AN: Hello everyone! I'm finally here with another chapter and we're about to find out how the big date ended xD Did they or didn't they? I hope you like it!
Thank you so much for all your thoughts about the last chapter, as well as favourites and follows, they mean so much to me :)
Now, without further ado...
Twirling around him, she felt out of breath, the fast beat of the music ringing in her ears and the warmth of his body enveloping her like a cocoon. They had left a restaurant an hour ago when she'd been still dazed from their kiss, only for Klaus to surprise her with the next part of their date.
He had taken her to her favourite club, the dimmed lights inside and the buzzing atmosphere powered by the live jazz music giving the place this particular flair she enjoyed. So far, it had turned out to be quite a marvelous evening. Spent talking, laughing, dancing. Just enjoying each other's presence.
The music slowed down and Caroline let out a quiet gasp when she recognized the tune. It was a song they had danced to for the very first time.
Klaus inched even closer, his lips grazing her ear when he whispered softly, "To new beginnings, my love."
Her breath hitched at his words and at impulse, Caroline tiptoed to kiss a corner of his mouth, lingering just for a while as she enjoyed the touch of his smooth lips. Getting back to the dance, they adjusted their movements to the rhythm and shifted even closer together. Burying her cheek in the crook of his neck, she smiled contentedly as his musky scent hit her nostrils. A sense of security and peace came over her, with her body cradled in his arms, his chin resting against her temple. It was a feeling she hadn't felt for so long; she didn't even recall feeling like this when they had been together before.
Still, Caroline thought, for the very first time, that she wouldn't trade all those moments for anything. Even the most hurtful ones. They had shaped them to be who they were now, two people moving together in this sublime harmony, attuned to one another, to their needs, desires...dreams.
They were exactly where they were supposed to be. Here, in each other's arms.
The world and people around them faded to black while they kept swaying to the familiar song, the warmth of his hand spreading over her lower back, his breath tingling against her cheek. Her lithe frame was molded perfectly against his chest, not an inch of distance between them and she couldn't refrain herself from discreetly brushing against him. Revelling in the feeling of his skin touching hers, oh-so-lightly.
Caroline could feel him stir, grow restless just like she was and then he shifted, his lips grazing her temple, moving down to the sinful lines of her mouth. She sucked in a breath, his touch leaving a trail of soft tingling under her skin.
Their eyes met for a brief moment but that was all it took for them to melt into each other, with Klaus' lips crushing over hers. Her fingers sank into the curls at the nape of his neck, tugging lightly. His tongue delved into her mouth, exploring and caressing with hot, long slides. She shuddered as his grip on her tightened, his warm hands gliding along the smooth curves of her waist.
Klaus pulled away, only to lead them out of the club, hurriedly pushing through the crowds and soon, Caroline was pushed against the wall, the roughness of bricks scratching her back.
She moaned into his mouth as his hands started wandering over her body, tugging at the hemline of her dress, brushing against her breasts, gripping her hipbone.
Fingers digging into her thigh. Strap of her dress rolling down her shoulder. His hardened cock pressing into her pelvis.
He was everywhere and it was all too much and yet, somehow, it wasn't nearly enough.
So, with hands latching onto the lapels of his jacket, Caroline pulled Klaus even closer and did the only thing that ever felt right.
She took more. And she got just as much in return.
A few rays of sunlight peaked though the blinds, tickling Caroline's face. The blonde stirred, her eyes fluttering as she woke from her peaceful slumber. She was pleasantly warm, the male body that was cradling her frame from behind making for a perfect cover.
Why would she need blankets when Klaus was so tightly wrapped around her, his firm chest pressed to her back, her legs pushed between his, with his feet warming her own?
Carefully shifting in his arms so as not to wake him, Caroline turned to face him. As she silently admired his features, she registered with satisfaction how peacefully he looked in his sleep. With eyelashes casting shadows on his cheeks, an unruly mess of sandy curls and a light stubble adorning his chin, she couldn't help but lick her lips at the sight of Klaus in all of his morning glory.
Which convinced her what a right decision inviting him in last night had been.
They had come to their senses just before things got too far and they had sex in the dark alley.
Not that it wasn't a tempting thought, the idea had certainly crossed Caroline's mind more than once, especially with the way Klaus had her spread so deliciously against that wall.
But it would've been too soon.
Still, she couldn't stop this...greed she had for him and so, when they had arrived at her doorstep, lost in ephemeral touches and longing glances, she'd allowed herself the vulnerability to ask him to stay.
And he did.
I don't want to say goodnight either, Caroline.
The words that had felt his lips so quiet and yet, they had changed the air between them.
So she had let him in and dug up a pair of boxers and a t-shirt he had once left behind (or that she had shamelessly stolen from him, never mind) and then they had proceeded with their evening routines.
Watching Klaus undress before her, doing the same in front of him, brushing her hair while he folded his clothes, was something else entirely. It felt like peace. It felt like being home.
It was what they needed.
Her hand darted out of its own volition, cupping his jaw. She traced the strong lines of his face, softened by sleep, his mouth slowly twisting into a small smile she awakened with her touch. He stirred, purring quietly under her caress and his ocean blue eyes blazed with contentment as they locked with hers.
"Good morning," she whispered sweetly.
His gaze roved over her, taking in the tousled hair and fair complexion, her face lightened up with a radiant smile reflecting his own. He enclosed her hand in his and drew it to his mouth to place feather-like kisses along her knuckles, wrist, palm. "A very good morning, indeed," he agreed, dipping his head forward and burying his nose in the crook of her glorious neck.
"Hmm," Caroline hummed contently, his light stubble scratching her skin as he brushed against her playfully.
Her muscles clenched when she recalled that same stubble grazing her skin in even more interesting places.
Before her thoughts had a chance to wander into that dangerous territory, she pushed Klaus onto his back and climbed over him, sprawling her body to cover his. He let out a loud puff in protest when she propped an elbow on his chest and rested her chin on her hand, blowing the hair from her face.
"Comfortable, sweetheart?" he mused, raising his eyebrow.
Her fingertips danced on his chest, busy with tracing patterns of his skin. "Well, I have you right where I want you," the blonde stated cheekily in response.
Klaus gave her smile that was all sin and lure. "At your mercy? I always am, love. Which begs the question, what are you going to do with me now?"
Oh, the things she wanted to do with him. It was an amazing feeling, that they were both here, together and this time, there was no sneaking around, no time limits, no one else beside them that mattered. Caroline didn't want to go overboard and think about matters that it was too soon to consider but to certain point, she couldn't help it. She was a natural planner, that was just who she was. They had spent months together and yet, yesterday had been their first very real date. Nonetheless, looking at that man spread so happily on her bed and under her body, Caroline couldn't stop her mind from rushing past today, to tomorrow, to next year.
To the rest of her life.
Life that could be filled with moments like this one, with Klaus gazing at her like she was his whole world, his warm hands encircling her waist, smile tugging at his lips. Lazy mornings, with nowhere to go to and nothing to do, both of them buried in a shelter of snug covers, cozy in each other's embrace. With secrets whispered in their ears and fingertips drawing maps of their bodies.
Lazy mornings with nowhere to go to…
"Fuck!" she swore, much to his amusement.
"Gladly, love, though I was under the impression we agreed it was too soon," came his chuckle, immediately followed by a slight frown when she sprung out of bed, ignoring his words, and rushed to her closet. "What's going on, Caroline?"
"I was supposed to go to the office today and prepare with Alaric, we have a trial starting on Monday. I can't believe I forgot, ugh!"
Klaus watched as she threw a bunch of clothes onto the bed, with the level of such uncoordinated carelessness that was very un-Caroline and made him intervene. Getting out of bed, he caught her in the middle of the room with heels in one hand and toothbrush in the other. "Calm down, sweetheart. Go have a quick shower and get dressed. I'll go and make you some coffee and breakfast."
His words seemed to have a desired effect and she nodded, shooting him a surprised glance.
She always had everything under control. It was her thing.
"Thank you," she quickly pecked him on the lips before dashing to the bathroom.
Well, it seemed like it was their thing too.
Klaus couldn't keep a huge grin off his face while he was busy preparing breakfast and coffee.
Saturday morning. The splashing sound of water coming from the shower. Caroline's impatient cursing as she fought to get dressed as fast as possible.
He wouldn't object to spending more mornings like this one.
During others, well, he would work hard to convince her to stay in bed far longer.
He was pouring coffee into her thermal mug when Caroline emerged from the bedroom. She looked lovely, with slightly damp hair framing her face and that casual yet chic style she had going on, white shirt and jeans snugged to her figure in all the right places.
"Ravishing," he simply stated, the compliment warmed by the heat so clearly simmering in his eyes. "Toast?" he offered her the plate as well as a cup of coffee.
Sauntering over to him, Caroline couldn't help but appreciate the sight of Klaus in boxers and a worn out shirt, with bare feet and ruffled hair. The thought that he looked even more delicious than her breakfast crossed her mind but then she snatched a piece of toast from the plate he was holding and melted at the savory taste.
But of course he was a talent in the kitchen as well, Caroline remarked, scrunching up her nose when she drank from her mug. The coffee was prepared just how she took it, too.
Klaus sent her a puzzled look, "Something wrong, sweetheart?"
"Do you have to be so annoyingly perfect? Especially when I need to go and can't do anything about it," she pouted adorably while his fingers absentmindedly traced her loose curls.
"It's a special talent I have, sometimes it might be a burden," he quipped.
"Is modesty one of them too?" Squinting at him, Caroline inched towards Klaus' face.
He moved forward as well. "Overrated, sweetheart," he licked his lips daringly, drawing her attention.
With a wicked smile, she put down her plate and cup, and tugged at the few necklaces Klaus was wearing, drawing him in for a kiss. Her hand rested on his neck, fingers grazing the skin and pulling his curls lightly, making him shiver.
The invitation was slow, languid as Caroline leisurely nibbled at his lower lip, quite determined to savor his delicious taste. Insatiable, she shifted her body until it was pressed flush against the firm planes of his chest. Propelling him to open his mouth, she took over the kiss, her tongue delving past his lips. Klaus' arms locked around her lithe frame, one of his hands diving into her curls so as to angle her head to deepen the kiss. She scraped his tongue with her teeth, tearing a low guttural moan from him. The feel of his hot mouth and the friction between their bodies was making her lose control and fast as their battle for dominance consumed them both. Allowing herself one final little taste, Caroline traced the lines of his utterly kissable lips with her tongue before taking a step back.
Klaus was left breathless when she finally disintegrated herself from his firm body. As he leaned down for more, Caroline swiftly stepped away, taking the coffee with her. "I really need to go now, make use of my talents," she said with a devilish glint in her eyes.
"I can see one amazing talent of yours being wasted right now," he talked back, making her laugh.
"Lock the doors when you leave," she dismissed his discontent at being taunted as she rushed to work. "I really need to go now."
"See you soon, love?" Klaus inquired, uncharacteristically shy.
Turning around at the door, she replied with a big smile, "Of course. You owe me a lot of dates."
[Later that day]
After leaving Caroline's apartment, Klaus decided to follow her example and do some work of his own, despite the weekend. Opportunity arose when Rebekah called, reminding him of a lunch meeting he had set up a few days ago. His sister, even if she wasn't most gracious about it with her constant grumbling, agreed to help him manage his affairs for the time being, until he managed to find an assistant. Which would have to be soon, if they were to survive working together.
The meeting was with a local artist whose work Klaus had been considering to showcase in his gallery at some point and given the raw talent he had noticed in a boy, he was actually quite excited to promote his art. However, when he entered the French Cafe they were supposed to meet at, he was greeted with a sight of a raven-haired man in his late twenties instead of a college student.
Sliding into the booth, he assessed the other man, his eyes boring into his with determination. "Well, you're not Josh," he stated, lifting his brow.
"Five points for stating the obvious. And Caroline said you were clever, mate," the man threw him a look of feigned pity, shaking his head.
"Enzo."
"Ah, I see my fame precedes me," he beamed at Klaus, who observed him with something akin to curiosity.
From what Caroline had told him, he knew she considered the man sitting in front of him to be one of her closest friends. A family. At first, her warm tone and heartfelt stories of their college adventures would incite a flame of jealousy deep in his chest and the obvious closeness and familiarity the two shared felt like threat to what they had. With time though, he realized two important things. One, Caroline Forbes was loyal to the bone. And two, there was nothing threatening about the deep warmth that glimmered in her eyes whenever she spoke of Enzo. In fact, it was probably similar to the look he had while talking about Rebekah.
Still, why the man felt the need to go though all of this trouble to meet him, was perplexing at the least.
"Caroline mentioned you a few times," Klaus replied drily.
Clutching his chest, Enzo uttered, "Only a few? See, now I'm wounded."
"I'm sure," he deadpanned, left unamused by his antics. Actually, his pesky behaviour reminded him of Kol and he had been long used to that. No matter how much of a nuisance his younger brother still remained. "Now, pray tell, why did you reckon it appropriate to hijack my meeting? How did you manage that, by the way?"
The other man grinned at him widely, clearly happy with himself. "My brilliant sneakiness. Some bribery. Good old charm. You know, the usual."
"My assistant cannot be bribed," Klaus argued, thinking of his sister's steel no-bullshit attitude.
Enzo's smile became even wider, if that was possible. "Ah, yes, the stunning blonde. Judging by the accent, your sister, I suppose? I have to admit, I was counting on my handsome features to do the trick but she seemed quite immune to that. I had to wait until she was distracted with some customers to get a look at your calendar so I could reschedule that meeting of yours. It's still taking place here in twenty minutes, by the way," he gloated, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
Well, that would just not do. Not to mention, the way his eyes simmered with glee when he spoke of Rebekah just rubbed him wrong, "Stay away from my sister," he sneered, pointing a finger at him.
"Really?" It was Enzo's turn to raise his eyebrows at Klaus. "And if I told you to stay away from Gorgeous right now, would you?"
"It's not the same thing," he grumbled in response, gritting his teeth at the far too friendly endearment.
"Isn't it, mate? Because she is like a sister to me," Enzo's expression turned utterly serious as he spoke in a stern voice.
With a deep sigh, he conceded, "I know."
"Look, Gorgeous isn't aware of this impromptu meeting and she will surely kill me once one of us inevitably tells her about it. But however scary facing her wrath may be, I need to say my bit," he trailed off.
Klaus nodded at him to continue, quite certain now where this was going.
"Caroline has a huge forgiving heart and that's what some people try taking advantage of. I'm not one to judge but you had your little convenient marriage going on and still decided to pursue her."
"It was her choice as well, you know," he cut in.
"I'm aware of that. And it was your choice when you put your career above her," Enzo glared at him.
"A situation I have no intention of repeating ever again. I was a fool then," Klaus agreed, his easy assent baffling the other man.
Not for long, though.
Assessing him carefully, he asked incredulously, "And you've grown that much wiser by now?"
"I know what's important now," he let out in a quiet tone.
"And don't you forget it. Gorgeous might be attached to some parts of your anatomy but luckily, I am not."
"I would stab myself before even thinking of hurting her," Klaus assured solemnly, Caroline's friend bowing his head in approval.
"Then there is at least one thing we have in common."
The first one and perhaps not the last, though for now that vast common ground was enough.
[A few days later]
[1:12 PM] Dinner at my place tomorrow night?
[1:13 PM] A movie of your choosing afterwards?
[1:13 PM] I'm cooking my specialty, just know I don't do that for everybody, love.
Caroline's lips twisted in the widest goofy smile as she read the messages from Klaus, the stack of briefs on her desk momentarily forgotten.
Klaus surely took this "traditional dating" thing very seriously.
She wasn't going to complain.
Biting on her lower lip in deep focus, she started typing an answer.
[1:17 PM] sounds great!
[1:17 PM] and you bet i'm choosing a movie xD
[1:18 PM] and I feel like watching disney btw
Normally Caroline wouldn't choose a Disney movie for a date but in this instance…
If all went well - and with Klaus she was inclined to believe so - a movie date led to making out on the couch and with their incredibly high levels of unresolved sexual tension, it would inevitably led to more.
And as toe-curling as it was with Klaus, she knew they weren't quite ready for that yet.
Perhaps a movie like this would help deter them from that.
She was about to type another message when her intercom went off. "Caroline, I informed her you were busy but she insisted. You have a guest," her assistant's distressed voice filled the room right before the door to her tiny office opened.
"Rebekah Mikaelson," the energetic blonde strutted in and shut the door with a bit too much force.
Shock crossed Caroline's face before she contained it into her professional mask. Klaus' sister looked quite pleased with herself as she settled comfortably on a chair on the other side of her desk. "A pleasure, I'm sure," Rebekah stated regally with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
Actually, Caroline was sure it would be the exact opposite of that.
Ta da dum! So? What did you think? I know I teased a bit with smut here but I really think that it would be too soon for now. How did you like Klenzo part? I have to admit, writing that was FUN. They are FUN to write, haha. What's going to happen with Caroline and Rebekah?
Thank you for reading and please, tell me your thoughts :)
Till next time!
