A/N I'm sorry this update was long overdue. This was just a chapter I had to rewrite because it wasn't going how i wanted it, but none the less i hope you like it. Please excuse any grammar errors or if at any point in time it doesn't make sense. Enjoy!
Caroline took off her high heels as she sat down on her couch. She had a long day at work because she had to clean up after April. Her beloved intern misspelled and misquoted one of her key sources for a preview about a charity auction happening downtown Saturday night, luckily it was only for the website but it didn't stop the angry phone call from the charity director. To top off the thorn in her side it was an auction the lovely Carol Lockwood was co-hosting, Caroline was unaware of this until she called the charity to fix the problem. She was transferred to the co-host rather than the director.
Caroline wanted nothing more than to throw the phone at the wall after she spoke with Mrs. Lockwood. It took her almost an hour to convince Mrs. Lockwood that she would be sending her top entertainment reporter to cover the event rather than having Caroline cover it herself. She was in no way ready to cover any Lockwood charity event anytime soon.
Caroline informed Mrs. Lockwood that the reporter she is sending is fantastic and known for covering banquets. The reporter she asked to cover it was Jason, he has been with the Chronicle just as long as she has, but he was about two years older than her, and if she was being honest with herself if she wasn't the assistant editor he definitely would be. He agreed to the cover the event with no problem and she was thankful.
Caroline unbutton her black suit jacket and threw it on the coffee table along with her belt, she started to un tuck the red ruffle V-neck blouse from the black pencil shirt she was wearing when she heard knocking on her door. Caroline sighed as she adjusted her blouse walking to the door. She opened it to find a smiling blond.
"Hi Caroline," Rebekah waved at Caroline as she held her clothes in her other hand.
Caroline smiled confusingly opening her door wider, "Rebekah? Hi"
Rebekah smiled and held out Caroline's clothes, "I just wanted to return these and thank you personally for letting me borrow them."
Caroline took the clothes from Rebekah smiling, "It's not a problem I hope they were decent. Klaus wasn't very forthcoming on what you liked to wear." She chuckled bringing the clothes to her chest.
Rebekah giggled, "Yeah that's Nik, but they were great thank you. Comfortable and it got me through the day yesterday." She smiled.
Caroline nodded, "I'm glad."
They stood there for a second in silence before Rebekah spoke, "So what's the deal with you and my brother?"
Caroline eyes widen as she awkwardly laughed to herself a little, "Ummm…what do you mean/"
"Well he said you two have been hanging out a lot lately, and from our awkward introduction at The Strokes concert I just thought I'd ask," Rebekah shrugged.
Caroline nodded, "Well Klaus is a good friend and he's helped me deal with a lot these past few weeks. He's a good guy," Caroline shrugged.
"So you two aren't dating?" Rebekah asked her hand motioning between Caroline and Klaus' apartment.
Caroline smiled, "No we're not."
Rebekah nodded, "Why not? I mean it's obvious that my brother like's you and from the way you smile every time I mention Nik's name it looks like you do to."
Caroline's blushed as she shifted in place, "I'm not sure what to say about that."
"Oh bollocks I swear you and Nik need to get over yourselves," Rebekah pointed her finger at Caroline as she stepped back from her apartment door. "Either you or Nik need to make a move before one of you moves on. I mean you both have to get laid at some point." Rebekah shrugged smiling. "Bye Caroline thanks for the clothes," she wiggled her fingers at her as she walked down the hall.
"Bye," Caroline said softly as she waved to Rebekah before closing her door. She leaned against it thinking about Klaus when her phone started ringing. Caroline walked up to her purse on the coffee table searching for her phone. She smiled when she saw Bonnies name.
"Hey Bonnie," Caroline placed the clothes on the table before she took a seat back on the couch.
"Hey Care I was wondering if you want to go out to dinner tonight?"
"I'd love to Bonnie gives us a chance to catch up," Caroline smiled leaning back in her couch. "Where at?"
"There is a restaurant downtown that was recommended to me by a co-worker called 'Annabelle's' should be good," Bonnie was walking back to her car, she just left the office and thought Friday night was a good a night as any to see Caroline.
"Sounds good, what time do you want me to meet you there?" Caroline stood up from the couch.
"I'll pick you up at eight Care will drive over together."
"Ok I'll get ready and call me when you're downstairs."
"Ok, see ya at eight," Bonnie hung up the phone and got in to her dark blue Mini Cooper.
Caroline smiled as she hung up her phone picking up the clothes Rebekah returned walking to the room to get ready for her night out. She bought a really cute dark pink dress a while back and she hasn't had the chance to wear it.
It was an above the knee halter top dark pink dress covered with black rose designs and topped with black see threw fabric with cut off sleeves. She would top them off with her black open toed five inch single strap high heels and a thin black belt around the waist.
Caroline laid out her outfit on her bed making sure she had everything to go with it. She was debating whether or not to wear stocking, she held up her dress to her body looking the mirror for analysis. She opted out on wearing stocking and decided her legs could do without before finally making her way to the shower.
Klaus walked into his apartment a little after six it was a long Friday because after everything that happen with Bonnie she tried to act like nothing was wrong but Klaus couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt every time they spoke because their conversations didn't flow like before.
As a way to just calm his nerves he threw his jacket on the couch and walked into the kitchen to get a drink when he found a note on his kitchen counter from his sister.
Nik,
I haven't replaced my cellphone yet, so a note will have to do. Anyway I returned Caroline's clothes. Thanks again Nik, but I'm going back to my apartment tonight. One night with you and a night with Elijah was enough brotherly bonding time. I'll call you later. :-)
P.S you're neighbor totally likes you, just thought you'd like to know.
Bekah
Klaus couldn't help the smile that formed on his face as he put the note in the kitchen drawer. He retrieved his bottle of bourbon and a glass from the cabinet pouring himself a drink before he started to loosen his tie and un-tucked his shirt. Klaus took a sip of his drink as he walked to his bed room to change his clothes.
Klaus placed his empty tumbler down on his drawer as he walked up to his closet sliding it open to pull out dark blue jeans, a dark grey short sleeve t-shirt and a pair of black vans. Lexi gave him the ok to remove the stiches this morning saying his wound should be good. It was still a red scar and had a little bit of bruising but overall it was healed and Klaus was able to move better. It only hurt if he bumped into someone or something.
As he was walking back into the kitchen to refill his drink he heard banging on his door. Klaus stopped opening the door to see a smirk on his brother's face,
"Surprise!" Kol opened his arms smiling as his bag stood behind him.
Klaus closed his eyes and shook his head hoping his brother was not at his front door but his luck wasn't there when he opened them to see Kol smirking.
"Aren't you going to let your dear brother in Klaus?"
"What are you doing here Kol?" Klaus stood firmly in front of his door.
"I texted you I'm here to give you the proper birthday celebration?" Kol smiled as he pushed past Klaus wheeling his bag behind him. "I talked to Elijah and he said all you did was go to dinner with him and Kat. That is not a birthday celebration my brother." Kol stood his bag by the couch taking off his coat. "I mean come on what better way to celebrate the fact that I'm the youngest." Kol chuckled throwing his coat on his suitcase.
Klaus sighed closing his door and walking back into the kitchen. "A text doesn't mean an invitation." Klaus refilled his glass and gulping down a decent amount.
"Yeah well I'm here so deal with it," Kol said as he walked into Klaus' kitchen getting a glass of his own. "Where would you like to go out to tonight?" Kol said grabbing the bottle that stood by Klaus and pouring himself a glass.
Klaus sighed, "I am not indulging in your little birthday celebration Kol." He stated taking a sip of his drink. "I just wanted to relax this evening." And if he was being honest with himself visit a cute blonde that lived down the hall, Klaus smiled as he brought his glass up to his lips again.
"Oh don't be such a tosser Nik you turned 30 mate lets go out and have some fun," Kol wrapped his arm around his brother shoulder slamming his bourbon. "Don't make this visit for nothing."
Klaus rolled his eyes as he shrugged off his little brothers arm, "Fine will go to dinner and have a few drinks, but that's it." Klaus pointed his finger at Kol
Kol held up his hands in defeat, "As long as it's a lot of drinks at a classy place with cute girls." Kol wiggled his eye brows as he leaned against his brother's kitchen counter.
Klaus chuckled, "A new restaurant just opened downtown I've heard it's a nice place."
Kol clapped his hands together, "Great. Now go get ready while I do the same. Can't go to a nice place smelling like a 16 hour flight," Kol patted his brother's shoulder as he walked to his suitcase.
"You know where everything is, and you're bunking on the couch. My guest room is now my studio," Klaus shook his head as he finished his drink before putting away his bottle of bourbon.
Kol nodded as he dropped his suitcase on the couch.
Klaus walked down the hall looking at his phone and considered texting Caroline but opted against it since his little brother was in town. He figured it'd be better to see her when he was alone.
Klaus rummaged through his closet quickly pulling out black jeans, a tank top, a dark grey button up shirt, a vest and some black boots. He threw his clothes on the bed before he stripped down to jump in the shower.
Klaus finished getting ready as he put his necklaces on and rolled up his sleeves past his forearm.
"Klaus are you ready yet! I am actually hungry you know." Klaus rolled his eyes as he grabbed his phone, wallet and keys off his dresser before walking out to see Kol staring as his phone leaning on the couch.
"Well get a move on," Klaus opened his front door motioning for Kol to leave his apartment.
Kol looked up from his phone smirking at his brother as he walked to the door. He's dressed in black dickies, a pair of black vans and a long sleeve plaid black and blue button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
Klaus locked his door and glanced down the hall toward Caroline's apartment before walking to the elevator.
Caroline put in her black dangling earrings quickly before she picked up her phone.
"Care I'm down stairs."
"Be right down Bonnie I just need my purse," Care smiled as she hung up her phone. She grabbed her black purse with pink trimming filling it with her reporter tools, small make up needs, wallet and cell phone. Caroline liked to carry around a reporter notebook and her recorder incase anything interested happen when she was out, she felt it was better safe than sorry.
Caroline curled her hair before she put it up in the back with some loose curls hanging down around her face. She put on some black eyeliner and a light shade of pink eye shadow and a clear lip gloss for her lips. She double checked her purse before walking out her door to meet Bonnie.
Caroline smiled as she passed Klaus' apartment thinking of what Rebekah told her, she thought it was time to at least go on a date with him, but not tonight because tonight was about her and Bonnie.
Caroline waved at Bonnie as she walked up to her small car. "Hey!" she said happily as she got into the passenger seat.
"Hey," Bonnie leaned over and gave Caroline a hug. "It's good to see you Care it's been too long. I'm so glad we're going out to dinner tonight."
Caroline smiled leaning back in her seat, "Me to, I've missed you Bonnie." She clicked her seat belt in place as Bonnie pulled on to the street.
Bonnie and Caroline pulled up to "Annabelle's" Bonnie was wearing a dark purple over the shoulder above the knee dress with silver strappy high heels, and she left her hair down with soft curls.
They walked into the restaurant and asked the hostess for a table in the lounge that way they can enjoy the view by the window. Not many people chose to eat dinner in the lounge because of the noise, but they thought it would be better than waiting to be seated in the back.
Caroline and Bonnie took their seat in an already packed lounge as they started to browse through their menus. Their waitress came over taking their drink orders before they got into conversation.
Bonnie put her menu down before she leaned forward on the table smiling, "So how are you holding up Care since what's his face?" Bonnie waved her hands in front of her.
Caroline chuckled as she put her menu down and smiled at Bonnie, "I'm fine Bonnie, what happen between me and Tyler doesn't bother me as much anymore. So he cheated on me for four months," Caroline shrugged her shoulders trying to brush it off even though the knot in the pit of her stomach said otherwise. "I'm just glad I found out now."
"Well you look good, I don't know what it is but you seem to be glowing," Bonnie smiled. "So what have you been doing lately to help this glow?"
Caroline smiled to contain herself from blushing because she thought of Klaus, "I haven't been doing anything, my job is great, my friends are great…" she lowered her voice to a whisper, "neighbors are great."
"What."
Caroline waved her hands in front of her, "Oh nothing everything is going well. I think I'm in a good place nowadays." Caroline smiled. "What about you I haven't seen you for weeks and we barely talked while you were away. How's your family?"
Bonnie let out a sigh as she leaned back in her chair, "Well after Grams service my mom split again," she rolled her eyes. "She didn't even bother to wait until all Grams business was in order."
"My dad tried to take over the service saying I was too emotional to handle it, but he didn't know what my Grandmother wanted, none of them did." Bonnie crossed her arms. "I thought it was going to be a time for us to get together and celebrate Grams' life, but it honestly felt like no one in my family really cared."
Bonnie stopped as the waitress placed their drinks in front of them. She gulped down half her cosmopolitan before she smiled at Caroline. "Anyway Grams left me everything."
"Everything?" Caroline lifted her eyebrows.
Bonnie nodded, "everything."
Caroline nodded as she took a drink of her apple martini because Bonnie's family was one of the founding families of Mystic Falls, leaving her at a high status, "Grams loved you more than anything Bonnie, and I guess this is her way of making sure you remember that."
Bonnie smiled, "I know Grams loved me and I loved her more than anything, but her leaving me with over half a million dollars and her estate in Mystic Falls is more than I can handle. What am I supposed to do with it?"
Bonnie shrugged because she never fell into the life of what was expected of the founding families. In fact her grandmother was the one who told her this wasn't the life for her and encouraged her to be who she wanted. That didn't sit well with her mom and dad, which is why she lived with her grandmother.
Caroline smiled as she leaned forward and took Bonnie's hand, "Sweetie you can do whatever you want. Go travel or invest in something. As long as you're happy I don't think your Grandmother will care what you do with it."
Bonnie smiled as she squeezed Caroline's hand, "I miss her Care, a lot," a fear tears escaping her eyes as she held Caroline's hand.
"I know Bon she was one of a kind," Caroline smiled softly because Sheila was always very kind hearted, and she wasn't like any of the other founders. She wanted for nothing and she was very humble.
Bonnie nodded as she took a sip of her drink, "Anyway no more tears." She sniffed as she wiped her cheeks.
Caroline chuckled as she leaned back in her chair, "Alright well tell me what you did to humiliate yourself in front of your boss the other day," she smirked at Bonnie bringing her drink to her lips.
Bonnie chuckled, "Oh god to make things worst it has made things a little weird for us at work."
Caroline nodded her head putting her drink back on the table, "What happen?"
Bonnie sighed, "Well I just found the invoices I was looking for and I showed them to him and when he confirmed them I was a little overjoyed." Bonnie paused downing the rest of her drink. "I ended up hugging him happily. It was a nice moment and I was always kind of attracted to him so I thought I'd kiss him."
Caroline smiled, "And?"
"Well my boss has a reputation for beautiful women but he's never slept with anyone at his office so I thought why not but," Bonnie paused taking a breath. "He stopped me. He stopped me from kissing him and said he wasn't interested."
Caroline watched Bonnie explain her story, her hands waving in the air to emphasis her point and her face getting flush talking about her boss. "What does he look like?"
Bonnie smiled as she sat up straight opening her mouth but words didn't follow as her eyes stopped at the bar
Caroline lifted her eyebrows, "Bon what's wrong."
"Annabelle's" Kol said out loud as he and Klaus walked into the packed restaurant. "Fancy a drink brother," Kol patted Klaus' back as he walked toward the bar.
Klaus told the hostess a table for two and they'll wait at the bar because from the look of the place they'd be at the bar for a long while before they got to dinner. Klaus walked up to the bar and stood next to Kol as he waved down the bartender.
"What can I get you," the male bartender asked.
"Jamison"
"I'll take another scotch," Kol smiled as he placed his empty glass on the bar. "Nice place brother. It seems there are some pretty women in San Francisco." He smirked as his eyes followed a red head in a short black cocktail dress walk toward the end of bar.
"Yes and I'm sure they are just dying to meet you Kol." Klaus stated simply as he paid the bartender before taking his glass of whiskey.
"There is plenty of me to go around I'm sure they can all have a taste."
Klaus chuckled as he leaned his back against the bar, "I'm sure." He took a sip of his whiskey as his eyes gazed across the room. It was a nice place the windows were floor length and tables were lined along them, the ceiling were high with vast chandeliers lighting up the room. On the other side of the bar was more of a restaurant setting with table clothed tables.
"Hello," Kol smiled as his eyes stopped at a table near the window. "I happen to like the color purple."
Klaus followed his brother's gaze and was surprised to see Bonnie sitting at a table. Klaus laughed as he looked at back his brother, "Kol I think you should keep to red heads, she's got quite a bite." Klaus remembers Bonnie's reaction to random guys hitting on her, she can be very cold when needed. He chuckled when the guy had the nerve to put his hand on her ass, Bonnie nearly snapped his wrist.
"What, how do you know her?" Kol stood up right looking at his brother in shock.
Klaus chuckled as he saw Bonnie talking with what he assumed was a friend. He couldn't see the face because her back was turned but she was blonde. "She works for me." He sipped his whiskey as his brother gazed back at Bonnie.
"That's fantastic you can introduce me," Kol adjusted his shirt.
Klaus shook his head, "No."
"Why the hell not?"
"Because we're not exactly on smooth waters right now."
"Why?" Kol looked at his brother confused before his face fell. "Oh god did you shag her?"
Klaus chuckled, "No it was actually the lack of that has made Bonnie unpleased with me."
Kol rolled his eyes, "So you didn't sleep with her."
"Nope," Klaus took a sip of his whiskey his eyes falling back on Bonnie but this time with her noticing. Damn he thought it would've been best to avoid this.
"Come on Klaus introduce me," Kol nudged his brother.
Klaus finished his whiskey before he placed the glass back on the bar, "Fine but wait here." Klaus ran his hand through his hair as he started walking toward Bonnie's table.
Bonnie moved her hand over her face, "He's here!"
"What?"
"My boss he's here by the bar," Bonnie pointed toward the bar.
Caroline started to turn to look before Bonnie screamed, "Don't look!"
"Geez Bonnie calm down," Caroline chuckled as she leaned back in her chair.
"Oh shit he saw me, and now he's walking over here." Bonnie fixed her hair and sat up straight looking at Caroline. "How do I look?"
Caroline smiled, "You look beautiful Bonnie, but calm down you look like you saw a ghost."
"Oh shut—Hey!" Bonnie smiled looking up at Klaus. "What are you doing here?"
"Evening Mrs. Bennett I'm actually out to dinner with my younger brother," Klaus motioned toward the bar. In his peripheral vision he noticed Bonnie's guest looking down digging through her purse still not giving him a clear look at her face.
"Younger brother," Bonnie looked at Klaus a little confused. "The one from London?" Bonnie glanced past Klaus to see a young man leaning on the bar with a glass in hand.
Klaus nodded, "Yes he decided to surprise me."
Bonnie smiled, "Oh that's nice."
Klaus chuckled, "Will see, well I just thought I'd come over and say hi I didn't mean to interrupt." Klaus motioned toward her guest and froze when he saw who was digging through that purse.
Bonnie shook her head, "It's not a problem." she waved her hands. "Let me introduce you." Bonnie turned her attention back to Caroline lightly calling her name.
Caroline felt her phone ringing and when Bonnie's boss approached the table she stopped paying attention because she started to dig through her purse because it might be work. She thought it was ridiculous because it was such a small purse and she couldn't find her cellphone. She snapped out of her frustration when she heard Bonnie slightly yell.
"Care!"
Caroline's head popped up her eyes locked on Bonnie, "Hmm what?" said as she placed her purse on the table.
"I'm trying to introduce you to my boss" Bonnie's eyes widened as she motioned toward Klaus with her head.
"Oh I'm sorry," Caroline looked up holding out her hand to Bonnie's boss. "Klaus?" her hand fell as she stared at him with confusion.
"Good evening Caroline," Klaus smiled shyly as he stood beside their table feeling a little awkward knowing that the women that tried to sleep with him was friends with the women he actually really liked. This can't get any worst, he thought to himself as he stood idly by.
"You're Bonnies boss," Caroline looked at him in shock seeing Klaus nod. She looked back at Bonnie before blurting, "This was the boss you were trying to sleep with?"
"Care!" Bonnie yelled her face going white in horror as she looked up at Klaus to see him raise his eyebrows before looking at the floor.
Caroline's eyes shifted between the two not really knowing what to think so she just stood up grabbing her purse, "Excuse me." She walked away in search of the ladies room.
"Care where are you going?" Bonnie stood up watching Caroline walk away. "What was that?" she motioned toward her friend as she looked at Klaus.
Klaus watched Caroline walk off, "Excuse me Ms. Bennett." He moved through the crowd and followed Caroline.
Kol stepped in front of Klaus, "Ready to introduce me?" he smirked.
Klaus pushed past Kol and walked toward the wash rooms.
Caroline walked into the women's restroom with a tight grip on her purse. She walked back and forth in front of the mirrors trying to process what just happen. So Klaus is Bonnie's boss, the boss that Bonnie wanted to sleep with.
"Ahhh What the fuck!" Caroline shouted in frustration as she dropped her purse in the sink and leaned on the counter. She saw in the mirror an older woman come out of the stall with a sacred look on her face as she quickly washed her hands and left.
"Sorry" Caroline shouted as the lady practically ran out of the bathroom. Her head dropped as she started to take deep breaths.
"It's fine they didn't sleep together so there's nothing awkward about it," Caroline said to herself as she looked back up in the mirror. "I mean it's not like Bonnie said she wanted to date him, she just said she was attracted to him," Caroline sighed shaking her head. "Out of all the bosses in San Francisco it just had to be the one you actually wanted to start dating."
Caroline sighed as she looked herself over, "Ok I think you just have to tell Bonnie how you know him and how you've actually started to like him." Caroline rested her hands at the edge of the sink thinking how this was going to pan out. She shook her head and picked up her purse and headed to the door and swung it open to see Klaus waiting.
Klaus looked up and smiled as Caroline walked out of the ladies wash room. "Hey." He said lightly as she stepped up to him.
"Hi," Caroline stepped in front of Klaus feeling a bit awkward knowing her best friend tried to sleep with him.
Klaus ran his hand through his hair not really sure how to address the elephant in the room. "Well it seems we both know Bonnie, and from our little introduction you seem to know about our encounter this week."
Caroline raised her eyebrows and nodded, "Yes, I didn't know she was talking about you I always pictured Bonnie's boss to look like 'Big' from 'Sex and the City.'" Caroline chuckled trying to lighten the mood.
Klaus laughed, "I don't understand that reference but I'm hoping it's a good one."
Caroline shrugged.
"Nothing happened between us love," Klaus felt he just had to clarify it himself. "Bonnie's a beautiful women but I'm not that man anymore."
Caroline nodded as she looked down at her feet. "Klaus you have to understand I grew up with Bonnie, she's like the sister I never had. This is a little awkward."
"How so?" Klaus looked at her a little confused.
Caroline felt her palms get sweaty because he's right it really shouldn't be awkward because they're not dating so why should she care her best friend likes him, "She likes you I can tell by the way she talked about you when she said she humiliated herself" Caroline smiled.
Klaus smiled at Caroline's nobility, "That's flattering but those affections are one sided and Miss Bennett is aware of that." Klaus stepped closer to Caroline brushing the loose curl from her face.
Caroline felt her breath catch as his fingers lightly grazed her cheek, "That may be true but until Bonnie's eyes linger to someone else I don't want her to get the wrong idea about us."
Klaus couldn't help but smirk, "So you don't want to be around me because you think Bonnie will get the idea that we're dating?" Klaus lifted his eyebrow at her smiling. "Is there something you're not telling me Miss. Forbes?"
Caroline rolled her eyes as she smacked his chest lightly, "Oh shut up Klaus you know very well what I mean." She chuckled, "I just don't want Bonnie to get hurt. She's been through a lot the past couple of weeks."
Klaus smiled, "Caroline we're just friends and Bonnie will know that. I respect her as an accountant and a person and that is why I didn't accept her offer." Klaus' watched Caroline and saw her smile fall for a second.
Caroline smiled to hide the disappointment from hearing Klaus say they were just friends, "Right well I better get back."
Klaus nodded, "I'll walk you. Running off from Bonnie like that was a bit questionable." Klaus side stepped so she could walk by.
Caroline nodded as she walked past Klaus and felt his hand land on the small of her back as he walked beside her.
Klaus leaned down by Caroline's ear, "You look beautiful by the way." He smiled as he walked them through the crowd back toward their table.
Caroline smiled and looked Klaus up and down, "Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself." She smirked before picking up the pace in her step.
Klaus smiled as he kept her pace.
Klaus and Caroline approached the table and to her surprise Bonnie was sitting across a handsome young man, laughing.
"Hey," Caroline walked up smiling.
Bonnie looked up smiling, "Hey, you ok?"
Caroline waved her hand in the air, "I'm fine don't worry about it."
"Ok," Bonnie shrugged as she looked at Klaus standing next to her. "Well let me introduce you," Bonnie stood up smiling.
"Caroline this is Kol, my boss Klaus'" Bonnie motioned toward Klaus, "younger brother."
Caroline smiled at Kol and shook his hand before she glanced at Klaus to see him nod.
"From earlier it seems you two know each other." Bonnie motioned between her and Klaus before she lifted her eyebrows when she saw Klaus' hand still on the small of Caroline's back.
Caroline stepped away from Klaus, "Yes, Klaus is actually my neighbor."
Bonnie's eyes went wide, "Really?"
"Yup," Caroline nodded as she looked around the bar for a waitress because she needed a drink.
Kol chuckled as he leaned into Klaus, "she lives next door to you, well isn't she a tasty little thing."
Klaus lowered his voice, "say another word and I'll tear out your liver."
Kol backed away with his hands raised.
Bonnie clapped her hands, "Well now that we all know each other I think this calls for a round of shots. Care, join me at the bar?"
Caroline smiled, "of course."
Bonnie and Caroline walked up to the bar and Klaus pulled up two more chairs to the table.
"Why didn't you tell me you knew Klaus," Bonnie said firmly as they got to the bar.
"I didn't know he was your boss, you didn't exactly describe him or say his name."
Bonnie nodded her head, "True but him being your neighbor doesn't really explain why you reacted the way you did."
Caroline sighed she was hoping Bonnie would've just dropped it, "I thought we could've just skipped that part but there is no way to avoid this," she waved down the bartender before she would continue.
"Good evening Ma'am how can I help you?"
"Ma'am, Really," Caroline said lightly she hated being called ma'am she was only 26 it made her feel old. "Whatever I'll have a Scotch on the rocks," Caroline turned back to Bonnie taking a deep breath ready to explain. "Earlier you asked me what I was doing to help me move on from Tyler."
Bonnie only nodded before her eyes went wide, "Oh my god are you doing Klaus."
"What! No!" Caroline shook her head. "Shut up and just let me explain."
"Scotch on the rocks," the bartender placed it down in front of Caroline. "And what would you like…Ma…miss."
"Vodka tonic please with a little extra vodka," Bonnie turned her attention back to Caroline who gulped down half her drink. "Continue." She motioned to Caroline.
"I'm not sleeping with Klaus but we are friends. In fact he's probably the reason why I've been getting over Tyler so well," Caroline took another sip of her drink as her eyes stayed on Bonnie to see her reaction.
"What do you mean?"
"We've been hanging out a lot lately over the past month and he's a nice guy," Caroline shrugged not really sure how to answer Bonnies question without admitting she liked Klaus. "He helped me after my first encounter with Tyler."
Bonnie's eyes widen again in shock, "Klaus, Klaus helped you."
Caroline nodded, "it was bad Bonnie I destroyed my apartment after me and Tyler spoke, but Klaus came over and helped me no questions asked."
Bonnie leaned against the bar looking at Caroline and then glanced at their table seeing Klaus and Kol talking. "I'm not going to lie Care this is surprising mostly because he's my boss and since Klaus left his girlfriend he's not shy of the ladies."
Caroline nodded, "I know he is my neighbor I've seen him on the elevator." Caroline took a sip of her drink. "But we're just friends so that doesn't matter."
Bonnie narrowed her eyes at Caroline, "Bullshit you like him like him because if you didn't you wouldn't have run off like you did earlier, and now I just realized he was chasing after you shows he likes you to." Bonnie threw her hands in the air for finally noticing.
Caroline waved Bonnie off and took another sip of her drink, "so were good I know you said you were attracted to him and I don't want to get in the way." She smiled sweetly at Bonnie.
Bonnie rolled her eyes, "Of course we are, and if I actually slept with him that would've made this even weirder." Bonnie chuckled. "But now I understand why he said no." she smirked pointing her finger at Caroline.
Caroline chuckled shaking her head "Shut up Bon we're just friends."
"Pfft please for now you are," Bonnie turned toward the bar and waved down the bartender again.
"What can I get you this time ladies?"
"Will take four shots of Southern Comfort, I'll have a dry vodka martini and bourbon," Bonnie smiled.
The bartender nodded before he looked at Caroline, "and you miss."
Caroline glanced at the table and saw Klaus didn't have a drink, "I'll have one Disarono on the rocks, a double, and a Disarita. Thanks." She smiled sweetly.
"Alright, be right back," he tapped on the bar before leaving.
"So how did you start talking to Kol," Caroline smiled at Bonnie.
Bonnie chuckled as she finished her Vodka tonic, "He actually just came over and introduced himself wondering where his brother went," she smirked.
Caroline rolled her eyes, "When I was walking over it seemed you two were rather cozy."
Bonnie blushed because she did find Kol rather charming even though when he first got to the table she told him to get lost until he mentioned he was Klaus' brother. "I don't know I just met him."
Caroline giggled, "And he's Klaus' little brother."
Bonnie nodded, "Hmm that to but I don't think Klaus would mind since he likes my best friend and all."
Caroline pushed Bonnie playfully, "Shut up."
"Alright ladies here are your drinks," the bartender said standing in front of them holding a tray. "Lead me to your table please."
Caroline and Bonnie smiled as they walked past him toward the table saying Thank you.
Kol and Klaus were sitting across from on another when Caroline and Bonnie came back to the table.
Klaus stood up and pulled out the chair for Caroline to take a seat, and Kol did the same for Bonnie.
"Thank you," Caroline smiled sitting down as she looked over at Bonnie who was thanking Kol.
The bartender handed out the drinks, "Will you need anything else?"
"No but if you could send a waitress over in ten minutes would be great," Caroline smiled at the bartender who nodded and walked off.
Caroline took a sip of her drink savoring the taste as it hit her tongue, "hmm" she smiled as she looked up at Bonnie who turned her attention to Kol.
"I hope were not intruding on you and Bonnie's dinner?" Klaus asked turning his attention to Caroline instead of his brother drooling over his accountant.
Caroline smiled as she put her drink back down and looked at Klaus, "No its fine, granted this was rather unexpected, but we were actually coming here for dinner. We haven't hung out in so long." She smiled sweetly putting her hands in her lap.
Klaus smiled as he took a sip of his drink and nodded in approval, "so you're the childhood friend Bonnie keeps referencing, I'm surprised your name never came up."
Caroline chuckled, "Dido, she spoke of you a few times. You sound like a good man to work for Mr. Mikaelson." She smirked bringing her drink to her lips.
Klaus turned to her a little more, "And what have you found out?"
Caroline just lifted her eyebrows smiling, "wouldn't you like to know."
Klaus lifted his hand, "In f—"
"Klaus are we joining these lovely ladies for dinner?" Kol interrupted.
Klaus turned his attention to Kol and forced a smile, "That would be up to them." he motioned to Bonnie and Caroline.
Caroline looked at Bonnie and shrugged.
"I don't see a problem with it," Bonnie smiled, "I'm starving."
"Fantastic it's settled then," Kol grinned as he looked at Bonnie. "This isn't a bad birthday dinner now is it brother?" he smirked facing Klaus.
"Birthday," Caroline said looking from Kol to Klaus. "It's your birthday?"
"It was his birthday," Kol smiled looking at Caroline. "It was last weekend but like the old shod he is he didn't exactly celebrate it." Kol leaned back in his seat staring at Klaus.
Caroline turned her attention to Klaus, "Why don't you celebrate your birthday?"
Klaus pulled his glare from Kol and looked at Caroline, "I just feel it's not that important sweetheart, so please don't worry about it. Let's order dinner shall we." Klaus picked up his menu from the table hoping to drop the subject.
Caroline only nodded when she heard how defensive Klaus got about his birthday. She picked up her menu and started browsing over the selections when she recalled how it was only last year that Tatia tried to sleep with his brother on his birthday. Caroline peeked over her menu and saw Bonnie and Kol going over the menu, when their attention was away from her and Klaus she leaned closer to Klaus.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to prey on why you don't like to celebrate your birthday."
Klaus sighed lightly as he leaned closer to Caroline, "it's not important."
Caroline turned her attention to him, "Klaus it's your birthday of course it important. Why would you think it's not?" Caroline frowned because she didn't understand why he didn't want to celebrate his birthday because of that evil brunette.
"In case you've forgotten I haven't had luck with my birthday's lately," Klaus said flatly as she turned his attention back to his menu.
Caroline nodded, "I know but that was last year, what better way to move past it then celebrating it with people who actually care about you."
Klaus scuffed, "Like who my dear brother?" Klaus motioned toward Kol. "Trust me it's not that important."
Caroline was starting to get frustrated, "Well it's important to me." She huffed as she turned her attention back to her menu.
Klaus sighed noticing the way Caroline reacted and before he could answer a waitress walked up to their table.
"Good evening I'm Nicki, I'll be your waitress for the evening," she smiled looking and each of them. The waitress moved across the table taking each of their orders before she collected the menus and excused herself.
Kol leaned on the table and smiled at Caroline, "So Caroline how long have you been my brother's neighbor? I've visited Klaus a few times and never seen you wondering the halls." He chuckled.
Caroline smiled, "That's probably because I haven't lived there as long as he has," she chuckled. "I moved there almost two years ago."
Kol nodded, "Just you?"
"Kol," Klaus said in a warning tone.
Caroline giggled when she saw Kol look at Klaus like 'what' before shrugging his shoulders, "It's ok. No I actually bought that apartment with my boyfriend at the time, but now it's just me." Caroline shrugged as she picked up her drink and took a sip.
Kol nodded, "Well it's his loss because you're a hot little blonde." Kol smirked.
"Kol! That's enough," Klaus growled as he started at his brother.
"What she is," Kol motioned toward Caroline. "I personally prefer brunettes," he winks at Bonnie before picking up his drink causing her to roll her eyes.
Caroline chuckled but her cheeks were a little flushed from Kol's comments.
Bonnie laughed, "I think we need to take these shots now." Bonnie placed a shot in front of each of them. "Ok well since it was Klaus' birthday lets drink to that." Bonnie raised her glass.
"Yes to my dear brothers 30th birthday because it's a reminder of my youth," Kol said placing a hand on his chest as he raised his glass toward Klaus.
Caroline chuckled at Kol because it seems he was really testing his luck by the sneer Klaus was giving him. Caroline put her hand on his shoulder, "Happy birthday." She smiled before she heard Kol say "Cheers" and each of them threw back the shots.
Klaus' eyes lingered on Caroline as she smiled and laughed after taking the shot. She meant it when she told you your birthday is important to her, Klaus said in his head as he smiled at how soft her touch was.
The waitress brought over their dinner about ten minutes after they took their shots. They all sat and ate their dinner talking about various things and ordering a few more cocktails to go with their dinner.
Caroline was little tipsy but not drunk, she just felt a little extra bubbly. She thought it was a nice dinner, talking with Klaus and his brother. After a few more drinks Klaus lightened up to Kol's teasing and Bonnie seemed to enjoy Kol's company.
"I'm going to call it a night Bonnie I'm tired," she smiled at Bonnie as they stepped out of restaurant and onto the busy street. It was Friday night and people were wondering around downtown San Francisco looking something to do. Cabs were parked along the street waiting for their next customer as groups of people walked the sidewalks. Caroline smiled at the scene of it all because it was the perfect night to wonder but after the busy work week she's had she was ready to just curl up in bed.
"What, you can't," Bonnie grabbed Caroline's. "We haven't hung out in ages and Kol recommended we go dancing. I wanted to take him to Envy." Bonnie smiled as Caroline hoping to convince her.
Caroline chuckled, "As tempting as that sounds I don't think so." She smiled as Bonnie let her arm go and pouted. "Go have a nice night with Kol and say hi to Matt for me, but don't you dare sleep with Kol Miss. Bennett, not on the first date anyway." Caroline held up her finger at Bonnie to emphasis she was serious.
Bonnie chuckled shaking her head, "Care trust me I'm not going to sleep with him, we just met."
Caroline smiled as she hugged Bonnie, "Love you Bon. Call me later."
Bonnie nodded as she released her grip, "Love you to Care." She smiled at Caroline before walking up to Kol who was standing beside a cab.
"Night Caroline, don't worry I'll take good care of Bonnie," Kol smiled as he got into the cab behind Bonnie.
Caroline chuckled, "oh you better." She whispered herself.
"He will or else he'll have me to deal with," Klaus smiled as he stepped up next to Caroline.
Caroline looked up at him and smiled, "Yeah I would hate to find out what that means." she chuckled. "Thanks for dinner Klaus."
Klaus smiled as he looked at Caroline, "anytime love."
Caroline smiled as she looked into Klaus' eyes, "Well I'm going to head home. It's been a long day."
Klaus nodded, "Let's share a cab."
Caroline nodded as he placed his hand on her back and led her to a cab at the end of the block. Klaus opened the door and let Caroline slide in before he got in himself. He gave the driver their address and leaned back in the seat.
They both sat in silence for a few minutes before Klaus decided to break the ice.
"I'm sorry I didn't mention my birthday last week," Klaus looked at Caroline withdrew her attention from the window.
Caroline smiled as she looked at Klaus, "Don't worry about it, I get why you didn't. I'm sorry for the way I reacted earlier." Caroline shrugged.
Klaus nodded because there was really nothing left to say. Everything that happened last year with Tatia didn't really bother him anymore, but when he went out for dinner with Elijah and Katherine last week for his birthday wasn't a great feeling. He ended up getting piss drunk that night just so the reminder that only a year ago the women he actually considered marrying wanted the only man he considered to be his father. Klaus never blamed Elijah and never really said anything about it to him but that didn't mean it didn't suck.
Klaus looked back at Caroline, "So is Bonnie ok with us being friends?" he smirked as he side glanced at Caroline.
Caroline chuckled, "Yes she is unaffected by it."
"Good because I would hate to fire her," Klaus chuckled when he saw Caroline's jaw drop. "I'm joking love."
She smacks his arm, "Jerk, if you did fire her you would have me to deal with." She smiled as Klaus playfully rubbed his shoulder.
"I can handle that," Klaus smirked.
Caroline shook her head giggling when the cab drive made a sharp turn to avoid hitting a car. Caroline's body hit Klaus' as her hand landed on his cheat. She looked up and felt Klaus' arm around her. "Sorry," she said lightly as she started to sit up straight but her body still close to Klaus'.
"No problem," Klaus said as Caroline sat up straight but with his arm still around her. Caroline stayed in Klaus' arm the rest of the drive back to their apartment.
Klaus and Caroline stepped off the elevator on their floor and walked up to Caroline's apartment.
She unlocked her door and looked at Klaus smiling, "Tonight was fun."
Klaus nodded, "Yes I'm glad Kol decided to drag me out tonight." He smiled as he stepped closer to Caroline.
Caroline nodded. They stood there for a few seconds in silence before Caroline spoke. "Oh I have something for you." She smiled as she motioned for Klaus to come inside the apartment.
Klaus chuckled in confusion as he walked into her apartment and closed her door.
"Wait here," Caroline walked into her office and opened her desk drawer and took out a gift. She was planning on giving it to him for everything he's helped her with the past few weeks especially how he helped her after Tyler. She saw it when she was out with Ian for lunch in Union Square at one of the vintage shops the day he drove her home and Klaus was the first person she thought of when she saw it so she bought it. Caroline walked back into the living and saw Klaus sitting on the couch. She smiled and walked up to the couch.
"Here," she handed him the small box wrapped in a red bow.
Klaus chuckled taking the box, "What's this?"
"Open it," she smiled before taking a seat. She sat on her legs facing Klaus.
Klaus smiled and sat up right and started to untie the bow placing it on the coffee table in front of them. He looked at Caroline as she sat there watching him with a small smile on her face.
"Come on open it," Caroline motioned toward the box.
He smiled and lifted off the top of the box and took out a silver chained necklace with a arrowhead pendent with a wolf engraved in it.
"It's just a silly little gift," she smiled. "I don't know why when I saw it in the shop this past week I thought of you." She shrugged watching Klaus as he held it in his hands. "You don't have wear it I—"
"I love it," Klaus cut her off as he turned to Caroline smiling. "Of course I'll wear it sweetheart don't be ridiculous. Thank you."
Caroline smiled in relief to hear he liked it, "Let me put it on."
Klaus chuckled, "I can do it."
Caroline rolled her eyes and took the necklace from his hand, "Shut up and let me put it on." She moved her hands in a turning motion for Klaus to turn around.
Klaus laughed as he turned his back toward Caroline.
Caroline sat up on her knees and unhooked the necklace. She leaned forward wrapping it around his neck. She smiled at this simple act wondering how many people actually got to put a necklace on him.
Klaus couldn't help the chills that went down his spine as her fingers brushed against his neck while she hooked the necklace together
"There," Caroline said softly patting him on the shoulder.
Klaus turned back toward her as Caroline leaned back on her legs and smiled. "Thank you," he said she he adjusted it to fall with his other necklaces. "Can I ask you why you got me a gift? I'm assuming this isn't a birthday gift."
Caroling chuckled, "It would've been if I knew about your birthday." She smiled as she stood up to sit back down so she wasn't on her legs anymore. "This was just my way of thanking you." She shrugged.
"Thanking me?" Klaus looked at her a little confused because he didn't think he did anything worth her getting him a gift.
Caroline sighed, "For everything. For taking care of me when I destroyed my apartment. For taking care of me when I got really drunk with Elena," She laughed. "For just being there when I needed someone, not many people do that for a girl they barely know." She looked at him and smiled. "So that's my thank you." she motioned to his necklace.
Klaus stared at her smiling before he leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "It was my pleasure love." He whispered by her ear before he stood up and held out his hand to help her up.
Caroline smiled as he took a hold of Klaus' hand.
"Good night Caroline and thank you for the necklace," He smiled as he walked toward her door and opened it.
Caroline nodded "I'm glad you like it," she smiled holding onto her door as Klaus stood in the hallway. "Good night Klaus."
Klaus smiled at her before she closed the door. Klaus gripped the pendant around his neck and rubbed it between his fingers as he walked back to his apartment.
Caroline leaned against her door taking a deep breath. She stood there smiling going over the night before she turned around and locked her door.
Caroline woke up with the sun peeking through her curtains, she glanced at the clock on her night stand by the bed and it was already 11 a.m. She groaned and pulled the blankets back over her head. She wasn't ready to get up because her body was to comfortable. After her busy week and eventful dinner last night she finally realized the lack of sleep she has been getting because every day this week she wasn't in bed sleeping until after one in the morning. Her cellphone started ringing beside her head causing her to groan as she threw the blanked off her and reached for her phone plugged in on the night stand. Stupid people calling me this early, she grumbled to herself before sliding the screen to answer it.
"Hello."
"Good Morning Caroline."
Caroline sat up instantly in her bed when she heard her voice on the other side of her phone.
"Mrs. Lockwood good morning."
"I hope I'm not waking you, it is almost 11 after all. I didn't take you for a late sleeper."
Caroline rolled her eyes, "How can I help you Mrs. Lockwood."
"Yes I got your number from Tyler I hope you don't mind but I'm calling you about tonight's charity coverage."
Caroline sighed lightly, she never changed her number after Tyler because it was her personal but work phone as well. A lot of her sources had this number and she wasn't about to lose it because of him, "Yes, Jason will be the reporter covering that tonight Mrs. Lockwood as I said yesterday."
"Yes well I just received a phone call from Mr. Reynolds informing me that he was unable to attend and to speak with you immediately."
Caroline tensed yelling 'What' in her mind because she wasn't aware of that decision, "Really, well I'm sure I can find another reporter willing to cover the event." Caroline got out of bed quickly and headed toward her office so she could find out who she could get.
"Why don't you cover it?"
Caroline slowed her pace as she was about to open her office door, "Let me see who else is available if I am unable to find a replacement I'll see what I can do." Caroline never wanted anything more right now than to find another reporter. She swung open her office door and walked up to her desk. "Can I call you back in an hour Carol?"
"That would be wonderful Caroline," she said happily. "And Caroline."
"Yes?"
"Please call me Mrs. Lockwood this is a professional setting after all, thank you I look forward to hearing from you," Carol said quickly as she ended the call.
Caroline looked at her phone and screamed a little in frustration as her grip tightened around it. She pulled up her contacts and dialed Jason's number wondering what the hell was going on and why he couldn't go tonight.
"Hello?"
"Hi Jason it's Caroline. I just got off the phone with Mrs. Lockwood and she informed me that you were not going to be covering the event," she said with a hint of anger in her voice. "is that true?"
"Yes that's correct. I left you a voice mail yesterday. I can't cover it because my wife went into labor yesterday and we're in the hospital right now."
Caroline mentally smacked herself as she put her hand on her head to calm down. "Congratulations Jason I hope your wife has a safe delivery."
"Thank you Caroline."
Caroline ended the call and sat down at her desk still in her pajamas as she logged into her computer and started browsing through her reporter's assignments looking to see who was free.
A/N Well what did you think? Good, Bad? Let me know with a quick review, also don't forget to include a little suggestion. So is Caroline covering the event or will someone step up to the plate? I'll try my best to get another update up as quickly as i can.