25 Days of Klaroline + Tropes (I'm a little late)

When former first daughter Caroline Forbes and her former bodyguard Klaus Mikaelson have to part ways professionally can either of them deal with the imposed distance given their unresolved feelings and what will bring them back together again?

Protection

I'll stand in front of you, I'll take the force of the blow.

Daytona Beach, Florida

"This is Spring Break, Care, when are you going to start having some fun?" Her roommate Katherine drawled as they made their way from their hotel towards the packed beach. It wasn't the first time she'd mentioned it that week and Caroline knew it wouldn't be her last.

"I'm having fun…"

"Oh yeah, if fun means having your nose stuffed into a book," she scoffed, placing her oversized sunglasses on her face. "There's many things to be seen scenery wise but the inside pages of your pathetic, romance novel isn't one of them."

"Trust me, your running commentary on the local beach talent has provided me with more than enough visuals, nose in book."

"I only say this because I care," she insisted. "Someone as hot as you deserves to have some fun at least…"

"I'm having fun…"

"The fact you keep repeating that you're having fun means you're really not."

"Always looking out for me, aren't you, friend?" She drawled.

"Look, I know you still have feelings for him." She stopped abruptly on the street, placing her hands on Caroline's shoulders and spinning her around. "After eight years in that close proximity, I can understand. Although, I'm surprised you never ravaged each other senseless." They'd only known each other six months but she was fast becoming acquainted with her roommate's direct nature.

"It wasn't like that, what we had was purely professional…"

"Sure it was," she drawled.

"It had to be," she conceded, slightly regretful she'd never made a move. "Fine, I'll lose the book today."

A few hours later and Caroline was stretched out on a towel, soaking up the warm, Florida sun in her newly acquired, white bikini. Not that she'd ever admit it but Katherine had a point. It was supposed to be their term break so Caroline figured a bit of relaxation wouldn't hurt.

Caroline was the type who needed to have a busy brain and schedule at all times and studying law at Harvard was the perfect excuse because if not other thoughts would creep in unexpectedly. Her life had been so different six months ago and Caroline was having a difficult time letting it go completely.

6 months ago - Washington DC

"Caroline!" The young blonde had been a thousand miles away, staring out onto the wintery, Presidential Inauguration parade and only coming to when her mother broke her reverie by tapping on the cold, frosted glass window to grab her attention.

"Huh?"

"I know this is going to be difficult, darling," Liz cooed, pulling her closer. "After eight years in the White House, life is going to be very different from now."

Different? Caroline was extremely buoyed by the fact she would have a relatively normal life and wouldn't have to hide behind Secret Service detail anymore. But at the same time she felt a heavy weight settle over her chest knowing it meant she'd never see him again, including those crimson lips which would frown in frustration whenever she argued back, those dimples that would flash unexpectedly when she thought he had no sense of humour and those dark, knotted, blonde curls that were begging to be touched.

Caroline had sent her mother the contrived smile she'd mastered over the years and one Liz was still yet to see through. Caroline made her way towards the front door, knowing it would be the last of her final duties as first daughter. The relief was immense for the most part but the lack of his presence was eating away at her firm resolve.

"Someone looks like they're going to a funeral," he chuckled. Caroline would know that accent and know-it-all tone anywhere. Why was she going to miss him again? He looked immaculate as usual in his black suit and crisp, white shirt as he approached. "Going to miss me?"

"Urgh, you wish."

"Don't pretend you're not going to miss my witty sense of humour." Caroline didn't respond, just rolled her eyes exaggeratedly. "I guess I'm only surprised about your expression because of all the times you fought me about your security detail."

"What can I say? I don't like pushy people," she shot back. "So sue me."

"Well, after today you are fully in charge of your own destiny and I for one am pleased to not have to put up with your…"

"My?"

"Uh, interesting character quirks."

"You're no longer responsible for me, Mikaelson, so just say it."

"Opinions," he answered, still somewhat diplomatically. "Every single one of them in their bossy glory."

"I'm not the only one with opinions," she replied, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You wear yours like a badge of honour."

"As do you," he quipped. "I'm not sure if the men at Harvard or the world are really ready for you, Victory." Hearing him use her secret service codename was almost like a punch to the chest knowing it would be the last.

"As long as they don't tell me what to do, it will be fine," she teased. "And I think you can call me Caroline now."

"Force of habit," he explained. "I think it took me five minutes to work out why you chose that codename. I've never met anyone more competitive and set on winning at all costs."

"I'm determined and tenacious, what can I say?" She huffed defensively. "Plus, I seem to recall beating you on a few occasions at pool, Mikaelson."

"I suppose I can break the news now. It was only because I let you, princess."

"A likely story," she smiled, thinking just how much she'd miss their easy banter after being in such close proximity for eight years. "Maybe one day we can have a rematch and I'll school your ass just like last time?"

"Maybe." It was non committal but Caroline didn't expect any less from her aloof, former bodyguard.

He regarded her seriously and even though he was good at keeping his emotions hidden she swore there was something telling in his eyes. Almost like he was going to miss her as much as she him. Time seemed to stand still, until she heard a car horn from the driveway. Her mother never was very patient.

Then just as quickly as he'd appeared, Klaus had left, the only parting gift a knowing smirk and the flash of a rogue dimple before walking away, one last time. Knowing that he wasn't coming back to protect her was more difficult than she thought. She'd been desperate for independence but now she wasn't quite sure what she wanted.

"Caroline." She could barely hear her name it was uttered so quietly amongst the nearby chatter on the beach, an underlying growl accompanying it. Goose bumps formed over her naked skin and suddenly the hot, Florida sun was no competition for the shiver that rippled through her body. She'd know that voice anywhere. But why here and why now?

"Klaus," she inquired, removing her oversized, floppy hat and peeling away her sunglasses, resting on her elbows to get a better vantage point to check she wasn't dreaming. "What the hell are you doing here?"

His good looks hadn't faded in six months, that much she could tell in his tight fitted, navy polo shirt and an oversized pair of aviator sunglasses, his blonde hair curling over his ears teasingly.

"You have to come with me, right now." His voice was low and decidedly urgent but Caroline never was one to give in easily, especially given he was no longer assigned to protect her.

"I'll do no such thing," she refused, suddenly feeling a little self conscious in her skimpy bikini. At least her awkwardness hadn't diminished her stubbornness.

"Well, maybe you'll come along for me then? Niklaus always has been a questionable sort of character." Another familiar voice interrupted, she'd recognise that serious tone and chiseled jaw anywhere, even unusually attired in casual clothing.

"I almost didn't recognise you without a suit, E," she chuckled, her hand covering her eyes so she could see him amongst the bright sunlight.

"A suit on Daytona Beach? Not the kind of ensemble I was going for on this particular occasion." Caroline looked between them, Klaus' crimson lips were pursed and Elijah's brow furrowed. This obviously wasn't a social visit. She'd thought about Klaus a lot the past six months but never imagined their reunion being quite like this.

"What's with all the chatter? I'm trying to suntan here," Katherine murmured lazily, finally turning over onto her back to see what all the commotion was about. As soon as she cocked her left eyebrow approvingly, Caroline knew they were in trouble, even if it should have been the other way around given their profession. "Well, well, who do we have here?"

"Look, there's no time for chit chat," Elijah shot back. "We need to get out of here."

"Charming," Katherine drawled. "And go where exactly? You may be cute but the creepy, stalker vibe isn't doing much for me, mister."

"Who's your mouthy friend?"

"Katherine…" Caroline attempted knowing that if anyone could make a scene it would be her brunette best friend scorned by a gorgeous stranger.

"Why don't you do us a favour and buzz off," she growled. Even though she was wearing sunglasses, Caroline knew that if looks could kill Elijah would be a hot pile of ash right now.

"Katherine, these are my friends," she explained, albeit cryptically.

"Well, your friends need to learn some manners." Although Klaus had been decidedly somber since his sudden reappearance, Caroline couldn't miss the slight smile tugging at his lips. He did always like to see his uptight brother berated. Today was obviously no different.

"They are my friends," she continued. Caroline wasn't sure of the threat but if it was nearby she didn't want to cause more of a scene.

"Before…"

"Before I started university, you know when I was living at my former house." Katherine seemed to be processing what she was saying and Caroline wasn't sure what else she could say.

"Oh that pretty, white one," she mused, finally catching on. "Why didn't you say so?" The girls gathered their belongings and made their way through the throng still unsure of the threat. Caroline couldn't help but watch everyone around them. In one respect being in a crowd had its advantages but at the same time you didn't know who was close by either.

Katherine stumbled a little on some loose sand, stumbling forward slightly. Caroline noticed Elijah's strong arms catching her before she fell. She steadied herself but not before slapping his hand away.

"Get off me you oaf," she growled, stomping ahead.

Klaus gave Caroline a curious look, his eyebrows now firmly raised. "And you thought I was difficult, Mikaelson." She didn't bother to catch his ensuing expression.

2 hours later

"Where the hell are we?" Caroline asked, looking around the impressive house. Shortly after leaving the beach, Elijah and Klaus had ushered them into a nearby jeep and driven them down the coast.

"Your new home for the next few days."

"I'm sorry what?" Katherine whined, her brunette pony tail whipping around so fast they could hear its impact. "We have a home in party central on Daytona Beach and it's been paid for upfront."

"Well, I'm so sorry to ruin your plans," Elijah groaned.

"And we all know that this beachfront, private property is a hell of a lot better than your meagre accomodations in that questionable environment."

"Wow, I never took you for such a snob," Caroline accused, raising her eyebrows in Klaus' direction.

"Says the former first daughter," he chided. It was as if they'd been transported back to their presidential days.

"Were they always in the foreplay stage like this?" Katherine asked Elijah, looking between the two expectantly. Caroline felt her skin flush, choosing to divert her gaze downwards. Katherine always knew how to make a situation decidedly more uncomfortable.

"I didn't work with the First Family but every time I saw these two together it was exactly like this."

"Hey."

"What can I say the annoying brunette has a point. Nik."

"Annoying? Excuse me?"

"Do you ever do anything but complain? And here I thought the car ride and ten thousand questions was going to be the worst it would get."

"Well, call me crazy but after you kidnapped us from the beach I feel like it's the least we deserved and being Caroline's former, secret service, hottie, detail doesn't count."

"Klaus was my former detail, he doesn't work in the service anymore." Caroline responded, her attention solely focused on Klaus. She'd said it before thinking about the consequences.

"Have you been keeping tabs on me, Victory?" He grinned knowingly. Caroline may have done a little research over the past few months but never wanted his arrogant ass to know that.

"You wish, Mikaelson."

"Victory? Oh just great, so who exactly have I absconded with? For all I know you're all part of some Government cover-up. I really should have listened to my mother when she said never go anywhere with strangers."

"Someone's been watching too much Designated Survivor. Will you be quiet for more than five seconds if we tell you what's going on?" Elijah sighed, his frustration with the feisty girl at its absolute limit.

"I'm not making any promises but start talking, broody," she insisted, making herself comfortable on the oversized couch. Caroline took a seat nearby, careful not to be too close with Klaus, scared of the unresolved feelings it would evoke.

6 hours later….

Caroline couldn't sleep. She'd found her way into the kitchen around 3am and boiled the kettle knowing that the only thing that would help was chamomile tea. She'd never been a tea fan until Klaus had suggested its calming effects during a presidential tour of India when she was restless due to the jet lag.

When Klaus had appeared from nowhere earlier, Caroline knew he wasn't secret service but the urgency in his tone and the trust she still felt towards him was enough to leave in a hurry without much information. Finding out exactly why he was there was another and more terrifying prospect, hence her insomnia.

"There's been a very real threat made against your father," he'd admitted. During his time as President, threats weren't unheard of but now it seemed so unexpected.

"But why?"

"The current President has made some comments about your father's actions and time in the Presidency. His more extreme followers have taken them personally and are out for revenge." Given just how unhinged his successor was, Caroline wasn't surprised but the fact her father should suffer made her feel suddenly ill.

"What? I need to be with him now…" She'd attempted to make it to the front door before he grabbed her round the waist and pulled her backwards. He'd touched her before but this seemed very different and decidedly more intimate. Caroline decided to blame it on her highly strung emotions.

"Get off me! I have to see my father is okay."

"Your father is in complete lockdown, so too your mother at their place in Houston. No one is getting to them," he whispered, pulling her closer. She could feel his heart beating against her, his mouth lowered as his hot breath tickled her ear. "The best thing you can do is stay here until this is over. That's what they want." She stilled, knowing that it was probably true.

"Why are you here though?"

"After leaving the service, I started my own private protective company with my brothers. We still work as consultants for the Government."

"And let me guess, my father insisted the consultant, who happens to be you, intervene?" He chuckled against her hair, calming her considerably.

"He figured I was the only one who could get through to your stubborn self."

"Sell out," she growled, not bothering to pull free. For some reason being cocooned in his arms felt so right. "If we get through this, I have every intention of raising this with him and kicking your ass, you can quote me on that Mikaelson."

"Why do I feel like this is deja vu?" He yawned, making his way towards the stainless steel fridge and opening the door, breaking her from her trance. The glow from inside cast light on his toned, not to mention bare, torso. From what Caroline could tell in her shock, the only clothing he was wearing was a fitted pair of grey boxer shorts.

"Do you mind?"

"I'm hungry," he muttered, rifling through the fridge. "And I figured you needed some lemon," he said, placing one on the kitchen counter, just like in India all those years ago. "You're welcome."

"Do you always walk around half naked?"

"I didn't expect to run into you if you hadn't noticed. And just so you know that singlet and short set isn't completely innocent, sweetheart."

"Excuse me for being kidnapped at short notice with no proper change of clothes, unlike mister organised."

"It's bloody hot out, not that I owe you an explanation given I'm trying to protect you, Victory."

"But in eight years together you were always clothed and professional but now you're just…" She faltered as he turned to face her. If she thought the side view was impressive, front on was even better. Caroline had lost all sensible thought, her mouth dry.

"Just?" Caroline knew two could play at this game, picking up the nearby knife and waving it in his direction to keep him at bay.

"I'm armed and dangerous and given my current emotional state you should be worried, naked boy."

"If I knew my partially naked form would have created this reaction, I would have done it sooner."

"You smug ass," she scowled, knife still well and truly poised. She was losing all resolve, the grip on the knife weakening with every second.

"You conceited princess," he growled, removing it from her grasp and pulling her towards him greedily.

"I hate you so much," she panted, feeling every last shred of willpower slip away.

"Well, luckily I hate you too," he growled, his crimson, lips taking hers hungrily, his tongue finding its way into her hot and waiting mouth. It was as if eight years of pent up sexual frustration was playing out.

His hands caressed her back, making their way lower to cup her taut ass, lifting her onto the kitchen counter, while not breaking their connection. His hands found their way to the hem of her singlet, his fingers teasing the sensitive skin underneath. Caroline's skin felt like it was on fire, her nipples tingling in anticipation of his touch.

"So, this is what you two get up to without supervision?" Elijah asked, interrupting their frenzy. They broke apart like startled animals, albeit reluctantly.

"He started it," Caroline accused, licking her lips self consciously and attempting to push him away, her hands shaking.

"No, it was definitely her, I mean she had a knife and…."

"Ooooh kinky," Katherine whistled appreciatively appearing from behind. "Please don't let us stop you." She pulled Elijah away strategically and Caroline had to admit she was glad. The fact that those two might have been playing nice finally was a bonus.

"I'm sorry, we really shouldn't…"

"This might not be the best time but there's something I've been wanting to tell you for years, Victory," Klaus admitted, pulling her closer and placing a chaste kiss on her temple.

"And what's that?" They were both silent obviously scared to admit their true feelings after such a build up.

"How about a game of pool?" He suggested. "Each time we sink a ball we confess something and then…"

"Winner takes all?" Caroline smirked.