Chapter Forty

Disclaimer: I do not own the Vampire Diaries or the Originals, but I do own my OCs.

Summary: Blair has been on the run for 400 years, trying to escape her past. She never stays in once place long enough, but she finds herself drawn to New Orleans and it is there that she meets the Originals. She soon finds herself drawn into their drama and ends up connecting with the Noble Original, Elijah Mikaelson. Slowburn.

So… it's been a while.

I just wanted to thank everyone that has been patient with me, and I feel as though I owe people an explanation. When I wrote this story, I was going through a lot of ups and downs, which ultimately led me to a very dark place. I lost my love for writing and couldn't physically write; all the joy had been taken away and I couldn't bear to even write a sentence. I lost love for this story too. But I recently re-read this story on a whim and feel back in love with Blair's character and the whole plot.

So, I am back, hopefully this chapter can make up for my long absence.

Enjoy!

ORIGINALS

The closer Blair got to the oldest Mikaelson, the more she could feel the magic surrounding the unconscious woman like a cocoon. She had been able to sense Freya's magic ever since she walked into the Abattoir but now that she was fully focused on it, she realised how odd it was. The magic was powerful, extremely so, but it was also peculiar. It was like the magic didn't belong to Freya but it did belong to her at the same time. Blair had never felt magic like this before and it made her internally frown as she pondered what could have caused this. She felt confident in her knowledge of Witch magic and that's why she felt confused when she couldn't identify this type of magic.

Eyes glowing purple, Blair placed her hand over Freya's forehead and tried to forcibly remove the magical cocoon around her. Tugging away at the shield until there was nothing left so Freya would have no other option but to awaken. The moment Blair's magic touched Freya's magic, it reacted violently and she was forced to move her hand back. The magic didn't like her being so close nor did it seem to like what Blair was trying to do.

Taking a different approach, Blair expelled some of her magic once more and encased her. She watched as her magic worked its way through the defences of the cocoon. There was no way to fully remove it without causing Freya some distress or harm and Blair would rather avoid it as they needed something from her. Instead, Blair managed to find a little crack within the cocoon, a weak point and then exploited it. Once it made it past her defences, the Fae watched as the magic surrounding Freya slowly start to dissipate.

Slowly, Freya's eyes opened, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion when she woke up feeling tired. Looking around, the eldest Mikaelson noticed that she was surrounded by people, but felt powerful magic in the room that immediately raised her heckles. Acting out of instinct, Freya sent a powerful blast of magic in the person's direction.

Quicker than Freya or Blair could comprehend, Elijah appeared beside the Fae and pulled her aside, running to the other side of the room in a flash. Blair blinked a few times as her brain caught up with everything that had just happened. She looked to Elijah, "Well, that was fast,"

Elijah smirked, "Got to keep you on your toes somehow," He had sensed hostility coming from Freya and reacted as such to ensure Blair was not harmed.

Kissing him on the cheek in thanks, Blair turned her head to face Freya, who was now sat up. She looked extremely confused about where she was and seemed to be getting her bearings back. As she did this, Klaus was crouched down lowly in a defensive position in front of Caroline, and Kol had moved Davina far away from his eldest sister. Like his brother, Kol had sensed hostility and had acted to protect Davina from any attack.

"I thought you said she was on our side?" Klaus hissed lowly.

"I thought she was," Blair muttered under her breath.

Kol shook his head, "I don't think she meant it. Sometimes magic can act instinctively, maybe she saw Blair has a threat or something," He had seen it happen plenty of times in the past, it mostly happened after a Witch came out of a deep sleep or trance.

Blair pursed her lips together and found that she rather liked that answer. It stroked her ego and made her feel a sense of pride. Sensing this, Elijah shook his head in endearment, he knew she would fit right in with his family.

Slowly, Freya got her bearings back and everyone waited with bated breath. No one moved as they watched Freya move to stand, nearly falling over as her knees nearly gave way. Luckily, she never fell to the ground and she stood tall. Now that she was awake, everyone got a good look at her and there was no mistaking that she was Mikaelson through and through.

Looking around the room, Freya spotted her brothers and her eyes flashed in recognition, "Elijah… Niklaus… Kol…" Her voice was barely above a whisper as if she couldn't believe who was in front of her.

Being the polite person, he was, Elijah nodded his head in acknowledgement, "Freya,"

"I have waited a thousand years to formally meet you all," Freya said with a sad smile. She had longed for her family, despairing the fact she was taken by Dahlia all those years ago. She had feared that the family would not remember her or accept her.

His patience finally having run out, Klaus rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes, that's all well and good, but right now we have more important things to worry about," The longer they chatted, the worse Caroline got, and he could see the pain was getting worse, going by her facial expressions.

Freya looked at him, almost confused and amused, whereas Elijah shook his head in exasperation. "Please excuse Niklaus, it has been a stressful day." He sent a scathing glare in the direction of Klaus, silently warning him to behave. They needed Freya to do something for them and acting like heathens wasn't going to get them anywhere. Elijah didn't trust Freya as of yet, he would be a fool to trust so easily, but they still needed her.

Klaus huffed and turned away, not acknowledging this reprimand.

"I understand that none of you may trust me, but I look forward to earning it," Freya replied honestly. She didn't expect them to welcome her back with open arms, though she would have loved that to happen. No, she was more realistic in her thoughts and knew that this would take time.

"Well, you can start by helping us undo a pesky spell," Klaus said, seizing the opportunity.

Rolling his eyes, Kol took over, "Mother placed this girl under a spell that no one can penetrate, only a Mikaelson Witch can do it. But if something isn't done soon then this girl will die,"

Freya stilled and her eyes flashed in anger, something no one missed, especially Blair. "Did you say… mother did this?" She asked, looking at the unconscious Caroline. She had been able to sense malicious magic in the air but hadn't connected the dots that it was her mother's magic at work.

"Yes," Blair answered, making the Mikaelson Witch turn to look at her, "Esther has made Caroline's blood turn against her and it's killing her. Esther has manipulated this spell against Fae magic and another's Witch's magic didn't work."

Freya stared at the Fae with a cold expression, one that made Blair mentally roll her eyes. It seemed as though the eldest sibling wasn't happy to be in Blair's presence and she could sense the animosity. Blair could sense the anger and hostility coming from Freya, making her think that the original attack when Freya woke up wasn't accidental. However, Blair didn't care if the Witch disliked her or not, as long as she did what was expected of her, the Fae didn't give a damn.

Sensing this hostility, Elijah cleared his throat, which made everyone look at him, "We know you've only just woke up, but if you would be so kind as to assist us, we would appreciate it," He sent warning looks at Klaus and Kol, not wanting them to say anything at that moment. Luckily, they seemed to get the message and said nothing.

After a few seconds of deliberation, Freya nodded her head, "I will help, but I want something in exchange."

Klaus growled lowly, not liking this answer.

"What do you want?" Elijah asked, wearily watching his brothers. He wasn't happy about these turns of events either, but they needed Freya. Her actions had affirmed that she truly was a Mikaelson indeed and they shouldn't have expected anything less.

"I want you to help me defeat Dahlia," Freya replied, standing taller, "I want you to listen to my story before I help Caroline,"

Exchanging looks, the male Mikaelson siblings seemed to silently have a conversation with one another. They didn't need words and they all understood one another perfectly. Klaus was pissed that Freya was trying to bargain with Caroline's life, Elijah was the more diplomatic one out of them and Kol was just trying to stir the pot. Kol was feeding into Klaus' anger and making it worse, not that he needed any encouragement. However, they were left with very little choice in the matter, though Elijah wasn't going to make it easy for Freya.

"We will listen to your story, but first you must heal Caroline," Elijah negotiated patiently.

For a moment, Freya considered his other, "Do I have your word that you'll listen to me afterwards?"

Klaus sighed roughly, "Yes, you have our word, now get on with it," He was getting impatient and he didn't like how Freya acted as though she held all of the cards.

Finally, Freya nodded her head, "Then I will help," She would have helped as soon as she found out Esther had her hand in this, but she needed to ensure they would listen to her. She would have preferred to get her side out first but after she saw Caroline, she understood Klaus' impatience. Getting closer to the baby Vampire, Freya took notice of the fact Klaus refused to leave the girl's side and was watching her intensely. This made Freya slightly nervous, it also didn't help that everyone was watching her. Inhaling deeply, she began to chant and could feel the spell that was around Caroline.

"You're certain she's on our side?" Kol whispered over to Blair while Freya did her thing. He and Davina had moved closer so they could talk quietly with one another. As much as he loved magic, he wasn't too impressed by Freya, but he supposed it was due to how dismissive she had been of Davina. Freya hadn't even acknowledged Davina's presence which annoyed him greatly. If they hadn't of needed her, Kol may have killed her for the disrespect, and he had killed for much less.

Blair nodded her head, "I am sure,"

"She doesn't seem it," Davina muttered softly so only they would hear her. She was watching Freya carefully, as was Blair. Personally, Davina didn't trust Freya nor did she like her that much. She hadn't liked the cold look she had sent the Fae – an exchange no one missed as it was very obvious.

After a few moments, Freya stopped chanting and stepped away, "I have lifted the curse, but there is still something that needs to be done," The magic Esther had cast was malevolent and Freya found it repulsive, but that may also be due to the fact she hated the woman as well.

"What?" Klaus all but demanded.

Freya shook her head, "I am unsure, it's like a piece of a puzzle is missing," No matter how hard she tried, Caroline would not wake up naturally, there had to be something to trigger this. Removing the curse was relatively easy and now Caroline wasn't in pain, but she hadn't woken up.

Blair frowned as she thought back to the dark eerie song that was still going. It hadn't stopped but had just started from the beginning once more. As she listened in, she heard a key piece of information, "I said earlier that you were the key to this, Klaus. It is something that your mother doesn't think you are capable of,"

Kol snorted, "Well that may take years to answer,"

Klaus glared at Kol, half wishing to dagger his younger brother for his cheek.

"Why don't we all leave Niklaus alone with Caroline and we can talk further?" Elijah suggested firmly. He could feel the tension rising and Caroline not waking up right away certainly didn't help matters.

Freya nodded her head, "That would be great,"

Turning away from his family, Klaus barely paid attention as they left. Silently, he was thankful for Elijah's quick suggestion as he certainly didn't want to deal with his family at the moment. He also couldn't stand the pitiful look on Davina's face as if she felt sorry for him. He did not need that, all he needed was for Caroline to wake up.

Looking at the sleeping girl, Klaus kneeled beside her, "Just when I thought I was getting over you, you come right back and remind me why I care so much for you," Gently, he moved a piece of hair out of her way, his face softening ever so slightly. Klaus wished that she would just open her eyes. God, he loved her eyes so much. The way they would light up when she saw something she liked, the way she used to look at him in indignation and then change into something deeper, something softer. He missed the fire in her eyes, he missed the passion, anger and even the hurt.

Caroline was probably one of the only people, other than his family and Blair, that could get away with saying certain things to him. He had killed people for less but he could never intentionally hurt her. He had left Mystic Falls and he thought he was leaving behind Caroline. He thought he was leaving her behind for a better life where she wouldn't become the target of people who wished to fight him. Klaus had thought she would be safe, but then she followed him to New Orleans of all places.

Seeing her so unmoving made him mentally and outwardly curse his mother. He would make her pay for this – dearly.

His mother had always thought the worst of him. She paraded herself to be some kind and caring mother, but on the inside, she was a snake. Esther would act as the soothing balm to Mikael's violent abuse when she was an enabler of the abuse. There was never a time where Esther didn't assume the worst of him and so he acted up to it. She never thought him capable of forgiveness, a conscious or love…

At this thought, Klaus visibly paused, the cogs in his mind whirling around. The Fae's words playing over in his mind...

He was the key.

Something that Esther didn't think him capable of.

It was love.

Esther didn't think him capable of loving someone. She assumed that he would think the emotion too weak but she was only half wrong. While Klaus did believe love could be a weakness, it could also be a strength, though he would rather not too many people know about it. He had only truly come to this realisation after Hope was born, as he could not deny the unconditional love he felt for his child and it had made him even more determined to protect her.

Filled with a newfound determination, Klaus grabbed Caroline's hand in his, "Caroline Forbes, you are the most infuriating woman I have ever met, and it's one of the many reasons why I love you," Leaning over her, he placed a chaste kiss on her lips. Usually, he would gain consent before doing anything, but he needed to wake her up.

Pulling away, Klaus watched in anticipation as Caroline's eyes twitched until they finally fluttered open. Her pretty blue eyes looked back at him in confusion – a sight he had waited for ages.

"Klaus?" Caroline whispered before her eyes widened and she sat up quickly, "How did I get here?" The last thing she remembered was speaking to a Witch. She had been trying to find Klaus in New Orleans, not realising the Witch she happened to pick was the Original Witch inhabiting the body of someone else.

"My mother did this," Klaus answered back, watching in amusement as she gained her bearings back.

Caroline frowned, "But I thought your mother was dead?" The last she remembered, the Original Witch had been killed off, getting exactly what she deserved. The fact she was back once more made Caroline's head spin.

Klaus shook his head, "Unfortunately, it didn't stay that way, but that will be rectified very soon, love, that much I can promise you,"

Slowly, Caroline nodded her head, relaxing slightly.

"Speaking on promises, what are you doing here?" Klaus asked, his face revealing nothing of how he truly felt. The last time he had seen Caroline, he had made a promise that he would never see her again, and in exchange, she would admit what she felt for him. It had been absolute torture to leave her, but if he got to hear what she truly felt for him, then it had been worth it.

Caroline looked at him, confused, "I thought you'd be happy," This was not the reaction she expected when she envisioned them meeting once more.

"I made a promise you would never see me again, you wanted me to make that promise," Klaus stressed out, confused as to what her motive was. She was doing this to mess with him? Make him pay for everything he had done in Mystic Falls?

"You know, I am starting to feel as though you don't want me here," Caroline said, feeling hurt and angry. She was starting to regret coming to New Orleans and instead was filled with embarrassment that she had taken this leap.

Klaus shook his head, "It's not that,"

"Then why are you acting like this?!" Caroline exclaimed.

"Because I was scared!" Klaus yelled out, standing up from her side and began pacing, "My mother, being the wicked person, she is, decided to use you against me because she knew I have feelings for you," One of his worst fears had come true that day and it made him feel weak – powerless. "I have spent most of the day looking for you, worried out of my mind that something terrible had happened to you!"

Caroline watched him go, her heart aching as her anger was washed away, "You searched all over New Orleans for me?"

Stopping his pacing, Klaus looked at Caroline, unable to look anywhere but in her blue eyes, "Of course I did. I would tear down this city to find you,"

Slowly, Caroline stood up and made her way over to Klaus with no hesitation. He watched as she got close and revelled in her touch when she placed a hand on his face. Caroline breathed in his scent, making her visibly relax, she had missed him dearly. "I never should have made you promise that to me…" Ever since that day, she had spent day and night thinking about him. Thinking about what they could have had.

"Then why did you?" Klaus beseeched.

"I was scared," Caroline admitted, finally coming clean after all this time, "I have never felt this strongly about anyone before. I was so caught up in what everyone would think that I never really gave myself a chance to be happy," Everyone in Mystic Falls hated Klaus with a passion and she was scared of that hatred being turned on her. She hadn't wanted to lose her friends despite everything they had done.

Klaus raised his hand and held her face softly, "Caroline…"

Shaking her head, Caroline willed herself to continue, she needed to get this off her chest, "I couldn't stand it anymore – being in Mystic Falls. Everything is always about Elena and her happiness. I realised there was no one there for me anymore. The one person who did was gone," Caroline looked him in the eyes, "You. I was missing you so much,"

Her words shocked him to his core. This was something he had only ever dreamed of happening and he was almost scared that this was either all a ruse or a dream. Narrowing his eyes, Klaus felt his heckles raise and he stepped away from her, "How I do know that this isn't a trap? Could you be working for my mother? Or are your little band of friends still trying to kill me?"

Caroline huffed in frustration, "No, you dolt! I am not working with anyone!"

"Oh, don't act so high and mighty," Klaus snarled back, "It's not like you haven't used my feelings to your advantage before,"

Hurt flashed in Caroline's eyes and it almost made him feel guilty for it, but he resolved his nerves.

"You are such an ass!" Caroline hissed out, her fists clenched.

Klaus snorted at her insult, "You've called me worse,"

Letting out a little shriek in frustration, Caroline did something that he never saw coming. She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled him towards her, kissing him with such passion it made him freeze for about two seconds. Once his mind caught up with him, he sprang into action and returned the kiss with equal fire that it scared him a little. No one had set his blood alight like Caroline, no one aggravated and charmed him so much.

Using his speed, he moved forward until he hit a wall, using one of his hands to shield her head so she didn't get hurt. Caroline gasped into the kiss at the show of strength, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, that no doubt he could hear. Klaus easily deepened the kiss and Caroline made a noise of agreement in the back of her throat.

Reluctantly, Klaus was the one who broke the kiss. Placing his forehead on hers, Klaus closed his eyes and breathed in her scent and listened to her erratic heartbeat – which was very similar to his. "Please, do not make me promise to leave you alone again,"

Caroline shook her head, "I should have never made you promise that. Though, I suppose it got us here." She smiled cheekily, her face flushed red.

"I suppose it did," Klaus grinned back.

Feeling a wave of courage, Caroline knew that she needed to say this before she chickened out again. She had wanted to say it straight away but she thought he wasn't happy to see her and so she backed out. However, if she had to guess by that kiss, he may feel the same about her, "Klaus, I'm in love with you,"

Klaus' face went blank for a moment before he smirked, "I know,"

Instinctively, Caroline smacked him on the chest and tried to get away from him, but Klaus wouldn't let her. He kept her held up against the wall and watched in amusement as she silently fumed. "I am in love with you too,"

His words caused Caroline to freeze where she was and her eyes widened. Very quickly, a wide smile appeared on her face as she pulled Klaus in for another kiss, this one much softer but no less passionate.

ORIGINALS

Klaus was standing in Hope's room, just watching as his child slept with a stoic expression on his face. Usually, when he looked at his daughter, he would be smiling and adoring as she wiggled in her sleep but this time, he was much too distracted. He would often come into Hope's nursery to remind himself what and who he was fighting for – a better and safer home for her. However, this tactic didn't seem to be effective and his mind was working through everything that had happened earlier that day. He was a step closer to ensuring his daughter was safe, Esther was now a Vampire and could easily be manipulated through compulsion and she was missing her magic. They had gained two new allies, his eldest sister and Caroline.

At the thought of Caroline, his heart clenched in his chest.

He was ecstatic to have Caroline in his city – with him. When he had left Mystic Falls, she had been all Klaus could think about and their promise, how he had promised he would never see her again. He hadn't wanted to make it but if it meant he got to spend some time with her then so be it. Now, he was thankful because it brought her to him. Caroline had followed him, had sought him out.

It was still taking him time to process it.

Instead of feeling euphoric like he should have been, Klaus' thoughts began to turn sinister.

What if something happened to Caroline?

What if someone turned her against him?

Would she would leave him? Realise that she had made a mistake?

What if someone used Caroline against him?

"Is everything okay, Niklaus?"

Klaus turned his head and turned to face Elijah, who stood at the foot of the nursery with a frown on his face. Seeing Elijah made him relax ever so slightly. If it had been any of his other siblings, he would have chased them away, but Elijah was who he needed at that moment. He would have never shared something so personal with Kol and Rebekah would have made this a bigger deal than it was. Freya was much too new for him to trust and Finn wasn't even an option. But Elijah could give him the advice that he needed.

"You seem troubled," Elijah commented.

After a moment of silence, Klaus nodded his head. "As much as I hate to admit it, I am."

"I am here if you need anything," Elijah offered, fully meaning this. He would help any member of his family and they all knew that.

Klaus looked down at Hope once more and smiled at her angelic face, "When Hope was born, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to protect her, that her mere presence would be exploited and used against me. We have many enemies and any of them would use Hope against me,"

Elijah hummed in agreement, understanding where his brother was coming from, "A baby would be seen as an easy target and prize considering she is the first Trybrid," It was unfortunate that in their long life, they had made a lot of enemies – too many to count. All of them itching to get back at them and would do anything to get some misguided justice.

"We have spent a long time trying to ensure Hope's safety," Klaus continued, "The Wolves and Hayley act as protection. Vampires that are sworn to us have vowed her protection. We have magic on our side as well as two people from the Fae community. Hope is probably one of the safest people alive… but…" He stopped talking, finding it hard to get out the right words. This was much harder than he anticipated and he hated it.

"But?" Elijah prompted patiently.

Inhaling deeply, Klaus looked to his brother, "How do you know Blair is fully safe?"

Finding this question odd, Elijah arched a brow, but answered him regardless, "Blair is strong. She has powerful magic on her side and manipulates it like she breathes magic. She has allies on her side, like Raphael and Davina. I trust her to fight her own battles, but if she needs me then I will assist in any way I can," He had never met anyone who had such an affinity to magic and used it so effortlessly, it truly was a beautiful sight when Blair was in her element.

Klaus huffed, not finding Elijah's answer to his liking.

"Is this about Caroline?" Elijah inquired and watched as his brother's shoulders tense up.

"I never said it was," Klaus answered back defensively.

Shaking his head, Elijah looked amused by this display, "You would not have asked me about Blair any otherwise. Are you concerned about Caroline's safety?"

Slowly, Klaus nodded his head.

"Whatever for?" Elijah asked, curious to know the answer. He could understand his brother's concern over Hope as she was a baby, and wouldn't be able to defend herself. However, Caroline was old enough that she could fight. From what he had heard about the baby Vampire, she was a little spitfire and smart – enough to keep the Original Hybrid on his toes.

"She is young," Klaus replied with a frown, "She has barely been a Vampire for a few years. If she were to stay with me, she would have a target on her back, one that she could never remove. People would try and use her against me. She would always be in danger,"

"But she would be by your side," Elijah pointed out, "And we would protect her as a family," If this girl managed to bring out his brother's humanity then he would help protect her. Rebekah may not like Caroline, but she would also help because she liked seeing Klaus happy.

"And I would never let anything happen to her," Klaus agreed passionately as he began to pace around the room, "But what if I am not there, that one time? All it takes is a few seconds for things to go sideward,"

Elijah fell silent as he let Klaus continue his rant, it was much calmer than his other rants but that was because Hope was present and sleeping.

"I can't even imagine how Kol is doing this," Klaus shook his head. The youngest male in the family was probably in the same predicament as him. Davina was only a fledgling when it came to magic and despite her being tutored by Blair, she was still young.

"Well, Davina does have Blair protecting her as well. She even placed a mark on her to protect her," Elijah responded thoughtfully. Blair had told him about the mark she placed on the young Witches, and he thought it had been a brilliant idea.

For a moment, Klaus stilled, "A mark?"

Elijah nodded his head, "Yes, a mark. Blair explained that when she marked Davina, it shields them from physical harm and alerts Blair if she is in trouble,"

Despite Klaus not showing an outward reaction, he was intrigued. He had never heard anything like it before and it interested him. He supposed that it would explain the close relationship the Fae and the Witch had.

"If you're interested in getting Caroline protection from harm, I would suggest talking to Blair," Elijah said before walking out. Once his back was turned, a slow smirk began to form on his face. His first instinct would be to go to Blair and inform her of this exchange, but he found he would rather leave it a surprise. He wondered how Blair would react and silently chuckled to himself.

Klaus looked out of the window of Hope's nursery with a stoic expression on his face once more.