either. I could definitely understand your fear of losing your PC since my laptop had crashed twice within a month recently. Even my father was not so happy about it to put it lightly. Now that you say I am also curious to see Joseph Morgan with a baby. It will definitely be cute. I definitely hope Candice comes over to Originals. God their chemistry in the finale was awesome. I am happy that you like my replies to the reviews. I love them too since they take me closer to my reviewers. And I really feel like I have a got a good friend across the sea. Truthfully you are the awesome one, so continue to write these fabulous reviews :)
SkyBlue1309: Yep Klaus apologized. But he didn't intend for Care to hear. I think it will be really nice to see these characters falling love :)
Special thanks to kacomu,, Lynnevampire, Inga, Guest, walkinthegardengnome and MyloveforKlaroline for their sweet reviews. Keep it coming :)
Korean words and their meaning
Seoul – Capital of South Korea
Jagiya – Darling
Annyeonghaseyo –Hello (formal)
Dangsin-eun maeu aleumdabseubnida- you are very beautiful
Dang-shin ttae-mu-ne ga-seu-mi seol-le-yo – You make my heart flutter
Ani - No
