It was dark, but fortunately the road was nearly empty, or she would have had to pull over and rest. Anxiety had combined with exhaustion and even her vampire countenance could run on adrenaline only so long. She was falling asleep, and only the need to protect the two little girls in the back kept her going. She shook her head to keep the drowsiness at bay. Her phone call with Alaric was short and did nothing to ebb the fear that was slowly creeping up her spine. Fear …and although she would never admit it, anticipation. Alaric and the rest of her friends were being hunted by the most dangerous huntress in the world, and there was nothing she could do to help them. Not this time.
She had more important priorities to protect.
"Mommy where are we going" asked Lizzie, half asleep herself from the long car ride. Her sister josie was passed out in the seat next to her, soft snores shaking her small body.
"To New Orleans," she said soothingly. "To visit mommy's friend. "
Mommy's friend. The words seemed to appease lizzie who drifted back to sleep, but they reverberated through Caroline's mind. New Orleans had two things that would be beneficial to them. A mystical bar where hostile magic could not be performed. And a millennia old Original Vampire who would do everything in his power to keep them safe.
Klaus Mikaelson was more than just a friend. He was a phantom. A recurring memory that lurked through her mind, often unbidden. When she felt her lowest after breaking up with Tyler and Stefan, his face would come to mind so clearly, almost like a projection. The dulcet tones that both enraptured and enraged her on many occasions, would reverberate through her mind, telling her that everything would be okay. That he would be there for her if she only allowed him to be. She had lost count of how many times she had needed that comfort. Even 3 years since the last time they spoke, she would find her thoughts drifting to him. Wondering what mischief, he was up to. How doting he must be to his daughter. If he still remembered the promise that he'd made her.
When she was feeling low, and the last remnants of her old insecurities would rear their ugly head, she often wondered If the promise meant as much to him as it seceretly did for her. Why else would she still have the voice mail he left her, years ago. Why else would she have listened to it a dozen times over the years, a constant reminder of a possibility she could never bring herself to completely throw away.
She had been shocked when he picked up Stefan's phone three years ago, ironically enough because of a similar threat from Rayna Cruz. His tone had been light and teasing, and yet his ability to read her, to understand her, had not disappated with time and distance. He knew instantly that her love for the twins and innate sense of responsibility would not allow her to be anything less than their mother. He understood how much she hated feeling out of control and useless, and he did not hesitate to offer his aid, not because of any lingering camaraderie for the youngest Salvatore, but because he knew it was what she needed, and in his world that was enough. She was enough, and that was all that mattered.
Now she needed him again, and there was no doubt in her mind that he would answer the call, as he had at prom. At graduation. She was certain that not only would he help them find sanctuary, but that he would happily rip out the hearts of anyone who tried to harm them. It was a strange thing she thought. Caroline knew she was insecure about many things, and yet one of the things she was most certain of was the regard of Klaus Mikaelson. The Big Bad Wolf, The Great Evil as her friends often reminded her, and it was true, to them and no doubt countless people around the globe. But not to her. On the contrary, he had given her a vison of herself and the world that she was only now beginning to explore. Even if his feelings, and desires had changed, that was one thing she was certain had not. She wondered, not for the first time, what it would be like to see him in person again. Would the wall she had placed around her feelings about him hold up or come crashing down. Would he have moved on in the 3 years since they last spoken, found some other woman to dazzle with his mischevious smile and charming words.
She shook her head to shake away the negative thoughts, lingering insecurities that she still had not managed to shake even years later. She wasn't going to New Orleans to find a new boyfriend, although she privately admitted Klaus would likely be a more attentive one than Stefan had been. Her priority was keeping her daughters safe and finding a way to help her friends survive the hell storm that was about to rain down upon them. Fortunately, the girls slept through the rest of the night and after the obligatory stops for breakfast and bathroom breaks, the three girls found themselves in the bustling city of New Orleans.
Caroline's first impression was that it was beautiful, a mixture of historical and modern architecture, a wonderful contrast to the dark supernatural world that only a few people were aware of, and yet there was an energy to the city that she was already finding infectious. The people smiled at them as they walked through the Quarter, and it was surprisingly peaceful for a city home to the Orignals. Her mind went unbidden to the voicemail she had listened to so often and wondered what a tour of the city from one of its Original Architects would be like.
St James Infirmary was surprisingly nondescript for such a magical place, and Caroline held the girl's hands tight as she made her way in.
"Alright girls. You know what this is? It's a bar." she said soothingly, both to herself and the girls. Despite her best efforts, she could feel nerves and anticipation crawling up her skin. "And this is the last time you are going to be in one, until you are 21."
"Sorry we are closed," said a strong voice. The three girls looked up to see a tall pretty black woman with short hair and bright eyes approaching. She gave them a once over and Caroline's hackles rose at the look of judgment. "I don't think so" the woman finished.
"We are not staying" Caroline stated with a roll of her eyes. "We just got here, and it occurred to me that I'm not actually sure where the person I'm looking for actually lives. I changed phone numbers and lost his in the process "she hesitated when she saw the disinterested look on the womans face. "Klaus Mikaelson" she added, hoping the Originals name would get some kind of response.
The womans eyes widened, and she quickly turned her head down to continue wiping down tables.
'Honey, I hate to say this, but you've wasted a trip. You'd be better off taking those pretty little girls and getting out of town."
"Look I know that he comes here, okay. My name is Caroline Forbes. He'll know me. '
"I don't care who you are" the woman began before a lilting voice cut her off.
"Well, I certainly do. "Said a firm voice from the entrance, which caused them all to turn around quickly. A tall man with a slim but strong build stood in the doorway. He was dressed simply, black jeans and a dark green shirt, and yet none could deny the power that exhuded from him. His eyes instantly met hers, and a huge smile formed across his face. "Hello, Love."
Flashback, 3 years ago.
"Don't you get it? Whatever I have to do Klaus, I will find a way to hurt you" Marcel screamed, his anger and pain causing his entire body to shake "You will never be safe, not as long as I am alive. You can call me family all you want, but I am done being your friend. From this day forward, I am nothing less than your..." Whatever he was going to say was cut off by a growl, and before he could respond he found himself being thrown against the railing of the bridge. He looked up, pain and rage burning in his eyes, when he saw a sight, he did not expect. Klaus was gripping Elijah's hand and pulling it out of his chest. The Hybrid screamed and with a snarl tossed his brother against the opposite side of the bridge.
"Enough!' he yelled, his eyes turning yellow in anger. "Try to kill Marcellus again, Elijah, and you will spend the next five centuries in a box." He was almost feral in his words, and despite their own anger, neither could bring themselves to say anything in the face of the rage and fear in his eyes. "Marcellus is right. Many of our recent troubles can find their origins in our own mistakes. And I refuse to allow them to continue. There has been enough bloodshed and discord in our family. Enough betrayals. It ends today. Always and forever was a vow meant to unite our family, not divide it, fracture it, as it so clearly has. The fault is ours, and so then must be the solution."
Marcel was catching his breath, the surprise at having his life saved by his sire had cut through a large amount of the anger he felt, although the pain and hurt still lingered. Klaus held out a hand, and he briefly considered refusing it, but the stern look in the hybrid's eyes stopped him, and he allowed himself to be helped to his feet.
"Marcellus is a part of our family, Elijah. We Mikaelsons are no strangers to hurting each other, to causing each other untold mental and emotional pain, but in the end, we are always there for each other. That was our vow, and it flows through us as much as the blood pumping through our veins. You owe him an apology, and your own loyalty in return for what he has shown us"
He turned towards adopted son, light tears in his eyes at the realization of how close the younger man had come to death. "Marcel. I remember all to well what you told me when I first took power back from you. Told me that Loyalty and trust was something that I had to earn. I should have realized then that you had become a better man than I. I have been a poor father and friend to you, and I am eternally ashamed for my failures in that regard. I vow to you that I will help you find a way to resurrect Davina. I will help you purge the Ancestors for what they have done to her and to our family. With every fiber of my being, I promise I will not fail you again"
Elijah moved to stand next to his brother, A strange mix of pride and shame on his face. "My apologies, Marcellus. I foolishly allowed my paranoia and fear to overcome my reason. Niklaus is correct. We owe you a great debt, and the bond of blood that bind us as a family include you as well. We failed you. We will not do so again. I am certain that with Freyas help and some creative input from the witches, we can bring your ward back to you."
"Kol should be of help there as well. Despite not being a witch, our brother has forgotten more about magic than even Vincent likely knows."
"it's not just about Davina anymore. The witches are still reeling from what happened with Lucien, and now that Klaus's sireline has been broken, enemies from all around will be circling, just waiting for their chance to attack." Marcel added reluctantly.
"Not to mention our sister is currently cursed, and we have a vulnerable toddler to protect." Elijah added calmly.
"Assuming I'm willing to put my vengeance on hold and work with you again. Where do you suppose we even begin to start?"
"If recent events have done anything, it has highlighted the fact that for all our strength, we are not invulnerable. We will need to be strategic in our response." Klaus admitted reluctantly.
"I do believe evil mastermind falls under your aegis, Niklaus."
"First let's get the city under control and start looking for ways to cure Rebekah and resurrect Davina. Elijah, make it clear to Vincent that his help will be required, and we will brook no further disloyalty from the witches. I will repopulate the entire quarter if I must, but I will have peace amongst the factions." He turned "Marcellus, we shall use our current discord to our advantage and lure in our enemies, so we can take them out in one fell blow. I will help you organize our counterstrike, but it will be you that holds the reigns to the city when we are done."
"Why me?" asked Marcel with surprise.
"Because for too long my attention has been pulled from where it is most needed. The raising of my daughter and repairing the fractures in our family. Besides you have loyalty and respect amongst the factions that I will never have. I trust you to make the best decisions for our city, and I will stand by you as you have by me. Plus, you have a trump card now that you have downed that little potion."
Marcel stared in shock." How did you know?"
"Give me a little credit, Marcellus. You learned all your tricks from me remember? What better protection when going into a hostile environment with those who possess more power than you, than by holding an ace in the hole"
Marcel nodded in silent admiration of his sire's deviousness before leaving to start his section of the plan.
Klaus watched him leave, a strange look in his eye, before he turned to Elijah and sighed "Please alert Kol of his part in our next steps and impart my condolences. I will see his love returned to him if I must burn this entire city down to do it." His eyes filled with rage "I'll inform Freya that Vincent will be there soon to assist with the removing of the curse from Rebekah and to go ahead and wake our sister. Hayley is to stay put with Hope until the city is secured."
"I do not believe that Vincent Griffith will be amenable to helping us. He took Davina's loss especially hard, and he has never been fond of us. I believe it would be wise to put him firmly in the enemy column for now. "
"I have no doubt that he had something to do with attempting to use Marcellus's grief as a weapon against us. Still, I am certain he will not remain a problem for much longer."
"So how do you intend to enlist his aid, Niklaus?" Elijah asked.
Klaus's eyes turned golden, and he gave him a smile so full of menace and rage that even Elijah felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Simple, Brother. I'm going to make him an offer he cannot refuse." with that Klaus vanished.
He found Vincent in the French quarter, meeting with several unfamiliar members of his coven. Before any of them could notice his presence, the Hybrid attacked. He ripped the heart from one of them, while using his momentum to toss the rapidly cooling corpse at Vincent, sending him crashing to the ground. Utilizing the confusion, he struck one of the female witches with a blow so strong it took her head clean off, and spinning and grabbing a nearby table, he broke it and tossed it at the remaining two witches, impaling them both to the nearby wall. By this time Vincent had managed to regain his footing and was beginning a spell to incapacitate the original when he felt the hybrids hands around his throat, lifting him into the air.
"Good evening, Vincent. I apologize for the rude entrance and the mess, But I felt it was important to make sure I had your full attention. "He tightened his grip" Your plan to utilize Marcel as a weapon against my family has failed. My family has learned from our past mistakes. We will brook no further betrayal or interference from the Nine Covens. If you or any of your brethren make any more moves against us, we will slaughter every man, woman, and child. No need for words, just nod if you understand." Vincent glared at him but could not hide his fear at the threat. He was a powerful witch and could incapacitate even an Original if he wished. But he did not have the power to kill them, and ultimately there was little he could do to safeguard his people except comply with the Hybrid's demands.
"She would be ashamed of you, "he said finally, rubbing his throat. "She thought you could become more than this…beast"
Klaus said nothing but turned to leave. "I expect you at the Abbatoir promptly, to assist Freya in removing the curse from my sister." Vincent glared but nodded before walking away, but before he could get more than a few feet, he heard Klaus speak again.
"Vincent. As bad as you think I am, as far as you think I am willing to go to protect that which I hold most dear. You cannot possibly fathom how deep that well of mine truly goes. You would do well to remember that. You will not get a second reminder"
Everything went as planned. Marcel used his position to draw the most eager of Klaus's enemies to New Orleans, and in one fell swoop, they were all killed. The Mikaelsons even made a game of it, holding a competition to see who could claim the most heads. Rebekah won, gaining the lead with a dual decapitation while Kol and Klaus bickered over who got credit for a particular vampire, since Klaus's attack removed his head, and Kol's took his heart.
With the death of the outsiders, and Klaus's brutal example of the witches, the city was once again united under an uneasy truce. Marcel was elevated to King of the City, and after some feedback from his sire, he entrusted Vincent and Hayley, and Josh to represent the interests of the different factions under his control. Together they were able to quell any lingering resentments within the city and within a few months the city was operating better than ever.
Vincent and Freya poured over ancient grimoires and utilizing some of the knowledge from Esther's grimoire and a few tomes Vincent managed to unearth from his coven, they were able to not only siphon away Rebekah's curse but resurrect Davina as well. She and Kol eagerly embraced and to her shock, Klaus bowed and apologized for the pain his family caused while thanking her for the love and loyalty she had shown his brother. Their relationship would likely never be more than cordial, but after a few months the animosity had lessened, and they both worked tireless together to come up with ways to get their revenge on the Ancestors.
Kol came up with the solution and a few spells and rituals later, the Ancestors were sealed away. Kol and Davina left the city soon after, deciding to travel and spend time developing their burgeoning relationship. They did check in and agree to return every now and again, a concession in the wake of Klaus's concern about the increased mobility of their enemies.
Klaus himself mostly withdrew from the movements of the city, spending his time doting on Hope. Ever the attentive father, he taught her to how to mix paint, bought her her first canvases and at her request began teaching her the piano. He and Hayley maintained a friendly co parenting relationship and to their surprise, he was even supportive when her and Elijah started to explore the feelings, they had long held for each other.
Marcel and Rebekah were easing into their relationship as well, and as the months turned to years, the Mikaelson family and indeed the city of New Orleans, were in an era of peace and contentment that had not been seen in decades.
Klaus was taking a rare walk in the city while Hayley and Elijah took Hope to the park, when he spotted a familiar shade of blonde hair. Catching a glimpse of the girl who even now haunted his thoughts, and much to his chagrin he could feel his heart start to quicken, and goosebumps begin to roll down his skin. 'What could have happened to bring Caroline Forbes to New Orleans' he wondered as he silently followed her path to his favorite bar.
Hearing her inquiring about him, was intriguing and unable to resist making an entrance, he silently wooshed to the door.
"Hello Love" he said softly, savoring the look in her eyes.
For a moment everything melted away and it was just the two of them. He gave her a once over with a familiar tenderness in his eyes, that strange combination of affection and hunger, that had always managed to make her heart race. To her surpise she felt the anxiety and tension ease away, and she felt, for the first time in a long time, completely at ease.
He thought she looked as beautiful as ever, the agelessness of vampirism preserving her already stunning features. The years had added a hint of maturity to her eyes, an understanding and acceptance of the world that she had lacked the last time he saw her. Despite that, the light that had captivated him so long ago was shining as brightly as ever and he was happy to note that he could still read her body language. The slight gasp of breath, the way her hands clenched, and the sweet smell that permeated whenever she was around him. So much of their past flirtations and reactions to each other had been nonverbal, and he wondered if she knew just how expressive her eyes were when it came to him.
"Something tells me you are not here to take me up on my offer, sweetheart, although I confess its nice to finally meet your lovely daughters" the girls in question were clearly nervous and trying to hide behind their mother. He knelt and gave them both his most charming smile, and whether it was his dimples or their mothers relaxation, but both girls moved from behind Caroline to give him a tentative smile.
"My name is Klaus; I am an old…Friend of your mother. I don't believe I ever caught your names"
"My name is Josie/Lizzie" both chirped simultaneously, clearly charmed by his smile and deep voice.
"A pleasure to meet you both. My daughter is quite fond of the apple pie they make here, would you girls like to try some?" The girls' eyes lit up and they looked pleadingly to their mom for permission. Caroline gave him a questioning look, and he gave her a slight nod. "Jasmine here would be happy to make an accomadation for such special guests." The authoritative tone in his voice made it clear he expected to be obeyed. The black woman gave them a hesitant smile and quickly lead the children away.
"Now sweetheart, what brings you to see me?" Klaus asked once the girls were out of earshot.
"I need your help, Klaus. Rayna Cruz is back, and I'm afraid we are all in grave danger."
"This is certainly déjà vu; I believed the huntress problem had been addressed years ago. And where is Stefan? Surely your boyfriend would insist on being at your side at such an important time." He looked around expectantly, as if expecting the youngest Salvatore to pop up at any moment.
Caroline's face fell slightly before she steeled herself and looked him in the eyes. "Stefan left years ago. Last I checked he was involved with Valerie." To her surprise instead of looking pleased or thoughtful at her words, Klaus instead was furious, and his eyes turned yellow with repressed rage.
"I see. It appears I will have to give my old friend a lesson in the importance of keeping promises. Perhaps a week of agonizing torture will suffice."
"What promise could Stefan have possibly made that warrants a stint in your dungeon" Caroline asked sarcastically, a bit perturbed at the unusual level of anger he was displaying. Klaus had always had a soft spot for Stefan, Probably the only reason the younger vampire had survived some of the stunts he had pulled. Whether it was their old brotherhood, or mutual tendency to brood, Klaus had always seen something in him that he admired.
Klaus hesitated at the question, and even more intrigued now she gave him the look that she reserved solely for him, the same look that had always gotten him to acquiesce to whatever she desired of him. From one of his hybrids, to spectacular prom dresses, there was a mutual and silent understanding in that look, and she saw him smile when he saw it.
Klaus sighed. "He Promised to do right by you. When I saved his life in this very city 3 years ago. I told him to put aside his obesseive need to save his brother and the doppelganger and to be there for you."
Her eyes widened. Bitter tears begin to sting, ready to fall, but she stubbornly willed them away. Her mind flashed back to a scene in another bar years ago. When this very same man had made a similar statement about Tyler. Promising that he would have never allowed Tyler to hurt her, not because it would benefit him, but because her happiness was most important to him.
The dam broke and the tears she was fighting back, won the battle with the realization and underlying frustration that the one person who gave her unconditional support, who found a way to be there for her without her even having to ask was this man, the one she had done her best to keep at arm's length. She had never given him a chance. There was no reason to hope or even care, and yet he did. She soon found herself in his embrace, could feel the unmatched power that coiled beneath his wiry frame, and yet he held her with such gentleness, that she could not help but return the hug with a grin.
"Please helps us Klaus, "she said finally, giving him a thankful look in return for the answer she already knew he would give.
He gave her a knowing look." Do you really need to ask sweetheart?"
A wide smile was her only response
-
Something was different. A sense of peace had settled over her, a calming of a restlessness that she had only vaguely been aware she was suffering from. Despite the pending danger from the most dangerous vampire hunter in the world, she felt at ease, no… she felt invigorated. It was as if a part of herself had been asleep, and only now, in the presence of the one person who managed to both infuriate and tantalize her in equal fashion, was able to awaken. She felt like herself again.
She had always felt a connection to Klaus, able to see through the veneer of strength and apathy to the surprisingly earnest and caring man inside. She also knew that he was equally able to see through her own walls, to the insecurities she tried so desperately to bury. Despite all the tension that had simmered between her friends and the Original Hybrid, the feats of heinous violence she knew all too well he was capable of, she had always felt safe around him. Even when he bit her in retaliation for his brother's death, she had been secure in the knowledge that he would never let her die.
The hybrid may have played the part of the apathetic monster, but to her at least, his heart had always been worn on his sleeve. Even now she could see the way his posture relaxed, and his eyes lightened.
She had walled off her feelings for him after their encounter in the woods, and yet she did not realize until this moment how much she had missed his presence. He resonated a sense of power and control, and unconsciously she found herself leaning into it. He gave her a reassuring pat on the arm, before blurring behind the bar. He quickly studied the many bright colored bottles before smiling brightly when he spotted a bottle of expensive looking champagne
"Care for a drink, Love?" he said as he reached down and placed two glasses on the table. Without waiting for a response, he began to fill each glass.
"The kids…" she started to decline, but relented when she saw the pleading look, he sent her. With an exaggerated sigh she took the glass.
"Thank you love, it is our thing after all. "he said with a light smirk, before clinking her glass and downing his drink in a single gulp. Not to be outdone, she quickly downed hers as well, and felt the pleasant burn of the alcohol soothing what remained of her nerves.
"I don't remember us having a "thing'" she teased. "I seem to recall needing a little liquid courage just to be civil around you. "
"Sounds a bit like revisionist history, Love. I seem to recall you being quite eager to seek out my presence, usually in correlation with one of your friends' little plots."
"it's not my fault that you kept falling for the blonde distraction act. Shouldn't the big bad hybrid recognize when he's being played. "
Klaus Snorted, "Sweetheart, you have many talents, but I'm afraid Mata Hari you are not. I was well aware of what you were up to. "She gave him a disbelieving look, but he merely gave her a knowing smile.
She huffed, "Well if you were on to me the whole time, then why let us get away with it"
"Because while you think you were using me, in truth all you did was provide me my only opportunities to spend time with you. I believe I got the better end of the deal" a strange look flooded his eyes as he said this, part nostalgia, part sadness, and she couldn't help giving him a reassuring touch to the shoulder.
She didn't quite know how to respond. Klaus had never hidden his interest in her, and she remembered all too well the promise he had made her at her graduation, as well as their encounter in the woods. She had never allowed herself to consider his feelings when trying to distract him, but hearing that he was not only aware of her attempts to deceive him, but eagerly embraced them as a means of spending time with her, sent a coil of emotion through her. She suddenly felt ashamed of how callous she had been
"I see" she said finally. "I suppose I owe you an apology then." He poured her another drink, before downing another himself.
"You never have to apologize to me, Caroline. Those interactions with you are some of my fondest memories. Especially knowing that you enjoyed my company just as much as I enjoyed yours"
She sputtered and nearly choked on the drink she had been sipping. "What on earth makes you say that? I made it very clear that I detested you at the time." He snorted.
"What did I say about covering our connection with hostility. You may have claimed to detest me Caroline, but your eyes always told a different story. "He grinned at her. "They always smiled. Probably the reason I could never bring myself to deny you anything"
"Other than my boyfriend's return" she muttered absently. Unable to fully refute his claims. After all, was it not his own body language that had highlighted how deep his feelings for her had grown. Was it not the tenderness and longing in his every gaze at her that gave her the courage to push his boundaries. To demand things of him that even his siblings hesitated to ask for. She had always been able to read him just as easily as he did her.
"If you are referring to Tyler Lockwood, I was quite merciful with him. You have no idea how many times I spared his life because of you"
"I heard you!" she blurted out quickly. Seeing the confusion in his face she reiterated. "That night at Prom. I heard you talking to him. I was so ready to rush out there and save him, but instead you just let him go. Why is that?" He looked embarrassed. Clearly, she was not supposed to be aware of his act of kindness.
"Well Love, After all the effort spent finding you that dress, it seemed a shame to ruin your evening is all" she glared at him and he sighed. "The truth is I don't really know. Perhaps a part of me didn't want you to hate me for it. But I think I just couldn't bear the thought of seeing you cry anymore. You were so dejected after killing those witches, and I had the chance to embrace you, to make you feel better, and My ego wouldn't let me. I suppose I just didn't want to make the same mistake again. "
She quieted at this and gave a scoffing laugh. "Not the best day for me, I admit. But it's the day I realized that good and evil weren't as black and white as I thought. When push came to shove, I made the selfish choice, just as I always demonized you for. I realized I was a monster in the end as well"
He scoffed. "You are the furthest thing from a monster that exists in our World, Caroline. Trust me I know better than anyone what evils lurk in the darkness. But I've seen the best and worst of you. And I understand with perfect Clarity exactly what you are. You're a hell of a woman. "She flushed slightly when she noticed the seriousness in his tone.
"Still full of light?" she tried to tease. He merely smiled in return and laid his hand absently across hers.
"Always. I've had a lot of time to think the last few years, Caroline. I've come to understand that we don't fall in love with people because they are good or bad people. We fall in love with people whose darkness we recognize. You can fall in love with a person for all the right reasons, but that kind of love can still fall apart. But when you fall in love with a person because your monsters have found a home in them, that's the kind of love that consumes you. That owns your skin and bones. Love, I am convinced is found in the darkness. It is the Candle in the night." She shivered a bit at his words. But could not refute them. How many timed had her own love life fallen apart. Tyler, Stefan. She had cared for them, even loved them. But she couldn't say she felt completely herself with them. There was always a part of her that felt like she didn't deserve or warrant their attention, not helped by the fact that both men were prone to leaving her when the urge hit them.
"You've become so wise in your old age" she said finally. "You ever feel that way about someone?" she trailed off slightly at the end, not completely sure she wanted to hear about his epic love with someone else. When he gave her a burning look.
"From the moment we met. Intrigued by the girl who seemed to stare death in the face and captivated by the woman who managed to lay bare my deepest insecurities and shame, without cruelty, but with understanding. When we met, I was at my lowest point in centuries. My father was dead, my hybrid dream realized, and yet the contentment and happiness I wished for was nowhere to be found. My family was furious at me, and I had no real goals left to strive for. I was lost, just going through the motions, until you lit a spark in me. I felt hope, desire, and for the first time in centuries, found something, someone I cared about outside of my family." Caroline felt her heart swell with emotion hearing this, but before she could respond, the loud clattering of children drew her attention.
"Momma, Momma, you have to try this." came the loud squealing voices of her children. Giving Klaus an apologetic look for the interruption she turned and bent down to examine the plate josie was eagerly attempting to show her. In it lay the remains of a decadent apple pie, covered in the melted remains of what appeared to be vanilla ice cream, and while it looked delicious, the butterflies in her stomach, coupled with the remaining tension from her flight to the city, had killed most of her appetite.
"It looks delicious honey, but perhaps you should finish it, Momma's not really hungry right now." Both girls looked a tad disappointed at this but before she could respond, Klaus reached over her shoulder and snagged a piece of it, letting out an exaggerating groan of pleasure as he savored it. Both little girls giggled at this, and he gave them a charming smile before turning to their mother
"Delicious,". He said smugly. "You should try it Caroline, its not like vampires have to worry about their figure. I seem to recall you having quite the addiction to French fries" She gave him a dirty look and he merely gave her a challenging smirk. Unable to back down from a challenge, especially from him, she took an exaggerated bite, much to her children's' delight. The pie was good, the burst of buttery sweetness sending tingles of pleasure across her tongue. It also seemed to ignite her hunger as she quickly scarfed the rest down.
"Thank you, Josie, now that we have sufficiently satisfied our sweet tooth, perhaps we should figure out our next move."
"May I suggest a tour of the city? You'll be in luck. I was the one who built it. I can tell you all of its dirty little secrets. "He gave the girls a conspiratorial wink. "Including where the best beignets are in the city"
Both toddlers looked excited at this and turned pleading to their mother, who merely sighed. He hadn't changed. And despite the cavalier way he suggested it, she could tell that giving her a tour of his city would mean a great deal to him. And she'd be lying if she said she wasn't looking forward to it as well.
"Lead the way. But remember, if you give them too much sugar, I'm leaving you to deal with the aftermath"
"It would be my pleasure, love"
It's been quite a while. My beta has had some family stuff come up, so it has been slow going getting chapters back. If anyone is interested in helping, shoot me a comment.
This will be a short story, probably no more than 2-3 chapters, exploring a potentially pivotal moment that we should have gotten in the series. I think it would have been a great way to improve both series and explore the pairing both the series and the fans deserved. everything is canon up to this point.