I own nothing but the plot...
Um...wow...almost to 500 reviews (mouth wide open in shock)
"Baby, take a seat, we have something to tell you." Caroline said and Ella sat on the chair across from where Klaus and Caroline were sitting.
"What?" Ella said clicking her shoes together.
"Um...remember when I said that the reason you didn't have a Daddy was because I was selfish and didn't want to share you with anyone?" Caroline said and Ella nodded, "Well I thought it was time for me to get over it and share you. Ella, Klaus or Nik, came to see us because he is your Dad, baby." Ella blinked and Caroline and Klaus held their breath not quite sure how she would react. She was only four after all.
"Really?" Ella said.
"Yeah," Caroline said and looked at Klaus.
"I'm sorry it took so long sweetheart, but I am here now," Klaus said to Ella whose face was still blank.
It was silent until Ella finally spoke again, "Does that mean you'll take me for ice cream and push me on the swings like Claire and her dad? And can I make you a Father's Day card at school? I could never do that before. I always made one for Uncle Kol or Uncle Stefan. Joesph drew fish on his card. Do you like fish?" Both Klaus and Caroline let out a breath of relief, but Caroline's heart also ached because of Ella's innocent response. How much had it really affected her daughter not having someone to call dad?
"I love fish," Klaus said and Ella smiled, "Come here, sweetheart." Ella walked over and jumped onto Klaus' lap and wrapped her arms around him. Caroline watched as Klaus closed his eyes and held Ella tightly. Caroline knew that for all his faults, he would be a good Dad to Ella. Klaus opened his eyes and looked at Caroline. He took one arm off Ella and pulled Caroline to him and they were soon in a three way hug.
"I knew you would come back," Ella said into Klaus' neck and he held her even tighter if that were possible. Caroline could see the love they already had for one another, and she would never let anything mess that up. There was too much to lose now.
K&C
"I don't like him," Bonnie said to Kol in the apartment across the hall.
"You don't know him," Kol said.
"Fine, I don't trust him, your brother has heartbreaker written all over him," Bonnie said.
"I know my brother, and when he commits to something he sticks with it," Kol told her, "He won't leave Ella if that is what you are worried about."
"What about Caroline?" Bonnie asked, "What if Klaus breaks her heart?"
"Caroline is too smart for that," Kol replied, "Besides neither of them has said anything about getting together. Sure I caught Caroline checking out my brother's ass, and Klaus was totally undressing her with his eyes, but I don't think they are going to act on any feelings they might have. They have Ella to think about." Bonnie still looked skeptical. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes," Bonnie said.
"Then trust that I won't let any hearts get broken," Kol promised.
"Even mine?" Bonnie said softly and Kol grinned.
"Nope," Kol said, "The only thing I am going to break is your brain after I shag you into a coma."
"Oh god," Bonnie said rolling her eyes.
"In fact let's get started." Kol then threw Bonnie over his shoulder and took her into his bedroom.
K&C
"A pony? Really?" Katherine said from the other line. Caroline was at work with nothing better to do so she called Katherine and updated her on the latest events.
"Yep, he got her a freaking pony," Caroline said but then went on to say, "Well I guess he already had it, and is giving it to her not buying her one but still...it is a freaking pony."
"What is up with you?" Katherine asked, "Why are you so moody?"
"It's stupid, but all Ella can talk about now is Klaus. It is "Daddy this" and "Daddy that," I suppose I am a bit jealous." Caroline replied, "I should be happy about all this, I mean Klaus is being great. He wants to take on half the responsibility. Paying for daycare, taking her for the summer, and I don't know how to let him. It has always been just me. Klaus even officially asked me to look over her medical records to find out if she is allergic to anything so he can make sure Ella won't get sick when she is with him. Why am I still so hesitant on letting him have some control?"
"Because you don't know how," Katherine explained, "You don't know how to let anyone take the reigns because you have never been able to count on a man. I mean Tyler? You could never count on Lock-wood for brains, and your Dad left you. Kol is really the only man you have ever been able to count on, and you still keep him at arms length sometimes."
"That is not true," Caroline protested, "I trust Kol with Ella's life."
"Then how come when he asked you out you said no?" Katherine asked, "And do not give me the accent excuse."
"Because I didn't feel that way about him," Caroline answered, "Besides I am glad I did, he is one of my best friends. If we had gone out that never would have happened."
"True, but you still weren't willing to take a chance." Katherine said and Caroline sighed, "Look I don't know the guy, but it sounds like Klaus is serious when it comes to Ella. I think your problem is more about protecting yourself then protecting Ella." Just then Caroline's boss walked over. Caroline sat up straight.
"Um...thank you Miss Dobrev, I will get right on that, bye now," Caroline said and hung up the phone. "Hello Isobel."
"Hey Caroline, can you go to the deli and get me some lunch?" Isobel asked.
"Sure," Caroline said getting up, "Anything else?"
"No, that should be all for now," Isobel said dismissing her. Caroline and got her bag and was halfway out the door when the phone rang. Caroline moved to go back but Isobel said,
"I have it Caroline, go ahead."
It was times like this when Caroline hated being an assistant. Going to events with Isobel and taking notes was fine, but getting lunch? Not something Caroline envisioned her life turning out to be. In her dream she had been married to Tyler, had 2.5 kids, and had a successful career as an event planner. That didn't happen. Instead of that dream she got Ella, and she was so worth it.
When Caroline got back Isobel was still on the phone. She quietly put the bag of food on Isobel's desk before going back to her own. Caroline just finished writing a couple e-mails when she heard Isobel call out,
"Caroline can you come in here for a moment?"
"Sure," Caroline said coming in and taking a seat.
"I had a very interesting phone call regarding you," Isobel said.
"Oh?" Caroline said her heart racing. Had she done something bad? Sure she took a few too many personal calls, but she always got her work done on time.
"It was the art museum saying that they are going to be hosting an event for a very well known European artist." Isobel explained, "It is his first showing in America and they expect for it to bring in a quite a crowd. The thing is however that they requested you to plan the event."
"Me?" Caroline said shocked.
"Yes, the artist was very insistent on the fact that you are going to be the one to plan probably the most exclusive events of the year. Heavens knows why they want you...oh no offense dear, but you are only an assistant."
"None taken," Caroline lied. How could she not take offense to that? Then everything fell into place.
"Seems to me all you need is your big break."
"What agency is it?"
"Who is the artist?" Caroline asked even though she had a feeling she already knew the answer.
"Niklaus Mikaelson."
Sneaky bastard.
K&C
"Daddy!" Ella cried out when Klaus came to pick her up from daycare. Caroline had allowed Klaus to pick Ella up an hour earlier then normal for them to have some father/daughter time. Ella slammed into him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He smiled and hugged her back. Ms. Peters walked over to them.
"Ella has been telling us all about you," Ms. Peters said, "Her artistic talent is genetic it seems. She showed all the kids the picture you drew of her for show and tell. She was very proud."
"Were you?" Klaus said looking down at Ella who blushed and turned her head shy all of a sudden. Ms. Peters smiled.
"Ella does love to talk and she was boasting about you all day," Ms. Peters said and Klaus could help the grin that formed on his face.
"Well isn't that funny because I am very proud of her too," Klaus said and Ella turned and looked up at him. "Now come on, my love, we are going to surprise your Mum."
"We are?" Ella said taking his hand. Klaus nodded.
"Nice to see you again," Klaus said to Ms. Peters.
"Bye Ms. Peters!" Ella said with a wave she turned back to her Dad, "What is the surprise?"
"We are going to make your Mum dinner," Klaus said and Ella grinned her smile identical to her fathers. "Come on."
The store wasn't far away so they walked. Ella holding her Dad's hand telling him all about her day. She was a talker, but Klaus didn't mind in the slightest. He could listen to that sweet voice all day. Once they got in the store Ella informed him that she was too old to be placed in the cart, but she wasn't too old to be held. Klaus had her rested on his hip with her arms around his neck as they walked through the store gathering everything they would need for dinner. Klaus found a child sized apron and had to get it for Ella because he knew she would look cute in it. By the time they were finished Ella was nearly jumping with excitement.
Klaus gave Ella the easy jobs of course. He bought flowers and had Ella arrange them in a plastic jug before he put them in a vase. It took her a while because Ella had to make sure the flowers looked perfect, which was no problem for him as he made the noodles and grated the cheese. Once that was finished Ella stirred the cheese and noodles together before carefully putting the cheesy mixture into the casserole dish (with Klaus' help of course). Ella sprinkled the bread crumbs on top and Klaus put it in the oven. Ella set the timer and all they had to do now was wait for Caroline. They didn't have to wait long. The two had just settled down to draw when they heard the key in the door.
"Hey Ella!" Caroline said and Ella ran over and hugged her.
"Hi Mommy, I cooked!" Ella said her eyes dancing.
"I see that," Caroline said and looked at Klaus, "Klaus."
"Hello, love, have a good day at work?" Klaus said with a smirk. Caroline wanted to punch that smirk off his face.
"Baby, go wash up for dinner," Caroline said and Ella went to the bathroom. Caroline turned to Klaus, "We need to talk."
"Let's just have a nice dinner and we can discuss it later," Klaus said.
"Later," Caroline promised and went over to Ella who showed her what was cooking.
"Mac and cheese?" Caroline said glancing over at Klaus.
"But not from a box," Ella pointed out.
"It looks very good," Caroline said, "I can't wait to eat it. Ella why don't you set the table?"
"Okay Mommy," Ella said and walked off.
"I wish I had some wine or something, but I am afraid the closest thing I have is grape juice," Caroline said to Klaus who laughed.
"Don't worry about it love," Klaus said and then the timer went off.
Dinner was lovely. Caroline had never had mac and cheese from scratch before and it was amazing. Klaus was also a good cook. He had spent a semester in Italy and learned a lot there. He told them about other places he had been too. Rome, Paris, even Tokyo. Caroline envied him. She had never been outside the states until recently, and when she was in England she didn't visit any of the sights. Once they finished Ella went to go draw while Klaus and Caroline cleaned up. Now that Ella was occupied Caroline got to the subject of the party.
"I appreciate you requesting me, but I don't expect anything from you," Caroline said, "You don't owe me anything."
"I have never had a showing in America before and it needs to be perfect, sure I can hire some person I don't know to launch my career in America or I can ask someone I trust." Klaus reasoned.
"You trust me?" Caroline said surprised.
"You trust me, at least enough to leave me alone Ella," Klaus said, "I am returning the favor and trusting you. I have faith in you."
"Thanks," Caroline said softly.
"Think of it this way love, the next painting I sell will go towards Ella's tuition at Oxford so it needs to be flawless, and I know you can deliver," Klaus said.
"Ella is going to Oxford?" Caroline asked.
"Oh didn't I mention that?" Klaus said innocently, but he was smiling.
"No, must have slipped your mind," Caroline said smiling too.
"Mikaelsons have been going to Oxford for generations, it seems fitting that Ella should attend as well." Klaus said.
"And what will she be studying?" Caroline said continuing her questioning.
"Business," Klaus answered, "If she wants to be an artist it is best to know the business side of it as well, it is what I did."
"Uh-huh, and when will you be informing Ella of this?" Caroline said and they looked at Ella who waved at them. She went back to drawing with her crayons.
"Probably not for a couple more years," Klaus said and Caroline laughed. She liked this playful banter they were having. It was nice.
"Why do I have a feeling that Ella will be wearing a little Oxford sweatshirt in the near future?" Caroline said.
"If I don't get her one Elijah or Finn will," Klaus said, "I am pretty sure Finn got his baby some Oxford onesies."
"Very subtle," Caroline said and then realized how close they had become during their conversation, or flirting session, and both their smiles suddenly dropped.
"Mommy, Daddy," Ella called out and Caroline and Klaus shot apart. "Come look at this."
"We're coming, baby," Caroline said and walked over to where Ella was sitting and didn't look back.
K&C
"You like him, is that really so bad?" Elena asked the next day as the girls ate lunch.
"Yes it is very bad, the man comes with more baggage then an airport terminal," Caroline replied, "I can't wait for him to face the demons he is avoiding. Klaus still isn't talking to his brother and lets not forget Tatia."
"But he says that is over now that she is married, right?" Elena said.
"Yes, but who knows," Caroline said and sighed, "I waited five years for Tyler to become the man I wanted him to be and he never did. He broke up with me because his Mommy told him to and went back home with his tail between his legs."
"So you are saying you don't want to wait?" Elena said and Caroline nodded.
"Klaus is my perfect guy, yes." Caroline admitted, "Cultured, sophisticated, sweet, strong, and we have fun together. He is going to be a great Dad and I really believe we can raise Ella together, but as a couple I don't think it would work. Klaus is a one night stand, love them and leave them guy. I did that once and I got pregnant."
"You want more," Elena clarified.
"I want more, I deserve more," Caroline said.
"Damn straight you do," Katherine said speaking up for the first time.
"But last night, it was perfect," Caroline told them, "Klaus made dinner with Ella, we laughed, it was probably one of the best nights of my life. I am also getting my big break because of Klaus. And I can see it. I can see myself falling for him, but I can also see myself getting hurt. Badly. I have my baggage too."
"What are you going to do?" Elena asked.
"Try not to fall in love with him I guess," Caroline answered. Elena's phone went off breaking the moment.
"Oh sorry," Elena said and looked at the text. "I gotta go. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Caroline assured her.
"Okay, love you," Elena said and then walked off in a rush.
"Where is she going in such a hurry?" Caroline asked Katherine.
"She is ovulating," Kathrine replied, "My little sister is about to surprise her hubby at work."
"Elena is trying to get pregnant?" Caroline said shocked.
"Yep," Katherine said and then her eyes went wide, "Oh shit. I wasn't supposed to say anything. When she tells you act surprised, okay?"
"Got it, good for her," Caroline said still in a daze. Elena was trying to get pregnant. Seemed a little surreal.
"I need a favor," Katherine said changing the subject.
"Sure, what is it?" Caroline asked.
"Do you mind if I stay with you for a few days?" Katherine asked, "My prick of a landlord raised the rent and I gotta find a new place."
"No problem, but my apartment is a little cramped," Caroline pointed out, "You would have to sleep on the couch."
"That's fine," Katherine said.
"Why don't you asked Elena or Bonnie? They both have extra rooms for you," Caroline asked.
"Um...with Elena trying to get pregnant and Bonnie now dating the horniest guy on the planet I don't think so. Kat needs her beauty rest," Katherine informed her, "At least I know you aren't getting any so you can't keep me awake at night."
"Thanks for that," Caroline said.
"Anytime babe," Katherine said.
K&C
That night Caroline heard a soft knock on her bedroom door. She looked up and saw Ella in the crack of where the door meets the wall.
"Hey baby," Caroline said, "Couldn't sleep?" Ella nodded. "Well come on in here with me." Ella grinned and jumped into bed next to Caroline. "It has been an exciting couple of days for you, hasn't it?"
"Yep," Ella said cuddling closer. "I got a Daddy now."
"Yes you do," Caroline said.
"But I still love you the mostest," Ella said with a yawn. Caroline kissed her little forehead. It was nice to hear Ella say that.
"I love you the mostest too," Caroline said and reached over and turned off the light.
…...
What did you think? I tried to make Ella's reaction as believable as I could. She is only 4 and I don't think she really understood what was going on, only that she had a dad now. I didn't know how else to go about it so I just had to do my best! Caroline is going to be careful when it comes to Klaus, and not wanting to jeopardize his relationship with Ella will be a big rode block for them.
I got the babymaking text idea from What to Expect When You are Expecting the movie. That won't be a major plot point, but it is just surreal for Caroline because she had been the only one with a kid for so long and now Elena was trying to have one.
The Mikaelson envision will happen next, this chapter went a different direction with a lot of family moments. Rebekah, Matt, and Elijah are probably on the plane.
I have a question for you awesome readers. I need some job ideas for the other characters and I thought I would ask all of you!
Katherine-?
Kol-?
Bonnie-?
Elena-?
Let me know!
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. The response to this has been amazing, and OnlyHuman chapter is done and should be up soon so stay tuned! Thank you to my consultant for all her help, don't know what I would do without her.
My new tumblr is peacefulvillagefairone so message me if you want to!