A/N at the end!
Happy reading :)
trigger warning / discussion of abuse
Klaus tapped his pen repeatedly, anxiously, against his notepad—-trying to focus on Professor Sommers' lecture about why sirens were considered deadly creatures. His eyes couldn't roll harder.
The closer the end of the school year came, the thinner his patience.
Nibbling on his bottom lip impatiently, staring up through his feathered blonde lashes at the clock every other second as if it'd make time go faster. Boot covered foot lightly stomping in place and his other hand scraping at the desk. He wasn't sure why he was so antsy—maybe the abrupt but not unexpected call from Elijah was still weighing on him. Klaus had not informed Caroline about the phone call though it didn't stop his nagging younger siblings from bombarding him about it.
Felt like years since Klaus last spoke to his older brother—only engaging in a few phone calls here and there but nothing concrete. The conversation was not necessarily long, 15 minutes max, and already Klaus could feel his anger mingling with his resentment. Awkward and cold on both ends. Elijah tried to act like a father replacement, which only aggravated Klaus more than how Elijah of all people, couldn't understand why the prospect of going back to their family home wasn't an option. How were they acting so clueless and insensitive? All it proved was that nothing had changed and nothing was ever going to change. Why put himself through that?
Klaus flinched when Caroline—sitting in the desk beside him—covered his hand with hers. Her delicate touch and worried expression comforted his distressed mind, per usual.
"Are you okay?" She leaned in to whisper, not wanting to draw attention. Thankfully they decided to sit in the back row today, Klaus' choice.
"Always." He turned his head to answer her at a similar volume and a half smile.
"Your foot tapping says otherwise." She looked down at his feet. "Tell me, what's wrong?"
Klaus didn't like keeping things from Caroline, and after all the progress they've made he swore no more. But...his family—that was a wound he was positive could never be healed. A subject, that from day one, was off limits.
- That was before she became everything to you.
If Caroline knew about the wedding she'd nag him like his siblings, and she was the last person he'd ever want to be angry with.
"Nothings wrong. I think I've finally grown bored relearning topics I've known for centuries."
Caroline raised an eyebrow. "Not that I believe you but, maybe you wouldn't be so restless if you didn't go back to high school old man." She teased, looking forward to the class again with a cheeky smirk on her glossed lips.
Klaus darkly chuckled. Caroline's feisty side excited him to no end and made him feel equally ballsy.
He leaned across until his breath hovered over her ear.
"But then I wouldn't have met you, and what waste that would've been."
The sweet low toned words made her blush, as much as she tried to appear unaffected.
Looking over at him again with a curled up smile.
"Alright, charmer." Nodding her head towards the front of the room.
"Yet neither of us are paying attention."
"Maybe because you're being distracting."
"Am I?" Klaus inquired, a devilish smirk stretched his full lips and eyes darkening.
She ignored him, focusing on the lecture which only contributed more to his amusement.
Klaus was grateful for the sudden mood change, entertaining his girl rather than his troubled thoughts.
The lights in the room were dim so the projector could be more visible. That fact, combined with Klaus' boredom gave him the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
Feeling daring, he crept closer so his lips could graze her flushed cheek and their knees touched. His lips continued to hover, curling up sinfully at the way Caroline forced herself not to entertain him. Keeping her focus on the class work despite how persistent he was behaving. The nervous gulp bounced in her throat as he continued to ghost his mouth over her skin, so torturously and tauntingly she was almost tempted to grab his face and smush it against hers.
Almost.
Her eyes grew in embarrassment, turning her body towards him when his calloused hand landed on her bare knee with a light caress from his thumb.
"We're in class." She harshly whispered, pushing his hand away when a few classmates looked behind them to inspect all the ruckus.
Klaus however wasn't bothered, simply giving her a coy smile in return as the students faced away. He stayed in place, if not moving closer, with his hand back in its prior position on her knee.
The death glare she targeted towards him screamed 'don't you dare!' but his smirk deepened. Both their eyes fixated on his hand before staring up, boring into each other's like a challenge that Klaus was determined to win. His hand wrapped around her kneecap, rippling soothing waves of endorphins throughout her body. Klaus was intrigued. Despite Caroline's convictions Klaus could always nitpick the sheen of interest and curiosity that lived in her innocent eyes. She was a natural at putting up a front—that she didn't share the same naughty thoughts as him even though the past few days proved otherwise.
"Do you really want me to stop?" He cooed, subtly guiding her legs to open.
"Yes."
- No.
Klaus' eyebrows pulled together curiously when she looked away again but did nothing to cease his seductive efforts.
"Are you sure?" His lips are her ear again. "Even when I can already sense the heat rushing down between her thighs in exquisite agony? The way your face is the most adorable shade of pink as you try to resist your desires, as you try to resist me. Though I can practically taste your arousal on my tongue."
Caroline swallowed hard, biting her fingers into the wooden desk and sucking in her lips to suppress the moan begging to be freed.
"How I could, so easily, glide my hand higher up her thigh until it reaches underneath this pretty skirt of yours without anyone being the wiser. My finger tracing light circles around the flesh of your inner thighs, tauntingly, venturing further until I'm met with the lacy feel of your tempting white panties. Toying with the small pink bow at the hem before pushing the material to the side effortlessly."
Her grip on the desk became deadly as Klaus' hand demonstrated his descriptions. Her eyes fluttered but never fully closed as his finger teased her underwear. Chest red and heaving, labored breaths escaping her parted lips without warning. She hated giving him the reaction he wanted but proper class etiquette was last on her priority list when he made her feel this hot with a single touch.
Klaus grinned sheepishly when Caroline suddenly spread her legs on her own accord, resuming his ministrations.
"My, my Caroline Forbes is an exhibitionist? What would your coven think knowing how much their leader indulged in the big bad vampire explaining the countless naughty things he was planning on doing to her in a filled classroom? How any of your fellow classmates could turn around any second, and see me caressing your inflamed skin and the awakened hairs before finally dipping my finger into your drenched cunt."
Caroline's bottom lip trapped between her teeth, tightly until tasting blood. Her heart nearly stopped when his fiery red eyes replaced the stormy blues, now needing him like a starved woman. Softly whimpering as she parted her legs further, with a silent beg for his hand to take the bait—simultaneously making sure no one was watching.
Wanting to force her eyes to stay glued to his but the light caresses of his fingertips exploring her inner thigh was maddening—fully prepared to submit.
"Would you be opposed if they knew?" His smirk widened wolfishly. "If they knew how desperate you were to get off that you couldn't even wait until after class. Too preoccupied mewling my name in heat to give a damn that all your peers would see straight-laced Caroline having her knickers bunched in public. To what I'm doing to you. That I'm the only one who can make you feel this way."
"Klaus..." She whispered. Her stomach clenching wildly, palms drenched and filtering eyelids from his erotic words and teeth tugging on her earlobe.
- I hate him.
Centuries of learning the art of seduction did him wonders and constantly amplified Caroline's libido more than she'd ever imagine. Making her think thoughts that never surfaced and feel emotions she never knew. At this point she was so wound up the urge to beg him to finger fuck her in the middle of lecture was sounding alarmingly tempting.
Rubbing the tip of his button nose up her cheek. "Tell me, Caroline. Is that something you'd like me to do?"
A breathless 'yes' passed through her lips—feeling so much shame but arousal at the same time. This was bad, and wrong, but she was struggling to care. His hot breath loving her cheek made her shift in her seat from how turned on she was and his hand still under her skirt.
Suddenly she felt cold and empty when Klaus abruptly pulled his hand away—turning to him with a low growl.
"But you're right, we shouldn't. We are in class after all."
Now sitting fully in his own seat, retracted vamp features and leaving her to fend for herself after the torturous empty promises.
- ASS!
Her aggravated gasp so loud it brought attention from the front to back row, causing everyone—including the professor—to direct their attention towards the sneaky couple.
"Is there something you'd like to share with the rest of the class, Caroline?" Professor Sommers asked, shifting her eyes between them both.
- Old people, spiders, feet, Aurora...
Caroline repeated her top list of turn offs in an attempt to decrease her obvious flush appearance—-caused by the cheeky vampire beside her who was covering his grin with his hand, and staring at her innocently while waiting for an explanation.
- Correction: I really, really, really hate him!
Clearing her throat, she shook her head with a shy smile. "Nope. Just making sure I had all the notes. Sorry."
She shot Klaus a death glare after they all turned back around.
He lifted his hands innocently.
"What? I was just doing what you said." He conceded with a quick kiss to her cheek before the bell rang to dismiss the class session.
"Jerk." She hissed but Klaus only laughed more.
They both gathered their books and other belongings, awkwardly passing by the other students while walking down the auditorium steps to exit the classroom.
"You have to admit it made time go faster." Klaus winked when they reached the hallway, earning an eye roll from the sexually frustrated blonde as they walked through the crowd of their peers—hand in hand.
"Whatever. I hope you know teasing me like that during class isn't just cruel, which I will return the favor by the way, but it will not block out a certain thing that was heavily on your mind that you think I forgot about."
Klaus groaned. "I told you, It's nothing."
"You always say that, and it's always something."
"Please love, can we just drop it, for now?"
There was no humor behind his tone and his reluctance was sincere and unwavering. Caroline was slowly learning the ins and outs of the complicated man she chose to love—-which buttons to push, when far was too far. It wasn't her mission to make him feel uncomfortable, ever, but especially when around her. But he held so many secrets, still such a mystery despite everything they've been through, keeping her curiosity at bay wasn't always easy.
But he didn't ask for much. Some levels of privacy and restraint was something she could manage, for now.
With that in mind, Caroline nodded in agreement and squeezed his hand. "Fine. Onto unrelated topics like, if you have any dinner plans tonight skip them."
His lips pursed. "That'd be a bit awkward since any plans I might have would involve you and the grotesque cafeteria, but something tells me you have a much more complex agenda, Forbes?"
Caroline squealed in excitement, pulling him to the side so they were standing against a pillar.
"Okay, okay I can't hold it in anymore! I planned a date night for us tonight!"
His eyebrows lifted, stunned.
"Is that so?"
She enthusiastically nodded with a small jump. "Yup! It's kinda been my little project since I no longer have to worry about the Homecoming dance but I'm really excited for it and to finally do something for you, for us. It's on campus so don't get any ideas about limo rides and swanky restaurants, and we don't need to stress ourselves with sneaking out."
"Where's the fun in that?"
She gave him a look that translated to: her body was off limits until he toned down the sarcasm.
Klaus sighed into a grin, releasing her hand to cup her face and kiss her on the mouth apologetically—bringing a smile to her face.
"I'm touched, love, really, and your enthusiasm makes me curious. I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll meet me outside of The Hole tonight, around 7ish?" She cutely proposed, leaning on her tippy toes with her arms now around his neck.
His expression now serious. That had easily become his least favorite place on campus, hadn't stepped foot in that area in months. Flashbacks of the last time they were at his old establishment of entertainment and self sabotage where he ran after her, covered in blood, and she swore through tearful rage she never wanted to see him again.
- Why would she want to meet there?
"The Hole? Caroline—"
His protest died by her finger against his lip.
Her eyes saddened and low, as if she was thinking the exact same concerns as him, but she remained persistent.
"I chose that location because it's the most secluded area of the school and we can finally have some privacy. That's it. Promise?" Searching in his eyes with hers.
- The past is the past. The past is the past.
Both of them have changed dramatically from who they were a month ago—their relationship changed even more. A flaw Klaus struggled with his whole life was the inability to let the past die, but like everything else, he was willing to try for Caroline's sake.
"Of course."
Caroline's frown flipped and she smiled into another kiss, sighing into his mouth before already pulling away.
"I'll see you tonight."
The couple parted ways in opposite directions of the crowded hallway.
Caroline swiftly turned the corner, gasping as her chest collided with a smirking brunette male figure.
"Kol?"
"Hello Caroline, just the little witch I was looking for. May I steal a moment of your time?" He asked, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as they walked down the hallway.
"Um, actually I'm kinda in a rush—"
"Oh just spare a couple of minutes. It won't take long." He promised, guiding her towards two parallel pillars for more privacy.
Caroline's back against the steel block with Kol now standing in front of her. He was only an inch taller than her which made his grey eyes boring into hers less intimidating—but still intimidating nonetheless. That was just the aura the Mikaelson family exuded whether you were in their good graces or not. Sometimes it was still nerve wrecking being in Klaus' presence.
Her discomfort was obvious but Kol obviously showed no care; he didn't seem like the type to care much about others feelings besides his own. Caroline hadn't exchanged more than a few words with the younger Mikaelson since he caught her outside of Klaus' room that one morning—felt like forever ago. They hadn't crossed paths since. Never engaged in conversations or interactions, so why now?
What could he possibly want to talk about?
- Klaus, obviously.
"Do I have a choice?" Caroline muttered, making Kol's lips curl up amusingly.
"You're smart, and feisty. I noticed that about you when I first caught Nik practically deflowering you against his door."
The embarrassing memory made her face flare as red as the roses growing in the school's garden. Based on Kol's taunting smirk that was exactly his goal. He may share physical traits with Rebekah but his menacing personality was, scarily, Klaus all over.
Caroline let out a soft sigh. "No offense but can you just tell me what you want? I have things to do."
"I'm sure you do." He winked. "I was just wondering if you could be a gem and tell my stubborn arse of a brother that the waiting and begging is growing tiresome. I already don't have much of an attention span and he's milking it. We need him at the wedding alright, but if he's insistent on rejecting the invite, he could at least let us know instead of ignoring us like a bloody prick. It's rude and most importantly, everyone is on my arse about it as if I control him."
- Huh?
Caroline's face scrunched. "Wedding? What wedding?"
"What wedding? You're joking right?"
Her lips twisted. "I'm not really the 'joking' type of person."
Kol's eyes clouded over, realizing her puzzled response was sincere and his mind was blown.
"You're serious." He softly concluded, hands on his hips shaking his head like it was the biggest insult he's ever heard.
"But how? How in the bloody hell are you a part of the supernatural community, attached to Nik's hip but unaware of the most talked about event of the entire town? Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised my dear brother would rather play the game of ignorance is bliss and pretend it doesn't exist."
She's grown to accept certain aspects about Klaus—enjoys warm human blood, reserved personality, a hidden adoration for romcoms—but his secrets kept her up at night. So many questions stuck in her brain like an abandoned post-it note because she knew he wouldn't answer any of them. 500 years worth of history she didn't know, that he didn't want her to know. He's explained before why he prefers certain parts of his past to stay in the dark. Ignoring was his way of coping, but what was so damaging about a wedding?
Noticing her dismay, Kol scratched the back of his neck and groaned.
"Fine. I'll play the role of informative, and impossibly good looking boyfriend since the one you're currently entertaining is failing." He insisted.
Caroline crosses her arms over her chest with a less than amused expression.
"I'll hit you with the headline: our oldest sister Freya is getting married next week and me, and the rest of our siblings, have been extremely pathetic, desperately begging Nik to attend for the past three months. Surprise!" Kol said, waving jazz hands in faux glee.
She shook her head. "Wait, three months!?"
He nodded. "That's why I showed up at his room that morning, to deliver the invitation she made specially for him. Deep down I think he actually enjoys us chasing after him like a bunch of imbeciles, and we just keep feeding into his overgrown ego."
Kol's teeth gritted out the words, toning down his frustration while observing the perplexed blonde witch before him.
"He really didn't tell you any of this?"
Caroline shook her head, slowly.
A wedding...a Mikaelson wedding and she didn't know about it. Given the fact that she was dating a member of the family, it was actually insulting.
- So this is what has been bothering him so much lately...
Only briefly did she forget Klaus even had an older sister—and siblings. He only mentioned his older siblings once and the comments were fleeting. She recalled his bitter tone when explaining how they fled to Europe shortly after becoming vampires, but not much else. They were given the Voldemort treatment like everything else in his past. Even though she understood his reservations, this particular situation irked her for more than one reason—main one being he lied.
Kol shrugged. "Now love, let's turn that frown upside down. I wouldn't take it personally. You know how secretive he is with everyone."
"But I'm not just anyone." She announced, feeling her throat scratch.
"Oh, I know." Kol smiled like he wanted to say more—tease more. "Anyways, is that your final answer or..."
"No, that's not my final answer!" Caroline snapped. "I don't have an answer because I just found out my boyfriend has been hiding this from me for three months and now his little brother is badgering me about it."
"Badgering, really? You and Nik really are meant to be."
The young vampire watched the conflicted notions spin inside her puzzled eyes.
"I just don't understand. Why wouldn't Klaus tell me about something like this?"
"Well there's two doors: door number one being that our family isn't exactly the Brady Bunch and he didn't want you caught in the Mikaelson crossfires. Or door number two, my personal favorite, in which he didn't trust you'd support any decision he'd make because you'd convince him to go anyways. I'd go with door number two if I were you."
She hated to admit that those options were the only reasonable ones, giving her pause. Taking Kol seriously was nauseating but thinking of Klaus not trusting her was even worse.
Her glossed lips pressed together and manicured fingers drummed up the straps of her bag anxiously as her confusion and concerns began to mingle.
"Look darling, I'm pretty much immune to his dramatic ways of making people beg for his attention." Kol claimed with an eye roll. "It's who he is. He's been doing it all his life. Why do you think it's taken our whole damn family just to reach out to him? It's nothing I would worry your pretty little head over." He patted her on the head like she was a child, irritating her further.
"I know it must be so frustrating to deal with his web of secrets. Frankly I'm surprised you've lasted this long with him. I just hope you realize no matter how much you feel for him, Nik is always going to be Nik. No amount of love from a Forbes witch is going to break that stubborn stoned shell."
Caroline scoffed, pushing his hand away.
"Wow, you know for a second I actually thought you were really serious about him. Though from the brief interactions we've had together I know you always have an agenda. So, if I were to do this what's in it for you?"
Kol scraped his teeth along his smiling bottom lip, a twinkle beaming in his amused eyes. "Beauty and brains—-observant girl. However, this time around, I am coming to you with complete and most honest of intentions. And I'm asking you, sweet Caroline, to do this one thing for little ole me." He innocently proposed with a pouty lip and hands folded together like a prayer.
Oh, he's good.
Caroline sucked in a breath then exhaled, feeling that familiar tug-o-war in the pit of her stomach before saying, "I don't know Kol..."
It wasn't that Caroline was opposed to Klaus reuniting with his estranged family, but the few things he did tell her about his home life did not sound too comforting either. Last thing she wanted was to be responsible for resurfacing any further trauma.
Kol's expression transitioned from mischief to serious within seconds. His eyebrows relaxed along with a now softened gaze, almost unrecognizable.
Leaning against the pillar right beside her with hands in his jacket pockets, kicking the rocks by his feet.
"I won't mince words when saying coming to you about this didn't make me physically ill." He hissed, catching her off guard. "I come from a very prideful family so the last thing I want is asking for someone's help, especially from a witch, no offense."
Caroline waved off with a soft 'none taken', as if he actually cared about offending her.
"But I'm not exactly left with much of an option..." Kol groaned. "You're...you're the only one he listens to Caroline, you're the only one he trusts. It might seem I'm using you, because I am. I know I'm a little shit alright, but I do genuinely care about my family Caroline. We're a large gang of powerful and dominant individuals but all are wounded beyond repair. Each of us have our own inner demons but Nik takes his out on the rest of us...not that I necessarily blame him."
Caroline's curious what that meant.
"I wouldn't be so persistent if our sister didn't want him there—we want him there." Kol added. "Nik doesn't know yet but Freya and her future hubby are off to Greece after the wedding so this will probably be the last time we'll all be together as a family as well."
He was tugging on her empathetic strings with that soft voice and wistful she's —and it was working.
"Think of it as your wedding gift, and a sincere first impression on your potential new family." He winked, causing an embarrassing flare up to Caroline's cheeks.
"Kol—"
"Just think about it, overnight. If I'm not mistaken I overheard you two are spending a lovely evening together tonight. Some alone time to discuss personal matters, what a coincidence! Must be fate." His dimples were as deep as his mischief.
"Good to know vampires haven't lost their ability to invade." Caroline quirked.
He chuckled, with his light footsteps approaching her in large strides.
"I'll take that as a yes?" He presumed, staring her down innocently. "Sweetheart, this is just a crash course. If you're going to be involved with one Mikaelson, you're involved with all of us. Kinda goes with the territory. Something tells me he should've mentioned that before you fell in love with him."
Her eyes widened suspiciously. "Kol—"
"I'll be expecting Nik's call in the morning. Always a pleasure, Caroline." He smirked, not giving her another second before turning on his heel before vamp speeding off like a gust of wind.
Her blonde waves flew around her face in its wake as she was forced to assess the new dilemma: siding with a family she barely knew and the obligation to her boyfriend.
He didn't have much of a relationship with his family, hence his automatic refusal to his own sister's wedding, and crossing that line with him again scared her. But how much more guilty would she feel if she didn't at least try?
As if she didn't have enough to feel guilty about...
- Worry about that later. You have a date to get ready for.
She could talk to Klaus tomorrow. Tonight was their night and she was determined to not allow any disturbances. Blindly fixing her hair and appearance before walking through the freshly cut yard, heading towards the main office.
No one had ever planned a date with him before, hell, Klaus never even went on proper dates until recently. He was the planner, provider. Throwing his money and name around, purchasing faux companionship and other favors because no one ever voluntarily cared about to be around him outside of that—outside of what he could offer them and their means to get ahead. Compelling and murdering the pain away until the numbness settled in. It was a comfortable way of living for the past few centuries, while also temporarily filling the stubborn void that yearned for more.
Love.
Caroline genuinely loved him, and he had no idea why.
This was a heavy load to have on his mind while on the way to said date. Walking across campus—past the crowded dining hall and football field—towards the hidden clubhouse he once saw as a sanctuary. So many bad decisions and mistakes were made there he still was unsure why she chose this location. Caroline texted him that she was already there and waiting for his arrival, adding onto his anxiety. Not being in control of every situation was unusual and uncomfortable for someone who'd been a control freak his entire life—surely Caroline could say the same about herself.
She said keep it casual, prompting Klaus to wear his favorite two-buttoned black Henley with matching black jeans and boots. He moussed his curls a bit so they appeared soft and shiny—perfected for Caroline's leisure. His gaudy daylight ring was permanent on his finger along with a few others on both hands—Klaus loved accessorizing. The signature layers of necklaces that popped out his shirt were still present, only missing the one he gave Caroline which brought a soft smile to his face when he reached the back door and saw it securely around her neck.
It was of a simple sapphire stone he found during his quest to Nigeria about a decade ago. Each of Klaus' necklaces held a different story, and his travels were habitual. But it was meant for her to wear the jewel just from the amount of life she brought to it.
Even in the pale moonlight she was an effortless force to be reckoned with. The white and black polka dot sweetheart dress elongated her tone legs to Klaus's hungry gaze. Moonlight washed through the golden curls that fell around her shoulders and her eyes a mesmerizing blue as she stepped more into the light, with a smile that matched his.
"Not even the shadows could hide such a stunning beauty." His flattery stirred on one of her infamous eye rolls. "Although love, I was expecting to at least see you properly on this date."
"And you will! I just wanted to wait until you got here before I turned on the lights." She claimed excitedly.
Klaus's eyebrows raised questionably—clearly confused given that there were no light switches outside the building. Caroline's white teeth shined through the darkness—smirking at his expression as she grabbed two loose wires in each hand.
Moving his head to the side, Klaus noticed the two wires were connected and a string of lights hanging over them—must've been Caroline's own doing. Her eyes were now closed and she was muttering a spell under her breath repeatedly. She was focused but her face remained calm as he watched her stun him again with her skills.
Slowly but surely, the lights began to flicker—brightening to their fullest potential after an extended minute of chanting. The once unlit white lights now a twinkling star-lit night hovering above them.
He gasped, grinning ear to ear, looking around as the lights individually ignited around the building from each word his extraordinary girlfriend chanted. Klaus was not a fan of witch factions but he loved everything about Caroline being a witch—a force to be reckoned with.
Glancing down revealed even more—an orange plaid picnic blanket covering the green grass, and a straw-made picnic basket by their feet.
Caroline finally opened her eyes to her creation, admiring the illuminated setting and the handsome man doing the same—growing nervous when he hadn't spoken yet.
"I...I know it's no limo ride around town or a five star Italian restaurant where the appetizer is the same price as a meal, but I wanted to do something special. Big and extravagant is usually a go-to for any date but we've never tried intimate and simple before. I wanted to do something new for you, for us." She stammered.
"You did all of this yourself?" Klaus asked.
"I had a bit of help from Enzo and Marcel to put the lights up, which I hope is okay with you that I used your friends but they sorta saw me struggling and insisted. But the picnic was my idea, oh and the basket is full of all your favorite 'normal' meals; school's chef sorta owed me a big one and he prepared all the necessities. Oh!"
He watched amusingly as she bent down to grab the bottle of champagne.
"For the record," pointing a stern finger towards him. "As your class president I do not condone drinking on campus but as your girlfriend, it's a welcomed token for a celebratory occasion so I figured why not bend the rules one more time. Oh!" She streaked, bending down to grab a tumbler out the basket. "I also managed to snag some blood for you. Rebekah sorta helped me with that. I would've asked Katherine but she doesn't know you personally and apparently Mikaelsons have clout, even at a blood bank."
She laughed it off, nervously, juggling the beverage container between her hands.
"I hope it's to your standard. Apparently all blood types don't taste the same and Rebekah said O negative is your favorite, right?"
"Caroline, you didn't have to."
"Yeah, I did." She nodded. "I don't want you forgetting to feed anymore. Even if it's unintentional, I don't want you weakening yourself just because you're out with me."
He was prepared to ask what brought this on, then an image of a nosy grey-eyed blonde appeared in his head.
"I'm going to kill Rebekah." He threatened through clenched teeth.
"Stop. She just worries about you because she's your sister and loves you. It's also at the perfect temperature right now, just the way you like it."
Klaus still said nothing, taking another glance of the decor again before staring back at her with glossy eyes and a half smile—and it was driving her insane.
Clearing her throat and pulling at her fingers as if to break. "So...do you like it?"
His half smile turned into a wide grin, eyes glossed over in genuine appreciation. Feeling the overwhelming wave of emotions collecting in his chest as he walked towards his girl. Sweeping her hair to the side back before cradling her face in his hands and bending down for a deep kiss. No tongue, but still passionate enough for Caroline to feel it rippling through her body—his kisses never failed to ignite her every sense. Standing on the tip toes of her black heeled Mary Janes, accepting the kiss fully before he pulled away with a leftover smile.
"I love it." He claimed, brushing a chaste kiss across her lips.
Caroline let out a relieved breath. "Good because it took four timely hours to get this together and if you hated it—"
"I'd never hate anything you do." He said, making her smile and grabbing the blood-filled container out her hand. "Now, I don't know about you but I'm famished."
She eagerly nodded in agreement, not realizing how much her stomach was growling until the anxiety finally subsided.
Finally sitting, they ate and talked. Indulging in the worldly food that Klaus had only ever bragged to her about—Italian and French were his elites. Seeing the boy-like smile plastering his face as he ate the ratatouille was enough to make her night. She insisted she was 'okay' before he washed it down with the warm blood, nearly drinking all of it. He did not realize how parched he was until the final sip. This was still new for her, the blood and gore that came with Klaus's nature and he understood and was patient with her efforts. He remembered how antsy she was the first time they had a conversation about it, and now she was voluntarily retrieving the liquid for him.
To her, this was a simple gesture, but to Klaus it meant everything.
Klaus popped the champagne open—both giggling at Caroline's streak when the bubbles overflowed. Each had at least three glasses before laying down on the picnic blanket, tipsy and blissful, staring up at the moonlight.
Klaus's arm circled Caroline's waist as her head rested on his hard chest and reaching around his torso, squeezing him best she could like he had any thought of leaving—she was an affectionate drunk. Her soft exhales and giggles against him were soothing, eyes closed like she was sleeping. She was content, and so was he—wrapped in each other listening to nature's music. This was unusual for Klaus—simplicity and attachment. The act of intimacy was always overrated to Klaus, given he's never experienced it, until Caroline made him understand the beauty of it. His fingertips ran up and down her arm, causing the hairs to stand up in their wake.
"Love, can I tell you something?" Klaus spoke.
"Anything." She sighed dreamingly.
"This is by far the best date I've ever been on."
"Yeah, sure." She burst into laughter, enjoying the vibration radiating from Klaus's chuckles.
"I'm serious. No one has ever done anything like this for me before, or put so much thought into me and once upon a time I didn't think I wanted or needed it." He sighed. "Realizing how much I missed out on..."
Caroline lifted her head to see him looking down at her lovingly, with a trembling bottom lip that ceased the moment she noticed.
"I'm really glad you liked it, and the food."
"The food was the kickstarter. However, I'm sure I won't be able to move for the next 15 minutes."
Her smile grew. "Maybe that was my goal." Tilting her head for a kiss and immediately moaned at the surprising pleasantry the blend of blood and champagne lingering on his lips gave her before pulling away.
"I remember you telling me about the amazing ratatouille your mom used to make when you were younger, for every Christmas in France. Now, Chef Olaf is no Esther Mikaelson but—"
"My Aunt." He sternly corrected. "I said my aunt made it, not Esther."
Caroline's cheerful smile fell, as did his.
- Just perfect Caroline! How did you manage to mess up one minor detail?
But it wasn't minor, and his lowered brows and hardened face were the indicators. The warmth already drifting away.
It was an honest mistake but it didn't matter when he was visibly upset.
There was nothing more she could say except, "I'm sorry."
Klaus's head turned to look down at her again, hooking a finger under her chin.
"I know." He said with a deep exhale and the softest of smiles that she reciprocated.
Managing to flip his mood switch so quickly was one of life's miracles and the last thing she wanted was to ruin it but, Kol's request had been ringing in her head all evening. Would it be wise to bring this up to him tonight? But if not now, when? Ripping the bandaid seemed most effective in her experience but Klaus was annoyingly unpredictable.
She swallowed, looking away and running her fingers up and down his chest. "So, there's something I want to talk to you about. About earlier today in class..."
"When I whispered filthy words in your ear while teasing you underneath your dress. Not much to discuss love, it's quite self explanatory." He smirked.
Heat rushed through her cheeks.
"Not that...you were preoccupied, even before class, and you obviously didn't want to talk about it but um, I think I already know what it's about."
His eyebrows furrowed as Caroline sat up on the blanket, pushing her hair back and letting out shallow breaths. She was obviously anxious about whatever she presumed to know—he was beginning to experience a similar emotion.
"I know, about the wedding..." She confessed but it did little to ease her guilt or Klaus's agony.
Those baby blues sank into a darker shade as they shifted between the nervous girl and the lonely air—settling his attention on the grass instead. Caroline feared he would shut down again and deny it all together.
His fingers picked at the grass, roughly, like it was a substitute stress ball.
"Who told you?" He asked—his voice eerily calm.
She licked her lips. "Kol, sorta pulled me to the side after class and—"
"Kol?" His head shot up at the mention of his problem child of a brother.
This was the rare occasion he preferred Rebekah.
"Don't be mad at him. He thought I already knew and was concerned."
Klaus laughed. "Please don't be fooled by my brother's performances, he's quite good. I've seen it firsthand. He's an instigator and knew perfectly well you were clueless which is why he decided to tell you himself."
Not that his accusation was unbelievable but him purposely missing the point was equally irritating.
"I don't care about Kol. The real issue is why didn't you tell me?" She snapped, turning her body to face him fully. "I thought we were over this phase in our relationship, where you act like a stranger."
"A stranger?" He scoffed. "Now suddenly I'm a stranger just because I didn't inform you about a stupid wedding being held for someone you never even met?!"
And now they were fighting which was exactly what Caroline wanted to avoid.
- Damn you Kol Mikaelson.
She sat up tall and shoulders pushed back, refusing to let him get the best of her. "No, it's because you're insistent on claiming your commitment to me but still refuse to let me in."
The indented waves squiggling across Klaus's forehead straightened.
"Look, I know this isn't ideal for you but it is what it is. Your brother came to me, with false intentions maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that I once again have to find out what's going on in your life from someone else." She continued, feeling the burn of frustrated tears teasing her eyes. "I used to brush it off but it doesn't work anymore, not after everything. I'm your girlfriend, and I love you. We're a part of each other's lives now but I feel I still know very little about yours. Is it that you don't trust me?"
He scoffed. "Don't be insulting."
"Stop deflecting." She spat.
Klaus leaned forward, slightly tilting his head to emphasize her ridiculous accusation. "You really think there's anyone else on this fuckin' earth that I trust more than you?"
Caroline pressed her lips inward until they stopped trembling. They were both on edge for different reasons.
He did trust her, she knew, and the feeling was mutual but being with such a private person made it impossible for her to not experience an occasional pause when he extended that trait onto her.
Reaching out, she grabbed his hand in hers and rested it on her lap. Looking at him with nothing but love and she swore the same glint shined in his eyes.
"I don't want to fight. I hate when we fight." Caroline caressed his knuckles with her thumb. "I don't like second guessing you either. I'm not mad at you Klaus, just confused. You have a lot of family drama and family is sensitive, I get that. But can you blame me for being offended every time someone tells me about my own boyfriend and I don't know about it? Constantly dumbfounded? It's humiliating and disheartening because I should be the one who knows more than anyone else. How would you feel if Katherine or Tyler knew everything about me but you didn't?"
"Easy, I'd kill the lot of them without hesitation. That wasn't a good comparison." He quipped with a shrug—only half joking but it was enough to make Caroline laugh.
"Ugh I should not be laughing about you figuratively hurting my friend." She shoved him in the shoulder with her own, lightening the mood for them both.
Caroline brought their joint hands to her cold lips leaving a sweet kiss on the base of his. "Talk to me. Why don't you want to go?" She asked, deciding to dissect the situation one at a time.
Klaus groaned. "You're going to think it's silly."
"I won't." She claimed.
He deeply sighed, figured he had no choice but to take her word for it.
"The wedding...will be held at my family's mansion. The backyard is lavish enough and practically its own land so it would make sense not to waste money on another venue." He simply explained.
"Sounds resourceful enough." Caroline commented.
He nodded, licking his bottom lip. "I haven't been back home or seen my family in almost five years, which might not sound like a lot given the centuries I stayed. Kol and Rebekah are the most I've seen of any of my siblings, then my older brother Elijah called me yesterday asking about the same thing. I'll be relieved when this is all over."
Clearing his throat, he decided to stare at the ground instead.
"I know how idolized my family is. Around school, and town, people are always gossiping about the Mikaelson mansion that no one has ever seen from the inside. They praise it, desire for all that we have and it is a beauty but I can't help being thoroughly repulsed whenever they romanticize it like it's a palace of dreams. For me and my siblings however, it was hell."
- Maybe I'm not ready for this...
Caroline bit her tongue as he continued.
"Mainly for me, though." His lips twisted and fist balled. "Mikael was a cruel and angry man and an even shittier father. He was never cut out to be a parent, honestly to this day I don't understand why he planted his seed as many times as he did. Thought one day he'd finally get it right, I suppose."
Klaus was struggling with giving Caroline his undivided attention and hanging his head in shame.
"I was always told I looked just like him compared to my brothers, and acted like him too which was the greatest insult I've ever been given. He was bigger, and meaner...not exactly the comparison a 10 year old boy wants to hear after suffering at his hands just the night prior."
They both gulped.
"The lashes on my back, um I was eight years old the first time he whipped me, repeatedly, for speaking out of turn at one of his business dinners. When I was 12 he threw me into a glass table—I was trying to push him off my mother one morning and woke up to him grabbing her, shoving her into a wall. Cuts and bruise, along with a sprained wrist and fractured collarbone as souvenirs. At 16, he wailed on me with just his fists this time...just because I ate before being told and so on, and so forth. Everyday. Though everyone in that house suffered in some way, it was only me who had it the worst. Not sure why, never saw the point in asking. It escalated when we moved to the states. I always kidded myself thinking he'd finally show mercy and just kill me. But then I wouldn't suffer, and where was the joy in that, hm? Who else would make him feel better about himself, to make him feel like the alpha he thinks he is? Safe to say my biggest donation to charity has been being my own father's punching bag my whole life. Not many can achieve such an accomplishment." His upper lip quirked up as his fingers twitched.
Nausea was slowly getting the best of her—she felt ill like her entire body would fold over and collapse any minute. Caroline practically tasted the bile inching up her throat. Klaus was trying to come off nonchalant—unfazed and unbothered by the disturbance. but clearly as a front to mask his unnerving pain. She remembered how graphic his sketchbook depicted just a portion of his tragic life but, she never thought it was to this extent. Maybe ignorance was bliss.
Aching to comfort the man she loved but something told her to refrain, for now, and just listen.
"As you've noticed, not all my evidence of terror healed when I turned into a vampire. Like some twisted parting gift to remind me of the horror I experienced in the four walls of the place I once called home—the place everyone romanticizes. Where my father beat me and my mother knew but did nothing to stop it, or protect me. Where my siblings turned against me..." He kept his head down but Caroline could hear the melancholy. The veins pulsing at his temples from the jaw clenching.
His hold on her hand tightening the only indicator she was still there.
"So you see, love," he faintly sniffled, "my 'family drama' exceeds helicopter moms and absentee dads. Going back there will mean confronting everything I swore to ignore and leave behind and I just..."
He drifted off, with a deep sigh and loss for words. Realizing he has never put himself out there so rawly with anyone. Years had gone by he tried not to think about those haunting times, until the nightmares eventually stopped and he permanently moved out.
Now he felt like an eight year old boy again.
Caroline's eyes welled up, lips pressed together while shaking her head. "Klaus...I-I didn't know."
"How could you?." He said, finally looking up at her.
This was the main reason he vowed to keep his past to himself, not just to avoid being forced to endure the trauma again but also the pitiful look on Caroline's face right now. Her feeling sorry for him, pitying him. Admitting he was fragile and defenseless before supernatural means changed everything.. That wasn't the type of man he wanted her to ever know him as.
"Why would you ever think I wouldn't take something like this seriously?"
He carelessly shrugged, already wishing to drop the topic entirely.
"I didn't know...I'm so sorry for underestimating what you went through." She pleaded, holding in her sobs.
He groaned. "Caroline, please stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like I'm some kind of wounded dog." He bitterly responded. "Someone to be pitied or coddled. You didn't know about any of this until now, you barely knew me. You weren't there and even if you were you there was nothing you could have done so why be sorry about it? It's over and done. I'm fine now. I don't need nor want anyone feeling bad for me, especially you."
She scoffed. "This isn't pity. Maybe hearing the man I love talk about being thrown around like a rag doll all his life isn't exactly a topic I can just brush over. And don't lie pretending you're fine when you're obviously not."
Damnit.
Klaus cursed under his breath, wanting to bury himself in a ditch than discuss this any further but unfortunately that was not an option anymore. He knew Caroline like the back of his hand—her persistency matched his and she was not letting this go anytime soon.
Dropping his hand, she turned her body into his so they were now sitting face to face—prepared to discuss but her eyes depicted empathy.
"I'll never stop feeling heartache when you tell me about your abuse so might as well get used to that now." She boldly said. "You're someone I care about, crazily and wholeheartedly, and despite all your great efforts I will never hesitate showing you how much. No one deserves what you went through and it's not your fault either. You've kept this all to yourself for so long you're convinced it doesn't still affect you and then you take that pain out on other people instead..."
Klaus's face dropped and chest constricted when realizing what she was referring to. "Caroline..."
Her finger pressed against his moving lips. "Don't." She took a deep inhale and exhale, fighting off her own trigger before proceeding. "That's not what this is about. You're self destructive, I learned that pretty early on and I've seen it with my own eyes as well, and it's because you haven't dealt with the root of the problem. After so long of ignoring it, eventually it begins to take a toll, even longer for a vampire. That hurt can manifest into something worse and then you will be alone-forever."
There was nothing Caroline hated more than bringing up the Aurora debacle but it exposed more than an introduction of heartbreak. It was a game changer in their relationship, especially after discovering the reason behind Klaus' actions. Others genuinely caring about him was a foreign concept and she resented everyone in his life before her because of it.
Besides the supernatural differences, Caroline realized how much she and Klaus had in common. Masking the pain from her father's abandonment and mother's tyranny with school functions and extracurricular activities on campus.
Clearing her throat, she removed her finger from his lips. You want to know what I think?"
"Something tells me I don't have much of a choice." He sighed lightheartedly, making her briefly grin.
"I think, you haven't given a proper answer to your siblings because deep down you actually want to go to the wedding and know you'll regret it if you don't." She accused. "But accepting that invitation means more than being there for your sister's big day but also you confronting your parents for the first time and that scares you."
"I'm not scared of anything." He claimed.
Her eyes rolled. "Acting like you have no humanity is a turn off, just so you know. I promise showing emotions is not a federal offense."
Klaus' entire body remained tense—-practically shaking in a range of anger and anxiety.
- Because she is right.
Felt like a hole took place in the pit of his stomach and hugs escaping through his nose. So desperately, he wanted to beast out—fangs, eyes and all until all that was seen was red. Not realizing the death grip his fingers had pierced the flesh of his palm until the vibration of the action caught Caroline's attention. The fear nestled between her parted lips and shifty eyes but she held her chin up strong, not giving in to his obvious disapproval.
This was hurting him, she knew, but he would never be capable of—finally—move on until he faced the matter head on.
"I know there's more about your history I'm still in the dark about, and I'm perfectly content with you taking your time telling me but maybe...maybe this could be a good thing."
His eyebrows scrunched and a worry line squiggled across his forehead.
"That's why you didn't tell me, right? Because you knew I'd convince you to go." She accurately assumed. "I know you better than you think Klaus Mikaelson, and I know for a fact that this will be on your mind all next week. So...I'm advising you to text Kol and confirm your attendance. No pressure." Caroline added when he tried protesting. "If you really don't want to I'll support that too but..." Her shoulders lifted. "I think it'd be beneficial for you. You can go and leave with no regrets, and get the closure you've been wanting from your family for years. Finally let all of it go and start a new chapter in your life, whether it includes them or not."
"You think it's that simple?"
"No," she answered honestly while rubbing his forearm, "but better late than never and you're about five centuries late." She grinned. "I just care about your well being and finally leaving the past in the past might finally get you to where you've always wanted to be; at peace."
Her touch was so familiar, and soothing it triggered an epiphany. Imagining, craving, a reality where he no longer thought about those lonely nights curled up in a corner. Where he'd instead be curled up in a bed with the girl of his dreams—genuinely and undoubtedly happy. Almost seemed too good to be true, it had to be, but Caroline's words were too reassuring for him not to at least consider.
"I hope you know your amount of intellect has been proven to be quite the inconvenience for me." He teased.
She playfully pushed his shoulder with hers, squealing as he took the opportunity to grab her arms and pull her onto his lap. Her legs stretched out across him and his hand innocently caressed the exposed skin, and her arms around his neck—feeling ease as they melted into each other's grasps. His head rested against her chest, enjoying the sound of her healthy heartbeat pouring all its life into the girl who will never know how much she saved him. Relishing in her fingers moving in his hair in innocent strides, as his eyes closed just for a second, taking in a needed deep breath. Hugging her even tighter into his arms but not enough to cause harm. He felt so naked and vulnerable but she provided comfort—safety—that he lacked for most of his life. Holding her reminded him she wasn't just a dream.
"What if I am...scared?" He abruptly asked.
Caroline subtly sniffled, threading his short dirty blonde curls back with her fingers. "Then we'll deal with it, like we always do. You never have to worry about doing anything on your own anymore. I'll always be here for you."
He sighed at the tenderness of her soft lips against his scruffy cheek, then leaving another on his nose, and another on his forehead. Each kiss was a different sentiment. Lips lingering against his face for a good while like she was trying to console him.
The night took an unexpected detour, yet brought them closer than he ever imagined. Klaus realized how more exhausting it was keeping himself from Caroline than being honest. His chest deflated from unprovoked tension. Each haunting reveal was more severe than the other, yet she stayed.
Being left behind was expected. One way or another he was always alone but never with Caroline, not now or ever and he could not fathom the day that would change. These were the moments she asked for, the vulnerability she asked of him that he thought he'd never give. Emotions were among the scariest obstacles in all his years that he never escaped from but they were what made her love him more, and he had no idea why.
Staring into her adoring glistening eyes while her fingers toyed with the curls on the back of his neck, providing the gentlest of comfort solidified his decision. This wasn't just about him anymore. For the sake of their relationship he needed to finally let her in by pushing them out.
Cursing under his breath, Klaus said, "Fine, fine. I—I will go to the bloody wedding but...only if you come with me."
Her pond shaped eyes widened into an ocean, dancing fingers halted and breath caught.
- He did not just..no. No.
"What?" Sounding more airy than intended.
"You heard me." Klaus smirked, brushing the pad of his thumb under her eye to catch a teardrop.
- Is he joking?
She swallowed. "Klaus, if this is some attempt to scare me into dropping this whole subject it is definitely working."
His warm laughter was an undefeated gift, playing with the ends of her hair. "No tricks, no ruse however I am serious in saying I will not be there unless you are."
- Nope, he's not joking.
How did persuading him to attend his own family's function result in her receiving an invite as well? Was it normal to feel sickly anxious?
"Klaus..."
"You think I want to need you like this, Caroline? I've never needed anyone before, I've just depended on myself. Feels almost pathetic asking you to be there for something I should be able to do on my own but I...I can't." He stammered. "Just the thought is unnerving. Nothing about this will be easy and I'm finally owning up to it but one thing I am sure of is that I trust you. Having you by my side might make it all this seem worth it. Besides, you'll acquire all the bragging rights for being the only person at this school to attend the most talked about event in Whitmore."
Caroline scrunched her nose. "Someone's a little full of themselves."
"Or you underestimate how superficial the citizens in this town truly are." He countered with a light smile, intensifying her already fluttering butterflies.
This was last on the list of expected events to happen tonight and instead of being overwhelmed with flattery, she felt anxious.
The corners of her lips curved upwards, briefly. "I—I shouldn't. It's not my place and should just be a day for family and friends—"
"My family doesn't have friends, they have colleagues. We would probably be the most genuine pairing in the room besides the bride and groom and frankly, I just want you there." He declared, sweeping her hair behind her ear then cuffing her steaming cheek in his palm. "No one deserves to know me in this way more than you. You're more than a significant other to me, Caroline. Let me prove it."
Her throat felt dry and stomach nauseous.
- He's asking me to meet his entire family...does he even realize that's what he's asking me?
Even though the two have made it known how serious they were in their relationship, meeting the family never came up in conversation. She has entertained the thought but knew it would never be a reality, given the bad blood. Kol correctly assuming her impact over his brother was not something she wanted him to be right about—for the sake of ego.
This was a dire step in their relationship, whether Klaus realized it or not, and she was experiencing a mix of emotions. There was so much Caroline still needed to discuss with Klaus, especially after the surprise invitation. Meeting the Lockwoods had zero comparison to the Mikaelsons—one was new money while the other was old—and Caroline had no idea what she was walking into. But looking into the pleading eyes of the man who quickly stole her heart deemed everything else irrelevant. There was no one more important in her life. Being his support was her only priority and she was not selfish enough to ruin the little bit of hope he had left.
- We can always talk later, right?
There was always a 'later'.
She turned her head, kissing the inside of his hand before dragging it down her face and capturing his gaze.
"Only if I can pick out my own dress for the ceremony."
The beaming smile on Klaus' face was such a mesmerizing view, Caroline barely had a chance to react when his lips landed on hers. The kiss was initially soft and prolonged, granting an oral appreciation. Kissing him back—smiling into the embrace—her hands shaped his face to press him further onto her chest as his own remained around her waist and the other rose dangerously up her thigh. The familiar heat that only he was capable of creating began to stir between her legs and sting down to her toes.
No other words were needed. Caroline had the next few days to freak out but right now—during their date night—-his hands on her body and moans of her name was all she needed from him for the rest of the night.
A/N: Hey! I just wanted to say, I'm sorry if I don't reply to every single reviewer individually. I'm just real shitty at being on my laptop more than my phone (so sorry!) but I do see all of them and gush and appreciate every single one! Such a motivator and I love seeing you all still enjoying this journey of love and self discovery with our favorite couple. It's crazy this story has been going on for over a year now *mind blown* so crazy how fast time flies. Things are coming down to the wire but there is still a lot to tell. So many emotions will be poured into these last chapters that I think you'll enjoy a lot.
Thank you for being patient with me with updates. You guys are the best readers/supporters! Also, I mentioned this before about me converting this story into an original piece so if you want I will keep you updated on that as well (if not on here via twitter/tumblr).
COVID is still a pain in the ass here in the states but I hope all of you are still staying safe and healthy, not just physically but also mentally. This pandemic has negatively impacted my mental quite a bit so please take care of yourselves!
Next up: looks like we have a Mikaelson wedding to get ready for!
REVIEWS ARE APPRECIATED!