Roma
The airplane ride was both interesting and tenuous to say the least, but Klaus could think of worse ways to spend the best part of ten hours, and with whom to spend it. They were flying first class, of course, and after the third time a spritely young flight attendant approached them in the space of five minutes with a hot towel or offering a re-fill, Klaus made it perfectly clear they would be called upon if needed.
It was strange, Klaus still wasn't quite sure exactly what was happening, just what was expected of him, all he was 100% sure of was Caroline turned up on his door step for a reason, she remembered his words, and the thought made his chest ache, he was not going to let her down, not again, not after all this time.
As awkward and weird as it was, at the same time it wasn't, they didn't waste time reacquainting and sharing embarrassing stories and experiences, they didn't need that, they needed new and fresh and now, and Klaus had to blink his eyes and tap on the glass of the small cabin window to make sure this was all real.
For the most part of their journey they spent it pouring over books and pictures that Caroline had picked up at the airport, which to be honest Klaus was better at, divulging information and advising on the best restaurants and such but this was the first time Caroline had travelled, this was new and exciting and with every gasp and smile as she scrolled through the pages, Klaus's heart melted a little in his chest. Klaus already had the whole trip planned out in his head, he knew what they were going to do, where they would go and in what order, that was the only thing he'd told her, asked of her before they left his house, the only condition.
'Let me take care of everything, every little detail, trust me, let me show you..'
And Caroline did trust him, with this she trusted him. Her small answering nod and excited bounce of her toes told him everything he needed to know, all the re-assurance ever needed.
Klaus gave her small insights and ideas of what to expect when they arrived but he was careful not to say too much, he wanted to see her eyes light up and her smile widen, the way her fingers curl and flex. He couldn't help but offer his own bright smile when he caught her looking out of the cabin window and her breath hitched in her throat when she seen another airplane out in the distance, soaring through the bright blue of the early morning sky and the fluff of the white clouds.
This is what he always ever wanted, this, this moment forever.
Sometimes Caroline would doze off, tucking herself into her chair on her side adorably and curling her knees up, Klaus would not deny himself the chance to watch her, peaceful and safe with him thousands of feet above the trouble on the ground, whatever she had ran from, whatever wasn't enough anymore was far behind them as the airplane carried them to a new chapter, together.
She startled as he adjusted her chair to recline and reached for a pillow and blanket, she lifted her head as he tucked the soft pillow under her cheek and draped the blanket over her, she blinked at him sleepily and smiled gratefully, a silent thank you.
He watched as sleep took her again, the steady even breaths and rising of her shoulders, he leaned over and closed the little blind at the window and sunk lower in his chair on his side, watching, always watching and if his thumb brushed her cheek once or twice, then, well nobody was going to stop him were they?
Rome was almost dark when they landed that evening, the sky was beautiful, purple and red and midnight blue, the air was warm and even as they left the airport and climbed into a waiting black car, which Caroline would not question, she couldn't help but notice how different, how peaceful the atmosphere was here, and him.
Klaus was relaxed and causal, his shoulders rolled not tensed and bunched, one hand dug into his pocket as he draped his jacket over his shoulder and mussed up his hair with the other. His aviators sat on his nose proudly and she smiled at her own reflection in them, it felt right, she'd made the right choice, this was the right thing to do.
Caroline tried to pay as much attention as she could to the passing sights outside as the car made its way through the streets, the sky darkened as the busy roads turned into cobbled pathways with locals milling around, carrying bags and baskets as they returned to their homes and locked up their small stores and stands for the day.
She couldn't help the feel of her skin tingling as her fingers accidently brushed against Klaus's as they rested close together on the black leather seats. Their eyes met as she pulled her hand away gingerly and pretended to fumble with her purse in her lap, his gazed lingered on her for a moment longer before he pushed a button on the key pad on the side of the door and the glass separator between the back of the car and the front started to slide down with an electric hum.
"Sir?" The driver's voice drifted back with a thick Italian accent which for some reason made Caroline smile, she was here, in Rome, Italy, she was so far away physically, mentally and emotionally, there was no room or time, no space in her mind to think, she was so far from the past fifteen or so years, she sat back in the plush leather interior, her eyes closed and just let herself live in the moment, let her self just be, the calm and pleasure and simplicity of it all almost brought tears to her eyes.
Her eyes blinked open in disbelief when a familiar low, smooth, velvety voice, thick with accent and foreign words that curled from the tongue into the air and made gooseflesh prickle her bare arms, rang out into the comfortable silence. She turned her head, mouth agape before her lips curled into a wide grin and watched as Klaus spoke in fluent Italian comfortably to the driver, he leaned forward slightly so not to speak too loudly, his eyes trained on the wind screen watching the passing traffic and buildings and people, he relaxed and easy and she couldn't help but worry what she had possibly missed all this time. Of course he would know the language, why would he not? And yes it was possibly the hottest thing she had ever heard.
She wasn't sure how much time had passed but as Caroline felt the car starting to slow some and wind around corners and narrow pathways and roads, she realised she must have dozed off somewhere in the middle of listening to the smooth sounds of Klaus's local linguistics. As she opened her eyes and peered out of the window the sky outside was now a deep violet and navy blanket with only the odd twinkling star and the large silvery white orb of the moon illuminating the road ahead, it was hard to see much but they definitely were not in the middle of a busy tourist district, the only sounds she could hear were the gentle hum of the engine and the crunching of tyres against dirt and gravel. As the car drove through a cluster of trees and started to head uphill along a short winding road, Caroline was sure she could see the glistening of a lake reflecting in the moonlight off in the distance.
A few minutes later the road ahead started to light up with candles and strings of twinkling lights dotted from wooden posts and trees, Caroline shuffled forward and peered out of the front wind screen to get a better view, the driver smiled and chuckled and reached up to push a button above him. With a low static buzz the large roof hatch above their heads opened up wide and let in a cool, welcoming gust of air. Caroline turned and looked up and smiled when Klaus hopped out of his seat and stood settling his upper torso up and out of the top of the car, he shuffled making space then reached his hand out to her.
Caroline felt like a kid, dizzy and giddy with excitement and anticipation, she giggled and took the offered hand and found herself hoisted up out of the seat and out through the open hatch. The rush of air on her face and through her hair was breath taking, she reached her arms up and over her head, it was stupid and cheesy but she just had to do it. She wobbled slightly on her feet but was tugged firmly back into position by a strong arm wrapped around her waist, just supporting. She swallowed hard and turned her head just slightly so that she could look at him, she didn't know what she would find waiting in his eyes, she hadn't figured this out yet, this side of it all, what she wanted from it all, from him, at the end, she didn't know, she didn't even know when or how she wanted it to end, or even at all. She just wanted to be in this in moment in a foreign country and soak everything up while she could.
Caroline was both relived and dare she say it a little disappointed to find him staring out into the night, watching where the car was carefully headed, she gulped and looked at him, like really looked at him, for the first time since she turned up on his door step all those hours ago.
He still looked the same to her, obnoxiously, charmingly and painfully gorgeous, dirty blonde tousled hair with matching stubble coating his chiselled jaw and his features striking and sharp but there was something else about him now, she didn't know whether it was different or change or new.
Vampires didn't age, she obviously knew that, and secretly thanked whoever needed to be thanked for that each day when she looked in the mirror, but he had grew older and wiser in some way, she could tell just by looking at him.
Her chest grew tight as she realised what it was, his eyes still shone beautifully and mischievously, that special blue that could fade from light to dark with just the change of his emotional radar, but they were empty, searching for something, searching for clarity. He still looked lost and broken, like a young boy needing to be loved, wanting family and loyalty and redemption, the way she remembered him, the main reason why he was the way he was back then, only now there were many more years too add to it.
She knew she had been staring at him a tad too long than what was classed as appropriate, but really was any of this appropriate or the normal done thing? Klaus never looked back at her as they rode the breeze but his face started to soften and a small smile hid at the corner of his lips as he gently nodded his head forward in the direction he was looking. She followed his gaze and turned her head, a small gasp escaped her and she dug her fingers in to the ledge of the hatch as a building came into focus just before the car started to pull up the driveway leading up to it. The candles and fairly lights grew brighter and in larger supply and spot lights lit up the side of the gravelled path and road, illuminating the building and the surrounding area.
It wasn't a hotel or a hostel, it was completely on it's own in the middle of nowhere, and she was willing to bet that all of the land surrounding this place belonged to the house and its owner too. It was still dark even with the small lights dotted around but she knew that tomorrow they would be able to see greenery and rolling hills that went on and on into the distance.
The Car pulled into a space in front of the large separated garage and Klaus ducked back into the car pulling Caroline with him, the driver got out and opened the door for them, Klaus stepped out first and tentatively held his hand out for Caroline, she took it and her breath caught as where they were came into proper view. Klaus let go of her hand and stepped back, allowing her to look and take it all in, he turned and started up a small conversation with the driver.
Caroline stood leaning against the car and moved her head side to side and up an down, the building she could see now was a light, washed out brick house, a fairly pleasant, simple building with a high rise roof and large porch on the front. It wasn't grand in size but it certainly wasn't small, anything but and she could tell it would be like one of those building that held many secret rooms inside but looked like a shoe box from the outside. There were vines and flowers growing up the side of the building and Caroline could smell the fresh dirt and petals and the ripeness of growth and roots and greens and then when she noticed that there wasn't a garden or front yard, they were vegetable patches. Several of them, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, herb bushes and plants that stung at her nostrils deliciously and in the silence of her wondering and amazement she tuned into the sounds of clucking and squawking and her attention was directed to the small chicken coop that sat just to the side of the building. She chuckled as realisation hit and she mentally scolded herself for being surprised. Why would Klaus book them into any old hotel in the middle of spying eyes and prying hands when they could be here?
This was a farm, they were staying in an old idyllic farm house in the Italian countryside.
Caroline breathed in deep, smelling the natural scents of earth and produce and cattle when she noticed the old barn a few yards away and the tell tale sounds of 'mooing and baaing' and clicking of hooves drifted over from the fields in the distance.
The crunching of the car rolling back over the gravel alerted her back to reality and she turned to find she was standing alone out in the open in the dark chilling night, the car and driver disappearing in the distance back where they came from and Klaus nowhere to be seen. At one time she may have been apprehensive in this situation, nervous and unsure, but she just couldn't find those feelings within her to dig up, she felt at peace and relaxed for the first time in, she cant even remember, the tears threatened to sting her eyes once more.
She took one last deep breath, soaking up the sounds and smells and the sights and knowing she would have more of this tomorrow, she didn't even know how long they would be staying here or how long this whole trip would last altogether, all she wanted to concentrate on was the now of it all.
She slowly entered the house through the quaint little porch which was filled with wellington boots, rain coats and umbrellas, to find her self breathless once more.
She was right, this house held many more secrets once inside, she stood in a hallway facing a spiral wooden staircase with wooden doors all around, the floor boards were the original wood washed with varnish and the walls were painted with a fresh cream, candles and small lamps and flowers and pictures of the countryside took up the space along the edges of the room. Caroline stepped forward towards the one already open door just behind the staircase, she found herself in the middle of a large kitchen, lit up by overhead ceiling spotlights that bounced off the beige and sandy colour of the wall tiles.
She braced her hands on the breakfast island counter which seated two stools at the end, there was large fridge which was probably stocked full and each counter was accompanied by every appliance she could think of, a basket full of eggs and another full of fruit made perfect counter top decorations and the cloves of garlic that hung on ropes from the ceiling alongside copper pots and pans made Caroline smile, she needed to stop being surprised.
"Would you like a tour?"
Klaus had appeared in the doorway just to the side of the door where she entered from, she smiled and turned to face him, nodding. She pushed herself up off the counter and followed him, his smile matched her own, but his eyes gave away the sheepish and unsure feeling he was trying to hide, no words were needed, she wasn't going to bombard him with questions or embarrass herself or him by asking about this place, or worse trying to give him money.
Klaus guided them around the house effortlessly giving both knowledgeable and humorous explanations. The large dining room was through the door from the kitchen, it had dark washed cherry wood walls with matching furniture and smelled of wood polish and the flowers that sat in the vase on the table top.
Next was the living area, it wasn't as big as expected, it was cosy with light blue walls and wide plush fabric sofas and chairs with fluffy cushions, a large TV and Stereo sat in opposite corners.
A big fire place took up the main focus of the room with the basket of logs and bark that sat next to it, Caroline's skin shivered at the thought of sitting by it, allowing her skin to warm by the embers and the glow of Klaus's eyes in the flames.
Klaus showed her the study with the large desk and the walls lined with book cases full to the brim, it also masqueraded as a music room with a stand up piano leaning against the far wall and a guitar and violin lay in open boxes on the floor boards beside it. The door connecting to the study opened to what looked like a large sun room, there were loungers up against the tall glass walls looking out into the side and the back of the house, but was too dark to see out now. The rest of the room was taken up by easels, side tables with pallets, pictures draped from walls and hanging from the high ceiling panels.
Caroline's heart thumped painfully in her chest at memories that threatened the moment, visions of drawings and words that stung. As if sensing and also feeling the same Klaus ushered them out and back into the hallway and started to ascend the stair case which creaked with protest.
Caroline froze suddenly as she took the first few steps and realisation of where they were headed gained on her, she hadn't even thought about it, what if he expected? Would she? Would he? She swallowed down the silent words threatening to slip from her tongue and followed him up until the were both standing a small hall way, it was light up here and the familiar scent of freshly picked flowers and cleaning products tickled her nose. Caroline also became aware that there were only two doors up here, one bedroom, one bathroom.
Klaus cleared his throat and nudged Caroline gently towards one of the doors, the one on the far side of the stair case, a wooden carved out flower hung prettily from the door and as she pushed it open she was greeted by the sight of her small pile of luggage sitting by the double bed, just hers. Her eyes swept over the room, it was smaller than the rooms downstairs but was beautifully furnished, vanilla walls with matching covers and throws, cushions and drapes and rugs lining the floorboards. A large antique vanity sat in the corner with a dresser and an oval shaped mirror. There was a door just opposite the bed, it was open and the ceiling light was already switched on, Caroline could make out the edge of the wash basin and toilet and just the corner of a claw footed bath tub.
A wash of relief flooded through her mixed with the guilty feel of disappointment like before. Caroline turned around to find Klaus gone and the other door was open, she heard his soft footfalls and the flush of a toilet followed by a rush of water and creaky pipes, she smiled inwardly and started to unpack her belongings.
Half an hour later found them sitting at the island in the kitchen, a bottle of wine was open between them that Klaus had hurriedly selected from the stack below one of the kitchen counters, there were also plates of fresh bread, whole grain crackers, a selection of cheeses and fruits and olives, they picked from the plates easily around each other sharing and humming appreciation for the tastes.
"This, this is beautiful.."
"Yes local produce always tastes better than.."
She chuckled whilst licking some creamed cheese from her finger tip and picked up her wine glass to wash down the taste. She didn't meet his eyes.
"No this.." She gestured wildly around them with a free hand, "This house, this place, it's, it's just.."
"It was home for a while." He mused with a small nod and drank from his glass, "Home a long, long time ago, I can't remember the last time I was here."
There must be a cleaner or a lodger, she thought to herself, the house was too clean, too tidy for somewhere that had been left without residence for so long, Klaus's idea of long would be much, much greater than the normal meaning of long. Why? She thought, why would he not come back here, its perfect, it's..
"It was an escape."
She worried that she'd thought aloud, or maybe he just knew what she was thinking, he'd always had that ability with her, it was both unnerving and reassuring. She watched him peacefully chew and swallow as he contemplated something within his own head, the spotlight mixed with the blackness from outside of the window cast him with shadows and highlights, he was bared open and beautiful.
"It was an escape that was no longer needed for a while, I'd found home somewhere else, though now I'm back, I-I cant decide which one it is.."
He trailed off and finally looked at her, his eyes soft with a hint of pain, he licked at the remnants of grapes and alcohol on his lips and stood from his stool.
He stepped closer and took one of her hands in his, he brought it gently to his mouth, just the softest, almost not there of brushes of his lips to her fingers.
"Goodnight Caroline."
Then he was gone, Caroline listened to the creak of the staircase and floorboards and the gentle click of his bedroom door as it opened and closed. She contemplated his words, escape or home, what they meant to her, now. Here? This house? Italy? Or just him, just them?
Caroline woke to the smell of bacon and eggs sizzling, bread crisping under the grill and the strong welcome scent of freshly grounded coffee beans, her ears filled with smooth quiet melodies of string quartets and the sun beamed through the crack in the drapes and warmed her skin. She smiled and jumped out of bed.
Downstairs she was met with the sight of Klaus hunched over a kitchen counter, his broad shoulders wide and bunched up, his muscles stark and protruding through the thin fabric of his light button up shirt which was rolled to his elbows and unbuttoned down to his breast plate. He was reading a newspaper with a mug in his hand that steamed up into the air around them. She stepped forward and on closer inspection realised just as she had expected, the newspaper was local, he could read Italian perfectly also, of course.
After breakfast, they stepped outside into the warm bright morning, Klaus seemed to disappear instantly and Caroline inhaled the fresh earthly scent, all of her speculations were confirmed as she eyed the never ending fields in the distance filled with animals and corn and produce, the large lake ending at the beginning of hills with ducks and birds flying around. She looked around was surprised to see a small handful of people milling around her busy at work, picking vegetables, watering plants, trimming the grassy edges, feeding the chickens, a small elderly woman with a white apron was carrying a box of eggs from the coop to the direction of the house, she must be the house keeper.
An engine roared to life and startled Caroline on the spot, she turned to the garage where the chauffeured car was parked last night to see Klaus rolling out of the automatic reclining, behind the wheel of a shiny, champagne coloured Porsche convertible.
"Care for some sight seeing?" His shades hung low on his nose as he watched her with sparkling eyes over the rim, his grin was infectious and the sun caught his skin and hair perfectly, highlighted and bronzed and gorgeous.
She laughed free and easy, her hair tied back in waves as the wind flew past, Klaus navigated the car with care, like a pro through narrow roads of the countryside, they were only passed by trucks carrying crates of live stock and produce, the odd tractor or a local riding a push bike. They exchanged coy glances and smiles as they soaked up the sun and the low rhythmic hum of the engine.
After about forty-five minutes the roads became wider and filled with traffic, the buildings became more prominent and the sidewalks were filled with people walking past going about their business.
Soft violins could be heard in the distance as they pulled up to a space along the side walk lined with small local restaurants and stores. Klaus stepped out of the car and pocketed the keys as Caroline followed and joined him on the side walk, falling into step with him casually.
He turned to her and smiled his shy smile, the one she had realised was just for her.
"Benvenuti a Roma!"
The water from the Trevi Fountain was clear and cool to the touch, it was a welcomed feeling replacing the warmth of the steady beaming rays from the midday sun. The area was busy filled with tourists like themselves learning about the history of the fountain and locals sitting around eating sandwiches on their lunch breaks.
Groups of families, college students and school children followed after a guide 'oohing and aahing' at the small facts and tales they were being fed, but all Caroline could focus on was Klaus. Well Klaus's eyes and his lips. She tried to listen carefully to his words, but he was enchanting like this, the years and wisdom and knowledge pouring from him effortlessly.
He was sitting beside her on the stone edge as she trailed her hand back in forth in swirling patterns in the water, his eyes shining from the reflection of the waters edge as he watched her and continued his spiel.
"…was restored in 2013 and is still currently one of the most famous fountains in the world, here stand up..." He dug a hand into his pocket momentarily then held out his closed fist to her.
"Huh what?" He laughed and reached to take her hand, he spread her fingers and cupped her palm, allowing a few Euros to slip from his hand into hers. He turned around, his back to the fountain and held his right fist up over his left shoulder, with a flick of his wrist he opened his fingers and a couple coins dropped into the water with a small 'plopping' sound.
"It's tradition." He gestured for her to follow as she made the amendments, coins in right hand, over left shoulder and imitated his actions. The coins sunk to the bottom with a small splash as she spun back around and watched over the edge. His hand brushed against hers on the cool stone as he watched with her, his eyes peeked up to watch her face, the child like wonder, the unlimited amount of interest that shone in her eyes was endearing and he mentally cursed the world, himself, for why this was only happening now, she deserved this, to be this way a lot sooner in life.
The Sistine Chapel was as busy as expected, but also peaceful and quiet, people wandered around in their own amazement, unhurried and in awe, Klaus followed Caroline around silently as she took in everything, eyes wide and lips parted with hitched breaths. He offered quiet answers to her questions but mostly let her explore for herself with her eyes and hands when permission was given.
He smirked as he watched her lips curl into a small pout as she read a particular sad comment that accompanied a painting or sculpture, he wanted to brush away the frown on her brow with his thumb as she read a passage that angered her in some way. He wanted to wrap his arms around her waist as she looked up at the ceiling in utter amazement, her mouth agape, and wide clear eyes sweeping over the grand painting above.
They enjoyed a late lunch in a small bistro within the Vatican district, Klaus read expertly from the menu when the waiter approached and left them with a pitcher of ice cold water and glasses. They shared pieces of bread dipped in olive oil and she even speared a chunk of his pancetta with her folk from his pasta, she just wanted to experience everything, she felt light with the feeling of not caring and knowing he would understand, he only smirked and twirled a string of Tagliatelle around his folk and held it out to her. She hummed around his folk and leaned back in her chair, savouring the taste.
"Mmm that is fantastic."
His eyes lit up as he watched her. "Fantastico!"
The Colosseum was spectacular, she already knew that, she'd seen pictures in glossy magazines like the one on the airplane ride here and on the internet, way back when, when she used to stare at her laptop screen hoping and dreaming she'd get out of that town one day. But this, seeing it now in real life with her own eyes was something completely else.
Klaus made sure to wait to take her to it until the sun was starting to slowly descend in the sky, when the breeze started to pick up and cool some more, and the colours of the sky faded from bright blue to oranges and almost lilacs he took her to an old wine bar he knew was nearby, it was on the third floor of an old narrow brick building, which had winding steps that lead up to it.
He sat them both at a table out on the balcony where it looked like the sun was right there, facing them as it disappeared behind the buildings for the evening, they sipped a light fruity wine and ate nuts and pulses from a small dish as they waited for the sky to darken.
Caroline watched the sky change, her eyes flecking with similar colours from the reflection of the glow and the mist of her emotions, Klaus tilted his head to watch the motions pass over her soft features. She turned to him, a little flushed and bewildered.
"It's just… beautiful.."
"Si..Bello!"
Now that the sky was a dusky royal blue Caroline stood before the ancient stone amphitheatre, staring up as the bright yellow and white lights from within and on the ground lit up the walls and emphasised the gaps and crevices.
Klaus murmured stories and this and that's in her ear as they strolled around the perimeter, shoulders bumping slightly.
Caroline stopped and looked up at the building once more before turning to her gaze to Klaus, who was watching, always watching her with a look of wonder. He'd watch her forever. She cleared her throat, searching for the right words, did she even know what they were, what it was she was actually looking to say.
"It's um, it's just so, so.."
"Yes, it is, Mozzafiato"
The next few days were spent very much in the same way, Klaus would take them to and from the city, not missing anything of importance but also taking time to lead Caroline around the more local districts which were much quieter of tourists. They explored delicatessens, markets, cheese farms, they witnessed a few parades and festivals, she tipped street performers and artists and purchased some handmade jewellery from a girl who sat on a blanket on the street corner. She treat herself to some sundresses hanging from stalls and shop windows, sandals and silky shawls and scarves, she hadn't packed a lot, that was her story and she was sticking to it.
Caroline had forgotten how many art galleries Klaus had taken her to with the look of an excited puppy, she even noticed him handing his credit card to a few art curators and speaking in his charming local tongue whilst pointing to some incredible pieces.
She forgot to count the Spanish steps, and the pizza slice they shared from a stand around the corner from the Pantheon was the best she'd ever had.
On the fourth day they'd left the city earlier than usual, whilst the sun was still warm and prominent, she had realised why when Klaus had pulled onto a country road opposite the way they usually travel back to the farm house and she spotted a small farm like dwelling off in the distance, surrounded by fields and tall vines and plants.
They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the Vineyard helping to pick grapes, sipping from little plastic cups, testing and tasting all the exquisite, unique varieties.
They ate an early dinner in field of lush green and gold underneath a large tree in the Vineyard grounds, on a picnic blanket with a basket of goods freshly made and bought from the gift shop. The branches and leaves shadowed them from the unforgiving heat as they relaxed against the tree trunk side by side.
"It's so peaceful here, so calm and…"
"Tranquillo?" She laughed light and free, her head back and hair flying here and there.
"Yes tranquil." Their smiles matched as she tried to imitate his accent. Caroline spent the next hour or so copying the simple phrases and words Klaus tried to teach her as he topped up their plastic cups. They stayed until the sun disappeared and the air became too cool to sit under shade anymore. They walked back to the car with a bottle of freshly made wine each that had both helped to make, ok so maybe wine is better when its like a hundred years old, but what the hell Caroline made this with her own and hands and feet, In ITALY and Klaus was proudly taking it back with them.
That was when Caroline discovered that their little farm house had a hidden wine cellar underneath, she knew the place was full of secrets. Ok so it was more of a converted basement, but when they had returned and Klaus lead them behind the house to a wooden hatch in the ground beside the back kitchen door, she really didn't care, she was excited none the less.
He carefully guided Caroline down the stone steps and flicked on the hanging uncovered light bulb to reveal wooden shelves of bottle after bottle, she squealed a little and bounced on her toes, and that's where they spent their evening.
They sat on a rug on the concrete floor and ate leftover re-heated pasta and pizza that they'd brought home the previous night, Klaus kept presenting bottle after bottle to Caroline, offering her small sips, not even caring about waste, he would just pop a cork in the top and return the bottle to the shelf in a standing up position. She couldn't help the small tickle she felt in her stomach when he placed their own hand made wine beside each other in the stacks, and wondered how long they will remain side by side, how many years until their ready? Ready to open up and settle? And then she wondered if she was still thinking about the wine.
Hours later Klaus locked up the little hatch and they made their way back into the house, Caroline lit the fire in the living room and pulled a blanket from the couch over her shoulders, Klaus joined her moments later with two cups of earl grey tea, he gave some speech about it having a nice after taste after the many, many sips of different wines.
It was comfortable, it was becoming normal and easy and every night they would sit like this after a busy day, then they would retire for the night to their separate bedrooms and reunite in the kitchen the next morning. No expectation, no nothing, just them, just this, it was perfect, it was exactly what she didn't know she was looking for, and what she didn't know another country offer, what he could offer.
Klaus drank the last of his cup and rose from the floor, she noticed he would always go upstairs first and he would always give her that look, the look he was giving her now, the one that was filled with contentment and hope but also something like regret and guilt and she couldn't place it. Only now he tilted his head and seemed to be pondering something.
"When would you like to leave?"
She didn't, that was the immediate answer that sprung from her mind but she kept from slipping past her lips, she didn't want to leave what this was, this shelter, this more that he was showing her and succeeding in doing so, in convincing that there was a better world for her. She answered carefully.
"Leave to go where?"
The grin that answered her was all she needed to know, he knew, she would leave with him, he could take her anywhere but back home, back there, not yet, if ever.
And it suddenly made sense to her, he was worried that this still wasn't enough for her, that she'd made a mistake and wanted to return and patch up and fix whatever problem she had left back there.
It obviously became apparent to both of them that that was not an option.
"Paris Amour"
