Themikaelsoncupcake asked:

Seeing as you're amazing at writing I wanted to drop this little prompt in your ask box :3 Klaus is a successful rockstar and single father to his daughter, he's in need of a nanny to help him take care of her how ever he needs to find a nanny that knows sign language because his daughter is deaf.

Wow, another amazing prompt, from another amazing lady themikaelsoncupcake. Hope you like how this one turned out Rachel, and that I did it justice, I know it is your favourite trope, after all. Also this is just in time for Australia Day, so Happy Australia Day lovely : )

The Sound of Music

Houston, Texas

"Well, hello there, beautiful," a cheeky looking brunette greeted her after opening the door. "What can I do for you?" Caroline was taken aback at first, not quite sure how to handle the situation.

"I'm here to see Mr Mikaelson," she bit out, eventually finding her voice. She'd been to a few interviews in her time, but never one this strange.

"Well you're in luck," he replied. "I'm Mr Mikaelson, but I'll let you call me Kol."

"I meant Klaus Mikaelson," she reiterated.

"I'm much more fun though," he promised.

"Well, that's good to know," she murmured unable to help herself, was this guy for real?

"Kol, please stop shamelessly throwing yourself at the nanny," a female voice drawled, joining him at the door. "You must be Caroline; your agency told me all about you. I'm Rebekah Mikaelson."

"Nice to meet you."

"And you, I see you're already acquainted with Kol. Don't worry no one really pays any attention to him."

"I'm standing right here," he baulked, looking between the two women expectantly.

"See what I mean," she said dismissively gesturing for her to come inside. She thought the mansion looked grand from the outside but inside it was just as spacious and spectacular.

It was two days ago that her agent had called requesting a meeting about an upcoming job interview. Usually a phone call would suffice but Nancy had insisted on a face-to-face so she could brief Caroline on the client.

"I thought it might be good to go over a few things before your interview on Thursday," she began, leaning up against her desk and busily rifling through a folder.

"Okay," she said, uncertainly. "What do I need to know?"

"Everly Mikaelson is six years old," she said passing her a photo of a gorgeous little girl with messy blonde pigtails and mischievous blue eyes.

"She's gorgeous."

"Her mother passed away when she was two years-old and she's now raised solely by her single father." This all seemed straight forward to Caroline, so far.

"Does she go to school?"

"Everly is profoundly deaf so she attends a special school." Now Caroline knew why she was there. "Obviously given your knowledge of sign language and your experience with hearing impaired children, I thought you'd be the perfect candidate." Caroline smiled, honoured that her boss had thought of her and she welcomed it whole-heartedly.

"So, is that everything?"

"No, not everything," she began. "Her father is a well-known celebrity, so obviously that brings with it some additional issues." Caroline wracked her brain trying to think who she knew of with the surname Mikaelson, but nothing was coming to her.

"And he is?" Nancy looked at her in disbelief, before pulling out another photo from the file and handing it to her. Caroline felt her breath hitch in her throat, she didn't know who he was, but he was gorgeous. Dirty blonde curls, dark blue eyes, crimson lips and a hint of sexy stubble on his chin. She could see why he was a celebrity. "Oh, he's a model?"

"Have you ever heard of the rock band The Originals?" Caroline's blank face was enough to make her continue. "Klaus Mikaelson is lead singer and guitarist. You've really never heard of him, at all?"

"Can't say I have, Nancy."

"I thought someone your age would know that, you know given their enormous popularity."

"I'm guess I'm not a huge rock fan, and I have been living in Paris for five years," she murmured, shrugging her shoulders. Whoever this guy was she didn't really care, after all she was only there to look after his daughter.

"Sorry about Kol, he can't help himself," Rebekah joked, leading her through the magnificent foyer and into an adjacent lounge room. "Have a seat, can I get you a drink?"

Caroline shook her head then looked around at all the photos on the surrounding walls, they were an attractive family, that was for sure. After spending five years abroad as an au pair in Paris, she'd returned to her hometown of Houston recently. Apart from a few short term assignments, this was her first real job, if she got it of course.

"The family recently relocated to Houston and we need to employ a live-in nanny for Everly," she explained. Caroline knew the deaf schools in Houston were second to none, so it was no surprise they'd come here. "I've seen your resume and I was impressed by your experience and obviously your knowledge of sign language."

"Thank you," she murmured. "Is, uh, Mr Mikaelson going to join us?"

"Oh you're nervous," Rebekah replied, knowingly. "I can understand given his popularity and everything."

"No, actually it's because he's her father." Caroline didn't know who he was, what she did want to know was that he cared enough to interview his daughter's prospective nanny.

"Right," she murmured, and Caroline could swear she saw something resembling respect in her eyes. "Unfortunately Niklaus is tied up, you know with…."

"Rebekah!" A loud voice bellowed from the hallway. Caroline jumped, a little surprised by the loud interruption. She wasn't quite ready for the guy that stalked through the door. His jeans and white t-shirt were completely paint-splattered and even with that gorgeous face she couldn't miss his sour expression.

"You called?"

"What is this all about?" He asked, waving a magazine in the air animatedly.

"Rolling Stone Magazine?" She asked. "I told you the interview was coming out this week."

"Kol just showed me. I thought we agreed they wouldn't publish any personal details," he growled, finally realising she was in the room, seated meekly on the couch. "Oh, hello."

"Klaus, this is Caroline," Rebekah introduced them. "He's usually better dressed than this, I promise."

"Gee, thanks little sister," he groaned. "I've been, uh, painting downstairs."

"Oh, is that the reason you were too busy to interview your daughter's nanny?" Caroline knew she should hold her tongue but she couldn't help herself. The first priority of every parent should be a child, especially one who needed extra care.

"I was actually just with my daughter," he shot back, and Caroline immediately felt bad for jumping to conclusions. She had a habit of doing that unfortunately. "The interview was today?" He asked, his face falling slightly at the realisation.

"Yes," Rebekah replied, awkwardly. "But now that you're here, why don't we sit down and have a talk."

"I've got to get back to…" Klaus began, before Kol walked through the door, an equally paint splattered little girl cradled in his arms.

"Apparently you're much more fun to paint with than me, Niklaus. Although I can't understand why, fun should have been my middle name. Oh, hello again sweetheart." Kol chirped, sending her his cheekiest grin.

"You two know each other?" Klaus asked, begrudgingly.

"We go way back."

"Yes, to the front door, about fifteen minutes ago," Rebekah snorted, smiling at her little niece.

Caroline couldn't help herself, deciding to sign the cute little blonde, asking what she painted. Everly told her it was a pony.

"Everly wants a pet pony and will do anything to get it," Rebekah laughed, signing for the little girl's benefit. Caroline smiled, signing again and telling her that horses were her favourite animal and that she'd been riding them since she was little.

The sign language flew back and forth as their exchange continued with Caroline promising to teach her how to ride. The little girl grinned before holding out her hands to Caroline making Kol, Klaus and Rebekah look on curiously.

She faltered briefly, not wanting to step over any lines but it wasn't long before she was nuzzled in her arms protectively, the fact that the wet paint was staining her white top the farthest thing from her mind. Klaus, especially, was standing there in shock and unable to speak.

"When can you start?" Rebekah murmured in awe at the unfolding scene before her.

Xxxxxxx

It had been six weeks since she'd moved into the Mikaelson mansion, and although her connection with Everly was only strengthening by the day, Caroline had barely seen her father in that time.

Rebekah was around constantly given her role as the publicist for The Originals and they'd developed an easy friendship. Kol, even with his unusual quirks, had also become a fun distraction. She didn't know it initially but he was the drummer in the band and Elijah, their eldest brother, was their manager. Caroline thought it was kind of cute, even though they all bickered frequently.

Everly loved her uncles and aunt and was spoiled by them all, her included. She really was a bright and happy child and Caroline genuinely liked spending time with her. It was a particularly sunny Friday morning when she and Everly emerged from her bedroom and walked downstairs ready for a day out.

Caroline thought a visit to her favourite park would be fun and as they walked towards the front door, Klaus appeared from what seemed like nowhere. He was visibly tired and given their minimal contact she was a little nervous about what to say. She knew he loved his daughter but his grumpy nature didn't make her that comfortable with him.

He signed at his daughter effortlessly and Caroline couldn't miss the gorgeous grin on his face at interacting with her. She signed back informing him of their destination and it was only then he finally looked up at her face.

"So, you're going to the park?"

"She really loves it."

"I know, do you mind if I come along?"

"Of course, she is your daughter after all," she murmured, avoiding his gaze on purpose. Those blue eyes had hypnotizing powers she refused to succumb to, he was her boss after all. He smiled briefly before pulling Everly into his arms and placing her on his hip. She hadn't seen them interact much during her time there but they looked so comfortable together.

The park was surprisingly quiet this time of the day and Everly ran around taking her time on her favourite things, including the swings. Caroline's heart was lifted by just how happy she seemed, unaware of everything else.

She and Klaus sat on the grass nearby watching as she played around. "She likes you," Klaus murmured, eventually.

"Well, I hope so."

"It really means a lot what you're doing."

"I'm a nanny, that's pretty much my job description," she teased.

"I've never seen anyone make her as happy as you do," he implored. Caroline wasn't quite sure how to take this given he'd been so distant until now.

"Thank you, but I don't think anyone could make her as happy as her own father," she replied boldly.

"I beg to differ," he muttered, his gaze downward.

"Why would you say that?" She asked. "I see her face light up every time you walk through the door."

"I can't give her what she needs," he bit out, self consciously. "I'm always touring or in the recording studio, that's no life for a little girl."

"Maybe so, but you need to find a happy balance between family and life," she suggested. "If you don't mind me saying, career is important but family is forever."

It was at that time Everly ran over to them, jumping into her father's arms gleefully. Caroline couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach at the sight. It was obvious she loved her dad he just needed to see that.

xxxxxx

Klaus couldn't sleep, thoughts of a particular blonde flashing through his mind. He threw his pillow across the room in annoyance, hoping that it would stop him thinking about it, but no such luck.

It wasn't just that she was amazing with his daughter, it was also the fact that she was intelligent, funny and beautiful. Given his career, Klaus could have any woman he wanted but that was never enough. He had strict conditions on everything, including someone his daughter would love.

It was obvious Everly loved Caroline, but she was her nanny and it was inappropriate. The hardest part was trying to ignore the simmering attraction he felt towards her.

He finally got up, deciding to spend some time playing the piano to distract him from his thoughts. His natural musical talent meant that he played seven instruments, the piano one of his favourites. He played around on the keys of the grand piano, a familiar tune sounding out.

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you will join us, and the world will be as one." He sang quietly, the music overtaking him, as usual.

"That's so beautiful," a female voice uttered as he finished. He looked over surprised to see her standing there. Her golden waves were cascading down her back and she was wearing a cream nightie with every curve outlined underneath. Klaus gulped, averting his eyes and really trying not to imagine her naked.

"Sorry, I thought I was alone."

"I didn't mean to interrupt," she apologised. "Did you write that?"

"Ah, no." He replied in disbelief. "That was John Lennon."

"He's talented."

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," he murmured. "So I'm assuming you don't like music?"

"I do; I just have specific tastes I guess. Although your band has some great songs."

"Oh really?" He asked, standing up from the piano. "What's your favourite song?" Caroline chewed on her bottom lip and Klaus could tell she was trying hard to come up with an answer.

"Oh, the one about…"

"The one about?"

"Dogs," she finally bit out.

"Funny you mention that, it's my favourite song," he grinned.

"Really?"

"No, not really," he joked. "We don't have any songs about dogs."

"Well, it was a good guess," she replied, feebly. Klaus didn't think Caroline could get any more adorable, but he was wrong. "Cats?"

"No animals of any sort, love," he chuckled. "So, what music do you like then?"

"My grandfather loved jazz, so I grew up on that. You know, like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. When I moved to Paris I spent my time visiting jazz bars, there's something just so…"

"Relaxing about it?' He guessed. "I couldn't agree more." They held each other's gaze and Klaus was trying to ignore the desire coursing through his body, but failing miserably. "So, why are you awake?"

"I, unfortunately, have this addiction for grilled cheese and chocolate milk at midnight." She whispered. "I'm trying to beat it, but no luck so far."

"You had me at grilled cheese, love," he replied. "Care for a snacking companion?"

"I think that would be okay," she conceded.

"Call me greedy, but I'll definitely need double cheese on my sandwich."

"It's the only way to go," she laughed. They made their way quietly towards the darkened kitchen. "So, it was, uh, good to have you at the park last week."

"Yeah it was a lot of fun."

"It's just we haven't seen you since then."

"We?"

"I mean Everly," she spluttered. Klaus thought she looked cute when she was embarrassed. "She loves being with her dad."

"Well, I have a lot of things happening, at the moment," he murmured. Caroline turned around so she was looking at him squarely in the eyes.

"Is that really your excuse?" She asked before she could stop herself. "Yes, I get that you have this public persona but at the end of the day, Everly should be the most important thing in your life."

"You don't need to tell me what I already know," he growled, his frustration obvious. "I know what my daughter needs."

"Do you?"

"Do you?" He shot back, moving closer, their chests only inches apart. The grilled cheese long forgotten.

"She needs you, not excuses," she argued, knowing full well that she could lose her job.

"I can't give her what she needs."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean; she needs a father that can commit to her twenty-four seven."

"Is that really how you see things?" She asked, her blue eyes boring into his deeply. "Yes, you're busy which is understandable, but it's not about quantity, it's quality, Klaus."

"I Know but it's just so difficult to make her understand why I'm busy and what I do," he replied, quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"My life is music, something that's meant to be heard and appreciated, how can Everly ever understand that? All I've ever wanted was for her to hear the multiple songs I've written for her but that will never happen."

"For a musician, you're pretty clueless," she groaned. "Beethoven was deaf but yet he produced some of the best symphonies ever. It's time you let her into your world, you never know, maybe she could learn an instrument or just appreciate what her dad does."

"I guess I thought by holding her at arm's length…"

"That you'd be protecting her?" Caroline asked.

"I suppose so," Klaus admitted, sheepishly. "She's the light of my life, I was just trying to do everything I could for her."

"You're a great father," Caroline said. "Just don't be afraid to include her in your professional life."

"So, you mean tours?"

"I think she'd love that."

"How about you?" He asked. "You know; given you'd be forced into travelling on tour."

"I could deal with that, as long as you know I'm not one of your groupies, Mikaelson," she teased.

"No, you're much more than that," he murmured. "I'd really love to take you out to see a jazz band sometime."

"I could maybe be persuaded," she grinned before looking over at their food. "Although I think your grilled cheese might be burning."