A/N:

Hello my readers! I am so sorry for the wait of an update. It has been a very hard year for me, due to a diagnosis with scoliosis in my back, starting a very prestigious academic career, and being a dedicated writer of many things. I thank you for your continuous support and dedication to this story, even though I am very brief in updates. This story has what I believe to be nearly 150 followers, which is incredible to me. Three years ago, I was a sheepish girl with a love of books and writing, who stayed in the corner. Thanks to you all, I have gained so much confidence in myself and in my writing. Thank you. Enjoy the chapter, and Happy New Year!

Cheers,

Elle

Chapter 17: Promise Me

"I can't believe she threw the waffle maker at your head." I chuckled, and Nik rolled his eyes at my reaction to his baby sister's outburst. She had destroyed one of the kitchen walls by using the waffle maker as a dart, and Nik's head for the target. Thankfully, she missed.

I smiled at his annoyance and walked over to the chair next to him, hoisting myself up. I wasn't used to the random chemistry that was now brewing between us. I admit, things were moving fast, but I had never realized that I just spent some actual time with the stubborn ass he turned out to be quite decent. Okay, sleeping in the same bed wasn't the most spacious of relationship decisions, but it was only me and him who knew.

"What are thinking about, sweetheart?" the British original asked me, breaking me from my mental dispute with myself. I shook my head carelessly and decided to move the subject of the conversation to something less internal.

"Just pondering if whether or not I should to go to the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, because supposedly they have an incredible modern art exhibit. But you probably wouldn't be interested, or maybe would you?" I teased him, and at the mention of art his eyes lit up. I think he was impressed with my sparse knowledge of Italian art museums. Thank you Google Travel Assistant.

"You know of the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna?" he asked, entranced by sudden interest in one of his greatest hobbies. I nodded eagerly and he laughed. I looked at him oddly and he just kept laughing.

"What are you laughing at me for?!" I accused and he just kept laughing, the jingle of it carrying through the high ceilings of the villa. After he had calmed himself to speak, he told me.

"You really think that I wouldn't want to expose you to the great Italian art scene?" he said amused, and play slapped him on his arm.

"So are we going or not?" I asked, and soon we were out the door.

Tourists flooded the exhibit, tongue of many dialects interacting. Nik led me around, showing the complexity of all the work. He was so exuberant with the history the walls held. He could name the shades of paints used, techniques involved, even what density of brush the painter had painted with. It was completely incredible.

I patiently went along on his art tyrant. We wandered floor to floor, Nik examining every painting, sculpture, and drawing in every corner of the museum. He explained each of the artist's motives and expressions, and I nodded intently. This really was his passion, I could tell. When we finally reached the last floor, I got to sit down briefly. Nik settled himself next to me.

"What was your favorite piece so far?" he asked excitedly, and I smiled meekly. Quickly I scanned my brain for a random name of a painting I had seen. There were so many.

"Caroline, you didn't come here for yourself, did you?" he realized instantaneously. I shook my head yes, guilty as charged. He rolled his head, frustrated and amused.

"Love, this trip is for you to experience the world. You can do what you want, and I won't argue. Pleasing me should be nothing for you. I get my pleasure from you experiencing the magic of traveling. So promise me that you will follow your own desires, understood?" Nik lectured, and I listened like a kindergartener at story time.

"I understand, and I promise." I responded, and Nik smiled. Pulling me in to a embrace, kissed the top of my head tenderly.

Getting up, we left the museum and walked hand and hand to the car. The sun danced shadows through the trees onto the sidewalk as we walked three blocks. Nik opened the passenger for me like the proper gentleman he was. I thanked him and situated myself in the soft leather seat. Closing my door, he walked over to his side and opened the driver door. Starting the engine, he pulled into the afternoon sun.

We spent the rest of the day in a park, walking the endless trails of sprawling landscape. Everything was lush and green, and children ran along with kites, siblings yelling to each other in rich Italian accents. It was a beautiful to relax and make memories. I and Nik talked like a normal couple about random things like our favorite movies and music, basic facts that blossomed into deep conversation.

"So if you hadn't been turned, you would have wanted to have children?" Nik asked me, and I nodded solemnly. I had always wanted children of my own for as long as I could remember.

"How many children?" he continued, and held up one finger. I just wanted a small family, an only child like I had been.

"Son or daughter?" Nik prodded, and I thought about a moment.

"Daughter, definitely, that way I can teach her the secrets of shopping." I joked, and Nik laughed. He knew how much I loved clothes and fashion.

"What would you name her?" he asked quietly, and the question struck a sensitive cord. I had never given it much thought.

"Something classic like Alice; I love the sound of Erin Elizabeth, or Callie Alexandria. Defining of character, but calm and beautiful." I mused, and Nik nodded silently.

"What about you?" I asked, and Nik stopped where he was walking to think for a moment to think.

"A son." He said simply, and kept walking. I nodded and followed him, catching up to his pace.

"What would you name him?" I asked quietly. I had never pictured Niklaus Mikaelson with children, but strangely it brought warmth to my mind.

"Henrik, after my brother; and Elijah, because he has stayed true to me all these years, after everything I have done. My brother is honorable and honest, and believes in family. I want my son to possess the same traits, the traits I have yet to learn myself."

A/N:

I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and more updates are coming, but reviews mean faster updates! Have a great New Year, and have a great day/evening.

~Elle