You guys are the best; your comments always make my day. I do try to update as regularly as I can so just so you know I'm looking at about two chapters a week.
I had a question from a guest reviewer about Bonnie and a possible love interest (thanks by the way). I obviously have my own ideas (two in particular) but wanted to ask who you think she should be paired with so let me know if you have any thoughts, thanks.
Here is the continuation from last chapter…
Chapter 9: Collision Course
7 June, New York City, 9:30pm
"I couldn't believe it when I turned up at this guy's house for a 'date' only to have his brother answer the door." Katherine said her eyes wide using air quotes for the word date meaning it was code for sex.
"So what's wrong with that?" Stefan asked.
"Oh nothing much except that I slept with his brother a few nights earlier." She cried. "Awkward was a complete understatement." Caroline laughed as Katherine relived some of her Thailand sexcapades with Stefan. She'd heard the story a few nights earlier but it was still as funny as ever.
"So Bangkok is a much smaller place than you realised." Stefan said and Katherine nodded in agreement.
"They were both pretty cute if they weren't related I might have suggested a threesome." Katherine said nonchalantly. Caroline shook her head secretly admiring Katherine for being so out there with her sex life. She didn't want to think about how long she had gone without sex it was far too depressing.
"So this is a pretty good turnout for such late notice." Stefan noted looking around the room.
"Yeah I guess so. I don't know is it just me or does Klaus seem not entirely happy?"
"What do you mean, he seems fine to me." Katherine said looking at him chatting away animatedly.
Over the past month Caroline had learned a lot about Klaus and one thing she knew was when he wasn't being genuine. This was definitely one of those times; his forced smile was a dead giveaway.
"Yeah I wouldn't be so sure; I don't think this surprise party was a very good idea." She murmured starting to feel queasy in the stomach. Caroline looked over sending him a slight smile hoping to gauge his mood, the stony look she received back only confirming her suspicions. Klaus was pissed but she had no idea why.
5 June, New York City
"Honestly it was the worst sex I'd ever had, he was so rough my back was jarred for days, I'm not sure how I managed to get through the shoot to tell you the truth." Katherine said the residual pain registering on her face.
"Seriously Katherine I have no idea how you get yourself into these situations." She laughed. "Maybe you need to ask for references before they're allowed to sleep with you."
"Hey that's not a bad idea." She said her eyes lighting up. "So are you glad to be back in the city?"
"Oh yeah you have no idea how long I've been waiting for Wednesday night drinks." She said brightly. The girls had ventured out to Prima Oyster Bar one of their favourites spots in the East Village.
"I've really missed our chats, I feel like I never see you now you're married." Katherine pouted.
"I know my whole life has to be planned down to the last hour these days although I suppose that's what I get for being drunk and stupid."
"Speaking of your minor indiscretion." Only Katherine would refer to her drunken wedding as an indiscretion. "How is it that you haven't told me all the dirty details about your roll in the hay with Klaus?" She said. "Going by that smoking kiss in the papers I'm imaging it was pretty hot."
"Well there's hardly been time Katherine, what with everything that's been going on." She said dismissively.
"There's no time like the present darling I'm just dying to know what he's like in bed." Katherine said her eyes flashing with excitement. Caroline hesitated unsure of how to answer her friend.
"Um well the thing is that I have no idea what he's like." She admitted Katherine's face clouding over in confusion.
"I don't understand."
"Well truthfully I don't remember it." She said quietly ashamed by her confession.
"Wow, I never realised you were that drunk! You did sleep together though didn't you?"
"Well I think so."
"You think so?"
"Well Klaus seems to think we did."
"So he remembers it then?"
"Well no I don't think so."
"You don't think so?"
"Katherine stop that you're giving me a headache." She complained. "Neither of us remember it but surely we did, I mean you saw the footage from the chapel we couldn't keep our hands off each other."
"Yeah that's true but what a shame. At least some mind-blowing sex would have kind of made up for the whole wedding part." She said.
"Yes that's the most important thing to come out of this." Caroline said rolling her eyes at her friend. "Anyway how do you know he'd be that good in bed?"
"Well considering his extensive list of conquests I would assume so." Caroline felt slightly ill thinking of all his past lovers.
"Well I guess we'll never know."
"Why the hell not?" She shouted getting strange stares from fellow diners. "There's still plenty of time for you to give me a performance report."
"Shhh Katherine!"
"Oh come on Caroline you're not just a teensy bit curious?" She said lowering her voice. "Don't tell me there hasn't been even one night where you've wanted to creep into the next room and pounce on him." She said as Caroline blushed a deep crimson thinking it had definitely been more than one night.
"I knew it! Look if you're going to be stuck in this sham marriage why not have a little fun?"
"You sound just like Klaus." She scoffed.
"Yeah I'm beginning to think he's like my male equivalent." She laughed. "Hey stop changing the subject and answer the question."
"Look it just doesn't seem right, no matter how many improper thoughts I might of had." She paused briefly realising she'd lost count of just how many." Plus there is the issue of our bet."
"You guys have a bet? I like the sound of this."
"If Klaus gives in he has to clean my house in a dress and make-up." Katherine snorted no doubt at the image of Klaus in a dress. "If I give in first I have to clean his house in my tiniest bikini."
"And here I was thinking it was going to be more kinky." She said obviously disappointed. "So what's the problem, if you give in he'll see a lot more of you than in your bikini honey."
Caroline looked at her friend realising she had a damn good point. As time went by it was becoming more and more difficult to resist his charms. Caroline found herself constantly thinking about Klaus and they'd only shared one kiss that she remembered. She knew that if that kiss was anything to go by the sex would be absolutely explosive.
Caroline broke out of her trance to find Katherine impatiently waiting for an answer. She shook her head trying to dislodge the thoughts the brunette had planted there.
"No Katherine I can't. I mean it's the principle of the matter." She said weakly.
"Oh give me a break Caroline." She scoffed. "I can tell you right now a principle isn't going to keep you warm at night." Caroline nodded feeling the last shreds of her willpower slowly slipping away.
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6 June, New York City
"Hello." Caroline said answering her phone.
"Well if it isn't my dear sister-in-law." Rebekah replied. Caroline felt her stomach sink how Rebekah had her number; this certainly wasn't part of the marriage deal.
"Rebekah what a surprise."
"No need to sound so excited Caroline." She said tartly.
"What can I do for you?" She asked thinking the complete opposite.
"Well I was calling you about Nik's birthday tomorrow; I mean it's absolutely ridiculous that the occasion should go by unrecognised."
"What do you mean Rebekah, what birthday?" She stuttered unsure of what the hell the blonde was talking about.
"You didn't know." She said taken by surprise. "Oh I'm sorry I thought he would have told you his birthday is tomorrow." The tone of her voice telling Caroline she wasn't sorry at all.
"Well I guess he didn't Rebekah." She replied shortly the news of his impending birthday feeling like a punch to her stomach. They had been living together for a month now and he didn't think to mention it.
After their night on the roof Caroline was beginning to see another side to Klaus. A side she really liked if she was being honest with herself. He was usually so arrogant and sarcastic but he'd let his guard down slightly and she was beginning to realise there was so much more to him than she first thought.
"Well not to worry dear that's all the more reason to make a surprise of it. I've actually had a few ideas of my own." Caroline rolled her eyes knowing by that comment she probably had more than a few.
"I don't know Rebekah a surprise party? I haven't known Klaus for a long time but it doesn't seem like something he'd like."
"Trust me Caroline everyone likes a surprise party." She said with authority. "I mean don't you want to help Nik celebrate his birthday? I'm sure he'd do the same thing for you." Talk about a guilt trip Caroline thought. She already felt bad enough admitting to Rebekah she didn't know it was her own husband's birthday.
"Of course I do but if it's tomorrow there isn't much time to organise anything." She said desperately wracking her brain for ideas.
"Not to worry just leave it all up to me." She said obviously trying to sound considerate, which Caroline knew she was anything but. "I'll send you through all the details so if you could get him there that would be great." Caroline shook her head knowing she didn't have much choice.
"Um yeah okay." She said weakly wondering how she'd been roped into this. Rebekah disconnected the phone suddenly Caroline realising she'd just been dismissed.
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"I can't believe you gave the she-devil my number." Caroline whined at her manager.
"Look I said I was sorry but she told me it was urgent and honestly Caroline I just wanted some peace and quiet." He said a slight smile playing on his lips. "You forget she has my number now too." He reminded her.
It was a beautiful summer's day in Manhattan and the two of them were walking through Central Park taking advantage of the nice weather.
"If she makes it a regular thing I'm changing my number." She snapped obviously still upset by their earlier conversation.
"I can't believe it's his birthday tomorrow." He said attempting to change the subject.
"You and me both, I mean who doesn't tell someone it's their birthday?" She cried her frustration evident.
"There could be lots of reasons Caroline. Maybe it's because Klaus doesn't want to acknowledge the occasion, which is his prerogative I suppose."
"Oh so now you two are drinking buddies you're going to take his side." She said accusingly.
"Caroline I'm always going to be on your side." He said his face deathly serious, she immediately felt bad for doubting his allegiances.
"I know Stef." She sighed squeezing his shoulder affectionately. "I just don't understand. I mean if he really doesn't want to celebrate then why is Rebekah throwing him a party? It just seems so strange."
"Yeah I know but she's his sister maybe she knows something we don't." He said shrugging his shoulders.
"Maybe but I have to say this doesn't sit very well with me at all, although knowing Rebekah I'm sure she'd still throw the party even without my help."
"So what's the plan for tomorrow then?"
"Well she's booked at Butter from 9pm, my sole job is to get the birthday boy there."
"Well it sounds like you got the easy job at least." He said.
"Easy? Knowing how stubborn Klaus can be I'm not so sure Stefan." She muttered still upset that he hadn't confided in her.
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"So how do I look? Handsome, dashing, sexy as hell?" He laughed walking into the living room. Caroline was at the window looking out onto the street at the hundreds of cars inching their way up Fifth Avenue during peak hour.
"Earth to Caroline?" He said touching her shoulder lightly to get her attention. She broke out of her daze and turned around to face him. Klaus stared back his eyes roaming over her body soaking in her appearance.
"What is something wrong?" She asked looking down at her floor-length strapless ruby gown suddenly feeling very self-conscious. Klaus was silent unable to speak for what seemed like five minutes.
"No nothing at all." He said quietly clearly overcome but what he saw. "You um look beautiful." Caroline felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. She cleared her throat determined not to let him get to her.
"Wow Klaus Mikaelson lost for words who thought that was possible." She teased noticing a slight blush cross his cheeks.
"Yeah just don't get used to it." He replied gruffly obviously slightly embarrassed.
"Well I guess you don't look too bad yourself." She joked noticing the way his black dinner jacket hugged his muscular chest. She had the sudden urge to rip it off him he looked that fine. Damn Katherine she thought, why did she have to put those thoughts in her head? Caroline shook her head trying to focus on their night ahead at the Lincoln Centre. Klaus regarded her with interest.
"Alright love?" He asked a cheeky grin breaking out on his face making him look even sexier if that was possible. "So I guess we should go and get this over and done with."
"I think we have another twenty minutes before the limo gets here so we might as well have a drink." She suggested hoping he might open up to her.
"Good idea."
"So have you got any plans for tomorrow?" She asked hoping her question wasn't too obvious.
"Oh um I don't think so." He mumbled. "I'm pretty happy to just take it easy and not do too much." He said pretending to busy himself making the drinks.
"Well I have my video shoot during the day but thought maybe you might like to go out for dinner tomorrow night. We could even venture out in public."
"Oh I'm not sure Bonnie or Elena would appreciate that."
"Well we are supposed to be acting like a married couple so I don't think a dinner would hurt do you?" She prodded. Klaus walked over handing her a vodka obviously stalling his response.
"Any reason why you want to go out so much?" He asked carefully and Caroline realised she may have pushed him too far.
"Oh no I guess I'm just trying to get in my last New York fix." She said wistfully.
"You're really going to miss this place aren't you?" He asked taking a sip of his whiskey.
"Like you wouldn't believe."
"Surely you're excited about going back to Mystic Falls and seeing your friends and family."
"No not really." She mumbled. "To be honest I'm kind of scared about seeing my mum."
"Is she that scary?" He laughed nervously.
"Not usually but after our last conversation I'm not too sure." She sighed. "I haven't told anyone this but she's really mad with me about everything that happened."
"I'm sure she would have calmed down by now."
"You don't know my mum she can be really stubborn when she's angry about something."
"That sounds familiar." He laughed noting the family resemblance. "Look I think that's just the parental way, they wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't make you feel guilty for doing something bad." He said trying to lighten the situation.
"Yeah I know but I've never heard so much disappointment in her voice before, I don't think I can handle seeing it in her eyes as well." She mumbled tears springing to her eyes.
"Caroline she's your mum. Even after everything that's happened she still loves you, just remember that." He said instinctively putting his arm around her shoulders to provide some comfort. Caroline nestled into his embrace losing herself in the moment. They sat there for what seemed like hours lost in each other and their thoughts.
The intercom buzzed signalling the limo's arrival, interrupting the moment. They reluctantly broke apart; Klaus cleared his throat and rushed off to answer the intercom.
Caroline inhaled deeply trying to slow down her rapid heartbeat. No man had ever had this effect on her and she had no idea how to handle all the conflicting emotions she was feeling.
She approached the open door slowly trying to calm her nerves but before she could walk over the threshold Klaus stopped her placing his hands on her shoulders and looking deeply into her eyes. Caroline looked up at him unsure of what was about to happen. Klaus placed his finger under her right eye rubbing her skin softly.
"We can't have you going out in public looking like a panda now can we love." He said wiping away her smudged mascara, a cheeky grin crossing his face. Klaus was back to his usual self and Caroline wondered if she'd just imagined the last five minutes.
"Oh and by the way dinner sounds nice tomorrow night." Caroline shook he head in disbelief wondering why he'd suddenly changed his mind. She just hoped she was doing the right thing.
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10:30pm: June 7, New York City
"Caroline Forbes I presume?" At the sound of her name she looked up noticing a tall handsome brunette dressed immaculately in a dark suit.
"That would be me." She said unsure of who she was talking to. "And you are?"
"Elijah Mikaelson."
"I didn't expect to see you here; I thought we were catching up in London next month."
"Well I had some last minute business in town and I was speaking to Rebekah earlier and she suggested I come by tonight."
"Well it's good to finally meet the elusive brother I've heard so much about." She smiled.
"I'm not sure I want to know what Niklaus has been telling you about me." He joked and she laughed. Elijah didn't seem nearly as serious as Klaus had made out. "I'm imagining something along the lines of stuffy, boring..."
"Uptight, yeah that sounds about right." She teased. "It's nice to meet some of his family after all this time I was starting to think you weren't real."
"I thought after being acquainted with Rebekah you might have had some reservations about meeting the rest of us."
"Yeah well she's certainly different."
"I have to say different isn't a word I've ever heard to describe my dear sister."
"Yeah but she's done a great job the place looks fantastic." She said looking around the beautifully decorated room.
"I'm surprised Niklaus has lasted this long truthfully." He said peaking Caroline's interest. "He hates surprises almost as much as his own birthday." Caroline's face fell realising her original instincts were right.
"I knew it." She whispered in realisation his current mood making so much sense now. "I don't understand though if that's the case why would Rebekah throw him a party?"
"As much as I love my sister I'm sure you've realised by now that Rebekah's motives aren't always selfless." He said looking at the blonde fluttering about the room schmoozing with her guests. "This party has nothing to do with Niklaus, I'm fairly certain it's just another way to make herself the centre of attention."
"Mmmm yes I'm beginning to see that now." She said shaking her head at the model. Caroline could have kicked herself for falling for one of her tricks.
"I had a feeling Klaus wouldn't like it but considering he hadn't even told me it was his birthday I really wasn't sure about anything."
"Don't take it too hard Caroline Klaus has always chosen to spend his birthday alone so that's probably why he never mentioned it." Caroline looked at him in disbelief.
"Why would anyone want to spend their birthday alone though?"
"I think Klaus has his reasons." Elijah said mysteriously not going into further detail. "Although don't ask me to explain the inner workings of my brother's very complicated mind I still can't get over the fact that he's married."
"Yeah you and me both." She muttered.
"I'd be lying if I said I approve of this marriage." He admitted. "Although Klaus seems to have toned down his behaviour which isn't a bad thing, you seem to be quite a good influence." Caroline smiled.
"Now how is it that I haven't met you yet." Katherine said prancing over towards them a flute of champagne in her hand. "I think I would have remembered someone as cute as you." Elijah looked completely taken aback by the brunette's brazenness.
"Katherine Gilbert this is Elijah Mikaelson." Caroline said unsure of how this was going to play out.
"I should have known good looks run in the family not to mention that adorable accent." She purred.
"Well yes, I suppose so." He stuttered.
"So what brings you to New York, don't tell me you came over just for the party?"
"No I flew in for some business meetings yesterday but I'll be going back to London in the morning."
"You should really stick around see some of the sights." She said raising her eyebrows at him. Caroline shook her head at her friend's obvious double meaning.
"Well unfortunately I have to get back to work."
"You know what they say about all work and no play?" She said. "Maybe if you loosened up more you might have some fun."
"Well some of us actually have busy careers and don't get much time for messing about unlike you I'm guessing." Katherine inhaled sharply not used to such a frosty reception; his failure to recognise her adding to her ire.
"Well not that I need to explain myself to someone like you but I happen to have a very busy and fulfilling career as an actress."
"Oh I should have known." He replied rolling his eyes. "You certainly have a flair for over dramatizing things." If looks could kill Elijah would be a pile of dust right now, nobody spoke like that to Katherine Gilbert. Caroline could feel the air thick with tension realising she needed to step in and play referee before things really got out of hand.
"So how about this party?" She said feebly. They both look at her obviously forgetting she was there they had been so heavily involved in their argument.
"I really should go over and see Rebekah, if you'll excuse me." He said shortly and walked away leaving an enraged brunette in his wake.
"The nerve of that guy, I mean who does he think he is?" She seethed. Caroline didn't think she'd ever seen her friend get so worked up before. "I shouldn't be surprised though he is related to Rebekah after all."
Caroline looked over towards the blonde laughing and chatting the anger bubbling in her stomach. Her selfishness really knew no bounds Caroline thought. If there wasn't so many people around she probably would have given her a piece of her mind but she didn't want to cause a scene, Klaus was already having a bad night as it was.
Caroline suddenly wasn't in much of a party mood.
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1:30am: June 8, New York City,
"Klaus?" Caroline called as she walked in her front door throwing her keys on the kitchen table. The house was dark and silent it didn't look like he'd come back there.
She had tried to get him alone throughout the evening but it was like he was purposely trying to avoid her. Caroline didn't understand how she had suddenly become the bad guy seeing as Rebekah was responsible for the disastrous party.
Feeling slightly sorry for herself Caroline had proceeded to down some vodka shots with Katherine who had been in a nasty mood since her earlier altercation with Elijah. She realised as her head started to spin that she'd had enough and needed to leave. She had looked around the party only to notice Klaus was gone. He hadn't even bothered to say goodbye.
For some reason Caroline didn't like the thought of Klaus being mad at her. She didn't even know the guy up until just over a month ago so why should she care?
Caroline filled a glass with water and drank it slowly realising where he might be hiding. Reaching R in the elevator she stepped out into the garden the brightness of the buildings illuminating a lone figure at the bar.
"So my roof garden has become your sulking place has it?" She asked. He looked up at her his frustration obvious.
"You know it would just be really nice to have some time to myself I mean it is my birthday after all." He snarled skulling the last of his whiskey and immediately refilling his glass to the top.
"Well it isn't actually your birthday anymore Klaus so I can't leave you alone."
"Great just what I feel like another lecture from the perfect Caroline Forbes." He snapped.
"Oh someone's drunk and feeling sorry for themselves." She muttered. "You know you're a year older you might want to start acting like it."
"And the lecture begins." He moaned.
"You know maybe if you weren't so childish a lecture wouldn't be necessary. Look I get it you're angry because it wasn't the way you wanted to spend your birthday."
"No it wasn't."
"Look Rebekah had no right to do that especially considering she knew how you felt but there's no point in drowning your sorrows."
"Rebekah does what Rebekah wants I hardly think that's a worthy enough reason to get drunk."
"So why are you so upset then and why did you ignore me all night?" She cried his behaviour making absolutely no sense.
"I just can't believe you went along with it all." He said quietly.
"How do you think I felt having you sister call and tell me it was your birthday?" She cried her anger rising to the surface. "I think I was too shocked to argue with her about a stupid party, which you know would have happened with or without me."
"I don't tell anyone it's my birthday if I can help it; trust me it isn't just you." He replied sheepishly.
"Oh I feel so much better now Klaus! We have been spending so much time together lately it wouldn't have been hard to just mention it in passing. "
"I don't like anyone making a fuss Caroline." He said his voice low.
"I'm not Rebekah Klaus. I don't go around just throwing people random surprise parties."
"Look whatever Caroline it doesn't even matter okay. All I want is just to be left alone." He said almost pleading with her.
"Why do you hate your birthday so much you need to spend it all alone."
"Look Caroline I really don't want to talk about this with you of all people." He snapped.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She whispered.
"You and I barely know each other; I mean we've only known each other for a month." He cried his temper getting the best of him.
"So what's that got to do with anything?"
"We're not friends Caroline and its time we stopped pretending that's the case. This is purely a short-term professional arrangement and any time we spend together is through obligation only."
Caroline stumbled backwards his harsh words cutting through her like a knife. Is that really what he thought about her after everything they'd been through? She put her hand up to her cheek feeling like she'd been slapped in the face. She could have burst into tears right then and there but didn't want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he'd upset her.
"Fine I'll leave you alone." She said quietly starting to walk off before turning back around to look at him one last time. "Happy birthday Klaus." She whispered realising she hadn't had the chance to say it until then.