Caroline's POV:
Caroline drives to New Orleans with Katherine and Nadia on her back seat, Bonnie is in the passenger seat. Few hours ago, all four of them have been simply sitting in the dorm room and discussing about random things when Tyler entered enraged. He was drunk and we all could see it in his eyes, I am already being on the receiving end of his rage doesn't know what to think or do.
He just shouted at me "He took everything from me. Now even Hayley had left me stating I could not protect my own child; it is all because of him. All because of him" he said and launched himself at me "I'm going to take what is precious to him, away from him. Going to give the taste of his own medicine" saying maliciously. I was glued to the place unable to move or respond due to shock. Meanwhile, Katherine jumped before me and thrown him out of the way. He fell crashing the wall near fire pit. He steadied himself and tried to launch again to bite me. But this time Bonnie was back from shock and gave him aneurism to stop him. Immediately, Katherine vamped towards him and snapped his neck.
Bonnie ran to me to check on me I just sat down on the bed; she soothed me by hugging me sideways. After few minutes of deep breaths, I heard Katherine's voice saying "Shit, that mutt had scratched his fangs". I looked up at her, because of me she has werewolf venom in her. She jumped to save me. I got up and ran to hug her tightly. "Thank you, Katherine" I whispered.
She just pushed me and stated "No hugs, Care Bear. I can't have my reputation ruined" I just chuckled at her behavior and said "Okay, Okay. Come, we can go to New Orleans. I'll ask Klaus to cure you. I can't have my friend dying because of me now, can I?" She looked shocked at my phrasing of her as a friend, I know this is the first time I acknowledged her friendship out loud even though I saw her as a friend from the time she saved me from Augustine problem.
I turned to Bonnie and said, "Bonnie, I do not want to waste any time I'll ride Katherine in my car to NOLA and we will be back once she is cured" She shook her head as no and said "I'll also join you, what will you do alone with her? And how will you find Klaus in NOLA?" And Nadia pitched in, "I'm also coming, I'm not going to leave Katherine on this condition" I saw both of them and looked at Katherine she alone knows about my tryst with Klaus in the woods when she was in death bed. She just smirked at me knowing full well that I'm thinking about that. She agreed to keep it secret and just torment me whenever we were alone.
I sighed knowing that both Bonnie and Nadia won't backup, "Okay, lets get started then. No time to waste". We all went to my car at parking Bonnie claimed passenger seat to give more space to Katherine in case she passed out. Since it is just a scratch, the venom is not spread much yet and she is steady.
While driving and thinking about how odd mix of people are in this car. My thoughts wondered to Elena and what she had done. After all who have died for the cure to get it to Elena, she shoved the cure to Katherine in a petty fight. I was furious when I heard this, just to complete the hunters mark Elena had planned for her brother to kill Kol along with his bloodline. But when everyone around her risked their lives for the cure which was given in a golden plate to her. She was just lurking around with that in her hand.
When Katherine was on dead bed, her daughter showed up with the solution for her to live much longer through traveler's magic. Sending oneself into others through spell. Katherine have helped her once with Augustine society research and hid her real identity of vampire. Based on that, she has voted to help her out. And Stefan pitched in as a thanks to making him overcome his PTSD of drowning all summer. With our help, she planted herself in Elena's body for a week. Within that time, her daughter Nadia found a witch to restore her original body to place her mother back.
The transition was smooth, once Elena woke-up she has thrown a fit. But Nadia already prepared for that and wiper Elena's memory from the day Katherine got in and out. After that week, Elena has returned to Damon as she was all summer. Stefan said he can't be here anymore and left Mystic Falls.
And Bonnie is still the anchor to the other side, but able to do magic. After we discovered about traveler's plan from Grams and stopped them all before it happened. Katherine and Nadia were very help full in annihilating the travelers because of their knowledge and lineage from that line of witches. Thus, Bonnie had accepted Katherine and Nadia as their acquittance at least. But still Elena was frustrated and throwing a fit every time I went with Katherine or Nadia somewhere.
She would not be available to attend the college or any of the classes or parties around the campus. But I hang out with them it is a problem and I am doing something wrong by trusting Katherine. I just stopped listening to her double standard accusations. If she believes Damon of all people/vampire have good inside him, then what is wrong with seeing good in Katherine.
We reached "Welcome to New Orleans" sign by late noon around 04.00. Katherine reminded me that NOLA is in some war as of now, it is not safe to lurk around without protection. So just outside New Orleans, we have checked into the hotel. Once entered the room I said, "Okay, I'll freshen up and venture out into French Quarter NOLA where Klaus is resided. Will talk with him and bring back blood as early as possible by tonight" again Bonnie said she will join with me not wanting for me to go alone. Katherine agreed to Bonnie and asked me bring Bonnie with her. I accepted and we both got ready.
I had his address in my contact book along with his number, I thought of finding his house myself instead of calling him. I hear the voice mail he sent numerous times and want to have the taste of his favorite city by myself. Bonnie and I got into the car, and I punched in French Quarter location in GPS to navigate.
Bonnie started saying something feebly after we are some distance from hotel. I turned to her and asked "What is it? Bonnie, what are you trying to say?" She took a deep breath, "Actually as an anchor I could see both dead and living, you know that right?" she asked. I just nodded my head not knowing where this is heading and why she is asking this suddenly now. "So, when traveler's chaos ended, my Grams went to peace and not on the other side. It was her and Kol who actually helped me on the traveler's part from the other side" she said and shut her eyes tightly waiting for my reaction. I was shocked to hear this and pulled over to the side. I turned to Bonnie, "Why didn't you say so before?" I asked.
She again took a deep breath and started "Elena already acting up on Katherine and Nadia helping me, I do not want to add Kol to the mix and hear from her. As per Kol's plan only we were able to get my magic back. I was sure she would have done something to stop me from continuing on the plan if she had known that it was Kol's plan. That's why I said that it was Gram's idea. I was already working on a spell to resurrect Kol from his charred body with his help from other side as a thank you and made a deal with him that If I'm the one to resurrect him, he would not go for Elena and Jeremy once he is back" she rushed everything out.
I just sat there in shock and said "Wow… it's just wow. Bonnie it's amazing. You could have told me. Klaus have his brother's body, how have you planned on proceeding without that? Why haven't you said anything to me before? You know I would have supported you no matter what, in regard to your magic. I know you have suffered a lot without it" I took her hand and squeezed showing my support to her.
She squeezed back and nodded her head "I know Caroline. The spell I'm working could be done only on full moon, that is not till next week. I thought I have one week time to say it to you and then planned to go to NOLA with you of course" she said. I accepted that "Okay if you are not ready, then we will not speak of this with him. We can ask for his blood alone and we will say that we will be staying here for another week or two as a vacation" I offered.
"We can see the situation there and then decide on that Caroline. Actually, Kol already with us in here" she said and nodded towards back seat. I placed my hands in my mouth in shock and said, "Oh my god" and searched the back seat for anything but I could see nothing "Does he came in car with us all the way from mystic falls?" I asked Bonnie. She just chuckled and shook her head as a no "He is just a ghost now Caroline, doesn't want a car to travel one place to another. He can just pop up. He came here to see your reaction, while I say everything to you" I looked back seat and her "He says, 'Thanks to you, for only one from Scooby gang to have the decency to cover up my charred body from my brother's view' what is he talking about Caroline?" Bonnie conveyed his messaged and asked me. I shook my head "Nothing Bonnie, its not a big deal. He is already hurting; I just do not want to add to that. Anyway, you are welcome, Kol" I said to the air in the back seat.
Chapter 2
Caroline's POV:
We then started the car and reached French Quarter. I have parked the car, few blocks away as per Kol's request. Bonnie and I started walking towards the mansion with large gate and M crest on top. I could hear the heated argument already running from outside, we both stood there contemplating.
Inside Mansion, Klaus said "Come on Bekah, give me some credit. Who do you think your older brother is? I already know your petty plan to take over the NOLA for yourselves with the help of that witch, Genieveve is it?" I could hear his smugness and taunting eyes from every word he speaks from hear outside.
Then frustrated Rebekah bellows "You bastard, who do you think you are? You knew from the beginning? And you let me continue, nonetheless? Why? Because I wasn't a threat or equal to you? What did you do to her?" she finished. I thought to myself that why bother yourselves if you're having Klaus for a brother I thought about Rebekah.
Klaus responds smoothly, "Whatever I have done to all your previous petty alliances" leaving a pause for dramatic effect then continued "I killed them" I snorted at his penchant of drama for a thousand-year-old hybrid.
I can hear Rebekah's voice booming with menace "I swear to you, I will kill your sorry ass one of these days, even if it is the last thing I do" she raged. I myself was shocked to hear this much disdain and rage towards Klaus from her. I heard shuffling then a male voice "Stop throwing insults at each other. Try and talk this out" based on the calm demeanor and the sentence I assumed it was Elijah's working as a mediator between his siblings it seems.
Klaus spoke again still in taunting mode, "Oh please Elijah, let her be. I can see that she is still not completed" I thought why he can't just leave at this without taunting his sister more.
Rebekah started again with disgust in her voice, "You think you have it all. No, it was all belonging to Marcel. You are jealous that he had made himself a King, in a place WE all built it together. You can order and have them do your bidding. But at the end of the day no one is beside you because, they want to. How much long do you think Elijah will last with your psychotic behavior? Already Finn & Kol were dead, I would not even move my finger to help you if someone put you down. Maybe, I would be the one to put you down one of these days. You think Hayley the mother of your child will be with you? Mark my words she will be first to run off from you if the need arises. And what of your kid, I deeply feel sorry for a soul to have you as its father" I stand there shocked on hearing Rebekah's rant and how she teared Klaus apart. Also thinking about the part where she mentioned Klaus as a father to Hayley's baby.
Klaus shouted, "That's enough, If I hear one more word from you…." Before he finishes Rebekah again started, "What? You gonna dagger me again?" she taunted. Klaus responds without missing a beat, "That doesn't sound like such a bad idea…." I could hear through his voice that his patience and tolerance is running low. And I heard another male voice, "Klaus, that's enough" I didn't recognize this person. It is not Elijah who spoke before.
Klaus started again, "Look at that, your prince in shining armor is coming to your rescue Rebekah. Funny, considering you chose immortality over Rebekah last time" again taunting this new voice. Ugh., what is with these Originals to tear each other apart. Bonnie placed her hand on mine and gestured me to know what is happening, I just shook my head as nothing and asked her to be silent.
Now Rebekah again started "Although, that was unforgivable. He tried to atone his wrong doings to me afterwards" stated smugly. Again, that new voice spoke "Rebekah, don't" with an urgency and fear in his voice.
Rebekah continued as if she has not heard anything "Who do you think sent Papa Tunde towards you and made him your enemy in the first place?" Klaus was shocked and hurt most evident in his voice, "What?" he asked.
However, Rebekah continued as if she didn't hear him, "Who do you think tipped off Mikael about your whereabouts in New Orleans last time?" she added menacingly
Upon hearing that statement there was a knot in my stomach, ache in my chest, sour taste on my mouth on thinking how she could do this is to her own brother. I hear nothing from the other side, knowing that everyone would be shocked to hear such thing from Rebekah. I vamped inside the house and stood behind Rebekah "Bitch" and snapped her neck before she could sense me and react "That is low even for you" I shouted down at her body.
I took several deep breaths to calm myself after that, I don't know why I acted this way. It is their issue to be sorted out. As I looked around, I saw Klaus stood rooted still in shock from the words Rebekah uttered about Mikael. Elijah was to my left near Hayley; his stance is like protecting her from any threat, immediately I was angry at him for doing so and a person with dark complexion to my right was standing very near to Rebekah. I could see Hayley stood with baby bump. What I do not understand is, what is she doing here? And what Rebekah was saying about Klaus's kid?
I pulled myself out of my head when I heard Klaus's voice calling my name "Caroline?" in a small whisper with all the shock and surprise seeing me here. I looked up at him and shot a small smile "Klaus" and waved.
No One's POV:
Klaus couldn't comprehend what is happening after hearing Rebekah, he never ever thought that Rebekah would betray him like this. None of his siblings understood him or accepted him. Standing there hearing his little sister say, that herself and her past love had only called upon Mikael to get him run for his life. While he was processing the thought of his own sister wanted him dead, he had filled with hurt rather than rage.
But, after seeing Caroline snapping Rebekah's neck and her words shouted at his sister's body at rage. He could not think anything. He just called for her name hoping this is not a dream.
"What are you doing here, love?" Klaus asked perplexed, still not sure if Caroline is really here or his eyes are playing tricks. "Actually, I came here looking for you" she said and moved towards Klaus. Elijah asked out loud, "Can anyone explain who that is and why does she snap my sister's neck?" in an annoyed tone which in turn had angered Caroline more.
Hayley started "She is Caroline Forbes. She is ….." annoyed Caroline cut off her in mid-sentence "from Mystic Falls. Thank you, I can introduce myself" tossed at Hayley and turned towards Elijah narrowing her eyes at him, she continued "You must be Elijah, I thought you were the reasonable brother and noble Mikaelson".
Elijah answered sternly "You hear quite right. Then you must know that I won't tolerate violence against my family very well" and vamped towards the baby vampire to attack. But Klaus got before Caroline and stopped him with his hands in Elijah's chest "She is not to be harmed brother" said Klaus conveying his brother how serious he is.
But Elijah asked, "Would you please explain as to why not?" his patience running low on the baby vampire's intervention of their family matters
Klaus responded, "She is an old friend" now it was Marcel who opened his mouth "A friend?"
Caroline behind Klaus snorted at that and added "I think we are past that" after this Klaus "Oh I do believe so" over his shoulder with the smirk plastered on his face. And continued, "After all what kind of friends wou…." Caroline grabbed Klaus and vamped towards the other end of the room against the wall placing a finger on his lips "You say one more word of it, I'll scratch that smug smile off of your face" she threatened quietly only for him to hear. He just smiled bigger on seeing his fierce queen silencing him. Oh, he missed her, but did not realize himself on how much in fact. Here is his beautiful, feisty angle.
Elijah just seeing all that is happening and how this baby vampire speaking with Klaus. He muttered that "This is getting nowhere" annoyed that he doesn't know anything about this person. Hayley supplied him "You remember Tyler? She is his girlfriend"
Without missing a beat both Caroline and Klaus responded "Ex-girlfriend" still not losing the eye contact. One with disdain to be referred with him and Klaus's response was delighted.
"Why have you been looking for me, love?" he asked and continued "Don't tell me you missed me?" She released Klaus from her grip "Yeah, yeah you wish" said casually "I'm here to get your help. And I will be staying in NOLA for about a week as a vacation. But before all that, what is it about your kid Rebekah was talking about and why Hayley is here?" she asked with her hands resting on her hip narrowing her eyes at him. Elijah absorbed his brother that he looked ashamed and even helpless against her. He was perplexed to see his brother act the way with this baby vampire from mystic falls.
Klaus sobered up and responded quickly "I can explain love. It's just an alcohol induced one night stand. Nothing more than that" rushed out. She was shocked and very much furious to hear that; Klaus has slept with that wereslut. It hurt her more than hearing about Tyler cheated on her with this wereslut. But why it hurts the most? Klaus was not hers; she and Klaus were not dating or anything. Even though with all his grand promises he never said he would be celibate waiting for her to come. She does not have the right to be angry at him for hurting her like this. Since she was the one who always pushing him away and having him only at a arms distance. Maybe she deserved this for hurting the one person who always put her first.
While Caroline mind was running a mile in her inner turmoil, Bonnie walked into the house. She heard what happened inside for Caroline to vamp, leaving her at the gate from Kol. Klaus turned towards the door on hearing the steps. Upon seeing, Bonnie Bennet his gaze turned towards Caroline "You came here with the Bennet witch?" he asked.
His question pulled her out of her mind, she turned towards Bonnie. She ran near Caroline and placed her hands on her asking, "Are you okay Caroline? What happened here?" Klaus was also observing very carefully on Caroline's face, she was definitely hurt by his confession.
Caroline was out of her own stupor and tapped Bonnie's hand to reassure her "I'm fine, Bonnie. Don't worry" she took a deep breath closing her eyes to compose herself. Again, her mind was wandering as to why very pregnant Hayley is here in Klaus's house. She opened her eyes and narrowed it on Klaus "That doesn't explain why she is here in your house now" she asked.
Without knowing anything about Tyler being the blabber mouth, Hayley volunteered "Oh, you know this" showing her bump with a taunting smile "is Klaus's baby from our one-night stand" she finished.
Bonnie asked out loud "What?" still holding Caroline's hand. Klaus was furious, that wolf is trying to trash his relationship with Caroline. But Caroline laughed out loud on hearing that, everyone was looking at her with different kind of emotions. Hayley was upset that her plan to get one on Caroline doesn't seems to work, Elijah is still angry about her behavior, Marcel is skeptically observing her and to determine who she is to Klaus, Rebekah is still in the floor, Bonnie is wary of what Caroline is going through.
Klaus is somewhat relieved that his love is not at least angry or upset at him, she stopped laughing and questioned "Is it Klaus?". He responded "Well, that is what my dear brother Elijah and Hayley claims to love. But don't worry, I assure you that is not the case and nor she is under my protection" sincerely trying to convey that he is only interested in her. Caroline understood that he is telling the truth, but still asked him "Then, can I snap her neck? she did that to me once" very casually.
Klaus reminded of another time, when Caroline came to him and asked for dress to her prom that would make her 'Princess Grace of Monaco hot'. Her words not mine. Klaus responded her with his dimple smile and eyes full of twinkle upon seeing his queen again asking something from him "Well, whom I to stop you love. Have at it" with his hands gesturing towards Hayley.
Hayley was paled to hear that, Elijah who is now totally standing in front of Hayley shouted "Niklaus" at his younger brother "she is carrying your child brother". Caroline looked up at Elijah and asked "Why are you so concerned about her and the baby she carries, which she was claiming to be Klaus's? Concerned even more that Klaus himself"
Elijah with curt voice "How I handle my family business is not your concern. And I request you to stay away from it". Caroline could see that he is still believing that child to be Klaus's so strongly, she wants to know why "How do you know that is Klaus's child for sure?" she asked Elijah without any anger or judgement in her tone.
Elijah sighed "Quarter witch confirmed that she is pregnant and carrying hybrid's child" he provided knowing full well upon observing so far that his brother would truly let this baby vampire harm Hayley.
Caroline asked Elijah again "That doesn't confirm that she is carrying Klaus's baby and he is not the only Hybrid she slept with" just a blunt question. Elijah seems confused on her question and looked towards her brother, but Klaus's also asks the same question "Yes, brother how is you so sure that this child is mine and not that mutt's" to his brother.
Elijah responded "Brother, you were there when the witches informed us about her, we both heard the heartbeat" to Klaus. "Yes, Elijah. We were there and we heard, again even that day I didn't accept this as my child. It was you who insisted on that child being my heir and all other nonsenses. I just played along with witches for my own reasons" Klaus stated.
Elijah enquired him "And what other reasons would that be Niklaus?" twitching his eyebrow in anticipation. At this time Caroline's phone buzzed with the text message from Nadia stating that Katherine was started Hallucinating and require cure soon.
She shoved her phone back into her pocket and looked up at Klaus and asked "That is from my friend. Klaus, I came here for a cure to werewolf venom. Today morning Tyler barged into our dorm room and tried to bite me, to get back at you not sure why" she said to Klaus to get the cure in midst of these arguments and make sure to let Hayley think she doesn't know anything about her secret, but Klaus vamped to her and checked on any physical injury after hearing that Tyler tried to attack her "I'm fine Klaus, my friend is the one who jumped in front of me and thrown him at the wall. In between that, he managed to bite her. Could you please give a vial of your blood to cure her?" she requested him praying that he wouldn't ask many questions about this friend who saved me. She noted Hayley's relieved breath when she said do not know why.
Klaus just looked at her being secretive about this friend and purposefully not mentioning the name. But his wariness resolved upon seeing how unsure she is whether he will help her or not. So, he just nodded and got to the liquor cabinet to get a vial and poured some of his blood to cure one bite and handed it to Caroline "Here you go sweetheart". Even though he doesn't want her to leave, he didn't say anything to her or ask her to stay the night. He wants her to stay here on her own accord, not forced.
Caroline got the vial from Klaus and hugged him tight and whispered, "Thank you, Klaus" and moved towards Bonnie and handed it to her.
"Bonnie, I want you to take this and reach for the hotel. You can take the car we came in, have him near you in case you get lost finding your way through GPS" she added. Bonnie got the vial and asked Caroline "What about you? Will you be okay here?"
"I would be totally fine here, and you know it, Bonnie. I will speak with Klaus tonight and we could meet tomorrow to discuss next week's plan" Caroline informed Bonnie imploring that she is going to inform Klaus and have him prepared. Bonnie saw every other person in the house and then at Klaus "Keep her safe" she said to him, Klaus just nodded his head at Bennet witch. As if he would allow anyone to harm her. Bonnie then started towards the door.
By this time Rebekah started to stir, Caroline got Klaus's hand and pulled him out of the house to have distance between himself and the house. Caroline knows that he allowed her to drag him out of the house and it is not her strength that pulled him out. They both reached a bench on the side and sat beside each other.
No one's POV:
Klaus was relieved to have himself out of his house without prying eyes when she was with him. They both sat in silence contemplating how to move forward from here. He is thinking of why she stayed and what does she have to speak to him about other than this cure. Why bennet witch was with her, who these new friends of her is, how long she was hearing about his sister's rant before she came and snapped her neck in fierce.
Caroline is thinking about how to start on the Kol's topic, and she was relieved to hear that Klaus is not attached to that child as his elder brother. But still, she wants to know how he could be so indifferent about it being in the midst of all this.
They both turned to face each other at time to ask what is on their mind and spoke at a same time "Caroline", "Klaus". They just chuckled at each other and then Klaus asked her to continue so she asked, "How are you so sure that Hayley is not carrying your child when everybody around you insists that it is yours?"
He sighed, he expected this from her even though she acted as she was not hurt, he knows that she considered this as a betrayal from him. So, he tried to explain as much he could in words "I don't know to how to articulate love. I did not ever have any feelings for her, as I said earlier that was just an alcohol induced one-night stand. I'm not sure I'm thinking straight sometimes with everyone around me is opposing, but my wolf never appealed by her news of carrying my child and I never felt any connections with that pup she is carrying"
She heard him and understood what he is trying to say, if he is the father of the child, he thought he somehow senses their connection from his werewolf side and his instinct to protect them would kick in. Caroline responded, "I think I understand what you are trying to say" then asked "But why then you have played along with these witches. You said you had some other reasons, if that's okay could you say what are those reasons are?"
Klaus looked at her for few minutes and proceeded "Well, I came here to NOLA based on the letter I received from our dear Katerina that some of the witches are working against me" he informed her and observed her reaction. "Katherine sent you here?" she asked shocked.
"I supposed she did. After that cure fiesta, she handed it over to Elijah out of spite that he again put everyone else before her. And wrote me about the witches here cooking against me, in order to get the freedom, she longed for. So, I came here to check upon that by myself. This is the city me and my family built from nothing in 1800's. We all are living here happily, no one was daggered of course except for Finn. I was once the King here, Kol taking care of witches, Elijah ever the diplomatic dealing with the human faction who are in the know of supernaturals, Rebekah taking care of vampires, I'm the one to deal with werewolves. Every faction of them were living harmoniously together or separate of how each individual deemed to see fit" Klaus was narrating his story of NOLA and why it was his favorite place in the world and how he had adopted and raised Marcellus. After Mikael's entry how it all burned down to crisp and his words echoing in his mind that he would destroy anything and everything from earth which would connect with him anyway. So that the name Niklaus Mikaelson would be wiped out of even from people's memory.
After hearing this, Caroline's rage was actually tenfold developed further with Rebekah for her actions. How could she do this to him or how could she do this to all of her brothers. Caroline extended her hand and picked his to squeeze a bit assuring him and she is here to support him.
"That's the history of this NOLA & myself in it. As for the other reasons, after I came here to check by myself, I saw that Marcellus is actually not dead as we believed it to be. Not only escaped Mikael's hand and also built something similar to the once kingdom and proclaimed himself as King of NOLA with vampires. And cursed the werewolves to stay in bayou in wolf form. Also, recently he is oppressing the witches, by implementing death sentences for the witches doing magic. Upon seeing this monstrosity of one faction taking over the other which would only cause more casualties, of course not that I care for that. It just seemed like whatever our family built was in ruins and I do not want that. So, I decided to reclaim my position as King from Marcellus in my own way which will teach him a good lesson. Also, I want the witches to do the resurrection of Kol. That is why I'm playing along with these imbeciles for now" he finished.
Caroline was still holding his hands and hearing him out. The part where he is looking for a way to resurrect Kol gave her the in for her to broach the topic as Bonnie worked for it too. So, Caroline started now "I have started from Whitmore only for the cure to my friend. But, after reaching here it has been beneficial to both of us and I'm very much happy about that" she said and smiled at him.
"Oh, and how you seemed to be beneficial for both parties' love" he asked in a seducing tone with his dimples flashing. Caroline swatted at his biceps with her other hand "Get your mind out of the gutter, Klaus. That's not what I'm talking about" she said, trying to be angry and failing.
Klaus just chuckled at her actions "I just asked what is that benefit for me, why do your mind go to those dirty places love" he said casually to tease her.
Caroline just glared at him for a few minutes and both burst out laughing up on their banter. After it subsided, she started "Actually, the part that benefits you is about Kol's resurrection" ripped off the band-aid, not to drag more.
Klaus was stunned to hear this from her of all other things, he was expecting this was definitely not his list. He just looked at her with his dumbfounded expression and tried to form some words to ask her what she meant by that, is that why Bennet witch was accompanied with her.
Seeing his condition to form words Caroline took pity on him and explained further about everything that Bonnie conveyed to her in the car. How he helped Bonnie to get her magic back, even after she is being an anchor to the other side.
Klaus came out of his stupor once she finished and held Caroline's both the hands "Love, I'm not sure you really know how much this means to me" he squeezed her hands to convey his thanks to her.
Caroline said "I am just the messenger here Klaus. Its Bonnie who is doing and going to do all the heavy works" downplaying not sure what to say or do about his response, but continued "Yes, I know what it means to you, as I could also see that you already looking for a way in midst of all this chaos around you" she said simply smiling in a hope to comfort him.
Klaus smiled at her kind words and asked "You are welcome to stay here in my house sweetheart. You can also get your friends and Bennet witch here, if you want" he offered her to make her stay with him at his home.
She sighed and said "For tonight I'll stay at your place, let my friends be there. For the next week's stay, we will decide based on your reaction to my friends" she finished in a small voice, closing her eyes tightly.
"Love, you know I can tolerate doppelganger's whine any day if it pleases you" Klaus said not understanding about her friends of those she is concerned in regard to him.
She burst into laughter at hearing his accurate description of Elena, before she could defend her friend to him. She knows if she requests, he will leave Katherine alone. He has and would always put her first before any revenge fantasy. But after she accepted her own feelings for this Big Bad Hybrid, she is reluctant to use his affection towards her to make him do something he doesn't want to do. She decided it's not wrong to plead her case in defense to Katherine.
"Okay, please promise me that you will not leave this place before I finish speaking. You can decide what you are going to do afterwards, but still I would want you to sit here with me" she asked
Klaus, confused not knowing what she was talking about, asked "What are you talking about sweetheart? Why do you have to make me promise to hear you out? You know very well I'll hear whatever you have to say" he said.
She smiled at his words, "I know but still, I want you to promise me for this. Pretty please" she made that face when she asked him for a prom dress in mystic falls again now. When his light demands him like this, he could not deny her anything, so he just chuckled and nodded his head "I promise not to leave this place sweetheart"
She straightened up preparing herself for the speech and murmured here goes nothing, "Okay, this friend of mine who saved me today from Tyler's attack is not the doppelganger you think. It was Katherine who saved me and broke Tyler's neck before he lunged at me again. I know you thought Katherine was dying when we last met. It was true she was dying, but her daughter Nadia is also a vampire who buried Matt that day was searching for a way and wanted some time to execute that with her line of contacts with witch. Thus, when the mother daughter duo told me and Stefan about their plan, we both agreed to help her. Katherine helped from getting intersected as test subject for my professor who was doing research on Vampire's while she was human. She was the one who helped Stefan from his PTSD trauma of drowning all summer in a coffin. Katherine is from the line of Traveler's witch line; this line of witches could transfer themselves into another living being. So, the plan was to infest herself into Elena and as per the witch it would only take a week to preserve the dead body of Katherine back to normal. After which she would be back in her own body since the cure was already gone from her blood she could easily transform back into vampire. Everything went as per the plan for one, with the help of Nadia's witch we even wiped Elena's memory of that week when Katherine was in there. Afterwards me and Katherine just hung around. I shared what happened in the woods between us with Katherine on a drunken night of ours. She just commented that being original has its own perk in bed among other things. She had more reasons to hate you than any of my friends, but still she never judged me for my actions with you, that was comforting. Till now none of my other friends know about our secret, not that I am ashamed or regret about it. It's just that I thought the moment we shared should not be tarnished with my friend's opinion on it. It may be just a quick fuck for them, but for me it was the time I was honest to myself about you, it was very much liberating to me" she continued about how she turned her which made her life better and how he can do whatever he thinks, she is not trying to force his hand to pardon her or use his feelings for her to her favor.
All this time Klaus was hearing her ramble, he was first shocked that Katrina survived. But then it was Katrina, of course she would survive no matter what. He did have respect for her on that regard. But this vampire daughter of her is new to him. He knows that Katrina family was from a traveler witch line, but her father has stopped practicing. And he is not surprised that Katrina became friends with Caroline and have jumped to protect her. Caroline always demands good from other, even if they are bad to the bone. She would bring out their loyalty towards her easily, that's how he fell for her. His heart expanded on hearing that how she doesn't want their moment in woods to be tarnished by her friend's words. He knew she has feelings for him, but he thought she would never accept that as long she lives in that wretched town of hers. Still, he wanted to try before giving her space to grow herself. He wanted to have hope that one day she would indeed turn up at his doorstep. So, he asked her to be truthful to him on that day, he even himself not expecting it to turn out as it went. But he was thankful that he could reminisce from that memory of them while he waited for her. Once she finished, she turned tentatively towards him, unaware that the whole time he was looking at her in awe. He masked his face expressionless while she fully turned to face him.
"Its good thing that you are still here, so what have you decided on Katherine. I will not force you to do anything Klaus. But I request you to consider that I'm alive and well today because of her" she asked tentatively with anticipation.
Klaus took pity on her and chuckled "Sweetheart, I have pardoned Katrina on the day we were together in the woods. I would not reinstate my revenge on her. More than that, she brought you here today which definitely earned her points in my favor. But if she moves against me or my family again all bets are off Caroline" he informed her sternly.
Caroline jumped in joy clapping her hands then vamped towards Klaus to hug "Thank you Klaus. Thank you so much" she released him and took out her phone and texted Katherine the same "I'll inform her to come here tomorrow morning with Bonnie then"
Klaus is happy that he was one who brought this happiness to her today and admiring her. Once she finished texting, she turned sat beside him again. She was beaming happy that Klaus accepted her being friend with Katherine. She turned towards Klaus and thanked him again. "You don't have to thank me for anything sweetheart. Besides, it would be amusing to see Elijah's reaction upon seeing Katrina in our house" he responded grinning.
Caroline's face fell "Oh yeah, I forgot about their history" she said then asked "Is there anything going on between Elijah and Hayley? Why is he protecting her like that?"
Klaus just shook his head "I think Hayley is trying to get him to protect her being the damsel in distress, not sure about my brother's feelings towards that wolf sweetheart. He thinks this child will be my salvation, my savior which is why he believes it to be true rather than thinking rationally" he informed her.
She could hear the hurt in his voice. He knows that child is not his but still his brother who has known him for more than thousand years would not believe him. Caroline thought that would not do, she and Katherine would definitely come up with something to expose Hayley to the family. She considers informing him about why Tyler attacked her in the first place, but then he would just go and rip out her throat and be done with it.
Firstly, she should find out why Hayley is here claiming Tyler's child to be Klaus's in the first place. Is it just for protection or she is cooking something else as she had done in mystic falls, lining up all of her Hybrid friends to Klaus for slaughter.
Caroline's POV:
She thought she should lighten up the mood a bit "So, how about we go for dinner and then head to your place for sleep" she said and stood up from the bench stretching her hands wide "The night is still young, I heard something about NOLA being favorite to this person who bragged about food, music, art, culture of this place. Could we experience some of those tonight?" asked Klaus sitting on a bench.
Klaus was very much pleased to hear that she indeed heard his voice mail and quoting the same back at him, "Whatever you wish sweetheart" he responded and stood up. Klaus brought Caroline to Original Pierre Maspero's restaurant to experience the best Gumbo. Upon seeing the restaurant's name Caroline looked at Klaus with quirked eyebrow "Original uh" she asked smiling.
Klaus chuckled at her antics "The owner of this place was once acquaintance of our family sweetheart. It's just a return gesture from her. I would indulge myself in different kind of art forms over the years and food happens to be one" he said opening the door for her.
They entered and hand in hand into the restaurant. Klaus took her to the table that was in the middle of both the arch, from where he could see all the four entrances of the place. "You should try the Gumbo here sweetheart, you would never forget that taste" he suggested and ordered Gumbo and an expensive scotch for them to drink on the side.
Both of them ate in silence, comfortable silence. Caroline praised his choice very much after tasting the first spoon of Gumbo and continued to eat the whole bowl for herself, without even bothering to share with him. Claiming that she was tired driving non-stop from Mystic Falls to here.
Klaus just couldn't help but smile at Caroline's actions. After she took over the whole bowl, he just sticks to his drink absorbing her. He thought about the day he had, how it went from anger, hurt, then to confusion, dread, relief, delight. How he could experience everything in a matter of time with her. Thousand years he had lived, yet it all seems to blur in time but the moments he spent with this sunshine opts to stand out in his memory. Even the fights, betrayals, anger between them does not dissipate a bit. He is just happy that she will be here for a week, then he will work on taking this city back with his brother Kol. At least after his resurrection it would be two against two between our siblings.
Once Caroline finished the bowl, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand smiling brightly at him. "That was awesome Klaus. I never had anything like this, I heard that Gumbo is famous food in NOLA. But didn't expect anything about it. You are right, I would never forget this taste. Its decided, I'm taking you with me when I finished my college and started to travel" she said enthusiastically to him forgetting that she is committing to him that world tour.
Klaus gleamed on hearing that but doesn't point out to her understanding that she slipped that out without knowing herself in her rambling. They walked back to the French Quarter side by side. Both content in each other's presence. He decided to have this moment to himself to move forward after this week, every time after he had something with her it is just getting harder and harder for him to stay away. But he would not interfere with her plans to finish off her human life at least once with all her friends and her mom he thought.
Caroline was also thinking of the same, how she slipped that she would travel the world with him after college graduation. And how he has not responded to that understanding it would be overwhelming for her. She thought how she felt when she was with him this whole evening. Even though she was hurt at hearing that Klaus slept with that wereslut, he was trying to make it clear to her that he was no way associated with her. Upon seeing his own brother and sister against him, she could not help herself from thinking how to mend this for him.
She turned towards Klaus and took his hands in hers "Klaus, maybe I'm nosy to delve into your family matters. But I couldn't help myself from saying this, I know you think you are alone; you are hurt to always fight for your place in the family" she squeezed to pour some strength into him. He just turned to the other side, unable to face Caroline and have her read him so easily "Your family may seem to be against you now. But don't let them get to you. In the end, they are your brother and sister. They may be blinded by something they think is right, but they will come to their senses soon. Can we please leave Rebekah and Elijah to themselves and focus on Kol this week?" she asked him.
Klaus knows she is asking this for himself not for her, seeing her sincere eyes he smiled tightly and said "Whatever you wish, sweetheart. Anyway, I came here in the first place for Kol's resurrection. So, we would discuss the requirements tomorrow morning with Bennet witch, Sweetheart". Caroline interrupts him sternly "Bonnie, Klaus. Her name is Bonnie"
"Yeah, yeah with Bonnie. Happy love?" he asks Caroline. She nodded her head, then they both continued walking.
They both reached the gate with 'M' crest and entered the house. Elijah is alone sitting in the living room with a drink in his hand obviously waiting for Klaus.
Upon seeing both of us into the house, his face turned stoic. Klaus ignored his brother and took me towards the stairs. Elijah then called "Niklaus, could you please be back after leaving the guest to their room? We have to talk"
Klaus still held Caroline's hand and responded "It's already late Elijah. Tomorrow more guests are coming, we have important matters to be discussed. Let's postpone this investigation afterwards. Take your rest" then vamped along with Caroline to the second floor where his room is without waiting for his brother's response.
Klaus took Caroline to the room next to his "This is your room sweetheart" he said opening the door for her "next room is mine; you can wake me up if you want anything" Caroline is looking around her room which is painted and decorated mostly similar to her bedroom in her mom's home.
She turned and asked "This is a guest room, right? Why did you say it was my room?"
He was leaning against the door frame with his hands folded against his chest looking at her all this time, he answered "Because it is YOUR room sweetheart. Not a guest room"
Caroline doesn't know what to say to that, shocked she whispered "What?"
"I had just hoped that one day you would turn up at my doorstep. So, I had this room prepared for you, if you did show up" he said to her smiling. Not knowing what to do or respond, Caroline just ran towards Klaus and hugged him tight without saying anything.
He hugged her back smiling "Have a sweet dream, love" he whispered to her when she loosened her hug on him. Releasing him from her hug she smiled at him and wished "Good night, Klaus"
He retired to his room leaving Caroline in her room. Got himself changed to pajama pants alone and climbed into his bed and took out a sketchbook from his nightstand. Leaning upon the headboard he started sketching Caroline eating gumbo from his memory.
In the other room, Caroline felt her cheek ache from non-stop smiling. Klaus had a room prepared for her in his house. She can't believe that he was this much serious. She initially thought that after having their time in the woods he would not look towards her, as the chase was over, and he got what he wanted.
She was not sure he would come to her graduation while writing that invitation to him. Not only he came but also, he saved her from those witches and Damon from werewolf bite. He even released Tyler from his revenge quest for her as a graduation gift along with a mini fridge which she herself asked for. That was the day Caroline understood about Klaus's feelings towards her and decided not to manipulate him in any way. His words ringing in her head dizzying her 'He is your first love; I want to be your last. However long it takes'
In the week she is staying here, she would definitely expose Hayley whatever she is cooking against Klaus. Tomorrow once her friends are here, she would plan with them. She looked around and checked the closet for any dress available but non found.
Slowly she went to Klaus's room and listened to know whether he is awake or already slept. Before she could decide on knocking Klaus called from inside "Come in sweetheart, I'm awake"
She unlocked the door and went inside. Suddenly becoming shy to ask she was looking around everywhere in his room but him and asks, "It's just that I didn't bring any night wear, as I was initially not planned to stay the night" she continues unknown to his lips twitching up with a smirk at her attempt to avoid his nude chest "could I borrow one of your Henley's for the night" she finished meeting his eyes and her cheeks burning red upon seeing his eyes already looking at her with mirth in his eyes.
He said nothing but stood up from his bed and headed towards the closet slowly in a human pace giving her enough time to ogle his back with low hung sweatpants, his broad shoulder contracting while he is reaching for his Henley from hanger showing his biceps. She was so quick to look the other side, she was afraid that her neck would get snaped at its own.
He chuckled and walked towards her stretching his hands "I am a person you know, not a meat for you to ogle" he said teasing her.
She tried to turn casually when she heard him chuckle unknown to why he is smiling, but when he said that. She was shocked, cautious does he know I was watching him when he was turned? How does he know that? Or is he trying to get it out of me? Playing safe, she scoffed playfully grabbing the shirt from his hands and responded, "You wish..."
"Oh, sweetheart I do wish that. But I know for a fact that you did check out my back while I was turned" he said casually. Seeing her squirm with his gaze and turning red, he enjoyed seeing her.
"Well, I think your age is catching up to you Klaus. I did not check out your back as you gracefully put it" she shot back maintaining the façade as much as she could.
He laughed "You see sweetheart, there was a mirror in my closet door while I just opened one of them, you were clearly visible in the other that was not opened" he said.
She looked back at the closet and closed her eyes tight at being caught like this, she tried opening one eye to look at him. He is still watching her with a dimpled smile on his face and waiting patiently for her to respond.
She then opened both her eyes and shot him "So what? I was checking you out. You have done the as many times as possible to me. Consider this as payback" and vamped to her room next to his not waiting for his response.
She was fully aware that her response and actions was childish. But she will deal with that tomorrow.
Klaus in his room was still smiling shaking his head at her antics, then proceeded to draw his love from the restaurant.
Caroline POV:
Next day when I woke up in the morning it was already 09.30 AM. Last night I texted both Katherine and Bonnie to be here by 11.00 AM. Katherine doesn't want Nadia here for Klaus to see, even though he knows about her daughter she thought to keep her hidden from his sight as long as possible. It's just me, Katherine, and Bonnie for next week. I'm excited about all three of us staying here for a week.
I showered and wore yesterday's cloths and walked down the stairs searching for Klaus. She found him in the kitchen, heating a cup of blood. Elijah in the head of the table reading some newspaper.
Klaus handed the warm blood in a cup to her and wished, "Good morning sweetheart" with his dimpled smile.
I smiled back at him and took the mug while responding "Good morning, Klaus. My friends will be here by 11 AM" I informed him and drank the blood from mug. When I tuned in for other Mikaelson sibling I heard nothing, not even Hayley it seems.
I turned to him and asked, "Is Rebekah and Hayley not home?" Elijah popped his head towards us at this.
His smile fell so slightly but still answered my question "Rebekah fled the place love, not sure still in New Orleans or not" at this statement he looked at Elijah to which he responded in a monotone "I just sent her to stay in her apartment until you have calmed down, Niklaus. As for Hayley she went to Bayou to be with her pack, I do not want her here for our conversation"
I nodded my head at that and didn't say anything, it is good that Hayley would not be here today. That would give us time and space to work on plan to expose her.
Elijah asked after some time, "Who are these friends Niklaus, we are not in a position to handle any hostile guests now" he said firmly to Klaus.
I glared at him and opened my mouth to respond him, but Klaus got the words out before me. "Who said that the guests are hostile brother? Rather, I think you'll personally like one of our guests if you know who it is" he asked with his signature smirk with a taunting tone. I also have a smile plastered in my face on his comment.
Elijah just sighed and put out the newspaper down, "Niklaus, now is not the time to play host to some bunch of teenagers. We already have our handful in dealing with the witches, pregnancy and Marcel" he said as if I'm not there in the same room with him.
I slammed my empty cup at the table without breaking it standing up anger flaring, "For someone who is known as noble, you definitely not seem to be one to me"
Elijah looked at me equally angry and said, "Miss Forbes, I would appreciate if you kept it yourself while I'm talking to my brother"
I just snorted at that "Oh, I would love to keep it myself. If you just stop talking about me as if I'm not sitting right here in the same room with you"
Elijah just looked at me without able to contain himself trying to murder me with his look. Klaus just then spoke up, "Elijah, I would appreciate you respect my guests"
I turned towards Klaus and offered him a smile at his words. Just then Elijah slammed the table not noticing our small moment and broke it, "Niklaus, what is this you are doing? She attacked our sister Rebekah, yet she is still standing and talking"
Klaus got angry on the mentions of Rebekah reminding him of her betrayal before he could speak, "Oh Please, its just a snaped neck. She can survive. Even she wouldn't have been mad as you are now. So let me ask, what is actually bothering you about me being here?"
"Well for one, you wanted Hayley dead, and she is carrying the heir of Mikaelson. I can't have someone living in our house" he said.
I nod "Okay, I'll give you my word I would not harm a hair in her head while I'm here, What else?" I asked him.
He just looked at me skeptically and asked "Why would I believe you? Just last night you asked my brother whether you can kill her. And you have snaped my sister's neck, you are hostile to her too"
In the meantime, Klaus was just sitting across Caroline and admiring her handling his brother well, with a proud face and his chest swelling up at how much confidence and fierceness she radiates. It took all his thousand years of endurance not to grab ravish her here and now.
"Either you believe me or not, I was never going to kill her. I might be angry and want to kill her, but I would not do it even if she wasn't pregnant. As far as your sister, I would very much say she deserved it after what she revealed about Mikael"
Klaus was half expecting all the moments he had with her yesterday to just be a dream or for her to deny the connection and cover herself in her usual anger towards him. But now seeing her defend him, his heart is beating so fast with the budding hope he has about him being her last love.
Elijah looked towards Klaus not sure what to respond to that, upon seeing his brother just looking at the baby vampire he got more frustrated, and he addressed Klaus to get his attention "Niklaus, I will not have some random baby vampire intervening in our family matters" he said in harsh tone.
Klaus sighed being interrupted his thoughts on her and turned towards his brother "Brother I do not see what the problem is here, she has just answered your questions. And as for her actions towards our devious little sister, she is right she would survive. If not for Caroline interruption yesterday, it would have been more than snapped neck for her. You and I both know this" his tone growing more and more grave at the end.
Before Elijah could speak up we all heard doorbell. I checked my phone on the table and informed Klaus "That is my friends" looking at him. He nodded his head and said "I'll go receive our guests, then we will take this to my study room" I nodded at that.
All three of us walked out of dining room, while we reached living area Klaus vamped to the main door. Me and Elijah was left in living room, I walked cross passing the sitting area to receive my friends. Klaus had already invited them in and seeing all three walking towards living room. It is somewhat weird site to have Kathrine and Bonnie on either side of Klaus, him walking with his mischievous grin already in place and gauging Elijah's reaction to this.