Thanks for the love you guys, I'm really enjoying writing this story if you couldn't tell! It's just a little bit different not to mention fun. Now time for Oprah...
Collision Course: Chapter 6
"Damon could you please not hover I don't need a babysitter." Klaus hissed at his manager in the reflection of the mirror.
"I think after this latest stunt Klaus that's exactly what you need." Damon replied rolling his eyes.
"I knew it was a mistake making you my manager, all you ever do is give me a hard time."
"Well maybe if you stopped doing stupid things."
"Yeah yeah whatever Damon." Klaus mumbled buttoning up his white shirt.
Klaus and Caroline along with their growing entourage had travelled back to Los Angeles in preparation for their exclusive interview with Oprah. Although he would never admit it Klaus was feeling anxious, the nerves swirling around violently in his stomach.
He could act in his sleep but this situation was far from normal and completely out of his comfort zone. Klaus didn't really know why he could easily pretend to be in love for a movie role but when it came to Caroline it was so different.
Ever since he'd laid eyes on the blonde she had had immediately peaked his interest. He knew who she was the moment he boarded the plane not that he would ever admit that to Caroline of course. Klaus had heard her music and seen her videos but thought she was nothing more than just a pretty face with a great voice and a sweet disposition. However after meeting her he not only realised just how beautiful she was in person but also how much he'd misjudged her.
Most girls would throw themselves at him not requiring much effort on his part but Caroline constantly challenged him. Klaus never knew so much work could be so enjoyable.
"Look I'm sorry man I just find it difficult to separate the work from the friendship sometimes." Damon admitted. "It's my managerial duty to tell you how stupid you've been but as a friend I probably just would have said 'way to go' or something along those lines."
"That's exactly what Kol said to Rebekah after it happened." Klaus smiled.
"Why does that not surprise me?" Damon laughed. "When is that brother of yours going to pay us a visit anyway?"
"He's busy trying to finalise the funding for his new film." Kol Mikaelson was a film director who up until now had focused mainly on low budget indie films which had received widespread critical acclaim. Some of the media were already comparing him to a young Quentin Tarantino. His latest venture, a film adaption of a New York Times bestseller, was set to be his biggest movie to date and he needed all the backing he could muster.
"Well you can tell him from me that if he wants you for this latest project it's going to cost him, no family discounts." Damon said a smile playing on his lips.
"Yeah try telling Kol that, you know how annoying and persistent he can be when he wants something." Damon nodded knowingly.
"So where did the wicked witch fly to on her broomstick this morning?"
"Milan thankfully, I can almost feel the relief when she clears American air space." He laughed. As much as he did love his sister she was a royal pain in the arse and the further away she was the better, especially with everything that was happening.
"I know what you mean. Although I have to admit she was quite well-behaved after her little chat with Caroline last night, for a minute there I thought it was going to get really ugly." Damon said.
Klaus smiled thinking about how strangely calm Rebekah had seemed after speaking with Caroline, he had no idea what she'd said but it had appeased her, for now at least. Klaus couldn't help but admire her for taking on his sister; it was certainly no mean feat.
"Speaking of Blondie how is everything going between the two of you?" Damon asked.
"What besides being married?"
"You know what I mean Klaus. I need to check that you're both on the same page, can't have you losing it in front of Oprah now can we?"
"We're going to be just fine Damon. I mean how hard can one interview be? I am an actor after all; if I can't do this then what the hell am I doing with my life?" Klaus replied rolling his eyes for extra affect.
"Look I wouldn't be doing my job as your manager or your friend if I didn't check especially given how explosive things seem to get when you're together."
"I guess we have a tendency to argue a lot but isn't that what married couples do?" Klaus joked.
"Maybe after fifty years of marriage but I'm fairly certain newlyweds in the honeymoon phase aren't supposed to fight Klaus." Damon laughed. "Honestly I've never seen anyone get to you like this, one minute you're fighting then the next you're having steamy public make-out sessions."
"Hey that kiss was purely for the media's benefit Damon." He shot back defensively. Klaus had to admit that their earth-shattering kiss had taken him completely by surprise and had been the main reason behind his insomnia the previous night.
"Sure it was." Damon said unconvinced arching his right eyebrow. "Okay come on lover boy let's go and see Oprah, it's show time." He said walking out of the room. Klaus could still hear his laughter even from down the hallway.
Klaus took one last look at his reflection barely recognising the person in front of him. His skin was visibly pale, he had bags under his eyes and he could feel his hands were clammy not to mention his heart was beating a mile a minute. So this is what being nervous was like? He shook his head and walked out the door realising how crucial an Oscar winning performance was today.
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"Well you two certainly look like a couple in love if today's front page of Variety is anything to go by." Oprah said smiling at Klaus and Caroline.
As predicted their kiss outside the Palms made front pages across the country, everyone was talking about them. Entertainment Tonight had labelled them the couple to watch and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton had touted them the hottest new couple in Tinseltown. Klaus couldn't believe how real it looked; he must have been a better actor than he thought.
"Although you'd have to understand why people are dubious of this marriage given how sudden it all came about." Oprah said her eyes hypnotising him slightly. Klaus could immediately understand why people were so forthcoming with details and had a tendency to jump on couches, this woman obviously had a way of drawing things out.
Klaus cleared his throat nervously realising she was waiting for a response.
"Of course we realise that Oprah." He said placing his hand over Caroline's and squeezing it affectionately. "Look we're not denying that we had a little too much to drink and it certainly wasn't the way we imagined we'd ever get married but we do love each other so in the end I guess that's all that matters." He said swivelling slightly in his chair to gaze deeply into his wife's blue eyes.
Klaus had been completely blown away when Caroline emerged from the dressing room looking angelic in a classic white shift dress. Her hair had been pulled into a low bun, wavy tendrils escaping down her back. Simple pearl studs were her only accessories. Elena had decided they should go for an innocent look considering the public thought she was anything but that after her drunken episode in Vegas.
"Yes I think everyone was quite surprised at your behaviour, especially you Caroline, it seems so out of character." Oprah prodded. Klaus noticed Caroline fidget in her seat obviously uncomfortable with the situation, he really hoped she could hold it together.
"I know it was Oprah and I don't by any means condone what I did. Look I think most people have done something crazy in their lives and I guess you could say this was most definitely mine." She smiled slightly trying to ease the tension.
"Well I think we can all vouch for that." Oprah laughed and Klaus noticed Caroline's stiff posture relax slightly. "Everyone was so shocked by this mainly because they had no idea you two even knew each other let alone were dating."
"We actually met for the first time about five months ago at the American Music Awards after-party at the Roosevelt." Caroline said reciting what they had rehearsed.
"Really how did that come about?" She inquired.
"Well I was actually with a friend of mine, Matt Donovan, who it turns out is friends with Caroline as well." Klaus said.
"You mean the Matt Donovan, star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles?"
"Yeah the one and only." Caroline confirmed. "We actually grew up together in my hometown of Mystic Falls, Virginia and he's one of my best friends. He was actually my prom date."
"So you and Matt were an item back then?"
"No just friends although I'll let you in on a secret Oprah, I actually didn't have a date for prom so I think he took pity on me." She laughed and Klaus felt relieved that she seemed to be easing into the interview.
"I really can't believe that you had no date Caroline, I mean look at you." Oprah said incredulously taking in the blonde's appearance.
"It's true Oprah. Ask my friends they'll tell you I was too busy working away in the library to meet guys."
"Beautiful, smart and talented I think Klaus here is a pretty lucky guy."
"Damn right he's lucky aren't you sweetie?" She chuckled placing her hand strategically on his leg. Klaus really didn't give her enough credit she was a natural at this.
"I think you're forgetting modest too Oprah." Klaus joked. "No you're right I am the luckiest guy; honestly I'm not too sure what she sees in me."
"Oh I can just see all the girls swooning right now." Oprah chuckled. "So Caroline what is it that you love about Klaus?"
"Look I'll be honest with you Oprah when we first met I wasn't too sure, I'd heard all the rumours circulating and would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned initially but after a few dates he completely proved me wrong."
"In what way?" Oprah asked interested.
"Look anyone can see he has the looks not to mention the talent but truthfully I had no idea what he was really like besides what I'd heard. I think what I've come to love about him most is how loving and considerate he can be. I mean Klaus will ask me how my day was, he makes me dinner and he even sometimes gives me a massage when I'm stressed."
"Your own private masseuse, I'm jealous."
"You should be he gives a pretty good foot one!" She laughed. "It isn't just that though I have never felt more comfortable with someone in my entire life, he just seems to understand me. I think that's why we work so well as a couple."
"Really? That's very interesting; I seem to recall you having strong feelings for Tyler Lockwood not that long ago, the two of you dated for an extended period." Klaus noticed the tension cross Caroline's face briefly. "How does that differ from your relationship with Klaus?"
"Look at the time I did have strong feelings for Tyler, I mean he was my first love and I'll always hold a special place in my heart for him, but honestly Oprah when I met Klaus I knew straight away that he was the one." She smiled at him her eyes filling with tears, Klaus was floored Caroline wasn't just a natural she deserved a Golden Globe.
"So Klaus what did you see in Caroline. I have to admit looking back on your past romances she doesn't seem like your usual type."
"No I guess not and I'll be honest I didn't ever imagine I would end up dating Caroline let alone marrying her but I think what makes us such a good couple is our differences."
"Why Klaus? What's so different about Caroline?"
"Unfortunately honesty can be a rare trait in this industry but Caroline is probably the most honest person you'll meet. She is constantly challenging me in every way possible and I know if I'm being an idiot she'll tell me so!" Oprah chuckled.
"So is he an idiot often Caroline?"
"Sometimes Oprah." She laughed leaning over to nudge him playfully. "Although I'm certainly not perfect myself so I think it works because we keep each other in check."
"So going back a step you told us how you first met but how is it that no one was aware of your relationship until now." Oprah asked carefully. "It's really quite difficult to comprehend that you've been an item for so long."
"Obviously being in the public eye can take its toll on a relationship especially one that is in its early stages. Klaus and I wanted to be able to get to know each other without any impediments." Caroline said.
"Yeah we wanted to be able to see where this was going without it being splashed across the newspapers which I'm sure you'd understand. We both wanted to keep our private lives exactly that." Klaus added.
"Well I think that's especially interesting coming from you Klaus I mean your previous, well let's call them 'flings', have been very well documented in the press."
"Honestly Oprah I don't deny I've had a colourful past and I think it has been obvious to everyone that, up until now, I haven't taken life very seriously. When I met Caroline though there was something so refreshing about her that it made me reassess everything I'd been doing."
"So what you're saying is that Caroline has done what no one else has and tamed your wild ways?" Oprah suggested earning a grin from Klaus. He paused momentarily trying to articulate what he wanted to say.
"I'm cynical by nature, always have been Oprah. I never believed it when people talked about meeting 'the one' and finding their soul mate, I thought it was all rubbish that is until I met Caroline." He paused looking deeply into her eyes.
"So she's the one?"
"Yeah Caroline is the one." He said sincerely his voice breaking slightly. "I know that a lot of people can spend their entire lives searching for the one, I'm just so happy that I found mine and married her." He replied his voice thick with emotion.
"Wow Klaus you certainly sound like a changed man." Oprah said her eyes wide. "Which I have to say is very encouraging to see."
"Were you worried about me Oprah?" Klaus teased earning a giggle from the interviewer.
"Maybe just a little bit Klaus." She smiled her cheek slightly reddening.
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"You had her eating out of the palm of your hand man; I have to give it to you you're a natural." Stefan said proudly. "I'd say that definitely deserves an Oscar nomination."
"Yeah I was just waiting for Oprah to start rubbing herself up against you with all that flirting that was going on." Bonnie laughed. "I think she's got a crush on you."
"Aren't you forgetting how amazing my girl here was?" Elena said beaming at Caroline.
"Yes you were fantastic too; we might need to get you on the audition circuit for some acting roles." Stefan replied his face lighting up at the possibilities. "Maybe Katherine has some ideas; I'll have to ask her when she gets back from her shoot in Thailand."
"No thanks Stefan I'll stick with the singing, that was entirely too draining for my liking." Caroline said her exhaustion evident.
The group were assembled at Klaus's Los Angeles pad in the Hollywood Hills celebrating their interview with Oprah. It wasn't due to air until the next night but they were fairly certain it had been somewhat of a success. If people still had their doubts they thought the interview would go a long way in beginning to restore their credibility.
"Well Blondie you certainly won me over." Damon said his green eyes full of admiration. "That line about not having a date to the prom was genius."
"Um Damon it was actually the truth I didn't have a date." She replied.
"Really?" Klaus said surprised. "I thought you were joking, you know that's just really sad."
"Thanks for making me feel so much better about myself." Caroline said shooting him a dirty look.
"Well it certainly did the trick. Not to mention all those long drawn out stares and expressions of love, Oliver Stone couldn't have written a better script." Elena said in disbelief.
"Look I don't think we should be getting too excited I mean this hasn't even aired yet and I think we still have a very long way to go." Caroline said responsibly.
"Yeah I'm with Caroline for once, we have no idea how this is going to play out in the media, we need to just wait and see then plan our next move."
"Ten steps ahead of you Klaus." Bonnie said pulling her blackberry out of her handbag. "We need to attack this situation like it's a publicity tour for one of your movies."
"What?" He cried in shock. "You expect us to promote our relationship doing press conferences and interviews around the US."
"Not just in the US Klaus, internationally." Elena said jumping in to the conversation.
"Seriously you guys this is ridiculous, I mean we have careers to focus on we can't be globetrotting around the world for the next six months." Caroline protested.
"I can't believe I'm agreeing with you again." Klaus said shaking his head at her. "But Caroline is right we need to get back to our normal lives. The media will see straight through that as nothing more than a publicity making venture."
"You'd make a terrible publicist Niklaus." Bonnie said using his full name and Klaus knew she was annoyed at him questioning her. "You will both keep your current work commitments but you'll do them together as a newly married couple. Those events will provide the ideal platform to gush about your newfound love."
"Caroline you're performing at the MTV European Music Awards in Madrid next month so that's the perfect opportunity for Klaus to accompany you." Elena said consulting her phone.
"And Klaus you have to attend the première of your latest film in Paris so Caroline can be your date." Bonnie added. "Actually that's just around the time of Paris Fashion Week as well it wouldn't hurt to be seen in the audience of one of Rebekah's shows."
"Oh really?" Caroline whined. "I was hoping maybe I wouldn't have to see her again for at least another six months." She groaned.
"She is your sister-in-law Caroline. Speaking of in-laws you are going to need to catch up with Elijah and Kol at some stage so you'll also need to make a quick trip over to London." Bonnie added making notes as she went.
"Maybe the newlyweds can slip in a belated honeymoon between gigs." Damon said wiggling his eyebrows.
"For once you've actually come up with a good idea Damon." Elena said her mouth agape.
"Hey you don't need to sound so surprised honey I'm full of good ideas." He shot back his green eyes blazing.
"It has to be somewhere romantic maybe Italy or the Greek Islands." Bonnie said interrupting before they could get into yet another petty argument.
"The Greek Islands wouldn't be as easily accessible to the media for photo opportunities I'm thinking. How about Italy, perhaps Tuscany or further south in Positano." Elena suggested dreamily.
"This is unbelievable I didn't sign up to this so you could plan my every move for the next six months, including my own honeymoon. I have a life you know." Klaus cried watching them get carried away with their plans.
"Not any more you don't Klaus; you lost that right when you got drunk and married in Vegas buddy." Stefan said.
"Anyway I would hardly call an extended trip to Europe a bad thing." Elena muttered giving him a look before continuing on planning their schedule. "Bonnie we'll probably need to add a visit to Liz Forbes in Mystic Falls to the itinerary before Europe." Klaus noticed Caroline's blue eyes well up slightly no doubt at the mention of her mother and hometown.
"Okay that's enough." He shouted over their relentless chattering. "I think we've had enough for the day don't you?" Klaus said looking over at Caroline's pale and tired face.
"Yeah you're right, we should let you get some rest in your new home." Damon said raising his eyebrows suggestively.
During the flight from LA that morning the pair had fought incessantly about whose house they would live in for the next six months. As usual their representatives had stepped in and decided they would divide their time in the US between Klaus's home in LA and Caroline's New York penthouse on the Upper East Side.
"Always so mature Damon." Elena said rolling her eyes. "See you sweetie, I'll call you tomorrow." Stefan walked over and wrapped Caroline in his arms before walking out the door, the rest of them following behind. The door shut with a bang, Caroline flopping back onto the couch with a loud sigh.
"I never thought marriage would be this exhausting." She joked.
"Well I thought it would be but not for this reason." He said arching his left eyebrow suggestively.
"Yeah I guess at least that would be more fun." Caroline laughed despite feeling absolutely wrecked.
"Well you know where to find me love." He said a smirk plastered on his face gesturing towards the stairs which led to the master bedroom.
"Oh please get over yourself it's bad enough I have to sleep in the same house as you and your massive ego."
"Well when you find yourself weakening in the middle of the night my massive ego and I will welcome you with open arms."
"I'm way too tired to deal with your jokes tonight after the day I've had." Caroline said standing up slowly and walking up the long hallway. "I'm going to bed and locking the door."
"There's nothing wrong with my willpower honey." He called after her thinking the complete opposite.
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Klaus removed his shirt and crawled into bed, the familiarity of his own bed comforting after the previous two days. He had no idea signing up for a fake marriage would be so demanding but at least he wasn't going through it alone.
He thought about the blonde downstairs wondering what she was doing and more importantly what she was wearing or not wearing as the case may be. Klaus shook his head realising those thoughts would do nothing but drive him crazy and only end in a nasty cold shower. His phone rang breaking his reverie.
He picked it up from the bedside table groaning a little as he read the caller ID. He knew he'd better answer it and get the lecture over and done with.
"Big brother to what do I owe the pleasure." Klaus said sarcastically.
"Don't play dumb with me Niklaus; I've been calling you since yesterday." Elijah said.
"Well I've been slightly busy Elijah." Klaus hissed.
"Yes I suppose having a drunken wedding in Las Vegas to a complete stranger would do that." He replied unamused.
"There's no need to be like that Elijah, I'm aware of what I've done. You'll have to excuse me if I didn't really didn't feel like a lecture and from you of all people."
"Well maybe if you listened to my so called lectures you would stop doing such irresponsible things." He said.
"Why do you feel it necessary to treat me like a little kid Elijah, you've been doing it ever since I was young. You're not my father in case you hadn't noticed."
"Well someone has to be considering our absentee father did such a fine job." He replied bitterly.
"Look Elijah I'd rather not talk about our wonderful childhood right now. I'm pretty tired, its been a long couple of days." He said defeatedly.
"Are you okay Niklaus?" He asked concerned obviously sensing his brother's frustration.
"Wow you're actually asking me how I am? This must be a first." He said shocked, Elijah was silent in response. "Yes brother I'm okay just worn out from all the media attention and its only been two days."
"If you must know Niklaus I wasn't calling to give you a lecture. To be honest I thought having to put up with our dear sister was punishment enough." Klaus laughed, their mutual annoyance with Rebekah was the one thing they had in common.
"Yeah well she was pretty scary as usual and don't worry she berated me enough for the two of you anyway."
"Good to hear." Klaus could tell by his voice that Elijah was smiling. "But what's this nonsense about you staying married? I almost couldn't believe it when Rebekah told me."
"Look Elijah it's just too complicated to explain." He said dismissively.
"How is it that complicated? What benefit would you get out of staying married, as far as I understand it Caroline Forbes is a complete stranger."
"Look Elijah I can't keep acting like I have, it's time for me to step up and take some responsibility, my career depends on it."
"As much as I love this newfound responsibility Niklaus, since when did you care that much about image?" He asked. "As far as I can tell your childish behaviour seems to resonate with the public for some unknown reason."
"I'll guess I'll take that as a compliment." Klaus said sarcastically shaking his head. "Look it's just easier this way."
"Easier? How do you figure that, if anything I would have thought an annulment was the easy way out." Elijah exclaimed. "At least then you wouldn't be living a lie."
"Look it's done now Elijah, we had an interview with Oprah and its going to hit the airwaves tomorrow night, it would look far worse if I tried to back out now." Elijah was silent obviously processing what his brother was saying.
"So what's this Caroline like?" He asked interested.
"What's that got to do with anything Elijah?"
"Well I'm just curious she is my sister-in-law after all." He replied. "Plus it's not like you to want to spend more than one night, let alone six months with a woman."
"Oh come on I'm not that bad." He scoffed knowing it was in fact completely true.
"You are Niklaus! I've never met anyone so allergic to commitment. A girl stays longer than a day and you start to break out in hives." He laughed.
"Very funny brother." He muttered, since when did Elijah get a sense of humour?
"It's true and you know it, I'm just curious as to why after all these years you're more than happy to commit yourself to this Caroline for so long."
"You forget it isn't a real marriage Elijah so it doesn't count as real commitment."
"So why are you doing it then?" He paused momentarily the realisation sweeping over him."What don't tell me Niklaus Mikaelson has actual feelings for this girl?"
"Of course not, I only met her two days ago I barely know her." He growled.
"And yet you're prepared to go through all of this chaos for her. Deny it all you like Niklaus but there's definitely more to this." Elijah said determinedly.
"Okay that's enough psycho-analysing for one night brother I really need to get some sleep." Klaus said gruffly disconnecting the phone.
He slammed his phone back on the table and turned over hoping slumber would come to him soon. For some reason however his brother's words were reverberating though his head and he was suddenly finding it almost impossible to sleep.