A/N: Contains smut

While standing behind the door open ajar, Elijah watched the young blonde woman hold his brother against her chest. He had no words to describe the calm that came to him when he saw Klaus relaxing on her. And the way she sang to him softly was heartwarming. She must have been an angel sent by the heavens to help and love his brother. That was exactly what Klaus needed. He decided not to interrupt the intimate moment between them, wanting Klaus to soak in the feeling of being protected and safe, the feeling of having someone taking care of him so lovingly.

Elijah knew right away he liked Caroline. She was exactly what Klaus needed, exactly the person who would heal his wounds and fix him up.

But as he looked out the window from his seat he knew that wouldn't be enough. Someone had to teach Mikael on a lesson. That's why Elijah was on his way to England. Even though he didn't want to leave his brother, Mikael was on his way home, where Elijah had two younger siblings and it was his responsibility to protect them. At this point he didn't know what else Mikael was capable of. He never hit Rebekah or Kol, but Elijah didn't want to take any risks. Besides he needed to fight Mikael, he NEEDED to make things right, to bring him down. Then, and only then, Klaus would be in peace.

He just wished he could do it quickly, since there was a pretty brunette he couldn't get out of his head. Then again he was a little relived he could take a break. Two weeks of rabid sex with Katherine left him exhausted, not to mention he was certain that the last time he actually hurt his back.

Klaus' POV

"The ride of the Valkyries" by Richard Wagner played loudly in Klaus' studio while he painted furiously. The last two weeks he had poured ever single feeling, ever bad memory, every ache from his cuts and bruises in his paintings. And this painting wasn't an exception. It came out looking pretty dark, like many others. But there were a few paintings and drawing that were completely different and he had Caroline to thank to. Since his last panic attack, their relationship grew more and more. He took her out for dinner most of the nights, except a couple of times when she suggested cooking or ordering take out so they could stay in and watch a movie. She would tell him about her day at the agency and how badly she wanted to get promoted. He would tell her about his paintings and answer her questions. She was a very curious person and he could tell she was trying to get to know him the best she could. But she never asked about his family, especially about Mikael. She would only ask about his siblings whenever he told a story about them.

So whenever he came home after dinner with her, or when he was at his studio after she stopped by to spend her lunch time with him, he would be calm and relaxed.

Today wasn't like that. She was still at the office, Marcel was away rehearsing, Stefan was away because he and Damon got invited to their cousin's wedding… in Italy… and Elijah left that morning. So he was alone and for some reason that bothered him. Any other time he would rather be alone, he enjoyed painting in silence, he avoided people, but now he felt like there was something missing and couldn't put his finger on what exactly.

He took the feeling of loneliness, added the hurt and the anger from Mikael's words and poured them on the canvas. Before he knew he had an abstract master piece.

"KLAUS!" He heard Caroline call before hearing her fast steps on the staircase. He wiped his hands with a wet cloth and turned the stereo off. "I GOT IT!" She announced while pushing the door open and rushing towards him. "I got the raise! I'm the new Head Creative writer!" She said before jumping in his arms.

Klaus smiled widely and hugged her tight.

"Those are great news, congratulations sweetheart." When she stepped back, he cupped her face in his hands. "I'm so proud of you, Caroline."
Caroline smiled and blushed.

"Thank you! Oh I'm so excited! I still have to call my mom but she's working now so I thought I could share the news with you." She giggled.

"I'm glad. This deserves some celebration, don't you think?" He said and Caroline nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes! Well, everyone at the agency agreed that we'll be having drinks tomorrow, but I thought you and I could have dinner tonight. What do you say?"
Klaus smiled.

"That sounds great, but instead of going out tonight, I'm cooking." He said which made Caroline look at him with wide eyes.

"Really? You wanna cook?"

"You say it like it's a bad thing, love." Klaus chuckled. "Don't judge my culinary skills until you've tried them." He said proudly. "It could be our Friday tradition." He then suggested with a shrug. Caroline giggled and nodded her head.

"It's a date then."

Caroline's POV

Caroline looked at herself in the mirror after her shower. Usually at this time she would be tired and wanting to do nothing but watch a movie in her couch –which she had been doing a lot with Klaus lately- and go to bed. But the excitement over her promotion and her date with Klaus kept her wide awake. The music playing in her phone stopped to let her know she had a message.

"Hey! Are you celebrating tonight? Katherine is in a weird mood and I'm bored." The text message said, and it was from Elena. Caroline replied back.

"I am. Klaus is cooking for me "

One minute later her phone went off. This time Elena was calling.

"He's cooking for you?!" She said, skipping the "hello" part.

"Yeah, he offered, why?" Caroline said confused.

"Oooooh he reeeeeally likes you!"

Both girls laughed.

"I guess so. That's a really nice thing to do." Caroline commented.

"And you like him too, right?" Elena asked curiously.

"You know I do." Caroline replied while frowning. "Haven't you been complaining that all I do lately is talk about him?"

"Yeah, when you're not talking about work… sooooo… you think tonight is THE night?" Elena asked with a curiosity filling her voice. Caroline swallowed loudly and bit her lower lip.

"I don't know…"

The other side of the line stayed in silence for a few seconds.

"Well, do you want it to be?" Elena finally asked.

"I'm not sure. I mean, yeah he's hot! Super hot! And he's also so sweet!" Caroline sighed. "But after Tyler…"

"Care, you have to move on." Elena interrupted. "I know it's hard but let's think about it. You can never be completely sure, you have to trust your instincts, right? And what are your instincts telling you about Klaus?"

Caroline thought for a moment.

"It tells me that Klaus nothing like any man I ever met. He's unique…"

Like a snowflake. She couldn't help but think to herself.

"And he needs someone just as unique as himself to understand him." She finished.

"Well, that someone can be you. You're caring and loyal, you would never hurt him. And I'm sure he appreciates you too much to hurt you. I mean… when was the last time Tyler cooked for you?"

Caroline thought about it for a moment.

"He never did actually… but come on 'Lena, not everyone express their feelings in the same way, besides Tyler couldn't cook."

"Alright, when was the last time he sent you flowers?"

"Um…" Caroline made a face, even though Elena couldn't see her. "After we broke up…"

"Exactly. AFTER you caught him cheating. You couldn't predict that would happen, just like you can't predict if Klaus will be the same. You just gotta trust your instincts. Besides, aren't you the one that said "Boy likes girl, girl likes boy. Sex."?" Caroline laughed, she knew those words would come back to bite her in the ass. "If you decide you're not ready, that's okay. And if he can't understand that, then he's a pig and doesn't deserve you. But if both of you want this, then enjoy it. I just think you've been a lot happier since you met him." There was a weird noise. "Kat?.. what?..."

"Blondie, listen to me." Katherine said and Caroline realized she probably took the phone from Elena. "Men are idiots, most of the time they're like toddlers, waiting for mommy or some other woman to clean up their messes. They never know what they want and they can't take a hint." Katherine said in a poisonous tone. "We're all domed to be hurt once or twice. You have three options here. One, you can break their hearts before they break yours. Two, you can at least enjoy the ride and have fun while it lasts. Or three, be a love sick fool and give up whenever you get hurt. But something tells me option three won't suit you well."

Katherine was right. Caroline had always been little girly Caroline, but she wanted to be strong, she knew she could.

"Tyler cheated and look at you now, you're still alive, it wasn't the end of the world. So I suggest you to stop whining, put your big girl's pants and get back to the rodeo." Katherine finished and gave the phone back to Elena.

"Yikes… That was harsh."

"Classic Katherine." Caroline said.

"I'm not so sure Care, she's been weird all day." Elena commented. "Today I told her I was missing Stefan while we were having breakfast and she didn't say anything. I was expecting her to make a comment. You know how she is… But she just stopped eating, got up and locked herself in her room."

"Weird… Okay, tomorrow we're going out for drinks and we'll get her to talk. Now I have to go get ready for my date."

"One more question. Did you shave your legs?" Elena asked.

"Yeah, why?"

Elena laughed.

"Oh you're so having sex tonight! I want all the details tomorrow!"

Caroline laughed but moments after the phone call she actually thought about it. She walked to her dresser and went through her underwear. She needed something special that would make her look good… just in case…

Klaus' POV

The lamb looked good, still red and juicy while it cooked in the oven. The veggies were on the stove, almost ready. The wine was getting cold in the fridge. The table was set nicely. The apartment looked clean, which wasn't unusual since Caroline had been there before.

Everything was perfect, the one thing missing was his date, but only for a few minutes. He knew Caroline was very punctual and since they agreed she would arrive at 8 o'clock, he still had ten minutes.

Klaus was going through his iTunes list for romantic songs when his phone went off.

"Hello mate." He greeted. "How's the old continent treating you?"

"It's alright." Stefan said. "But I swear if I have to hear one more aunt asking me why I'm not married yet, I'm gonna kill somebody."

Klaus laughed.

"That's what aunts are for. I'm sure Damon is having it worse since he's older."

Klaus couldn't see, but Stefan was rolling his eyes.

"He's getting too much attention from the bride's maids to notice."

"And you're not?" Klaus asked in a teasing tone.

"Uh… no… I mean, you know how Damon is… He hits on everything that breathes…"

"I'm sure girls notice you as well." Klaus said making Stefan laugh.

"Why thank you Klaus, but you and I won't ever be more than friends!"

Klaus scoffed.

"Oh bite me Salvatore. I'm just saying you're not getting any because you don't want to. You already have someone in your mind, don't you?" He asked and Stefan could tell he was smirking.

"This is not why I called you." Stefan said with a sigh.

"You're changing the subject…."

"Doesn't matter. I'm calling you to let you know, as your manager, that you have a potential client. He's name is Mason Lockwood and his family owns a Hotel chain. They're opening a new hotel soon and Mason wants to put your paintings in it."

Klaus was astonished.

"You better not be joking, Salvatore. Are you serious?"

"I'm serious. So you put together your best work because he'll be meeting you soon. I'll let you know when I get the details, okay?"

"Alright. Thanks a lot mate."

"No problem. I gotta go now, we're throwing my cousin his bachelor party."

"Don't do anything too scandalous. Who knows what Elena would think?" He teased, earning a groan from Stefan.

"You better be nicer to me or I'll tell Caroline about the time you got arrested for peeing on a church's wall." Stefan said. Klaus opened his eyes widely.

"You wouldn't!" The doorbell rang and Klaus panicked. "I have to go too. Caroline is here. And if you tell her about that time, I'll tell Elena the story about how your date stole all your clothes after sex in a public place and I had to bring you some pants." He threatened. Stefan gasped.

"We promised we would never talk about that! EVER!"

"Whatever mate, I have to open the door. Have fun in Italy!" He sang before hanging up and then opened the door. There stood Caroline with a big smile on her face.

"Hiiiii! I brought chocolate cake!" She said while lighting the box with the cake in it.

"Perfect, come on in." He said stepping aside. "You look lovely, by the way." He added before leaning to peck her lips. Her blue jeans and dark purple long sleeved shirt clutch to her body in the right places.

"Why thank you. You don't look so bad yourself."

.

The dinner was very good and Klaus felt proud whenever Caroline made yummy noises or complimented him. The spoke about their day and Klaus filled her in with Stefan's news. It was nice to see her getting excited over his projects. All his life Mikael made him feel like his art wasn't good enough and he never got support from anyone except Stefan and Marcel. It was like Klaus happiness made her happy as well and that felt nice.

Once they were done, Klaus suggested her to pick a movie while he cut the cake and put them on plates. But instead of picking a movie, Caroline took a book. It was a collection of Edgar Allan Poe's works and one of Klaus' favorites.

"Would you read this one to me?" She said while handing him the book. Klaus was a little surprised by her request. She wanted him to read "The Raven". He always liked Poe for his style, it was dark but elegant. He didn't need to write violent scenes with loads of blood to make his readers' stomachs drop. But he didn't think Caroline would particularly enjoy it.

They sat on his couch and ate the cake before he took the book and started reading. Caroline snuggled against his side and rested her head on his shoulder while listening to him. He never felt so comfortable before, specially with someone so physically close to him.

"…And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted — nevermore!"

He finished and Caroline looked up.

"That's a sad story… scary too, but mostly, sad." She commented.

"Yeah, he's mourning over the lost of his beloved." Klaus said while closing the book. "Why did you ask me to read this to you?"
Caroline shrugged.

"You always talk about how much you like Poe and I was curious, besides I like the sound of your voice." She said nonchalantly, but Klaus could see her cheeks turning pink.

Klaus smiled softly and tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"All my life I felt worthless. I believed I had no reason to exist and that I didn't belong anywhere. But then I met you… The things you say… You make me feel important. So I wanted to thank you for that."

Caroline smiled and leaned up to press her lips against his.

"You don't have to thank me. It's my pleasure to let you know how amazing you are." She said after their kiss, her lips still brushing against his. Klaus smiled some more and pulled her closer for another kiss. This time it was deeper and Klaus felt free to caress her tongue with his own. Caroline made a happy noise, like a little purr, when his tongue invaded her mouth.

Her hands moved up his chest to his neck while his arms traveled around her waist. He practically squeezed her against his chest to the point that she was straddling his lap, but it felt like she could never be close enough.

They kept kissing passionately, their hands running up and down each other's body frantically. He needed to touch her, to feel her smooth skin, so he slipped his hands underneath her shirt and up her back.

Caroline took back soon after that, just enough to take her shirt by the hem and pull it up. She dropped the piece of clothing on the floor and watched Klaus' reaction.

His lips were parted and his mouth suddenly felt dry, and that was the kind of reaction Caroline was hoping for. She wore a royal purple lacy bra that looked great on her white porcelain like skin. He leaned closer and placed hot open mouthed kisses on her collar bone and her chest, all around her bra. Caroline felt her need pooling between her legs. It was a delicious kind of pain. She rocked her hips, rubbing herself against his lips, which made him groan, a mixture between pleasure and the frustration of being still dressed.

Caroline let out a few moans and ran her hands through his hair. Klaus kissed his way up her neck to her mouth and she kissed him back eagerly.
They broke the kiss when they were both breathless.

"Bedroom?" Caroline asked with a small smile. Klaus smirked and nodded.

"Absolutely."

She got up and walked to his bedroom while holding his hand. Once there she turned to him and quickly took his shirt off. He lifted his arms to make it easier. When the shirt was out of the way she caressed his chest and Klaus noticed she was looking at his tattoo and then…

"That must hurt…" She said softly while caressing one of his old scars on his chest with her fingertips. He looked down to her hand and the mark on his skin. It was product of Mikael's wrath many years ago, but he still remembered how much it hurt. Klaus was embarrassed, he didn't want her to see his scars.

"An ugly past leaves ugly marks." Klaus whispered.

Caroline shook her head and leaned to kiss the scar.

"You're beautiful." She said against his skin. Klaus chuckled bitterly and lifted her face.

"You're stealing my line, sweetheart." He then kissed her deeply.

They undressed each other on their way to the bed. Caroline laid on the bed with her bra and panties on. Klaus hovered her, climbing on the mattress between her legs.

"You look… ravishing." He said, a little bit lost at words. Caroline smiled, sliding down the straps of her bra. Klaus leaned and kissed her chest, his hand slid under her back to undo her bra. He wanted to tear it apart, but it was a nice set of lingerie, he thought he would like to see it again soon.

When her chest was finally exposed, he took one of her nipples in his mouth while a hand rubbed the other. Caroline's breath hitched and she closed her eyes. Her back arched on the mattress, lifting her chest towards him. She smelled divine, her skin was smooth and perfect, she felt warm under his touch. He knew he would never get tired of touching her.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and rocked her hips against him once again. Even with her panties and his boxers, she could still feel the hard evidence of his desire.

Klaus moaned and pulled back from her chest. They looked at each other long and wanting.

"Klaus, I want you…" Caroline said low but sensually while her hands pushed down his boxers a little. Klaus quickly took a condom from the nightstand and put it on after finishing taking his boxers off. And then he took her panties off, slow and tenderly, letting his hands graze her thighs.

The sight of Caroline laying naked on his sheets was unbelievable, breathtaking. She looked pure an innocent, he even felt bad for corrupting that purity, but when he looked into her eyes, he saw the desire, he saw the lust and the needed.

Meanwhile Caroline took in his beautiful body. He was fit and handsome, the tattoos gave him that hint of bad boy she liked so much. She wanted to me touched by him, she wanted to be clay in his hands for him to create art. She wanted to get lost in his blue eyes, darkened by the lust.

Klaus leaned and kissed her fervently and she wrapped her legs around him again. That aching want she had between her legs grew when he started pushing inch by inch and when he was completely inside her they both moaned with relief.

Klaus moved slow and sensually at first but he soon picked up the pace. Caroline's moans got louder and longer. Her hands traveled up and down his back.
Klaus thought her moans were the most beautiful sound in the world, until she moaned his name.

"Klaus… oh Klaus…"

He was sure his name never sounded any better. It was when she reached her climax that his name came out in a scream. Her walls tightened around him, making him moan. Klaus pressed his head against the crock of her neck and thrusted his hips a few more times before reaching his own release.

"Oh wow…" Caroline whispered breathlessly while her hand caressed his hair lazily.

After a moment, Klaus rolled out of her, making her whimper in pleasure. He smirked and laid next to her. She quickly turned to snuggle against his side and he welcomed her with open arms.

"Today was the best day ever." Caroline said with a chuckle.

Indeed, it was.