A/N: hey guys, just a quick note, I've decided against having Hayley's pregnancy in my story, I'm going against canon and thought there would be too much story with it. I'll introduce other threats and New Orleans isn't going to be the only location I have in it. Review, let me know what you think, thanks guys.

The morning had came, the sun shining through the windows had hit Elena's face like 1000 needles scraping against her skin; she begrudgingly opened her eyes and sat up, her head was pounding and her body ached.

A small groan escaped her lips as she stood from the bed, her hand pressed against her head in attempt to relieve herself from the bourbon induced headache. She immediately headed into the bathroom, running herself a shower and brushing her teeth, ridding herself of the dryness that made her lips cling together.

"Never again," she muttered to herself with a disapproving head shake before removing the dressing gown she had slept in and stepping in the shower, allowing the water to wash away the remnants of the night before.

Once she had finished, she entered the bedroom in just a towel, her gaze averted to the bed that now had clothes laid out on it, out of confusion, she called out "Klaus?"

"Good morning," he spoke, appearing in her room out of nowhere, his tone of voice silky and filled with pleasure as he gazed upon her in the towel once again, "did you sleep well?"

"Did you do this?" She asked, as she walked towards the bed and pointing towards the clothes.

"Your abrupt departure from Mystic Falls meant you were without basic necessities, I sent Lewis out early this morning to gather everything you should require," he responded, his hands now moving behind his back and joining, "we can't very well have you walking through the French Quarter in nothing but a towel."

"Thank you," she smiled weakly, before picking up one of the shirts and inspecting it, "I would never have guessed that a hybrid would be so good at picking out girls clothes."

A small chuckle escaped Klaus' lips, leaving only a smooth smirk to indicate his amusement, "I'll leave you to get ready. Would you join me once you have finished? We have much to discuss."

"Sure," a small sigh escaped her lips at his words, and her only response could be sarcasm, "I'm looking forward to it."

And with that, he left her room and closed the door behind him; she shook her head before looking at the clothes on the bed, there was quite a few options and as much as she hated to admit it, they where fabulous, better than the wardrobe she had left behind in Mystic Falls.

There was casual wear and formal, dresses made from lace and a different array of shoes from converse to high heels; if Klaus hadn't have been the one to spoil her, she'd feel like a princess.

She kept it simple, a pair of black skinny jeans and a white camisole with floral lace detailing at the top and when it was on, it hugged at her skin and sat nicely. The jeans slid on perfectly and she began to wonder how the hybrids had guessed her size correctly, another thought to find amusement about.

She slipped on a pair of black pumps and grabbed the leather jacket he had acquired for her before sitting in front of the dressing table and taming her hair.

Once she was ready, she exited the bedroom and joined Klaus in the main suite, her eyes instantly fixing on the breakfast spread he had ordered her, "if I'm correct, you haven't eaten in 3 days, you're going to need your strength if we're going to get through this day."

She didn't care about his insinuations regarding the day, she only saw food; she nodded her head and walked towards the tray, picking up a plate of pancakes and a cup of coffee, joining him on the sofa once again, "so, what's the plan?"

"Firstly, I have to gather information, it's been a century since my family lived here and I'm not aware of the happenings since then," he watched as she ate the pancakes, he could see she was starving but yet she still ate with modesty and manners, it was sweet, "then we need to find the witches."

"Okay," she smiled before placing another small bite of the pancake in her mouth and finishing the plate, "they were amazing, I think I love this hotel."

"I'm glad you're pleased," he raised an eyebrow and watched as she put the empty plate on the tray and filled her coffee cup once more, "once I have all the information required, I can begin my search for a witch by the name of Jane-Anne Deveraux"

"Sounds good," she spoke before drinking half the cup of coffee in one, taking a seat once again.

"I'm confused," he uttered, sitting back on the sofa and spreading his arm out on the back, his leg bending at the knee and settling on top of his other leg, "why aren't you fighting me? I'm not complaining but I prepared myself for a lot more push back."

"What's the point?" She shrugged her shoulders lightly, her gaze locking onto his, "I could argue how this whole situation is obscene and dangerous, I could yell until I turn blue in the face and I could try to make you see sense about how it isn't right to kidnap me and use me for my blood but what's the point?"

She watched as his facial features completely changed, he seemed completely taken aback by her words and rendered speechless for a few long moments, she hadn't realised how much she had pent up, "you're right, sweet Elena, what would be the point?"

"Exactly! I'm here now, whether I want to be or not, my family are safe and Mystic Falls is free of you and your hybrids, I can find peace with that," she truly believed what she was saying, maybe she just had to see things differently, maybe this was what she was meant to do to protect those she holds dear to her, "so, I'm going to stop fighting you, trying to escape and just maybe, I might actually enjoy New Orleans, this is the furthest I've been from home and it's beautiful."

He cocked his head to the side and took in all her words, he would never trust her, a part of him would always be on the cautious side in case she was planning something but if what she was saying is true, then he had to admire her resilience, "you have surprised me, Elena, maybe there's hope for you yet."

She didn't know what he meant by that, nor did she want too, she just responded with a smile and finished her coffee; she sat and stared at him, taking in those 1000 year old features once more, allowing herself to think more openly about him, she couldn't imagine having to spend her life running from her family, in fear that they were going to kill her, when all she would want is to be with the ones that loved her.

She didn't know what was happening but she was sympathising slightly; this didn't condone the violence and power hunt he had devoted his life too but she was starting to mildly understand.

"Oh," she broke her train of the thought, a look of sadness gracing her features, "I'm sorry about Finn, I couldn't imagine what it would feel like to lose a brother."

"I appreciate the sentiment but I don't require your sympathy, Elena," he returned her stare, his face as cold and frozen as ever, "my brother was a fool, he spent 900 years in a box, only to be revived to plot our demise, the world is better off."

"I don't believe that," she stared deeper into his hues, catching that glimmer of emotion within them as she spoke so kindly, "despite everything, he was still your family, your blood, he claimed a part of your heart that is now empty with his loss, Klaus, and-",

"And, what?" He noticed her pause and watched as she contemplated her next words.

"I'm here," she drew in a sharp, deep breath, wondering whether she should appear vulnerable to him, only for him to manipulate her again, "if you want too talk, no-one should have to go through this on their own, even you."

He broke his gaze, his eyes flickered to the floor and he continued to find the way to respond; the flutter in his chest meant his heart enjoyed the compassion shown to him.

But he shut it down, refused to let himself feel anything besides pure distain towards his sibling and the notion of opening up too someone, especially her, his doppelgänger, the one who held the key within her veins to everything he had ever wanted.

"I'd rather never speak of it again, luv, I'm not one for heart-to-hearts and discussing feelings I don't have towards another ghost in my past," he was cold again and she was unsurprised but he had to ensure their relationship remained the same, she was the doppelgänger and he was the monster who had took her from her life, "you would do well to remember, Elena, that I have no interest in 'bonding', nor do I care for anything besides your continuing survival but if I find that you have ever tried to betray me then I will have to question said survival."

"Right," she simply rolled her eyes and stood from the sofa away from him, her dismissive attitude towards him left him only with a bubbling rage, "maybe I should betray you, maybe that's my out."

Before she knew it, he flashed in front of her like a blur and grabbed her, pushing her back into the wall behind them, his eyes flashing gold again, warning her to stop pushing at him and stop pushing her luck, "I could end your life in a second, I can watch the life drain away from you and feel nothing, don't push me."

"God, Klaus," she spat in utter disgust, pushing him back slightly, "what is wrong with you? I'm trying to help you!"

"I don't need your help," he argued back, releasing her from his grip, "nor do I want it."

"You're impossible," the volume in her voice was growing louder, her frustration was at an all time high and she couldn't possibly understand the way his mind works, "do you want me to be scared of you, is that it?"

"It wouldn't hurt," he smirked, full of pleasure and amusement.

"Well, I am scared of you, scared of what you could do to me and what you have planned for me, I'm terrified to be in the same room as you," she ran her hand through her hair by her forehead and pushed it back off of her face, the rage within in her causing the heat beneath her skin to stir, "I've never met anyone as psychotic as you are and I've never been more terrified of anyone else before in my life, okay? Happy now?"

"As long as we understand each other then."

"Fine," she ended the argument, turning her attention to the door, "shall we go then?"

The Quarter, filled with vibrant and exciting people, music and art, and so much culture to be explored that she could hardly contain her excitement; she only wished she was experiencing it with her loved ones, instead of her captor.

But she couldn't think like that, she had to remain positive.

Klaus was watching his surroundings carefully, his caution not faltering even for a moment; he couldn't help but find a hint of innocence in Elena, he watched her as she took in everything New Orleans had to offer, she was stopping at market stalls and trying on scarves and handbags, giving off the widest smile he had ever seen graced on her lips.

He remembered what it was like to be young and curious, seeing things for the first time and embracing the beauty the world had to offer.

"Klaus, look," she called to him with a smile before racing towards him, grabbing onto his hand and leading him towards a stall; on the table was a tonne of different types of jewellery, "aren't they beautiful?"

Slightly taken aback by her, his gaze flickered from her to the table, his eyes scanning over the different types of jewellery they had to offer before he saw one that was just right, perfect even, to compliment her already beautiful self. He picked up the silver chained necklace and held it loosely in his fingers, the charm dangled as he observed it, "this one is perfect."

"Klaus, no, I couldn-" she protested, her line of sight shifting from the necklace to him, "it's too much."

"Turn around," he smiled, his dimples the most prominent they'd be since they first set out on this venture.

He watched as she obliged, spinning on her heel and grasping her hair, moving it aside so he could wrap the chain around her neck and put the hook in the catch; he gently took her hair from her hands and let it fall down her back, he couldn't help but stare at her.

"What do you think? She asked whilst she turned to face him, holding the charm in her fingers and admiring it, a kind smile present on her lips at what the charm was.

"Need I tell you how beautiful you are, Elena?" He smirked before pulling two loose hundred dollar bills from his pocket and handing it to the stall clerk, his eyes never breaking there gaze from hers.

"You look beautiful, dear! Thank you, have a great day," the lady spoke before putting the cash in her tin, "can I just ask? Why the white tree charm? Is it important to you?"

"It could be," she spoke, the smile never breaking and gaze remaining locked to him, "maybe it's starting too."

The unspoken conversation between them was making her heart soften towards him, and he would never admit it, but it was doing the same thing for him.

"Come on, luv, we've got a whole city to explore," he placed his hand on the small of her back and lead her towards the centre of the street, both of them walking through the crowds of people and laughing happily at the sights surrounding them.

"Wait," he paused, his attention turning to a physic sat at a table; Elena followed his line of sight until she saw her, she watched as she started packing her objects away in a bag as she stared at Klaus with a look of fear in her eyes, "would you like a reading, dear Elena?"

"I don't need a physic to tell me how screwed my future is," she smirked, throwing Klaus a playful look, "but sure."

They walked towards her and Klaus pulled the chair out, offering Elena a seat; she sat herself down as he stood behind her and leaned over her slightly, his hands holding onto the back of the seat.

"Good afternoon, time for one more?" Klaus spoke, his eyebrow raised and a smirk spread across his lips.

"I have nothing to say to you," the physic spoke, her entire essence frozen and cold as she inspected the two people in front of her

"Well, that's not very amiable, is it? You don't even know me," he responded, a hint of frustration in his tone of voice.

"I know what you are, half vampire, half beast, you're the hybrid," she remained still and unprovoked, trying her best to not raise alarm.

"I'm the original hybrid actually but that's a long story for another time," he mused, his gaze shifting to Elena momentarily before flashing her a smirk, "I'm looking for someone, a witch, perhaps you can help me find her? Jane-Anne Deveroux."

She paused, causing Elena and Klaus to become suspicious but Elena could see how worried she was, even by talking to them she was concerned, "I'm sorry, I don't know."

"Well now, that's a fib isn't it? Now you see, I know you're a true witch, amongst this sea of posers, so enough of these fabrications, I have quite the temper," he chuckled lightly, that wide grin shining on his lips once more.

"If you're going to believe anything that comes out of his mouth, believe that," Elena confirmed, shrugging her shoulders lightly; she hoped to at least warn the witch about Klaus, how dangerous it can be to anger him, "he's the most temperamental man I've ever met, seriously, one minute, he's happy and chatty and the next-"

"Alright, luv, I think she's heard enough," Klaus turned to look at her, pursing his lips together to hold back a laugh.

"Witches don't talk out of school in the Quarter, the vampire won't allow it, those are the rules, I don't break Marcel's rules."

"Marcel's rules? Where do you suppose I might find Marcel?" Klaus spoke, Elena instantly recognised the shock in his face, like he had just been reminded of something awful happening.

"Rousseau's,"

"Would you mind watching my friend here, please darling?" He requested, before placing his hand on Elena's shoulder, smoothing his fingers over the leather jacket and guiding it down her arm; Elena side glanced his hand and watched as he continued to push every boundary she had, even if a twisted part of her liked it.

"I don't involve myself in vampire business."

"And you're not leaving me here, Klaus," Elena swivelled around in her chair to completely face him, a look of disapprovement etched in her facial features.

"It'll be safer for you here," he gazed into her eyes, taking her hand in his and holding it near to him; he was talking without using words again and she hated how much she was starting to understand him but from what she could pick up from him, she knew he had intended to take no prisoners, "I won't be long."

Klaus vanished.

"I'm getting so sick of vampires and there crap," Elena spat, more word vomit before shaking her slightly.

"Here, here," the physic agreed, a small laugh escaping their lips.

"You wouldn't believe what he puts me through, and the fact that I allow it, I-"

"He cares about you," she spoke, her eyes narrowing as she attempted to read Elena, "but I see an awful lot of pain there, a lot of mystery and a lot of blood, you should be careful."

"Why? What do you think will happen?" Elena asked, her lips parting slightly at her words; she chose to completely ignore her idea of care he may have towards her and focus on the fear she had just gave her.

"I can't tell you what his plans are, precious," she spoke, as she reached into her bag and pulled out her tarot cards, laying the top 3 down in front of her, "but would you like me to tell you your future?"

Elena reluctantly nodded her head, her gaze shifting to the cards in front of her.

"The first one," she grasped the card and turned it the right way up, "The devil. This is a a unique card, often carries meaning in restraint and powerlessness, you are likely feeling stuck."

"Can't disagree with that," She shrugged lightly, failing to mention that she was currently a kidnap victim and the man she claims to care for her is actually her captor. Funny, she thought.

She turned the second card, "the lovers... all I can say, a relationship, old or new, is going to flourish."

Elena nervously shook her head, wondering what that could mean and prayed it wasn't about Klaus.

"And third," she paused to turn the third and final card, "Death."