Wow! The reviews from the last chapter were amazing! I'm glad you all enjoyed it reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
So...Caroline finally confessed her feelings to Klaus *feels* and things between them are obviously going to change as they convert from "friends" into something more. Because I tortured you guys with angst Klaroline, I figured it was only fair that you lovely readers deserve cute and happy Klaroline for awhile before they face one last hurdle in their already complicated relationship.
Forgive me, but this chapter is shorter than the others because the way I planned out the remainder of this story I had to split this chapter into two but still good stuff I promise :)
P.S. I have to give thanks to my wonderful beta Stephanie (Klarolinedrabbles) for all her help throughout this story. Okay happy reading!
Caroline's happy humming echoed throughout her bathroom like a melody. A wide grin present on her face as she continued curling her hair, playing the events of last night over and over again in her head.
She admitted to wanting Klaus. The fact that she really spoke those words were still a shock.
- I want to be with you, Klaus.
The seven words that erased any uneasiness regarding their relationship. That was the most honest Caroline has ever been with anyone. Having no humanity and constantly being treated badly by those who claimed to have loved her took its toll, causing Caroline to be more reserved and less trusting with her feelings but not with Klaus. Oddly so, she trusts him the most. His reaction to the news of her mother's death and humanity-less rampage, neither judging nor blaming her was all the convincing she needed.
Nothing mattered in that moment besides them; them and her confession. The confession that was sealed with the most passionate kiss either have ever endured. Replaying the scene in her head and recalling every scrape of his tongue and teeth. Caroline hesitantly bit her lip as her smile stayed evident.
Caroline was proud of herself.
For the first time in her life she wasn't living for anyone but herself. Making her own choices without feeling bad or worrying about other's disapprovals. The loud knock on her bedroom door snapped her out of her thoughts. Hoping it was Klaus, she sped to the door swinging it open only to be confronted instead by Rebekah causing Caroline's smile to slowly falter.
"Oh I'm sorry, were you expecting someone else?" Rebekah teased.
Caroline closer her eyes briefly then sighed. "Did you need something Rebekah?"
"I need to borrow some shampoo. I'm all out." Caroline knew she wasn't exactly asking for permission but she stepped aside for her to walk in anyways. Rebekah gladly walked past her, observing the room.
"Wow. I still can't believe he built this for you, all by himself may I add." Caroline's eyes widened at her statement. He mentioned this was 'his little project' but she didn't think he meant literally. A small grin appeared, catching the blonde Original's attention.
"Someone can't keep a smile off their face." She smirked as she finally made her way to the bathroom.
"I'm just in a good mood." Caroline replied.
"Does it have anything to do with my brother? You don't even have to answer, of course it does." Rebekah muttered as she continued observing each bottle under the sink.
"Nik looked like new bloomed daisy in the Spring time when he left this morning. It's no coincidence." Caroline furrowed her eyebrows in disappointment. They haven't seen each other since parting ways last night. She didn't want to come off clingy but she did want to spend time with him.
"I wasn't aware that he wasn't here." She said, dodging the allegation.
"He left pretty early. Didn't tell me where to, but he did tell me to let you know that 'he'll be back soon'." The Original reassured her.
"Ah, finally I found a decent brand." Rebekah claimed, taking the shampoo bottle from under the cabinet sink before closing it. Caroline rolled her eyes at the snooty comment, deciding not to entertain it.
"Is that all?" Caroline impatiently asked.
"Well in case you were wondering, I wasn't eavesdropping on your conversation with Nik last night." She confessed, stunning Caroline. "I can't say the same for everyone else in this house but at least my name's in the clear." She smirked before making her way out the room, Caroline following after her.
"Not that I'm complaining but why didn't you? I was pretty much expecting it."
Rebekah scoffed at the accusation. "Oh please, Caroline. I do have some class."
Caroline lightly chuckled before they were greeted with the opening of the front door. The baby vampire not being able to hide her joy at his presence and Klaus wasn't doing too great of a job either. His face lit up with just sensing her presence, seeing her face to face was almost overwhelmingly pleasant. The two glared at one another fondly before Rebekah interrupted.
"And where the bloody hell have you been for the past three hours?" She asked, placing her hand on a hip and snapping them both out of their trance that is each other.
Klaus cleared his throat. "Out." He briefly answered, closing the door behind him.
"Don't try to be vague and cute in front of your girl." Rebekah spat, making Caroline blush at the phrase your girl. It was weird to be seen as Klaus's anything.
A light chuckle escaped his lips as he walked towards them. "Are you worried about me, little sister?"
"Don't flatter yourself." She muttered, rolling her eyes as she walked up the stairs to her room. Caroline watched Rebekah leave then stared at the ground, suddenly feeling anxious as heavy footsteps began approaching her. She nervously ran her fingers through her blonde curls, still not facing him till she realized he was now standing directly in front of her. It wasn't that Klaus made her feel insecure, just nervous. He was beautifully unpredictable which excited and scared her all at once.
Caroline hesitatingly looked up at the handsome hybrid standing in front of her.
"Hi." He rewarded her with a genuine smile.
"Hi." She smiled back.
"This isn't how it's going to be for now on is it?" Caroline's eyebrows furrowed. "Us greeting each other as acquaintances instead of..." Klaus drifted off. They actually didn't define what they are exactly which he prefers, labels were trivial. Caroline didn't want things between them to be awkward and why should it be?
They both admitted their feelings for each other. They both want this. It was pointless to take ten steps forward only to take twenty steps back and Caroline was definitely not going back. When she said she wanted to be with Klaus she meant it, she wasn't going to chicken out just because her nerves are on loop.
She sighed heavily into a grin. "This...that we have for each other, our relationship now...it's new and fresh and definitely going to take some getting use to but I don't want to be weird about it, about each other." She concluded which only made his smile grow. Caroline lightly pecked him on the lips before pulling away. "Better?"
"It's a start." Klaus teased, making Caroline roll her eyes. "I see you and Rebekah have become quite the little pair." He spoke as they walked towards the kitchen.
Caroline scrunched her nose. "I wouldn't go that far. She mainly comes to me if she's looking for you."
Klaus lightly chuckled. "That's my little sister. Always the worrier."
"Well...can I at least know where you've been for the past three hours?" Caroline hesitatingly asked. Though they were together now, she knew how Klaus got about people trying to force themselves into his space and she wasn't going to take advantage. She didn't want him to think she was invading but the grin he flashes towards her answers her own concern.
"You'll know soon enough." He answered before retrieving two blood bags from the fridge. Caroline arched her eyebrow, confused on his vague response. Last time he surprised her she was granted a whole new bedroom. She brushed it off accepting the blood bag from his hand, blushing under his intense gaze. The way he looked at her set her skin on fire, such intensity and want in his eyes it was overwhelming.
"What?" She softly asked.
"I just...would very much like to kiss you." Klaus almost shyly admitted. He looked like a high school boy on his first date asking for a kiss goodnight. The sight was odd but also hopelessly adorable.
"You know, you don't really have to ask for permission anymore." She nervously bit her bottom lip, a practically torturing act that Klaus has grown quite fond of in the past couple of weeks. Finding it adorable yet seductive.
"Love, I really need you to stop doing that." He whispered as his lips ghosted over her's, swiping his thumb over her bottom lip. Caroline felt her heart threatening to pop out her chest. His daring blue eyes burning a hole through her lip as he continued playing with it before shifting up to her eyes, driving Caroline mad. Before even realizing what was happening, Klaus's lips were pressed against her's.
The intrusion made her gasp but she quickly relaxed into the it, inhaling him. He placed his blood bag on the counter behind her, his large hands grabbing her hips in the process. Caroline tilted her head to grant him better access as his tongue slipped into her mouth, deepening the kiss. Her bag fell to the ground, thankfully not bursting. Her arms wrapping around his neck to pull him closer to her. The corners of her lips turning upwards at how quickly comfortable she became when intimate with him. The butterflies in her stomach madly fluttering. She doesn't remember the last time she's felt like this, genuinely happy.
Klaus pushed her back, sandwiching her between his body and the kitchen counter. Caroline lightly moaned into his mouth, nipping his bottom lip attempting to take control of the situation but he quickly pulled away with a frustrated sigh. Her pout was brief as she realized the motive of his abrupt departure as bickering Kol and Freya walked in the room.
"I'm telling you, he won't let you." Freya huffed.
"You have so little faith in me and my master skills at convincing. I'm honestly hurt." Kol brought his hand over his heart, appearing offended.
The elder original turned to face a flustered Klaus. "Fine. Klaus would you mind Kol, hosting as he calls it 'a small gathering' which is code for huge party, here at the mansion?"
"Seeing as his last small gathering almost cost me a new rug and home, I think not."
"Don't be such a grinch, Nik. If anything goes wrong I'll compel someone to buy you a precious new rug." Kol smirked.
Klaus sighed. "Fine." All three of their eyes widening in surprise at Klaus's unexpected answer. "But it has to be tonight and tonight only. I don't want your menace of friends thinking this is a place to crash, do you understand?" A gleeful Kol nodded
"I mean it Kol." He sternly added.
"Have I ever lied to you, Nik?" A wide grin stretched his face as he gestured for his him to follow to the backyard. Klaus heavily sighed before leaving a small lingering kiss to Caroline's temple before leaving the room. She figured he clearly wasn't one for P.D.A. especially in front of his siblings so she was definitely surprised at his actions. Caroline briefly smiled before realizing she was now alone with Freya. She hasn't really had a conversation with the eldest Mikaelson outside of their introduction to one another. Though she appeared sweet, something about her was also intimidating.
"I take it that you two are on speaking terms again." Freya grinned with her accusation. Caroline nodded.
"Good. There was only so much more I could take before I spelled you two in a room together, forcing you to work out your differences." Freya semi joked making Caroline shyly laugh to herself.
"This belongs to you?" She asked picking up the blood bag that fell due to Caroline and Klaus's previous lustful state. Caroline blushed as she took it out her hands to place on the counter. The Original giggled to herself before taking a seat.
"You don't have to feel intimidated by me, Caroline. I'm a lot softer than my siblings if you haven't already noticed." She lightly chuckled. "But really, I have nothing against you. I may not know you as well as the rest but I do know that you make my brother happy and that's all that matters to me, honestly."
Caroline smiled taking a seat in the stool across from her. "Well you're the first Mikaelson I don't hate right off the bat, so that's progress." They both giggled. Caroline was beginning to feel comfortable with not only being with Klaus but being around his family as well. Being with him meant she had to be with his family too because whether he wants to admit it or not, he loves them and they are a part of him.
"You guys are cute. You seem happy."
"I am, it's been a long time since I've felt like this." Caroline sighed in relief. For the first time in her life she genuinely felt free.
"The honeymoon phase is a hell of a thing. I'm sure Nik can't wait to have you to himself tonight." Freya instantly regretting her words after they were already out. Her hope that Caroline missed it faded as the baby vampire flashed her a confused look.
"Tonight? What's happening tonight?" Caroline asked.
"It's nothing, forget I said anything."
"Freya..."
She sighed. "He's going to kill me." She whispered to herself. "It was supposed to be a surprise, that's why he's allowing Kol to have his party."
"What was supposed to be a surprise, Freya?" Caroline impatiently asked. But before she could get another word out of her in walked an annoyed looking Klaus.
"Freya I swear if he tries to burn down my house tonight you better not stop me from killing him." He declared. She nodded in response, pressing her lips together. Klaus observed both blondes instantly feeling a shift in moods.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm going to see if Kol needs any help in the back." Freya slowly stepped down from the stool, quickly exiting the kitchen leaving Caroline and Klaus alone. Caroline glared at him with an arched eyebrow as he continued looking dumbfounded.
"Something the matter, love or do you wish to finish where we left off?" He smirked.
"Do you have something planned for us tonight?" She bluntly asked.
Klaus's smirk dropped as he sighed in defeat. There was no point in lying to her now. "I'm going to kill Freya." He muttered, making Caroline smirk at his disappointment.
"She didn't mean to. Don't be upset with her."
"My family doesn't know the definition of a secret unless it involves keeping one from me." He huffed. Caroline then stood to her feet walking over to the annoyed hybrid.
"Well now that's it's out in the open..." She drifted off for him to continue.
"Yes, indeed there I have something planned for us tonight." He sighed. "With the wake of our new relationship and us never having a moment that doesn't involve one of my siblings interrupting I felt we deserve it, don't you love?" The smile that stretched Caroline's face as she took another step towards him.
"Definitely. Am I allowed to at least know details?" Caroline pressed the subject, hoping to get as much out of him as possible but he didn't look like he was budging.
"Not a chance. Just be dressed by eight, your outfit's already been picked out and set on your bed."
"Klaus Mikaelson a romantic?" She teased.
"Only for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to damage proof the entire mansion." Klaus smirked before exiting the room leaving an anxious Caroline alone with her already endless amounts of scenarios running rampant in her head.
It was already 6:45 pm and Caroline hadn't even showered yet, her nerves almost too much to bare. She was looking forward to finally spending time with Klaus seeing as they haven't had a chance alone since she arrived. Caroline was excited but nervous, two emotions she tends to associate with Klaus. Not knowing details of the night was slightly irritating to the control freak inside of her, she would've rather not known it was a surprise in the first place. She shook away her irritation, combing through her curls with her fingers as she intensely stared at the black ribboned white box on her bed.
Nostalgia hovering around her as she recalled the last time she received an unexpected surprise box from the hybrid. In it was probably the most beautiful gown Caroline's ever seen. The night Klaus invited her to his family's ball, attempting to whisk her off her feet as they danced across the ballroom together. Caroline never feeling so beautiful and confident until that night, looking and feeling like the queen that she is. She grinned at the memory as she undid the ribbon quickly opening the box.
The blonde vampire smirked with wide eyes as she pulled out the little black dress from the box. It was a short low lace back dress, Caroline felt her face reddening just looking at the garment imagining how she'd look in it and how Klaus would look at her wearing it. Suddenly a jolt of excitement hit, urging her to place the dress back on the bed and quickly heading to the bathroom to get ready.
"Carry the tables out to the back, would ya lads?" Kol asked his "helpers" as he was making the finishing touches to his decorations. Klaus rolled his eyes as he took a small sip of his drink, observing his annoyingly excited younger brother.
"Well I'm beat." Kol huffed in exhaustion before flopping on the sofa.
"Yes I'm sure ordering a few empty headed humans to do your dirty work must be exhausting." Klaus murmured, amusing Kol.
"Why so pissy Nik? You can't be annoyed about the party, after all you are the one who said I can have it." He claimed with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm not. I thankfully won't be here to entertain your little guests." Klaus smirked.
"Ahh, first date with the lovely Caroline I presume? Now that you two are officially a pair, can you signal a warning when you decide to have sex marathons? I'd rather not hear your grunts while I try to sleep." The younger Original stated with an eye roll not noticing the hybrid attempting to lunge at but was saved by Elijah's hand on Klaus's shoulder.
"Niklaus." He steadily warned.
"Why do you keep doing that? Why must you always stop me from giving him the beating he very much deserves?" Klaus growled.
"Nik-"
"No, 'Lijah. Next time he musters even the smallest sexual innuendo towards Caroline I will kill him and if you get involved, I won't hesitate doing the same to you." He sternly declared with a straight face. Deep down Elijah knew it was an empty threat but didn't wish to question the it. If anything, Klaus's care and respect for the baby vampire made him lightly grin to himself. He simply nodded in agreement before turning back towards his other younger brother.
"Understood. Kol please for all our sakes, have some tact."
Kol furrowed his eyebrows in false confusion. "What did I say?"
Klaus lowly growled before turning his head, his jaw nearly dropped at the sight in front of him. He was so into the fiery anger towards Kol, he nearly forgot the reason he was waiting in the living room.
Caroline stood by the staircase wearing the sensuous black laced dress with matching black pumps. The fitted garment hugging her curves in just the right places and exposing her beautifully pale legs. She pulled her loose blonde curls over one shoulder grinning at a googly eyed Klaus. Elijah nervously coughed at her appearance as Kol's eyes raked over her figure.
"Wow...I mean...wow. Caroline, you're a vision!" Kol exclaimed walking towards the blonde beauty, placing a soft kiss on the top of her hand.
"Thanks Kol." She lightly blushed.
"You do look very nice, Miss Forbes." Elijah complimented with a sweet grin. Caroline blushed, feeling a small sense of empowerment with all three Original brothers staring at her as if she was 'The Heart of the Ocean'. The Original that mattered was the only one who has yet to utter a single word but his predatory gaze was saying enough. Caroline felt her entire body heating under his attention before the sound of broken glass snapped her out the haze.
"Bloody fuckin hell!" Kol growled, storming towards the backyard to investigate.
"Excuse me." Elijah lightly chuckled to himself excusing himself before walking after his hot tempered brother, leaving the new couple alone in the living room. Klaus was slowly walking towards her with a devilish smirk that made Caroline melt.
"Though I'm not too keen on my brothers drooling all over my floor I must agree, you do look ravishing." Klaus smirked.
"Well as memory serves, you do have good taste."
"Too good apparently." He lowly stated, referring to his heart eyed brothers. In Caroline's mind, it was ridiculous for Klaus to be jealous especially over his own brothers. She planted a quick kiss on his cheek to distract him from the topic and his smirk proved she succeeded.
"So...where are we going tonight or can I not at least know that either?"
Klaus lightly chuckled at her annoyance. "Sweetheart, I think you've forgotten that you weren't supposed to know anything about this evening's plans in the first place."
"Well now that I do, what's the point in hiding anything anymore?" Caroline challenged which seemed to have ignited a spark in hybrid's eye.
"Okay." She raised her eyebrows, surprised at how easily it was for him to cave after his insistent refusal. A little too easy.
"Really? You're going to tell me? Just like that."
"Do you want to know or don't you?" He smirked at her hesitation. Curiosity is only fun if the source of your interest is out of reach.
Caroline scoffed in defeat. "Can we just go please?"
"Certainly, love." Klaus grinned causing Caroline to roll her eyes at his victory. She grabbed her coat before walking pass him towards the front door but was stopped by Klaus softly grabbing her wrist. Caroline looked back at him curiously as she was then met with a single red rose. She bit her bottom lip nervously, attempting to suppress her wide smile and possible tears as she slowly took the rose from between his fingers. Caroline pressed her red lips together before their blue eyes met lovingly.
"You're really going all out with this first date thing, huh?" She teased, twirling the stem of the rose in her hand before bringing the flower to her nose to smell it.
Klaus sighed nervously. "I don't usually do this. Umm...the rose...Freya's idea. Forgive me if it's not up to standard."
Caroline raised one eyebrow in confusion. "What? No Klaus I love it. It's sweet, it's just different but a nice different." She reassured him with a smile but he did not look any less unnerved.
"I mean, it's no ancient princess's bracelet but sweet nonetheless." The blonde vampire teased causing the hybrid to return the cheeky expression. Klaus nodded before opening the door for her, him following after as they both exited the mansion.
The thirty minute drive consisted of fond glances, music whispering out the radio and Caroline pressing Klaus about where they were going which he simply answered with teasing smirks. Caroline could clearly hear the blaring jazz music before Klaus even pulled into the parking lot of the club.
She glared up at the huge lit sign that read "Gloria's". The happily drunk loiters laughing and singing near the entrance instantly caught Caroline's attention, bringing a small grin to her face.
"See something you like, love?" Klaus cheekily asked.
Caroline bit her bottom lip before turning in her seat to face him. "You brought me to a club? I didn't even know you knew what a club was."
She teased with a raised eyebrow dragging a genuine laugh from them both. He stepped out the car and sped to her side to open the door for her. She also stepped out, silently thanking him as he closed the door after her.
"Oh sweetheart, I'm sure I know more about clubs than you could even fathom."
"Yeah, and I'm sure they all kicked you out for being a boring wallflower or a terrible dancer.." She continued to tease, consuming them both with laughter.
"I guess we'll have to test that tonight now, won't we?" He smirked. "This isn't just any club. I consider it my first big investment. I helped build it after all."
"You built this place?" She asked stunned.
Klaus sighed, forgetting there's so much of his story she's not aware of. He hopes to change that tonight, at least put a dent in the information. Still standing by the car, he now stood directly in front of her.
"There's a lot of history here Caroline, a lot of my history. Not many people know of my past here, I've never let anyone get close enough." He claimed making her lightly grin at his implication. "New Orleans isn't just a city to me...it was my first real home; my greatest accomplishment. Leaving here in the first place was a must, not a want. I always knew one day I would return I just never thought I would have a ride along." He finished with a smirk.
Caroline blushed, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear. "Wow. I knew you were ambiguous but building an entire city?" Klaus was amused by her stunned reaction. "And Gloria?" She pointed her eyes up towards the huge sign in front of the club.
"She's a very old but good friend."
"You seem to have a lot of good friends lately."
Klaus lightly chuckled at the sense of bitterness in her tone. "Jealous, love?"
Caroline scowled him which only added to his amusement.
"Gloria is one of New Orleans' greatest not to mention my favorite witch." Caroline looked alarmed at the added information but her face and body relaxed with the feel of his hand resting on her lower back.
"Now I believe I promised you a good night, shall we?" Caroline nodded with a smile as he lead them both through the crowd and into the club.
A/N: Okay so I know this chapter was short but all the awaited goodies happen in the next chapter and will [hopefully] be worth it ;)
To some sad news or at least sad for me...This Love is coming to it's end soon. I'm planning approximately 2 or 3 more chapters and that's it. Yeah...I'm not going to get emotional over it just yet haha but PLEASE leave reviews! they're appreciated and I'm shamelessly thirsty for them!
