The Woman In Black & Blue

Chapter 4: Unknown Eyes, Unknown Hair

2020, New Orleans, Louisiana

( The Next Day )

There were very few things that confused him and even when something did, he could usually find an explanation for it, but this was something that his brain simply couldn't wrap itself around. It had been decades. Decades since he had last felt like his mind was whole.

It shouldn't have bothered him for as long as it has. He didn't know her. Right? He didn't know anybody from the 1920's except for Stefan and that ship had sailed quite awhile ago. So it shouldn't have bothered him for this long.

So why was he staring at a large canvas painted with the face of a woman he had supposedly met in 1922? But he hadn't met her. He didn't know her. The only reason he assumed it was the 1920's was because of the setting of the painting. That and his signature on the back of the canvas. Klaus, 1923.

The pitter patter of feet could be heard along with the opening of a door. The footsteps got closer before stopping just behind him.

" Wallowing in self pity again, Klaus "?

He chuckled as he continued to stare at the image before him.

" Not today Hayley ".

She walked a little closer and stood next to Klaus, looking at the painting. She admired the woman and just the painting itself. It was obviously well done, Klaus had a talent for art. He captured the details well to the point where it almost looked lifelike. " She's pretty ". Hayley stated, turning to look at Klaus. He nodded, continuing to stare at the woman.

Hayley turned back to the painting and the two hybrids stood in silence, just admiring the detail. Their bright blue hair, their olive skin, the way their dark brown eyes almost looked black, and the way they looked almost out of place in the setting Klaus had put them in, yet they also fit right in.

" Was she some fling of yours "? Hayley questioned. Klaus would of spit out his drink if he had one. Instead, he let out a hearty laugh. " No....no she wasn't ". He stated. Hayley chuckled. " Alright ". The room fell silent again. A silence that was both comfortable yet uncomfortable at the same time. " What's her name "? Hayley asked. " I don't know ". Klaus stated. " I don't even know who she is ".

Once again, Hayley turned her head away from the canvas to look at the original. " You what "? She questioned. Klaus turned away from the painting himself. " What "? Hayley looked at him with disbelief. " You painted a whole masterpiece for a girl you don't know "? She quizzled. The hybrid shrugged. " Guess so ". He said. " Her face just sort of...popped up ".

" So, just a random muse. " The brunette exclaimed. The original shrugged. He didn't quite have an answer himself.

Forgotten Memory #2
1922, Chicago Speakeasy
( Klaus' POV )

When I had returned to the table, I could see that my sister's little boy toy was no longer there, but Rebekah was. She was eyeing something ahead of her and I immediately got annoyed, thinking she had found another boy to fawn over until I spotted just what she was looking at.

There was someone else at the bar, being chatted up as Stefan. I wonder how I missed them. The person he was talking to was...intersting? I don't want to say weird, but it kind of made sense. They had bright blue hair and was dressed in a black pantsuit. I had to admit, she pulled it off quite well.

I questioned my sister on what Stefan was doing and she gave me some snarky response before getting up and walking over there.

I watched as the woman turned around in her seat, switching the hand that was holding her drink. Rebekah and Stefan seemed to be looking at the knuckles on her right hand. My sister looked impressed, while Stefan looked like a mixture of that and scared. What could possibly be so terrifying about this woman? As much as I wanted to go and budge in on their conversation, I decided against it and just opted for eavesdropping instead, just glaring at the woman.

" Your brother is staring daggers at me ". The woman stated as she leaned close to Rebekah's ear. She pulled away and looked back at me with a smirk as she waved. Did she know I could hear her? It was a back and forth staring contest until Rebekah grew tired of it. " Enough, both of you ". My sister said.

I rolled my eyes and stood up, walking back over to the bar. The woman downed the rest of her drink before setting the glass down on the counter and looking at me. " I was wondering when you were going to come up and say hello ". She said. " Take a picture, it'll last longer."

I chuckled. " Well it's kind of hard not to stare with...that ". I gestured to her in no particular direction, but I think we both knew what I was reffering to. She gave me another one of those stupid smirks before responding. " Don't be upset that I look better than you do ". That witty remark earned laughs from my sister and Stefan. " Debatable ". Was my response.

She refilled her drink, taking a sip of the alcohol. " Sure it is. Let's just agree to disagree while I let that comment about my hair slide ". She stated. I agreed and got myself another drink before making more conversation with the woman in black.

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Klaus continued to stare at the painting, still trying to rack his brain for anything that could give him answers. He would ask his sister, but with whatever was going on with her lately, he wasn't quite sure she would be much help.

" Hope wanted to play with you. You know, when you're done moping ". Hayley said, patting Klaus on the shoulder, winking, and leaving the room.

He didn't know when or if he would get the answers he wanted, but he did know one thing...

He could think about Little Ms. Blue Hair tomorrow. After he played with his daughter.

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