"And I'm going under, but I'm not giving up; I'm just giving in"
-Florence and the Machine, Never Let Me Go
Caroline gaped at Rebekah, in this moment, she could find no words.
Rebekah rolled her eyes and propped her bag up to the wall, "What're you doing in Paris anyway?" She asked, cocking her head to the side.
Caroline inhaled and felt a twinge of composure, "Spur-of-the-moment vacation."
Rebekah considered this, "With my brother?" She didn't wait for a response, "Interesting."
Caroline pursed her lips, the frustration slowly climbing through her veins, "Why did you come here, did you say?" She asked through her clenched jaw.
Rebekah smirked, "I don't think I did." She turned to face the mirror hanging in the entry way and ran a hand through her hair. Her eyes met Caroline's through the reflection, "Well, I was looking for Nik, obviously." She shook her head lightly. "I suppose I'm not completely surprised."
"Why." Caroline frowned, crossing her arms protectively over her chest, watching Rebekah dote on herself, puckering her lips and dabbing at her lip gloss.
Rebekah sighed, "Well, I mean, I'm not an idiot. "
Caroline felt her breath catch in her throat, "What does that mean?"
Rebekah grimaced, turning away from the mirror, "Honestly Caroline, I'd much rather discuss this after I've settled in." She smiled deceivingly, "Now, where's the alcohol in this goddamn house?" She muttered, disappearing into the kitchen.
"Awesome." Caroline thought with an exasperated sigh.
xxx
Caroline glared at the door; hearing Rebekah pace around the house was slightly unnerving. "Just don't come in here." She thought, strumming her fingernails against her jeans. She'd come up here so quickly, just to escape the tension, she didn't even think about what she'd do once locked away in her own room. A prisoner in what felt like her own home.
"I'm surprised she hasn't tried to kill me yet"
"I heard that." Rebekah yelled from the bottom of the stairs. Caroline grimaced as she sat quietly, trying to make herself disappear. "I'm waiting" Rebekah's voice sang. Caroline winced as she stood from her bed and walked over to her door, opening it slightly. Rebekah waited expectantly, leaning against the bannister, smiling sweetly.
"When is Nik coming back?"
Caroline shrugged, hesitantly hiding behind the jarred door, "Just today sometime. I'm not sure where he went so…"
Her words hung in the silence.
Rebekah's stare was intense, Caroline wasn't sure if it meant she was angry or maybe just thinking…She didn't know why, but she felt the strong need to be accepted by Rebekah. But not just her, all of Klaus' siblings. At one time, they were all so close; it was true that they know each other better than anyone else.
Caroline wanted them to like her; she even wanted to like them. Maybe she could one day.
Perhaps, like Klaus, they all were made of layers; you had to peel them away slowly to find who they truly are.
With that thought in mind, Caroline swallowed and inhaled carefully, "Rebekah I-"
"I have some errands to run." Rebekah interrupted curtly, "I'm sure my brother will return before me, so do tell him I've arrived."
Maybe the layers were a little thicker with the other Mikaelson's.
Caroline pursed her lips together as Rebekah gave her some sort of forced, sarcastic half smile before she opened the front door and closed it with a loud slam. Caroline felt her head nearly collapse on to the door, she sighed as the cool oak calmed her nerves.
Relief flooded through her. The tension that existed in the house disappeared with Rebekah and her errands.
"I wish you were here" Caroline thought as her eyes fluttered shut, attempting to not surrender to the tight knot that formed deep in her stomach.
After a moment, Caroline stood, regaining her composure, "If she comes back I'll need something to do." She muttered to herself, pulling her door completely open and stepping out of the safety of her own room. Padding down the stairs, she took the first left into Klaus' library.
She scanned the shelves carefully, reading each title of every book. Caroline moved down every row, paying dire attention to the books; she nearly tripped over the canvas bag that sat in front of the bookshelf.
Caroline looked at the bag perplexedly, cocking her head to the right she bent down and peered inside, pulling each of the books out one at a time.
Gone with the Wind, Anna Karenina, Wuthering Heights, and Beauty and the Beast.
Caroline emitted a laugh, "He kept them", she mused fondly, delicately pulling Beauty and the Beast from the others and holding it close to her chest as she stood and tracked back up to her bedroom.
xxx
Caroline sat on the chair in the middle of her room, her feet tucked neatly underneath her, Beauty and the Beast sat in her lap as she daintily held the cover against her palm.
"Is that any good?"
Caroline looked up in surprise, a smile claimed her face instantly. "Nik." She beamed, dropping the book to the floor and dashed to him instantly. Klaus embraced her immediately; leaning down to her he brought his lips to hers. Caroline kissed him back enthusiastically; committing to memory the soft feeling of his lips against hers.
Klaus pulled away with a grin, "I could get used to this type of homecoming." He teased, snaking his hands around Caroline's waist, pulling her closer to him. Caroline smiled and kissed him again, sighing into his lips.
She pulled away slowly, dread overcoming her, "Actually, We have a bit of a situation-" She bit her bottom lip and opened her mouth to speak.
Rebekah appeared instantly in Caroline's doorway, "Niky! You're back!" She interrupted; rushing to him, nearly plowing Caroline out of the way and pulling her brother into a hug.
Klaus gave his sister a perplexed look, "Rebekah, what are you doing here?" Rebekah pouted and pulled away from him, "Aren't you the least bit happy to see me?" She wandered across Caroline's room, pulling the curtain back slightly, she peered out the window. Caroline watched her carefully, not knowing what she may or may not do.
"I'm more interested in how you found me."
Rebekah rolled her eyes and moved on to Caroline's bed, "Honestly, Nik, did you really think none of us would be smart enough to check your old hiding places? It's almost insulting…"
Klaus mouth went taut as he only watched her, seemingly holding his breath.
Rebekah sighed, "No one followed me, if that's why you're staring at me like a moron." At this, Klaus was more at ease, his shoulders and neck relaxed as he cleared his throat, "How did you know I was here?"
"I didn't." Rebekah crossed her legs in front of her on the bed, "I just thought I'd search them all…I've really missed you." She told him earnestly, her voice softening, "I didn't expect to find her…" She muttered bitterly.
Caroline's breathe stiffened.
"What's she doing here anyways Niky?" Rebekah pouted, falling back on Caroline's comforter soundlessly, "You never used to bring girls here."
Klaus looked at Caroline reassuringly; a smile graced his lips as he slipped his hand into hers. Caroline felt his eyes, she looked up to meet them and she blushed; feeling his gaze consume her.
Rebekah scoffed, "Gag." She grimaced, sitting up to face them, eyeing between them trying to wrap her head around the idea, "Caroline, may I talk to my brother alone for a moment?" She asked almost too sweetly.
Caroline exhaled as she looked at Klaus, who was watching Rebekah intently. It was hard to read Rebekah's face, her features never fully doing justice to her thoughts. Caroline went to walk away but Klaus held her hand tightly.
"You don't have to go." He said quietly; his blue eyes pooling into those of her own. She smiled, squeezing his hand, "I'm alright." His eyes searched her questioningly, but Caroline remained un-phased, the only hint of her true feelings lay with the small smile she gave Klaus, "Really."
Klaus didn't believe her. She didn't even believe herself, but Caroline understood the bond of family. Or, she tried to.
Caroline was barely out the door when Rebekah continued to Klaus.
"So?"
Klaus exhaled and moved across from the bed, falling effortlessly onto a leather chaise lounge, "So what?" He repeated, resting his arms up behind his neck and closing his eyes, a hint of the "old" Klaus returning.
Rebekah eyed him suspiciously; not enjoying the coyness he was trying to pull over on her, her feet hovered off the bed, just barely touching the floor. She raised her eyebrows un-amusedly, "Well, what of her then?"
"Rebekah-" Klaus began to scold.
"No, Nik. I want to know the truth." She tapped her foot against the wooden floor impatiently, but Klaus was stubborn. He lay peacefully on the chaise, a slow smirk spread across his face.
"The truth about what, dear sister?"
Rebekah, exasperated, picked up a pillow from the bed and tossed it into Klaus' face, he laughed as he caught it effortlessly.
"I hope you're not such an ass to her, like you are to me."
Klaus emitted a laugh, "So, you like her now? Is that what you're saying?"
Rebekah shrugged indifferently, "Do you like her now? Is that what you're saying?" She retorted, cocking her head as her eyebrows rose.
Klaus sat up and looked directly at Rebekah, his usually serious face was relaxed completely; his eyes were beginning to show hints of a yellow glow, as if the light behind them was trying to break through. "Yes." He said simply.
Rebekah nodded slowly, "Hmm." She elicited as a sigh, "So do I have to be nice to her now?" She whined with a frown.
Klaus rolled his eyes, "You? Nice? You practically exude kindness and love…"
Rebekah scoffed and folded her arms over her chest, "Well, is this serious? Your relationship? Because you know how I feel about people coming and going from my life…"
"You're such child sometimes."
"It's an honest question Nik." Rebekah glared at him, "It's better to not get attached if you're just going to toss her aside in a month."
A thin line pressed into Klaus' forehead as he frowned. "I won't, Rebekah."
Xxx
Caroline sighed as she listened to the conversation from Klaus' room. It kept circling; no one was going to win. To drown out their voices, Klaus computer sat open; Pandora was voiced the crooning sounds of Dean Martin.
She walked over to the window, pulling the curtain back slightly she sang along softly. "Dream a little dream of me…" She joined harmoniously.
"I enjoy it when you sing."
Caroline turned quickly, closing the curtain behind her, "Thank you…" She flushed, her natural talent a source of embarrassment.
"You should do it more often." Klaus thought aloud as the song ended and another began. He listened to the words amusingly, Caroline watched as a smile spread across his face, "What?" She asked slowly, a smile of her own turning her lips up.
"What are your thoughts on Rome?"He asked seriously, walking towards her. Caroline stammered her response, "I…have none?" She laughed, "I've never been."
Klaus nodded as he approached his dresser, "Would you like to go? Tomorrow?" He shrugged, glancing at her through the mirror's reflection. Caroline gaped at him, "Tomorrow? As in tomorrow, tomorrow?" She watched Klaus laugh at her shock, "We can go later if you'd-"
"No, no…" Caroline shook her head as her eyes closed, "It's just-" She opened her eyes and looked at him carefully, "I admire your spontaneity." She said finally. Klaus smiled as he pulled a small oblong box out of his dresser drawer and approached her; "I picked this up for you." He shrugged, placing the box in her hands.
Caroline lifted the lid to the box carefully, "Nik!" She gasped, "This is…" Caroline lost her words as she traced her fingers delicately over a white pearl that hung from a diamond pendant gracefully. Caroline laughed in shock, "Seriously, do you just go to expensive stores and say, "Yes, I'll have to most expensive thing here…"" She mocked his accent dramatically.
Klaus smiled and shrugged, "It wasn't the most expensive thing…it has merely eighteen carats-"
"Of diamonds?" Caroline stammered, "I can't-"
"You will accept my gift." Klaus commanded gently, "Please, it's nothing." Caroline was unconvinced, she shook her head and looked back to the brilliantly made jewelry.
"Do you like it?"
Caroline nodded slowly, "I love it." She whispered, "I've never had anything so exquisite…" She looked at Klaus suddenly, "Except for maybe that bracelet you gave me, and that dress…"
Klaus waved her off, "If you like it, it's yours." He exhaled and walked back over to the dresser, sliding the door closed, "Will you wear it in Rome?" He asked as a smile snuck onto his face. Caroline giggled, closing the lid over the box gently, "I'll wear it everywhere." Klaus turned to her, "Good."
"So…" Klaus began as he leisurely walked toward Caroline, purposefully dragging out his words and steps, "You'll go to Rome with me?" He asked as his eyes danced fluidly.
"And Rebekah?" Caroline asked hesitantly, and Klaus laughed, "She wants to stay in Paris for a few days, but she'll eventually join us…does that bother you?"
Rebekah, Klaus, and Caroline...in Rome.
"No, not at all." Caroline smiled as best she could, Klaus chuckled at her attempt. "Rebekah is…difficult." He ran his hand over Caroline's hair and twisted the ends as his hand pulled away, "She'll come around." He said softly; his gaze consuming hers completely.
Caroline's breath hitched in her throat, suddenly wanting nothing more than for Klaus to touch her. He gazed at her boldly, his eyes all-consuming as they scanned the length of her body. "I missed you." He admitted as he stretched his arm out to her and rested it on her hip; he hooked his finger through her belt loop and teasingly pulled her to him.
Caroline smiled, as she seductively bit her lip, "How can you miss me? You were only gone a day." She said coyly; ignoring his hands that had slipped under her shirt and were thumbing her sides tantalizingly.
"I was very lonely." He whispered, while his fingers played with the hem of Caroline's shirt; seriously debating on shredding it completely. Caroline smirked and instantly had Klaus' back pressed to the wall. "You're not going to fight back?" Caroline whispered, slipping her hands under Klaus' shirt and guiding them onto his stomach and around to his back. His muscles were rigid as she graced over them; Klaus's jaw clenched tightly.
"You have no idea how much self-control I'm maintaining."
Caroline sighed as her hands ceased their movements, she stepped away from him. "What can I do, to make you lose your control…?" She thought aloud flirtatiously, taking a few more steps away from him. "Do you like this shirt?" She asked, innocently enough. Klaus couldn't respond, his breathe was rigid and he clenched his hands into fists. Caroline smiled, "Me neither."
In one motion she pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it carelessly to the ground.
Klaus exhaled slowly, his eyes locked onto Caroline's. She faced him as she backed away, feeling the mattress of his bed bump the back of her knees. She rested against the bed easily. "What about these jeans?"
Klaus' mouth twitched as he attempted poorly to hide a smile. Caroline slowly undid her button, and began sliding the zipper of her jeans down. "I don't like them either." She whispered, situating herself on the bed and pulling the pants off her body, they hit the floor silently.
"I don't like to lose, Caroline." Klaus purred from across the room. Caroline shrugged as she sat, dragging her hand over her own chest and shoulders, "Neither do I." She shrugged.
Klaus laughed as he peeled his shirt over his head; Caroline's eyes fell to his perfectly chiseled chest. She had to physically keep her lips together.
"I've been around a long time." Klaus said softly as he began to walk to Caroline, "Much longer than you…" He stood in front of her, his head cocked to the side. Slowlyhe began to advance, easing her back without touching her; his hands propped him up against the mattress, resting on either side of her head as he looked down at her.
Caroline wanted to reach up and touch him but thought against it in her stubbornness; not wanting to lose the game. "I know how to resist." Klaus continued, hovering over her, their hips making the only contact. Klaus began dragging his fingers down Caroline's neck, and continuing to her collarbone, doting on to her breasts slowly, admiring the lace of her bra. Caroline's breathing increased rapidly, her back arched in anticipation as she snaked her arms around Klaus' neck.
Caroline pulled him against her tightly, Klaus obliged; his body rested heavily on hers. Caroline stifled a gasp, feeling his erection press through their layer of clothing. "Feels like you're losing…" She muttered breathlessly, her teeth clamping onto her bottom lip roughly. Klaus smiled and relaxed; Caroline dominated the moment slipping out from beneath him and balanced easily on top of him.
She sat a moment, relishing in her power; enjoying the feeling of making him wait, anticipating her next move. She began to move her hips against his pelvis, slowly churning in deliberate circles. Klaus' eyes closed momentarily, his hands gripped her hips tightly, "Are you surrendering?" Caroline whispered playfully, ceasing her movements and leaning over him, her breath hot in his ear; purposefully allowing her breasts to graze against his chest. Klaus groaned and flipped her onto her back, "Never." He mused, watching as Caroline exhaled in frustration.
Klaus grinned and began a trail of kisses beginning at the nape of her neck and proceeding down to her stomach; Caroline's hands slipped into his hair and began to tug gently. Her stomach tightened with eagerness.
Caroline elicited a moan as Klaus stopped just short of the elastic of her underwear. He looked up at her and smiled, "Is this your surrender?" Caroline slowly shook her head, "Not yet."
A devilish grin spread across Klaus' features as he laced both of his hands around Caroline's, as he brought his head up to hers; successfully pinning her to the bed. He watched her for a moment, smiling down at her eyes, large and round. Excitement flooded through her, the feeling in her stomach warming her to the core.
Klaus pushed his lips onto hers brazenly, his tongue wasting no time; greedily claiming hers. As he pulled away quickly, Caroline tried to lift herself to him. Desire overtaking her and wanting only his lips on hers where they belonged. Klaus laughed and held her hands tightly, keeping her firmly in place beneath him and watching her squirm helplessly.
Satisfied with her discontent, Klaus released one of her hands and tilted her head to the side, leaving her neck fully exposed. His lips pressed to it urgently, spreading soft languid kisses that began to drive her wild.
Caroline's free hand reached into his hair, pulling at it longingly. Her eyes closed blissfully as he devoured her with need. Gasping, Caroline felt Klaus's other hand begin to slowly skim down her body, teasingly stopping against her mid-thigh. "Truce?" Caroline breathed erratically, reveling in his blue eyes. Klaus chuckled and leisurely drug his hand back up her stomach. "Truce." He whispered softly, pawing at her bra strap.
Caroline grinned wildly as her lips eagerly collided into his. While their tongues battled hotly for dominance of the other, Caroline maneuvered herself onto her knees, keeping Klaus with her. Klaus growled against her lips and Caroline's head tilted back in ecstasy. At the exposure of her neck, Klaus planted kisses across her cheek and down her jawline; his teeth grazed her earlobe temptingly.
With skill, Caroline's hands slipped down from his shoulders and chest to the edge of Klaus' jeans; quickly she un-hooked his button and pulled the zipper down. Klaus's lips found hers again as he looped his thumb around her bra strap and slid it off her shoulder; mirroring this movement on the other side and unclasping it all together in the back.
His hands spread across her chest fervently, bringing his lips down to her breasts. He kissed the sensitive skin gently; nuzzling them as Caroline sighed pleasurably. In a daze of desire, Caroline began to lean back into the mattress, her head hitting the blankets softly; she admired Klaus hovering over her, his cheeks flushed with need.
Klaus knelt down to her, in doing so his hand dropped to her hips; thumbing the lace of her underwear his breath became jagged. "I have no control when it comes to you." He whispered as his hands slipped beneath the silk and caressed the crease of her hip joining her leg. Caroline whimpered as Klaus lips pushed onto hers, one-handedly ripping her undergarment from her body. Caroline gasped in surprise as Klaus tossed the tattered remains to the floor, "Those were Victoria's Secret!" She protested with a pout. Klaus shrugged indifferently, "I'll buy you thousands more." He said quickly, claiming her lips with an open mouth. The idea of Klaus ripping a thousand more pairs of her underwear intensified the arousal beginning to pour down from her stomach.
Caroline twisted around Klaus and straddled him easily, moving off him slightly, she pulled his boxers slowly down. His hands ran up and down the length of her sides, pressing aggressively into her back. Caroline looked at Klaus as a coy smile drew upon her lips. "So…you can't control yourself around me?" She asked seductively, slowly beginning to swivel her hips against his stomach. Klaus smirked darkly, "The thoughts I have about you are blush worthy."
"Tell me." She whispered, thoroughly intrigued, as a carnal energy coursed through her. Klaus sat up, firmly holding her against his lap. He reached up and tucked a wavy tress of hair behind her ear, "Perhaps I'll show you one day." He mused, watching her eyes widen and mouth fall open. Leaving her no room to speak, he pushed his lips fiercely against hers; enjoying her hands pressed against his chest.
Swiftly Klaus clasped his hand around Caroline's waist and reversed their positions, guiding her down onto the bed as he followed; their teeth clicked together sloppily as they fell together. Without hesitation, Caroline's tongue found his; they gloried in each other.
"I need you." Caroline said through a sigh, the lack of friction becoming unbearable. With frenzy, she connected their lips; her back arched, pressing her chest and stomach into him. Klaus groaned into her mouth, running his hand down the length of her side. "Nik-" She murmured breathlessly, "Please, this is torture."
Klaus smiled at the sound of his name, he looked to Caroline's eyes; absorbing them wholly. Caroline gasped as Klaus's lips fell to hers as he sank into her slowly. Pressed to him tightly, they began to move together; a precise resonance as they establish a rhythm.
Caroline's cheeks grew hot as their pace slowed; she moaned against his lips, beginning to feel the world slip away. Klaus deliberately pressed into her, and slowly retreated; enjoying the whines she elicited every time. "Allow me to ravish you." He whispered softly as Caroline looked up to him; her eyes remained locked on his as she took measured breaths. With each thrust, the feeling began to intensify; Caroline wrapped her leg around Klaus' hip as her hands explored over his chest and then encircled his neck.
Abruptly, Klaus clasped his hands around Caroline's hips and sat up, pulling her with him. She panted against his neck while his hands danced over her back; resuming a rise and fall motion. Their legs were entangled in each other's while they rocked together in exact movements, Klaus emitted a growl and Caroline gasped out effervescently as her insides tightened around him.
Her hands fell down to Klaus' neck as she knelt her forehead against his. Their breathing hastened in eagerness as their movements quickened wildly. Caroline cried out as she was consumed by her release; prompting Klaus's climax. He elicited a soft moan as he finished inside of her.
They basked for a moment, as they were, intertwined together. Caroline held his neck tightly; her forehead remained on his as she fought to regain her breath. Klaus's hands cupped her face gently; he tilted her head back slightly and pressed his lips against hers softly.
"Please be mine forever." Caroline sighed, inhaling deeply as he gently slid out of her. Klaus chuckled as he laid her back carefully onto the bed. "If that's what you want."
"Oh…it so is." Caroline whimpered as Klaus lay next to her, amused by her words. He wrapped his arm protectively over her shoulders as Caroline's head rested against his chest. They lay silently for a long time; relishing in each other's embrace.
"Tell me about Rome." Caroline said with a yawn, dragging her fingers lazily down his chest. Klaus smiled as his hand slid down her back leisurely, "You'll love it."
A/N: Sorry for dropping of Earth again, I was taking these really intense film classes and they were surprisingly time consuming!
Anyways, to make up for it I: 1. Am taking Klaroline to Rome, and 2. Gave you a steamy scene. So no whining!
Someone asked me if I had a "sex scene" playlist, the answer? Lol. Yes, I actually do. I (embarrassingly enough) enjoy writing those scenes! It's like how I get my 50 Shades moment...haha.
In other news, I've started writing my next Klaroline tale! AH! So exciting! But, I'm not going to upload it until I finish this one...(sorry...)
Thank you for reviewing (as always), but thank you for reading as well! It always blows me away to see how many people are clicking on this story and actually sticking with it. Nothing like a good ol' ego boost