A/N I started this fic two years ago, and it's finally ending. Before I post the epilouge I am updating each chapter. I am cleaning each chapter one by one, and I will post them as soon as I finish editing them. The story is still the same, but the writing is hopefully cleaner.
Enjoy
"God my head hurts," Caroline mumbled, rubbing the blurriness out of her eyes.
"I am never drinking that much again," She sighed, finally opening her eyes. She looked around the room, and felt a ping of fear clench her stomach. "Where am I?" she thought, pulling the blankets closer to her body.
Caroline slid off the bed and pushed her toes into the soft black carpet. She furrowed her brows at the red suit shirt she's wearing. She groaned, remembering bits of last night; dinner, shots, and his pretty face.
"Oh geez Caroline what did you do," she grumbled to herself.
Caroline stood up and looked around the room, smiling at the high white ceiling and deep red walls. Her eyes stopped on the lightly curtained bay window over-looking the city.
"Wow," she thought. Caroline stood up and walked toward what she assumed was the bathroom.
She leaned in, moving her hands along the wall in hopes of finding a light switch, but the flicking of a light bulb turns on above her. She smiled and stepped inside. Caroline admired bathroom for a second, as she looked at the black walls, glass walk in shower and standalone bathtub.
She smiled, eyeing the shower after looking at herself in the mirror to see smeared make-up and messy hair. Without a second thought Caroline starts to unbutton the shirt, letting it slip off, before stepping inside the shower.
A rush of warm water hits her face, making her sigh in content as she feels last night drip off her body. The smell of fresh soap fills her nostrils while she rubs her body down with a loofa. Caroline hums happily reaching for the shampoo, but is stopped by a creek in the floor. She looks toward the door.
"OH MY GOD," she screams, and quickly covers from the person standing in the doorway.
"What the hell…" she pauses to wipe water from her eyes. She squints to see through the glass shower door. "Klaus," she breathes, furrowing her eyebrows. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Sorry," Klaus said, and grabbed Caroline a towel from the rack beside him.
"I didn't mean to scare you," he smiled, holing the towel in front of the shower for Caroline to take. He turns her head to shield him from seeing her completely naked.
Caroline shuts off the shower, and steps out. Water drips from the tips of her hair, forming little rivers that slide down the curves of her body. She wrapped the towel around her body and pushed her hair behind her ears.
"How was the shower?"
"Nice, until someone decided to linger in the doorway."
Klaus laughed, awkwardly, "Yes, but in my defense, I was going to wake you for breakfast but you weren't where I left you."
"Breakfast…" Caroline said, looking at him with confusion
"Yes, breakfast," Klaus said, arching an eyebrow. "Are you okay?"
Caroline shook her head, nodding, "I'm fine, just having a little trouble processing everything that happened last night."
Klaus nodded, crossing his arms, "what do you remember?"
Caroline sighed, pulling her damp hair over her shoulder, "Dinner and tequila shots but everything after that a little hazy."
Klaus' eyebrows went up as he nodded, "no wonder why you're looking at me like a common stranger," he chuckled.
Caroline smiled, but noticed the look of disappointment on Klaus's face. She didn't want to make him feel any more uncomfortable then he already was. It was time for her to leave.
"I'm sorry Klaus, but I think I am going to go home," she said, holding the towel tighter to her body.
He nodded, "Ok, but first join me for breakfast. Everything is already set up in the kitchen if you're hungry," Klaus smiled a little as he gestured toward the door.
Caroline smiled, and felt since she couldn't remember how she ended up in Klaus's apartment and shirt none the less, breakfast shouldn't be too bad.
"Sure," she shrugs, "you've already seen me naked. What's the worst that could happen?"
Klaus chuckled, shaking his head as he led Caroline out of the bathroom. He let her know that her clothes were on top of the night stand next to the bed.
"There clean so you can get dressed and meet me in the kitchen."
She smiled, nodding, "Thanks Klaus."
"No problem sweetheart, see you in a bit," he smiled, and walked out of the room, the door lightly slamming behind him.
Caroline exhaled deeply as she sat at the edge of the bed, holding the towel. A smile crosses her face as she thought of Klaus's messy curly dirty blonde hair, his dimpled smiled and blue-green eyes. The way his gray v-neck stuck to his body and loose flannel pajama pants hung off his hips made her bite her lip. Caroline always saw Klaus around the building and she thought he was gorgeous, but she didn't think she would end up in his apartment.
"Maybe last night wasn't too bad," she told to herself, chuckling, reaching for her clothes on the nightstand. "God knows I needed it."
Caroline grabbed her clothes off the night stand and laid them out on the bed. She shook out her pin striped pants, white long sleeved button down blouse, and black vest before putting them on, an old habit to shake out the wrinkles. After she slipped on her underwear she heard a familiar tone, she gasped realizing that it was her ringtone. Caroline wondered around to find it, using her ears as a guide. She smiled when she spotted it on the dresser.
Three missed calls, one from Tyler, one from her best friend and now one from her editor.
"Shit," Caroline said and pushed redial only to be sent to voicemail. She groaned as the greeting droned on, "Hello you've reached Jessica Dale, arts and entertainment editor of the San Francisco Chronicle. Please leave me a detailed message and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks."
"Jessica, this is Caroline. I'm sorry I missed your call. I'll try you again in an hour," Caroline shook her head, and hung up the phone.
"Damn it," she grumbled, quickly moving to put on the rest of her clothes. She held the phone on her shoulder to listen her voicemail.
"Caroline its Tyler again, I miss you please call me. I am so sorry you have…"
Caroline ends the message and exhales deeply. "I don't need to hear your excuses," she scoffs. "I have to get out of here."
Caroline knows she had shoes and a purse with her last night. She looked around the room, but didn't see them anywhere. She groaned because she'd have to ask Klaus for them. She put on her vest and ran her fingers through her damp hair.
When she felt ready, she walked out of the room and was greeted by a dimly lit hallway. Caroline slowly closes the door as she examines the hallway.
"No way," she said out loud, walking up to a framed picture on the wall.
"Beautiful," she breathed, admiring the framed print out of Paul Cezanne's painting of "Mount Sainte-Victoire."
Caroline was in her own little world as she admired the painting that she didn't realize Klaus walking toward her.
"Paul Cezanne."
Caroline jumps a little at the sound of Klaus' voice. She put her hand on her chest, smiling at him. "Yeah I know. I've admired some his work since college. This is actually my favorite painting from him. Beautiful."
Klaus nodded, smiling, "I'm glad you have a taste in art Caroline, I admit, it's rather unexpected."
Caroline laughs, facing Klaus, "Whys that?"
He smirked, and stepped closer to Caroline, "because most of your art is through words."
Caroline furrowed her brow, and stepped back, "you read my articles?"
Klaus nodded, shrugging, "I haven't read all of them but I do read them when I get a chance." He smiled, running a hand through his hair.
Caroline stood there smiling at him.
"Well breakfasts on the table," he said, motioning toward the kitchen.
Caroline shook her head, looking down at her, "Actually…"
"What is it," Klaus asked, leaning down to look at her.
Caroline looked up, seeing a small smile on Klaus' face made her smile. "Oh nothing, never mind it can wait. So where's breakfast?"
Klaus chuckled, and led Caroline down the hallway to the living room.
"Have a seat," he said, gesturing to the table in the dining room.
Caroline looked around to see a small glass chandler hovering above the wooden table. She nodded, and pulled out a chair to sit.
"Is everything in your apartment so gorgeous?" Caroline asked, noticing how the living room was the only section that has a carpet, and the rest of the floor is wooden. "My apartment is not even close to being this nice."
Klaus laughed, walking back to the table with two plates.
"So are you saying you like my apartment sweetheart or that you hate it because it's too nice?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.
Caroline chuckled as Klaus placed her plate in front her and walked back into the kitchen, "I like it, it suits you."
"Thanks, it's nothing like my flat in London, but I was happy to try and make it home," he said, pouring the drinks.
"London," she said, turning in her chair to look at Klaus. "Is that home?"
Klaus nodded, making his way back to the table with the drinks, "that is where I grew up. I moved to the states a few years ago for my family, but London will always be home for me."
Caroline smiled as Klaus took a seat, she wish she could say that about her home, but she knew she could never go back there and she never wanted to.
"So what are you feeding me," she asked, placing the napkin in her lap.
Klaus put the cup of orange juice in front of her, "Well I figured you liked eggs so I made a cheese omelet with toast, and a side of bacon."
She smiled, smelling her food, "it smells delicious."
He smiled, "did you want coffee?"
Caroline looked at him and nodded, "please."
Klaus stood up and went back into the kitchen, "do you like cream or sugar with your coffee?"
"Both," she said, leaning back in her chair.
Klaus placed a cup of coffee beside the orange juice, and put two tablets of Tylenol right beside it. He smiled at Caroline and took a seat.
"Thank you," she said, picking up the Tylenol. She popped them in her mouth and washed them down with the orange jucie.
He waved his hand, placing his napkin in his lap, "I figured you needed it." He look up and smiled at Caroine.
"Dig in," he gestures to Caroline's plate.
She chuckled, but didn't disobey. She picked up her fork and took a piece from the omelet and ate it. "Mmm…this is delicious, thank you Klaus."
"You welcome," he said taking a bite off of his own plate. "I hope this helps the banging in your head.
Caroline laughed, nodding, "Yes thank you. I don't always drink that much." She looked back at her food a little embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it," Klaus said smiling. "We were both guilty."
She smiled, looking at Klaus. Caroline put her fork down and leaned on the table,"So we've been neighbors for a while now, but I have no idea what you do for a living Klaus. It must be important if this is your apartment."
Klaus laughed looking up at Caroline, "Trust me, it's not all glamorous. I sit at a desk all day and handle other people's finances."
"So you're an accountant. Hmm I didn't take you for the business type," Caroline said smiling, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Really," Klaus arched an eyebrow, leaning on the table. "What type did you take me for," he smirked, because technically he was a CFO.
"I don't know, I noticed your suits before but an accountant. I thought you would have owned your own empire or something," Caroling chuckled, leaning forward to grab a piece of toast.
Klaus laughed, "Yes, I am an accountant by trade but a king pin by night," he shook his head. "No wonder you're a writer darling you have a fascinating imagination."
Caroline blushed, shaking her head. She picked up her coffee, and noticed a dark snowflake painting hanging to her left. "That's beautiful, who's the artist."
"It's mine actually," Klaus said, leaning back in his chair, drinking his juice.
She looked at him, and shook her head lightly. The painting was beautiful, the use of dark colors was amazing. "You're defiantly full of surprises Klaus," she said, putting her coffee back on the table. "When did you paint it?"
Klaus shrugged, "last winter, it was originally going to be a gift, but I ended up keeping it." He smiled, watching Caroline as her eyes racked over his painting. He told her that he kept the painting when his sister-in-law didn't want it because it was to dark.
He chuckled because she wasn't listening. He leaned back in his chair and watched her. He liked the look on her face. It was adorable because she seemed lost in her own thoughts. Her eyes were scanning over the panting, her brows furrowing a little as she took another sip of her coffee.
She's beautiful, Klaus thought.
"It's gorgeous," Caroline said, turning her attention back to Klaus. "I always loved art, I actually wanted to be a photographer at one time in my life," she said, picking up the fork to eat.
"Why didn't you," Klaus asked.
"I never got the chance once I took my writing more serious. The photos I usually take are for my stories, but those are nothing compared to that," she said, gesturing toward his painting before taking another bite of her food. "The most creative I get with a camera is off my phone," she laughed.
Klaus shook his head, because if her writing was any indication, he was sure she was full of creativity. "A friend of mine a photographer, maybe I can have you two meet and he'll show you a few things"
Caroline raised her eyebrows at him, grabbing her toast, "you don't have to do that Klaus it was something I wanted a long time ago."
Klaus chuckled and put his coffee down on the table. He leaned forward and looked her right in the eyes, "Caroline, I would be happy to help you tap into your creativity."
Caroline felt the heat on her cheeks as Klaus looked at her. Why is he looking at me like that, she asked herself, you can't afford to be attracted to him, not after a fresh breakup.
"I will have to take you up on that one day," she smiled, breaking eye contact to finish her toast.
"Whenever you're ready darling," Klaus said, a little taken aback by the guard she put up. He shook his head, recalling that she just broke up with someone and it was a bad.
A silence fell on them for a while as they enjoyed the rest of their food. Caroline finally cleared her throat and asked "so about last night? How did I end up in your apartment?"
Klaus smiled, nodding. He stood up and gathered the dishes, "well why don't we start off with what you do remember and I will fill in the blanks." He walked to the kitchen and placed them in the sink.
"Ok," she said nervously, which caused her to started rubbing her hands together. Caroline sat there for a second, going over the details of last night in her head. She looked up when Klaus sat back down, and she smiled.
"I remember I was at the bar with my girlfriend, she took me out to get my mind off things," she said, brushing the loose strands out of her face. "We were waiting for our dinner table to be ready, and then I remember running into you."
Klaus nodding, smiling, "Yes, I was waiting for a dinner table with an acquaintance when I noticed you sitting at the bar. I thought I would have gone unnoticed but you got up from your seat and walked over to me."
Caroline saw Klaus standing at the edge of the bar with another man in a suit. She chuckled because everytime she saw Klaus he was in a suit. Granted their interaction was limited to the elevator and hallway, but Caroline always enjoyed their conversations because he was such a nice guy. He always made pleasant conversation and his accent made him pleasurable company.
"Isn't that your neighbor," Elena asked, pointing at Klaus.
"Yes it is," Caroline said, sipping her drink.
"He is gorgeous, how you weren't making a move on that is beyond me," Elena said, chuckling, as she nudged Caroline in the ribs. Klaus was wearing a black suit with a crimson red shirt and a black tie. Elena looked him up and down, and found him attractive, until her eyes landed on the guy standing next to him.
"I was in a relationship if you recall," Caroline said, annoyed, slamming the rest of her her drink as the memory of her walking in on Tyler, boyfriend of five years, with her friend Amanda.
"I'm sorry sweetie. I shouldn't have said that," Elena said, rubbing Caroline's back. "I never liked Amanda, and for good reason apparently. Forget him, tonight is about us and we are going to have a great time," Elena smiled at Caroline, hoping to lighten the mood as she hugged her best friend.
"It's ok, I'm over it," Caroline lied, and waved down bartender down.
"What can I get you," the bartender asked, grabbing the empty glass in front of Caroline.
"Disarono on the rocks," She smiled, handing him the money. Caroline figured that if she was going to be at a bar on Friday night, she wanted to drink away certain memories.
"Sure thing," the bartender said and walked off.
"You need to ease up girl, we still have dinner to get through," Elena chuckled, sipping at her martini. She gasped, putting her hand on Caroline's shoulder, smiling "maybe we should invite your neighbor and his friend there to join us."
Caroline groaned, putting her head down on the table, "Elena I am not in the mood to play hostess to one of your hook ups."
"What!" Elena gasped, placing a hand on her chest, pretening to be offended. "I don't know what you are referring to," she chuckled, because she wasn't ashamed of her sex life. If a man can do it, so can she.
"I just thought it would be nice to have some kind of company." Elena said, nudging Caroline to look up because she saw Klaus staring at her.
Caroline sat up, and looked toward Klaus. She caught his gaze and smiled. "Fine I will go over and invite him to dinner, but don't expect me to stop drinking," she said, holing up a finger to Elena.
Klaus' smiled when he saw Caroline walking toward him. He enjoyed his neighbors company when they happen to run into each other, in fact he looked forward to it. Granted she is a very beautiful woman, but Klaus seemed to enjoy their conversations more. He thought she was strong and full of life, and that was something lacking in his life. He liked her curly blonde hair, and fiery personality, and there were times, like now, that Klaus had to promptly remind himself she was taken.
"Good evening Caroline," Klaus said, stepping toward her.
"Hey Klaus, nice to see you out in the real world," Caroline chuckled, stopping in front of him. Her heart fluttered when she saw Klaus blush. "I am here with a girlfriend and I was wondering if you and your friend would like to join us for dinner?"
Klaus raised his eyebrows, taken back by her invitation. He didn't know how to answer because he was having a business dinner.
"We would love to, allow me to introduce myself, I am Damon Salvatore," Damon said, stepping in front of Klaus. He took Caroline's hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.
Klaus clenched his fist because he wanted to throw Damon across the room for touching her. Damon only smirked at Klaus as he released her hand.
"Um…nice to meet you," Caroline said, not really understanding Damon's gesture, so she put her hands behind her back and wiped her hand on her back. She turned her attention back to Klaus, and smiled, waiting for his answer. "Klaus if it's ok with you."
"That would be lovely Caroline, thanks for the invitation," He said, right as the hostess walked up to him.
"Mr. Mikaelson your table is ready," a tall lean red head said seductively, rolling her eyes when she glanced at Caroline.
"Thank you Mindy, but could you please add two more spaces to my table. Caroline and her friend will be joining us," Klaus smiled, not taking his eyes off Caroline.
Mindy sighed, "Sure thing Mr. Mikaelson, but it's going to take a few minutes. I will call you when it is ready." She glared at Caroline and turned back toward the seating area.
Before she could walk off, Caroline stopped her, "Mindy would you mind cancelling the reservations of Caroline Forbes. Thank you."
Mindy narrowed her eyes at Caroline, and nodded, "I will get right on that." She turned around on her heels and stomped off.
"She seems friendly," Caroline chuckled, looking back at Klaus. "I'll be right back, let me go pick up my friend from the bar."
Klaus nodded, smiling as he watched her walk off. From what she was wearing he assumed she came straight from work. He liked how the high heeled boots complimented her long legs, and the vest she was wearing suited her white blouse. She looked beautiful, he thought
"So who is that beautiful lady," Damon asked, stepping in front of Klaus's view.
"No one of your concern, we will discuss our business afterwards Damon," Klaus said sharply, his face hard. "She is not to be touched, do you understand me?"
"The touching I have in mind for her isn't exactly harmful," Damon replied, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked over his shoulder at Caroline.
"That's enough Damon," Klaus said loudly, taking a defensive step toward him.
"Easy there killer, I thought business talk was for later," Damon smiled sadistically, turning his attention back to the bar.
Caroline walked up to Elena, "they're getting a table for four," She said smiling, and picked up her drink.
Elena flew at her for a hug, "Come on then let's go have some fun. This is exactly what you needed." She grinned at Caroline and fixed the black dress she was wearing. Elena looped her arm in Caroline's leading her back to Klaus.
Caroline was holding her drink and smiled at Klaus with Elena hanging on her arm, "Klaus I'd like you to meet my close friend, Elena Gilbert."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Elena," he smiled, shaking her hand.
"Nice to meet you to," Elena smiled brightly, letting got of Caroling to step closer. She looked behind Klaus, nodding her head, "who's your friend."
"Well I'm Damon," Damon smirked, moving between her and Klaus. He picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles, "pleasure."
Caroline rolled her eyes and took a long sip of her drink as she pulled Elena back. Before she could speak, Mindy strolled up.
"Mr. Mikaelson, your table for four is finally ready. Please follow me," Mindy said blandly, and led them toward the back of the restaurant. She motioned to a table near the window.
Klaus pulled out Caroline's chair, seating her before taking his own.
"I will send over your waitress shortly, have a nice evening," Mindy said, and quickly walked away.
Caroline finished her drink and picked up the menu. She wasn't all that hungry, but if she didn't want this alcohol to make her to sloppy she needed to eat.
"So tell me about yourself Klaus," Elena chimed from across the table ignoring Caroline's glare. "I know that you live in the same apartment building as Caroline, but nothing else."
Klaus laughed, lowering his menu, "Well there is really nothing to tell, I would much rather hear about you and Caroline." He smiled looking at Caroline.
Elena grinned she loved talking about her and Caroline. "Well we have been friends since college, we met at Berkeley. I was studying to be a publicist, and she was in the journalism master's program," Elena said, sitting up to remove her coat. Damon leaned over, his fingers gracing her arms as he placed her jacket on the chair. "Thank you," she smiled, her brown locks falling on her shoulders.
"It's not a problem," He said in a low voice, smiling.
Elena smiled as his blue eyes stayed locked with hers. He was very attractive in a black suit and a dark blue shirt with two buttons open. His black hair was cut short, but shaggy enough to rest on his forehead.
"Elena," Caroline said loudly, finally drawing her away from Damon's gaze. "It's time to order."
"Sorry," Elena said, blushing as she looked over her menu again.
Caroline rolled her eyes at Elena and noticed Damon smirking at her. Caroline felt uncomfortable with Damon's gaze, and pulled her menu up to her face.
"I can come back later if you aren't ready," the waitress asked.
"I will have the steak dinner with a scotch on the rocks please," Damon said, handing his menu over, and then removing his jacket.
"Ok, how would you like that prepared?"
"Medium-rare, nothing wrong with a little blood," he smirked looking at Klaus.
"Ok, and you ma'am," the waitress said, looking at Elena.
"I will have the chicken Cesar salad, and a dry martini," Elena replayed, handing her menu.
"Ok, thank you and you ma'am."
Caroline scanned the menu one more time," Yes I will have the chicken parmesan and bourbon, neat." Caroline closed the menu, handing it the waitress before pushing her hair behind her ears.
"What no girly drink Caroline," Damon said, smirking at her.
Caroline glared at him, leaning on the table, "Not tonight, but if I change my mind I order a scotch." Caroline smirked.
Klaus laughed at the scowl that crossed Damon's face. He closed his menu, looking at the waitress, "I will have the steak fillet, well done, and please bring a bottle of merlot to the table. I'll also have a Disarono on the rocks." Klaus smiled at the waitress, handing her his menu.
The blond smiled at the table, nodding her head, "I will be right back with your drinks."
"Well ladies, if I may ask, what brings you out tonight?" Klaus said smiling, glancing between Caroline and Elena.
"Girls night, Caroline has been having a hard two weeks so as the best friend it's my job to make her feel better," Elena said, giving Caroline a reassuring smile.
Klaus looked at Caroline as she half smiled at Elena, "I hope that this dinner helps."
"Thanks, but worry about it Klaus, Elena is just being a good friend. I'm fine," Caroline said with a warning town, glaring at Elena.
"Yes well when you catch your boyfriend of five years sleeping with one of your friends, hardly makes it fine," Elena said bitterly thinking of Tyler.
Klaus' face fell and he looked at Caroline, wondering who would be stupid enough to betray her like that.
"Elena!" Caroline said frantically.
"What it's true," she retorted, crossing her arms.
"They don't need to know that." Caroline growled.
"Well I'm sorry I want you to be able to have a good time tonight, and that can't happen if you're thinking of Tyler every five minutes," Elena huffed, leaning back in her chair. "I know that look Caroline. You can't hide it from me."
Tyler, Klaus repeated the name in his head trying to put a face to the name. He recalled running into Caroline and her boyfriend on the elevator one night, but didn't think much of it. He didn notice how the man kept his arm firmly wrapped around her before Caroline introduced them. He certainly can't be that great if he was willing to lose her.
"Elena I am having fun so please just shut up about Tyler and let's move on to a different subject please," Caroline said, her eyes pleading as she ran a hand through her hair.
"Yes I think that is a wonderful idea. I assure you Caroline it wasn't my intention to make you feel uncomfortable," Klaus said, looking at her apologetically.
"It's ok; Elena has the tendency to over share," Caroline said through gritted teeth as she looked back her friend, catching her roll her. She looked back at Klaus, "Thank you Klaus I am fine, let's just enjoy the rest of the evening."
"Well as much as I like all these feelings, why don't we do a round of shots to take off the edge," Damon said with an annoyed tone as he waved down a waitress.
"Yes how can I help you sir."
"Yes can you bring us a round of tequila shots," Damon said with a wicked smile..
"Sure thing," the waitress said nodding, and walked off toward the bar.
Klaus looked at Caroline and saw her relax a little.
"Ooo tequila," Elena said happily and pointed at Caroline. "This will be a fun night."
Caroline blushed, tequila was her favorite party shot because it's the only liquor that made her lighten up.
"Oh really," Damon said, pausing as he looked between the girls to them smiling. He moved a finger between them saying, "what's this?"
"Tequila is her kryptonite," Elena smirked. "It gives her that liquid courage."
"Oh," Damon said smirking, looking at Caroline. "So we get to see Caroline with her hair down, I look forward to that," Damon added seductively, leaning on the table with his fingers intertwined.
Caroline rolled her eyes, before looing sat Damon. She lifted her finger, "Damon the only thing you're going to see is me out drinking you," she said, smirking. "Plus it will take more than one shot of tequila to get my hair down."
Klaus couldn't help but chuckled as Damons cocky expression faded. He smiled, "this is going to be an interesting night."
"I like a challenge," Damon said to Caroline.
"And I look forward to Caroline and I showing up you and Elena mate," Klaus said, smirking as he unbutton his jacket and place it on his chair.
Caroline giggled, pushing her hair back behind her ears. She looked at Klaus, watching him loosened his black tie and unbuttons the top two buttons of his shirt. "I like the sound of that," she said softly.
Klaus smiled at Caroline seeing her cheeks flush as he unbuttoned his shirt to get more comfortable.
"Oh it is on," Elena exclaims, throwing her hands in the air. Everyone laughed when the waitress approached the table.
"Ok here are the drinks. Dinner will be out momentarily," she said, placing everyones drinks in front of them. She stepped back, placing the tray under her arm, "If you need anything else just let me know," she said before walking off.
Caroline takes a sip of her bourbon and it soothes her nerves. She scrunched her nose at the burn. She enjoyed whiskey because it was strong, and she needed strong. She looked up and caught Klaus looking at her. She smiled against her glass taking another sip.
Klaus smiled looking away from Caroline. He took a sip of his drink, and had to admit, he loved seeing Caroline scrunch her nose. "You're attracted to her," he thought to himself, he shook his head because that was ridiculous. He hasn't considered himself to be a relationship person in a long while. It wasn't only because of his work, but just his past in general, but for some reason she made him want to break the rules. He smiled to himself because he was going to give this a shot.
Damon placed a shot in front of everyone and lifted his up. "Here's to Caroline and Elena. If it wasn't for your sweet invitation this night would have ended differently," he smirked, looking at Klaus. "Salute"
All four of them throw back their shots and slam the glasses on the table. Caroline and Elena went into a fit of giggles as Klaus and Damon crack a smile.
"Well who is up for round—"Damon was cut off by their waitress walked up with their food.
"Ok here is the bottle of merlot," she said smiling and placed the bottle in the middle of the table. She placed everyone's food in front of them, and smiled, "Is there anything else I can get for you ladies and gentlemen?"
"Yes, please bring us two more rounds of tequila shots and some lemons. If we're going to be shooting tequila I expect us to do it right," Damon stated, smirking at Elena.
"Ok, in the meantime, enjoy your meal," the waitress said smiling before walking back to the bar.
"I think you're trying to get us drunk, Mr. Salvatore," Elena said with a chuckle, placing her napkin on her lap.
"I have no idea what you mean Miss. Gilbert, I am simply quenching everyone's thirst," Damon said smirking, sipping his scotch. "I mean you look awfully thirsty."
Caroline rolled her eyes at the way Elena is falling for Damon's shenanigans. But then again if anyone can play that game its Elena.
Klaus took picked up the bottle of wine and started to pour himself a glass. He looked at Caroline, smiling, and nudged the bottle toward her. She smiled and nodded.
"Do you like wine Caroline?" he smiled, pouring her a glass.
She shrugged a little, "Sometimes, mostly with dinner," she said, smiling at him. Caroine picked up her glass of wine and smells it. She hums, breathing in the bittersweet taste before bringing the glass to her lips for a sip.
"Mmm…this is delicious," She said, licking her lips. She looked up to see Klaus staring at her with amusement. He picked up his glass, raising it with hers. Caroline locked eyes with Klaus and tapped his glass.
"Well isn't that cute," Damon said sarcastically, drawing Caroline's attention away from Klaus. "Don't hog the bottle Klaus."
Klaus shook his head, and poured Elena a glass before handing the bottle to Damon.
Caroline took another drink of her wine, hopefully to calm her nerves. Klaus was giving her butterflies and it was making her giddy.
"What are you doing?" she thought to herself. She shook her head because she just got her heart ripped out of her chest and she was imagining how Klaus' lips tasted. She sighed, putting her glass of wine down. She picked up her fork and took a piece of chicken off
"Hmmm," she hummed because the chicken is cooked perfectly tender, juicy and the parmesan is perfectly crusted. Caroline smiled, and put another piece in her mouth with a fork full of sugar snap peas.
"This is delicious," Elena said, popping a crouton in her mouth. "How's your food Caroline?"
Caroline stopped mid bite, and smiled at Elena "it is so good." Caroline finished what she has on her fork before taking a piece and offering it to Elena. "Here you have to try it, trust me it is delicious."
Elena leaned over the table and took a bite. "Hmm…that is good," Elena said, leaning back in her chair, flicking her hair back.
Caroline chuckled, rolling her eyes because she knew Elena did that for Damon. "Yes it is." She looked up, and blushed when she saw the amused look on Klaus's face. She took another piece off her plate and pointed it at Klaus. "Would you like a bite," she smiled, inching the fork toward him.
Klaus held up his hand to stop her and laughed, "No thanks sweetheart."
"Oh come on Klaus," she giggled, leaning closer. "What are you scared of?"
Klaus smiled, dropping his hand in defeat. He leaned forward as Caroline brought the fork up to his mouth. His eyes stayed locked with hers, a smile tugged at his lips. He backed away slowly and smiled, "I agree that is quite delicious."
Caroline took a breath as her heart beat quickened. Klaus pulled away, and she sat back in her chair smiling trying to control her nerves. "That was hot," she told herself as she took a sip of bourbon.
Elena smirked at the way Caroline's face flushed. She took another bit of her food, and looked at Damon, "So Damon what is it you do for a living?"
Damon finished chewing his food and wiped his mouth, he smiled at Elena picking up his scotch. "Well, I am in the hunting business."
Klaus' face hardens as he looked at Damon. He glared at him when Damon just smiled at him.
"Hunting business, in San Francisco?" Elena asked confused as she picked up her martini.
Klaus picked up his drink and slammed it as knowing that Damon was just being a dick.
"Yes, head hunting, I am a recruiter for major corporations," Damon said, looking at Klaus as he brought his drink to his smiling lips.
"I look for the best of the best to work for top profile corporations throughout San Francisco. And let's just say I always capture what I hunt," Damon said, turning his gaze to Elena smirking. He placed his drink back on the table. "What about you my dear?"
Elena smiled, putting her Martini down and turned to Damon. "Well, I am a publicist, a damn good one in fact. So you may be the hunter, but I promote the hunted."
Damon laughed and shifted in his seat to face Elena. "Indeed you do, and I think I like what I see."
Caroline scoffed, freezing in her seat when she realized that it was louder then she intended it to be. She shrugged when she saw Elena glaring at her and Damon smile. "Sorry," Caroline mumbles, finishing her bourbon. She put the glass down and started picking at her food again.
Elena and Damon got back to talking and Klaus leaned over to Caroline. "Are you ok with that?"
Caroline shrugged, looking at Elena smiling and laughing as Damon rested his hand on her knee. "I can't stop her because when Elena sets her eyes on something she wants she usually gets it," she chuckled. "She looks happy so I am not going to change that unless Damon turns out to be a jackass."
Klaus laughed, turning toward Caroline, "and here I thought it was Elena protecting you sweetheart, but it seems like you both want to protect each other."
"She's my best friend. I love her and would do anything for her," Caroline said smiling, putting her fork down.
"I think that is very loyal of you, given that you're the one going through a dilemma," Klaus said, regretting it when Caroline let out a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry if I crossed the line. I didn't mean to."
"No don't worry about it Klaus," Caroline said, shaking her head. She took a breath and looked at Klaus, giving him a small smile.
"Would you like to talk about it?" He asked softly.
"There's really nothing to talk about, Elena summed it up nicely," Caroline said, grabbing the bottle of wine and refilling her glass before bringing it to lips eagerly.
Klaus stared are Caroline with furrowed brows. He wanted her to continue, but that was her choice. So he refilled his glass of wine.
Caroline sighed, shaking her head, "I should have seen it if I'm being honest. She would linger in our apartment after dinner and parties. I just thought she was my friend, who knew she wanted more then I thought." Caroline shook her head, the lump building in her throat. She sipped her wine to push it back down.
Klaus saw her breath catch and put his hand on her back as he took a sip of his wine waiting for her to continue. He didn't push her because he wanted her feel to be comfortable.
Caroline took a deep breath, and looked at Klaus. "I just finished up at a concert in South Bay last Friday night. I tried calling Tyler to let him know I would be back early and maybe he'd actually like to have dinner, because when I usually covered a show it would run late. When he didn't answer I assumed he was in his office, he never answers his phone when he's working. So I didn't try again I just got us some take out and headed home," Caroline stopped because her breathing started to quicken as the scene replayed in her head. She sipped her wine again to calm down.
Klaus's squeezed her shoulder, "you don't have to continue if you don't want to sweetheart."
"No I can do this, the only other person I have told is Elena," Caroline said, drinking more of her wine before she continued.