Holy bejeebus folks! so much love and support from you all, i appreciate your encouragement. i had no idea that this fanfiction was so popular, or even so read! it still took me a week to upload this, i was in Miami, i got ENGAGED! And then flew home several hours later to Australia :( if you like this next chapter in the story, let me know and i will keep on writing.
Caroline woke with a slow yawn, stretching out like a cat as she looked over at the clock, a look of disgust on her face when she saw the time. "7am?! Oh my god why am I even awake right now?"
Grabbing her pillows she pulled them tight to her chest and curled into a ball, determined to sleep in just a little longer. Her vampire hearing picked up soft footsteps out in the living room, she slowed her breathing down and pretended to have gone back to sleep. It was just too early.
After a few minutes of listening to faint sounds, Caroline was able to hear the footsteps grow a little louder as Klaus made his way towards the bedroom door, where he paused for a few moments. She held her breath, praying he would just leave her for another half an hour.
A soft chuckle came from the other side of the door, and he rapped twice, "Sweetheart, if you want to pretend to sleep, I might recommend keeping your breathing even."
"You can't come in. I am asleep." She groaned in response, trying to smother her grin at their playful banter.
The knob clicked, and the door swung open to reveal Klaus, standing in his low riding sweat pants, and heaven forbid, no shirt. It took several moments for Caroline's brain to reset after her eyes had traced every inch of his chest. She closed her mouth, finally noticing that he held a small wrapped package in his hands.
Klaus' signature smirk twitched at his lips as he tried to keep a straight face. He had been hoping for that reaction. "Can Saint Nick come in?" he asked as he confidently strode into her room, "It's a little unorthodox for the presents to be delivered by hand, but an exception will be made for today."
She giggled, picturing him in a santa costume immediately. "It depends." Caroline fired back sitting up.
"On what, sweetheart?" he asked, stepping over to the end of the bed.
"On what's in the box of course!" Caroline laughed.
Klaus gestured to the bed, indicating he would like to sit, but he was awaiting her permission to do so. Caroline didn't hesitate before nodding, and the hybrid sat gingerly. He was fidgeting with the ribbon, running its spirals around his fingers, suddenly all confidence gone.
"I… er… I hope you like it." He mumbled, thrusting the small box towards her awkwardly.
"I'm sure I will!" Caroline said excitedly. She reached out and took it from his grip, then looked up into his eyes. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me until you have opened it Caroline." He murmured back, holding her gaze.
She smiled, before dropped her eyes to look at the perfectly wrapped present in her hand. Pulling gently at the ribbon, Caroline began to unwind the binding, and ran her fingers along the opening of the paper, popping the tape free. Her breath caught; out slid a lavish wooden box, which looked to have been created a century ago. Glancing up, Caroline met Klaus' eyes once more and smiled, her eyes lit up in excitement.
"It's beautiful." She whispered breathlessly, running her fingers tenderly over the hand carvings, smiling softly. "Did you make this?"
"A very long time ago." He responded, no emotion in his voice, or written on his face. "Open it."
Not to be told twice, Caroline's fingers found the silver latch, and lifted the lid of the box. Inside was an antique compass. It was beautiful, made from worn, yet untarnished brass. The glass had been scratched in several spots, and the ink faded on the North point. It was very old. She could feel the life this piece had, and could imagine all the stories that belonged to the owners of such an instrument. Her eyes welled with unshed tears. It was an incredible gift.
Klaus couldn't stand the silence any longer, and his words tumbled out hurriedly. "You said you wanted to travel, and you wanted adventure. I thought this would be fitting for an explorer. It belonged to a friend of mine, Nicolau Coelho, a Portuguese navigator turned explorer. He used this on his voyage to what is now Brazil in the 15th century, in a small fleet of 13 ships. Only 4 of the fleet made the return passage, and I was given this on homecoming."
"Klaus. It's gorgeous. I don't know what to say." Caroline replied.
"A beautiful trinket for a beautiful explorer, sweetheart. Merry Christmas."
A tear escaped and ran down Caroline's cheek. He promised to teach her obscure things in history, and tell her parts of the world he had seen. She hadn't expected the big bad hybrid to share something so special with her. Breaking her admiring gaze from the piece of history she held in her hand, Caroline closed the distance between them and pulled Klaus into a tight hug, uncaring of his state of undress. She could feel him stiffen upon contact, but almost immediately he relaxed, putting his arms around her in return.
Caroline loosened her hold, but didn't let go. The warmth radiating from his skin lulled her into a peaceful state. She felt safe; treasured. He had given her a gift, and it was perfect in every way.
Letting out a squeal of excitement, the baby vampire pulled back and sprung from the bed, racing towards the closet, leaving the hybrid slightly stunned in her wake.
"I almost forgot about your present!" she giggled, returning a moment later and sitting by his side, holding a large box.
Klaus noticed the children's wrapping paper of teddy bears building a snowman and laughed. She was so very young compared to him.
"If you like the paper that much, you will like the gift even more!" Caroline giggled excitedly.
"No matter what is inside this, sweetheart, I will love it."
"Hush, just open it already." She said through her blush.
Klaus shredded the paper within seconds and slid open the flap of the box, peering inside. Reaching inside, he pulled out a high grade sketch pad, a case of artist pencils, and a small blue rucksack. Klaus traced his fingers over the items, smiling at how well she knew him already. "Thank you Caroline."
"I was thinking, that we need to have some pictures of the places we go, and something drawn is better than any photo that I can take. The bag is to pack it all in. I wasn't sure if it would ruin your tough look, so you don't need to use it if you don't want to. I just wanted to be prepared!" she stammered, suddenly nervous.
A moment passed before Klaus looked up at her, "of the places we go?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.
"You promised to show me the world didn't you? Well I'm taking you up on the offer." Caroline replied, slipping her hand into his.
Klaus smiled, squeezing her hand softly. "I think I remember that. Where would you like to start?"
"I'm not sure. There are so many beautiful places I want to see!" she said, eyes dancing in excitement.
"Shall we make it an adventure, Caroline?" Klaus smiled, his undead heart beating frantically in his chest. This was his chance to show her the world.
"Oh yes please! But can we wait until after New Year? I want to watch the ball drop."
Klaus smiled wider and nodded his agreement. "I have to finish organising something I have planned for you tonight. I will be back to collect you at 8pm. Wear that blue dress you bought yesterday."
He stood slowly, giving the vampires hand a light squeeze before he tugged free. He bent down quickly, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Thank you Caroline."
Caroline ducked her head slightly to hide her smile and blush, "No, thank you Klaus." She passed his gifts up to him, her eyes watching him as he walked away. As he reached the door she looked down to her compass, her thumb skimming the surface fondly.
The hybrid glanced back from the doorway, taking in Caroline's radiant smile and the way her eyes admired the trinket. With her distracted, he allowed all his emotions to play across his face, and found himself smiling as wide as she was. A warmth filled his chest and stomach, and knew that he could stand here forever and just watch the way that she enjoyed life. Piece by piece she was unlocking feelings in him he had buried long time past. She was a brightness in his soul that was burning away the dark. She was his light.
Klaus turned to leave when Caroline used her vampire speed to get between him and the door. A look of surprise crossed his face, and the blonde took advantage of his distraction and bounced onto her toes, pressing a soft kiss against his lips. It lasted a mere few seconds, and Klaus had no chance to respond before she pulled a few inches away from his face.
"Merry Christmas Klaus."
I really appreciate everyone's kind reviews, PMs and twitter thingys. I have a twitter as well you can get me at, shoot me questions or requests MissMackasaurus
xxx
