Hello everyone! First of all, I just want to say THANK YOU for clicking on a link that brought you to my new Klaroline story! This story is completely AU/AH which has always been my favorite kind of Klaroline stories (if you favor AUAH too, yay!) This is based on a list of rules I saw on tumblr. As I read through them, I was like "Wow, this would be a cute Klaroline story." There are 10 rules and each chapter will be a drabble of Caroline and Klaus basically going through each of them, describing how they handle obstacles and etc.
I really hope you enjoy this! Hopefully I will continue to be motivated to add on. If you want, you can catch me on tumblr ( .com) You can go ahead and remind me to update if I haven't. I will also be posting teasers or whatnot on my tumblr, so make sure to follow me.
Again, thanks so much for somehow ending up on my story. Please leave comments and tell me what you think!
-XO-
EDIT 04/05: Thank you SO MUCH TO Nicole (nfinneman) for the beautiful cover art for this story! I LOVE IT!
I am no expert on love,
But I have a few suggestions to keeping your love alive...
Rule No. 1
Don't fall asleep angry. But if you do, wake up in the middle of the night and hold her as close as you can.
"Caroline…" he whispered to the blonde resting beside him. They had been in bed for over three hours, yet her back remained turned towards him, no words leaving her lips. Others would have assumed she was fast asleep. He, however, knew she was just being stubborn and her eyes were still wide open just as his were.
"Caroline, sweetheart…" Klaus had his hands folded over his lower abdomen as he sat back against the headboard, his voice drawling out the pet names he enjoyed calling her, hoping she would give into him soon. "Love…"
"Quit it with the terms of endearment, Klaus. I'm still not talking to you," she finally replied, her voice still crystal clear, despite the fact it was almost midnight and she hadn't said a single word since getting into bed. He would have thought her voice would have been groggy.
The man turned to look down at her, his eyes trailed along her form, watching intently on her body rising and falling every time she breathed. He sighed and ran his tongue along his bottom lip and nodded, even though she wouldn't see. With that, he said nothing in return, only reaching over to his bedside table and switching off the lamp as he shifted himself so that he was finally laying in bed.
He had one arm folded and rested underneath his head as he faced the ceiling. A line of light came in from the window, which made a few things in their bedroom visible.
Klaus turned his head to gaze at Caroline who insisted on keeping at least two feet in between them. He fought the urge to reach out and caress her side, only because he knew she would leave him alone in bed if he tried. Listening to nothing but the stillness and the faint noise of traffic coming from the other side of the wall, Klaus was left with his thoughts. Caroline wasn't going to speak to him; they would probably have to continue this in the morning, but he was just as stubborn as she was and he wanted to discuss the situation now. Letting out another sigh, he looked back up at the ceiling before shutting his eyes.
"I love you, Caroline. Goodnight."
– KLAROHOPE –
Caroline Forbes had every right to be angry with her boyfriend. After showing up unannounced at a catch-up lunch date she planned with some of her old friends from Mystic Falls, she couldn't even stand being in the same room as him. It was a lunch she had planned with Tyler Lockwood, Matt Donovan, and April Young, who were classmates of hers and although they had drifted apart after graduation, she was elated when she got the news they were planning a trip to New York City. Caroline, being the ultimate planner, requested they get together and so they did.
Once Klaus found out she was going to be spending time with old friends, one that happened to be her ex-boyfriend, he became angry. He knew what had happened between Caroline and Tyler, he knew that he was the reason she left Mystic Falls, he knew that Tyler was the reason she had a small scar along her collarbone. Being the over-protective boyfriend, he wasn't going to allow her to be around him, even if there were going to be others. Caroline, on the other hand, ordered him to stay out of it.
"I am not going to let you be around him, Caroline." He said sternly.
The blonde shook her head. "He's better now, Klaus. He got out of rehab, he's clean –he's a new person. Matt told me everything, okay? You don't have to worry."
"He is the reason you left Mystic Falls," he retorted, ignoring the good reasons Caroline had just mentioned.
"Yes and if he hadn't driven me out that small town, I wouldn't be here with you."
His expression softened instantly. "He still hurt you-"
"That happened 7 years ago, Klaus. You know the story. Tyler and I were having an argument, he was drunk of course, he smashed a bottle on the table, and a shard flew out and cut me," she sighed and folded her arms across her chest, her eyes still fixated on his. "Seven years ago is a long time. It's forgotten, I've forgiven him, and I'm really excited to see him. Can you please, please, just understand that he's changed?"
Klaus narrowed his eyes towards her. "Does he have a girlfriend?"
"Yes, her name is Hayley Marshall. He told me all about her when we talked on the phone. She helped him through everything while he was in rehab. Klaus, were you seriously worried he was going to make a move on me?"
"He's a part of your past, Caroline. If he wasn't attached, I'm sure he would have made a move."
She rolled her eyes as she walked passed him. "Are we done here? I have to be at the café before they arrive."
"Caro-" he called out, but before he could finish saying her name, she was already out the door, leaving him to let out a heavy sigh.
– KLAROHOPE –
Her face lit up the moment she saw the three of them walked through the doors of the café, their expressions equally as excited as hers. The blonde stood up from her chair and opened her arms out wide for hugs, her lips pulled back into a smile. First she hugged April Young, who was the new girl back then, but then ended up becoming a very close friend of Caroline's. She remembered the two of them spending hours at the Grill doing homework and planning events along with the help of Caroline's two best friends, Elena and Bonnie, who unfortunately couldn't make this catch-up lunch date. Next, she practically threw herself onto Matt Donovan, the boy who was sort of like a brother to her during their adolescent years. She had grown up without any siblings and so when she saw the first blonde boy pass her by, she took the opportunity and ordered him to be her honorary brother. Without hesitation, he agreed and the two had been close since then. Finally, she saw Tyler standing off the to side, watching both of the blondes hug it out, a smile slowly spreading across his face. "Tyler, get over here!" Caroline urged, both her arms reaching out for him. They shared a nice embrace before she pulled back and gave him a smile. "I'm really glad you're here."
Of course, he was watching. It was in his nature to watch over Caroline, to protect her from anything and anyone who had the potential of hurting her. He had passed by the large window with his hands stuffed into his pockets and subtly glanced over to the table they surrounded. He saw her hug each of them, but he couldn't get over the fact her embrace with Tyler was twice as long as the ones she gave the other two. Perhaps it was him becoming slightly jealous, but he caught that look in Tyler's eyes, thinking that maybe he was going to pull something on his Caroline.
"So why didn't Hayley come?" Caroline asked as she raised the straw from her iced tea up to her lips. The four of them had circled around a table close to the window, waiting patiently for their appetizers. She was looking directly across the table at Tyler, who couldn't help but smile once Caroline had mentioned his better half.
"She's traveling at the moment – Appalachian mountains with her family. After being cleared from the ward, she urged me to go with her, but I told her I should probably stay put for a few," he replied, leaning back in his chair.
"She didn't want to stay with you?"
Tyler shook his head, letting out a laugh. "I'm pretty sure she was tired of me. She was by my side for half a year; I insisted she be with her family." Caroline nodded. "She'll be back in Mystic by the time we drive back." The blonde couldn't help but smile as she watched him look down at his phone, a smile forming on his face. "This is Hayley," he said as he passed his phone to Caroline. She reached for it and looked at the girl in the picture. She had dark brown hair, a slim figure, tan skin, and a pretty face. She was happy for Tyler.
The four engaged in more conversation while their food came their way. They laughed and shared stories from their past while also talking about their futures. Caroline had to pause for moment when the topic came up. She had absolutely no clue what she was going to do five years from now. Hopefully, she was still going to be living in New York. Hopefully, she was still going to be working for one of the best Public Relations company in the city. But most importantly, she hoped Klaus was still in her future. She wouldn't know what to do if he wasn't. Flashing a smile at her friends, she took another sip of her iced tea before hearing that British accent present itself from behind.
"Hello, everyone."
– KLAROHOPE –
Caroline saw the looks of their faces. Their eyes widened while their lips curved upward, pleasantly surprised that her boyfriend decided to make an unexpected appearance. Letting out a sigh, she turned around in her chair.
"What are you doing here, Klaus?" She asked, annoyed.
"I'm just here to say hello to everyone," he replied, a smirk playing upon his lips as he took a step forward to place his palms on the blonde's shoulders. Caroline averted her eyes once she felt his touch, causing her to turn back around to face the three.
"You're Klaus," April said, tilting her head up to gaze at the man. He nodded and replied, "The one and only." He squeezed Caroline's shoulders. "You must be April Young. Pleasure to meet you," he said, walking over the dark haired girl.
"Very nice to meet you too," she said back, glancing over at Caroline who was giving her a weak smile. April reached for her glass and took a sip.
Klaus made his way around the table, saying nothing until he reached Matt. "Matt Donovan, the quarterback." He playfully smacked the blonde's shoulder and let out a chuckle. Matt was being nice and twisted his body so that he looked up at him, nodding his head before laughing in response. "Good to see you too, Klaus."
Caroline watched Klaus intently as he walked passed Matt and made his way towards Tyler. She was hesitant and curious as to what he was going to do next. Whatever he was planning on doing, she hoped, prayed, it wasn't going to end up had. With Klaus, it was always a surprise.
"Tyler," Klaus finally said. He was hovering on Tyler's side, his eyes narrowing towards him. Caroline felt herself sinking lower into her seat, wanting nothing more than to cover her face and hide from what was currently happening before her eyes.
Tyler looked up at Klaus and gave him a nod. "Klaus."
"Nik, can I speak to you for a second? Alone?" Caroline asked, throwing her napkin over her plate. Klaus turned to look at Caroline and pursed his lips.
"Just a moment, love. I'd like to catch up with Tyler," he replied.
Caroline shook her head. "No, I want to speak to you now."
Ignoring his persistent girlfriend, Klaus placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder and raised a brow at him. "How are you, mate?"
"Fine."
"What was it like to be locked up for all your wrong doings?"
Tyler stayed quiet for a moment before replying. "I'm clean now, Klaus. So, if you don't mind-"
"Oh, but I do mind. You see, you deserve to stay locked in there. You don't deserve freedom. You don't deserve to be surrounded by your friends. You, most certainly, do not deserve to see my Caroline… After hurting her I would have thought you would stay out of her life-"
"- Klaus!" Caroline shouted, causing everyone in the café to turn and stare. She had just watched her boyfriend speak so negatively towards a man who had just redeemed himself, she wasn't going to allow him to continue.
He turned to look at her, but before he could say anything, he felt Tyler shift from his grasp as he rose to his feet. April and Matt sat there, mouths either pressed together or wide open in surprise. It wasn't too long before they stood up, following Tyler's lead. Klaus watched the three of them walk over to Caroline – April gave her a small hug and so did Matt, but Tyler just gave Caroline a look before walking out of the café, leaving the couple to stare at each other across the table, eyes narrowed of course.
"Unbelievable," she finally said. "What the hell was that? I specifically told you to stay out of this, Klaus. Tyler didn't need to hear that. He was just released!" At the moment, she didn't care that they were still in the café. She didn't care that everyone was watching them. "You know, Klaus, you've done a lot of bad shit in this world, but that… That was the worst thing you can do – say – to a person. You should be ashamed of yourself."
Klaus watched Caroline grab her bag and turn her back towards him, not even bothering to say anything in response to what she had said. He had fought the urge to not show up, but he ended up there in seconds. He wasn't planning on actually entering the café either, but he did it. Most importantly, he didn't plan on saying those words to Tyler, but they flowed out of him without notice. As he watched her walk out the door, he hung his head down realizing he had disappointed Caroline once again.
– KLAROHOPE –
He couldn't sleep. How could he when he knew Caroline was angry with him? There was some rule the two had come up with and it was their responsibility to obey it whenever the situation seemed to fit. Never go to bed angry, he thought. There had been plenty of nights when they both went to bed completely furious at each other. Klaus would grab a pillow and make his way to the couch, leaving the bed to Caroline and he would lay there in the silence and replay their arguments over and over again. It wasn't healthy, but they still did it.
It wasn't until their fifth huge argument that Caroline finally approached him with a pad of paper. It was the middle of the night when she had jotted down a few bullet points before leaving their bed and making her way towards Klaus, who she found laying in uncomfortable positions.
"I made a list," she said, holding the pad close to her chest.
Klaus squinted his eyes in order to regain his vision. What was Caroline doing up at 3 in the morning?
"Shouldn't you be asleep? You have work tomorrow." Klaus pulled the blanket over his head to block the light.
"I can't sleep knowing you're out here. You're obviously uncomfortable. Look at you," she shook her head as she eyed his legs that dangled off the sides. "You don't fit on this couch."
He groaned lightly and shifted his body. "I'm perfectly fine. Besides, you were able to sleep the other four times I've left you alone. Why are you suddenly so concerned this time?"
Caroline sighed and moved closer to the couch. "Because I love you, you idiot," she said once she found herself straddling him. The pad of paper was now resting on Klaus' chest while she reached for the blanket, pulling it down so she could look at him.
"What are you doing, Caroline?" He looked up at her, his eyes still not fully open.
"I came up with a list," she repeated.
"You always make lists, love," he groaned.
She rolled her eyes because that was the truth. "Yeah, but this is a different kind of list. Remember when I read that article online? It was about ways to keep the spark alive, especially in long-term relationships. And how long have we been together?"
Klaus raised his hand to his face and rubbed his eyes. "Almost seven years."
"Right. And people have said once they pass four, the spark starts dying out. But that article reminded me of how we can fix our problems…"
"Are you saying we have problems?" Klaus asked, his eyes widening up at the blonde.
She laughed and brushed her fingers along his hairline. "Well, this is the fifth time you've slept on the sofa. And we've been only been living here for two years. I think that's a big problem."
"Mmhm."
Caroline leaned down to press a light kiss on his forehead. "Rule number one: Never go to bed angry. It only causes more problems in the relationship. It leaves you a bad mood throughout the night and when you wake up in the morning, you'd have to deal with it all over again," she mumbled against his skin.
Slowly, she felt his arms go around her waist. "Never go to bed angry," he repeated softly. "Okay."
Caroline smiled down at him as she pressed her forehead against hers. She actually wasn't prepared for this. She had woken up in the middle of the night, contemplating on ways to get past their argument from earlier. It was a random list; She threw together some ideas that sounded perfect in her head. She had yet to read them all to Klaus, but for now, rule number one was the most important in this situation.
Klaus pressed his lips against hers in a gentle kiss. "I'm sorry for yelling at you."
"And I'm sorry for destroying your painting," she mumbled. "I know how hard you worked on it." Caroline felt incredibly guilty for ruining his most recent painting. It was one he was planning on donating to the event she was currently planning.
"That's alright, love."
He shifted his position on the couch, allowing Caroline be the little spoon to his big spoon. Once their bodies pressed against each other, he wrapped his arm around her stomach and held her close while he buried his face into her hair, taking in her scent just before he shut his eyes. Caroline placed her hand over his and squeezed it gently before pulling the blanket over their figures with her free hand. She snuggled closer to him, if that was even possible, and shut her eyes.
And just like that, he forgot about their argument.
Never go to bed angry…
– KLAROHOPE –
Klaus looked at the digital block on his night stand and read the time. Three-thirty AM. He was still wide-awake with no intention of falling asleep. After he thought back to the time Caroline came up that that list of rules, he sighed knowing full well that what had occurred earlier that day was entirely his fault and that it was up to him to do something. He wasn't expecting Caroline to curl into his arms like that one night. It was all on him.
Moving onto his side, he scooted closer to the blonde, her back still turned towards him. He watched her body rise and fall with every breath and he couldn't help but trail his fingers down her side until he reached her stomach, draping his arm over it and pulling her towards him. Finally, he had her close to him.
"Klaus…" he heard her say in a whisper. He had just woken her up.
"Shh… I'm sorry, love. Go back to sleep," he replied, his thumb drawing patterns into her stomach. Klaus moved even closer until his front side pressed against her back and the side of his face rested with her hair. He held her there, just like every other night when they weren't arguing with each other. He breathed softly and soon, he felt her hand rest just above his, giving it a light squeeze.
"Forgive me for what happened today," he whispered.
On Caroline's end, she fluttered her eyes open and felt her lips pull into a smile. She caressed his calloused hand before lacing their fingers together. "Promise that won't happen again?"
"It will never happen again. You have my word, love."
"Never go to bed angry…" she reminded him.
He couldn't help but smile as he buried his face into her blonde curls. Oh, if she knew how many times that rule played in his head. The girl who created lists at 3 in the morning was the love of his life and he couldn't imagine loving anyone else. If she had the patience to come with a list of rules to keep their love alive, he was going to do everything in his power to obey them all. Never was he going to leave her alone in their bed again.
"Let this be the last time."
So what do you guys think? Every chapter will be titled after the rule, of course. These are also going to be considered drabbles, just so you all know.
Thank you for reading. I greatly appreciate it. Also, this is rated M for future chapters.
[catch me on tumblr (outofchampagne)]
