Well, that was some finale on Thursday, huh? My Klaroline feels were all over the place, as well as my Delena feels. Anyway, time to update! And, true to the summary, it's another random AU one shot.

The sweetness of the late afternoon breeze seemed to envelope her as Caroline went for a jog. Jogging had always helped her to relieve any stress she might have experienced throughout her day and she came home with a clear head and with a rejuvenated spirit. Tonight's jog was no different, except, of course, Caroline sensed that she wasn't alone. Looking over, she saw that Klaus had joined her, decked out in a white tank that seemed to show off his sexy arms and shorts to show off his equally sexy legs. She didn't know why he was doing this, but then again, she probably didn't need to know why, since he no doubt had her routine committed to memory.

"Fancy running into you out here."

"Yeah, fancy that," she replied. "Let me guess, you followed me? I've got to tell you, Klaus, you certainly have a nasty habit of doing that."

Klaus said nothing to that, just smiled. For the next several minutes or so, there was silence between them as they continued to jog together, during which Klaus stole glances at Caroline. It wasn't long until they came to a nearby tree, where Caroline stopped to drink some water and cool down a bit. Klaus did the same, looking at her with another smile.

"You really didn't have to join me, you know. I've always jogged alone."

"I wanted to. I figured that we needed to have another 'thing.'"

Caroline sighed and rolled her eyes. "Klaus, drinking champagne isn't what I would consider a 'thing.' It was just...an activity that we just happened to share, that's all. Besides, I never pictured you as the jogging type."

"Doesn't mean I can't try it," said Klaus. "I must say that I find it very stimulating, not just for the body, but the mind as well. It's definitely something that I'll use as a way to cure a dry spell. Why, I must've been inspired to create at least two, maybe masterpieces in the span of an hour."

"Uh huh, right," said Caroline. "Still, I'm amazed that you know my jogging route." She rolled her eyes. "Oh, yeah, I forgot how observant you are. Which was why I asked you earlier if you followed me."

"If you want to know the truth, love," said Klaus. "The reason I joined you on your jog is because I don't want anyone or anything attacking you, even though you're capable of defending yourself."

That was the reason? He wanted to make sure that she was safe during her jog? Wow, chivalry really isn't dead, she thought. I guess in Klaus' case, it's...well, undead. I suppose letting him jog with me wouldn't all that bad. What was it he told me, take a chance?

"You really wanted to protect me?"

Klaus nodded. "Believe me, love, keeping you safe has made its way onto my list of priorities."

Caroline ignored that part, since she already knew of his other priorities. "Well, if that's what you really want, then I guess letting you be my jogging partner wouldn't be all that bad. I may not be a damsel in distress, but I guess it's good to have back up in case I'm outnumbered or something."

Klaus nodded again, and after they had consumed enough water, they resumed their jog, keeping a steady pace so that they were able to keep in sync with each other.

"What did you want to do after this?"

Her question brought him out of his reverie and a sly smile appeared on his face. "You know, we've never gone to the movies together. Remember, you said you wanted to put three seats between us?"

Shit, that's right, we haven't. "Sounds like a plan to me. This time, however, I'll sit next to you." Before he could reply, she added, "And don't hog the popcorn, because I'll fight you for it."

"As fun as that would be, I promise to share," said Klaus. "Any other rules you want me to abide by?"

"The only other rule would be not to kill any guy that looks at me," said Caroline. "If you want them to know who I belong to, I can always take your hand and place my free hand on your arm."

Klaus smiled at that. Something told him that he was going to enjoy this.

Note: Enjoy, lovelies! :)