A/N: Hello! and thank you for checking our my latest effort. This isn't the Caroline/Klaus story I originally promised (still in the works) in my profile, but I wanted (need) to get re-inspired before I start working on my full-length stories.
This is a collection of ten one-shots, all Klaus/Caroline. I have all ten chapters done, so posting will be on a regular basis. However - I'm not 100% happy with 1-2 of them, so if you feel the urge, go ahead and drop me a line with a prompt. I can't promise to use it, but if I like it, and it fits in with the overall theme, I'll try!
A huge THANK YOU to Principles of Magic (Irene) for taking the time to beta. One of my favorite parts of the writing process is the feedback and brainstorming we do! Any mistakes remain my own.
As always, I look forward to your reviews, comments, PMs, favorites and follows!
2035, Paris, France
As he walks through the lobby of the Palais Garnier, he ignores the flirtatious looks thrown his way from the ladies - and a few men. He's well aware he cuts a dashing figure in his haute couture tuxedo, but he prefers to be alone tonight.
Approaching the grand staircase, an older woman standing alone and admiring the venue catches his eye. She's familiar to him and he slows his pace to study her. After over a thousand years on this earth, it takes him a moment to roll through the index in his mind.
His memory doesn't fail, and a smile breaks out onto his face. In an instant, he changes his mind about being alone this evening and strides towards her. She becomes aware of his approach, and he can't fail to hear her heart accelerate with nervousness.
He's sorry for it.
"Sheriff Forbes," he said pleasantly, hoping to put her at ease.
"Klaus," she replied warily.
"What brings you to Paris?"
"Caroline -"
He smiled broadly, and his own heart accelerates as Caroline's voice rings out from behind him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Hello, Caroline," he said.
His eyes lit up as he laid eyes on her. He was ridiculously pleased to see that she looked exactly as she had when he last saw her twenty years ago. He wasn't sure why that pleased him, or surprised him - she was a vampire, after all.
Her golden hair was loose and in waves and her strapless emerald green dress fit her like a second skin, flaring out just a bit at her ankles.
"Are you okay," Caroline asked her mother as she took a protective stance near her.
"I'm fine - he just arrived."
Caroline turned her attention to him, her arms crossed. "What do you want, Klaus?"
"Caroline, I assure you, I have no sinister motives," he said, exasperated by her suspicion. "I'm in town because a painting of mine has been discovered and it's going on exhibition tomorrow at the Rodin. I'm here, tonight, because they just happen to be performing my favorite opera. Now, what brings you two lovelies to Paris?"
"We're traveling - I've recently retired and a tour of Europe is Caroline's gift to me," Liz said.
"Retirement? The streets of Mystic Falls must be positively running amok. Are you certain they can survive without you?" Klaus asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"They'll have to," Caroline replied. "It's time for her to have a little fun," she said, smiling fondly at her mother.
"Well, then - as I'm all by my lonesome tonight, I insist you ladies join me in my box."
"Oh, no -" Caroline started to decline.
"I insist," he said, snatching her ticket and glancing at it. "Hardly a suitable place to enjoy the performance; you couldn't compel yourself better seats? No matter, come along," he said, and offered Caroline and Liz his arms.
The Forbes women shared a look, and in resignation, each took a proffered arm. As they made their way to his private box, Klaus launched into little-known anecdotes about the history of the opera house.
Once settled into their seats, Caroline cast an apologetic look to her mother. Liz waved off her daughter's concern and enjoyed the view from the best seats in the house.
Caroline looked around, impressed with the view. She tried taking it all in; from the artwork on the ceiling to the crystal chandelier, but it was too much. Then she frowned as she noticed something else.
"Everyone's staring at us."
Klaus glanced around quickly and saw that she was correct. Supernatural and human alike were looking towards their box.
"They are staring at you - you are an absolute vision and I apologize for not stating so earlier," he murmured.
"It's creepy," she muttered, blushing.
"Right - I'll kill them all," he said.
"What - no!" she gasped, then smiled and gave a small chuckle as she realized he was only teasing her. "Jerk," she muttered half-heartedly.
"So, Klaus - how's your family?" Liz asked, striving to make conversation.
"Annoying and self-righteous as usual," Klaus replied. "They hate this particular opera and declined to attend."
The lights dimmed and the curtain swung open as the orchestra began to play.
Klaus had seen the performance a dozen times - he had indeed been in the audience when it first debuted in Vienna back in 1603. Although it was his favorite and he appreciated seeing the various interpretations over the years, he sat back and watched Caroline instead, taking joy in her reactions.
When the curtain closed for intermission, Caroline turned to Klaus, smiling radiantly with tears brimming. "It's beautiful."
"It is indeed," he replied, staring into her eyes. He handed her his handkerchief and she dabbed her eyes with it. When she tried to return it, he waved her off.
"Keep it - there's more of that to come."
"Oh, no - but it has a happy ending, right?"
He grinned. "Of course - the hero always gets the girl. Well, except for Stefan, I'm not sure what happened there -" he broke off as Caroline giggled.
She slapped a hand over her mouth. "I shouldn't laugh; Stefan's my friend."
He smiled, but said nothing and turned his attention to Liz. "Sheriff, are you thirsty?" he asked as a waiter came in with champagne.
After intermission, the lights dimmed again and the curtain rose.
Caroline felt herself being swept away once more by the story. A part of her remained continuously aware that she was sitting next to Klaus - the mighty Original Hybrid - in an opera house in Paris, with her mother - but he's been on his best behavior tonight and she has to admit that she's enjoyed her evening.
As the curtain lowers and the applause rings out, Caroline is overwhelmed with emotion - she loved it.
They make their way towards the exit.
"How will you be returning to your hotel?"
"Oh - we were just going to hop in cab," Caroline said.
"Absolutely not. I have a car waiting - I'll see you home."
The car turned out to be a limo. Klaus faced Caroline and Liz and watched Caroline's face as she stared out the window, taking in the city of lights. He realized that he was staring, and he glanced away, only to meet Liz's gaze instead, who was staring at him thoughtfully.
How do mothers do that - look at you as if they know your deepest darkest secrets?
The limo pulled up to the hotel and a doorman opened the limo door. Once inside the hotel lobby, Caroline turned to Klaus. Before she could say anything however, her mother spoke.
"Klaus, thank you so much. I had a great time and it was much more enjoyable up in your box."
"You're quite welcome, Sheriff. Congratulations again on your retirement."
"And now, I am for bed," she smiled as she walked away.
Caroline found herself alone with Klaus and wondered why she was suddenly feeling awkward.
"Well - um - good night. Thanks for -"
"Caroline," Klaus interrupted. "My exhibition opens tomorrow. Would you - and your mother, of course - like to accompany me?"
"Oh - Klaus, I'm sorry, but we're leaving tomorrow. Wine country. Although my mom would prefer beer on tap at the Grille," she joked.
Klaus shrugged nonchalantly and tried to hide the disappointment coursing through him.
"Another time, then."
"I'm really sorry," she said softly.
He reached up to brush a loose tendril of her hair from her face. Caroline stood frozen as his fingers lightly brushed across her face.
She was gazing at him with those big blue eyes of hers and he couldn't resist. He leaned down and lightly pressed his lips to her. When he broke off the brief kiss, he watched with hooded eyes as she caught her breath.
"Goodnight, Caroline."
"Goodnight," she whispered.