Give Me Love Like Never Before

A/N: I am so sorry for almost a month wait for this chapter. Had so much going on what with projects, farewells, etc. So sorry for the delay. I promise next update will be sooner. Thanks for the reviews, favorites and alerts. Now without further delay.

Disclaimer: I don't own TVD

Chapter 7

Stefan was never late for work. Sure, there had been times where he had to take leave due to personal reasons but he had never been late. And he didn't want to break that record today. Due to lack of sleep the night before, he had gotten up late in the morning. He had panicked on seeing the time and had hurried to get ready for the day. Caroline had prepared him breakfast and left for the office not wanting to face the wrath of Klaus.

If there was anything Klaus was very particular about it was punctuality and Caroline too hated being late. Things have not been smooth between them with Caroline actually not being that thrilled of her job and Klaus not that pleased with her. Stefan had even started regretting his decision of recommending Caroline for the job.

Not that Caroline was not doing her job well, it was just that there was always this mutual hatred they shared. Klaus can appear like a jerk when he wanted and only those who were really close to him knew how sweet he was when he wanted. If he was right, only his previous assistant Monica and he knew Klaus' true self. For her part, Caroline could be quite judgy but once she befriends someone she would do anything for them. If it came to worse, Stefan would hate to take either of his friends' side.

Gulping his drink quickly, Stefan tried his best to untangle the tie. He normally would take extra care in this but now that he was in a hurry, he messed it up. "Oh, you are in a mess I see?" came an amused voice from the door. Stefan looked up to see Elena smiling at him from the door. "Good to know that my misery amuses you!" sighed Stefan. Elena came in front of him and swatted away his hands. She took control of the tie and looked up at him. "Good morning" whispered Stefan. "You sure?" questioned Elena pointing to his tangled tie and half eaten breakfast.

Stefan smiled and replied, "Yeah! It is always a good morning if you are with me". She looked pleased but hid it by saying, "Cheesy" for which he just shrugged. "Things haven't been great for us for the past few weeks" said Elena as she straightened his tie and stepped back. "Hmmm. Its true" nodded Stefan. "So what do you say dinner tonight to talk things over?" asked Elena with hope.

Stefan kissed her and told, "Dinner it is then." Elena returned his smile but warned, "But don't be late. I will be waiting." "I won't be" promised Stefan hugging Elena. But on seeing his watch, he exclaimed, "Oh crap! I am late. Will see you at dinner, Elena. Bye!" Elena laughed as Stefan dashed out of the place frantically and silently hoped everything would be back to normal in their relationship.

Caroline carried the coffee cup carefully hoping to god that at least today she satisfies Mr. Mikaelson. Urgh, just thinking of his name infuriated her. He had been nothing but frustrating that entire week. It was true that he was the boss and that she worked under him. But there could only be so much you could stand when one took special care just to pinpoint your mistakes. And if there was anyone who hated being wrong, it was Caroline Forbes.

Caroline knocked the door waiting for the accented 'Come in'. Many girls in the office thought his accent and grin compensated for his horrible personality but Caroline thought otherwise. It was true he was good looking but that doesn't change the fact that he was a prick. Klaus looked up to see Caroline waiting with his coffee. He hoped that at least after a week of practice she would have learned to make the perfect coffee. How difficult could that be? He sipped the drink and said, "Not bad! No, actually good. Definitely an improvement from the disaster yesterday."

Caroline silently rejoiced on hearing it. It was actually big coming from Klaus. However he continued by saying, "Though Monica learnt it within two days. But that is okay. I can't expect everyone as shrewd as her." Caroline sighed. He couldn't even let her celebrate for a second. He had to bring up how great his previous assistant was and dampen her spirits. She didn't know why but he who always found fault in others, singing praises about his former employee pissed her to a great extent. She just left his table and sat at hers fuming.

Klaus smirked as he saw her cursing him under her breath. He knew it annoyed her that he compared her to his previous assistant, but he couldn't help. Monica was the best and it was only fair that he compared Caroline with her. "Excuse me, Mr. Mikaelson" said a woman waiting near his half open door. Caroline noted that she was pregnant and really pale. She pitied her and thought how excruciating it would be for her in such a situation.

"Yes, Emma. How can I help you?" asked Klaus wanting to start his work for the day. "Sir, I got a 3 months holiday option this morning. But I didn't apply for it" asked a confused Emma. "Oh, about that yes. I only granted it" said Klaus getting up from his place and walking around. "You see, you seemed to have not met your deadline last week. And we could have easily lost our dealership if Mr. Gilbert hadn't stepped up."

Emma panicked and told, "But I had pain and I thought I was in labor. I couldn't make it to office because I was in hospital." Klaus looked unimpressed and said, "Yeah, right. It is not going to be the only time you are going to have pain. So I think it would be better if you take a break from work. I only want the most capable ones at my disposal. I am sorry but I can't afford the uncertainty of your presence."

Emma looked sick and said, "But I have to work. If not I may have to start afresh here again" "Yes, I am afraid so. But I am sure that is what is best for you as well as our company" tried Klaus to reason. "But you can't do so" claimed Emma close to tears. "I am sorry. But this project is my life and I am not going to allow someone who is unreliable put it to risk. Now if you can go, I have work" said Klaus with finality. Emma left the room crying while Caroline looked on helpless. She wondered if she had ever seen a man this heartless.

It had been a long morning for Bonnie. She had to organize a skit for the children in the school. So obviously it had been pretty taxing for her. Children were difficult to handle on normal days. Add to that their nervousness on getting on a stage only made it worse. Also it didn't help that Bonnie was the only one who could calm all the forty children. So this lunch break she took was a relief for her. Many of her friends including Elena had suggested that she took a better job. But the bottom line was that she loved being around kids.

Whenever she was with them she forgot all about her worries and sorrows and relished their company. Bonnie was a single child who lost her mother at a very young age. She had always craved for company. She herself would volunteer to babysit the kids in the neighborhood. That was how she became comfortable being around them. Bonnie rushed to complete her lunch to get back to school when a familiar figure entered the restaurant. He was the one she hoped she would never have to see again. Kol Mikaelson.

It appeared as if he hadn't noticed her, so Bonnie tried to be as inconspicuous as she could so that she could escape from another encounter with him. However luck was not on her side as he spotted her as he searched for a free table. His smirk widened when he saw her. Bonnie groaned internally and tried her best to ignore him. But he made it straight to her table and greeted, "Hello, darling!" She acted as if she didn't recognize him and asked, "Sorry, how could I help you?"

He laughed on hearing that and settled down in the seat beside her and said, "Oh come on, darling. You can never forget this handsome face. So save your breath." Bonnie huffed and questioned, "What the hell are you doing here? Are you stalking me or something". He just scoffed before answering, "As much as you are beautiful, don't fool yourself, Bonnie. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time". Bonnie leapt out of her seat as she said; "Well I am sorry that the same could not be said for me." Kol just shook his head smiling as he followed her out of the restaurant.

Caroline looked around as she searched for a place to have her lunch in the cafeteria. It had been a week since she had started working here and she had not made any friends. Hence she had to spend her lunch time alone. True, Stefan accompanied her for the first three days. But he had been really busy with this new hybrid project that he didn't have his lunch on time.

She continued her search as she bumped into a blonde woman who carried a plate full of sandwiches and French fries. "Oops, sorry! Didn't see you coming!" apologized the friendly appearing bumper. "It is okay. I am sorry too" smiled Caroline. "Wait! Are you new to this place? I haven't seen you before" enquired the blonde still not dropping her smile. "Yeah! I am new to this place. I am Caroline Forbes. Mr. Mikaelson's new personal assistant" replied Caroline.

"Oh so you are the new one. Great! So want to join us for the lunch? I am Lexi Branson by the way" said Lexi. "Sure. I would love to" told Caroline overjoyed at the fact that she was making new friends at the work place. Lexi led her to a table where Caroline spotted two guys chatting with a woman. One of the guys she recognized as Jeremy Gilbert, Elena's brother and Bonnie's boyfriend. The other guy looked handsome with his blonde hair and cute smile. The woman was laughing at the Jeremy's joke and looked beautiful and at the same time friendly.

As Lexi and Caroline approached the table, the three stopped talking and turned their attention towards Caroline. "Hey guys! Welcome our new friend Caroline Forbes to our gang. Caroline, we are the golden quartet. This is Jeremy Gilbert, Matt Donovan and Jenna Sommers" introduced Lexi. Everyone greeted Caroline back while Jeremy asked, "Aren't you Stefan's best friend from Mystic Falls? God, now I can't complain about my sister or my girlfriend!" Caroline laughed as she settled down between Jenna and Matt. "Hi Caroline! So how do you find your new work?" enquired Matt.

She didn't know what it was about him, but Caroline was instantly attracted to this guy. He looked friendly, sweet and lovable. "Well, she is working under Klaus. So it is self explanatory!"quipped Jenna. Everyone looked amused when Caroline finally answered, "It is not great but still I promise you there is no dull moment when you work for Klaus." The rest of the lunch break was spent with Caroline becoming accustomed to their company. To say she liked them all would be an understatement. She loved all the four.

Jeremy was fun to be with as he kept them all entertained. Jenna was the one she was searching for in this city. Not that Elena and Bonnie were bad but Jenna had the same tastes as her. Caroline loved talking with her. Lexi was more like the leader of the group. She was great but still had this friendly control over everyone and none seemed to mind it. But it was Matt who stole Caroline's attention completely. If anything she had developed a teensy bit of a crush on him.

As everyone left for work at the end of lunch, Caroline pulled Jenna aside and asked, "So you don't know by any means whether Matt has a girlfriend, huh?" failing miserably in keeping it casual. Jenna laughed and said "I understand. It is a bit difficult not to get attracted to the sweet Matt. But no he is not in any relationship right now." Caroline sighed happily and thanked her but Jenna's attention seemed to be elsewhere.

She was watching a handsome guy who was talking to some girl near the coffee machine. Caroline elbowed Jenna and said, "It seems like I am not the only one with a crush." "Yep! That is Alaric Saltzman who has stalked Jenna for god knows how long and whom our little Jenna too lust over" replied Lexi appearing out of nowhere. Jenna blushed and denied defiantly, "I don't" "You do" replied Lexi already leaving the cafeteria. Jenna followed her shouting, "I don't" while Lexi riled her up by saying, "You do". Caroline shook her head over their childishness but enjoyed their banter every bit.

"What is your problem?" asked Bonnie irritated by Kol's presence in her school function. He had followed her all the way to the school and was now annoying the hell out of her. "Oh come on, darling. I am just a mute observer here. I have never been to a school function before. So why can't you just ignore me" pleaded Kol. Actually Kol loved this place more than he was willing to admit.

If watching the backstage teeming with little kids was lovely, then seeing Bonnie handle these sweet god gifted children was a pleasure. Though at first he was only attracted to her beauty and the challenge she presented, Kol now loved how endearing she was when she was surrounded by children. "Bonnie, an emergency. The guys who told that they would help with the props have not arrived. It seems they can't make it on time. So we have to collect them" informed who appeared to be another teacher.

"What? But how could they do so, Kate? They promised" exclaimed Bonnie. "I know. But what to do now? Everyone has some work or another. Who would get the props? I guess we have to do it without them this year" said Kate. "But wouldn't the children be disappointed?" panicked Bonnie. "I could go" volunteered Kol having heard the whole conversation. "You?" asked Bonnie doubtfully. "Why not? I have a car as well as a big heart" winked Kol for which Bonnie rolled her eyes.

"See I want to see the children happy too. So what do you say to a coffee tomorrow and I get the props as soon as possible" offered Kol with hope. "You are manipulating. I don't even want your help" brushed off Bonnie. "What would a cup of coffee do? Are you that unsure of your relationship?" challenged Kol. "Oh come on. Just a coffee, Bonnie. Also he does look hot. So why not? Don't you want the kids to be happy?" pleaded Kate. "Fine. Just a cup of coffee and that too for the kids. Now hurry" conceded Bonnie. Kol smiled widely and took off before saying, "As you say, darling" for which Kate looked amused while Bonnie felt embarrassed.

"So it is very important that we get the place, Stefan. It is the best place for manufacturing as raw materials are near, the transportation is easy and it is the ideal place" explained Klaus. "I get it. It would make an excellent spot to set up the manufacturing unit. But the problem is that our rivals, 'The Five' is also bidding for the place. So it is going to be a bit difficult" reasoned Stefan. "We will show them who the boss is tomorrow. Here is the bid for the place. I will make sure it is safe. And tomorrow is a pretty important one, so make sure nothing goes wrong" said Klaus.

"Yeah, don't worry. I will take care of it. But now I got to leave" told Stefan preparing to leave the place. Klaus smirked and asked, "Why? Have a fancy date, Mr. Salvatore?" Stefan looked up and smiled mischievously before answering, "Yes, Mr. Mikaelson. You are 100% right." "Oh, does Elena know about this? Or should I report to her of your misbehavior?" teased Klaus. "Don't worry. This is an Elena approved date. So don't strain yourself" replied Stefan. "Jokes apart, I am seriously happy for you guys. I want you to work things out" confessed Klaus. Stefan came forward and hugged Klaus and whispered, "Thanks, mate".

Katherine flipped the pages of the fashion magazine bored in the absence of any company. Elena had gone to a date with Stefan six hours ago and that left her alone. Not that Elena was great company. But at least she derived pleasure in teasing, bullying and hogging her throughout the day. And she really missed Elena. She can't remember when she started hating her and despise her completely but she can be sure as to why she started hating her.

The constant praising of Elena by their parents made Elena Katherine's number one enemy. She tried very hard to compete with her, but lost hope when their parents were so busy being proud of their golden daughter that they completely forgot about their lonely daughter. That was when Katherine resolved to prove everyone wrong and do something that would just surprise everyone around her. That was when Paris happened and rest was history.

"Knock knock. Any beautiful woman in there?" came a voice at the door. Katherine turned around to see Damon Salvatore entering the room. "Oh I am sorry! I thought Elena would be there. Wouldn't have called out so if I knew you would be here. I completely forgot you moved in here recently to piss Elena" said Damon sarcastically. Katherine glared at him and retorted, "Well, not everyone is lucky. See I am stuck with the less attractive Salvatore now".

Damon just shrugged and proceeded to enquire "So where is Elena? Not yet home?" Katherine smirked before replying, "Oh! Didn't you know? My sister and your brother are on a date to patch things up!" Damon's face seemed to contour which Katherine noticed gleefully. "Oh is the big Salvatore brother unhappy over the recent developments?" asked Katherine in not so innocent voice. Damon appeared frustrated and shouted, "What are you talking about?"

"Don't act dumb, Damon. I know you fancy my little sister. Though don't you think it is unfair to your little brother?" asked Katherine raising her eyebrows completely enjoying the conversation. "You are raving mad" exclaimed Damon. Both of them were silent for a few minutes. Suddenly Damon turned towards Katherine and asked curiously, "Why do you always consider Elena as your competitor? Why can't you just think of her as your sister at least for once?"

Katherine looked surprised by that question but still didn't show that it affected her. "Well, I don't have anything against her. But you will too feel bitter if you are constantly compared with your brother and deemed worthless" added Katherine casually. Damon was shocked to find that was how he felt too. Right from the childhood, his father always praised Stefan for being the perfect son.

Even after they grew up, Stefan got a job in the leading automobile company while he was struck as a crappy journalist for a Hollywood magazine. To add to all this, the girl he liked, loved his little brother. Though he may not hate Stefan, Damon surely was envious of his brother and completely understood how Katherine felt. "I know" said Damon in a low voice. Katherine turned towards him surprised by the confession. She thought no one would ever understand how she felt and here he was admitting to knowing about it.

Just then Elena stormed into the house through the front door sobbing. Both Damon and Katherine looked at each other shrugging. Damon approached her carefully and enquired, "Any problem, Elena?" Elena turned towards him and furiously answered, "No nothing, unless you count getting stood up by your boyfriend and losing a potential publisher for your story as problems."

Klaus walked into his room tired from all the work for the day. He was surprised as he switched on the lights to see the whole room neatly organized. His otherwise messy table was organized in order. The files to be taken care of were arranged as important, emergency and ordinary. His calendar was marked with important meetings. There were stick notes on every file on what it was about. And there was a planner that clearly explained his schedule for tomorrow. On the whole his room was as he wanted it to be always.

As Klaus was looking around mesmerized, Caroline asked in a hesitant voice, "Do you like it?" Klaus turned around looking serious and said, "Who gave you the permission to completely redecorate my room? I didn't tell you to do these things, did I?" Caroline panicked and began to ramble, "I am sorry. I thought it would be nice if everything was organized and if you were clear what your program was next. I know it was wrong to do without asking for your permission but I thought you would like it. It is okay. I will return it to how it was…"

Caroline stopped as she was baffled when she heard Klaus laugh. "Oh it is entertaining to see you all worked up. But you have indeed done a good job. I mean I didn't expect this at all" confessed Klaus. He was about to add this was how Monica too organized the room but on seeing Caroline's smile decided against it. There was something about her smile that made him feel warm.

"Impressive. Keep it up. Maybe you are the one I am searching for" smiled Klaus. "Tomorrow is an important day. Be early. You may have to work late. Good night" bid Klaus as he left the room. Caroline whooped in joy. It was difficult to escape even one day from Klaus' scrutiny but to get compliments from him is like winning the hundred million worth lottery. Caroline locked the room and left for home still giddy with happiness.

A/N: Hope you all liked this chapter. I know not much klaroline in this chapter but I promise more in the next one. Thank you for the 17 new followers. Again I always say the same thing. Reviews mean a lot. So please let me know what you feel. I will be so happy. Please pretty please review.

29: thanks for your review but sorry I couldn't understand who you were referring to when you said, 'I hope he will fall in love with her first, not Caroline'. Anyway thanks for reviewing regularly and continue to do so :)

Mystery Girl3: Thanks for your continued support. It means a lot to me. Hope you liked this chapter. Lots coming for Klaus and Caroline ;)

Special thanks for Caroline121, edw123, 1998baby, Philippe Holden and guest for their wonderful and enthusiastic reviews. You guys made my day :)

4x20 spoiler: I am not one to discuss about the episodes. But the originals episode even had me worried. I still can't believe the writers could go on with a baby story. I am not against any character but I think there are whole lots of ways for making a spin off happen.

I had 5 not 1 or 2 but 5 OTPs in TVD and all the 5 are miserable now. Great work by the writers. I would like to know you guys' top 3 pairs in TVD!