Black Roses

by xKlaroStylesx

Species of all kind are welcomed at the Whitmore Academy for the Supernaturally Gifted, but that doesn't mean they all necessarily welcome each other. Ambitious supreme witch Caroline Forbes shares a mutual loathing with arrogant yet mysterious vampire Klaus Mikaelson. A spiral of events occur when their two dueling worlds collide and they have to ask themselves, 'is it worth it'

6. Chapter 6

"Alright ladies, first game of the night. Let's go out there and show them what the Whitmore stallions are made of!" Caroline cheered shaking one pom pom in the air to rowdy up the cheer team before they exited to the football field.

It was Friday night, the first football game of the semester and one Caroline had been dreading but she thinks her squad has pulled it together since their first practice. Caroline loves cheerleading, even more now that she finally became captain. Although now she felt even more pressure to do a great job. Not to mention she was dating the captain of the football team who was expecting her enthusiasm; more stress

She could hear the crowd loud and proud through the metal locker room doors which only added to her anxiety. Peeking her head out the locker room door she could see the football team outside their own receiving the routine pep talk from Coach Tanner, more yelling than anything. Quickly she spotted her dark haired boyfriend front and center with a determined expression.

Suddenly her stomach dropped. The sting of guilt shooting through her like a gun as a reminder that tonight, wasn't just about football.

Two days had already gone by since she and Klaus's secret 'friendly' dinner, two days since he proposed for them to go out together again and two days since she accepted.

In the midst of all the unexpected contentment and fun she had with the smug vampire, it never crossed Caroline's mind that the music festival was the same night as the game. Given that their football team was the shining factor of their athletic department, surely enough they would win tonight which meant Tyler would want to celebrate afterwards. How was she supposed to explain to her boyfriend that she's ditching him to hang out with their enemy instead?

- I should totally bail on Klaus, that's what a good girlfriend would do. Wait, I can't. Damnit!

Her internal battles over Klaus Mikaelson shenanigans were starting to become a daily occurrence.

She hated lying to Tyler, and surely if she explained everything to him he would understand, but quite frankly she didn't want to cancel her plan with Klaus either way.

Despite him being a vampire, he was actually enjoyable company. He was obviously charming but also funny and much more mysterious than let on; making things rather difficult. His lack of smugness and arrogance during dinner still impressed her, how he genuinely wanted to know about her and didn't make her feel inferior because lack of experience; it's difficult to compete with a vampire on experience anyways. She was prepared for any and all cruel remarks he could muster but they never came. On the contrary, he made her feel more comfortable and at ease than anything else for the entire evening.

Feeling like that with Klaus made Caroline feel she was experiencing an out of body experience.

With all the pressure and stress being at school caused, spending a few hours away was the ultimate relief. It was also exciting.

Dodging security guards, climbing walls and sneaking off campus was oddly thrilling and rewarding. Caroline had never done anything like that before, she always followed the rules and did as she was told, but Klaus was so effortlessly the opposite. He lived dangerously and fearlessly, skipping classes and waltzing across the street without permission without a care in the world. It made Caroline want to feel that similar lack of fear, to let loose and forget about her responsibilities at least temporarily. That was how just one causal interaction with Klaus affected her, making her anxious for the next one.

She sighed softly closing the locker room door and faced her nervous cheer squad.

One minute until they had to run out there and face the impatient crowd. As captain it was her duty to mellow her fellow cheerleaders but her mind was too focused on other things. A certain vampire to be exact. It wasn't until Bonnie yelled her name across the room, motioning for Caroline to lead everyone out the room and towards the field.

- Right. Right it's game day. You can think about Klaus later.

- Not like that!

Shaking her bubbly curls once and flashing her signature Caroline Forbes smile, the blonde witch opened the two twin doors and confidently walked out. The rest of the squad followed her with equal strides.

Hearing the loud roars and screams the closer they got to the field doors, the more Caroline's head began to clear from anything that wasn't happening right now.

They ran towards the football field, continuously waving their poms in the air with flashing smiles, jumping around as they cheered on the crowd's enthusiasm. The bright lights were blinding.

Finally arriving to the cold turf of the football field, Caroline ordered her girls to separate into parallel lines. Caroline was one of the two on each side to stand on the palms of two others to hold up the sign the football team would run through to initiate the start of the game. She had no choice but to have a clear mind if she didn't want to fall flat on her face.

She exhaled a breath of relief when she saw the boys running out towards them, ready to get this whole thing over with. Unintentionally she made eye contact with Tyler, though she could barely see his face through the helmet, and he rewarded her with a smile and wink.

Nothing.

It bothered Caroline that she could stare at Tyler all day without feeling like her legs would buckle over but every time she and Klaus were in the same situation, she tensed. She felt the gravitational pull with his every stare that Tyler didn't posses. Maybe it's just a vampire thing, Caroline didn't even want to entertain it being anything else.

- Stop thinking about him!

She smiled back at Tyler to try doing just that.

At the sound of the whistle blowing, the football team ran through the paper made sign and onto the field with encouragement.

With the football players setting up in their play positions, Caroline lead the squad to the track where they would be standing for the remainder of the game.

She waved her poms gleefully with a permanent pageant smile across her face. Staring into the wild audience she remained in character, but slightly tensed when her sight spotted a particular vampire under the bleachers.

He's here.

There was Klaus, standing underneath the bleachers with his group of rowdy friends. Dressed in his usual attire, with a leather coat that fit him nicely, and a cigarette between his fingers as he placed it between his lips.

- He smokes?

His expression unreadable, he faced forward as leaned his back against the metal bars observing the field; the cheer team specifically.

Caroline couldn't tell if he was looking directly at her or not, but the prospect made her body hum.

Klaus doesn't attend football games, or any school event for that matter. He took pride in being known as the 'too cool for school' type, seeing everything about school pride as beneath him.

- Then why is he here?

Caroline didn't want to entertain the thought that he was here solely because of her. No, of course not. It's not like he didn't know she was on the cheer team in the previous years as well, and he never attended those games; not that she knew of anyways. And they were just...whatever they were, which didn't require supporting each other at events.

She could've sworn their eyes met for a split second, enough time to make her breath hitch and body tingle with heat. Even from afar his trance had no mercy, as hard as she tried to resist. Once again feeling like it was just the two of them.

Caroline's eyes narrowed when Klaus's attention left the field to look down at Aurora who snaked her way under his arm and offered him the liquor bottle. Caroline completely forgetting she was in the middle of a game as she watched the two smiling at each other and him bending to her level as she whispered something in his ear.

- Why is she always around?

Well, now Caroline knew they were friends but also knew they've been fuck buddies for months as well. Caroline had no feelings towards Klaus besides dislike and occasional good friendly moments. She wasn't jealous of who he hooked up with though there were many, she would imagine, it was none of her business. Besides she had a boyfriend of her own, but there was just something about Aurora that ground Caroline's nerves. Like an insistent gnat that refused to die no matter how hard you swat at it.

She was a redheaded gnat.

Caroline forced herself to look away when the petite vampire lenses on her tip toes for a kiss. She used all her might to maintain her focus on the teenage boys in heavy gear bomb rushing towards each other; focusing on Tyler.

- Yup, there ya go Caroline. Focus on your hot boyfriend and not on the two vampires eating each other's faces off.

Waving her pom poms wildly when their team scored a goal, the squad turned towards the crowd to prepare a cheer routine. The band loud and fans even louder as everyone revealed in the small victory. Caroline froze staring up at the bottom of the bleachers, regrettably, and Klaus's eyes fixated on hers even with Aurora in his arms. He obviously appeared unaffected by her, if his one arm loosely around her waist and him blatantly ignoring her wasn't sufficient enough.

Klaus always seemed like he was caught in the act whenever he noticed Caroline observing him and Aurora.

His eyes deep and blue like the sea, drowning her every time with their intensity and giving her no exposure to oxygen. They simultaneously gulped, wondering which of them was going to look away first and sending neither wanted to.

"Umm, Care..."

Clearly Klaus won this round since Bonnie's outburst made her turn towards her confused friend.

Widened eyes and dry mouth, Caroline spoke. "What?"

"You're supposed to lead the victory cheer." She said low enough so the rest of the squad didn't hear.

Caroline frantically nodded. "Right, of course." Turning around to face her squad. "Sorry ladies, I just spaced for a minute. We're going to have to do a shortened version of the victory cheer this time." She explained with a smile, hating how she allowed him to distract her from her duties.

---

They cheered and cheered more as the game continued till the end. Caroline managed to avoid gazing up at the bleachers for the remainder of the game—not wanting to risk another distraction. She noticed Klaus and his roommate Enzo paying attention to their half-time show, well more Klaus was paying attention while Enzo talked his head off.

Klaus was watching her, only her. His face unreadable but jaw clenching and unclenching. He leaned against the legs of the bleachers and one hand in his jeans pocket. Caroline felt the familiar heat that formed whenever her body sensed his demanding presence. He was smoking, yet another cigarette with his free hand; she wondered when that habit began. Thankfully she was able to finish the routine with flying colors, smiling widely in the finish even when Klaus suddenly disappeared. His group was still there, including Aurora, but the scruffy vampire was nowhere to be seen. She hoped this didn't mean he changed his mind about tonight.

Everyone hysterically screaming and yelling when Tyler made the final touchdown, securing the team a victory.

To act like she was even vaguely paying attention to the game, Caroline joined into the enthusiasm and jumped with delight. The cheer team dispersed onto the field to join the players in all their glory. Caroline quickly spotted Tyler who whipped his helmet off his head, shaking the wetness from his hair.

He was drenched with sweat but still kept that smile on his face as he ran towards the equally smiley blonde

"Congratulations! Oh-" She yelped when Tyler scooped her up bridal style with a smile that matched hers.

Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck and held on tight as he twirled her around crazily. So pumped and excited, she could practically feel his adrenaline.

"Tyler! Put me down!" She begged between laughs when his twirling finally began to slow down and he carefully placed her on her feet.

Caroline didn't have an opportunity to say anything else before his lips crushed against hers determinedly, so determined an involuntary moan slipped out. Tyler cradled her face between his hands softly which contradicted his rough kisses. He dropped one hand to pull her closer by the waist as he deepened the kiss with his tongue darting into her mouth. She moaned at the intrusion but welcomed it, even if she initially wanted to push him away.

Not that Caroline wasn't immune to Tyler's level of P.D.A. but tonight felt different, like she was ashamed for kissing him in front of everybody; or a particular somebody.

- Shit. I need to text Klaus.

She didn't know where he fled to and wondered if their plans tonight were still valid. Probably not the best tactic to think about another guy while you're boyfriend is making out with you.

Caroline planted a final kiss on his lips before pulling away, despite his pout.

"Yeah, you're definitely excited and smelly." She giggled wiping the sweat off his mouth.

"Mmm you have no idea." Tyler declared suggestively with repeated kisses to her lips, barely giving Caroline a second to breathe.

His affection a lot more demanding than usual, stunning Caroline as she tried to keep up with his relentless mouth. This should be hot and yet she felt bare minimum pleasure.

- Maybe because your mind is focused on a whole other guy!

Her subconscious screamed at her, making her guilt settled in. She barely noticed Tyler's lips venturing upward.

"Let's go back to my room. All my teammates are going out to celebrate which would give us plenty of much needed alone time." He whispered his suggestion in her ear.

Her body tensed, and not in a good way.

Any other day she wouldn't be opposed to spending alone time with him, of course not, but he was oblivious to the fact that the rest of her night would be occupied by another. That she was living a secret life right under his nose; an apparent new found thrill of rebellion with Klaus Mikaelson.

She pressed her lips together nervously and placing her hands on his padded chest. "Umm as great as that sounds, I can't tonight."

Tyler backed away until they were now eye to eye, a frown etched on his face from her surprising rejection.

"Why's that?" He asked with a disapproving sigh.

"The girls wanted to have a celebration of our own in Elena's room. Junk food and romcoms." She smiled, impressed with herself she was able to think of a rather convincing story so quickly.

A low growl tumbled in his throat. "Seriously, you're choosing a sleepover over spending quality time with your champion boyfriend? You can't skip it?"

His tone suddenly more annoyed and impatient.

"Right, because flaking on my friend is totally not messed up." She scoffed sarcastically.

"And flaking on your boyfriend isn't as well?" Tyler snapped making Caroline's eyebrows raise.

He was clearly not on board with her lightheartedness, not that she could blame him.

She was ditching him to hang out with Klaus instead, which was a worse explanation than a fake sleepover.

Letting his hold on her go, Tyler grabbed her hands in his and stared up at her. "Do you not want to be with me?"

- What?

Definitely the last thing she was expecting him to say, and a question she unfortunately had to ponder.

Lately Caroline had been questioning a lot of things. Being around Klaus made her second guess a lot of aspects in her life given in his penchant for doing the opposite of what he's told to do. Now he was even making her doubt her own relationship.

How was he a pain in the ass even from afar?

"Wha-what? Tyler of course I do, why would you ask me something that?" She shakily asked.

He sighed rubbing the back of his neck apprehensively. "Look I don't mean to sound like a jerk, alright? Because I'm really not trying to be but, I just feel like you use any excuse possible to not be with me lately, and I don't understand it. Even when I invited you to my parent's lake house, which you still haven't given me a clear answer on. Look, if it's sex you're worried about I already told you I'm fine with waiting."

As if he had a choice.

She was suddenly transported back to their second week of dating where she confessed she was a virgin and wasn't ready for that type of intimacy. His initial reaction was more of a disapproving groan like it was the worst news in the world, but maybe to an eighteen year old boy it is, before he assured her that he was fine with it. Different from Klaus who didn't judge or question her choice but simply wanted to understand it.

- You really need to stop comparing them to each other. Get it together Caroline!

"None of that matters," Tyler continued, "I just want to be with you, spend time with my busy but beautiful girlfriend who I feel I haven't seen in forever. I miss you." His small smile made her heart melt from all the guilt that began to overpower her.

While Tyler was spilling his guts out, Caroline was more worried about the time. She was to meet Klaus by the gate in 20 minutes and she still needed to change out of her cheer uniform. Knowing Klaus, she didn't put it past him to leave without her even though he's the one who initiated tonight's plans. Caroline felt awful for lying to the amazing boyfriend she had in front of her, who was good for her and didn't drive her up a wall or taunt her with an annoyingly charming British accent, but a little fib for one harmless night of fun never hurt anybody right?

She returned his smile with a soft peck on the lips. "I miss you too, I like being with you okay don't ever think otherwise and I'm sorry you're feeling this way. It's not my intention."

"Yeah Care I know it's not, doesn't mean I don't still feel it." He said dryly.

Caroline's arms returned to their home around his neck and pulled him close. "I know...how about tomorrow I'm all yours? I'll work on all my homework later and you can sit in on my spells lesson at noon, then we can spend the rest of the day together."

Tyler's face twisted in distaste. "Sitting through your weekend juju classes doesn't sound too entertaining, no offense."

- Ass.

She tried to ignore the obvious hurt that resurfaced every time Tyler made a mockery of her witchery. Being a witch was her whole life, it's what she is, so of course it stung when the person who's supposed to be her biggest supporter shut it down every time. He would be livid if she ever insulted his pack or expressed how much she hated being around him and his mood swings during the week of a full moon.

"Beggars can't be choosers." Caroline teased with a hint of sass.

Tyler smirked. "How about I just meet you after?"

Not in the mood to cause a scene, Caroline faked a grin and hurriedly kissed him again. "Deal."

He reciprocated the kiss with a soft 'I love you' against her lips.

This wasn't the first time he's said it but given that the few times he had and she never said it back, Caroline figured he'd eventually stop; no such luck. She didn't explain to Tyler her sensitivity when it came to 'love' and how powerful those three words were for her. Caroline began to realize there were a lot of personal feelings she didn't share with him.

"I'll see you later." She simply said detangling from his embrace and rushing over to the locker room with only ten minutes to get ready.

---

Ten minutes was exactly enough time for Caroline to quickly change out of her cheer uniform and into something more casually fitting. It wasn't too cold out so she wore a red floral summer dress, jean jacket and sandals. She already had her makeup bag and curling iron with her to freshen up and didn't need to go back to her room for anything.

She texted Klaus that she'd be at the gates in five minutes but he never replied, making her shake with nerves

- Is he blowing me off?

What would be his reason to, especially since this was his masterful plan in the first place. She didn't do anything that might upset him, or maybe he was purposely being an asshole for no reason other than to irk her; and it was working. She lied to Tyler and her friends for nothing, feeling a heavy weight of guilt all night for no reason.

- What an ass! Never should've agreed to this.

Caroline thought to herself as she walked across campus to the front gates of the school alone. Majority of the students were likely at The Hole celebrating and the rest of the crowd already scattered to their cars, so it was fairly quiet by the time she walked out. If Klaus really did stand her up she wanted to see for herself, then she would have a legitimate reason to fry his brain on Monday.

It wasn't cold but still mildly windy. She pushed her unruly curls out her face as she continued walking and when her vision was clear, there stood Klaus leaning against a dark tree with his back facing her.

The puff of smoke hovering above him, indicating that he was smoking another cigarette, sickened her. He hadn't turned towards her yet but he never tensed which meant he still knew she was there without further acknowledgment.

She cleared her throat stepping closer. "You know those things can kill you, right?"

"Lucky for me, I beat them to it." He said, still facing away from her and hallowing his cheeks taking another hit.

Her face scrunched in disgust. "Well it's a disgusting habit."

"Noted." Klaus's response dry but she could sense the stupid smirk that was surely on his face.

- Does he ever take a break from being a sarcastic ass?

Caroline bit down on her bottom lip and arms crossed. "I thought you were blowing me off."

A grin present on his face as he finally turned towards her. "Aww, you would've missed me?"

Her annoyed expression sedating Klaus's itch of getting a rise out of her for the night.

"Now why would I blow you off, hmm?" Crossing his arms as well.

She gulped. "Well, I was texting you and you never replied. It's not like I wouldn't put it past you to ditch me."

He smirked with a hum. "Touché but you should take some responsibility yourself, love. You were late, and if I had any self respect I should've let you fend for yourself."

"Excuse me?" She scoffed.

Klaus softly chuckled, flicking his cigarette to the ground and burying it into the dirt with his shoe. "All jokes, sorta." Caroline rolled her eyes. "In all honesty love I didn't have access to my phone until now. I was otherwise occupied tonight myself."

"Yeah, I noticed." Caroline muttered with a bitter undertone that sparked Klaus's interest but he decided not to comment on it.

He took a step back, looking over her outfit and newly curled hair that managed to stay intact even through the heavy wind. Her makeup was subtle but effective, fingers fighting together which usually meant she was anxious. The red lipstick coating her naturally pink lips matched the red sundress, eliciting a subtle grin on the vampire.

Caroline always looked great and presentable but tonight, he would go far enough to say she looked beautiful. He was impressed and surprised in the effort she put into her look tonight; gave him a sense of pride.

She caught onto his wandering eyes, an intense blush immediately rushing to her face realizing his expression was softer and more admiring than usual.

Suddenly she began feeling self conscious about her appearance and prayed he would look away already.

He didn't.

Caroline swept all her hair to one side and put her arms back over her chest. "What are you staring at?" She asked nervously.

Klaus's grin expanded and eyes did a final once over as he slid his teeth over his full lips. "You look really nice tonight. I'm beginning to feel underdressed."

A deep swallow sunk down her throat and the redness in her face blossomed. The compliment was genuine but Caroline refused to believe it. She also refused to return the sentiments, given how handsome he looked in his white henley, black jeans and boots. The first two buttons of his shirt undone exposing the multiple necklaces dangling off his hard chest.

It was actually irritating how little effort he put into looking so good. White was a good color on him.

- Umm, stop checking him out.

"Shut up." She brushed off the comment playfully shoving him in the chest before realizing what she was doing.

- We. Are. Not. Friends. We aren't anything.

Sometimes Caroline forgot about that, the fact that what she and Klaus has wasn't an ideal friendship—or whatever they called it. They don't playfully pushing each other around or bicker like they've known each other forever. It still frightened her how easy it was to be comfortable around him, that she felt she could tell him things she never told other people. Klaus wasn't someone she should trust and yet she was putting her future at Whitmore in his hands by going off campus with him, again.

Klaus felt the effect of the friendly assault, briefly tensing but then relaxed into a state of ease. He thought Caroline would be a tough egg to crack but she proved more and more that a chance of them becoming real friends was more likely than he thought.

Caroline stepped away from him, clearing her throat and rolling her shoulders. "Anyways, you promised me a fun and fulfilling night. Was that just all talk?"

Smirking at her challenging words, Klaus offered her his hand so he could help her over the wall again.

"Shall we?"

---

Klaus failed to mention that the park was actually 20 minutes from the school, not 'just across the street'.

Before Caroline erupted in a panic, he already had a bus schedule and they were able to catch the first one of the hour. Given how wealthy the Mikaelson family was, she didn't think Klaus even knew what public transportation was but he insisted that he's done it more often than not.

The bus ride wasn't too bad and not many people accompanied them besides a few, but the two were so entranced in their own conversation they barely noticed. They sat beside each other on the metal seats, spending the short time continuing to dissect each other's lives.

Caroline talked briefly about her growing up, how hard it was going through her transformation the same time her dad walked out on her and her mom. How hard it was on both of them and sucked the light out of their family. Liz dedicated her time to making her daughter more than perfect, to make her the best witch Whitmore had ever seen; not realizing she was pushing her away in the process. Caroline confessed her envy of Klaus having so many siblings given that she was an only child, and had no one but herself to turn to.

Klaus was suspicious of Caroline's persistence on asking about his home life, at first, but figured it was only fair. She was hesitant based on his reaction the other night but he managed to surprise her. He wasn't too detailed when explaining his home life, how lavish and luxurious it was on the outside but couldn't be more miserable and bleak on the inside.

Vaguely he mentioned his family moving to America from England when he was 10 years old. The rocky relationship with his parents, and how he decided to move out their glorious mansion last year and hadn't talked to either since. Besides seeing Rebekah and Kol almost everyday at school, the choice greatly affected his relationship with each of his siblings as well even though he hasn't spoken to the two oldest, Freya and Finn, in two years since they moved away. Elijah was the third oldest, and was more a pesky mentor than an older brother based on Klaus's description. But he was also someone Klaus secretly appreciated but they too fell cold in the mist of family drama.

Despite the obvious sadness, Klaus seemed almost relieved as if this was his first time discussing his family with anyone; a small smile even crept on his face occasionally. It wasn't until he mentioned his youngest brother, Henrik, that Klaus's entire demeanor switched for the worst. His fists tightened and jaw locked. He was 12 years old. Without saying too much, Klaus explained that the youngest Mikaelson was in a wheelchair, missing both legs, and slightly disfigured in the face but didn't say why or how. Even with those burdens was still the happiest member of their family.

Whatever happened, it was clearly something that had been weighing heavily on Klaus for a long time. Her curiosity peaked. The moment Caroline felt brave enough to ask, their bus came to a stop and she could hear the loud music from the festival through the glass windows—stirring her excitement.

Without wasting another moment, Klaus practically pushed Caroline out her seat so they could exit the bus. She stepped off and was met the beauty of freedom, her face lit up happily.

She forgot how huge the park was, largest one in their town. She hadn't been there since she was a child, her dad would always take her to play on the swings on his weekends. Felt like forever ago.

There were strings of lights surrounding the entire area, brightening the dark night. Crowds and crowds of people everywhere, buying food, mingling, laughing, dancing and drinking until they fell on their faces. The food smelled mouthwatering and the vendors selling their art pieces was oddly satisfying. A live band was set up on the amphitheater currently playing an upbeat jazz tune, but Klaus assured they played variations of genres. People dancing around wherever they stood.

The sight nearly brought a tear to Caroline's eye as if she just discovered a whole new world.

Everyone so lively, civil and free around one another made her heart grow. Seeing these humans genuinely happy and joyous with life was almost too overwhelming to handle. All her life supernatural creatures were divided, they never interacted like this. There was no fun, laughter or joy just hate, chaos and discrimination. Being at school all the time and living under her mother's thumb when she wasn't, snatched away her memories of freedom and true happiness. Ironically, Klaus was the one who reminded her of it.

She didn't hear the first few times he called her name until the touch on her shoulder shook her out of her own thoughts.

Klaus raised both his hands innocently, palms up when Caroline flinched away from him in apparent fear. Deciding not to take it personally, he shook his head amusingly.

"You really think I'd waste such a beautiful night just to kill you, at one of my favorite events no less?" He said with a slight smirk.

Caroline exhaled, not intending to jump from his light touch but it was instinct. She wasn't fearful of Klaus, he's yet to give her a reason to be, and oddly enough, she actually felt safe with him.

"Sorry, force of habit." She claimed.

Klaus simply nodded as they began walking into the illuminating park and joining the rest of the crowd.

"So, is it everything you hoped it'd be?" He wondered as they squeezed between people.

"And more." Caroline admitted with a smile. "I'm glad I came. Maybe you aren't too bad at this whole hang out thing."

"As if there was any doubt." Klaus said smugly.

Caroline scoffed. "See, this is why I refuse to compliment you on anything."

He chuckled. "Are you hungry? There's tons of food trucks around here that even puts the tacos to shame."

The grinning blonde nodded. "Yeah I could use some food. My treat this time." She insisted knowing Klaus would try battling her on this again.

Klaus sighed. "Sweetheart I respect your progressive stance but I wouldn't feel comfortable with you buying anything for me."

"But I'm supposed to feel comfortable with you paying for everything?"

"It's not the gentleman thing to do." He insisted. "You know what, fine. If you want to so badly you can pay for my food if, you dance with me."

She scrunched her eyebrows together, thrown off by his most recent bargain.

- He can't be serious?

"Klaus..."

"Not right now but before the night ends." His wink as he walked ahead of her towards the food trucks.

The idea sounded ridiculous but Caroline's blush was evident watching the boy in front of her turn with a smile to check if she was following.

She didn't give him a clear response but that didn't seem to matter to the determined vampire.

Her smile matched his, skipping over to catch up to him.

---

"You've seriously never had a beer?" Klaus asked with a shocked expression when Caroline.

They finally set their sights on food; too many options to choose from. Caroline settled on a chicken burger with fries and allowed Klaus to pay for drinks, since he insisted. Alcohol wasn't what she had in mind until he walked over to their table with two bottles in his hands.

Caroline wasn't a prude and she's had a drink, or two before but it wasn't a casual thing for her. Even when partying at The Hole with Tyler and friends she didn't have too much of it yet she was hesitant to drink with Klaus.

The water dripped down the cold beverage invitingly but she still hadn't touched it.

"Don't worry. I didn't poison it." He teased with a smirk.

She shook her head. "It's umm, it's not that. I've drank before, but each time it's only been with friends and-"

"People you trust." He interrupted. "And you don't trust me." He implied before taking a swig of his own drink.

Technically he wasn't wrong, the exchange felt more friendly than it should've but Caroline couldn't help feeling bad about his accurate claim. She didn't trust him, yet, and why would she if they were still becoming familiar? He certainly didn't trust her right now either.

At this point Caroline's already crossed so many lines with Klaus, what was there to constantly question? Besides she wasn't one to back down from a challenge, especially from him.

The blonde boldly reached for the green sweating glass bottle and popped the top off skillfully, staring Klaus down the entire time even as she took a huge gulp. Her eyes briefly pinched in disgust.

She forgot how much she hated beer but it was all the alcohol available.

Klaus gave her an impressed look while she gulped down the drink. Staring tentatively and carefully, his fascination increasing.

"Well, you showed me." He smirked when she slammed the bottle on the table, half empty.

Caroline coughed, wiping the liquid off her lips with a napkin. "For the record, that was disgusting."

Klaus chuckled. "I couldn't tell. You have an impressive poker face."

"I'm just full of surprises." She teased.

"That you are." Klaus agreed.

"I never really thanked you for the homecoming theme. I pitched the idea to the girls and they loved it." Caroline beamed while throwing a fry into her mouth.

"Glad I was able to assist." Klaus said. "Though I would love to see the look on those witches' faces if they ever knew the idea they love so much is from me." The corners of his lips pulling to a smirk.

Caroline laughed under her breath. "Yeah, I bet you would. But seriously, it was something I was really stressing about. Thanks."

His expression transitioning from amused to neutral hearing the sincere gratitude in her tone. In all honesty his motivation was to get on her good side and increase his chances of another date, but knowing how positively it affected her and her genuine appreciation made his cold heart warm. The feeling unusual and nauseating to him.

He shrugged it off. "Like I said, glad I was able to assist."

A brief cloud of awkward silence hovered over them before Klaus blurted.

"Why don't you show me one your tricks?" He suggested.

"Tricks?" She asked.

"You're the supreme witch right? I'm sure you have plenty nifty little spells and I've yet to see one, that wasn't inflicted on me of course."

A grin teased her lips as she gulped, caught off guard by his request. "Klaus I can't. Last I checked we're in public with a park full of humans."

His chuckle low but Caroline heard it and confused what was so funny to him about this.

"Sweetheart I say this as nicely as possible, I beg of you to get over yourself. I can assure you they're not paying any attention to you."

"You really suck at pep talks."

Klaus grinned. "Come on, just one. The simplest one you can think of."

So much confliction…

"Why again?" She inquired with a quirked brow.

He shrugged. "Despite our previous distaste towards each other, you could say witchery fascinates me."

Caroline's face suddenly lifted delightfully.

No one's ever been interested in her witch abilities before, at least not outside of her coven and that was also conditional. She never suspected Klaus to be the one to break that cycle.

After briefly thinking it over, she sighed making her final decision.

The flustered blonde groaned. "Okay but don't laugh." Pointing her finger towards him.

"Why would I laugh?" He asked offended.

Caroline was so use to Klaus's mocking she constantly questioned his genuineness, not that she was any better.

She turned in her chair, head turning side to side to check if anyone was watching them; everyone too drunk to notice anything. She was in the clear.

Tucking strands of her hair behind her ears, Caroline focused on an empty beer bottle a few tables away from theirs. She took a deep breath, her eyes slightly squinting and palms faced down on her lap as the bottle slowly lifted.

Klaus's eyes glossed over like a kid in a candy store watching Caroline lift, not one, but two bottles off the same table with nothing but her mind. Not even a single chant. The humans sitting there suspected nothing, laughing at mingling while their drinks levitated in the air. It was as if she put absolutely no effort in the act with her facials and body language as calm as ever; fascinating.

He'd seen a lot in his days, has come across all kinds of witches and informed very well what they were capable of. Yet seeing Caroline perform something so basic but so enticing, was the most entertaining experience he's encountered with one.

Caroline twirled the glass bottles around a few more times, mischievously grinning at the humans' obliviousness to their drinks suspended in the air cloning together. She was actually having fun. Years of everything being by the book, never using her powers outside of the walls of the school and home until now was liberating. It reminded Caroline how joyous her magic could be and how it was meant for more than construction and classrooms.

She was the supreme witch at Whitmore Academy and for the first time, finally felt like it.

Graciously lowering the objects back down on the plastic tables, Caroline let out a breath she wasn't even aware she was holding. Looking over at Klaus who was a jolly mess and prepared to give her a standing ovation.

"That was bloody amazing!" He exclaimed with wide eyes.

That makes her, 10th blush of the night?

"It was literally nothing. I learned that when I was like 10 years old." She laughed off.

He beautiful blue eyes rolled. "Sweetheart, you can move things with your bloody mind. I don't care when you learned it, it's nonetheless extraordinary."

She gave him a quick smile. His praise stirring more emotion than she expected. Not even Tyler has congratulated her or cheered on any of her practices before.

Caroline shrugged. "Please if you thought that was cool, you should see what I can do with fire." She wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.

Klaus turned towards her, lips stretched into a smile as he shook his head in disbelief. "I would love to, someday. You continue to stun me Caroline Forbes."

She tried not to read too much into the way Klaus's was staring at her, in awe and admiration, but it felt too good. It felt good to be praised and appreciated for her witchery, from someone who wasn't a witch themselves. Klaus was supposed to hate everything about her, including her practices, but he couldn't be more intrigued. He was stunned by her most basic abilities and eager to see what else she could do. If anything, he continued to stun her.

Caroline slowly swept her hair from her face, not wanting Klaus to take note of her fourth blush of the night.

"That actually means a lot, even coming from you." She partially teased but Klaus could sense the truth behind her words.

His head tilted curiously. "Why do I suspect you don't get this often?" He assumed.

She deeply sighed and her arms once again placed over her chest.

"I do, sometimes." Her voice low. "I get all the praise imaginable when I learn a new spell but the hype dies down pretty quickly. For like a day or two, then I'm back to being typical Caroline." She said with a sad smile, making Klaus frown.

"To be honest sometimes I don't feel as special as people think. I'm supreme leader of my coven and I feel it goes unnoticed, head of nearly every council and it still isn't enough and my witchery is downplayed by those who are supposed to be my biggest supporters." She took a deep breath, wiping under her eyes with a finger. "And I don't know why I'm telling you all of this."

"Because you clearly need to talk to someone, and I'm known to be quite the great listener." He said with a half smile.

This wasn't intentional, Caroline never planned on breaking down like this. She could feel her chest tightening, trying to hold down all the emotions that came with her words and not wanting Klaus to see it. It's not like he wasn't already witnessing her in the most vulnerable state, but Caroline felt okay about it; confessing some of her inner feelings to Klaus was almost a relief. He wasn't judging her but simply listening to her rant as if he knew this was exactly what she needed.

Caroline continued. "I feel like a fraud, parading around campus with a pageant smile when this is how I feel almost on a daily basis but I can't show it."

"Why not?"

"I have too many people counting on me." She admitted.

Klaus hummed.

"What about what you need? You're so busy caring for everyone else but who's caring about you?" He added when she stared at him confusingly.

Caroline didn't know how to respond because she didn't have a response to give, and Klaus knew it.

He stared at her sadly, stuffing his hands into his jeans pockets anxiously, mentally debating whether to step on her toes with his next question. Tonight was going surprisingly well and he didn't want to ruin it by asking sensitive questions but she basically opened the door for him.

"Sounds depressing." He mumbled.

"As if you're any different."

The vampire tensed at her comment.

"This whole bad boy act you have going for you is way more transparent than you think. So you're not fooling anyone either." She snorted.

He tilted his head, stunned by her fiery comeback that hit the nail on the head. No one's ever been able to get a good read on Klaus, not that he gave them the opportunity to, but this insistent witch was proving to be the one to break that pattern.

Maybe she understood him more than he suspected.

He clicked his tongue against his teeth "And what's Lockwood's role in all of this?" Klaus asked attempting to drift the subject away from his personal issues.

So much for avoiding sensitive questions.

Her eyebrows furrowed. "What does he have to do with anything ?"

Klaus shrugged. "Everything, I would imagine. He's supposed to be your 'boyfriend' is he not? Is he one of your disappointing supporters who's doing a shit job at being there for you?"

Sounding more defensive and upset. It was obvious Klaus didn't like Tyler, though she wasn't certain on the extent and honestly was scared to ask. But his fixation on dissecting their relationship forced Caroline to confront some hard truths that she wasn't prepared to face. Discussing her love life with Klaus was too weird to even entertain.

"Just like you don't like talking about your family, I don't like talking about my relationship." She answered.

Thankfully Klaus didn't pester further and nodded his head instead, waiting for her to change the topic.

"You don't see me giving you the third degree about Aurora, do you?"

Not the subject he was expecting her to switch to.

His full lips pulled into a grin at the sassy mention of the redhead. "Of course not, why would you when you ask about her enough as is?"

"I do not!" She scoffed.

"Oh, love but you do." Klaus confirmed with a smirk. "However I am curious, why are you so interested in Aurora? If you want me to put in a good word for you-"

Caroline threw a french fry at his head making him laugh.

"Boys," she mumbled with an eye roll "and I'm not interested in her."

"So you're interested in her relationship with me, is that it?" Klaus asked.

- Uhhh, uhh, absolutely not.

Giving Klaus the satisfaction that she genuinely was interested in their relationship would be her undoing. Not to mention the smugness that would come from him assuming she felt anything more than curiosity. Aurora gave off chilling vibes that Caroline struggled to pinpoint, like the typical mean girl even though she was sure she wasn't.

But the dynamic she had with Klaus was foreign because Caroline's never experienced one like it before. He seemed to genuinely like her, they were all over each other in public but at the same time was free to be with whoever else he wanted. What was the point of keeping her around if commitment wasn't the goal? What did she offer him?

Questions Caroline thought about since the first night she caught them together at the party, the image branded in her memory. Klaus's knowing smirk was enough to postpone her wonder for later.

"So your mom, you mentioned she practices magic right? How'd she get into that?" She asked deciding to change topics.

"I thought we agreed no more discussing my family." He sighed.

She shrugged. "What, you can be curious but I can't? Besides it's not like I'm not asking about your relationships with them."

Klaus looked down at her hesitantly. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about his mom but the conversation with Caroline was going too well. He actually appreciated her putting in just as much effort to get to know him as he did for her. It was a different type of dynamic for him but not necessarily bad.

One question wouldn't hurt.

He slowly nodded and cleared his throat. "All her life she's practiced magic, before she became a vampire. My ancestors had spell books that were gifted to them centuries ago which my mother inherited. Ironically she banned me and my siblings from anything witch related while at home, which explains my ignorance on the subject."

"Wait you had witches in your family? So your entire family aren't vampires? How's that possible?" She asked excitedly.

This was interesting.

Klaus smiled seeing her big blue pearl eyes glisten in wonder, wonder about him.

He exhaled still smiling. "I don't know what they taught you in witch school but vampirism isn't genetic, it's artificial." He explained. "We're born the good ole fashion way, just like everyone else, most of us are already descendants from supernatural families. Any witches I had in my family were only on my mother's side."

"But how does that work, with the war and all?"

"Oh you mean the war that doesn't exist? The war that divides all us creatures for no reason besides out of pure hatred?" He spat.

Suddenly Caroline feeling uncomfortable knowing she was apart of the hateful group he was referring to and the obvious venom in his voice.

"Unlike you lot, we weren't taught to hate anyone, not even witches. My family specifically saw all supernatural creatures as equals because we're all outsiders to the humans, the oppressed. We should be a united front not against one another." He explained finishing off his beer and throwing the glass bottle on the grass.

"Interesting take. Though the way you've treated me the past five years negates that, don't you think?" Caroline interjected.

Klaus softly scoffed that transitioned to what sounded like a laugh. "The way I treated you? Seriously, sweetheart are you honestly that dense? You've seen me as nothing but a man-eating monster since the day we met and treated me as such. If anyone should be calling someone out for poor hospitality, it should be me."

Wow. This unintentionally blew up.

So much for a fun and fulfilling night.

Caroline leaned back with pure disbelief on her face. "Is that right?"

"Yeah, that's right princess." Klaus clenched his teeth. "You might have not been my favorite person in the world but you went out of your way to provoke me. Vampires have been treated like piss poor shit and evil villains for centuries, that is why we're so defensive towards witches but hatred had nothing to do with it. Maybe you lost your self awareness somewhere on campus, you might want to retrace your steps on our way back hmm."

"Seriously? So now you're all a bunch of peacemakers and we're the evil villains as if we don't have an actual reason, ego much?" She scowled.

Klaus groaned with his face in his palm.

"Sorry we were brought up so differently but don't point fingers as if you're innocent. Just because you don't agree with me doesn't make my beliefs any less valid."

"You tell yourself whatever you need to sleep at night." He muttered.

Caroline growled shifting in her seat.

For the first time she honestly didn't want to fight with Klaus, not tonight. Trying to get anything out of angry Klaus was even more difficult than regular Klaus.

She didn't expect this to be blown out of proportion. He was still pretty heated over the conversation which made it more difficult for her to redirect.

"How about we try not fighting for a night, okay? It worked pretty well last time if I recall." She suggested.

The moment Klaus looked at her sweet smile his scowl instantly vanished. He wasn't keen on arguing with her either, actually enjoying their time together so far. He was more than happy to continue discussing vampirism with her instead of values they likely would never agree on.

"Alright well back to vampirism, it's a bit of...a process."

"And what is that process?" Caroline wondered.

"Look who's suddenly a vampire fan." He teased.

She rolled her eyes grinning. "Whatever, it's better than fighting. I guess I'm just pretty nosey too alright? I've never been close enough to a vampire to ask these questions."

Klaus's smirk brief and flat as he continued.

"For starters to become a vampire, one must have vampire blood in their system; either injected or orally consumed." He explained. "Vampire blood has all kinds of mechanisms like healing for example but most importantly, contributing to vampire transitions. It can last 16 hours in a human's body before it's deemed useless."

One of Caroline's eyebrow raised. "So in those 16 hours you have to complete the transition or-"

"Die." He answered for her. "Transition or die, well you kinda die either way but you get it."

She did get it, and judging by Klaus's change to a more somber mood and fighting with his fingers, Caroline sensed this was yet another sensitive subject for him.

He needed to make a road map.

Though talking about vampirism wasn't something she expected him to be saddened about, especially when he's the most powerful vampire in the student body.

"You die with the blood in your system?" Her questions continued for as long as he was willing to answer them.

Klaus affirmed with a nod, avoiding eye contact with the curious blonde across from him.

Caroline's teeth scratched across her lips apprehensively, noting Klaus's shift in demeanor.

"Why blood? Of all things to live on, why blood?"

Finally looking at her again, the vampire's piercing blue eyes narrowed and slightly pinched as he sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest comfortably. He eyed her carefully, observing her proper posture, straight face and folded hands like she was conducting an integration. The gulp that dropped down her throat and her fingers tightening around each other.

- Why is she so nervous?

He wondered.

Clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth loudly. "You sure you wanna know about that?"

"Is it that bad?" Caroline swallowed hard.

Klaus shrugged. "To me no but, I don't know if you can handle everything about me as much as you think you can."

Whether he meant for it to come off as offensive or not, it did and Caroline's scoff and creased forehead were the indicators.

"How about you let me worry about what I can and can't handle, alright?" She snapped defensively.

Klaus sighed. "I meant nothing by it love, you just seem a bit jittery already. I don't want this pleasant evening ruined because we got too deep."

After his reasoning Caroline lowered her guard, and, appreciating the nicer side of Klaus more and more.

"Well I'm fine." She claimed.

"Okay." He simply said before I explaining. "Well, blood is the source of all living things; no blood you die. It all makes perfect sense when you know the only way to complete a vampire transition is by draining a human dry."

Gulp.

"You umm, have to kill them?" Her voice low and staggered.

"Yes." He answered bluntly. "Every vampire has killed at least one person in their time, the bloodlust is a pesky consequence of being what we are; the screwed up way of things I'm afraid."

He continued. "But eventually you get used to it and when you finally accept the yearning for blood instead of fighting it off its remarkable. There's truly nothing more powerful and exhilarating than holding someone's life in your hands. Watching the light shut off in their eyes, their body limp and powerless in your arms and knowing you were the reason for it. Staring at them as you literally rip their life away, on your terms and will. You get to play God for at least one night of your entire life, it's indescribable."

She was disturbed by his prideful grin and now felt uncomfortable. It's not like she never knew vampires were killers, but hearing Klaus gush over the euphoria of murder was a new level.

He liked it. He liked killing people, hell she'd go as far as to say he loved it. The way he talked about the control and gore, more reminiscent than regret. Caroline wouldn't dare to ask approximately how many victims he's had because that would just disturb her more.

Klaus snapped out of his nostalgic thoughts and stared up at the clearly terrified blonde. The color drained from her face and mouth agape.

Maybe his explanation was a bit much for her first time but he only gave her the information she asked for.

"You said you wanted to know." His jaw tightened.

He wasn't wrong, yet somehow he was still the guilty one.

Caroline could barely find the words after taking a long dreaded sigh, snatching her beer bottle and guzzling it down to the last drop. Liquid courage was the only way she could get through the rest of the night after that, or even look at him.

She hated herself for asking anyways, even after Klaus's warning, and ruining the great evening they were having. She hated all of this, once again she forgot who he was, what he was, and the truth hurts. Making her feel more torn than she already did.

Klaus continued to wait for her to a response but it never came. She just sat there, her cheeks full of alcohol and she slowly swallowed down the last of her drink, to avoid rushing into further conversation. Her entire body tensed and one fist clenched, which didn't go undetected by Klaus.

Toying with the bottle cap between his fingers awkwardly he glanced up at the nervous blonde, feeling the peak of emotions bottled up in his throat.

Licking his lips anxiously and twirling the bottle cap he finally broke the silence. "Are you afraid of me now?" He lowly asked.

He needed to know if any chance of them haunt a friendship was completely gone.

- It was gone the moment you reminded her you're a killer and enjoy it, you idiot.

Klaus let out a subtle defeated sigh when Caroline once again didn't reply. He could sense that she wanted to but the words never escaped those pink lips. The brightness of her blue eyes now dull and wavering as they met his saddened ones, though he still tried hiding his emotions. Her chest tightened at the image.

- Say something Caroline!

Her subconscious yelled but she felt stuck. The boy who had been changing her perspective on life was an unapologetic murderer. She felt disgusted, not necessarily because of what he's done but her willingness to look past it. How tempting it was to ignore everything he just said and chalk it up as 'that's just what vampires do.'

For her to accept Klaus meant going against everything she stood for as a witch, she did enough of that already by being with him tonight. Caroline wasn't herself when she was with Klaus and she was starting to understand that the more they got to know each other. But she couldn't just drop him, for more than one reason.

Her conflicting thoughts once again the annoying thorn that twisted in her spine each time she thought about Klaus.

She was puzzled when Klaus he was already out of his seat.

"I'm gonna get another drink then we can walk around, yeah?"

He didn't wait for her reply before vamp speeding to the bar to retrieve another bottle.

---

They walked around in cold silence, nothing but the blaring music from the band and thrilled laughs from the joyous crowd of people to fill the void. Klaus's hands comfortably resided in his jean pockets while Caroline nibbled on the caramel apple he bought her as they walked side to side.

After the conversation about vampire murder and gore neither knew what to say to one another. The mood drastically changed from pleasant to chaotic within minutes.

Caroline would shift her eyes forward then back at Klaus who was trying his hardest to keep his attention anywhere that wasn't her.

Knowing she was the main one at fault for the sudden tension, Caroline took it upon herself to reach out to Klaus.

"This caramel apple is delicious. I haven't had one of these since I was a kid. Thank you." She said lightheartedly turning to him taking another bite.

A slight grin teased the corner of his lips but never etched on his face fully. "It was nothing, love."

Caroline gave him a small smile as they fell into the silence once again, it was driving her crazy.

She grabbed his arm so he'd stop walking. He looked at her hand still on his arm confusingly then back up to her face.

"Listen Klaus, I'm not afraid of you, honestly." She confessed. "I wouldn't have agreed to hang out with you again if I was, what you said just caught me off guard."

Klaus nodded. "Okay."

She frantically shook her head. "No, it's not 'okay' because I totally ruined everything, exactly like you said I would and I'm sorry for that."

He appreciated her attempt at an apology but he still felt like he had more to say, not satisfied in the slightest.

"Well at least you're more self aware than I gave you credit for, that's a good sign I suppose." He shrugged.

Caroline leaned on one hip and eyes lowered. "Hey I'm trying to say make up for it, alright? Don't be an ass."

He breathlessly chuckled. "No offense love but how did my response catch you off guard exactly? What were you expecting me to say, hmm that I live off bloody plants?" He threw his arms up.

"Listen-"

"No, you listen." He interrupted. "I'm a vampire, Caroline and being a vampire requires blood, lots and lots of blood with the occasional bloodlust. It's apart of me, it's who I am and what keeps me alive without giving me a choice and I will not apologize for it."

Her eyebrows scrubbed together and loos pursed.

"It's not what you are, it's what you do! You-you kill people and you like it." She whispered, them both forgetting they're in public surrounded by humans. "Yes I was caught off guard by you blunty explaining that you get off to murdering innocent people, not exactly something I hear everyday. Sorry I have a conscience, unlike you. How were you expecting me to react, that'd I'd be fine with it?"

"Not all of them were innocent." Gritting his teeth. "And please don't be so hypocritical, love when you're literally dating a killer yourself."

"Excuse me?"

"I know how the werewolf gene works, I know Lockwood had to kill someone in order to activate it yet, I don't see you shunning him or giving him a morality speech."

Caroline searched for the right words. "His was an accident. The situations couldn't be more different-"

"Oh so it's an accident because he said so, and somehow that still doesn't put him in the same boat as anyone else? A kill is still a kill. And who knows what he hasn't told you whenever he leaves campus once a month for the full moon, hmm. What victims and lies he covers up to keep the truth from you, unless you monitor everything he does. So until you get that squared away quite frankly your 'moral high ground' is irrelevant to me." He scoffed.

Her jaw dropped.

Caroline hadn't really thought about that, and now she did wonder what Tyler hasn't told her when he goes home. If he's 'accidentally' killed others during his transformation. He was a wild untamed werewolf, the possibility wasn't far fetched.

- No, Tyler wouldn't lie to me.

- It's not like me and him have the most honest relationship right now.

Now she couldn't stop overthinking and realizing Klaus may have a point.

- Ugh I really hate him.

Klaus continued. "Now, I could've lied and said I don't take pride in being the world's most dangerous predator or don't revel in the thrill of the kill. Covering my ass to look best in front of you and not demolish all our efforts here but I don't want to do that. I don't want to lie to you even if that means...whatever this thing between us ends."

Caroline was completely taken aback by everything Klaus was saying. She was expecting him to simply accept her apology, not blurt out a whole confession.

He sighed steadily, reloading he was probably jumping the gun with implying that anything was happening between them at all. Though a friendship is what he initially wanted, it was obvious something deeper was climbing to the surface.

"As you saw in the library I obviously don't kill everything I sink my teeth into but I am who I am, just like you are who you are. We're supernatural beings which means we're inevitably flawed and our world isn't clean cut nor normal despite what you perceive it to be. So, if that doesn't fit in Caroline Forbes' box of perception then what are we even still doing here?" Klaus concluded sharply.

Neither expected this conversation to blow up the way it did.

There was no mistaking that Caroline lived in a black and white world. No space for complexity or shades of grey until becoming classmates with Klaus and discovering all his shades of wrong. As hard as she might, he wasn't the terrible guy she thought he was all these years and that was becoming harder for her to accept than anything. It didn't help each time he called her out on her bullshit and she couldn't deny it.

Caroline let out a shallow breath. "I appreciate you being honest with me, even if the truth is hard to accept. It's not that I don't know what you're capable of, it's just..."

Her sentence trailed off with another sigh and staring down at her hands.

"When we're at school I see you one way, the evil monstrous vampire. But when we're just hanging out like this I see you in another, someone who I could see as a friend. So yeah, sometimes I forget for a split second that you could rip out my throat with your teeth if you wanted to."

"Don't tempt me, sweetheart." He smirked.

The blonde witch slightly smiled at his joke, though she should've been terrified, but it was tamed enough to lighten the mood again.

"Friends, then?" Klaus asked hesitantly.

Caroline's lips pressed into a line debating on his proposal.

She was the main advocate for them not being friends and yet she labeled him as someone who could be one of hers. Every nerve in her body telling her this was wrong, they couldn't be friends and if she had any sense she'd walk back to school without him. But a more dominant part of her was willing to see this through, but she wanted to make him suffer a little more.

Instead of a verbal response, Caroline raised one eyebrow with a taunting smirk etched on her face. Klaus shook his head amusingly and grinned at her tease.

Though their discussion was inevitable, both were having too good of a time to continue arguing about it. This festival was too lively and beautiful to fret over the little things and Caroline wanted to take in as much of the atmosphere as she could.

Klaus watched her amusingly bobbing her head to the music while taking a big chunk out of her caramel apple. She was either oblivious to his admiration or felt his tense gaze but decided not to acknowledge it, but Klaus wouldn't waver. Tonight showed a different side to Caroline, a more fun and understanding side.

She was asking him about his life, wanting to understand him and get to know him indicating that this new found 'friendship' was no longer one sided. Maybe she wasn't as close minded as he pinned her for. She left the stick shoved up her ass back on campus and allowed herself to have a good time with him.

Eventually Caroline faced him again with the snack between her teeth and finally seeing him looking at her admirably; sweetly. She couldn't read his expression clearly but his features were soft and body langue calm. A shade of pink colored her face in embarrassment when she slowly took another bite, hating when people watched her eat. It was an insecurity for her but Klaus never teased her, just watched in fascination like every bite revealed another layer of her character. His intensive observation was always intimidating but equally sent goosebumps up her arms.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Her eyes grew in fear.

Klaus simply grinned. "Umm, love you have something on..." His finger gesturing to the corner of his lips indicating she had a layer of caramel on the corner of hers.

It was more than amusing seeing her face colored in embarrassment, and even more witnessing her attempting and failing to lick it off. Her small tongue poked out and reaching for the goal but never made it.

"This is not funny!" She whined when noticing Klaus trying to hide his laughter underneath his hand over his mouth.

"I know, I know." He said in between laughs.

"Then stop laughing." Caroline demanded but it did little to cease the vampire's humor as his laughs increased.

Klaus began laughing out loud, a genuine beautiful laugh. Even from the few times they've hung out together, Caroline was sure she's never heard him laugh like this before. It was a nice sound.

He looked so youthful and happy it made her chest warm.

His laugh surprisingly contagious and soon enough Caroline was going along with him. Neither paid any mind to the crowd staring at them like they were drunk imbeciles for laughing hysterically in the middle of a walkway. They did look a bit crazed but Caroline reveled in it, not remembering the last time she had a good laugh or let her guard down enough to find humor in anything.

She felt like she was a robot constructed to be a certain way around her friends, boyfriends, teachers and parents. Like she had multiple personalities and they could never clash. But with Klaus she was just, Caroline.

Their laughter began to die down but their jolly smiles didn't.

"Let me." Klaus offered and before Caroline could protest, he was already in front of her reaching his hand out to wipe the caramel off with his thumb.

The cold breeze that swept the night suddenly overpowered by the blazing fire erupting inside of her from his soft touch. The affection so gentle and pure, contradicting his aggressive impression. His thumb lingered on her lip purposely but Caroline didn't push him away. Their eyes boring into each other's with more meaning than their usual staring battles.

More fire, intensity and shade of desire. Klaus took a small step closer, decreasing the gap between their bodies as he gently cuffed her chin and lifting it up. If this was two months ago, hell two days ago, Klaus would be on the floor screaming in agony from one of her infamous aneurysms for even looking at her. But now she leaned into his hot touch and feeling it all over as if his calloused hands were touching her entire body. Nothing about this felt bad or wrong; scandalous and exciting instead.

It terrified Caroline how she was feeling in this moment and her own body working against her mind. Her subconscious screaming at her to resist but she stayed out and allowed him to take over and dominate her senses.

"Your laugh is cute. You should show it off more." He said softly, almost sensually scraping off the remainder of the food product from her skin.

Caroline's gulp didn't go unnoticed and shallow breaths escaped her parted lips as she took in his daring gaze. That tingle still alive and well and traveling to her lower regions the longer she looked at him. Observing his handsome features and realizing she's never seen such a good looking man in her life; definitely not one at their school. Thick lashed ocean blue eyes, perfectly shaped full lips and luscious curls to top it off, and she hadn't even taken the time to explore his body yet.

Despite wanting to be different than the other girls, his sultry English accent was enough for Caroline to swoon over. Shivering to her toes whenever he muttered her name or said anything at all, really; it's why she lifted her ban on pet names. Tonight with him felt different, more natural and at ease. She felt less embarrassed, even if she would never tell him how she was feeling, but the way he looked at her made her think he already knew.

Then Tyler's face ran through her mind and she was brought back to reality. That she should feel sick for shamelessly acknowledging her intense attraction to Klaus when she had a perfectly fine boyfriend at school.

Caroline flinched from his touch. "Umm, thanks." She said dryly taking a step back from him and throwing the remainder of her snack in the trash.

A wide grin sketched across his face happily, giving her a nod. "You're welcome."

The unwelcoming heat rushing to her core at the sight of Klaus's full lips enveloping his caramel coated thumb was enough to make Caroline increase the distance between them before she did something she'd regret. It was worse that their eyes still hadn't dropped eye contact the whole time.

He shouldn't be allowed to do that, and look effortlessly hot when he did. Seducing her with the bare minimum and she felt herself weak enough to fall into it. The glint in his eyes present and conspicuous, trapping her in a lustful gaze she didn't want to part from.

Shes never felt so hot and unhinged around the opposite sex, not like this. Feeling completely out of control of her own emotions made her uncomfortable; Caroline loved control. But with Klaus she was beginning to feel very little and didn't question it.

- What the hell is the matter with you! Get a grip Caroline!

Shaking away her controversial thoughts, pushing her unruly hair to one side as the breeze picked up. Looking around aimlessly to avoid her senses of Klaus staring at her with his signature smirk.

"Dance with me." Klaus proposed, refusing to let another wave of silence take over not to mention how much he loved the stunned expression on her face.

Caroline eyebrows lifted. "I think all that beer has gone to your head."

"Oh come now love don't be like that, we had a deal remember? I kept my end of the bargain and now I'm here to collect." He declared with an irresistible teasing smirk.

The blonde rubbed her lips together apprehensively.

She was grateful they were able to return to their lighter state with each other but the obvious shift in mood from Klaus's surprising display of affection changed things; at least for Caroline.

Caroline sighed looking down at his calloused waiting hand indecisively. Feeling like if she went down this path any further than she already has there would be no going back.

It's just one dance...

This was a harmless and innocent exchange between two people getting to know each other. She had a boyfriend who she was happy with and a coven she was loyal to. This one thing would get him off her back.

At least that's what Caroline wanted to believe.

Their blue-eyed gazes locked, neither scanning away even when the reluctant blonde finally placed her hand into his. She softly gasped when Klaus grabbed it tightly, feeling his warmth and strength from just the handhold. A shiver ran deep inside of omg with a blistering heat that surfaced each time he touched her; and he did that a lot tonight.

She allowed him to lead her through the crowd and down the amphitheater in slow strides. A satisfied smile spread across his lips before turning away as they made their way to the dance floor.

Her soft hand felt so small and delicate in his, but also warm and right. Klaus was actually surprised she agreed, counting on her stubbornness and denial. She certainly didn't make things easy for him but maybe that's why he never backed down.

Klaus loved a challenge and Caroline was a major one. A prejudice witch with strong beliefs was a tough egg to crack but he felt he was finally getting through to her. But tonight proved she was just as interested in him as he was of her, making the vampire hopeful. Hopeful for a friendship, or something more; they've never been the best with labels. Apart of him grateful for Professor Sommer's snarky attempt at punishing him, because pairing them as partners gave Klaus the opportunity to finally talk to the only girl at school he couldn't.

The girl who's intrigued him since day one but hated him on principle alone. Who's he's observed cautiously and tentatively for five years without her being the wiser. Sitting on the bleachers during cheer practice, watching from afar as they ate at separate tables for lunch in the cafeteria and always noticed her sad smile. Based on her chosen friend group it wasn't shocking. He hadn't one of those on her in awhile, smug enough to take the credit for that.

Klaus realized in order for that to truly happen he'd need to lower the walls that have been built the majority of his life. If he wanted Caroline to trust him in anyway he had to eliminate his own facade like he always begged her to do. To follow what he preached, so to speak.

He's never been vulnerable around anyone besides family and even that was too much, showing that side to Caroline Forbes didn't even sound right.

She subconsciously squeezed his hand when they joined the others now slow dancing with the mellow music from the band. They exchanged shy smiles, nervous and unsure where to go from here. Both feeling like this was their first school dance with the awkward hand placement and wandering eyes. Klaus never felt more anxious in his life. The night sky bright and a shade of purple with the twinkling stars glistening through and shining down on the beautiful blonde witch smiling back at him.

"Here." Caroline giggled lifting his hand up and closed hers around it taking a step closer into him.

The action causing Klaus to gasp. She's never heard him gasp before. His palms sweaty, face blushing and nerves racing. It was satisfying to know she had the same affect on him that he did of her.

It was almost embarrassing how much he was acting like an inexperienced boy right now, as if he's never danced with a girl before. But Caroline wasn't just any girl or witch, but he wouldn't let himself be the only flustered one of the two.

Swallowing hard, his grip on her hand tightened. "And here."

Caroline loudly gasped herself when Klaus abruptly pulled her to him, directly into him. No space between them as their clothed heaving chests touched one another for the first time. His right hand burning a hole through her clothes as it rested on her lower back with that mighty touch.

The witch gulped when he re-coordinated their joined hands and interlocked their fingers together. Her lips parted and bottom lip plumped as she searched for as much oxygen as possible, feeling lightheaded already and they haven't even moved yet. She was practically on top of him, while standing, emphasizing their aesthetically pleasing height difference as he towered over her.

Staring up their eyes bore into each other's. She loved to see the subtle trim of here around his irises that contradicted the flawless blue. They were stormy and intense locking her in, she couldn't look away even if she wanted to. He was looking at her sweetly but hotly, leaving her speechless. His signature scent of clean soap with a hint of spice flooded her nostrils and it took every strength she had to not consume a harsh whiff.

Klaus smirked at her reaction and began swaying to the beat until she followed along. Still staring at each other determinedly but never missing a step, letting their natural chemistry lead the dance. They continued looking at each other as if they were the only two there, which quickly became a pattern the more they were together.

"So, he dances after all." Caroline mused with a smile dancing with him.

"I did say 'on occasion ', didn't I?" Klaus lightheartedly refuted as they continued to sway. "You're quite the dancer yourself."

"Forced ballroom lessons when I was a kid had its perks, I suppose." She giggled.

His eyebrows lifted intriguingly. "Why does that not surprise me? Were you a pageant queen too?"

Her refusal to confirm or deny was all the answer Klaus needed but he just smirked instead, loving when he was right.

"Alright so maybe I was, what your parents didn't force you to participate in events like that rich boy?" She scoffed.

"I'm the rebel of my family for a reason, love. They can't force me to do anything, not without lack of trying of course." He replied before twirling her around until she completed a full 360, dress flaring beautifully and pulling her back to him with a wink.

The unexpected move brought an impressed smile to Caroline's face.

"Wow, now who's the show off?"

Her giggles the most peaceful and beautiful tune that he honestly hoped to hear more often in the future. His hand returned to her lower back and he felt her relax more, both already comfortable being in each other's arms so intimately.

"How do you do that?" Caroline's voice somber and soft.

Klaus looked at her puzzled. "Do what?"

"Rebel against your family, against vampires. Being so sure of yourself and what you want despite what's expected of you." She clarified. "How do you live so fearlessly?"

He huffed a laugh. "Doesn't go without complications, I assure you."

"But you still do it, without any fear of consequences?" She assumed.

Her sudden question along with her unhappy expression did little to ease his concern.

"A few days with me and you're already addicted to the rebel life. I'm flattered, truly." Klaus said teasingly with a smirk as their dance continued.

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Okay deflate your ego a tad. I'm just curious because I'm not like that and never met anyone who is until you. Everyone in my life is pretty predictable."

Klaus hummed in agreement.

"Well, love being immortal gives me the privilege of feeling I have nothing to lose. I have an infinite amount of time to do anything I desire, and I don't want to waste any of it."

Caroline affirmed with a small grin but Klaus could sensed her hesitation. Even before they began going out together he knew there was more to this apprehensive yet fiery witch. Full of such passion and determination and wouldn't back down from a fight like a bulldog. It was admirable and intriguing but Klaus was learning that she was wasting those traits on her own fears and insecurities.

He sighed. "Look Caroline I know you don't think you have as big of a say in your life, but you don't give yourself enough credit." He began. "Just you being here, with me and us becoming friendly, if I do say so myself, proves you're not as predictable as you think." He smiled. "You have a mind of your own, you want and desire for bigger and more. You just have to go for it instead of being scared of what could happen."

"And you weren't scared?" She asked timidly.

Klaus licked his lips and slowly nodded. "I was at first, but I knew if I wanted any chance at a change I needed to make those risks. To be more selfish and look out for myself, even if I had to break bonds along the way."

His admission made Caroline wonder if Klaus was actually happy being alone. Seemed like more of a facade hat he was an expert at performing.

"Sounds lonely." She said.

He shrugged. "Sometimes, but those sacrifices are worth it in order to get what you want, and I always get what I want." He claimed with a suggestive tone that made Caroline bite down on her lip anxiously.

- Uhh...

Caroline's mind a blank canvas now painted with Klaus's face. Their conversation became out of sight out of mind when she realized how much closer they became within the past few seconds.

His eyes shifted from hers then down to her parted and inviting lips, as hers did the same to his. Their warm breaths hovered over each other's and their dancing ceased. Both feeling the tension and pull gravitating them to each other as their faces inched closer.

- Back away from him!

The smart thing, the right thing would be for Caroline to back away from the tempting vampire but she felt frozen. She wanted to stay here in the crowded park, surrounded around people she didn't know and dance with a forbidden creature; for the first time to just be. To entertain the temptation of her impulses and desires if only momentarily. Tyler, Bonnie, her mom and everything slowly fading from her mind as she felt him pushing her more against his chest.

Caroline knew if she didn't move away she would be making a horrible mistake. Just one head tilt and their lips would join as one, sensing the spark that would come with it already. There was a gravitational pull that tempted her further, ready to dive into the abyss.

But Caroline wasn't a cheater.

- No, no you're not a cheater.

Lying to everyone about hanging out with Klaus was one thing, but actually acting on their mutual attraction was another. He was obviously the most strikingly beautiful man she's ever come across, but would that be enough to end her relationship and change her life for possibly the worst? Oh god, Caroline couldn't believe she was even thinking about Klaus in that way.

- Are you insane?

It was hard not to when tonight was going so well. When the more she got to know him, the more layers of Klaus Mikaelson she was discovering. Better parts of him, more relatable and human aspects even if he was still secretive, though she wasn't necessarily an open book either. They shared an unexpected connection that she even struggled denying. It made her question why so much animosity had to occur between them in the first place.

Or, she could be misinterpreting all of this and jumping to conclusions that anything was striking between them besides a physical attraction.

Klaus doesn't date, he barely does friends and is currently fucking an annoying redhead everyday without a care in the world. Their spontaneous off-campus adventures didn't suggest anything more than a budding friendship.

Caroline had a boyfriend who wanted her, she had her beliefs and predictable life that was comforting enough. Though she was committing every sin in the book by having these thoughts about him anyways. There was still so much about Klaus she struggled to accept, too much history and hurt that his kind caused, that he caused, giving Caroline pause on even them being friends.

She was just having a moment of weakness, yeah that's it. She felt entitled to one every once in awhile.

- I'm a witch, he's a vampire. I'm a witch, he's a vampire...

Klaus leaned more forward, their foreheads nearly touching as he studied the shallow breaths escaping her lips and body tensing in his. Never did he think holding her would be so fulfilling. Being in close proximity always triggered his vampire features because of the intoxicating but delicious smell of her blood. It took everything in Klaus not to nudge her head to the side and grip her throat with his fangs.

He desperately needed to feed but attention too focused on the small blonde who was tempting him with mere breaths.

Quickly dragged out of the trance when Caroline pulled away from the embrace with a deep sorrowful sigh on her lips. She turned her head and released from his grasp. Klaus's entire face dropped when she let go of his hand stepping away from him hesitantly, leaving him shook.

- What just happened?

Klaus completely flabbergasted that they went from sharing a moment to her denying it, again. He didn't know whether to feel frustrated, disappointed or sad. Watching her fidget with her fingers, biting on her bottom lip roughly and whipping her hair back added to those emotions, especially because she wouldn't look at him.

"Umm, it's getting late. We should start heading back." Caroline said with a half smile, closing her arms over chest and walking toward the bus stop before Klaus could say anything.

He watched as she walked ahead of him with her head down and curls flying over her face as the wind picked up. Klaus irritably groaned before following after her in a hurry.

It was getting pretty late, he hadn't realized how much time passed by until looking at his watch that read 11:30 in bright red. Not to mention he hadn't drank an ounce of blood since before the football game and after another failed attempt with Caroline, his gums were agonizingly aching as he followed behind her.

---

So, yeah...

That almost kiss was painful to write as I'm sure it was painful to read. Sorry!

Caroline can't even deny to herself that she's attracted to Klaus and might actually like him. I know her indecisiveness is frustrating but she has strong beliefs that she's lived by her whole life, she can't just quit cold turkey. But Klaus is slowly having an influence on her and vice versa. They basically acknowledge each other as secret friends now, at least when they're in their own bubble of off campus activities.

Next chapter...NEXT CHAPTER... (;

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