25 Days of Klaroline: Day 11 – Klaroline + Tropes

My all-time favourite trope is (not surprisingly) all human!

Caroline's life has literally fallen apart. With no money or job and having just left her cheating husband, she decides to make a career change, one that throws her directly into the path of Klaus Mikaelson.

Private Eyes

"Oh no, I'm so sorry," Caroline cried dramatically, watching as her purposely spilled drink soaked into his grey suit pants. Well, if she was being honest she was actually trying not to look at something temptingly housed in those pants.

Why did he have to be so damn attractive? She'd seen photos obviously, but they didn't do him justice. For starters there was that dark blonde hair curling teasingly over his ears, those soulful blue eyes and why hadn't she mentioned those hypnotizing crimson lips?

"You really need to watch where you're going," he muttered, wiping his pants with a napkin. The scowl on his face was clearly telling her to go away.

"I know, I'm so clumsy," she replied, batting her eyelashes for extra affect. He seemed unmoved by that, the scowl still firmly etched on his face. Geez, this guy was going to be hard to crack.

She eased herself onto the neighbouring bar stool, making sure her long, creamy legs were on full show under her tight red dress. "The least I can do is buy you a drink to make up for it."

"I can buy my own drinks thanks," he snapped, his eyes not venturing past her face.

"Well then how about buying me one?"

"In what world should I buy you a drink after you spilled one on me?"

"Well given you won't let me buy you one, it's the least you can do," she replied, shrugging her shoulders. "Vodka on the rocks."

"You're bossy, has anyone ever told you that love?"

"All the time," she shot back, thinking it was one of her ex-husband's favourite adjectives to describe her, bastard. She noticed his stormy expression had lifted, albeit slightly. "But at least I always get what I want."

"And what is it you want?" He asked, his eyes briefly travelling south and landing on the creamy swell of her breasts, peeking out from the low cut dress. She silently thanked Victoria Secret's latest push-up bra for proving that she still very much had it.

"A vodka on the rocks."

"Well given you seem to have no intention of leaving, I'll get you one," he conceded gesturing to the barman. After he placed it in front of her, Caroline took a big gulp knowing she needed all the courage she could muster.

After walking out on her cheating ex Tyler Lockwood, Caroline had decided she wanted to save other women from the ordeal she'd been through. She figured the best way to do that was by exposing every last cheating loser out there by becoming a private investigator.

Hayley Mikaelson was her first, and if she was being honest, only client. She was a little weird and obsessive but Caroline felt this immediate need to help her. Hayley had regaled her with stories about her horrible husband, whom she suspected of having an affair. Caroline had promised to help her prove this idiot was just like all the others.

Fast forward a few weeks and Caroline had applied far too much make-up and poured herself into a poor excuse for a dress. In her head she thought it would be so much more exciting and glamourous than this. Maybe she'd seen too many movies.

"Are you always this charming?" She asked. Caroline realised she was supposed to be attempting to seduce him but she couldn't get past just how rude and arrogant he was. Hayley had actually told her that but she couldn't believe just how bad he was. He certainly didn't seem like the cheating type given his cold personality.

"Only when someone pours their drink on me and won't go away nicely," he quipped.

"Wow, someone must have done a number on you," she commented, watching his face contort slightly. Coming onto him so overtly didn't seem to be working so Caroline figured sympathizing with him might.

"Just because I bought you a drink doesn't mean you get to psycho-analyse me."

"Sorry, just trying to understand why you're so angry with the world, not to mention completely rude."

"Maybe that's just my normal personality," he said shrugging his shoulders.

"I don't buy it," she answered, against her better judgment. "I think someone's made you act like this."

"Maybe," he replied noncommittally. "Sounds like you know all about it."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she spluttered, wondering how this had become all about her.

"I think you do," he murmured, his blue eyes boring into hers. Caroline felt like the wind had been knocked out of her, and was struggling to recover. This was obviously just his way of sweet talking her. "What did he do?"

"Oh you know the usual," she muttered, purposely not going into detail. "I'm over it."

"Yes, because you seem like it," he acknowledged. Who did this guy think he was? "If you don't want to talk about it though, I completely understand."

Caroline was confused by the surprising turn their conversation had taken. She was supposed to be the one in control, it was time she took that back.

"How about we get out of here?" She purred, growing increasingly impatient.

"I'm fine right here," he replied, without flinching. Here she was offering herself to this guy and he wasn't interested. Maybe she really had lost her touch, her husband had cheated on her after all. Suddenly Caroline felt silly, half dressed and trying to hit on a stranger who obviously had no interest in her.

"Okay," she bit out, feeling her confidence slip away with every moment. Right now she didn't care if this guy was a cheating ass, she just wanted to leave. "I'll go."

"You don't have to," he said and she could sense the sincerity in his voice. "I'm actually enjoying just talking to you."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," he admitted. "Let me get you another drink." Maybe this was his ploy? Caroline decided to see how things played out anyway, she didn't have anywhere else to be after all.

"Thanks."

"No thank you," he answered. "I didn't mean to be so harsh, you're just not really my type."

"And what is your type?" She asked self consciously, her voice rising in pitch.

"I just think you'd be more beautiful with less make-up and more clothes, just my personal opinion." Caroline actually agreed with him, not that she'd admit it. Maybe he figured by coming across sensitive that she'd fall into his arms? Caroline wasn't that stupid.

"I guess I felt like I had to compensate." Two could play at this game.

"For what?" He asked curiously. "There's no doubting you're beautiful love."

"My husband left me," she replied, hating the way the words sounded out loud. If it got him to make a move though it was worth it.

"Why? Is he blind, dumb, or both?"

"All of the above," she groaned, taking a much needed swig of vodka. She chose not to disclose why given it might work against her end goal.

"He's an idiot," he agreed. "I'm actually going through a divorce myself, so know what it can be like." Her eyes widened in shock, Hayley never mentioned that.

"You're getting divorced?" She asked, more for her benefit than anything else.

"Yeah Hayley cheated on me, numerous times," he muttered. "I should have left a while ago but I guess I'm a glutton for punishment."

"She cheated on you?"

"That's what I said," he reiterated, looking at her in confusion. "I guess finding out she'd cheated with my best mate Marcel was all too much to take." Caroline shook her head, was this just another line? It had to be.

"My husband did the same thing," she admitted. "I know how you feel."

"Another member of the lonely hearts club," he smiled understandingly. "I just keep telling myself it will get better."

"You and me both," she murmured. What was happening? Caroline had to snap out if it, it was obvious he was just trying to charm her. "I do know how two lonely people can get even though."

"I've been tempted with revenge but for some reason I don't want to stoop to her level," he said. "Once I'm divorced though, that's another story."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," he confirmed. "What's going on here?"

"What do you mean?" She asked, feeling a telltale blush cross her cheeks.

"Something's not right," he murmured, looking at her closely. She knew her cover had been blown, she really was bad at this. "Who are you?"

"Okay, your wife kind of hired me," she stammered, unable to look him directly in the eye.

"Oh, I get it," he erupted. "She was trying to get me to cheat on her so her case was stronger for the divorce."

"She told me she thought you were having an affair," she squeaked. "I was only trying to help."

"By deceiving a stranger that you knew nothing about?" He yelled, standing up from his seat. "I've heard enough." He threw down a wad of notes and strode away. Caroline followed, unable to help herself, she felt like she had to explain herself.

"Klaus please stop," she implored, watching him inch further away. He spun on his heel and faced her, surprising her in the process.

"You even know my name, unbelievable," he growled. "I don't know your name but whoever you are, just leave me alone."

"It's Caroline and I'm sorry."

"You're a bit late for that, just a little tip for you Caroline," he said emphasizing her name. "If you want to be a private investigator, you might want to get your facts straight in the first place."

"I know," she conceded. "I was angry." He looked at her curiously, not running away, but not replying either. "I wasn't lying when I said my husband cheated on me. I guess I just wanted to help other people avoid the pain I went through."

"What we went through," he murmured, eventually responding, his face searching hers. "Just between you and me, I think you need a new career love."

"Tell me about it," she groaned, flashing him a small smile. "I really am sorry." He didn't respond just pulled out his wallet and rifled through it before handing her a card. "What's this?"

"Not that I owe you an explanation, but that is my lawyer's card," he explained. "She can tell you everything."

"Oh no it's not…" she trailed off, as he handed her another card.

"That is my brother's card," he added. "Elijah couldn't lie to save himself."

"But.."

"And this is my sister's card," he said handing her another one. "Rebekah speaks her mind so feel free to ask her anything you want."

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because after this weird charade, believe it or not, I care what you think about me Caroline," he explained, handing her another card.

"Why did you give me your card then?" She asked, looking at it curiously.

"Give me a call in a few months when my divorce is final."

"Why?"

"You owe me a few drinks love, and I fully intend on collecting your debt."