Black Roses

by xKlaroStylesx

Species of all kind are welcomed at the Whitmore Academy for the Supernaturally Gifted, but that doesn't mean they all necessarily welcome each other. Ambitious supreme witch Caroline Forbes shares a mutual loathing with arrogant yet mysterious vampire Klaus Mikaelson. A spiral of events occur when their two dueling worlds collide and they have to ask themselves, 'is it worth it'

25. Chapter 25

Hey! Again, thank you for the patience. I'm just as eager to finish this story as you all are. This is part of the story I have been excited to begin: Meeting the Mikaelsons! We have finally made it to this point. I feel everyone has waited for this to happen as well.

The wedding arc is split into five days and the A/N at the end of the chapter will have a bit more details for the remainder of the fic.

NOTICE: In this chapter I reference the Klaus and Tyler convo from chapter 23 but I went back and added more to it if you would like to reread that part to understand Klaus's insecurity.

Also I took Henrik out of the story entirely which is why he is not present.

I really hope you enjoy because writing this chapter gave me all the feels!

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Day 1:

Spring break was not only one to look forward to for a week away from school but also, celebrated Caroline's favorite time of the year in Whitmore—the grass was greener, sky bluer, sun brighter, flowers flourished and the weather a perfect balance between warm and breezy. When she was a child, her mother would wake her early on the first day of every Spring to witness the cherry blossom tree bloom in the local park—there was only one planted in the heart of their small town. Just one of the rare sweet memories she shared with her mother. Now, she was dodging every one of Liz's calls since Caroline informed her where she'd be spending her vacation.

She knew why the messages were so persistent, which only made Caroline's stomach turn and skin crawl.

Caroline watched the blooming tree pass by through the car window—a wave of innocence flowing through her from the bittersweet nostalgia. She was drawn out of her daydream when Klaus grabbed her hand—granting each other sweet but hesitant smiles when their eyes once again met.

Neither expected the week of the wedding to approach as quickly as it did, but before they knew it their bags were packed and a town car was waiting in front of the school to drive them across town.

Of course the Mikaelson family had their own transportation service.

They had been on the road for about 20 minutes—the mansion rested on the hill top just shy of crossing the town's line. Locals treated it like a tourist trap, Caroline used to be one of them.

As much as she tried to hide it from him, Caroline was a nervous wreck. This wasn't her first time meeting a boyfriend's family but she had never been in such a serious and committed relationship either. She wanted to make a perfect first impression without coming off like a phony, but not showing too much of herself at once it's overwhelming. Klaus insisted for her not to overthink or stress but that was basically asking the impossible. He already met all the family she had and made her father adore him within the first hour.

He made everything seem effortless.

Meeting Klaus' entire family was surreal enough but—-now—-after learning their history and the haunting secrets kept in the four walls of their palace, how was she supposed to act towards them? She avoided Rebekah and Kol during those last few days on campus—easy enough since they both stopped hounding her after Klaus' change of heart. How to react when meeting his father, or seeing his mother again? What about his older siblings? Was she to pretend not to know that the family the whole town admired from afar was as tragic as they come?

"Your anxiety consumes me." Klaus teased with a smirk.

Caroline sighed into a smile, scooting closer into him and hooking her arm around his. "Sorry. I'm just nervous. Not everyday a girl is on her way to meet her boyfriend's elite and intimidating family in the biggest house in the entire town."

"I thought we learned our lesson about jumping to assumptions?" He teased more.

She groaned, resting her chin on his shoulder and sticking her bottom lip out cutely. "What if they don't like me, or disapprove of you being with me because I'm a witch like everyone at school?"

Klaus chuckled. "So you're worried, not because you'll be spending five days in a house full of vampires but because you're afraid they won't approve of you?"

She narrowed her eyes into a death glare. "Don't make fun of me. I'm serious Klaus. This might not be as major to you because you obviously know them but I'm the stranger in this scenario. I want them to like me now that I'm in your life. My name alone is already a bad first impression."

"Love I understand, truly, but my family is not as intimidating as they want to appear to be. Whatever they feel or don't feel about you won't matter in the end. Most importantly it won't change how I feel about you, especially any opinions from Esther or Mikael. I promise." He declared, placing an innocent hand on her thigh and rubbing over the skin with his thumb.

Their eyes met fondly and noses kissed.

Caroline let out a smooth exhale, smiling from the affection and his semi-comforting words.

She knew there was nothing to fret over on Klaus's part and, honestly, she was more surprised how calm he seemed given his insistent refusal and monumental confessions from the other night. He shared so many of his fears only to appear unfazed. Klaus was strong, she knew that, and how easy it was for him to put up a front but she also knew him well enough now to detect his deflections. How he often confused apathy with strength and vulnerability with weakness.

He was silent throughout their car ride until now.

She wanted to ignore and let him be—not rock the boat—but she also cared too much about him to let him go into a lion's den without at least asking if how he was holding up.

"Klaus," she fidgeted with her fingers, "how are you feeling about all of this? I know the prospect of seeing your family again has been difficult."

"Don't worry about me." He insisted.

"That's basically asking the impossible." Caroline said lightheartedly.

Klaus sighed, pulling his face away with a neutral expression.

"Then just believe me when I say it." He spoke softly, lifting her chin to claim her lips for a just as soft kiss.

No one has ever been more concerned about his well-being than the blonde witch beside him—maybe one day she can know how much it was appreciated. The days leading up to today were some of his most difficult—anxious to spend a week with people he shared DNA with but barely knew anymore. Why did they want him to attend this wedding so badly after half a decade without a word? His paranoia and other reservations tempted him—more than once—to command the driver to turn around and take them back to the school.

The kiss slightly deepened on Caroline's own accords—her tongue gliding across his bottom lip asking for entrance which he eagerly granted. One hand cupped his face while the other rested across his lap. Somehow she managed to keep it slow while also electrifying his senses into overdrive. Her lips played along his, coaxing them open to taste inside his mouth. The kiss was simple, yet bold. She was tamed yet made him feral—a constant contradiction. Her kisses covered him like a shield of love and he never wanted to feel unsafe again.

Klaus moaned at the sudden intrusion of her tongue meshing with his, but only able to enjoy a few more moments before the driver informed them they were pulling up to the entrance of the Mikaelson estate.

Too soon, Caroline parted their kiss to daze out the window when the tall iron entryway came into view—two capitalized 'M's etched in gold on each parallel gateway. The gates surrounded the area—Klaus told her about how his mother spelled them to instantly shock and kill to keep outsiders out if they attempted climbing over.

The driver spoke through the intercom—likely to a member of the family—before being buzzed in and the gates separated for him to drive through. The concrete road slowly transitioned to rusty red colored bricks and the green grass decorated with a multitude of fresh carnations as if they were replaced every other far. Her eyes glistening and mouth hung open as they drove up the hill and the luxurious white mansion became more visible.

Klaus sat back in his seat—with a dopey smile— observing the pure astonishment on his girl's face.

Though his former home held bad memories for him, faulting outsiders for enjoying the view was just as unfair. The witch's face and hands practically glued to the window as she boasted and yelped at attractions of the front yard. Whether it was the garden or spewing waterfall held in the center of the roundabout with even more lavender and pink carnations surrounding its bottom half. He found Caroline's reaction adorable and flattering—barely listening to her waves of praise and fangirling. Up until three months ago, she too was an outsider who never suspected their relationship would become what it became.

The car drove up to park in the enlarged driveway that was capable of fitting up to—at least—6 cars.

"We have arrived, Mister Mikaelson." The driver announced curtly before opening his door to exit the vehicle.

"Mister Mikaelson." Caroline mocked, making the vampire jokingly roll his eyes.

Even though it was simply teasing, the formality reminded her she was no longer on the campus of Whitmore academy. They were not students debating on who is allowed to sit where in which clique. She was not the witch leader who ran the school. Her name meant nothing while Klaus' meant everything. He was a prince while she felt like a chambermaid. This was royalty of the highest caliber—closest she'd ever be faced with—and the reality of dating a Mikaelson slowly began to resonate.

And now she was seconds away from meeting Whitmore's equivalent of the royal family.

Caroline didn't realize both their doors were already open with Klaus outside.

"Thank you Roger." She overheard her boyfriend mutter to the mortal chauffeur who was retrieving their luggage from the trunk.

Eventually exiting the vehicle herself, Caroline was met with the four white pillars covering the wooden black doors. The sunlight ricocheted off the gold doorknobs and into her eye—which she dodged. Her lips parted to let out a soft gasp as she bent her head back to stare up into the sky—eyes glistening at the 24,000 square foot château that towered over the sun. The balcony on the second story looked over the entire front area, and a sitting area was visible from where they stood.

Caroline was star struck.

The Forbes family was well off, but they were certainly middle class. Her childhood home was modest and adequate and certainly not on top of a hill. Other students had decent sized mansions and fancy condos but nothing compared to the Mikaelson home living up to all the expectations.

She was in awe coming face to face with such grand property.

- This place has to have cost a fortune...no, probably more. Klaus really grew up here? What does the inside look like?

One after the other, the questions and assumptions began to pour, she couldn't help it.

Caught up in her own fascination, Caroline squealed when Klaus snuck up behind—his hands on her hips as she eventually relaxed against him.

"Everything you'd thought it'd be?" He wondered, his breath fanning the shell of her ear.

She hummed in response while turning around in his arms.

"It's—it's incredible, to say the least, and I haven't even seen the inside yet." She beamed.

Klaus bent down to kiss her smiley lips quickly, getting high on her glee before pulling away to face the two heavy front doors himself. Letting out a deep breath.

Four long and treacherous years since he's walked the steps leading up to his home. Four years since gaining the power to remove himself from the toxic environment that kept him captive all his life. Four years of—secretly—wondering if he would ever see the people he swore to hate again.

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he studied the black doors, realizing nothing about this place has changed since his departure—at least the exterior. To some that would be comforting, but for Klaus it made him anxious.

Klaus flinched when he felt a small hand engulf his, threading their fingers through each other's and adding a light squeeze. Looking down at Caroline's wary grin made him feel more at ease—his chest deflating of tension and muscles relaxed. His relief was not even remotely subtle.

"You can do this." Caroline assured him, and for some reason Klaus quickly believed her.

Sometimes it did concern him, her capability of making him feel however way she deemed acceptable. He knew her intentions were good but feeling out of control of his own emotions, just when he began acknowledging they exist, was frightening.

Brushing it off with a quirk of a smile, Klaus gripped her hand tightly as he led them up the small steps. Roger was still removing their luggage out the trunk when the couple arrived at the front entrance and Klaus—after a mental pep talk—gripped the gold doorknob and pushed the unlocked doors open.

Caroline jolted forward when the doors slammed shut behind her, causing waves of vibration—still holding onto Klaus's hand. Her eyes grew twice its size.

Of course, the interior was just as lavish.

Countless chandeliers decorated the ceiling—trimming bright even with them all being turned off. The ornate staircases—black and metal with gold outline—spiraled up towards the second story that held at least 8 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. A foyer big enough to fit two food trucks.

Caroline was overwhelmed. She stepped further in, dropping his hand while tapping her feet on the shiny tile floor. Her green summer dress twirled with her body as she stared up at the colors shining through the chandelier's glass.

She huffed a disbelief laugh. "Wow!"

Immediately covering her mouth with her hand when the echo bounced off wall to wall—blushing in embarrassment.

"You are, by far, the most adorable creature I've ever met." Klaus laughed now standing in front of her.

"Let's hope your family thinks so, unless they just heard me making a fool of myself just now." She cursed at herself.

Klaus's eyebrows frowned, pulling her into him by the hips but her head lowered in shame. Her chest heaving up and down and heart rate skyrocketing.

She was nervous, hell so was he. This week was a big deal for many reasons and Klaus tried keeping himself as stable as possible to not alarm her even more. Caroline was constantly worrying about him and the last thing she needed on the first day meeting his estranged family was a meltdown of his own.

Lifting her chin up with his finger, his gaze met her wary one. Bottom lip trapped between her teeth until his thumb swept underneath to free it from its burden. The simple action eased her increasing anxiety.

"Do you trust me?" He asked with his hand now cuffing one side of her face.

"Always." Caroline replied softly, letting out a deep exhale.

There was no one she trusted more.

She was supposed to be here as his support but it was beginning to feel the other way around.

Without another moment of doubt, he soothingly kissed her forehead before placing his hand on her lower back to lead towards the living room.

Admiring paintings, statues and ancient artifacts on their way down the hall—felt like walking through a museum.

The classical music playing through the house grew louder as they came closer to the room. Caroline gulped at least 10 times in the first five minutes being here—wiping her sweaty palms on the back of the skirt before coming into view of the common area. From a distance she was unable to point out details but by default knew who the seated people were.

Esther Mikaelson was an easy enough identifier, even though she and Caroline only met once—difficult to forget someone like her. She had just walked back into the room, immediately returning to conversation with another strawberry blonde woman and a long-haired brunette on the couch—legs crossed and flipping through a magazine. A dark-haired man leaned back into his chair, staring down while intently reading a book in his lap. Rebekah and Kol were—obviously—the only ones Caroline could accurately identify. The bickering twins were going back and forth, even hitting each other on the arm or leg, but no one appeared fazed by the altercation—not even Klaus.

- You got this Caroline, you got this.

"Well this is quite the welcoming committee." Klaus dryly announced their presence and the entire clan simultaneously turned their heads.

Caroline's chest tightened—along with her grip on Klaus's hand. She felt like her heart was going to fall into her butt from just the way they were looking at her—a blend of reactions varying from shock and suspicion. This was most of their first time seeing Klaus in four years, even with his promise of attendance they thought it'd be a long shot.

They all just stood there—pressed lips and loud swallows—staring at each other as if waiting for something else to happen.

The younger-looking strawberry blonde woman was the first to step forward with a wide smile plastered on her plump lips. Her shoulder-length wavy tresses flew side to side effortlessly as she walked towards the awkward couple.

"I'm still surprised you actually showed up." She said.

"That makes two of us." Klaus replied, dryly.

The young woman's smile spread ear to ear and hands on her hips.

"It's really good to see you little brother." Finally greeting him with. Hands twitching to reach out for a hug but she kept the, to her sides instead

Given how unfairly good looks ran in the family, his older sister was no different. Her one dimple cut through her right cheek and hazel eyes glittered when turning her attention to the nervous witch.

"And you must be the famous Caroline Forbes. Freya Mikaelson, the oldest." She reached her hand out to be shaken.

Caroline nodded, timidly smiling back as she let go of Klaus's hand to firmly shake his sister's.

"It's nice to officially meet you, Freya, oh and congratulations."

"Thank you, and likewise. We've heard a lot about you the past few weeks, but knowing my brother he's told you absolutely nothing about us." She accurately assumed.

"But isn't it comforting to know some things haven't changed?" Klaus smirked.

"Apparently that's not true." Freya quirked, looking between the couple. "But you two look great together. I can't wait for you to meet my fiancé."

"Ah yes, where is Lucien? You know, the one who was my mate before he started shagging my sister?" He asked with purposeful irritation.

Freya crossed her arms over her chest. "Is that really still an issue for you?"

"Niklaus, your girl just got here, don't scare her away already with your childish bickering." A brunette woman scolded .

She seemed more lax and casual than the rest of the family—wearing a pair of blue jeans and a black V-neck top with black socks covering her feet. But just as elegant, with the same Mikaelson charm and beauty. Flipping her bone-straight hair over her shoulders as she walked up to them.

"Dahlia, Klaus's aunt on his mother's side of course. I always like to make that distinction." She smirked, making Klaus laugh under his breath.

How refreshing to see him unclench for the first time since they entered the driveway. He mentioned his Aunt was more of a mother to him, even lived with her when not on campus. It was a dynamic Caroline was looking forward to observing.

"So, you're the little witch who convinced my stubborn nephew to return to his roots, hm?" She questioned.

Caroline cleared her throat. "I just put the idea in his head but the decision was all Klaus's."

"But I know he isn't one to be persuaded..." Aunt Dahlia crossed her arms while eyeing Caroline up and down before retreating with a smile. "Either way, I'm glad you were able to come along for the ride."

Caroline lightly snickered, nodding her head again in acknowledgment. "Thank you for having me. Klaus has told me a lot about you."

"Good things I hope?" Her eyebrow lifting suggestively towards her nephew.

"All good, I promise."

"Well I sure hope so after he was living rent free on my couch throughout his entire life." She scoffed. "Besides, he's never brought home a girl before, must be serious."

He shot his aunt a deep glare, which only widened her mischievous smirk before peering back towards the blonde.

"Oh put those fangs away, I'm only teasing." She slapped his chest after her innocent claim.

"She does that quite a lot, even when unprovoked." A deep manly voice blurted from the living room.

All of them possessed posh English accents, not that she expected otherwise.

He was dressed in a three-piece navy blue suit—unbuttoning the coat for comfort when making his way towards the rest of the family. Dark brown hair that looked almost black and a strong square jawline to support his other strong features. He looked mid-twenties. In no way more handsome than Klaus but still an attractive young man with a similar cocky smile.

"I see where Klaus gets it from." Caroline boldly quirked.

"She makes jokes." He remarked, but quickly dismissed her afterwards. "So, the black sheep decided to grace us with his presence at last..."

Klaus shrugged. "Another win for boredom."

"Nice to see you're still as much of a sarcastic prick as ever." He threw the insult with a smirk, which Klaus replicated before reaching out to shake each other's hands.

She learned that hugs were a rarity in their household.

Observing each family member's dynamic with Klaus was more refreshing than Caroline anticipated. Everyone seemed warm and welcoming. No one second guessed or looked down on her for being a witch, and best of all Klaus actually seemed happy.

"Can't believe I'm saying it but it's good to have you back, brother."

"That makes one of us." He smirked when letting go of his hand and turning his attention to the anxious blonde beside him. " 'Elijah, this is—"

"Caroline Forbes." He finished the sentence himself with a now faltering expression.

- Does every vampire already know me?

His dark brown eyes were not as vibrant as everyone else's, more cold and detached—sending a threatening shiver down her spine.

- So much for welcoming...

"Your name has been circulating a lot in the vampire orbit lately, makes it difficult for one to forget. Elijah Mikaelson." He slightly bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Caroline gulped as she did the same. "Nice to meet you."

Elijah hummed, looking her up and down with nothing but judgement. He wasn't subtle at all with his distaste but no one seemed to notice except her.

"Wow, Caroline...you know, Rebekah said you were pretty but the praise did you no justice! You're positively glowing." Dahlia entered the conversation with a compliment, making the witch blush.

"That's just from the sex they had in the car on their way here. It'll pass." Kol snickered as Rebekah laughed along beside him.

As if Caroline's face wasn't already the shade of a strawberry.

Klaus huffed. "And you unfortunately already know the siamese twins."

"Not as well as I would like." Kol said suggestively.

"How would you like your head detached from your body?" Klaus growled.

"Kinky."

"Both of you, stop." Esther demanded, rising from her seat.

Klaus visibly tensed—jaw locked and eyes narrowed as his mother made her way towards him.

Just when he thought he could handle this.

It had been months since her surprise appearance at the banquet, a treacherous night in more ways than one. Esther's multiple attempts to reconnect went ignored and irrelevant. He wasn't interested in her excuses or pleas fit forgiveness—already regretting this visit and it's only been 10 minutes.

The woman straightened out her beige dress with her palms, and pushed her hair out her face in the most elegant fashion.

Her smile was tight and unwavering.

"Hello Niklaus."

"Esther." He forced out.

The brewing tension was so thick it would take the jaws of life to cut through.

"I'm—we are so delighted to have you back home." She happily claimed, and Klaus's shoulders shrugged nonchalantly.

His shoulders rolled back. "None of you were leaving me much of a choice, last I checked."

"You know how persistent your siblings can be." Esther said.

Klaus twisted his mouth.

"No Finn?" He mentioned, looking around the room.

Klaus was never close to his eldest brother, not necessarily because of the age gap but mainly Finn wanted to be as distant from their family as possible. A few decades ago he fell in love with a vampire woman and moved out of the country—barely checking in as time flew by. It was shocking that he even received the wedding invitation.

"Finn won't be in until the day before the wedding, unfortunately. Tying up some loose strings for a Belgium deal he just landed." She claimed, her lips rubbed together anxiously. "Your father will also be a bit delayed. He's flying in from Chicago and won't be back until tomorrow night for supper."

Klaus winced at the mention of his father like the whip just slashed into his rib cage again.

"Business first, per usual." He mumbled, looking down at his feet.

A brief awkward silence fell over the room as if everyone felt the tension.

"It's good to see you again, Mrs. Mikaelson. You have a beautiful home." Caroline blurted to change the subject. Subtly entangling her fingers with his—already absorbing his pain and agony through the faintest touch.

"Thank you Caroline." She grinned. "I'm glad we were able to see each other again under better circumstances."

Klaus muttered something under his breath, earning a nudge from Caroline.

"Why don't you two take a seat and we can all catch up?" Esther suggested but Klaus quickly shut it down.

"I think Caroline would like to settle in first, maybe put the rest of her bags away." Klaus implied.

"Nonsense Roger will take care of that. Come on, Anita just made a fresh pot of tea." She waved him off.

"No."

His reply was so loud and harsh it made everyone turn their heads.

He relaxed his jaw and heavily exhaled after a few seconds.

"I mean—It's been a long drive. We could use some down time before socializing, don't you think mother?"

Esther's frown deepened but she nodded her head. "Of course. You both must be exhausted. Caroline dear, I've already had a guest bedroom prepared for you in the West Wing."

"That won't be necessary, mother. Caroline will be staying with me." Klaus rebutted while pulling her against him possessively by the waist.

- Oh god.

"I—um, no—no. Klaus, it's okay. I can just stay in the guest room." Caroline stuttered.

Under different circumstances she obviously wouldn't be opposed to sharing a room with him but, not when she was residing in the same home as his mother.

He shook his head. "You're my guest, and shouldn't wallow in a bedroom all alone. I insist."

"Klaus..." She warned.

"It's fine Caroline, really. You can stay with Niklaus if you'd like. There's plenty of space just choose whichever makes you more comfortable." Esther sweetly offered.

The behavior of the family was giving Caroline whiplash. The Esther Mikaelson she met at the banquet—and who Klaus described—was nothing like the woman seen today. She was so sweet and maternal, it was baffling to imagine her as a cold-hearted coward who allowed her child to be abused.

For a second Caroline forgot the main purpose of her attendance—supporting her traumatized boyfriend who was barely hanging on and it was only the first night. He needed her, and leaving him alone was the last thing she wanted.

With that thought, she made her decision to stay with Klaus despite feeling slightly uneasy. She thanked his mother as he dismissed them from the conversation to make their way upstairs.

"After you two are done shagging like bunnies, do be sure to remember to come downstairs for supper in an hour." Kol blurted as the couple dismissed themselves. "I'm famished and not in the mood to wait because Nik's room isn't thoroughly christened."

"Could you be any more of a pervert?" Rebekah's voice laced with disgust.

"Probably. Maybe this week I'll give it a try." He winked at Caroline and booking Klaus's blood.

Sensing he was ready to charge for the kill, Caroline pulled Klaus with her to officially make their exit. By the time they made it to the top of the staircase, his blood pressure decreased—finally feeling like he could breathe. Roger had already brought their biggest luggage up the stairs and was fetching their other bags.

There were at least 6 bedrooms and—of course—Klaus's was at the very end of the hall.

"Was that as awkward for you as it was for me?" Klaus said jokingly, but upon arriving to his room he was met with her scowl.

"What?" He genuinely wondered.

Caroline pursed her lips. "Seriously? Why did you say I can stay in the same room as you?"

His forehead wrinkled. "This feels like a trap."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "Klaus, I'm trying to make a good impression and now your entire family knows we...you know..."

His eyebrows lifted comically at her attempt of discretion—knowing what her distress but wanting to tease it out of her more.

"I'm drawing a blank."

Caroline frustratingly groaned. "They don't need to know that me and you—that we, have sex." She whispered the last word as if keeping the greatest blasphemy.

Klaus chuckled, shaking his head. Caroline widened her eyes and scoffed as his laughter continued—forcing herself not to melt at the way his dimples sank whenever exposing that adorable laugh.

"This isn't funny." She snapped.

"I know, I know. I'm done." He pressed his lips together to make good on his word. "Sweetheart I can assure you none of them were even thinking about us having sex when I suggested you stay with me."

"But Kol—"

"Is a little shit who lives vicariously through everyone else, we all know that." He smirked. "My family may be a lot of things but prude is not one of them. They can't exactly dictate what a 500 year old immortal can and can't do. Me being sexually active, especially with my girlfriend instead of some random harlot is the least of their concerns."

She lessened her reserves at his reasoning.

Pulling her into him by her hips, his forehead rolled against hers? "My intentions were strictly because I just want to be with you, I promise. But if you're more comfortable being in the other room it's fine. We were always pretty good at sneaking around if I recall."

"Ha ha..." She playfully rolled her eyes, accepting his sweet kiss before she could refute any further.

Caroline returned the kiss with a small smile, her stomach humming.

Klaus pecked her bottom lip before turning the doorknob to open the door to his bedroom.

"Welcome to my humble abode." He said, instantly flopping on his king size bed.

Caroline took her time looking around the room. It was huge—definitely bigger than the room she had as a child.

Similar to his dorm room on campus, it was rather ordinary—white walls, bookshelf, record player and desk. A blank canvas pressed against the wall. The biggest bed she's ever seen placed at the center of the room and a built in bathroom was on the right side. A room suitable for a king though it felt more cold than cozy. Despite the lack of occupancy for the past four years, it was extremely neat and clean.

"Wow look at these pictures, Mister 'I hate taking photos'." Caroline laughed when looking at the few pictures hanging on his wall.

"Yet, that didn't stop you from forcing me to take 20 selfies. I will deny I willingly partook in those if you ever try to use them against me." He remarked, now lying back on the comfortable mattress with his eyes closed.

She laughed as she began looking through the pictures, recognizing Klaus, Enzo and Marcel. These were taken during their first year at Whitmore, they seemed so carefree and happy. Her stomach immediately turned when she spotted the redhead in the majority of the photos as well.

"Aurora is in a lot of these too...most of them, actually." Caroline tried keeping her voice leveled but it wasn't working based on how quickly Klaus's head shot up from the bed.

"It's okay. I'm not bothered by her anymore, even if I wish she didn't exist in your past..."

Sometimes Klaus felt the same.

He also knew she was very much bothered.

Vamp speeding off the bed—like a blur—he was in front of her, pushing her back until bumping into the closed door.

Their breaths fanned each other's faces as Klaus studied hers—confirming the brief but visible frown eyes.

"I will gladly take every single one of these bloody things down if need be." Klaus declared, causing Caroline's eyebrows to furrow.

"Don't be ridiculous. They're your memories and I'm not going to play the role of the bratty insecure girlfriend."

"There's nothing ridiculous about me wanting to make your stay here as comfortable as possible, and I intend to do so in every aspect. I haven't thought about these pictures in years and definitely don't need them."

Caroline pressed her lips together, weakening to his pleas.

"Besides," Klaus bended his head until their foreheads met and gazes locked, "the past is irrelevant when the present," his lips ventured from her face to her neck with a light kiss, "is so bright." Sealing his assurance with another kiss to the exposed flesh that made the witch hum in delight.

Nearly losing her train of thought when his feather kisses resumed. He was a master of seduction for a reason.

She tried to laugh but instead replaced by a moan from his gentle assault on her neck and rendered speechless when his mouth covered hers.

He kissed her softly but effectively. The kiss was slow and passionate even as his tongue slid out, licking over her bottom lip before they parted for their tongues to caress each other's. Nothing was more dangerous than his lethal kisses that were powerful enough to end wars. A whimper of his name was all she was capable of saying between strokes of his tongue and pecks from his lips.

She knew the intent behind the feverish kiss— an attempt to block out the past insecurities. For her to know no amount of nostalgic pictures could ruin what they have or how far they've come, and it was appreciated.

Caroline gasped when their pelvic bones subconsciously thrusted. The dampness of her panties rubbing his hard dick through the thick fabric of his jeans. She was dazed as their mouths and lower regions collided and so desperately just wanted him to strip their clothing and take her against his door.

Swallowing her every moan with his while pinning her hips to the door with his own, causing the wood behind her to creak. The sound like a frustrating wake up call that made Caroline come back to her senses. She just met Klaus's family and was now dry humping him five minutes later, in their home? She felt risky and dirty.

Entertaining his lips with another kiss, she pulled away with hooded eyes.

"Klaus, we can't..."

"Why is that?" He hummed, licking her bottom lip.

Caroline bit down on the inside of her cheek to suppress a moan.

"Your family is right downstairs. Your family who possess supernatural hearing and can hear the drop of a pen, in case that slipped your mind." She chided.

He laughed. "Love, my mother burns sage in every bedroom on a weekly basis, and based on the look of things she still keeps my room updated as if I never left. No one will be able to hear anything, or us."

She pulled back when he went in for another kiss. "Aren't they expecting us, for dinner?"

"Not for another hour, or two." He groaned when she dodged him again.

"Your mom literally offered tea." She protested.

"Why would I want to drink tea with my shitty family when I can indulge in more pleasurable wonders with my beautiful girlfriend, in my childhood room, instead?"

Her eyebrow raised. "Beautiful?"

"Irresistible." Kissing her blushing cheek that made her smile.

"Is this some kind of fantasy of yours?" She asked with a teasing tone.

Klaus shrugged. "Can you blame me? I've never had the opportunity before."

She shook her head laughing. "Why do you always have an answer for everything?"

He smiled against her lips when cradling her face between his hands. Their smiles never wavered as their orals dance prolonged. All the mutual stress and anxiety that led them to this point began to dissipate with that one kiss that made them realize, everything would be okay.

Caroline broke the kiss, arms wrapped around his waist as she looked up at him.

"We have the next four days to be together all we want."

"Not likely." He scoffed. "My sisters and aunt already want to adopt you."

She giggled. "Then I will, personally, make sure we have an immense amount of alone time but this is your first night back home and it's a big deal."

Klaus looked down at his feet before back at her, not wanting to admit the threatening sensation of nerves covering his body since being here—mainly if she wasn't with him or touching him.

He soothed himself in her touch, taking deep inhales and exhales as she continued her pitch.

"Your family seems to at least be trying, and I think even you notice it."

He did, but figured it was because of their special guest. The Mikaelsons have never been the warmest people only to appear as so this evening—Klaus refused to have hope.

"Let's get washed up and put on some fresh clothes so we can be on time for dinner. Unlike mine, your family seems to appreciate the value of a clock." She joked.

Realizing his resistance would result in unnecessary drama with her, he conceded another heavy breath and nod. Kissing her again before parting ways to retrieve their luggage.

---

Day 2

"We don't have to go downstairs, you know. I can always ring up Anita to bring breakfast up to us." A shirtless Klaus said after spitting toothpaste out his mouth into the sink.

Caroline's eyes rolled—her own toothbrush still hanging in her mouth and a towel wrapped around her body as she stood beside him. "We are not ringing anyone up. Stop being childish."

He scoffed. "Oh, I'm the childish one when you're the one talking with your mouth full."

She groaned, brushing her molars again before leaning over to spit in the sink.

"After your disappearance act at dinner last night you should at least give breakfast a chance." She recommended, staring in the mirror to brush her teeth again.

Dinner was too invasive for Klaus's comfort. He thought he was prepared for everyone to ask details regarding he and Caroline's relationship but the reality was uncomfortable. He ate his meal quietly and slowly in his seat as his siblings bombarded the blonde witch and showered her with smiles and praise. His mother hand covered Caroline's with reassured comfort and bragged about Klaus's accomplishments and talents—as if she was an expert.

Klaus caught himself growing angry at the sweet and maternal act portrayed by Esther in front of Caroline—nothing like the woman he grew up with—and she was buying right into it. His porcelain plate was able to stay in mint condition instead of in shattered pieces as he quickly, yet, gracefully dismissed himself from the table as if he couldn't leave fast enough. He insisted that Caroline continue eating while he sneaked off to numb himself with a blood bag and four glasses of whiskey on the patio.

By the time Caroline returned to the bedroom Klaus was already in bed—sound asleep and balled up on his side of the bed with his back facing her. Neither of them brought up the subject as they awakened and got ready for the day.

Surpassing the habit of not hiding himself from her was a greater struggle than anticipated.

Klaus sighed, placing his toothbrush in the carrier and leaning back against the sink. "Maybe coming here wasn't such a good idea."

The worry line across Caroline's forehead deepened.

"I thought I could handle being here, seeing my family again after all this time and pretend everything is normal but..." He shook his head side to side, "...if I can barely get through one meal how am I supposed to survive four more days? Not to mention my father still isn't here and that will be another battle in itself..." His head down and spirit broken.

This was the first and only time he would ever accept or admit to defeat but the regret and shame became too heavy to ignore and he didn't want to continue dragging Caroline into his mess. Her encouragement led him here and he felt he was being a disappointment—cue his utter shock when her towel-clad body turned to stand in front of him, leaning forward so her hands could touch his on the sink. Klaus went rigid as she purposely invaded his personal space, and he allowed it.

His face puzzled as she granted him a warm smile.

"You're seriously so stubborn, you won't even acknowledge your own strength." She said teasingly but Klaus' frown cemented. "Just you being here is a big step do you realize that?"

"Obviously not big enough since I can't even leave my damn room." He groaned.

"It's been four years, and 500 since acknowledging your trauma. You're not going to recover overnight and no one expects you too, you have to stop being so hard on yourself." She exclaimed, pulling away from the sink so her arms could wrap around his neck.

Instant serenity.

Sometimes Klaus forgot what life was like before she waltzed into his. How was she able to sooth all his troubling thoughts and relieve his stress with the faintest of affection? Did she have a special neutering gift that was only extended to him? Or was it just the fact he's never experienced such intimacy before?

- All of the above?

His breathing slowed down to a steady rhythm as his shaky hands stilled on her waist, pulling her closer. She peered up at him through her long eyelashes with a look that defined love.

"Babe, I know this week is going to be a struggle and I'm not saying just forgive and forget, I'm just asking that you give this a real chance. You're here for a purpose and it might be the last opportunity you get to execute it. Don't waste it on fear or how you think it will turn out. Just be in the present and let it play out on its own." She encouraged.

Klaus hummed. "Babe? I thought pet names were my thing?"

Caroline shrugged with a smile. "Everything can't go your way. Why, you don't like it?"

His nose scrunched. "Only, and I do mean only, if it comes from you...and even that is pushing it."

She giggled, pulling his face closer to hers for their lips to touch. Their lip movements weren't urgent or aggressive as they allowed the kiss to convey what words no longer could. Caroline's arms grasped tighter around his neck and tippy toes extended as Klaus's own grip on her waist clamped. Caressing her body, subtly, but with care—up her sides, spine and a brush pass of her buttocks. She moaned, and his tongue instantly invaded her mouth. Driving her crazy as she felt his hypnotic through the thin fabric of the towel—like he was touching her bare skin.

"We, um—we really should be getting dressed." She said feverishly in between moans but Klaus shook his head in refusal, lips never detaching even as his hand left her waist to seek out the knot holding her towel up. His fingers danced across taut cleavage that perked up from the knot, tortuously, while lips stayed in tune with every movement.

Apart of her wanted him to rip the offending cover up off her body and do what he pleased, but they were late enough as is.

Swatting his hand away, she looked up at his pouty bottom lip and tried to appease it with a quick kiss.

His lip still poked out. "Two rejections in less than 24 hours. I'm beginning to take it personally."

She smirked, tilting her head. "Have I ever not made it worth it?"

He agreed with a slight nod.

---

"Finally! We were ready to send a search party up there." Kol called out as the couple walked into the quiet dining room.

The only noise heard was the classical music playing in the background. Caroline was beginning to feel she and Klaus were under dressed as they came into view. His grey Henley and jeans, along with her laced-up peasant blouse with dark blue jeans held no comparison to their name-brand dresses, suits and diamond beaded jewelry.

It was only 9 AM.

"Wasn't aware you were so critical of my punctuality." Klaus said, pulling out Caroline's chair.

"Only when it involves such, appealing subjects." His teasing remarks pointed towards Caroline before he took a bite out of his pastry and the witch took her seat.

"You want to spend this week in a coma?" Klaus growled.

"Children, it's not even noon. For all our sakes show some tact." Elijah calmly stated while flipping through a newspaper—unbeknownst Kol mocking him with a silly face.

She almost wanted to thank him for shutting down the youngest Mikaelson's harassment but he never once even looked up. Klaus muttered a curse towards his brother before—he too—silently grabbed the tray of fruit and placed the individual pieces on their plates. Caroline sat there, awkwardly scanning the room and wondering the day and night scenario.

The beige drapes tucked to the side to bring in the sunlight that reflected off the elongated glass table with a beautiful setup: a bouquet of peonies in a vase in the center of the table. Fruit platters, pastry dishes, omelettes, bacon, bottomless mimosas and glasses of blood.. The family all seated, with Esther at the helm of the ship—sipping on coffee or tea with a croissant or danish in the other head. No one was looking or speaking to each other compared to how talkative everyone seemed the previous day.

The atmosphere was much colder and distant, but everyone went along as if they were used to it—being alone. Klaus wasn't fazed either. The only indication that he even remembered she was there was his hand lazily on her knee as he sipped on tea. Was it comfortable silence or blatant disinterest?

Straightening her posture, Caroline cleared her throat before speaking. "How did everyone sleep?"

Simultaneously all eyes were targeted on her.

- Well, you got their attention.

"Because I slept great." She lied.

Already being in an unfamiliar environment was nerve wracking enough, but sleeping beside a distant Klaus who didn't touch her all night was not helping.

"Thank you again for allowing me to stay here, Mrs. Mikaelson."

She gulped, feeling pressure underneath their curious stares as everyone continued to stay silent—quirked eyebrows, frowned for heads and blank stares. She was convinced she grew a third head.

Klaus swallowed his food to save her from the silent chaos, the same time his mother finally spoke.

"It was no trouble Caroline. I'm glad you were able to rest comfortably. Any guest of Niklaus's is welcomed, no matter how surprising." She claimed with a false grin.

Caroline brushed it off and finally began indulging in the delicious buffet. "Klaus actually told me you used to practice magic."

She nodded. " 'Used to' being the operative phrase."

"Why'd you stop?" Caroline inquired.

Klaus looked up from his plate nervously, as did his mother who paused at the question—tucking her lips together and making Caroline want to smack herself on the forehead. Conversing with average people was a walk in the park but, not with this family. Every inquiry was invasive.

- Great job, AGAIN! Have you learned nothing from dating a Mikaelson?

Months went by before she ever got an actual read on Klaus, and even then, asking about his life was like pulling teeth—why would his family members behave any differently?

To her surprise, Esther answered, "I fell in love."

Klaus's scoff was loud enough for everyone at the table to hear—earning a knee nudge from his Aunt sitting beside him. The dagger-filled glances exchanged between them didn't go unnoticed as Caroline he'd him worriedly.

Brushing a strand of hair from her face with her index finger, Esther regained her composure gracefully.

"Then I created a family and moved to the States before all our transitions. Spells, magic...that was my mother's life. As I began making one of my own I realized there were other obligations that needed my attention more than a familial hobby. Keeping my family as close knit as possible."

"That's a load." Klaus mumbled under his breath.

"Nik—" Freya warned, reaching across the table for his hand but he pulled away, dropping the bent fork he was holding in the process.

"Me and Caroline are done." He coldly announced, already out his chair ignoring Caroline's questioning glare.

"We are?"

He simply nodded as his jaw clenched.

"Stop being dramatic." Rebekah huffed. "Don't starve yourselves to prove a point."

"I have nothing to prove. We will eat later, besides I already had a spare blood bag in my stash so that should hold me over for a few hours. I want to give Caroline a proper tour this morning of the outback." Klaus said, stunning everyone at the table including the witch.

Since they've woken up he's been as distant as he was the previous night, shutting her out and resisting, only for him to pull a 180 and extend alone time to her leisure. Though she knew his reasoning for this abrupt 'tour' had nothing to do with showing her his home but more avoiding his family, seeing the appalled expression on Elijah and Esther's faces was oh so pleasing to Caroline's motivation.

Reluctantly, she wiped her face with a napkin as she stood from her chair to make her own exit—Klaus right on her tail as she politely dismissed them from the dining room before anyone could intervene.

Now outside in the backyard, Klaus closed the doors then turned to her death stare and hands propped on her hips.

"So, do you want to explain that?" She asked.

He expected nothing less of a confrontation. When he took a step towards her she took another one back.

"Really?" He scoffed.

"Yes, really." She replied sternly. "Klaus, didn't we just talk about this?"

"This is different." He swore, but Caroline didn't seem impressed as she awaited his explanation.

"I know, I—" Klaus closed his eyes and pressed his lips together, inhaling out his nostrils before continuing. "Caroline I'm trying, alright? I'm really trying even if you don't realize it. but hearing my mother boast about us being this close and loving family when we all know the disturbing truth just...infuriates me." His teeth grinding out the last two words.

Caroline's defenses dropped and eyes softened.

His fingers ran through his hair as he paced on the patio. "I don't know what to believe. Whether they've actually changed or if this is just for show. We've never been a warm or close family so this is...different to me. However what I do know is that I didn't imagine any of my trauma in my head. Despite how things seem, it happened—"

"I know." Caroline nodded her head.

Nearly broke her heart seeing the fear in his eyes that she no longer had faith in him—always prepared to get hurt.

Klaus's head shook side to side. "I can't pretend the way they can. Let bygones be bygones. Past in the past and just suddenly become a happy crew. We never even talk about it. They might be keen on forgetting but I'm not. I can't do it, and I won't."

She nodded again, reaching for his hand until it was engulfed by hers—fingers intertwined. Oh, so badly Caroline wanted to fix him—everything was broken from his heart to spirit. Sometimes it felt as if he would never recover, the damage had been done, but then she remembered he agreed to be here. Without fully admitting to it, Klaus wanted to be better just as badly.

They only had four days left and Caroline didn't want to waste a second encouraging his recovery, but was beginning to realize intervening May so more harm than good. Pushing him past his limit could result in resentment or more scars.

The sheen over his eyeball matched hers as her lips curled up into a comforting smile. Tilting her head upwards their lips met for a chaste kiss.

"You're trying, that's all I want." She said before kissing him again. "Also, I will always be on your side. You never have to worry about me second guessing you."

Klaus agreed with another kiss—deeper than the other two. Soaking in her reassurance until it marinated his mind, body and soul.

A pleasant breeze swept through their hair and faces when their lips separated, reminding Klaus why he brought her out here in the first place.

"Onto other manner topics like, how I actually intend on giving you a proper tour of the outback." He grinned.

Caroline's eyebrow raised suspiciously.

"While the weather is nice, still early in the day and my siblings won't have more time trying to sink their claws into you. Besides you should see where the wedding is taking place, right." He encouraged.

She almost forgot the event was being held at the mansion.

He grabbed both her arms and wrapped them around his waist, as his did to hers when she still seemed skeptical.

"Love, today and next couple of days are going to be a manic circus around here. This wedding is going to be a pain, not to mention my family's immediate admiration for you has made me realize I'm not going to have you all to myself like I imagined. Everything is steady as of now and I want to spend the next most calming few hours with my favorite girl, in one of my favorite parts of the house."

His closed-lip smile was too contagious for her to resist.

She groaned. "Alright fine. Then we can eat?"

Her stomach growls becoming more offensive by the second.

"Like royalty." He assured over her lips but not letting them touch.

Their hands found each other again as Klaus led her down the pathway from the patio and onto the well-manicured lawn. Caroline's mouth hung open at the sight of the backyard—as big as he described to be its own stadium. Literally standing on the hill, looking out to the open land and clear blue sky that seemed so close to the touch.

Greenery everywhere—tall trees guarding their privacy and breathing life into her lungs. Outside was beautiful and freeing, no wonder Klaus loved being back here.

Caroline had never seen so much land, let alone standing on it. Admiring the rose garden—red and yellow—and pond they walked down the hill as Klaus's narration continued.

"My mother's pride and joy was this bloody garden. Given how lovely it looks, I see she still cares about it more than her own children." He said bitterly. "My father gave me a severe whipping one time for stealing two of the roses to make my paint."

"You had a serious klepto problem with flowers." She joked and Klaus laughed along and shrugged.

"I had to be creative. My father never bought paint for me, insisted art was not a passion but a distraction." He explained. " 'There was no future in such silliness' he would often say, not for a real man. It was my aunt who bought me my first set of paint and brushes, and even then I had to keep it a secret."

Caroline's lips pressed together, swinging their joined hands while walking as she tried not to place any judgement. He needed to vent. Slowly she was realizing, keeping opinions to yourself unless warranted was the best option for everyone.

She screeched when he practically dragged her down the hill, tripping over feet, until a medium sized barn was in view. A wood post fenced the area.

- Am I really shocked they have farm animals too?

"Now, this is what I wanted to show you. Wait here." He said cryptically.

Klaus's vision glittered as he released her hand to unhook the gate without giving an opportunity for questions.

He was so jittery and face glowing Caroline thought he went inside the barn to bring out a pile of gold, but it was a pleasant sight.

She patiently waited until he walked out, with a gorgeous chestnut-colored horse trotting behind.

Covering her mouth in shock, Caroline watched as Klaus pulled the animal towards her by its reins. The beautiful coat and deep brown hair shined in the sunlight.

"What do you think?" He asked ecstatically.

Her hands fell to expose her smile. "I should've known the only thing missing were majestic horses."

Klaus laughed.

Caroline hesitantly leaned against the fence. "She's beautiful. It is a she, right?"

"Sunflower." Klaus nodded while petting her snout. "What's so funny?" He asked with an unimpressed expression.

Caroline smirked. "Your horse's name is Sunflower?"

"Is there a problem with that?" He asked defensively.

She tried suppressing her giggles when he seemed genuinely upset by her mocking, but she couldn't help it.

She shook her head. "No, no it's a really cute name. I always pegged you more of a macho stallion type of guy."

Klaus rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"Bugger off." He said, making Caroline laugh more.

"I've been riding horses since I was a child, such a calming hobby. Each of my siblings have their own but I'm the only one who ever rode everyday and took advantage of this land. Me and good ole Sunflower here spent hours a day galloping everywhere, sometimes until dark out."

"Sounds peaceful."

Klaus's jaw tensed, still brushing the horse's coat with his hand.

"Multiple times my father threatened to take her away from me, torture or kill, each time I would defy him." He said lowly. "He always knew just what to say to get me back underneath his thumb. Mikael knew all of my weaknesses even before I did. Leaving her behind was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but Rebekah promised to take care of her on my behalf."

Now it was making sense. Introducing Caroline as his friend' at the banquet was more for her security than his own. One less thing for Mikael or his family to use as a pawn in their twisted game.

Suddenly Caroline was content with skipping breakfast. Feeling unwell to sit at a table with the mysterious bunch longer than needed. She loved learning all the different sides of her verse boyfriend, no matter how haunting or dark. The way he addressed the horse was so telling. While living here, this animal was all he had. He never felt more safe and free than trotting into the abyss. As beautiful, it was also heartbreaking.

Klaus didn't expect to be such an open book but being around someone he trusted made brought it out naturally. Learning to be vulnerable was still new and buzzard for a man who has been hiding for the majority of his life. Deep down, longing to find what he's found with Caroline.

He looked at her confusingly when she unhooked the latch on the fence and stepped inside. Watching carefully, as she approached the beautiful and strangely well-behaved animal.

The view brought a smile to his face.

"She won't bite." He told her when noticing her insistent hesitation.

Caroline gulped. Her arms by her side like nails to a board and feet dragging itself in small strides in the grass.

She smiled nervously when Klaus grabbed her wrist and brought her hand in contact with the smooth texture of its coat. Jerking back when Sunflower began moving and neighing from the sudden touch.

"It's alright, it's alright." Klaus softly said—still holding her wrist—to ease his girlfriend's heart rate while also calming the animal. "Here."

He grabbed an apple from the saddle and handed it to a bug-eyed Caroline.

"Klaus as sweet as all of this is I'm not necessarily the horse whisperer, and she obviously doesn't like me." She said decidedly.

"Sweetheart, she just doesn't know you. You're a stranger who needs to earn her trust, kinda like you did with me." He encourages with a smirk.

Biting her bottom lip anxiously, she breathed a short breath before grabbing the fruit from his hand. Cautiously raising it towards the horse's unappealing mouth. She didn't flinch away when it practically snatched the apple out of her sweaty palm. Caroline didn't find this relaxing or comfortable, but Klaus has endured many activities he would not entertain otherwise if not for her. She owed him.

The slobber began to drip on her palm mid chew she wanted to gag.

- I am definitely not an animal person.

Face scrunched and spit-induced hand, she pulled away and caught Klaus's faint chuckles beside her.

"See, that wasn't so bad." Klaus mused.

"Easy for you to say." She murmured, wiping off on the back of her jeans.

A small grin played on his lips while looking at her amusedly.

"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" He asked.

"Barely...well, I took a few lessons when I was a kid but it was never something I continuously practiced. My mom had other plans, as you well know." She explained.

Klaus hummed. "Now that is a shame but I think you'd enjoy it."

Her expression turned suspicious at his tone.

"You can take Sunflower and I'll grab 'Lijah's horse." He casually offered.

Caroline's eyebrows furrowed when he handed her the reins and walked towards the stable.

"Klaus." Stopping him in his tracks.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine." Klaus said going towards her again.

"I haven't been on the back of a horse since I was like ten years old." She tried to reason.

"It's like riding a bike. You surely remember the basics at least, and I'll be by your side the entire time if you need assistance." He reassured her.

She looked at him uncertainly. "But—but she means so much to you. What if I do something wrong or she flips me over or—"

"You both are precious cargo that I trust with each other." He mused, tucking a curl behind her ear. "As long you're comfortable and in control, she'll be fine." He coached. "And make sure you don't pull too hard on the reins."

He was already on his way to retrieve the other horse before she had another opportunity of protest.

-This is such a bad idea.

She officially greeted Sunflower with a small smile, her nerves beginning to dwindle when she began to pet it herself. The horse groaned but calmed itself just as quickly. Caroline tugged on the reins slightly and the horse stepped forward as they waited for Klaus's return—didn't take long for him to come out of the barn leading a black horse out behind him.

When Caroline woke up this morning she didn't expect bagels and mimosas to be replaced with rose gardens and horseback riding.

Her smile unwavering as he came forward and Klaus easily noticed.

"What?" He wondered with some amusement in his voice.

She shook her head grinning. "Nothing. So you think you can help me up, it's been awhile."

"Who am I to leave a woman in distress?" He agreed, placing his hand on her lower back before instructing her to lift her left leg and put her left foot in the stirrup. She lifted her other leg over successfully, now straddling the saddle.

Klaus made sure Caroline was safe and secure before running over to his horse that he gracefully climbed onto, obviously trying to one up her.

- Show off.

"Follow me." He sweetly instructed her, tapping his legs on the horse's sides for it to move forward.

Caroline and Sunflower obeyed—she took pride in being able to lead her without assistance.

They rode slow on the hayfield walking trail, engaging in brief conversation as Caroline's main focus was to not fall. Being so high up was initially terrifying but she managed her fear. Having Klaus right beside her also helped.

"You doing alright, love?" He asked.

Caroline nodded. "Much better. I see why you loved riding so much though. It's freeing."

Klaus swallowed. "I tried to flee from here so many times. One time on my horse, when I was 14, but my mother caught me before I could even throw on the saddle. She kept saying how lucky I was that she found me instead of Mikael, as if I should be grateful for her mercy instead of simply getting rid of the bastard."

They continued to ride along the trail, and Caroline's throat tightened.

Flipping her hair from her face. "Your dad really was the definition of asshole, wasn't he?"

Klaus chuckled. "That's putting it nicely."

More time went by and the conversations grew lighter.

He glanced over at her—admiring her hair blowing from the wind to show off her angelic face. How is she really here? After every despicable sin he has committed in his lifetimes how was he still lucky enough to have her in his life. How was he granted such happiness? Where were his consequences? Who was he to answer to?

It didn't make sense.

He cleared his throat. "Isn't this better than breakfast with my family?"

Caroline pretended to ponder. "Only because of Sunflower."

Klaus laughed. "Yes, I had a feeling she would be quite the perk. No one has ever ridden her besides me."

"Does that mean I'm special?" She said mockingly.

Shyly looking over at her again.

"I wish I could draw you like this, you being an effortless beauty on top of my horse. A memory I want to keep forever."

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as a result. His corny remarks used to be his most embarrassing quality—not that she'd ever tell him—but now they were endearing.

Her dusty rose cheeks poked out when she smiled as she kept her eyes forward on the trail.

"Okay charmer, I thought you said something about feeding me?" She recalled, changing the subject when noticing her stomach growls were still alive and well.

Realizing an hour had already gone by and he was equally famished, Klaus lead the way back to the barn. The ride back was slow—Caroline's request who nearly lost control of her horse twice. He wanted to prolong the journey as well, not ready for the day to pass them by and he had to share her again with his family. Unsure why, but being here gave Klaus a chilling inkling. Like there was a sand clock pouring at rapid speed and the next four days was all they had left.

After securing the horses where they belonged, the two ate a picnic themed brunch in the grass area by the rose garden. The family's servant, Anita, brought out a basket full of treats and beverages to wash it down. Caroline indulged in a cherry soda while Klaus did the same with a glass of blood—the rim lingering on his bottom lip as he disguised himself in deep thought. The topic of what tomorrow and a year from now began to resurface involuntarily. Even in between their light-hearted conversations and teasing, Klaus's focus was elsewhere. The conversation he entertained with Tyler Lockwood a week ago juggled around his brain.

You're never going to give her the future she wants. If you really care about her, you'll let her go.

That damn, trivial word—future. Klaus was more upset with himself for allowing someone as incompetent as Tyler Lockwood to get into his head so easily.

How crippling for an immortal, to have eternity on his side for 500 years to now feel he only had days.

"What are you thinking about?" Caroline asked sweetly, a warm grin on her lips as she tapped his calf with her barefoot.

Klaus was snapped out of his daydream, staring up at the perplexed blonde.

"How was the food?" He changed the subject when sitting up from his laying position.

As badly as she wanted to press further on his obvious distraction, Caroline played along.

"Amazing, per usual. Thank you." She praised, throwing the last piece of sandwich in her mouth as she sat up as well. "And thank you for today. I really enjoyed myself."

He let out a subtle breath of relief after how frustrated she was earlier.

"It was no problem." He assured her. "I understand getting to know my family is important to you but believe me when I say you'll have plenty of time for that. But moments like this, when it's just us, are going to be more of a challenge than you think the next couple of days."

Her head cocked to the side. "Oh come on, they can't be that bad."

"Okay love." Klaus simply chuckled under his breath, not saying anything more. Figured it would be more entertaining for her to witness the behavior for herself.

He scooted closer to her on the picnic blanket, assisting her so she was sitting up between his legs and backside against his chest. His arms around her waist. Inhaling the warm vanilla scent of her skin when he kissed along her neck.

The new position made her swoon from the intimacy, and when he kissed her on the temple as she relaxed into his protective embrace. The butterflies still fluttering when he kissed her on the same spot again and pulling her closer. Her smile was so infectious and embarrassing she was grateful he couldn't see her. Their fingers subconsciously entangled while her thumb fixated on his gaudy daylight ring as if she was studying it.

She brought their joined hands to her mouth to kiss the back of his.

"For the record, I like moments like this too."

He overheard her say and his chest expanded with an exhale he didn't realize needed release.

Sitting in comfortable silence with nothing but the breeze and his shallow breaths blessing her ears.

She shivered at the feel of Klaus's lips touching the shell of her ear.

"You know love, there is actually another favorite spot of mine you have yet to see. One that is just as relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable." His soft words held a sultry promise.

His suggestive tone provoked Caroline's chest to heave out of anticipation and longing. Her manicured fingernails digging into the fabric of his jeans when his hands carried her sides.

Quivers of heat rushed to the apex between her thighs that Caroline had been forcing herself to ignore since they woke up. Knowing his mother and siblings were wandering around made her hesitant for any type of sexual intimacy with Klaus, but the urge was practically eating her alive.

They had approximately three hours before being called for dinner...a few more impromptu tour guide activities would be acceptable.

Turning her head to the side she was met with his darkened stare, "What do you have in mind?"

---

The inside of the house was eerily quiet. Usually his sisters would be lobbying around or Kol would be begging for trouble.

Silence.

Instead of investigating the reasoning, Klaus took advantage for him and Caroline to sneak their way to the indoor pool. Both, separately, changed into swimsuits and covered their bodies with towels while going through the lower level of the house. Walking on their tippy toes and exchanging childish giggles and shushes that bounced off the walls, down the long hallways until finally reaching the recreational wing of the home.

Glass windows made up two walls of the room by the lap pool, for a calming view of the woodsy backyard. The sliding doors allowed the option to open for fresh air while swimming. A solar array on the roof provided heat for the water, even with a perfectly functioning neighbor jacuzzi.

Caroline barely noticed the indoor gym in the next room until Klaus walked ahead to retrieve more body towels.

"Pool or jacuzzi? I personally prefer the latter but it's your tour, your rules." He offered when placing their towels on the chair.

Subconsciously she clung onto the towel around her body tighter, suddenly feeling subconscious but didn't want to draw the attention to Klaus.

"Jacuzzi is fine." Her reply pleased him.

Dropping the soft black body towel from his torso—giving Caroline a view of his godly physique—a grinning Klaus sped out of the room and back within seconds with a tray of chocolates, strawberries and two champagne flutes on it.

Caroline's bottom lip caught between her teeth to stifle her smile. "Why do I get the feeling you had all of this planned out..."

He casually shrugged when putting the tray down on the small glass table. "I may have whispered something to Anita this morning about, possibly, courting you for the day. And she may have set this little tray of delights for us ahead of time while making sure we had this room to ourselves."

She raised an eyebrow. "Courting huh? So this is supposed to be a date?"

"Well that depends, do you feel wooed?" He asked as if already knowing the answer.

Surely he could hear her heart pounding madly in her chest. Her stomach wrapping in delightful knots from this new layer of romance that nearly brought tears to her eyes. His admiration for her was as overwhelming as it was welcoming.

Their toes touched when Caroline stepped forward and hand brought his lips down to hers.

The kiss took both their breaths away as it quickly intensified with love and longing. All the sorrows, bad memories, intrusive thoughts and insecurities vanished. Her kisses could cease and provoke wars. No one else's lips have ever made him feel so much at once while still making him crave more.

She slanted her mouth over his to deepen the kiss. Her tongue shyly licked over his lips, urging him to part then as her hand ventured from his face to his hair. Tugging tightly at the roots when his lips obeyed to her desired entrance. Mutually moaning as their tongues caressed each other's and a soft 'Caroline' flowed from his mouth into hers. She could feel him hardening against her thigh and it only stirred her further through the lustful haze. The need for him that she had tried to bury was untamed and breaking free.

Still rhythmically moving his lips with hers, Klaus's hands crept lower onto her ass in attempt to peel off the offensive towel to expose the mysterious bathing suit she had underneath.

But Caroline had other plans.

Nipping at his bottom lip teasingly, Caroline swatted his hand away and removed her lips from his. She took pride in his breathless state and his low growl from the departure.

"You're going to be the death of me..." He groaned in between breaths.

Smirking at his pouty lip and scowl, the taunting witch skipped backwards towards the heated pool despite her previous choice.

"My tour, my rules right?" She said as seductive as possible while pulling at the double layered fabric.

Klaus's mouth went dry. All protests and demands died on his lips, standing in the torturous silence watching Caroline untie the towel—dropping it until it hit her feet.

He gulped at the reveal of her royal blue strapless bikini with matching bottoms—more like a flimsy piece of fabric held by a thin string. Her perked breasts and inviting buttocks held securely in the bathing suit, making Klaus's mouth water.

Even after seeing her fully naked, there was something about the suit's framing of her glorious body that aroused him further.

Her curly blonde tresses now a slicked back wet muse when he noticed she landed in the pool, ducking her head underneath the water before coming up for air. The water droplets shined on the tips of her eyelashes like crystals and smirk widened on her face. Caroline knew how much she was teasing him but having such a powerful immortal under her thumb was thrilling. She was growing less insecure with Klaus and sex, embracing the daring and sensuous vixen he encouraged her to be.

Klaus remained in the same spot—watching curiously for her next move. He studied the way her teeth grazed over her plump bottom lip and when her hands confidently reached behind to undo the clash of her bikini top, swinging it out to the surface of the water.

His control snapped. From all the tension building throughout the day to now, as she floated topless in his pool with a face of a saint but eyes of a sinner.

Vamp speeding to the edge of the pool, Klaus lowers himself as he climbed into the water with her. Noticing her harsh swallow and lingering gaze over his water glistened chest brought a devilish smirk to his lips.

An eager Caroline heard him swimming behind her, stiffening her back and breath hitches when his chest unexpectedly met her spine. Sighing at the sensation of their skin finally touching.

"You're a naughty girl. Too tempting for your own good." He cooed in her ear and arms wrapped around her torso.

She hummed. "Stop being so easy to tempt." Her eyes fluttered when he peppered kisses along her shoulder.

His kisses progressed to the nape of her neck and along her jaw, drawing out every incoherent whimper and mumble while his fingers played with the strings of her bikini bottoms and the other played with a nipple.

One little pull to the side and she would be his for the taking.

Caroline felt him grow behind her and heard his low groan when her backside rubbed against him.

"Klaus." She moaned, her hand reaching back into his hair and the other pushed his down against her covered sex so he could feel her too.

"Fuck, Caroline." He mumbled the expletive and it only made her wetter and more desperate.

She cursed as he rubbed her through the fabric while tweaking her nipples interchangeably. He worked her body so effortlessly it was almost frightening. Damn, she missed this—his touch, his mouth and scent to demonstrate his master in pleasure. Feeling unapologetically sexy and adored by the man she loved.

The fact that she was capable of holding out as long as she did was admirable and regretful. Caroline started a dangerous game that only Klaus could finish—oh, how badly she needed to finish.

When he got enough of a feel, Caroline turned around in his arms breathless.

"You're sure no one is coming out here?"

"I'm sure." He replied confidently before dragging her back into a scorching kiss and pushing her against the pool wall by the waist.

His caresses and light touches weren't idle as they smothered her smooth skin with adoration.

She reciprocated the kiss, harder and purposefully as her hand framed his sexily stubble face. Moaning beneath his lips at the possessive way he grabbed onto her hips, and she couldn't deny how much she loved it. Any concerns flew out her mind the same time his tongue licked the inside of her mouth.

Desire pooled into the apex of her bottoms at the feel of his fangs coming out and her primal needs took over.

"Bite me." Caroline moaned the words between each kiss and fingers clawing at his scalp.

He abruptly pulled away at her controversial request. Their mouths hung open as her eyes searched his.

Looking into his gaze of confusion and uncertainty, Caroline knew the mood was dwindling and his overthinking was taking front seat. Cursing herself for ruining such an amazing entanglement by getting too caught up in the moment. She would rather him ignore her entirely than look at her like she was insane. Maybe she was.

Caroline was unsure herself what had come over her but, tasting the danger beneath the edge point of his sharp fangs sparked a different type of lust coursing through her body. She had fantasized about the flesh piercing sensation since that night in Klaus's room, and he definitely enjoyed it but refused to repeat and she didn't know why.

Distracting them both from a heavy discussion, she stepped around him so their positions were switched. Given that he was not a submissive man and had issues with relinquishing control, she was particularly surprised he allowed her power play. With Klaus's back against the wall, Caroline's lips curled as she ran her fingers down his abdomen and underneath his swim shorts—eye contact fiercely on each other's even as her small hand gripped his pulsing erection. The groan rumbling from his chest and tightening hold on her waist suggested they were back on the same track of mind.

A small smile on her lips. "I want to feel you." She declared before enticing him into another kiss.

The vibrations from his moans against her lips, with a mixture of her name accompanied with expletives, loved he was also enjoying himself as she slowly jerked him off. His hand wandered over her breast as if to distract himself from her torturous hold. Swallowing each other's moans and deepening the kiss until it was nothing but teeth and tongues.

Whimpering against his lips Caroline begged for him to pull the strings and mercilessly take her in the warm pool.

His kisses trailed down to her jaw then neck, lowering to the top of her breasts as his hot tongue lapped over her nipple poking out from the water. It sent a static shockwave between her already slick thighs.

"Mmm, I need you." She begged, wrapping her legs around his waist with his assistance.

The burning desire for him alongside his tongue worshipping her chest was driving her crazy.

"Please." Caroline whined, pulling on his hair and thrusting her hips into his to encourage him to speed up the process.

Her eyes slowly opened as his oral ministrations continued, spotting a pair of black dress shoes at the edge of the pool.

She screamed and Klaus lifted his head just as abruptly.

"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" He asked.

She shook her head, lips timidly pressed together and hands modestly covering her chest.

Klaus's eyebrows furrowed and eyes followed hers looking behind him.

So consumed by pleasure his magnified senses didn't detect a sudden presence in the room. Turning around to guard Caroline's half nude body with his own and prepared to murder whoever interjected them. A deep frown and death glare on his face.

"Really, 'Lijah? I expected this from Kol." Klaus scoffed.

"Because you would have threatened him?" Elijah assumed with a smirk.

"No one in this family is an exception to their hearts being ripped out." He replied casually.

- How is he not freaking out about this?

Caroline thought to herself.

She knew the Mikaelsons were a rather, open family but having her boyfriend's older brother—who she wanted to impress—catching her topless in a pool with implied sex was going to be a difficult act to recover from.

Completely mortified, already knowing her face was embarrassingly red, Caroline kept herself hidden against Klaus's backside.

Elijah's smirk fell and eyes narrowed daggers towards hers when they met, making her swallow nervously before he reverted his attention back to his brother.

"Sorry to interrupt but mother asked for me to fetch for you, and Caroline." His hands behind his back

He laughed. "Fetch? When did you become such a pet, brother?"

"I'd say around the same time you did." Elijah shot back, shifting his eyes to the blonde hiding and marveling in her discomfort.

Klaus's jaw clenched and a red hue coated the blue of his eyes. "Why don't you just tell us what you bloody want?"

"Father has arrived." He announced and Klaus jolted forward.

The couple simultaneously gasped.

His mouth pressed into a hard line and biceps visibly flexed. Caroline placed a comforting hand on his shoulder blade and instantly brought him ease, bringing his hand up to hers with a tight squeeze.

Elijah rolled his eyes, hands now shoved into the pockets of his slacks and his throat cleared. "Dinner will be served shortly if you wish to accompany us. Oh and Caroline, please be sure to dispose of your souvenir before exiting the pool."

He said snobbishly, pointing his head towards the bikini top floating atop the water before walking out the room. Her eyes widened and her face flushed.

Her face felt like a flushed berry.

If she could curl up into a cave that would collapse from the inside, she would.

Stepping around to face him, Caroline pushed her own embarrassment to the side to be there for her boyfriend who looked like he had seen a ghost. Even being aware that Klaus's father would be in attendance at some point today,

The water sloshed between them as her bare chest brushed against his. His face hardened as he looked down at the water blankly.

Delicately rubbing her hands up and down his arms Caroline carefully asked, "You wanna talk about it?"

He shrugged her hands away and pushed his wet fingers through his hair.

When she tried reaching for him again backed away from her.

"We have dinner to attend to." He replied coldly as he swam across the opine direction towards the railing.

---

EEEEP! So you've finally been introduced to (almost) all of the Mikaelson gang. What do you think? Scale of 1-10 how the first dinner with Mikael will go *sigh* poor Klaus.

Domestic klaroline is my favorite klaroline, I had so much fun writing them in this chapter for those moments.

So, I have outlined the remainder of the story and as of right now, there are about 6 or 8 chapters left and an epilogue. Literally everyday I go back and forth on the ending. I'm mainly eager to finish this story asap because I want the book process to begin soon because I know it will be timely and I'm excited to move forward with it!

Next chapter hints: awkward dinners, bachelor & bachelorette, sex.

REVIEWS ARE APPRECIATED!