AN: Heeey I wanted to upload sooner but I've been busy studying for my exams. I also didn't wanna wait any longer because next week I'll be incredibly busy. I don't know when I'll upload again, but I'll try to do it as soon as I'm done with exams. Wish me luck!
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Klaus walked to Elijah's office with confidence and his chin high. He was a man on a mission.
For the last week -Caroline's first week at the Mikaelson and Sons- he hadn't have the pleasure of her company during lunch and at the end of the day, she would be arrive home too tired to do anything.
All he wanted was to show her all the fancy restaurants, buy her the best food, impress her with his knowledge on wines... was that too much to ask?
That Friday he wasn't going to take a no for an answer. He was Niklaus-fucking-Mikaelson! He always got what he wanted. Besides, there's nothing bad about them celebrating her first week on her way to a better life, right?
He couldn't help but feel disappointed when he walked in and found Caroline's desk empty. Surely she wasn't out having lunch already, was she? Just about when he was about to turn around and walk away with his head down, he heard Caroline's melodic voice.
Elijah walked with Caroline following closely behind.
"Your 3pm meeting was re-scheduled to 4pm but you should still be able to leave before 6pm. First thing Monday you have a meeting with a new potential costumer, all you need to know is in a folder I left on your desk and I already called the catering so everything is ready before they arrive."
Klaus watched as they both walked further and into Elijah's private office, Caroline still talking.
"I've been investigating about your most important clients and two of them have their birthdays next week. I was thinking we could start sending birthday cards to make them feel appreciated." Caroline suggested. "All you gotta do is sign them."
Elijah, who sat behind his desk with the previously mentioned folder in his hands, looked at her impressed.
"Sounds good. Anything else?" Caroline nodded while handing him the cards.
"I sent flowers to your parents in law for their anniversary in your behalf."
"Where have you been all my life?" Elijah asked as he signed them. Caroline giggled and waved her hands.
"Oh that's nothing. You have a one hour free now so I'm assuming you'll be having lunch?"
"Yes. Would you let ask my wife to join me?"
"Sure. You need anything else?" she asked while typing a text to April, Katherine's assistant.
"That would be all." Elijah replied while handing the cards back.
"Well in that case you won't mind if I steal your assistant and take her out for lunch." Klaus commented while stepping into the office. Caroline smiled widely at him, lightening the whole room.
"Not at all. Have fun." Elijah replied.
Caroline followed Klaus out of the office and towards her desk to get her things.
"I know a really good place, do you like German food?"
"I've never tried it. But do you mind if we go somewhere else? Today is a special day and I know exactly where I wanna go. I even packed some sandwiches."
Klaus looked at her astonished.
"Yes, of course."
In that moment, Katherine walked in. Klaus noticed how suddenly Caroline straightened and smoothed down her blouse.
"I got your message. Is Elijah in?" She asked and Caroline nodded her head. He had no idea the power Katherine had on the other women in the office, with her long legs and bouncy curls. She was beautiful, but also intimidating.
Just as Katherine was about to open Elijah's door, she stopped and turned.
"You know, Elijah is great remembering important dates, but this is the first time he sent flowers to my parents."
Caroline opened her eyes widely.
"Katerina." Klaus hissed to his sister in law. Katherine just looked at him annoyed.
"What? I was going to thank her." She said with feigned innocence before turning back to Caroline. "Don't worry, I won't tell Elijah. Men are happier when they're clueless." She said with a wink. "I already like you more than I did Elijah's former assistant."
"Don't you have a lunch date with your husband, Katerina?" Klaus asked annoyed. He knew she hated when people called her that –except Elijah. Elijah could call her whatever he wanted-.
"Uhhh… Eager to get me out of the way… I wonder why…" Katherine teased, giving Klaus a knowing look before glancing to Caroline. Klaus stiffened. Was he that obvious? Katherine just smirked at him and then turned to make her way into Elijah's office.
"That was weird." Caroline mumbled. "But I'm glad she likes me." She then added with a smile.
Klaus felt himself relax and let out a breath he was holding in. He then smiled back at her and offered her his arm.
"Shall we go then?"
"We shall." Caroline replied while linking his arm with hers.
"What did Katerina mean with "men are happier when their clueless"?" He asked curiously.
"Oh it's nothing. It's just that sometime girls keep little secrets to keep their men's ego from being bruised. Like telling them they're right when they aren't or acting all proud of something silly they've done." Caroline explained with a little shrug.
"You don't pull that stuff on me now, do you love?" He asked.
"Oh no, of course not! I think you're too smart, you would find out right away." She replied.
Klaus smirked proudly, feeling flattered by her words, while Caroline had to bit her lower lip hard so she wouldn't laugh. She had totally pulled that trick on him.
.
They took the bus and in less than fifteen minutes they found themselves walking into a small yet beautiful park. It was cold outside, but luckily there were some bright pink flowers left in the cement pots. There were little tables and chairs all over the place with a fake water fall on the back.
"What is this place?" Klaus asked in awe.
"It's the Paley Park!" Caroline replied, looking at him funnily. "You've never been here?"
"New York is a big place, love, and I've only been living here for a few years."
"Really?" She sat down on one of the chairs and put the paper bag with the food on the white round table. "I noticed you and your siblings have accents, but I never knew the full story."
Klaus sat on the chair in front of her and shrugged.
"There isn't much to tell. We were born in London, my father built his company there from the ground and then made it go international. Once the company here in America was strong enough, he decided to move." He explained, skipping some important, yet private details. "Years later he retired and left the company to Elijah and I."
Caroline had pulled out a small sandwich from the bag and was nibbling it while listening to him with interest.
"Woooow… and have you been in other places of the world too?" She asked curiously and he nodded with a smirk.
"I've seen pretty much every country in Europe, a few in Asia and South America. I've also been in South Africa and Australia." He said proudly before taking another sandwich and eating it.
"Oh, I wish I could travel around. I always wanted to see the world." Caroline sighed dreamily. "Before I came to New York, Mystic Falls was the only place I knew…"
"I'll take you." Klaus suddenly said. "Anywhere you want."
Something in Caroline's eyes changed. She tilted her head while thinking on something to say back when they heard music playing. They both turned to see a street band playing a soft melody. Caroline smiled softly and closed her eyes, just listening. The music combined with the sound of the fake waterfall made the atmosphere a lot more relaxing, something you wouldn't expect so close to a busy street of New York.
"This is why you wanted to eat here." Klaus said softly. Caroline just hummed and nodded. The soft melody ended and the bad started playing a jazz song.
"They play every Friday here. I met them while walking around asking for money. They shared some of their tips with me so I could eat that day." She told him.
Klaus looked at her in awe. Sometimes he would forget she used to be homeless. She was just so… Caroline. She was so happy and bright. She was strong and smart, and she could be elegant but still bubbly. Those weren't things you would expect to find in a homeless person.
Maybe this wasn't the fancy lunch he had in mind, but somehow it turned out to be better.
"Come on." Caroline suddenly said while getting up. "Dance with me." She requested while holding out her hand to him. Klaus looked down at it and then back at her.
"What?" He asked in shock. "You wanna dance? Here?" He asked while looking around to the other people in the park.
"Why not? There's music playing and I'm wearing comfortable shoes!" She said giggling. Klaus made a face, hesitating. "Aw, come on! What are you afraid of? No one here knows you!"
"People have cell phones with cameras these days, love." He said.
Caroline pouted cutely and Klaus groaned.
"I'll dance with you dear." A shaky voice said. They turned and saw an old man with a hat and thick glasses. He pretty much looked like the guy from "Up". He was just adorable! "My knees and hips aren't what they used to be, but I still have some music left in my feet." He added while offering her his arm.
Caroline smiled widely and took his arm.
"At least there are SOME gentlemen left in this world." She said teasingly with her head turned to Klaus. He just glared at her playfully and she stuck her tongue out, making him laugh.
The old man walked Caroline to the center of the park and they danced. The band played a happy and fast tune, and even though the man was old and shaky, he still danced to the pace. Caroline laughed like crazy, finding the man endearing and funny.
"I haven't danced like this since the eighties!" He said, getting another laugh from Caroline. They stood side by side, bumping hips before he took her hand and spun her around. People started gathering around to watch then, and a few even joined them.
The guys in the band couldn't be happier. The dancing pair brought attention to them and more people left tips in the guitar case on the floor.
Klaus watched them from his seat in awe. Caroline was practically glowing as she laughed and danced to the music. The sunlight bounced on her hair, giving her a halo, something Klaus thought was very fitting.
When the song ended, the old man was breathless, but he looked content.
"Thank you dear for dancing with an old fellow. I used to dance with my wife all the time before she passed away." He said holding both of her hands.
"I'm so sorry to hear about your wife, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time too!" She replied with a smile.
After saying good bye and going on separate ways, Caroline walked back to the table and picked up her things.
"I never met anyone like you, Caroline Forbes." Klaus said softly. She looked down at him and blushed, her hand tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. Klaus took a deep breath when something deep in his chest stirred.
"We should head back to the office." She commented.
Klaus nodded and got up.
"Next time you ask, I'll dance with you." He said offering her his arm.
"Ooooh so you think there will be a next time?" She asked teasingly.
"I'll make sure of it." He replied with a smirk.