Thank you all for the reviews, favs, and follows!
Sorry it took me a month to just get an update out! I was moving and getting everything settled and like one of my favorite authors says on here, LIFE pretty much got in the way!
Please let me know your what you think of my story and I'm going to try and respond to everyone. Thank you all for reading!
Does anyone know the best way to get a cover for a story? I can't make one and I didn't want to just take one off Google Images because the Image Manager ask's if you 'own or have permission to use the image' If anyone would message or PM me I would love that :)
I do not own any of the TVD/TO characters or storylines from the shows. Just my own story line and any characters I create.
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Chapter 7
Typing away excitedly on her computer Caroline can't seem to contain her excitement for her upcoming business trip to London! To think that she is doing more in her job and getting perks of traveling is just too sweet. Thinking back on her and Klaus's conversation in the car Monday after lunch puts a small smile on her face. Klaus informed her that the meeting that had him running late for lunch was what him and his two brothers had been talking about; a business merger of a company in London called Castle International. Apparently Castle International agreed for Mikael & Sons to take ownership and control of their company, thus adding it as another business adventure the Mikaelson family company will own. Klaus also informed her that they will be need to depart Wednesday midday giving them enough time to arrive, rest, and be prepared for the meeting with the company in London Thursday morning. Currently she has already bought the plane tickets, reserved the hotel, and is reserving the car that will pick them up when they arrive. Although she is a little uncertain about the hotel she has picked out. Since Caroline has never been anywhere she can only hope that the hotel she reserved for her and Klaus turns out to be one that he will enjoy. Shooting an email of everything that she has setup to Klaus she shuts down her computer and starts gathering her stuff to head home for the night.
"Sweetheart don't worry about coming into work tomorrow since we will be catching our flight at noon." Klaus says while strolling out of his office.
"Great! Gives me enough time to pack." Caroline says excitedly while walking towards the elevator with Klaus. "Since I got the decorators here I expect to hear about what happened that Saturday night!"
Letting out a laugh Klaus just nods and says, "Fine. On our flight I will tell you some details."
"Alright, I am holding you too that Klaus. See you tomorrow." Caroline says while turning way to hail a cab. Before she can raise her hand up all the way she is being pulled back by her arm into Klaus's side.
"What…"
"You don't really think I am going to make you hail a cab home?" Klaus asks while pushing a stray curl behind her ear.
"Oh…I just usually take a cab.." Caroline says while giving him some room on the street. Why did he just touch my hair like that?
Straightening his shoulders Klaus mentions her towards the company car that George is currently holding the door open. "Nonsense, you work for the Mikaelson's and we don't take cabs."
Nodding and getting into the car Caroline tries not to fidget with the silence that has settled between them. Is she reading into it too much when Klaus does little things like touch her hair or her lower back when they are walking? He knows she is gay, or well she thinks she is gay. Sighing, Caroline tries to not stress herself out about what her and Stefan talked about the other day. So what if she is confused on her sexuality! There could be a lot worse things wrong with her at the moment then trying to figure our her romanic interests. Right? Trying to distract herself she asks Klaus where he lives.
"I live in a penthouse."
"Of course you do! I should have guessed that one." Caroline says with a little laugh.
"Are you secretly jealous of my penthouse?" Klaus asks with a taunt when he turns his head towards her.
"How can I be jealous of a penthouse if I haven't seen it for myself to judge?"
"If you wanted to come over sweetheart all you have to do is ask." Klaus says with that signature smirk of his that he is always sporting.
"Ha." Caroline says while touching her hair and a roll of her eyes. "It wouldn't be very professional if I seen where you live. I haven't seen where Elijah lives."
"I think we have crossed the line from professional into friends territory, don't you think?"
"Ugh! No!" Caroline says with a tone of disbelief in her tone.
"Come now love, don't forget our night of drinking and getting to know each other." Klaus says while putting his hand over his heart. "I'm a little hurt that you can't remember our profound and fun times of sharing stories and getting to know one another."
"You won't even tell me what happened!" Caroline says while throwing her hands up.
Klaus can't help enjoying riling Caroline up whenever he gets the chance. He is realizing he enjoys the fire in her when she gets excited or frustrated. Trying to shake the feeling he gets when he looks in her eyes too long he just grins back at her and gestures to them arriving at her apartment. "Looks like we are here sweetheart. Guess I will have to save the tales of our drinking adventure for the plane ride."
Giving Klaus her 'you better or else' look Caroline tells him she will see him tomorrow and heads up to her apartment. Klaus chuckles at her sassy attitude, and motions for the driver to take him home.
Ah, home. A place where he hasn't felt that comfortable living in since deciding to settle in New York. Klaus can't quite figure out what about his penthouse has him not wanting to stay there. He hasn't honestly lived anywhere more than a year since he turned eighteen and moved out of his parents house. Living with his parents who were alcoholic and abusive put a weight on him when he couldn't leave their house until he hit the adult age where he could legally leave and go off on his own. He still remembers the day looking at Kol and Rebekah. Kol telling him that he should get the hell out of there as soon as possible, and his little sister trying to stay strong with not wanting to admit she didn't want him to leave. One of the hardest days of his life, looking at Rebekah and telling her he loved her and if she ever needed him to come and get her that he was just a phone call away. She never did call him though, instead she relied on Elijah. Klaus doesn't feel jealous or upset about that. He knows she was probably trying to give him his space and let him try an forget the memories of his childhood.
Unbuttoning his suit jacket, grabbing a bourbon, and sitting on his leather sofa he just sips and gazes out his windows. Wonder what Caroline would think of this view.
"Mister Mikaelson, is there anything else I can do before I head home?" His housekeeper asks from behind him.
"No you head on home Ann. I'm just going to relax for the night and get prepared for my flight tomorrow."
"Ok, there was a package that came for you. I left it on the kitchen counter. Have a good night." Ann said while getting her things and leaving.
Hearing the door close, Klaus gets up and heads into the kitchen to find out what he has received. Who would be sending him a package?
Turning on the light he notices a package wrapped, poorly, in happy birthday paper. Strange. There is no return address in the corner. Opening the package, reveals a letter, sketch pad, and pencils to sketch with.
Nik,
I'm glad you are staying in New York. I know you haven't drawn in sometime but I wanted to get you back in the spirit so we can go to art gallery's together! I missed my older brother and I expect you to take me on trips to art shows and all that art life has to offer!
Love Henrik
p.s. Heres's my number so you can reach me. Please text don't call like Elijah does, ok? Oh and can I come stay the night some nights? I promise I will be on my best behavior.
p.s.s If I can't stay the night, can I come hangout?
p.s.s.s Don't forget to text me
Trying to swallow the lump that has formed in his throat Klaus walks over to his fridge to grab a bottle of water. Taking a big gulp he takes a second before grabbing his cell. He knows why Henrik wants to come stay with him; it's to get out of their parents home. Though Klaus is a little bit surprised, typically Mikael would never allow Henrik to come stay with at his house. Of course Elijah would just pick him up and Klaus would come see him at Elijah's home. Elijah did say that Mikael was in poor health, could it be that he really is going to die soon? Perhaps he should feel something like sadness, but Mikael beat that out of him when he was a little boy. He has no pity for his step-father and never will. He doesn't even feel anything towards his own mother. If her 'beloved' husband was to perish, he wouldn't even bat an eye at wondering what she would do with herself. Ester allowed her husband to beat and humiliate him his whole life growing up in that home. She deserves whatever happens to her now and in the future.
Sending a quick text to his youngest brother about where he is going for work and letting him know when he will be back so they can talk; Klaus grabs his present and heads to his bedroom. Changing his clothes and resting against the headboard he just stares at the blank page.
He hasn't draw in a few years. One day he just lost his inspiration to paint. To create anything. Klaus doesn't even know what happened to the paintings he left at his parents house or the ones that he left at Elijah's when he stayed with him and Katherine a few years back. Knowing Katherine she probably just threw them away, Klaus thinks with a smirk on his face.
Rubbing his hand down his face Klaus can't help but think he has painters block. Deciding to just take the sketch pad with him on his business trip he sits it on his night table and lays down in bed to get some sleep for his upcoming business trip. What have I gotten myself into?
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"Caroline why are we flying coach?" Klaus ask while sitting besides her at the airport. They both have already checked in, went through security, and are now just waiting to board.
Trying not to jump out of her seat in excitement Caroline barely registers Klaus's disbelieving tone. "Because that is what you get when you buy an airplane ticket."
Groaning Klaus just looks at his personal assistant like she grew three heads and her skinned turned green. "Love, why didn't you get the First Class tickets?"
"Because they are expensive. Duh."
Trying to ignore how cute her nose looks when she scrunches it up Klaus tries not to let his annoyance show by pinching the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes while he takes a breath. "For future reference, always and I mean always, get first class tickets."
With wide eyes Caroline looks at her boss with concern. Did she do something wrong? "I emailed you the plans yesterday. Did you not look at them?"
"I shouldn't have to verify everything you need to do Caroline." Trying to keep an even tone, this is the first time he has had an employee before, Klaus looks into her blue eyes and tries to soften his expression. "Elijah trusted you with a lot of important matters I'm sure, did you always email him to check that you made the right decision?"
Pushing her braid behind her back and straightening her shoulders Caroline starts to nod yes while explaining how Elijah liked her to work. "He always wanted me to verify with him how I used the company expenses if it hit a certain limit."
"And you never got annoyed that he always needed to confirm your work?"
"No. Rules are rules Klaus. Unlike some I pride myself on being an employee who always upholds her boss's rules and regulations."
Cocking an eyebrow at her Klaus wonders why Elijah would be so uptight. Considering how much money Caroline ended up saving with the decorators he isn't sure why Elijah just didn't trust her to make the decisions. "Like I have said perviously I am your new boss. I work differently than my brother. I have faith in your abilities to make the right decisions when it comes to handling money from our company. Understood?"
Warmth is spreading through her body when she turns to Klaus and gives him a bright smile. "Understood boss." Caroline responds with a wink at him.
"Are you flirting with me Miss Forbes?" Klaus asks in a joking manner.
Heat rising in her cheeks Caroline starts to respond when the intercom sounds that it is time to board the plane.
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"You ready for your first international flight?" Klaus asks while sitting down in his seat. This is going to be a long flight.
Caroline picked the window for him, with her sitting in the middle. So far no one has claimed the seat besides the isle. Hopefully it will just be the two of them the whole flight. Klaus is enjoying watching her facial expressions while she was boarding and watching him put her luggage up above them.
"Yes." Caroline responds nervously. Looking around everyone looks so at easy like they do this everyday! Here she is silently freaking out and trying not to worry about how she is going to pee. Stupid Stefan and his tips about flying. She should have never listened about the things to worry about when getting on a plane. Like if you are using the bathroom don't flush the toilet while you are sitting on it cause it could suck you into the toilet bowl! She isn't sure if that is true or not but her paranoia is sitting in so Caroline is pretty sure its real.
"Don't be nervous," Klaus says while trying to get comfortable in his seat. "Flying is perfectly normal."
"I have never been on a plane before." Caroline says while checking her seatbelt for a fourth time.
Reaching over Klaus puts his hand on hers to get her attention. "Caroline, your seatbelt is fine. Once we get in the air you can unbuckle. We are about to take off; just relax."
Nodding her head Caroline tilts her head back against the seat and closes her eyes. Being this close to Klaus was confusing her a mind a little bit. Every time one of them moved her arm or elbow rubbed against his arm. Giving her skin a little tingly touch. She forgot how warm a mans skin can feel against her own. Trying to steer her mind away from thoughts like that she grips the arm rest when she starts to feel the plane take off. The feeling of her stomach being left behind was one she won't soon forget. Are they ever going to reach altitude where the plane will level out? Feels like they have been just going straight up seems like forever. Will it end?
Vaguely hearing Klaus call her name she peeks her eyes open to look at him. "Yeah?"
"I need you to let go of my hand." Klaus says while motioning to her hand over his. He has to admit, she has quite a strong grip.
"Sorry." Following his lead Caroline unbuckles her seatbelt and finally lets out the breath she was holding.
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A few hours have passed and Klaus is trying to get the flight attendant to bring him another alcoholic beverage or else he doesn't know if he will survive this flight for much longer. No one could say he was a difficult person when it came to every day things in life, but he was accustomed to a certain type of luxury. Even though Mikael never treated him like a human being growing up his step-father would never allow anyone with the his last name to seem poor or uncultured. Thus Klaus grew up with the finer things in life.
For the last thirty minutes Klaus has been listening to Caroline talk and talk. The strange part is he actually enjoys listening to her ramblings and rants. Typically he hates when woman or even his sister talk to much that he often zones out but with Caroline it's like each word enchants him more to pay attention to her. Right now she is trying to convince him the benefit of flying coach. Earlier she took notice of his uncomfortable nature and decided to inquire why.
"Since you haven't ever flown in coach this is a great way for you to experience something you haven't ever done before!" Caroline says rationally.
"And next time we will fly First Class so you can experience something you haven't ever done before." Klaus says dryly.
Before replying she leans down in the isle of the plane to grab a babies toy it tossed to help out the mother of the infant. Klaus notices her braid swing over her shoulder and he see's a small tattoo on the back of her neck.
Ethan
Who is Ethan, Klaus wonders. More of the mystery that is Caroline Forbes. She revivals small details about herself, but never really anything that lets him know who she really is inside. What experiences has shaped her to be this person she is today. Wondering if he should tuck that knowledge away for later or ask her about it now. Klaus glances out his window in thought. Would he be stepping over the line inquiring about her tattoo? Was it a former boyfriend? No, Caroline doesn't seem like the type of woman to put a man's name on her skin. Then again he didn't expect her to be interested in women either. Come to think to of it Klaus doesn't really know too much about her life. True they only spent one night together drinking and having a good time getting to know one another, but he didn't really find anything out about her life.
Why is he so curious about this blonde beauties life anyways? Klaus tries not to ponder to long on that thought.
After accepting their drinks Klaus sips his and tries to bring up the subject of her tattoo. "So Caroline I was wondering—"
"No you don't get to ask any questions since you haven't told me about Saturday night!" Sipping her drink Caroline looks at him with her eyebrow raised in a channeling way. "Spill. What happened to my shoes."
Giving in to defeat Klaus begins to fill her in on their night. Nothing to wild happened just lots of drinking and laughing. He explained to her about only learning a little bit information on Casey, lots of shots, her sharing little tidbits like how she hated avocado, and some of her favorite shows.
"When we were leaving I wasn't going to let you take a cab home alone since you were going on about going to Stefan's to find his baby mama's address so you could figure out why she kept the baby a secret." At Caroline's saucer eyes Klaus continues. "Trying to get you in the cab was easy. You flew right in and told the driver in your best slurred tone where you lived. The cabbie must have been used to drunk speech because he just nodded and when you settled back you said," Putting his fingers up for air quotes, "'My feet are dead. I need to take these shoes off' and proceeded to throw them on the floor of the cab and put them up in my lap while you rested your head against the window." Klaus says while laughing at Caroline's horrified face.
"But…but what happened to my shoes?"
"Oh I'm not finished love. After demanding me to rub your feet because I got you into your drunken state you feel asleep in the cab. Thus when we arrived I had to carry you up to your apartment and I didn't think about grabbing your heels."
Blushing profusely Caroline tries to form a complete sentence in her head. She can't believe she let herself get that drunk and with someone who was basically a complete stranger! Hoping her mom isn't looking down on her from heaven on that night Caroline downs the rest of her drink.
"Maybe you should go easy there sweetheart. Wouldn't want a repeat now would we?" Klaus taunts at her.
"Oh hush! I'm sorry if I embarrassed you or anything."
"You didn't embarrass me, no worries." Klaus says while smiling. Since they are in a humorous mood he decides to go forth with his question. "I'm surprised I didn't take you for a woman to get a man's name on their body. I noticed your tattoo when you bent down. Was Ethan your first love?"
Watching the smile completely disappear from Caroline's face makes the smile on his face instantly disappear as well. Noticing the color leave her cheeks from their earlier laughter he clears his throat. "Caroline, what's wrong?"
No response.
Putting his hand on her arm she flinches away. "Whats—" Abruptly cut off from Caroline getting up with a glance at him she heads towards the bathroom and enters.
What happened?
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Splashing some water on her face Caroline gazes at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. It has been a very long time since she has heard that name. A name she hasn't spoken allowed since the time in the hospital. Trying to contain her emotions she wipes the water off her face and takes a deep breath. She knows Klaus is going to ask what happened and she doesn't want to approach that subject with him. Typically Caroline only braids her hair when she is home alone. Sometimes she wonders why she got his name tattooed on her neck. Maybe a way for her to have him with her, but in a place she wouldn't ever see and be reminded easily either. Shaking her mind out of those thoughts she heads back to her seat.
Noticing the look of concern on Klaus's face has her catching her breath for a minute. How can a look from one man make her breathing catch? She shouldn't be having these moments with Klaus; her boss. It's unethical and it just straight out confuses her thoughts.
Sitting down besides him she looks at him with her best attempt at a smile. "Sorry about that I really needed to use the restroom. I think all the drinking on the flight and turbulence made my stomach upset."
"Alright. As long as you are feeling better that's all that matters I suppose."
Looks like Klaus isn't going to ask about my little freak out. Thank goodness. "I think I am going to put my headphones in and try to get some shut eye." Putting her eye mask on Caroline leans back in her seat and listens to the soft melody coming out of her earbud speakers. Feeling Klaus stare on her linger for a short minute she eventually assumes he goes back to whatever it is he does. These seats are far to close. When they land Caroline is going to update their return flight seats to first class. Klaus was right, these seats are so not comfortable and she is far to close to him anyways. Who knew men still wore cologne and actually smelled extremely good.
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Coming to Caroline notices the lights above her first. They are very bright and seem to be shining right on her face. Next she notices she is laying down with a warm blanket over her body. Her face feels cold. Why can't she feel her legs? Her right hand is warm. Someone is holding her hand. Where is she?
Squinting her eyes together she starts to fidget and she slowly starts to hear a voice saying her name. Blinking her eyes open she takes in her mothers face hovering over her. She must be the one holding my hand.
"Mom…?"
"Shhhh sweetie, just take a breath, don't over work yourself. Let me call the nurse to get the doctor." Liz says while letting go of Caroline's hand.
Doctor? Blinking her eyes rapidly she starts to take in her surrounding better. Looking down at herself she realizes she is laying in a hospital bed, medical equipment around her taking monitoring her vitals, and a tube hooked up to her left arm. Panic starts to set in to her heart and mind. "Why am I in a hospital?"
Poking her head back into the room Liz looks at her with something in her eyes she can't quite put together yet. "The doctor is on his way." Walking over and grabbing her hand, "Lets just wait for the doctor so he can—"
Gripping her moms hand tighter Caroline yells at her, "Where's Tyler? Is the baby ok? What's going on!" Grabbing her stomach Caroline notices she still can't feel from her chest down to her feet. "Why can't I feel anything!?"
Looking over at her heart monitor Liz tries to calm her daughter down. Caroline's heart rate is rising and that can't be a good thing in her condition. "Please baby just wait till the doctor gets here so he can give you a sedative." Liz says while hoping the doctor will get here sooner. She doesn't want to drop the truth on her daughter with her getting hysterical.
"Why does my stomach look smaller?" Caroline asks while grabbing her stomach and trying to feel for her baby. "Why do I feel softer? This isn't right mom! My stomach should be harder!" Looking up at her mom with flushed cheeks and wild eyes she demands her mother to tell her what has happened. "What is happening! Where is my baby! Where is Tyler?"
Grabbing both of her daughters hands in her's Liz looks at her and says with a hopeful tone, "Please calm down Caroline and I will tell you. I can't say anything with your heart rate rising like it is right now."
Shaking her head furiously, "No! Tell me!"
"Do you remember helping those people on the side of the road?"
Flashes of her walking up to the two people and Tyler on the side of the road she simply nods her head yes.
"Do you remember what happened while you were helping that woman?"
Squeezing her eyes shut because her head is starting to hurt she just says no.
"There was an accident sweetie. You were pinned under debris when the paramedics arrived on the scene. They had to do an emergency c-section. That's why you can't feel part of your body right now, they had to give you a spinal tap."
Opening her eyes and starting to smile she looks at her mom, "Where is my little boy? Is Ethan with the nurses or something?"
"Caroline…" Liz starts to say with a somber tone. Sitting down on the hospital bed besides her daughter she looks her in the eyes and gives her the worst news any person wouldn't want to hear. "Ethan didn't survive the accident."
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Coming awake Caroline notices Klaus has pulled one of her earbuds out to wake her and let her know the plane is about to land. Getting situated Caroline tries to not let her dream and the effects of that memory show on her face. She has had that memory pop up in her dreams many times. By now she should be used to it but she wasn't planning on Klaus seeing Ethan's name on her neck and being questioned about it either.
Landing wasn't as bad as taking off Caroline thought while walking besides Klaus in the airport. Getting off was a little annoying with all the people trying to walk in the isle but she accepted it as a flying thing. Caroline just cannot believe she is walking through an airport in another country! This is what she has always wanted to be able to travel and she gets the added bonus of working and also getting paid. Can life get any better right now?
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I apologize again for the long delay. I just got so busy with moving, a baby, and looking for a job! Please leave a review and let me know how my story is going. I hope everyone is enjoying it :)