Thank you to everyone who reviewed but I really want to thank my awesome regular reviewers who give me positive comments just about, if not every chapter and who are the reason I keep writing. I'm enjoying writing all this fluff if you hadn't noticed I love my Kalijah almost as much as my Klaroline.

Now onto part two of the Labor Day weekend…

Collision Course: Chapter 25.

September 1: Oahu Hawaii

"So what do you think?" Caroline asked excitedly looking at her sand creation. Klaus walked around its perimeter studying it carefully. "Well come on Klaus don't keep me in suspense!"

"It's kind of crooked." He said biting his lip and trying not to laugh.

"Oh it is not." She argued checking it from every angle.

"Ah yeah it kind of is."

"Well even if it's slightly wonky you helped so that must have been part of your handy work."

"Hey I was just assisting and if I do say so myself that selection of shells is magnificent." He said admiring the colourful decoration around the top.

"Yeah there's that ego I love so much again." She muttered.

"Are you saying my sea shells aren't pretty?"

"Fine Klaus yes your shells are pretty but that doesn't change the fact you still have the biggest ego." She scoffed.

"Hey there's no need to get so huffy with me because you can't build a stable sand castle. I mean we're all good at different things Caroline, maybe this just isn't your thing love." He said a cheeky smile etched on his face.

"Yeah maybe you're right." She said quietly walking around towards him. "I should probably just stick to singing I suppose."

"That's probably for the best." Before he could react Caroline picked up a full bucket of water and dumped it all over him. He coughed and spluttered as the salty water ran over his face and down his broad chest.

Caroline looked on unable to control her laughter. To be honest she'd never seen someone look that gorgeous soaking wet. To say she had been distracted since he arrived in Hawaii wearing nothing but his swimming shorts would have been an understatement. Klaus had an incredible body thanks to his strict fitness regime but Caroline wasn't used to having it displayed so publicly.

Since England she hadn't had the opportunity to see his muscular physique let alone run her hands all over it. She felt herself getting aroused by the memories of their time together and just what she'd do to him if she had the chance. Before she knew it she felt him pick her up and throw her over his shoulder and run towards the water.

"Klaus put me down!" She squealed.

"No way Caroline you deserve some payback."

"How does a bucket of water compare to an entire ocean?"

"It doesn't love but you should know by now I always like to go one better." He laughed as he ran through the ankle deep water and plunged them both into the cool ocean. She felt herself being pulled further under the water by a wave just as two strong arms pulled her back to the safety of the surface.

"Thanks for that Klaus." She shouted wiping the salt water from her eyes and hitting him on the chest.

"And you thought you were going to be underdressed for our little activity." He chuckled referring to her earlier comments. "Lucky you took that dress off before it was completely soaked."

He had such a tight grasp on her that she could feel her bare skin rubbing up against his. They hadn't been this close for a while and it was unnerving, not to mention the fact that all the memories from their little frolic in the Italian sea were flooding back. She looked at Klaus noticing his crimson lips curving into a smile, the memories obviously fresh in his mind as well.

She coughed nervously realising that as much as she wanted to make love to him then and there she wasn't ready, not yet. She regretted how they rushed into things and wanted to do things right this time. They hadn't even been on a real date yet and she wanted the chance to experience those special moments first-hand with him if they were going to give things a chance. She moved away self-consciously scared of what might happen if they remained that close for much longer.

"Thanks." She said finding it difficult to look directly into his eyes without blushing.

"What for?"

"For this afternoon. I had a really good time with you, even if you did insult my castle."

"Maybe I was a little harsh." He conceded.

"A little?" She cried.

"Okay I admit I could have been a little more constructive with my criticism but I'm prepared to make it up by helping you repair that wonky wall."

"You've got yourself a deal Mikaelson." She replied as they emerged from the water matching smiles on their faces.

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"I'm fairly certain horses don't like bread." Elijah said watching Katherine feed Coco the remains of her lunch. They had ridden up to the far end of the beach and were seated next to each other on the sand eating a picnic Elijah had organised. Their horses Coco and Moses were standing nearby tied up to a tree.

He couldn't believe how much he'd enjoyed spending time with Katherine. Elijah had to admit he was slightly worried about what they would talk about. He wasn't sure what he would have in common with a famous Hollywood actress but apparently they shared many interests, horses being just one of them.

Katherine was so easy to talk to as well. Even with her celebrity status she was just like the girl next door once her defences were down. He loved the melodic sound of her laugh and the dimple in her right cheek that was only accentuated when she smiled. Elijah knew he was in danger of falling head-over-heels with Katherine Gilbert, he just hoped he wasn't alone.

Coco snatched the bread eagerly and chomped down on it obviously enjoying the taste.

"What was that you were saying?" She teased.

"Okay just this one time I'm willing to admit I was wrong."

"You don't admit you're wrong very often do you?" She asked arching her left eyebrow at him.

"Well no because I'm always right Katherine, surely you should know that by now."

"Oh now I can see the Mikaelson family resemblance." She said throwing her head back and laughing.

"I have a feeling that wasn't a compliment." He said shaking his head. "Trust me I have no idea where those three came from."

"So why didn't you pursue a career in the spotlight, I mean by the looks of it you have many talents of your own."

"I suppose but I'm not the sort of person that seeks out attention. I much prefer being in the background and getting on with my work."

"That's refreshing to hear." She said smiling at him warmly. "So many people these days are so caught up in trying to be somebody they miss the whole point."

"So what is the point Miss Gilbert?"

"I think it's just about doing something you love. All the other superficial crap that goes with being a celebrity means nothing." She said shrugging her shoulders.

"So I take it you're living a fulfilled life then?"

"To a certain degree." She said pausing momentarily. "I love my job but sometimes it gets a bit lonely when you've got no one to share it all with." Katherine dropped her gaze and began to busy herself raking her hands through the sand.

"I know what you mean." He said his voice slightly breaking. Elijah knew this was his moment to show Katherine just how much he cared for her.

He leaned over and placed his finger under her chin pulling it upwards so her brown eyes were locked with his. Elijah could feel his heart begin to race as his lips moved within inches of hers. Katherine closed the short distance between them brushing her lips softly over his. Their kiss eventually deepened, the months of pent up emotion boiling to the surface. Elijah moaned instinctively against her lips realising just what he'd been missing.

Suddenly Coco neighed startling the pair and making them jump apart in fright. Katherine couldn't help herself and giggled despite the interruption. Elijah just shook his head his lips still burning from her touch.

"Okay there are no animals allowed on our next date." He joked smiling at the beautiful woman in front of him.

September 2: (Labor Day) Oahu Hawaii

"Gotcha!" Caroline cried as she watched Katherine skulking out of Elijah's bedroom the following morning. Katherine jumped back obviously not expecting someone to be up so early. She turned around a guilty look over her face.

When Katherine and Elijah had returned from their date yesterday unable to wipe the smiles of their faces the group had their suspicions and had tried to get the truth out of them but they had kept relatively quiet. They had been shocked mainly because Katherine was usually so outspoken when it came to her personal life.

When they had retired to bed Katherine was definitely in her room and Elijah in his but obviously something had happened during the night. If Caroline knew they were together she could have slept elsewhere and actually had a full night's rest.

She had spent the majority of the night gazing up at the ceiling slightly anxious not to mention deep in thought, her only means of comfort was the sound of his steady breathing. During the early hours of the morning he rolled over and slung his arm across her chest and nuzzled into her neck. Caroline froze at first unsure of what to do but after a few moments realised just how amazing it felt and finally nodded off to sleep content in his embrace.

"Caroline what a surprise."

"Yeah isn't it?" She asked folding her arms across her chest. "Okay come on spill, I want all the gory details."

"But I'm so tired Caroline." She whined.

"You better tell me or I'll wake up the whole house and tell them exactly what you've been doing."

"You sure do play nasty Caroline; I think someone's just jealous." She said raising her eyebrows.

"Yeah okay I'm jealous as hell so please let me live vicariously through you just this once." She pleaded making them both laugh.

"Fine but you're making the coffee." She said linking her arm through Caroline's and walking towards the spacious kitchen.

"So was it amazing?" She asked wanting to get straight down to the intimate details.

"I wouldn't know." She said vaguely wiping at an invisible spot on the kitchen bench.

"You wouldn't know, are you telling me Katherine Gilbert spent the night with a guy and nothing happened?"

"Believe it or not nothing happened." She said quietly. "It was really nice; we just talked and kissed for hours."

"I think someone's in trouble." Caroline said watching the blush spread across Katherine's face. "Is someone in love?" Katherine was silent for a moment contemplating what Caroline was suggesting.

"Am I?" She asked her eyes slowly widening in realisation. "Oh I don't know. Surely not I mean it hasn't been long enough and you know I barely know him." She rambled.

"I think that rambling reaction just confirmed it Kitty Kat."

"Maybe I mean I've certainly never felt like this about anyone before." She whispered her anxious expression finally turning itself into a big smile. "He's just so different."

"Elijah is a true original that's for sure." Caroline beamed overjoyed for her friend. "I couldn't think of two people more suited."

"We are complete opposites though."

"Yes but I think that's what makes you so perfect for each other, I mean take Stefan and Rebekah for example."

"Ew I'd rather not be compared to that creepy relationship thank you very much." She cried scrunching up her face.

"You know what I mean Katherine." She said. "The saying is true, opposites do attract."

"Okay I know where you're going with this; I suppose that explains you and Klaus as well."

"Oh well I'm not so sure about that." She said uncomfortable that the conversation had suddenly turned to her relationship with Klaus.

"You know exactly what I'm saying." She said placing her hands over her best friends. "You guys are made for each other now all you need to do is get past some of those trust issues so you can move forward."

"I've been thinking about that all night and honestly whatever trust issues I had seem to have just disappeared for whatever reason." Katherine raised her eyebrows not expecting that response. "I mean he's been so well-behaved this weekend, I can really tell he's making an effort."

"So what's stopping you then Care?" She asked curiously. "I know love isn't the issue, I mean anyone can see how much you both feel about each other."

"You know I'm not so sure." She said and Katherine tried to object. "Before you say anything I know that's what it looks like but I'd really like to hear it for myself."

"He told you he loved you though, in England."

"When he was so drunk he could barely stand up and before you say it I know I wasn't any better letting it slip out at my bachelorette party."

"So what are you going to do about it then?"

"I don't know that's the problem." She sighed. "I don't want to rush into things like we did last time I just want to start over again."

"That makes it pretty difficult when you're already married; I mean you're not talking divorce are you?"

"If this were a perfect world I probably would get a divorce just so we could start from scratch but unfortunately we have the media watching our every move." She said shaking her head in dismay. "Although I guess that doesn't mean we can't still have some firsts together."

"Well I think that has well and truly passed given what rabbits you two were." She chuckled and Caroline hit her friend on the arm.

"I didn't mean that Katherine." She cried. "I mean look at you and Elijah, you've already been on a romantic first date and stayed up all night just talking and snuggling. I want that too, we just let our hormones get in the way and rushed into everything."

"So what you're saying is you want to be romanced by your husband?"

"It's probably old fashioned but yes that's exactly what I want." She said. "Do you think it's too much to ask?" Katherine shrugged her shoulders thinking if that's what Caroline wanted she was going to make damn sure it happened.

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"Why is Matt hogging the barbeque?" Damon whined.

"Because sweetie Matt can actually cook." Elena said matter-of-factly.

"You heard your girlfriend Damon, I can cook." Matt said proudly puffing out his chest while he turned over the sizzling pieces of meat on the barbeque.

"Well I'd hardly call barbequing difficult Matt." Lexi teased patting his arm.

"I thought this was Labor Day not pick on your boyfriend day Lexi." Matt pouted.

"Yeah I couldn't agree more." Damon muttered.

"Where is Katherine with those salads?" Lexi asked looking around the villa.

"Well I notice Elijah is missing too so I'm guessing that's not a coincidence." Matt laughed.

"Okay I've set the table and we've got the bread and drinks." Caroline smiled walking over to the barbeque. "Here's a tray for the meat Matt then I think we're all set."

"Only we're missing a few salads." Elena added. "Any idea where Katherine went?"

"Um yeah don't go into the kitchen, I just made that mistake and think I've lost my appetite." Klaus said screwing up his nose.

"Oh I think it's sweet." Caroline cooed.

"Not if you walked in on your brother making out with his girlfriend."

"On that note I'm just going to stay out here." Elena replied not thrilled to see her sister making out either. "I'm willing to live without salad."

"Did someone mention salad?" Katherine chirped walking out to the terrace with Elijah by her side a goofy grin on his face.

"Finally." Damon muttered. "Now let's eat I'm starving."

After Matt had plated the meat they sat down inhaling all the beautiful aromas. The table was filled with a delicious array of food including carne asada, grilled corn on the cob, chicken skewers, potato salad and hamburgers.

Caroline's mouth watered at the feast that lay in front of her, already looking forward to the dessert course. Strangely enough her appetite had returned with a vengeance although she wasn't completely sure why but she certainly wasn't complaining.

After stuffing themselves with the mountain of food on the table they all sat back their stomachs completely full. "This has been pretty good for our first Labor Day together." Elena said rubbing her full belly.

"Well it's certainly not our first Labor day together Elena." Matt said. "Remember all the cool things we used to get up to in Mystic Falls?"

"Oh yeah now that was fun." Katherine recalled. "Remember those big water balloon fights we used to have when it was really hot."

"There was this one time we ambushed Matt and Jeremy. It was hilarious they had no idea what hit them." Caroline laughed mischievously.

"Oh you mean like this?" Matt said pulling out a red balloon from under the table and throwing it directly at her.

"You did not just do that." She cried in complete shock as the water from the broken balloon started to run down her chest.

"I think I just did." He laughed. "I've wanted to get you girls back for years."

"Here Katherine catch." Damon cried throwing a blue balloon her way watching it explode in her long hair. She let out a piercing scream and jumped up from the table in fright.

"You are dead Damon." She cried running after him. Elena and Caroline jumped up from the table sensing a mutiny was occuring as the boys looked at them devilishly. Caroline couldn't believe they'd been planning this all along.

Klaus took his opportunity and hurled a white balloon at a retreating Elena managing to hit her on the back. She shrieked loudly as the water dripped down her back and onto her shorts.

"You've messed with the wrong girl Donovan." Caroline threatened.

"Oh what's little Caroline going to do to me." He teased not noticing Lexi had run to the other side of the terrace and was standing nearby with the garden hose. She turned it on and proceeded to soak him with it. Caroline started to laugh not realising Elijah had crept up beside her with a water balloon in hand.

"Elijah come on I thought we were friends, not to mention brother and sister." She begged trying to appeal to his good side.

"Well consider this a welcome to the family present." He chuckled throwing it at her. She squealed as the yellow balloon hit her splashing all the way up her leg.

"Right I was going to let you off but you've just taken it too far." Matt cried running over to try and stop Lexi while Elena finally cornered Klaus by the pool.

"Come on Elena what do you think you can possibly do to me?" She looked over at Caroline briefly who had snuck up behind him and pushed him into the pool while he wasn't looking.

"As usual I am the master." Damon boasted running clear of Katherine just as Lexi turned the hose on him drenching him completely. Matt had long given up trying to wrestle the hose from his girlfriend and was sitting defeatedly in a pool of water. Elijah was still completely dry at this point and gulped loudly as the twins surrounded him. Elena motioned to Katherine who walked up to him slowly.

"No one's touching Elijah." She said smiling sweetly at him and throwing her arms around his neck.

"Typical Elijah is always the golden boy." Klaus muttered from the pool, Elijah smiled confidently and leaned in to kiss his girlfriend but before he could follow through he felt himself being pushed back into the water joining his brother.

"What was that you were saying Niklaus?" He groaned as the four girls descended into laughter at the carnage in front of them. They were definitely claiming victory this round.

September 3: Oahu Hawaii

"Caroline." She heard her name being whispered. "Caroline". There it was again, it was like the gods were against her getting any sleep this weekend. She felt someone shaking her softly and finally opened her eyes ready to tell whoever it was exactly what she thought of them.

"Klaus?" She asked groggy with sleep unsure if she was dreaming or not.

"Yeah it's me, I need you to get up and go somewhere with me." He asked gently.

"Are you serious?" She moaned looking over at the bedside clock. "It's 5am."

"Yeah there's somewhere we need to be."

"Yeah Klaus that place is bed."

"Oh really? Well if you'd like to stay in bed I'm sure I can think of some ways to keep us occupied love." He said and even in the darkness she could tell he was wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

She sat bolt upright his comment making her wide awake. "This better be good Mikaelson." She muttered dragging herself out of bed. After changing still partially asleep Caroline followed him outside and into the car wondering what the hell they would be doing at 5am.

It was dark not to mention quiet and the air was still and thick with humidity as they made their way down the road. It really was a nice time of day pity she was too sleepy to enjoy it properly.

"Where are we going?" She asked him for the tenth time.

"Patience Caroline, we'll be there soon."

"But I want to know now Klaus." She whined.

"You must have been one annoying kid during family road trips." He joked as she poked her tongue in his direction. "Yeah that's real mature Caroline."

They pulled off the road and onto a large green field. Caroline inhaled sharply at the sight in front of her. Even though it was still dark Caroline could easily make out the large object in front of her.

"Wow." She murmured open-mouthed looking upwards.

"I thought it might be worth that early morning wake-up call."

"Why are we doing this?"

"I wanted to take you on a proper first date and thought what better way to spend it than high above the ground." They got out of the car and walked towards the intimidating green hot air balloon. Caroline was so overwhelmed she didn't know where to look.

"Have you been speaking to a certain nosey actress by any chance?" She asked curiously thinking about what a coincidence it was she mentioned it to Katherine and now suddenly she was on a date with Klaus.

"Well it was actually my interfering brother who mentioned it to me after hearing it from that nosey actress." He said. "Honestly I'm kind of ashamed I never thought of it myself."

"That doesn't matter Klaus. I kind of think this amazing surprise makes up for it." She said trying to reassure him. "Even if you did wake me up at 5am."

"You're never going to let me forget that are you?"

"No unless you completely blow me away on this first date."

"Gee no pressure or anything Caroline." He mumbled. "Come on what are we waiting for." He took her hand feeling that same jolt of electricity but this time he had no intention of letting go.

After climbing into the basket the balloon ascended into the early morning sky. Caroline watched the ground inch further away as they floated higher. She smiled happily at Klaus and placed her hand over his. They drifted over the crystal blue ocean just as the sun began to rise in brilliant pinks and oranges. Caroline felt completely at ease as she watched the stunning scenery pass.

"This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Caroline sighed happily feeling the stress of the last month melt away.

The balloon eventually landed and they walked over to a secluded spot on top of the cliff overlooking the ocean. Caroline could feel the salty air tickling the hairs on the back of her neck as she sat down taking in the spectacular view before her.

"I guess this picnic sort of beats my New York City rooftop."

"I wouldn't say that, it's just different that's all." He said pouring her a glass of champagne. "I can't believe how long ago that was now."

"Our one month anniversary to be exact." She said. "Which means that tomorrow is technically four months."

"Well Happy Anniversary for tomorrow then." He said clinking his glass with hers.

"We've had some good anniversaries over the last few months." Caroline said looking at the charm bracelet on her wrist; she'd barely taken it off since he gave it to her two months earlier.

"I guess time does fly when you're having fun."

"Except maybe last month." She mumbled as a dark shadow crossed her face.

"Caroline I know I've messed up and it hasn't been all roses and sunshine but honestly I wouldn't change any of it." Klaus said surprising her. "All of those difficult times of getting to know each other over the past four months have brought us here to this very moment."

"I guess that's what happens when you marry a complete stranger." She laughed. "You have to spend your honeymoon period actually getting to know each other."

"I definitely regret not having a proper honeymoon period with you." He said sincerely gazing deeply into her eyes. "Although I guess if you're going to be drunk and stupid you have to pay the price somehow."

"I can't help but think how different it might have been it we'd met under different circumstances."

"Honestly I think we would have just had an argument and then gone our separate ways."

"Really? I suppose we're both pretty fiery when we want to be."

"Speak for yourself Caroline." He joked nudging her playfully. "I think being forced together and made to get along really worked in our favour.

"I suppose we should be thanking Elena for that."

"Yeah as much as I hate to admit it Elena was right." He said shaking his head. "Don't tell her I said that though, I don't want her getting a big head or anything."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"I never thought in a million years that I would end up married."

"Yeah I never thought you would either." She teased.

"And look how well it turned out not only is my wife the most beautiful, caring and intelligent person I know, she also turned out to be the one." He said the last part quietly his blue eyes never leaving hers. Caroline looked at him a big smile spreading across her face.

"I'm the one am I?"

"Didn't I just say that?" He muttered his face turning pink. "While I'm embarrassing myself I might as well tell you that I love you Caroline Forbes, I always have. I was just too stupid to see it at first."

"I guess that works out quite well considering I love you too husband." She murmured looping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer.

"You realise this means you're stuck with me now don't you?" He said moving closer so that he was within an inch of her lips and softly rubbed his nose up against hers.

"I don't know we might need to reassess after the second date because I'm not sure how you're going to top this Mr Mikaleson." She teased capturing her lips with his. Caroline realised just how long it had been since their last kiss and was determined to make up for lost time.