Hey! Your reviews on the last chapter were so much fun to read, and I'm glad everyone loved Caroline's revelation, no pun intended! I'm really determined to stop lagging on updates and focusing on my mental health so I don't feel too down to write. This story isn't over yet but it's getting there, but so many more amazing moments are to come...anyways, enjoy!
SMUT WARNING: Picks up right where the last chapter left off. You all deserve it ;)
Klaus was rattled. Half his mind preoccupied with the blood-sharing while the other half focused on the blonde on top of him.
Despite the successful dinner, and unexpected blessing from Bill Forbes, Klaus was convinced that was final. Caroline would reflect on their time apart and realize she was better off without him. Her life would be simpler, freer with him out of the picture. Maybe even settle on being just friends. Klaus was mentally prepared for all those scenarios, never predicting this—feeding on her, Caroline asking him to feed on her, and kissing him before he could ask anything further. He was still certain this was a dream and any minute he'd wake up.
Nope. Still very much real.
Patting himself on the back for the incredible will power he didn't even know he had. He always had fears about Caroline getting too close, him hurting her permanently. Klaus didn't trust his vampire side when around Caroline and all her tempting attributes. Never in his five centuries had he fed from a lover, someone he cared about and was the center of his heart. Those realizations were why he hid that part of himself from her for so long. How could he expect her to trust him when he didn't even trust himself?
Klaus thought showing her only one side, the 'better' more humane side was sufficient enough. He was scared and ashamed of who he is for so long, feeling Caroline accept all of him nearly made him cry then and there. Her fingertips slowly exploring his fangs and veins, the blue of her pure eyes admiring his tainted gold ones was heart wrenching. Klaus had never felt so much from one person in his life.
If, one day, he ever questioned Caroline's importance to him, he'll remind himself of this night.
He reveled in every moan falling from her mouth into his—tasting her blood on her tongue. Mewling at the way her hips drove into his as he met each thrust with perfect rhythm. Their clothes still very much in tact yet this beat out all the times Klaus has had sex. Feeling her, touching her curves through the fabric of her dress that was riding up the more she rubbed against him—hungrily and desperately.
Caroline gasped his name in between kisses, her fingers still tangled in his dark curls and tugging hard at the strands. Her insistent need for friction was driving Klaus crazy in all the best ways. There was something different with Caroline tonight, in this moment—she was bold, sexy and certain.
-Did I mention sexy?
Not that she didn't already exude such appeal to him prior, but tonight he felt she was flourishing. There was no hesitation in her demands or movements. Asking him to bite her, literally trusting him with her life and being confident in that choice. Accepting him back into her heart the moment their lips furiously met for the first time in what felt like a lifetime. She was allowing her desires to take the front seat. Making it known what she wanted and no longer ashamed of it, him, and quite frankly Klaus had never seen an already vibrant person become more.
So much more.
He groaned at the slight pain when she pulled his hair again, reciprocating in equal measure by biting down on her bottom lip with human teeth.
Their stormy glare met hotly when her lip snapped back in place. Red, swollen and oh so tempting. Klaus had to force himself not to fall into his old habit of swiping his thumb over it, waiting for her next cue. Her breaths were labored and eyes darkening by the second, making Klaus realize he never wanted to look at another pair again.
Caroline tucked her teeth between her lower lip, focused still on him even as she lifted herself off him. Klaus already pouted from the brief loss of contact but his jaw inherently dropped when she lifted her dress up her waist. He watched intently, gulping, their eyes still on each other as her seduction played out. Klaus couldn't resist looking down at the lace revealing underneath. Her thin panties are still on display.
She was going to be the death of him.
"Christ, Caroline..." He groaned under his breath.
A small smirk playing on her innocent lips. Honestly Caroline wasn't sure if it was Klaus drinking her blood or her sudden love realization that sparked this sexual revelation but she wasn't fighting it. If this was two weeks ago Caroline would already be in her room right now, alone with regrets tuning through her head all night. She didn't want to stop, she didn't want to talk and assess everything—his hands loving her body was all she craved.
Everything about him was missed; the way he smelled, tasted, worshipped her and lusted for her. On this very bed Klaus awakened a side of her that she didn't know existed, a side she began to befriend and appreciate. He had the tendency of helping her learn more about herself than she ever would've.
Grabbing his hand that was comfortably holding her waist, she led it down her body over her stomach until it reached underneath the skirt. Klaus swallowed, feeling around and instantly came in contact with her lacy thigh highs. He could hear her breath hitch and heart pounding inside her chest. Nerves spent, but she showed no sign of letting up.
His finger teased the fabric, making Caroline squirm on his lap as her skin began to crawl as he slowly stripped the thigh highs down-leg by leg. Feeling hot all over with hair and dress disheveled but she never felt more sexy than the way his heavy gaze stayed on her the whole time. She smirked at the way Klaus' eyes followed her biting lip—certain just the heated way he was looking at her would be her undoing.
"Touch me."
Klaus initially froze at her bold request. During the few moments of passion they've had together it was always him initiating. He didn't think about when the shoe would eventually be on the other foot. When Caroline would know and demand what she wants from him. Her dominance was unfairly arousing.
He still said nothing, just staring in awe, making Caroline feel slightly at unease.
Caroline was over being insecure with Klaus sexually, she knew where they stood but being so forward about her needs wasn't something that came naturally for her either. Honestly, she wasn't sure how far this was going to go, what she meant by her command or what Klaus would expect but she just didn't want to stop. Reminiscing back to their first kiss where she was certain if she didn't come to her senses she would allow Klaus to have his way with her on the front lawn of the school. The lack of control she had around him was scary and exhilarating. There was nothing she wanted more to share the most intimate moments of her life with him. She wanted to surrender and submit to his desires while he obliged to hers—was this a part of being in love?
Her thoughts became a distant haze when he cradled one side of her face in one hand to bring her down to his lips. Caroline sighed into the kiss, instantly getting lost in it. Their mouths moved together perfectly as they moaned in a passionate frenzy of tongues. He ruined her for anyone else from his kisses alone.
She gasped at the cold touch from his hand creeping further up her thigh, over the lace and curving to her backside. Caroline couldn't hold back her moan when his free hand grazed then squeezed her bottom—assisting her rocking hips with every caress. Klaus smirked against her lips, kissing them once more before descending down to her welcoming neck. Biting, licking and sucking at the pulse point where his fangs found home just 10 minutes ago.
He was half expecting her to stop him or warn not to leave a mark so no one would ask. She did that often in the beginning of their relationship—so used to hiding. But now she was being completely open and honest with him, not caring about others opinions on her own life. Caroline wanted him to mark her, brand her, showcase to the school and world that she was his...
And he was hers.
She bit down hard on her lip, eyelids fluttering while cradling his head and clawing at his scalp during the gentle assault. In the midst of their frantic movements the straps of her dress gradually fell down her shoulders, revealing some of her cleavage. Through hooded vision she watched as his mouth lowered and left a sweet kiss to her exposed chest.
A shot of arousal fired between her thighs when Klaus looked up and their eyes met. Scorching flames bouncing off between their gazes, her piercing sky blue mingling with his fiery red as he continued kissing her skin.
His vampire face was quickly becoming her guilty pleasure.
It was unfair and downright criminal how effortless he was with the act of seduction. All it took was one look or soft spoken word and she was putty in his hands.
The witch pulled at his hair to kiss him hard and feverishly. Taking control of the passionate exchange and not giving him a single moment of air. Which Klaus had no problem obliging, meeting her lips and tongue just as eagerly as their moans mimicked each other's.
He swallowed her whimpers as his hand, that was once comfortable on her waist, now venturing to the hem of her panties. His finger teased the fabric purposely, making her yearn longer.
It was definitely working.
Her stomach clenched at the anticipation, remembering how indescribable his fingers felt inside of her. It was surreal thinking back to the beginning of their connection, how different they both were compared to now and how much they've grown in such a short time. Caroline was constantly anxious and unsure while Klaus was secretive and reserved. They hit the biggest low in their relationship, yet it made their connection stronger.
Klaus was apparently just as impatient gesturing for her to sit up so he could pull the piece of clothing down, one leg at a time, discarding it on the floor somewhere.
Caroline was blushing ear to ear at how exposed she was. Immediately she wanted to climb off him and cover herself but she couldn't be scared anymore, and there was no one she trusted more with her body.
Klaus sighed when she sat back down on his lap, rubbing her now bare pussy against his clothed cock.
-Fuck.
They simultaneously cursed.
Klaus composed himself enough to truly admire the beauty on top of him. He pushed the strands of hair in front of her face behind her ears, brushing his thumb over her pink cheeks and smiling at the view.
"What?" Her voice was breathless.
Shaking his head side to side in pure disbelief. "How did I get so lucky?"
Caroline's blush worsened, ducking her head bashfully. "Klaus..."
He frowned. "You can't possibly still be this modest when I compliment you."
"Is this seriously what you want to debate about right now? You do realize I'm not wearing any panties right?" She pointed out, making him laugh.
"I'm painfully aware of your lack of dress, love." Gesturing to his apparent hard-on. "However that holds no distraction from your overall beauty, that I very much adore."
Her smile couldn't be wider, harboring no strength to subdue it.
The way they could go from hot to sweet in the matter of seconds astounded her, but that was how unpredictable Klaus was. What her father meant when he said Klaus made her feel everything all at once. One moment he could caress her through an orgasm and the next he's making her feel like a lovestruck school girl. She never knew what he would do next and that's what she embraced the most about him.
Caroline scrunched her nose. "You're annoying."
Klaus hummed. "Mhm, and you love it."
Her eyes grew, wanting to laugh at how on the nose his comment was but his lips were back on hers before she could get another word in.
The feverish kisses continued even when her hips lifted and one of his fingers slid into her awaiting entrance, a second one quickly following. Gasping at the intrusion and holding onto his shoulders tightly as her body adjusted to the and made herself more comfortable. Caroline whimpered his name as she pulled away from the hot kiss to bury her face into his neck, kissing his skin to attempt containing herself. Her slender fingers roaming through his hair when his hand finally began moving.
Her toes curled and her body shook as his fingers drove into her heat rapidly, not going too fast but not too slow. The perfect pace that satisfied her appetite but still made her yearn for more. Coaxing her through every thrust as she rode his fingers in equal determination. Whispering how much he missed her, longed for her and thought about her like this every night while they were apart.
Wet, needy and perfect.
Punctuating each praise with a kiss to her chest that caused uncontrollable goosebumps to creep up her arms.
He felt so impossibly good and smelled divine it was driving her insane. No one but him has touched her like this or made pleasure travel to her fibers and through her toes. This wasn't enough. Caroline wanted more, all of him until there was nothing left. She wanted to tear away their clothes keeping them apart and feel him against her, hard and thick. Though she still didn't know if she was prepared to go that extra step with Klaus, there was nothing she craved more than finally feeling him inside of her.
"God, I missed you..." She moaned as he palmed her sensitive clit and continued kissing up her chest and neck while his other hand held her by the buttocks.
There wasn't a part of her that he wasn't appreciating.
Eyes screwed shut at this point, allowing the pleasure to dominate her senses while submitting to his hypnotic touches. Caroline's hips creating a mind of their own as they moved with his motions in perfect sync together.
Literally on the brink of her approaching climax and saying 'screw it, just screw me'. Caroline was prepared to demand just that until the sound of rattling keys alerted her sharp ears. Klaus was still going at it without a care in the world until he realized she stopped moving.
He quickly removed his hand from underneath her to access the situation.
"Are you all right?" He asked worryingly when he pulled away.
She froze but still moved her head around to scan the perimeter. "Did you hear that?"
"The sound of the neighbors next door loudly letting themselves in their room? An everyday annoyance, unfortunately." He clarified cheekily.
Caroline exhaled in relief but she still seemed preoccupied with everything outside of these four walls. She felt like a huge bucket of ice water had just dunked over her head. If only she could distract herself and resume their long awaited tryst, with his fingers still inside of her, but now all she could think about was one of his roommates barging in.
Klaus tilted his head, studying her nervous expression as she lifted her dress straps into place.
"The moment is gone, isn't it?" He asked
She smiled sympathetically, combing her fingers through his hair. "For now. Hard to stay in the mood with lurking vampires all over the place."
He smiled back. "Lucky for me I have all the time in the world."
Caroline wanted to roll her eyes but couldn't look away when his coated fingers disappeared into his mouth one at a time. He briefly closed his eyes as his tongue cleaned off her delectable essence in slow caresses.
Her face now completely flushed when their stares locked on each other. He loved witnessing her flustered reactions.
"Mmm, sweeter than I remember." He said with a loud popping sound from his mouth.
She groaned, resting her forehead against his shoulder to hide her blossoming cheeks which only amused him more. Both his arms now securely around her waist.
"You know love, if you're going to be embarrassed each time I express my desire for you I'm not sure how this relationship is going to work."
Caroline pulled back, looking down at him with pursed lips and a raised eyebrow.
"Relationship, huh? We never officially got back together." She claimed.
Klaus scoffed. "Sweetheart, you're sitting on my lap with your knickers carelessly lying on the floor after demanding I bite you. I'd say that's pretty official."
"Touché." Caroline shrugged, smiling down at the doe-eyed vampire now caressing her cheek.
"How'd everything go with your father?" He asked.
A frown soon took over. "We don't have to talk about that..."
Klaus's eyes narrowed and body tensed at her bleak response. Subtly taking even breaths to keep himself from ripping the human apart limb by limb .
"Did something happen?" Klaus sighed. "Did he—"
"No, no nothing like that. We had a good long overdue talk and it was nice but...I don't know." She shook her head. "I still don't think I trust him, I mean how could I? 10 years is a long time and even though he's my dad and seems sweet, I don't know him but apparently I don't really know anybody."
Klaus didn't internalize her remark, not wanting her to feel guilty for how she was feeling. Instead he simply nodded and pulled her closer into him which brought a growing smile to her frowned mouth.
He looked at her like he wanted to smother her with all the apologies he could possibly muster, knowing they wouldn't be enough. All the regrets and mistakes made since she entered his life, and how he never wanted to take another second with her for granted.
Twirling a curl between his fingers, making Caroline swoon from the soft affection.
"Stay with me tonight?" He asked anxiously.
Tonight was such an unexpected roller coaster of emotions, Caroline felt at a loss for words. His request was simple yet sensitive given what they've been through. She knew there was more that needed to be said, more to be discussed and addressed but right now, in this moment nothing else mattered. All could think about was falling asleep in his safe arms until the sunrise and waking up in the same position. She just wanted to be with him.
Not worrying about consequences, nosey roommates or racing hearts. This was Caroline choosing Klaus and knowing he was choosing her too.
She kissed his lips sweetly before meeting his forehead with hers.
"Okay."
Klaus walked down the hall with an extra pep in his step. His permanent dimpled smile and gleeful strides turned heads as he made his way towards the gym—Klaus didn't smile. He had a reputation to uphold, a reputation that once meant everything to him. The quiet, cold, callous and violent type. His peers still had trouble adjusting to post-Caroline Klaus Mikaelson. Even Marcel and Enzo had to do a double take when he pranced off in the morning.
He was genuinely happy.
Last night, still playing on loop in his memory—it was more than his dreams could ever create, more than his mind could wander. The way he watched her, all night, as she snuggled against his chest wearing one of his Henleys. The moon washed through her hair and illuminated her ivory skin in the night. He had to force himself to not touch her face to not wake her—it was an emotional night for her especially. But in that silence of simply holding her did he reach his own realization.
Klaus had been feeling sick and incomplete, missing a crucial piece of himself since that night she stormed away and vowed to never speak to him again. Nothing was strong enough to fill the void, not even his art, only for her to waltz back in the moment she arrived at his bedroom door. That emptiness was cured and he was once again whole.
He hated it when she crawled out of his bed early in the morning, but since he was let out of class early seemed like the perfect opportunity to surprise her during her Homecoming rehearsals. Given that the school event had been a focal point in all their conversations, it amazed him that it would finally be over in just a few more days. Klaus realized he still hadn't formally asked Caroline to go with him.
-Isn't it obvious we'd go together? Would she even want that?
Klaus pondered until he finally entered the chaotic room of yelling witches, and one bossy brunette vampire front and center.
He walked more into the room but Caroline was still nowhere to be found. Everyone was uptight and stressed so he knew she had to be around here somewhere. Leaning against the wall, he crossed his arms to observe the crew bitching back and forth towards each other. Rebekah appeared to throw in her usual two cents that no one asked for, while Katherine talked the rest off the ledge.
"You all seriously need to calm down—"
"We literally have to host this dance this weekend with absolutely nothing working, and you expect us to calm down?!" Bonnie barked.
"Yeah, and why are you even here, vampire?!" Elena spat. "This is our event. No fangs allowed."
"Because I'm just bloody invisible, right?" Rebekah threw her arms in the air.
Katherine smirked as she stepped forward into Elena's space. "If you must know, your friendly neighborhood supreme leader left me in charge until her return because clearly, she sees how you all are too incompetent to handle anything without supervision. As we can see now she was right. Please don't force me to make you obey, I'm not in the mood to lose a friend today."
Klaus' lip twitched into an amused smirk as he watched the scene unfold. Witches were extremely dramatic; it was impossible not to be entertained, and seeing Katherine lose her mind was a bonus.
"Nik? What the bloody hell are you doing here?" Rebekah asked, obviously flustered walking up to him.
"What's wrong little sister, not happy to see me?" He teased.
She threw him an unimpressed look. "Don't be cute. I'm not in the mood for any of your petty crap, it's been a long day so if you're not here to help quite frankly bugger off."
"Am I supposed to feel bad for you amidst these stress episodes?" He scoffed. "You only have yourself to blame for getting involved in a committee that doesn't even want you here."
"For once, I actually agree with lover boy." Katherine appeared with her arms crossed. "I don't know why you'd do this to yourself willingly. I've only been here for 10 minutes and I'm already on the verge slicing all their throats open with my fangs."
Klaus was deemed impressed with her threat.
Rebekah flashed a fake smile. "I don't recall asking either of you for your unwanted input ." Rolling her eyes at Klaus' laughter.
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her brother's apparent good mood. "Why are you so chipper? Wanked off to a Van Gogh before class?"
Klaus laughed even harder, wrapping an arm over her shoulder. "Oh Rebekah, not even your minor digs have the strength to bring me down today."
Katherine now eyed him just as suspiciously.
The blonde vampire shoved him to the side to free herself from his hold which only added to his amusement.
"Shove it." She mumbled while storming off into the hallway.
Klaus looked behind him at her exit and chuckled. "My baby sister, always with the dramatics. Maybe she was a witch in another life."
He turned back to be met with Katherine now directly in his face with a suspicious look on her face.
"What?" He genuinely wondered.
She narrowed her eyes. "Nothing, just making observations."
"And what new observations are you making now?" He decided to entertain her shenanigans.
"Your new found glee, it wouldn't have anything to do with a certain roommate and friend of mine who didn't come back to our room until this morning, would it?" She questioned.
Klaus' smirk deepened. "You really want me to dignify that with a response?"
Katherine's top lip curled. "Look I might not be your number one fan as a person but I don't think you're bad for her, honestly, and I'm not exactly shocked you two are back together. Just...don't hurt her again."
"I know you won't get another chance and she won't be able to handle it again if you do so, just don't. And I don't want to have to ruin a perfectly new manicure by murdering you either." She quickly added.
"It's good to know that despite everything she managed to gain at least one decent friend." Klaus said, surprising them both.
This was probably the longest they've gone without maliciously threatening each other or throwing insults. Besides being vampires they had one thing in common—caring about Caroline. Pushing their personal feelings to the side, in the end that's all that mattered.
"You can't charm me, Romeo." Katherine sassed.
He laughed. "Would never expect to. Speaking of, where is Caroline? She said she'd be here."
Katherine sighed. "She's been running around her like a headless chicken all day, on the phone with decorators and the Headmistress trying to get the dance postponed."
Klaus' eyebrows furrowed. "Postponed?"
"Remember when she had to reorder everything? Well none of it is getting here in time and they used up the rest of their budget so they can't even buy last minute arrangements. She's stressing pretty hard about it."
Of course she is. This has been Caroline's top priority all semester and it was literally falling apart. It stressed him out knowing she was in distress and no amount of words would be comforting enough.
But there was something so much better he could offer.
"Where's the list?" Klaus asked. "The list of things she ordered, I know she has one." He clarified when Katherine raised her eyebrow in confusion.
"I'm sure one of her servants has it." She answered. "Why?"
"Good." Klaus muttered, pulling out his cellphone from his back pocket and immediately dialing. "Give it to me asap and when my sister returns from her drama spree, tell her to call Rose and Trevor."
"Am I supposed to know who that is?" Katherine sassed with hands on her hips.
"She'll know." He affirmed while walking away.
The brunette scoffed, pushing him back before he could get far. "Hey! I'm not your dog and I certainly don't take demands from you."
"Do you want to argue over egos or do you want to help me with saving this bloody dance?" He hissed.
Katherine still appeared skeptical with no sense of budging—just when Klaus thought his pride was the biggest he's ever known. The two immortals stared each other down as if they were the only two in the room.
"For Caroline." Klaus added
There was no surprise they hadn't gotten along since their first meeting, and the likelihood of that changing was minimal. But what Klaus was realizing throughout this ordeal was how to be selfless, specifically with his relationship.
He could feel his insides rupturing by asking Katherine, even Rebekah, for help but this wasn't about him it was about Caroline. After everything that's transpired in the past 24 hours, this was him proving their second chance would be worth it.
If that meant he had to force himself to work with her stubborn friend and his prying sister, that would be a risk worth taking.
Katherine must've had the same epiphany because her slow nod followed his last thought.
"Fine..." She bitterly sighed. "I'm sick of seeing her wallow just as much, and for once it's not over you."
His laugh was light and warm. "Oh you just couldn't help yourself."
"Nope!" She said, popping the 'p' at the end.
They exchanged mutual grins of understanding, realizing sooner or later they'd have to accept each other being important pieces in Caroline's life. Neither would ever admit their gratitude for Caroline having both by her side.
Katherine waved him off. "Well go on. Plot out your secret savior mission while I track down that list and your bitchy sister."
"I heard that!" Rebekah yelled from across the gym.
Klaus shook his head before rushing out the room with his phone attached to his ear.
"Yes, Headmistress I know you're at a conference but...yes...yes I know you already extended our budget which I'm grateful for. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, postponing the dance just seems ideal." Caroline said as she stomped down the hallway holding her cellphone to her ear with her shoulder.
Poster paper was cradled in her arms as she stormed towards the gym. Today was turning out to be a complete nightmare.
After the amazingly eventful night prior, Caroline was convinced nothing could bring her down—except this pesky dance that's been a thorn in her spine. She had been trying to get in contact with the Headmistress all day while negotiating with caterers and decorators but not much luck. She understood a lot of money already went into everything, and even more went into replacing the wrong decor, but this was going to be a shit show.
Caroline had to force herself to not break down and cry over the stress, nodding her head as Headmistress Saltzman repeated that postponing wasn't an option.
-I realized I'm in love, for the first time, with the most amazing guy I could ever know. Sobbing in distress should not be on my radar.
"Yes, yes I understand." She sighed in defeat. "Okay...yup...alright I'll see you on Saturday. You too."
Hanging up the phone and refraining from throwing it against the wall. This was a hard pill to swallow after all the thought and attention she gave to making this Whitmore's best homecoming to date. The blood, sweat and tears seemed wasteful and more importantly she had to break the bad news to her already fragile coven.
Caroline closed her eyes, repeating her mantra over and over then took a deep breath before pushing through the gym doors. What was presented before her made her breath catch in her throat.
Her mouth fell and eyes blinking to adjust to the room, that was a disaster when she left it an hour ago, transformed into a luxurious ballroom.
A black arch stretched over the entrance and exit doors with a bold 'Sinners and Saints' title hanging across. Tarp covering the hardwood floor. About three handymen men were hanging white and red colored sparkled drapes over the ceiling with black beaded chandeliers fairly distributed throughout. Her twinkling lights trickled down to light up the backdrop for photo taking, that was being set up by the table with variations of decorative white, gold, red and black masks—Caroline thought the Headmistress shot down the masquerade idea weeks ago.
Everything was shimmering, bright and exactly what she wanted. Multiple random, but very nicely dressed people were scattering the room like ants. All had their own individual tasks and were as determined and efficient as workers could be. Such extravagant high quality material and they weren't even halfway done.
Caroline walked more into the room, stood in awe even when she spotted Rebekah ordering a man to move the DJ set and stage towards the back. Her coven was also assisting—Bonnie hung the lights over the backdrop while Elena and April were prepping the banner.
-What the hell...
The bewildered witch thought before finally spotting Katherine through all the chaos, who's finger pointing skills were definitely serving its purpose. Commanding people to string up lights, and roll in—
"An ice sculpture?" She said under her breath as the 10 pound sculpt of a kissing angel and devil rolled by her on a cart.
Caroline wanted that exact sculpture during her planning but it was completely out of their budget. She was a cluster of overwhelmed happiness and shock.
"Hey!" Katherine's heeled boots clicked with every aggressive step she took towards the workers. "Why are you guys lollygagging? That needs to be put in the freezer ASAP, do you not realize you're literally handling a huge ass block of ice. Move." Her demand followed by a snap of fingers.
The blonde laughed, feeling like she was looking in the mirror.
"Oh crap." Katherine muttered when she whipped around and was faced with the astonished witch.
A nervous smile held her glossed lips. "Hey...you're back from your phone call early."
"I was gone for an hour." Caroline specified.
"An hour less than I anticipated." She smiled but it quickly fell with her friend's unmoving expression.
She sighed. "Okay don't be mad, I know you're a control freak who likes everything your way or the highway, but you were stressing like a maniac all day. The decorations we had were a disaster or nonexistent and the dance wasn't going to be postponed because we all know how money hungry Headmistress Saltzman is. Don't worry everything here are your ideas, everything you wanted just from someone else's bill. We just wanted to help you make this dance that you've been torturing us with as amazing as possible—"
"We?" Caroline interrupted, still astonished.
The brunette vampire's lips pressed together.
"Kat—I'm not mad at all believe me but, where did all of this come from?" She asked.
"Ask Fabio." Katherine grinned, gesturing her head towards the other vampire approaching them from behind.
Caroline swiftly turned around and saw Klaus coming towards her, who was looking all too pleased with himself.
Her eyebrows scrunched together as she fully faced him. "Klaus..."
"Sweetheart..." He said teasingly with his hands behind his back.
Her mouth opened and closed, scanning around the room again to know she wasn't hallucinating as the realization began to hit.
"Klaus..." She repeated, more breathless as it all began to slowly sink in. "What is going on?"
"All the items are in completely clean new mint condition originals, so a dress rehearsal isn't even necessary but, I know how much you adore efficiency so I'm sure you'll do one anyways." He claimed with a smirk.
Caroline rapidly blinked as he continued.
"Also everything's been paid off and you'll be refunded in full on the items that weren't able to be shipped in a timely manner." He proudly added. "Basically now all you have to focus on is your pretty little dress, if you haven't gotten one by now of course. That was something I figured you would want to do on your own."
Her bottom lip trembled. "You—you did all of this, for me?"
His grin deepened. "I did."
Caroline stupidly smiled, surely the end of her lips touched her ears and face as pink as a cherry blossom.
"I can't believe you planned a better party than me so fast." She laughed. "How—"
"Me and Katerina sorta hunted down your wish list and Rose and Trevor did the rest."
-Him and Katherine, working together?
"Rose and Trevor?"
He shrugged. "Oh just some old family friends from Paris, who have been my family's go-to event designers for decades. They're currently in town and agreed to do me a little favor."
Caroline turned at the short haired woman and long haired man, dressed in all black, waving at them from across the room.
"Don't worry, they might be an extremely talkative bunch but they are very good at their job." Klaus praised.
She smiled, trying not to cry while shaking her head. "I still can't believe you did this...no I can't accept."
"Love, it's already done." He insisted.
"It must've cost you a fortune."
"Stop." He said softly, grabbing her shoulders. "I don't want you to worry about any of that. The whole point of this was so you can stop worrying. Think of this as my homecoming gift to you."
Her smile was shaky while his was sad.
"I'm sorry." Klaus blurted, snapping Caroline out of her daydream.
She looked at him confused. "For what?"
"For everything." He replied dryly.
Caroline sighed. "Klaus—"
"No, no let me say this." He grabbed her hand to pull her to the side and away from the crowd. Everyone didn't need to hear their business and Caroline was actually grateful for the discretion.
"I know we still have to discuss some important matters about our relationship and what last night meant to both of us. There's no strings attached to this grand gesture I assure you. I genuinely just wanted to help you. Just know that no matter the outcome I'm always going to care about you Caroline, I'm always going to be there for you even for ridiculous school dances."
He was looking down at their joined hands, licking his lips.
"We haven't completely reconciled or talked much about it because but last night happened and...last night was indescribable." He admitted with a bittersweet smile. "Being with you again, so intimately and raw, was more than I could've ever fathomed but I don't want you to think I took any of what led to our break up lightly. I screwed up, royally, I know that because I nearly lost you for good. The way you looked at me that night, so disgusted and horrified, it's still so fresh in my memory. I'll never forgive myself for putting you through that, for breaking your trust and— "
"Shh." her fingertips tracing over his lips interrupted his rant. "I thought I was the rambler."
Klaus fought off a laugh. "I'm serious."
Caroline's lips curved upwards. "As much as I'm appreciating your apology and I really am, I've already forgiven you."
His face lit up to its natural color in pure astonishment. "You have?"
She nodded. "I have. That's what last night was about, trust and forgiveness."
"But—but how? How could you forgive me so quickly?"
"First of all I didn't, this wasn't a quick or easy decision for me to make." She corrected, setting the record straight. "This took a lot of reflecting and if only you knew how many times I paced around Salvatore Hall before going up to her room last night."
His lip twitched amusingly.
"Not excusing what you did because it really did hurt me, all of it." She choked up.
"I'll never be able to say enough of how sorry I am." Klaus pleaded.
"I know, let me finish." She grinned. "Yes it was hurtful but I wasn't innocent either as far as purposely blinding myself to who you are. I thought I could just pretend you were this normal guy, this perfect guy who wasn't capable of throat slashing and mass murder. Acknowledging your flaws would be too scary. You always scared me for being everything I didn't know I needed."
She stepped more into him so there was barely space between their lower regions.
"You're as imperfect as they come and I wouldn't want it any other way. We can't change the past, and I'm really trying hard to face the fact that I can't control everything but you've proven your case. You're showing me your willingness to do better, and so am I. One thing I can control is where we go from here and my decision to move forward with you, because you are what I want."
If oxygen was a priory for Klaus he would've certainly let out a huge breath of relief. Her reassuring declaration scratched over all the worst case scenarios he wrote out. The fear that she would have regrets or resentment faded with each word.
Deep down Klaus still felt he didn't deserve Caroline, or her mercy but often enough he wasn't sure he deserved anything worthy. Little did he know his pure witch felt the exact same towards him.
Klaus broke out into a laugh smile mixture, too ecstatic to function properly as his dimples sank. His reaction infectious for Caroline couldn't help but mimic it while she tried keeping her tears at bay.
"I still can't believe you and Katherine actually managed to agree on something." She teased.
He huffed. "The only thing we agree on is you, and I don't expect to collaborate with her on anything else any time soon."
He reached for her other hand when he remembered he still had one last surprise.
Clear king his throat and standing straight he spoke. "Also, in the midst of my party planning skills, I realized I still hadn't formally asked you to be my date."
Caroline's heart began racing again when Klaus revealed the two lavish tickets he had hidden behind his back.
His smile is nervous and the gulp apparent. "We both know how I feel about school functions but you love them, especially dances, and I know how much this one means to you. It's been the hot topic of our conversations since day one, and I lent you the bloody theme for Christ sake." He laughed off with twitchy fingers.
She tried not to find amusement in his nerves but he had never been more adorable than right now. A 500 year old merciless and ruthless vampire was sweating bullets over asking her to a high school dance.
"It's lame, I know but I figured you didn't want to go alone and since I've never been to one might as well for my last semester right? So with my newfound optimism I bought these two tickets with the hope that you'll say—"
She cut off his rant with her lips, instantly deepening it with a wide grin. Standing on her tippy toes and moaning when his lips began moving against hers in equal eagerness, cradling his face in her small hands.
The kiss ended too soon for Klaus' liking but her bright smile made up for it.
"Yes." Caroline answered. "Yes." She said again with another passionate kiss that held them both captive in the unbreakable embrace.
As if she'd answer in any other way.
Caroline never felt more confident about a decision before, knowing her affirmation held more meaning than just for the dance.
Standing on her tippy toes as he cradled her by the waist and squished her against him. Giggling when his hand reached her neck, soothing his visible bite mark with his cold thumb.
Their kiss never faltered even when bystanders made teasing or displeased remarks. The negative comments only prolonged the oral medley, growing more passionate within seconds.
Majority of the student body and the supernatural community in general still weren't on board with the unlikely pairing. They were still going to be scolded and shamed but there was no room in their bliss to care. In their world no one else existed. They lived in a bubble while coexisting with the public, no longer allowing outside sources to affect their happiness any longer.
Klaus left a lingering kiss on her bottom lip, rubbing his nose against hers as they finally came up for air.
"Once again, we're the talk of the school." He said amusingly.
Caroline gigged with a quick kiss. "I think I can handle fame for the next month and a half."
He stared at her lovingly, caressing her cheek with the pad of his thumb while getting lost in the hypnosis of her effortless gaze.
"You think I can steal you away for a few minutes?"
Her face flushed. "Klaus, you are not dragging me away from my Homecoming responsibilities for a booty call."
"No, no love none of that...unless you're offering." He smirked but received a slap in the chest as a response. "Look, most of the preparation is already being taken care of and there will be plenty finishing touches for you to do when you return."
Her eyebrow roared suspiciously.
"There's something I want to show you." His tone is more serious now instead of amused—his face similar.
Caroline's expression neutralized, though she was curious she wasn't sure she could handle anymore of his surprises. The dance was saved and everyone seemed to have it all under control without her, for now.
"Okay." She agreed.
The couple didn't venture far as they walked out to the football field, fingers interlocked as they took a seat beside each other on the cold wet bleachers. Besides the track team practicing, the rest of the space belonged to them, much to Klaus' appreciation.
Caroline sat there, wind blowing her hair crazily waiting patiently as Klaus opened his bag.
He paused, taking a deep breath before looking up at her glistening curious stare.
-You can trust her. You do trust her.
Klaus swallowed. "For the record, I've never shown anyone this before. Not my siblings, Aunt, or anybody. I didn't think I was ever going to show you either but..."
The witch still puzzled until he finally pulled out the rusty chestnut brown sketchbook. Her mouth agape at the reveal. This book was Klaus' most prized possession, no one was even allowed to be in its presence without his approval. The few times Caroline's teased him about it the subject would quickly change as if it was never brought up. She was always curious what was inside but, not even she was capable of breaking that shell—until now.
Now sitting on his lap, the infamous keeper of all of Klaus Mikaelson's dirty little secrets were in reach. He grazed the leather bound book with his fingertips, staring down at it with fear and hesitation for this could be his biggest mistake or his greatest win. Looking back up at Caroline, his Caroline, who appeared just as flabbergasted as he anticipated.
Granting her a warm smile.
-You can trust her. You do trust her.
Shifting in on the bleacher he fully faced her with the book still securely in his hands. Letting out a deep exhale.
"I don't want any more secrets between us, and I don't want to be one of those people in your life you don't know. I want you to know me Caroline, the real me. The good, bad and revolting." He claimed.
Caroline's mouth open and closed, utterly stunned.
"Klaus, you don't have to—"
"I want to." He cut her off." Like I said, no more secrets."
Despite his jittery nerves he couldn't stop smiling which only made the overwhelming feel sink deeper to her stomach.
Caroline was still speechless—unmoving as he placed the object on her lap. It felt like the heaviest and most fragile piece of property she's ever been in possession of. She could sense he was anticipating a reaction from her by now besides the initial shock—nothing. Lips still parted with words caught in the base of her throat. How was he expecting her to react? This was equivalent to someone giving you permission to read their diary. All of his darkest and most personal thoughts were illustrated in this one book.
Her thin lips dry and pink, gliding her tongue over the lower lip as her brain continued to process.
"Everything's in there. Everything. Every nightmare, thought, revelation...victim."
The chills creeping up her spine creating visible goosebumps on her arms that didn't go unnoticed by the anxious vampire.
He observed the way she avoided his gaze, suddenly having doubts.
- You idiot. Of course you mentioning your bloody murder victims is going to give her pause. You just got her back and are now going to lose her all over again. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!
Caroline cleared her throat as she shifted in her seat antsy.
"Um, wow. I—I guess I just don't know what to say."
After such a long pause of awkward silence, she wanted to smack herself for that being the best response she could come up with.
"This is too soon, isn't it?" Klaus feared.
-Not soon enough.
Caroline thought, especially after her most recent revelation this couldn't be of more perfect timing. She knew without a doubt how she felt and who she had these feelings for, and seeing him completely bare himself to her like this just reassured what she already knew.
No more secrets...
Without another thought, she gave him a comforting smile before finally unwrapping the string around the sketchbook. She was anxious for what she would see on the first page, will it a victim or a sweet memory? Given that Klaus has existed for five centuries she was sure this wasn't his first and only, so why show her this one?
Taking a necessary deep breath, Caroline flipped open to the first page—practically feel Klaus' hot breath activating the hairs on the back of her neck.
She subtly sighed in relief when she was met with a calm pond and lotuses and leaves floating upon the surface.
"We had this pond in our backyard in London." Klaus explained. "It was the most soothing area of our home, but completely off limits according to my father. He forbade us to loiter in our own backyard, well mainly me, but being the rebel I am always had to bite back. I was about eight years old when I became interested in painting. I spent the majority of my time back there when he was away at work. Just sitting on the rocks or the grass, picking and smashing the flowers to make my own paint. He hated when I did that, which of course only made me do it more."
Caroline snickered imagining a young and human Klaus. Her chest felt heavy with emotions and she's only seen one picture so far, but hearing him discuss his past life was more than she expected.
"Loving to get under people's skin. Nice to see some things haven't changed." She playfully nudged him in the shoulder before turning a few pages over.
It was of a boy, couldn't be more than a teenager, slouched over on the floor cradling his face in his bloody hands with a scarred back—full of slash marks driving vertically and horizontally over the other like from a whip. Caroline gulped, looking over at Klaus who was staring down at the page with a clenched jaw and hard glare.
A tear never fell but she could see the film clouding his eyes, confirming her suspicions and fear.
"Being the black sheep had its consequences as well..."
His tone was low as he looked over the image himself. Couldn't remember the last time he looked at it.
"Good ol' dad, hm." Klaus shrugged. "Never one to waste a moment in showing me how he felt."
There was nothing funny but he laughed anyways, somberly.
Caroline's heart dropped into her stomach and eyes began to water as her imagination began to take a mind of its own. Looking over at the most important person in her life having to relive his trauma. The fact that he drew his own pain made everything ache more. Only image circulating in her head was of a teenage Klaus suffering abuse from his own father. But why? For how long? Is this the reason he didn't like talking about his family? Was there more to the story, did she want to know more?
"I can practically hear you thinking." He teased, leaning on his elbow.
-How is he so good at that!
She had so many questions, too many, and was sure there would be more along the way. Wondering if she could stomach anymore.
Still looking down at the haunting picture, her head shook slowly as she swallowed the ball of emotion caught in her throat. The next few pages were similar, just as disturbing. One had the faceless boy curled up in a corner—crying she assumed—while in another he was fully naked, facing down from what looked like an open window and he was standing on the ledge with arms and legs spread.
Klaus observed her trembling lip and fingers that skipped a few pages over. He knew this would be a lot for her to take in, hell it was hard for him to relive the past he's strived to run from. So much life has happened since that first sketch he nearly forgot about them.
Finally Caroline came across one of the most disturbing of them all.
One of his victims, so detailed and precise
It wasn't charcoaled like the others but instead painted in a dark red, looked like blood. The woman's mouth open wide like she was screaming, eyes rolling to the back of her head with red tears flowing down her cheeks. Neck snapped and twisted on her lanky body that was sprawled on the ground—the puncture wounds in her neck as detailed as he could make them.
Sick, she felt sick.
Even knowing that the Klaus who drew these disturbing pictures was not the same man she's grown to know and love, it was difficult for her to comprehend at one point in his life he was this malicious and capable of being that way again.
Caroline gulped. "How many more are like this?"
"In this one, about a century's worth." He answered honestly.
There was no reason for him to sugarcoat anymore when she was literally holding the material in her hands.
All she could do was nod, rubbing her lips together before finally looking up at him. He was actually relieved she was able to stare into his eyes without the look of pure disgust.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Why—why did you draw them, the people you killed?" She asked anxiously.
Klaus released a heavy sigh through his nose. "When you take a life, there's this adrenaline rush that courses through you—like a spur of the moment type of feel. It's indescribable literally holding someone else's life in your hands. As amazing it's also fleeting. After the moment is over you feel empty, alone, and I've felt alone my entire life."
He cleared his throat, wiping his hand over his mouth. "I wanted to remember what I did to them. I wanted to remember how I felt, the look in their eyes before I ripped out their hearts and knowing I was the last thing they'd ever see. Immortalizing the dead was the closest I ever came to feeling."
Not sure how he was expecting her to react, but her fingers interlocking with his and placing their joined hands on her lip wasn't on the list. His forehead creased in confused wrinkles at her gentle touch and soothing smile. He didn't think she'd reject him, not after everything she said just 10 minutes ago, but maybe she'd be horrified.
If this was two months ago, even two weeks ago, Caroline would've bailed at the first image without even listening or caring for an explanation. Even with this being the most raw and disturbed she's seen Klaus, it changed nothing of how she felt about him. He was never shy of admitting he had a violent and brutal past but he never wanted her to know about it. He wanted to shield her from a part of himself that nearly shattered them for good. Discovering the extra layers underneath this complicated creature just made her fall harder than she already was.
She didn't fear him, she understood and welcomed him.
"Thank you for trusting me. You really didn't have to show me this at all."
"Yes I did." Klaus' response quickly followed.
Her lips curled up into a small grin, squeezing his hand tighter. "I'm so sorry...for what you went through."
He cringed at her sniffles and attempt at comfort. "I didn't show you this so you could feel sorry for me Caroline."
Caroline abruptly dropped his hand and scoffed. "Seriously! It would literally kill you to have someone express how much they care about you, wouldn't it?"
Her eyes were wide and watery.
Klaus frowned, holding his head down shamefully. He never let anyone close enough to care about him and if they did he would kill them before anything else was said.
The witch's two fingers lifted his chin up so they were once again watery eye to watery eye, now sandwiching his face between her two palms.
"I care about you, dammit! I care about you." Caroline passionately declared. "I'm not afraid or ashamed of it. You are one if not the most important person in my life, which means you cannot show me self made drawings of your abuse and suicidal tendencies and expect me to take it lightly. Expecting me not to feel sorry that I couldn't save you, even though deep down I know there's nothing I could've done. You can't ask me to not feel bad for what you had to experience, and you won't make me feel guilty for it either. This isn't pity, it's..."
Love.
She wanted to say, it was itching the tip of her tongue.
"...just the burden of caring about someone." Caroline said instead. "And I still have so many questions but this has been overwhelming enough for both of us for one day. Thank you for telling me."
Klaus sighed into a smile, grabbing her hand and kissing the base. For the first time in his life he felt free.
"There's no one on this monstrous planet who I trust more. I'll never feel I deserve you Caroline Forbes, and I'll always question how you can want me after everything I am and all I've done." He claimed.
She shrugged. "Looks like you're just going to have to get used to it."
Her gleeful smile matched his.
This was the fresh start they'd been striving for, to accept each other's past while accepting their present. Both have changed so significantly in the past month and a half they couldn't even recognize who they once were. Their attitudes and assumptions towards each other didn't even seem understandable now. Witches versus vampires was a forever battle they'd no longer be a part of.
No more secrets...
Caroline swallowed audibly, her palms sweating and breath staggering. The guilt she had been harboring for so long weighed on her the longer they were together, but after all the pain that brought them back together she owed it to their second chance to give herself a fresh start as well.
He studied the way she nervously licked her lips, the way she looked at him with contemplation while toying with his ring in anticipation.
"Klaus...um, there's something I—"
"There you are!" Elena yelled in relief, throwing her hands in the air as her sneaker covered feet stomped up the bleachers towards the couple. "I've been looking for you everywhere."
"Uh, we're kinda in the middle of something..." Caroline gestured between them.
Though she was actually relieved to be interrupted.
Elena rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah you can resume your reunion make out sessions after you stop Rebekah from trying to stab everyone with an ice pick."
"I've taught my sister well." Klaus muttered proudly.
The brunette witch clenched her jaw before turning all her attention on the fellow witch. "Anyways, Caroline, we need you to keep this crazy vampire you allowed to be a part of our committee in check. No offense."
"If only you actually meant that." Klaus met her uneven smile with his.
Caroline giggled at their banter, even if they were just insulting each other. No one was getting killed or the brain being crushed so she took that as a win.
Leaning forward she kissed his lips playfully. "Duty calls. Um, we can talk later okay?"
Klaus nodded then returned the kiss, gliding his tongue along her bottom lip for his own pleasure and to taunt the sneering witch who was trying not to look.
She pulled away before either became too consumed. Granting him one last peck to his smiling lips before standing from her seat, the sketchbook still in her possession.
Elena thankfully walked down the bleachers, leaving them alone again as Klaus stood up as well.
"This is for your own eyes only." He reminded, looking down at the book.
"Don't worry, I'll keep your baby safe." She assured him.
Klaus' lips twisted into a smirk. "The last 20 pages or so aren't so bleak, in case you want to skip all the gory details—you know, if you want to see if I had any good that's happened to me."
He was acting adorably timid, which only sparked her interest more. The rare occasions when Klaus would show his vulnerability were secretly her favorite moments. It was refreshing to see the insecure 20 year old man underneath the cocky 500 year old shell. After viewing his darkest thoughts, she understood him in a way she never thought she would.
Caroline stepped closer until she was able to pull him into her arms and embrace him in a long, much needed hug. The most comfort she could offer without using any words—and what she knew he needed after such an overwhelming reveal. They had only hugged once or twice, all initiated by her, but after growing up in a household where showing affection wasn't natural she wasn't surprised by his lack of reciprocation. Everything that seemed so common to her was completely foreign to him.
He stood there, frozen in her arms as she squeezed him tighter against her chest. Letting out a deep breath and relaxing into her hold, his own arms finally reaching around her waist to hold her just as tightly. Never has he felt more at peace, protected and cared for. What he thought would scare her off contributed to their relationship development—connecting with her on a deeper scale than he ever imagined. The heavy weight on his chest from how he was feeling all the emotions at once.
Turning his head to kiss her hair and repeatedly whispering 'thank you' in her ear to prevent himself from crying.
Caroline sniffled and smiled, kissing him on the temple before gracefully parting the embrace. Both their glistening eyes held so much more to say but she waved him off, exiting down the bleachers before she no longer had the strength to leave.
Quick note: This chapter was really a nod to those who assumed Caroline was forgiving Klaus too easily/quickly. I really wanted to make her intentions clear in the chapter for everyone to understand her choice to take him back. Mind you, they weren't together for two weeks before she made her decision, and even then had to think hard about it. I felt some were not understanding where Caroline was coming from in regards to how she was handling the break up and just wanted to make it more apparent. She's in love and Klaus knows how much he fucked up, neither took anything lightly but they are ready to move forward.
With that said, yes klaroline are officially back together *screams* how did you guys feel about Klaus finally showing Caroline the content of his sketchbook? We're slowly moving into more of Klaus' background which I've been so excited to start!
Klaus the party planner? Is Caroline hiding something? The highly anticipated Homecoming dance finally in sight? What could possibly happen?
Hope everyone is staying safe, sane and healthy out there!
REVIEWS ARE APPRECIATED.