A/N: Here is another Chapter as requested. I just had to re-read the chapters to have a mindset of the direction I want to take the story to. So many elements I want to inject to the story, in this chapter but I'm going with the basics first, this will be a long chapter.

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own any of the characters, they belong to TVD / TO.

Chapter 8

Stefan peaked inside the bedroom his brother was presently peacefully sleeping. It took him two more hours before his brother allowed him to escort him to the spare bedroom. Not having known much about what has been happening in his brothers' life in since the fall-out, he didn't know quite how to comfort him. He obviously knew it was something major since Damon had a lot of pride and an even bigger ego, for him to go to his brother, it was something that undoubtedly shook him to the core. Stefan had all his appointments cancelled for the day and just took note of his schedule for the next day just in case he had to cancel the appointments too. In this instance, his brother took precedence over everything else.

While he was waiting for his brother to wake up, he had prepared lunch for them. Having been living independently from the family for some time, Stefan had learned to pretty much be self-sufficient, with no one to rely on, save for himself. His brother, he knew still had a dozen or more at his beck and call, choosing to maintain the traditional lifestyle his family had been accustomed too.

Having brought home some of his work from the previous day and having nothing else to do, he reviewed some notes he had made during a restaurant visit smiling at the recollection, Devil's Café. He had been given the Food Magazine by his father after graduation as a way to slide him into the publishing side of the Salvatore Empire, of course his father had died shortly after, Damon has brought the empire to another direction, leaving him forever stuck in this magazine which turned out to be a blessing and a crux for him. The magazine had been floundering and was scheduled to be terminated by the Board before his father had the genius idea of letting him handle the magazine. All the other sister publications of the publishing firm, had been money-makers for the family. Now, five years after, the magazine 'Coffee Talk" was actually his one true passion. Maintaining a trim staff of fifteen, the magazine was actually turning in a profit, in fact in its category of 'coffee table magazine' it was now the market leader, something Stefan was proud of.

He was used to taking an active role in the magazine, officially he was Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, but he only choose to go out do food reviews and visit a few coffee and tea shops himself to keep himself in the game, so to speak. It was a pleasant surprise for him to accidentally be handling the reviews for Devil's Café. One of the owners had been persistently sending emails to the staff of the magazine for a feature article, the review had always been bumped off for newer, trendier shops, but the brainchild of this issue was for 'hole in the wall' traditional old school coffee places, hence, the interest in Devil's Café. And his decision to personally take on the review was the best thing he could have done. Not only was the Café a revelation with its selection, the co-owner Katherine someone he knew he wanted to get to know better. She was completely the opposite of her aggressive emails. In person, she was passionate about the café but reserved about everything else. He found himself looking forward to tomorrows meet with the other co-owners, any excuse for another opportunity to talk to Katherine again. His train of thoughts was suddenly broken by the noise he heard in the bedroom occupied by his brother.

The next day, Klaus had dropped off Caroline at the Devil's Café, asking her again if she was really feeling up to going back to work. He made her promise to not over extend herself and had even made Bonnie promise him to make sure Caroline did not overdo her first day back.

He was almost late for a lunch appointment since he had refused to leave Caroline until it was absolutely necessary for him to leave. Walking to the meeting place with Kol, he had Kol run him through the purpose of the meeting "He said he wanted to negotiate business with us, I checked the information with Elijah, and Elijah said Jonathan Gilbert was seeking new alliances after the death of his daughter, he had pulled all resources and support from the Salvatores."

Klaus looked at Kol "will Elijah be joining the meeting?"

Kol frowned at Klaus "No, according to Elijah he has other pressing matters to attend to. I did not bother to ask what matters they were"

Klaus was lost in his thoughts before turning back to his brother "Set up lunch with Elijah tomorrow, he needs to update us on what is happening on his side".

Kol saluted Klaus sarcastically before entering the restaurant and making a beeline for Jonathan Gilbert. Having seen the Mikaelsons, Jonathan stood up and walked the last few steps forward to meet the brothers offering his hand for a handshake.

"Mr Mikaelson, thank you for meeting me, "gesturing for them to follow him to a quiet table at the corner. Turning to Klaus "I hope your brother has appraised you on the purpose of this meeting?"

Klaus smirked at Jonathan, "yes, I am surprised you came to us after you unceremoniously walked out of our deal the last time. I don't give a lot of second chances and I am not inclined to listen to anything you have to say. I however appreciate a good steak, so unless what you have to say will be of interest, I would rather really just eat my steak "

Jonathan's smile faltered a little at the slight of Klaus however he quickly recovered "since I have pull-out from my partnership with the Salvatores, I suddenly find myself with a dilemma. I have shipments that have to be unloaded as soon as possible and other interests that have to be taken cared off. This has to be done quietly as I also have interests in the government which prevent me from being visible in such matters."

"Straight to the point, not wasting my time, I will tell you what Gilbert, I will have a team headed by my brothers Kol and Elijah look into it, then get back to you say, in five days time." Looking at Kol who nodded, "now, I plan to enjoy my steak, if you will excuse me"

Caroline had been in deep discussion with Bonnie on the finances of the Café when someone grabbed her from behind, "ouch!" the hands that where around her suddenly retreated "oh my god, I'm sorry, I forgot" Katherine guilty looked at Caroline will sitting down "it's just that I missed you so much."

Caroline knew Katherine didn't really mean to hurt here "I know, it's okay, you just caught me by surprise. By the way, all the house specials and bestsellers are being prepared as we speak. I am supervising each one personally"

"From right here," Bonnie pointed to a spot on the chair she was seating on "you are under chair arrest".

Caroline gasped at Bonnie while Katherine raised an eyebrow at Bonnie before saying "really, you are putting Caroline on chair arrest?"

Bonnie defended herself "well Yes, and not just me, Klaus left very specific instructions on what Caroline is 'allowed' to do".

Katherine laughed "So this Klaus guy is now in charge of Caroline's welfare? Is he the mysterious new 'boyfriend' I have been hearing about, so protective of Caroline."

Bonnie went on about Klaus "Oh my god Kat, you should see his place, it's a Mansion and guess who was right at home, as if she had been living there for years. None other than our very own Ms. Caroline Forbes, they had massive gardens, fountains and the works. Klaus made me stay for dinner last night and I saw firsthand how much he really cared for our Caroline"

Katherine chuckled "only Caroline can get into an accident and be rescued by a prince. So I take it you will be staying with your boyfriend?"

Caroline looked at her friends then at the hands, sighing "we haven't really talked about that. He just basically said that while I was recovering I should continue to stay with his family. It's not as if he's alone, his brother and mother also reside in the mansion. You should meet his mother, she's so warm and friendly."

Katherine smirked "really, met the mother already, aren't we moving a little too fast?"

Caroline's face fell, "do you really think so?"

Bonnie glared at Kat "Caroline, it's not really the length of time, it's what you are feeling. You told me yesterday, you were falling for him. And from the little I saw of him, I think the guy reciprocates the feeling."

All conversation was suspended as Katherine spotted Stefan enter the Café with his team that included a photographer and crew. "They are here" Katherine stated, attracting the attention of her two friends to the door.

While the crew was setting up at a corner of the café, Katherine had brought Stefan over to meet Bonnie and Caroline. "Stefan Salvatore, editor-in-chief and owner of 'Coffee Talk', these are my partners and co-owners of Devil's Café, Bonnie Bennett and Caroline Forbes".

The four of them were sitting at a table with Stefan asking questions about their childhood together and how Devil's Café was established. He could see that the three friends really loved one another and supported each other. He liked the easy camaraderie and the vibe of the friends, it was no wonder it easily translated into the environment of the Café.

Caroline was in the mood for mischief as she winked at Katherine while turning to Stefan to ask, "So Mr. Editor-in-chief, how do you find our Café so far, is it something you think you will recommend to your readers?"

Stefan looked at Katherine before answering Caroline, "well so far, I like what I see. I also have a vibe about this place. Usually, we don't feature niche coffee shops, we have more of a trendy coffee and tea shops market, but there is no doubt that your Café has an appeal of its own. Not to mention the owners are very warm and charming".

"Really, you can tell that about us after about ten minutes of conversation?" Caroline teased Stefan, then looked at Kat "I think Bonnie and I have Kat to thank for that, you know, Katherine oozes warmth and charm" Caroline ended with a slight giggle.

Katherine for her part kicked Caroline under the table, which got a reaction from Caroline in the form of a silent "what!" Kat took over from Caroline, "Stefan, I think the set-up is complete. There will be more time for interviews later. What do you need us to do?"

All in all, the shoot and interview for the café was completed the whole afternoon with things winding down by 5 in the afternoon. Both Bonnie and Caroline where once again together in the counter just observing Katherine with Stefan, Bonnie motioned to Caroline "I think Kat and Stefan will work, you know, as a couple."

Caroline stole a glance at the couple in question "are they even 'a couple' Bonnie, trying to play match maker are we."

Bonnie turned to Caroline, "well it seems falling in love is in the air, you and Klaus, maybe Kat and Stefan, we all deserve to be happy you know."

Caroline raised her eyebrows at Bonnie, "it is my cue to ask about Kol and you then?" Caroline stood up after the glare she got from Bonnie at the mention of Kol. "Anyway, I have to get my things together, Klaus will be picking me up in a few minutes, we're suppose to swing by my apartment."

On the way to fetch Caroline, Klaus dwelled on an earlier conversation he had with Elijah. Elijah uncharacteristically had been waiting for him at the office after the lunch with Jonathan Gilbert. After Klaus had updated Elijah about the lunch including his commitment to Gilbert, Elijah had proceeded to ask Klaus some interesting questions including some of which he had been as of yet unprepared to answer, recalling the conversation.

Two hours earlier

Elijah took a sit at the couch in Klaus office "Niklaus, I have wanted to have a moment with you for quite some time to discuss some matters between the two of us. I know you sensed that I have been impatient about how our family's empire has been managed. Particularly, how you see me in the organization, what role I will be playing in the long term. I accept that because of circumstances, we were never given the opportunity to have the same relationship you share with Kol."

Klaus assessing the purpose of Elijah's sudden need for a serious conversation carefully worded his response, "Brother, I have always valued your role in the organization. You have adeptly handled all of our legal affairs," taking the sit in front of his brother, "whatever father had instigated to fuel your uncertainty when he chose me over you to be at the helm of the empire, I assure you I have full trust and confidence in you."

Elijah stood up to pour himself and his brother a glass of scotch, "I am afraid to admit I have not always felt your trust and confidence in me," handing Klaus his glass.

Klaus played with the scotch in the glass before drinking it then turned back to his brother, "I am surprised that you have not come to me sooner, we could have avoided your apprehensions a long time ago. I tell you what, why don't the three of us, including Kol, bring back the weekly lunches we used to have when father was still alive, where we could talk about the organization openly as well as your opinions and advices before I make my decision. I have asked Kol to call you after our meeting with Glilbert, but I am asking you now, let all three of us have lunch tomorrow."

Elijah looked at his brother as if trying to gauge if he was sincere with the olive branch, after a moment he nodded then took his brothers hand for a handshake. Klaus for his part sensed that this moment of honesty needed a brothers' embrace proceeded to do just that with Elijah.

Present time

All heads turned as the bell in the front door of the café chimed. Klaus scanned the café before settling on a familiar face and walked forward with a smile plastered on his face. Kissing Caroline's cheek, "miss me love?"

Caroline smiled at Klaus, "always," and brought Klaus toward her two friends who were looking at them. Turning back at Klaus "Klaus, you already met Bonnie the other night," Klaus proceeded to get Bonnie's hand and kiss it again, "and" Caroline continued "this is Katherine, our other partner and co-owner of the Café."

Klaus took Katherine's hand and proceeded to kiss it before saying, "you really do have lovely friends love" turning to Caroline.

Katherine blushed at the compliment of Klaus and said, "oh please! Thank you for the flattery, but we hardly look presentable. We had a long day, what with the shoot and feature article being done earlier here."

Klaus looked at all the three ladies then settled with Katherine, "yes, Caroline did mention it, I hope everything went well?" he inquired.

Katherine proudly stated, "Yes, it went splendid. And, you will be required to buy at least a hundred copies of the magazine when it finally gets out next month. According to Caroline, you can afford it. You have to promise us this. We want this issue to have the highest sales recorded for the magazine!"

Klaus looked at Caroline with a raised eyebrow, "is that a command, love?"

Caroline giggled, then told Klaus, "please for us," and smiled sweetly at him.

Klaus looked at Katherine and Bonnie, "how could I resist her, she has captivated me," then looked back at Caroline, I imagine you worked yourself into a stressful day today. It's time for you to rest. Caroline nodded at Klaus and gathered her things and willingly letting Klaus usher her out of the Café and into the waiting suv.

"Now Caroline love, are you still sure you have the energy to go to your apartment, we could always do that another time and head straight home for now." Klaus looked at Caroline.

Squeezing Klaus' hand Caroline replied, "I just need to grab some things for now at the apartment, if we could make a quick stop, please."

Klaus just sighed, "fine, a quick stop then we go"

Caroline kissed Klaus sweetly then said "then we go home," and looked into Klaus' eyes.

Klaus could only mouth a whispered "ok", after Caroline had called his house, their home. If he hadn't known it before, he truly accepted the fact that he was definitely falling head over heels for this woman beside him and that his world was going to change.

There you have it, end of Chapter 8. I wanted to put more into this Chapter but I thought to end it here for now.