Black Roses

by xKlaroStylesx

Vampires, witches and werewolves are welcomed at the Whitmore Academy for the Supernaturally Gifted but that doesn't mean they all welcome each other. Ambitious student 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 a life changing connection is formed.

29. Chapter 29

I know, I know it's been awhile but I am back with a LONG chapter so hopefully all is now forgiven :)

There is fluffy/angty/smutty klaroline all wrapped up with a bow in this chapter. A lot of you were wondering why Caroline was acting so weird at the end of the last chapter but this should clear it up a little bit...just a little!

To my Muslim readers, have a blessed Ramadan! I do warn that smut is towards the end of this chapter.

HAPPY READING!

---

"Klaus, you need to get ready." Caroline said while placing a diamond earring through her earlobe and noticing her boyfriend lounging across their bed through the mirror with his sketchbook in hand. "Did you not hear me!" She scoffed, turning around to see his smirking face.

"Of course I heard you, Caroline. I think the entire bloody town heard you."

Her glare deepened. "You're not funny. You need to get ready."

"You can't rush art, love." He muttered as his pencil continued to stroke the page.

"Seriously! We're supposed to be heading to the restaurant with your family in 15 minutes and you still need to put on your pants and shirt." She scolded.

Klaus peered up at the aggravated witch and her adorable pout. Punctuality was a big thing for Caroline and if this was a dinner solely for them he would've been ready before she could utter a word.

Tonight was the rehearsal dinner and Klaus was not shy expressing how much he wasn't looking forward to it. Not only having to share another evening with his parents but his estranged older brother, Finn, would also be joining the festivities.

Reluctantly, he placed the sketchbook and pencil aside on the white duvet before flashing off the bed to land directly in front of Caroline.

"You look stunning by the way." He sweetly declared, admiring the off-the-shoulder blush pink skater dress that held her hips exquisitely and exposed her long legs.

"Yeah?" Caroline's lips pursed as she looked over her own appearance disapprovingly. "You're sure you didn't like the other colors more?"

"Sweetheart..." He sighed.

"Just one last look, I promise." She pleaded, taking two steps backwards to give him a proper view of herself before performing the color scheme spell.

Pointing a finger at her dress the minor color scheme spell poofed white, teal, burgundy or blush pink individually as she impatiently waited for his final approval.

He sighed into an amused grin, mentally noting that she's now the reason they're behind schedule.

"I'm going to tell you what I always do which is that you look exceptional no matter what, and no I'm not just saying that."

"Forgive me for having a hard time believing you."

"Bloody hell Caroline, you loved the pink one a week ago. What's changed?"

"You mean besides the fact that it's just now hitting I'm meeting the rest of your intimidating vampire family and friends tomorrow, or that I'm meeting your oldest brother tonight when I've barely scratched the service with Elijah." She blurted.

So badly Caroline wanted to tug on her hair but the fear of having to redo the perfect bun made her grip at her palms instead.

She and Klaus simultaneously let out an exhausted sigh as he approached her.

"It's a little late for cold feet." He smirked.

Her lips slightly curled up into a small grin. "Were you this nervous when you first met my dad?"

"Honestly? I was terrified." He admitted. "Mainly because we were on the outs and I didn't know what you might've told him about me before I could even make a first impression."

"You were both on thin ice. I was expecting him to threaten your life and instead he ended up liking you more than I did."

Klaus chuckled at the way her eyes rolled. "And you see, I did all the worrying only for the best outcome to come of it."

She smiled, genuinely smiled, when his fingertips graded underneath her chin to lift her head before his arms circled around her waist.

"The vampires attending tomorrow I haven't seen in decades if not more so you won't be alone with getting to know anyone. Far as my brother Finn goes, we were never close and I only feel obligated to not kill him because we share blood. You don't need to impress him, and I don't want you obsessing over Elijah either. Believe when I say I won't let anyone disrespect you, no matter who they are. You're safe with me."

"I know." She said confidently.

She did feel safe.

His 2 minute speech instilled a calmness in her that had been stirring for the past week. No more worries, no more reservations or paranoia about his family.

Caroline leaned on her tippy toes, silently thankful that Klaus met her halfway for their noses to touch.

"Is the drawing of me even good?"

Her nose scrunched with the question and Klaus couldn't resist leaving a sweet kiss on the tip.

"I think you're well aware of the answer to that." He said before placing a quick kiss to her lips before retreating to the bathroom.

Caroline's smile came crashing down when she turned around and saw her phone beaming on the nightstand.

She hesitated, her stomach curling into a tangle of knots and mouth dry, knowing exactly who was on the other end of that's like without glancing at the screen. Her tongue swiped across her colored lips anxiously.

Looking over her shoulder she saw Klaus was nowhere in sight. The running water from the bathroom sink opened the opportunity for her to reluctantly answer.

"I told you to stop calling me." Caroline harshly whispered.

"Hello to you too, dear." Liz said.

Caroline rubbed her forehead aggravatingly. "I thought you were catching the hint after ignoring your first 20 calls."

"I figured you were just playing hard to get."

She groaned, quickly glancing over her shoulder again, "You can save your breath because I know why you're calling and I'm telling you now to stop. I'm done, mom. I've been done."

Her entire body cringed at the chilling laugh coming from the other end of the line.

"Oh, please Caroline enough with the dramatics. I didn't realize pretending with that boy would make you so theatrical."

"I'm not pretending-" Her eyes widened when she realized how high pitched her voice became.

Letting out a deep sigh through her nostrils, she rubbed her trembling lips together and shook her head. "I love him mom. He makes me happy, really happy."

Silence.

"Mom?" Caroline spoke after a few long seconds of dead silence

"It's frightening how much you sound exactly like I did at your age. Naive and completely misguided." Liz sighed in utter disappointment. "But what you have that I didn't is a persistent mother who cares about you enough to keep you on track."

"Mom—"

"The Mikaelsons are charming creatures, sweetheart I know. I'm not surprised they've made you feel so welcomed at their home. That's what vampires do. They make you feel safe before going for the kill and only the weak fall for the trap, and you my dutiful daughter are not weak."

"They're not like that." Caroline blinked away the inevitable tears. "I don't—I can't do this anymore. Please don't make me."

"Caroline I'm not making you do anything you didn't formulate all on your own. You put this plan in motion quite strategically, might I add, and I'm simply just making sure you execute it."

Her head shook side to side. "No. No, everything's different now. I'm different. I'm happy. Your daughter is the happiest she's been for the first time in a long time. If-if you just got to know him-"

"I don't want to get to know him!" Liz cut her off sharply.

"Mom-"

"Don't 'mom' me!"

Goosebumps ran up the young witch's arms from the anger in Liz's tone; uncharacteristically sharp and dark.

"Now enough with all this nonsense and disrespect. I've entertained it enough the past few months but quite frankly I'm over it." Liz scolded. "You're a Forbes witch, Caroline. Our family has had to dig ourselves out of a deep grave because of my mistakes and I'll be damned if you ruin the one last opportunity we have of redeeming our name. You've been given the privilege to be a leader of your community and this family. You will not shrug off your obligations because you think you're in love. I won't hear of it again, understood?"

A sharp pain hit the pit of Caroline's core as a single teardrop snuck its way through the ducts and down her rosy cheek; she couldn't decide if she was more heartbroken, guilty or enraged-all of the above?

She did understand that her mother made many sacrifices for her-not that she let Caroline forget it.

Her family meant everything to her, but so did Klaus. The two didn't need to be mutually exclusive.

"Understood?" Liz repeated.

Caroline sucked in a breath when the water from the bathroom switched off and Klaus reappeared in the room with a suspicious look on his face from the way she swiftly turned towards him and slammed her cellphone down on the drawer.

"Who was that?" Klaus asked while flipping his collar up.

Caroline discreetly sniffled, wiping the tear from underneath her eye before swiftly turning towards him with a coy smile.

"Just Katherine badgering me to take as many pictures as possible tomorrow." She effortlessly lied but Klaus didn't seem entirely convinced.

"Must've been some conversation." He said, noticing the slight redness under her eyes. "Are you all right?"

"Of course." She nodded. "You know Katherine, she's just very persistent."

"I figured that's why you enjoy vampires."

Caroline sniffled out a laugh. "She says 'hi' to you too. Wow, you look very sexy Mister Mikaelson." She praised when ogling his appearance head to toe.

The sight of Klaus' perfectly placed curls while formally dressed in his black slacks and navy blue dress shirt with two undone buttons on the top was a perfect distraction from her previous mood.

His full lips formed a smirk as he approached her. "Sexy, huh? Well if I'm sexy then you must be positively devouring."

"You can never just take the compliment can you?" She giggled when he tickled her sides.

Caroline smiled against his lips as he brought her in for a passionate kiss that turned her insides into mush.

She pulled away enough for their foreheads to still touch while her fingertips grazed his scratchy jawline.

"Babe I know how much you love your facial hair, as do I..."

"Oh, I'm well informed." He said teasingly, making Caroline blush.

"But I was thinking maybe for tonight, and the wedding, you could clean it up a little."

His eyebrows raised curiously. "You want me to shave?"

"I was thinking more of trim." She clarified.

"You've never requested this before. Did Freya put you up to this?" He accused her.

It was the only logical explanation he could think of for such an unusual request.

Caroline shook her head side to side. "This was all me. You don't exactly have a Chewbacca beard but it's a bit wild. I just think you'll feel better. Oddly enough you still manage to grow hair despite technically being dead which still kinda freaks me out, but at least it'll be grown back by the wedding night." She explained while toying with his necklace. "I can do it for you, if you want."

Klaus' eyebrows lifted amusedly at her offer. "You want to shave me?"

"Why not?" She shrugged. "You seem to have too much of an emotional attachment to do it yourself, besides I've done it before."

"For Lockwood?"

Her shoulders slumped at the bitterness leaving his gritted teeth.

Even with Klaus' persistence that he held no envy towards her previous relationship moments like this made her realize his insecurities were no different than hers.

Throwing her slender arms wrapping around his neck their fronts pressed against each other intimately, destroying any further negative thoughts.

"If it makes you feel any better I cut him, a lot." She winked, causing Klaus to smirk. "Now take off your shirt."

"Yes ma'am." Klaus happily complied to her command, ignoring the part of him that wanted to pester why she told him to get dressed in the first place.

They moved to the bathroom. Caroline filled the sink with warm water while a, now, shirtless Klaus lathered his face with shaving cream in the mirror.

With the faucet still running and bottom lip trapped in the clutches of her white teeth, Caroline had to refrain from moaning as her eyes darkened, admiring the attractive sight of the shaving cream on Klaus' face and the sculpted perfection of his bare-chested appearance. The feather tattoo that she had too much fun tracing with her tongue lately, was practically taunting her. Even after the countless times she's seen him completely naked the trimmers of heat slithering to her core never faded—knowing all the deliciously sinful things his hard body could—

"You're drooling, love."

Caroline rapidly blinked, shoving his laughing self to the side and huffing a 'shut up' under her breath.

She yelped when Klaus unexpectedly lifted her on top of the sink but being mindful of the dress. Hooking her legs behind his back and around his waist, pulling him close as she observed the smile poking out of his cream covered face.

"What?" He asked her amused expression.

She shook her head, muffling her giggles. "Nothing...this is just extremely domestic and your shaving cream beard is cuter than it should be, and I like being with you like this maybe more than I should. But it's weird, right?"

"Why would it be weird?" His eyebrows frowned.

Caroline shrugged. "I don't know...maybe because we're supernatural creatures. We're supposed to be dark, complex and complicated. We don't do simple stuff like this, human stuff..."

"Love, my 230 year old sister is literally getting married tomorrow. I think we can rule out being above the simple life pleasures besides, why should mortals have all the fun?"

"I guess." Caroline shyly grinned.

There was always part of her that struggled between fully embracing her witch ancestry and her mortal one. Being a witch was all she knew for 18 years of her life though her morals, most of the time aligned with the human side she rarely had the time to understand.

"Hey." His voice as soft as the palm pressing on her cheek. "We don't have to be anything we don't want to, or live how we think we're supposed to either. Given what we've endured the past few months I have finally understood the appeal of simplicity."

His words rippled a tide of warmth from her head to her toes.

Everything feels how it should be with us. Natural and completely unwavering." He assured her, leaning closer until their noses nearly touched, tucking a loose hair strand behind her ear and matching her smile.

The glee in Caroline's eyes when he handed her the razor was too much to bare—adorable and refreshing. He couldn't resist leaning in for her lips. It was meant to be a quick dose of affection but with them that theory always failed in practice.

"Klaus..." she half moaned into his mouth as the kiss deepened. "Klaus...stop, you're getting shaving cream all over me!" She laughed in between words and lips still hovered as his hands squeezed her sides with warning.

He didn't want to stop. He wanted to stay exactly in this safe spot all evening with his girl, alone in the mansion while his family was away.

With a last kiss Klaus found the strength to pull away, wiping the remaining white foam from her face with a towel.

"Don't move."

He subtly grinned at her serious face, admiring the faint-colored circle of freckles resting on the bridge of her nose as her hand cautiously approached her with the razor. Turning his head, he felt the sharp steel glide down his cheek and jaw with long strokes. He was able to sneak a peek when she turned to rinse off the razor in the sink water. The tight bun on her head kept her profile completely exposed to his view.

The way her nose scrunched when the water splashed, the murmurs leaving her red lips when the razor clung onto the hair like a magnet. The way her eyebrows pulled together frustratingly before turning back towards him. Her tongue poking out to the side as her concentration fixated on the determined strokes of the sharp blade.

"I'm enjoying how focused you are on this."

"Klaus! You can't talk when I have a blade in your face. I could've cut you!" Caroline yelled.

He laughed loudly. "Sweetheart I'm—"

"An almighty vampire, yeah I got that." She rolled her eyes. "Doesn't mean you should put yourself in harm's way just because you think you can handle it. I'm an almighty witch but you don't see me walking into forest fires. Now hold still." She demanded while grabbing his chin and turning it to the side.

They stayed silent for the remainder of the time though whenever their eyes met it felt like a megaphone was pressed against her chest.

Caroline twisted and turned his head in every angle until she was satisfied with the finished project.

Still standing between her legs Klaus checked in the mirror to see how she did, genuinely impressed by her amateur skills.

"Not bad. Not bad at all." He praised as his hand glided over the smooth skin.

"As if there was any doubt, and no kisses for you for being a difficult client." She cheekily insisted when his adoring smile grew as she brought a towel to his face to wipe off any remaining shaving cream.

Klaus tried, desperately, to suppress his laughter by pressing his lips together. Even after all they've been through she was completely oblivious to how much she amused him, excited him, by simply being herself.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Caroline caught onto his enamored filled gaze.

His dimples flashed when he smiled.

"Move in with me."

"Right." She laughed off.

"I'm serious. After graduation and before you go to New York...move in with me." He proposed, with a timid smile following afterwards.

-Oh crap.

The towel in her hand dropped to the floor. Her body felt frozen in place as she stared into his uncertain eyes. Her heart and time simultaneously stopped the moment the question ended on his lips.

Caroline was waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting to be woken up by her alarm to remind her this was all a dream. There was no way she heard that correctly.

"Wait you—you're serious? You're asking me to move in with you, as in us living together?"

He laughed while nodding his head. "Yes, love that's exactly what I'm asking you."

She opened and closed her mouth trying to find more words but a whispered "Klaus-" was all she could muster before his arms were around her waist as hers now around his neck, now in even closer proximity with his newly shaven face.

"I know it sounds sudden, impulsive and absolutely maddening and maybe it is but, how about it? It'd be just for the Summer for now. Anywhere in the world you want, just pick a place and it's yours. You can decorate it however you'd like and I promise to keep suggestions to myself until the end."

Not even a grin could appear on her shaky lips.

"Imagine every day starting with this…" He leaned forward to kiss the right side of her neck. "And this…" He murmured nibbling on her earlobe. "Most of all, this…" He captured her lips into a tender and possessive kiss that sent tingles down her toes.

"Mmm…"

Klaus smirked at her dazed expression as he pulled his lips away.

"The privacy. Just think about privacy." He gleefully continued. "No roommates, authority figures or snobbish mothers storming around trying to keep us apart. We'd have our own space, a safe space to do anything we want to and with each other. Making love anywhere we want in any way we want, without anyone being the wiser."

Her eyes widened and face blushed. "Klaus."

His soothing laugh flooded the room..

"Us, sharing a bed. Waking up and going to sleep in each other's arms every day and night, well except for the mornings you wake up to me drawing beside you or painting elsewhere in my studio. Or the nights when I fall asleep to you reading your favorite books and bombarding me with your new favorite quotes, with nothing but the sound of rain or the city streets for background noise."

She felt her bottom lip was going to bust open and bleed from how hard she was biting on it. The tears slowly began to well up into her glassy eyes.

"No more inedible cafeteria food, or even having to venture to multiple restaurants for a decent meal. I will prepare your favorite dishes on a daily basis right at home." He smirked, causing a smile to stretch her face too.

"You cook?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

"I'll have you know I attended culinary school in Italy, Tokyo and New York." He bragged. "Now I'm no Wolfgang, but I may have picked up a few skills over the years that will put everything else you've ever tasted to shame."

Her involuntary sad laugh only made his anxious smile grow.

"I will cook you anything you like, and I want you to know everything I'm saying isn't just some ruse." He licked his lips. "Essentially, Caroline what I'm really asking is...do you see yourself having a life with me?"

She thought her heart had already stopped but the faint thudding through her ears proved some life was still there; hanging by a thread. He was as nervous as she was, it was written all over his face and hung on every word which only made Caroline's chest ache more.

The crinkle in his forehead that appeared whenever he was stressed would be adorable if she didn't feel her chest heart into her ass.

"Klaus, I—I don't know what to say."

"Yes or no seem like pretty simple enough responses." He grinned anxiously.

Her eyes completely filled up now, her throat threatening to close as the light in his uncertain eyes began to fade.

She shook her head and swallowed her emotions down enough to speak.

"This isn't simple at all."

"Why?" He asked frustratingly.

"Why?" She huffed. "Klaus, where is this even coming from and why would you choose now of all times to bring it up? You just decided out of the blue you wanted to move in together and are expecting me to just have an answer for you right away?"

His eyebrows crinkled. "It wasn't out of the blue. Was this how I planned to bring this topic up for discussion? No. I've been thinking about it for quite some time now which is how I know it must've crossed your mind as well." He accurately assumed.

Caroline rubbed her lips together anxiously when noticing how flustered he was becoming.

"I'm not just asking you to move with me-" He took another breath. "I'm asking if you see yourself having a future with me, Caroline. If you see us being more than what this town and school has made us out to be."

-What is even happening right now? And why aren't you saying yes!

She felt her head throbbing to explode. Moving in together was one thing but now a shared life, eternity? What did an eternity with them even look like?

Her mouth open and closed but no response sounded right.

"I-"

Klaus scoffed. "So committing to me isn't simple but it was with Lockwood?"

Her eyebrows furrowed. "What does he have to do with any of this?"

"Everything!" His hand slammed beside her on the marble sink.

His eyes maintained their nature's blue shade but they grew two sizes as his face inched closer to hers.

A shivering layer of goosebumps trailed up her arms. She severely hated that Klaus decided to ambush her while she was still sandwiched between him and the sink. His fists were clutching at the marble on both sides of her body and his glare became fiery.

He wouldn't look away even when she tried to avert her eyes anywhere besides his disgruntled face.

"I know all about the little fantasy you dreamed up for the two of you. Staying in Whitmore, going to college, getting married with the white picket fenced home before popping out two half breed gremlins. 'The perfect human life', he called it. If I'm not mistaken you planned this all out within your first month of being together."

"How did—did Tyler talk to you?"

"That's not the bloody point." He groaned. "The fact of the matter is, Caroline, you were planning on spending the rest of your life with a boy you could never love but are hesitant to answer to the one you actually do. That, and that alone is why I'm suddenly wondering what the hell we've been doing."

Caroline was taken aback by what he was insinuating.

Still propped up on the sink and finally being able to take a much needed breath when he stepped away.

Klaus paced the spacious bathroom, wiping his hand over his newly shaven face as he fought away the regret and self hate making their way to his brain.

-She never wanted you. You're a fool for believing anyone would you taint their lives any further.

-Shut up! Shut up!

"What do I really mean to you, Caroline? Was this always meant to be a temporary thing?"

"Seriously? After everything how dare you even ask me something like that?" Her voice laced with hurt.

"Then tell me why. Why have we never talked about this until now?"

"You're making it sound like I don't want to be with you."

"Do you?"

"Of course I do but-"

"But what? Tell me why when we discussed our post-graduation plans about jetting off to London and Manhattan never once did either of us mention still being together? Now I was guilty of this too, I'll take my share of the blame but now I'm being honest with you. Why can't you do the same with me?"

He pleaded so desperately—eyes nearly bloodshot but tear-resistant, it made Caroline's heart ache more than it already was. Like someone punctured the organ with a blade and twisted until it exploded.

She gulped, lips pressed into a tight line quivering at the thought of exposing her truth and fears to him right now.

An abrupt knock on the bedroom door startled an already shaken up Caroline.

"It's already 6:30. You two better not be messing around. We need to leave soon and I'm famished!"

Rebekah blurted through the door.

Caroline exhaled sharply as if she had been holding her breath for two minutes. Her heart left her body when sharing a saddened glare with the vampire hovering over her, both wondering how this escalated so quickly and how they were supposed to resolve.

Hopping off the sink, Caroline grabbed a tissue from the rack and wiped underneath her eyes to at least appear presentable. She sniffled when tightening her bun in the mirror and smoothed out her dress before turning towards him again. Just watching her with eyes full of questions and regret.

She hated him looking at her like that.

"I—I'll meet you downstairs." Caroline said, grabbing her makeup bag off the vanity before leaving him in the room, alone with his thoughts.

---

"Where's your other half?"

Caroline was barely down the stairs before hearing Kol's blurting question. Her head shot up to see all of the siblings, Dahlia, Mikael and Esther in the living room area—dressed to impress in their dresses, jewels and suits like they were ready to walk a red carpet.

The youngest Mikaelson dressed dapperly in a dark grey suit, sipping on a fresh glass of bourbon with a knowing smirk hidden behind the rim. She was more than certain that he eavesdropped on the upsetting conversation she had with Klaus.

"Um, Klaus should be down soon." Caroline answered as neutrally as possible when finally reaching the end of the staircase.

She greeted Freya with a grin and nod from afar while trying to ignore Esther and Elijah's pointed glares.

"Trouble in paradise, darling?" He titled his head to the side, observing her visibly distracted expression and snapping her attention back to him.

"That's none of your business." She crossed her arms defensively.

"Fair enough." He walked towards her with ogling eyes. "Hm, though I must say you look good enough to eat Miss Forbes. How has my brother not learned yet to not keep you unaccompanied."

"Seriously? Did we not just reach an agreement the other day about laying off on the inappropriate behavior?"

"Old habits die hard?" He teased. "Will you unclench for once? I'm not trying to bone you blondie. It was simply a compliment unless you're opposed to those as well."

-Of course he decides not to be a complete ass when I need someone to take my frustrations out on.

Caroline deeply sighed, uncrossing her arms to place them behind her back instead. "I—thanks Kol. You look nice too."

"Oh, I know." He said cheekily with a wink.

Kol managed to drag a soft laugh out of her and for a second, she forgot about why she was bothered in the first place, not that she'd ever admit it to him.

She scoffed at him before walking down the hall and turning to one of the paintings on the wall.

"As kids we used to hang Nik's paintings on the wall. Let him pretend he had his own gallery." Kol explained, now staring at the art himself. "Mother said it was acceptable only when father was away for business. Mikael hated all that artsy stuff but I'm pretty sure the hatred stemmed solely because how much it meant to Nick. Never understood why he felt splattering colors on a piece of paper was worth a whipping but he was incredibly good at it."

Caroline smiled a sad smile.

"He's very talented. It's a shame he had to suppress his passion in his own home."

Kol frowned, staying silent taking another sip of his drink.

She didn't expect him to be courageous enough to actually look in her direction, to face her darting glare, but it only made his shame more conspicuous—she never considered Kol a shameful person.

"What's down there?" Caroline inquired, deciding to change the subject entirely.

Her wandering eyes located a black door down the hall. Already sensing the magic she knew the locks and chains were spelled.

"Our mother's secret den with all her secret little witch shenanigans she doesn't want us to know about." Kol explained with a subtle eye roll.

"Like your family spell books?" She pressed further.

The younger vampire peered up from his glass cautiously, curiously.

"Why the sudden interest?"

Caroline carelessly shrugged. "Just basic witch curiosity."

She could feel her chest growing pink in color and heart beat increasing the longer he stared at her with that suspicious glare. Her lips rubbed together and fingers twiddled with her purse strap as he walked dangerously slow towards her.

His head tilted to the side, eyes squinted.

"Don't get any ideas." He finally said. "This is the only room in the house that's strictly forbidden, to any and everyone and yes that includes fellow witches that my brother is currently, um, entertaining." He smirked.

She let out a prolonged exhale, barely being able to scold him when Mikael spoke.

"The limo just arrived. Is everyone ready to go to the restaurant?" Mikael asked impatiently.

"Niklaus isn't here yet." Elijah said.

"Typical." Mikael scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Guests have flown in from all around the world and managed to arrive on time but of course your brother has to make everything about himself."

Caroline could see Esther staring down shamefully and Elijah reaching into his pocket to text, who she assumed was Klaus.

Freya intervened.

"It's okay, father."

"No, it's not okay. I don't know why you even invited him when you know how selfish he is and makes everyone else's moments about him."

"Don't stop now father, tell me how you really feel."

Caroline's head popped up to see a formally dressed Klaus at the top of the staircase.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the guest of honor has finally graced us with his presence!" Kol broke the thick tension with his loud announcement and dramatic clap of his hands. "And he's been reborn? Look at that clean face." He teased

"I assure you Kol when this bloody wedding is over they won't be able to find your body." Klaus remarked when vamp-speeding down the stairs to tower over his obnoxious baby brother.

Caroline laughed under her breath at the harmless banter, relieved to see him more approachable and calm, less tense than when she left his room.

"Finally, Niklaus!" Esther stormed towards with her heels clamping with every step. "Great decision on the new look. It suits you so well."

Klaus gritted his teeth together as Esther straightened his black bow tie.

"Um, actually it was Caroline's idea."

She knew he only made the disclaimer to piss off Esther, and the fake smile she was sporting to cover her actual annoyance was all too rewarding for Caroline's ego.

"Hm, nonetheless you look very handsome my son." She smiled

He groaned when her fixation on his bow tie deepened.

"I'll manage." He spat and slapped away her hand.

Caroline pretended she didn't notice the dispute or the clear hurt one Esther's face as Klaus approached her.

"She's right though, you do look very nice." Caroline complimented him loud enough for them to be the only ones to hear it.

The corners of his lips twitched up. "Thanks."

"Great, everyone's here. The limo is waiting!" Freya chimed in excitedly.

"Actually me and Caroline will be taking my car." Klaus stated, surprising everyone including Caroline.

"You got yourself a little witch on your arm and suddenly think you're too good to ride with your family, boy?" Mikael said bitterly.

Caroline could already sense Klaus tense up and the tension rose.

Klaus chuckled. "You know, with all the backhanded comments you've thrown at my relationship makes me believe you forget who you married."

Mikael vamp-sped until he was directly in Klaus' face with his beaming and deep red eyes on display.

"Don't get me smart with me, boy." Mikael chastied.

Klaus laughed more, not showing any sign of intimidation which only angered Miakel further.

"Please, just stop." Freya huffed. "I just want to have a peaceful rehearsal dinner which can't happen if we never leave, so Klaus we will meet you there." She confirmed.

Letting out a relieved breath, Caroline rewarded her with a shy apologetic grin before practically pushing Klaus out the door.

---

"Mikael is an ass, not that we didn't already establish that but you don't have to bait him either." Caroline chided as they walked towards the back of the house.

"Can we just, not talk about this." He said it as more of a definite statement than a question.

Figuring they were already on thin ice but were at least talking, Caroline decided to switch topics for the sake of the evening.

"So you have your own car too? I didn't even know you had a drivers license." Caroline teased with a squeeze to their interlocked fingers.

"I'm not an invalid, love." Klaus said as he led them to the car garage behind the mansion.

The rest of his family already departed in the limo and though she initially felt awkward about arriving separately, spending alone time with Klaus was exactly what they needed.

"I know it's just, I don't know..." She laughed. "I've never seen you drive or cook or have any kind of life outside of the constraints of the school. So seeing you here being all independent is just different, but a good different."

Klaus smirked.

They stopped when he turned the light on in the filled garage.

Caroline's eyes glistened, wandering the four rows of perfectly aligned and immaculate vehicles. Different sizes, different brands but all similarly cost more than their tuitions combined.

Though she claimed Klaus' wealth didn't phase her, the constant reminders still held some intimidation.

They reached, what she assumed was, Klaus's black Range Rover that was parked directly at the exit door.

He turned to pull her closer by their joined hands and placed an unexpected kiss on her rosy cheek.

"If I haven't mentioned yet, you really do look beautiful tonight." His lips lingered over the blushing skin and she thought her body would overheat from the close proximity.

"Thank you."

They exchanged hesitant grins as Klaus opened the car door for her to step inside.

The red and black interior was a nice touch. The smell of sandalwood invaded her nostrils.

Klaus was already on the other side of the vehicle before Caroline could even settle in her seat.

She observed as he closed his door, started the car and waited for the garage door to open.

They sat in silence, for what felt like the most stretched out minute. Her hands remained in her lap and eyes shifted between his side profile and a crumbled gum wrapper in the cup holder.

His jaw repeatedly clenched while his right hand held a death grip on the gear shift.

She missed his illuminating blue eyes. She missed the way they sparkled when they looked at her—like they did earlier in the evening. As if being aware of her misery, he kept them hidden from her view by staring ahead determinedly.

Everything felt so cold, awkward. The running engine being the only indicator that this wasn't a bad dream.

Caroline subtly exhaled when the door finally opened and he sped off without another glance.

Swerving through the night, past the dark trees and iron gates they officially exited the Mikaelson estate and found the highway in a flash. Cars honking when his big truck cut them off, causing Caroline to release a gasp she didn't know she was holding.

"Remind me to never get in a car with you again." She half joked, but not getting more than a slight twitch of his lips.

She huffed, leaning back into her seat and staring out the window.

"Pretty crazy that the wedding is already tomorrow, huh? The preparation in your backyard already looks amazing." She offered conversation and hoped he'd take the bait.

"I'll admit I never thought I'd survive under the same roof with my family for a day, let alone a week again." Klaus laughed. "I give myself 10 minutes max at this dinner before I'm compelling the bartender to give me a triple."

Caroline giggled, reaching for his free hand to leave multiple encouraging kisses to his knuckles.

"I'm really proud of you." She said before kissing the inside of his palm.

His lips spread into a tiny smile from the affection as he turned his head from the road to briefly flash her with it.

Even though she knew he was driving and needed to focus on the road, he dragged his eyes away too quickly for her liking or comfort.

The tension in the car was mild but still present enough to make her uncomfortable.

Wetting her lips, she released an exhausted sigh. "Look, Klaus I never said I didn't want to live with you."

"We don't need to talk about this." He quickly interrupted.

"Yes we obviously do."

"Caroline, I'm anxious enough about having another sit down dinner with my family, the last thing I want to do is argue with you so just drop it." He growled out.

She turned in her seat to face him. "Despite how hard you're trying to not blow up at me, I know you. I know you're still bothered and upset, and that's fine but you shouldn't bottle it up. Let's talk."

He huffed a laugh. "So now you want to talk?"

Her eyes narrowed into a glare. "Don't be like that."

"Like what? Like I shouldn't question why the girl I've been in a committed relationship with can't even fathom having a life with me?"

"I didn't—" she exhaled harshly. "You just caught me off guard. What did you expect me to say! I'm supposed to believe that if I sprung this on you so abruptly you wouldn't be just as perplexed?"

"No, actually I wouldn't because I already know exactly what I want and who I want it with."

"Do you? Because it's really difficult to be convinced my boyfriend claims to want a future with me when he can't even say he loves me."

She wanted to take the words back the second they were spoken but Klaus' aggravated glare proved it was too late.

"So that's what this is about? You said it didn't bother you."

Caroline exhaled. "I said I didn't want you to say it until you were certain, but according to you you're already sure of exactly what you feel which means you don't and never will feel that way about me."

Klaus swallowed roughly as he dragged his eyes away from the road to face her, but she was staring out the window.

"Caroline—"

"You're right. We probably shouldn't talk anymore until we get to the restaurant." She sniffled, crossing her arms and thanking the heavens that he couldn't see the two tears streaming down each cheek.

---

They kept their word of not speaking to each other until arriving at the destination. No radio or gust of air from the vents. A simple 30 minute drive felt like hours, being boxed in a car with loud silence.

Caroline snuck a glance a few times, turning her head cautiously. His jaw and grip were both tight, and eyes determinedly staring into the dark road.

She thought about post graduation more times than she could count. The prospect of leaving Whitmore behind to begin her own life gave her a foreign taste of hope and motivation.

Her eyes glistened from the abrupt bombardment of flashing cameras when they approached the restaurant.

"Um, I'm not the only one who sees a crowd of paparazzi right?"

"My sister's wedding isn't the most anticipated event in Whitmore for nothing, love." He mumbled before speeding through the ruckus.

His calmness was off-putting compared to Caroline's stunned reaction but Klaus has been a Mikaelson his entire life, this kind of exposure was nothing new for him. Sometimes she forgot how much their backgrounds differed aside from being opposite species.

She sat back as Klaus swerved around to the private back entrance and found a parking spot directly at the door.

Caroline exhaled a long breath that transitioned into small laughter. "Wow, that was..."

"Yeah."

A frown took the place of her smile as Klaus turned off the engine and immediately swung his door open. Her head fell back as she let out a dramatic sigh of frustration and despair. She shut her eyes tightly when the tears began to burn, not wanting Klaus or any guests witnessing her puffy red eyes.

This was Freya and Lucien's night and she didn't want to ruin it with her own relationship drama.

She slightly jumped when Klaus abruptly opened her door, nearly forgetting he even exited the car.

Wiping her thumb underneath each eye Caroline grabbed her purse and stepped out.

His head hung low as he held the door open, avoiding any potential gaze which only made the witch more enraged.

She opened her mouth to speak the same moment Elijah appeared from the restaurant's door.

"When I saw the mob I figured you'd be back here."

"Because you know me so well, brother?" Klaus weakly smirked

"Caroline, you look nice." Elijah complimented.

Her eyebrows furrowed suspiciously. "Um, thanks. So do you Elijah."

Though the unexpected compliment caught her off guard, he did look dapper in his charcoal grey colored suit and slicked back hair.

"C'mon let's get this bloody thing over with." Klaus muttered, leading her towards the entrance with his hand on her lower back.

The affection that once held so much warmth felt icy cold. Caroline avoided the puzzled expression on Elijah's face as they walked past him, like he was itching to ask what was going on between them—she'd like to know herself.

Entering the lavish restaurant, Caroline was barely able to process the gold and white marbled foyer before spotting a giddy Freya and amused Lucien walking towards them.

"Finally you made it! I thought I would have to send a hellhound on you." Freya greeted the couple.

"She literally means that. One of my best mates is here who's a hellhound." Lucien chimed in.

Caroline nervously laughed. "Sorry. We would've been here sooner but there's a swarm of paparazzi in the front that delayed our grand entrance.

Freya groaned. "I should've warned you how invasive our family events can be. It's only gotten worse since the engagement announcement. My apologies."

"No apologies from you are necessary, my love. Boyfriend Wonder here should've warned her himself." Lucien teased.

Noticing Klaus' urge to attack, Caroline immediately reached for Klaus' hand.

"I'm fine, really. It was actually kinda exciting." She claimed while squeezing his hand tighter and grateful he didn't pull away.

"Sounds like someone needs to get out more."

-Fuckin' hell...

Klaus muttered under his breath when the blurter made himself more visible.

Caroline winced at his tightening grip around her waist. Looking up to his locked jaw and flared nostrils before turning her attention towards the unfamiliar person approaching them.

Her eyes wandered over the strange yet handsome man, who stood tall like an authority figure. His jaw was bold and squared like Elijah's, and eyes a shade of striking caramel brown eyes that resembled Esther's.

"Finn, it's been a long time." Klaus greeted.

"Too long apparently..." The man darkly smirked the same moment Caroline's stomach clenched. His English accent was thicker than Klaus'.

"Elijah told me you were bringing a witch as your plus one but I thought he was exaggerating."

His attention now solely on the nervous witch who was just trampled with realization. Her insides felt like jelly from just the way he was beaming into her eyes like lasers.

"What's your name?"

She gulped. "I—"

"Caroline, this is my eldest brother Finn Mikaelson. Finn, this is my girlfriend Caroline Forbes."

"I'm sure the girl can speak for herself Niklaus." He grinned, much to Klaus' dismay who now appeared completely withdrawn from the conversation.

Caroline forced a smile when sticking her hand out. "It's nice to officially meet you Finn. I'm glad to finally meet all of Klaus' family."

The older Mikaelson accepted her hand with a light caress of his thumb before letting it drop back to her side.

"Pleasure is all mine. I'll admit when I was first informed about a witch attending the wedding I was obviously skeptical and even repulsed but they failed to mention how easy you are on the eyes. Not to mention anyone capable of handling my little brother deserves the benefit of the doubt."

His wink and teasing tone was genuine and oddly comforting; she didn't even notice Freya and Lucien's smooth exits.

Based on how Klaus described his strained relationship with his oldest brother Caroline was expecting Finn to be a miniature version of Mikael-then again Klaus didn't didn't speak highly of anyone in his family.

"We're starting soon. Everyone find your seats!"

Caroline heard Freya announce from across the room; her jolly smile and jumping feet almost soothed the ache forming deep in her stomach.

"Well we mustn't keep my sister waiting. Nik, always a pleasure." Finn bowed his head to the couple before turning on his heel towards the dinner table.

Caroline rewarded him with a close-lipped smile. "He seemed nice. Different than I expected but nice." She lightheartedly commented to break the awkward silence.

He hummed. "I suppose everyone is not who they seem anymore."

-So he's still being petty. Got it.

She pursed her lips as they made their way towards the table, with significant space between them.

As much as Caroline wanted to have a final confrontation with Klaus about this, tonight was for Freya and she didn't want to take the attention away but god he was making it difficult.

Looking around the table Caroline noticed she didn't recognize quite a bit of the attendees-basically anyone who wasn't a Mikaelson. Friends and family of Lucien's, she presumed.

They were all decked out in the grandest of gowns, suits and jewels. Drinking Dom Perignon and blood from their crystal champagne flutes.

So marveled by the amount of wealth in the room Caroline nearly forgot she was once again the only witch in a sea full of vampires.

Thankfully Klaus found it in himself to greet her to everyone as they located the name tags in front of their place settings. After the initial shock faded, the guests offered her warm greetings. She couldn't fight the grin twitching the corner of her lips from the way Klaus kept his arm securely around her waist the entire time.

"Finally found our names." She pointed towards their name tags, grimacing at Kol's obnoxious smirk and wave.

"Ah look at that love, we're seating partners." He beamed.

"Kol, leave her be." Aunt Dahlia scolded from across the table. "Caroline and Nik, you both look lovely."

Caroline smiled while Klaus frowned as they took their seats.

Their hands fell from each other and the coldness quickly swept in.

Somberly, her eyes shifted from to the soon-to-be newlyweds sitting across from them, gleeful and unable to keep their hands off each other and she couldn't help but wonder if she'd experience that with the tortured man slouched in his chair beside her side again.

The clanking of a fork against a champagne glass snapped her out of her saddening thoughts and focused on Mikael standing at the head of the long table.

"Everyone, if I may I have your attention." He smirked as the room grew silent and all eyes were on him. "Hope no one minds me taking the initiative to give the first toast of the night but as father of the bride it seems appropriate. I never thought the day would come where any of my children would walk down the aisle, so one can only imagine how I must feel now that this fantasy is only 24 hours away from becoming real."

Her ears perked up at the sound of Klaus' low scoff.

"To Freya." Mikael raised his glass towards her. "My first born and brightest star, I'm so incredibly honored to be your father and give you away tomorrow. You take good care of my girl Lucien."

Lucien grinned. "Always." Grabbing Freya's hand to place a kiss there.

Everyone followed in raising their glasses to finalize the toast before taking their individual sips of the rich champagne.

While everyone basked in the heart-warming speech, Caroline couldn't help but glance over at Klaus whose jaw was clenching for dear life.

She leaned over to his ear. "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" He bit, refusing to look at her.

"Your dad's speech." She answered carefully as he turned his head towards her.

Despite Klaus being upset with her, Caroline still loved him and worried about him especially when it came to any kind of interaction with his father; hearing Miakel boast about Freya surely wasn't an easy pill to swallow and his hardened face proved it.

They stared at each other for what felt like forever, as if they were the only two in the room.

Klaus bit his tongue from expressing to her how not okay he actually was from hearing the pride in his father's voice when talking about Freya, or anyone else in their family who wasn't him. Tonight was just another painful reminder of the rejection he's always been, and the one person he trusted didn't even know if she wanted to be with him

He blinked rapidly until he felt the flames leave his skin and hurt dissipate from his vision, scooting his hand away when Caroline attempted to grab it.

"That was a lovely speech, father." Elijah complimented.

"Lovely indeed, and well said. I didn't even see you practice it." Esther chimed in.

Mikael shrugged. "When everything's the truth there's no rehearsal necessary."

Caroline subtly rolled her eyes while trying not to gag.

"That's a load." Klaus muttered before downing the remainder of his champagne.

The already brewing tension hit its boiling point as Mikael peered up defensively.

"What did you say to me?" Mikael bit out.

Feeling brave, Klaus lifted his head fully to look at his father who was prepared for confrontation just by the way his eyebrows pulled together and lines drew over his forehead.

"I said, that's a fuckin' load." He repeated with a louder voice and sharper tone.

Caroline gulped, as did the other Mikaelson siblings and Lucien who was eyeing her the whole time.

Mikael slightly leaned forward with his finger pointing a dagger. "You disrespectful little prick. You'll mind your tongue, especially in front of your mother."

Klaus tilted his head. "Because she deserves my respect, is that it? I should mind my tongue around the woman who disrespected me my entire life by turning a blind eye at my torment. Is that what you're asking me to do, father?"

-Oh shit.

Caroline cursed to herself.

Suddenly the entire table fell quiet, shifting their attention to the gather and son duel.

Caroline nervously swallowed realizing she was literally sitting in the crossfire of the two hot headed men.

"Torment? For fuck's sakme Niklaus, could you be any more dramatic?."

A loud smack to the table from Klaus violently stabbing a steak knife down into it, breaking the glass, made Caroline jump in her seat.

His eyes fiery blue and jaw tense.

"You call being beaten almost to a bloody pulp everyday by your hands dramatic?"

"It's called discipline. Look it up. If you had any I wouldn't have needed to resort to inflict it so often. Accountability is another one you should look up."

"As if you're the expert on accountability."

"Niklaus, please it's your sister's dinner rehearsal—" Esther commented.

"I don't bloody care!" He barked, balling his fists on the table. "What's wrong Esther, afraid of everyone knowing what a coward you are? Afraid how everyone will perceive you when they find out you allowed your husband to use your son as a punching bag for his entire adolescence and did absolutely nothing to stop it. You were supposed to be my mother, my protector..."

Esther kept her facial expression neutral but the underlying shame and defeat rested in the crescents of her honey eyes.

Caroline just sat there, numb in her seat not knowing what to do if she should do anything.

This definitely was not the time or place for Klaus' outburst, and maybe he'll regret the timing later but she knew it was exactly what he needed.

He's kept this part of his life sealed for so long opening it seemed nearly impossible. Even the first time he talked about it with Caroline was like pulling teeth.

She pinched her nails into her palms to resist the natural urge to reach out and comfort him. Based on his heated glare and harsh breathing he wasn't even close to being done.

Cautiously, Rebekah stood from her chair. "Nik—"

"No." He shook his head, scrambling out his chair carelessly until he was as far away from the table that still kept his taut figure in view.

"You were the worst of it. All of you were." He pointed at his mother and siblings with a shaky finger and trembling lips. "We all had a horrible home life with him, I know it. Our futures and choices were literally stripped away from us when we were turned into vampires against our will but I had it worst and everyone knew it. You—you all knew what he was doing to me. You heard my cries and saw my bruises and scars but did nothing...you just did, nothing."

The lump forming in Caroline's throat was laced with despair at the strain in Klaus' voice.

"None of you actually talked to me about why I became so distant and withdrawn all these years, you just accepted it as 'Klaus being Klaus', because then you'd have to admit your faults. You'd have to ruin the narrative you created in your minds that painted me as the problem child.

I was not born like this. I was not born hateful and withdrawn. You made me the monster I am in every possible way. All I wanted was for you to love me. To be treated with even a fraction of the care you show to your other children."

"Don't stand here and delude yourself into thinking you were some kind of saint. You were damned before ever becoming a vampire."

Klaus' bottom lip trembled. "I was a kid."

"You were a bloody menace!" Mikael hollered shooting up from his seat, causing the table to shake.

Klaus' breath caught and his full colored lips parted into a gasp.

"You never made it easy on your mother and I, never! Since the day you were born you've always always been difficult." Mikael continued.

"Beating it out of me was your grand solution?"

Klaus clenched his teeth and the tears began welling up in his bundling eyes.

His father's glare darkened. "You don't even know the amount of trouble I went through: officials I had to bribe and money I had to blow just to keep you alive."

Klaus' eyebrows furrowed.

"That's right. While you were throwing your pity parties I was cleaning up your messes. Whether it be at the school or the many places you ran away to around the world, I knew exactly what you were doing. The disaster you were causing in other's lives after you were done doing it to ours, breaking your mother's heart. You think your current existence was coincidence? Oh no, I'm the reason you survived as long as you have, you are alive at my will. But because I didn't give you a bloody gold star every day you sulk?" He scoffed. "You were always weaker than your brothers, physically and mentally. All wrapped up in that preposterous art hobby of yours. You never had what it took to be the man I was trying to raise you to be to survive in this world. I tried but you insisted on defying me every chance you got, what was I supposed to do?"

"Love me anyways." Klaus' pleaded. His voice broke as his throat tightened and fists ached.

He never knew about Mikael keeping up with his extracurricular activities, cleaning up his messes—and there was a lot of mess. He had to fight off the part of him that wanted to concede and settle for the possibility that Mikael did care.

Nothing could ever return what he's lost.

This wasn't how Klaus expected the night to turn but after starting he was incapable of stopping. All he saw was red through the thick tears fogging his vision; Mikaelsons never cried. Mikaelsons were infamous for being the equivalent of stone—emotionless and powerful. He recalled the last lashing he got for crying in front of his father, but he couldn't hold it in-not any more.

Wiping his hand over his face he nodded his head. "I'm sorry I was such a disappointment to you, father. I'm sorry that I was just a boy who needed his family, and needed them to need me too. When you turned us into vampires I never felt more alone, and lost in my entire life. There were moments where all you had to do was be my father..." His voice was quieter, calmer.

The room once again quiet—so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Klaus kept his focus on his father who didn't seem to show any remorse, while his mother pressed her lips together to suppress her cries.

Freya held onto Lucien's hand with a wet face full of tears and the twins' heads hung low.

It wasn't until he peered over at Caroline, whose eyes held sorrow but also pride for him where a spark ignited within him. A spark that made him feel like 20 pounds had just been lifted off his chest and fallen to his feet.

His face softened as their eyes locked intensely, as if they were the only two in the room. He could feel everyone's eyes on him but all he saw was her.

Caroline blinked as another tear sped down her cheek and her eyes widened when he was suddenly gone.

"Um, on behalf of my family I apologize. The main course should be coming out shortly." Freya announced apologetically before pointing a concerned glance at the frantic witch who was grabbing her purse and out of her chair in an instant, not being able to tolerate his family longer than needed.

She raced towards the exit door, hoping to catch up with him even though deep down she knew it was pointless.

She tangled her fingers in her hair, ruining the bun hairstyle, as the anxiety she was already feeling went into overdrive when she was only met with the sudden rain storm.

In a frenzy, she pulled out her phone and held it to her ear as it rang. Her heels clanked on the cement stairs in front of the restaurant to stay dry and less panicked. Even through her tears Caroline couldn't help but grin at the sound of his distinct accented voice on the voicemail, remembering the day she persuaded him to record it.

"Klaus, it's-it's me…" Caroline began recording her message; she didn't realize how shaky her voice was until finally talking. "I need to know where you are and that you're safe. Please, please call me back."

The second she hung up a familiar voice spoke from behind her.

"Need any help, love?"

-This night could not possibly get worse.

"Not yours." Caroline chided, wiping underneath her eyes.

Kol chuckled from behind her. "Right, because you know Nik so well to know exactly where he ran off to."

Caroline turned to give the menacing Miakelson a death stare that seemed to even spook him. "Kol I don't have time for this." She tried to brush past him but he immediately blocked her path and a serious expression on his face.

"Let me help."

She scoffed. "I've gotten to know you pretty well, and you don't exactly volunteer to help others out of the kindness of your heart."

"You don't know me at all, Caroline." He said defensively. "You might be the only one he cares about but contrary to popular belief me and my siblings care about him more than he'd allow. He's my brother and I deserve to rescue him just as much as you do."

Caroline glared at him suspiciously. It was difficult for her to grant his siblings' grace but given his usual smug smirk currently non-existent, he seemed sincere and at this point she was too desperate to argue.

She sighed, hands on her hips. "Fine, but don't make me regret this. Seriously, I will melt your brain and set a forest fire with your corpse if you deter my efforts in finding him, got it?"

He grinned at the threat, certain that she wasn't joking.

"Just tell me what you need me to do, darling."

"Well, first I'm going to need some of your blood."

His forehead crinkled. "I beg your pardon?"

"For a locator spell." She clarified. "I have a map of Whitmore but I need Klaus' blood or someone from his bloodline to trace the exact area he's in. It's the easiest way to find him."

"Do I even want to know why you carry around a map of Whitmore?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Kol."

He raised his hands innocently, still skeptical as he twisted his lips. "Have you ever done one of these before?"

She swallowed, fighting with her purse strap. "Um, not exactly but I've seen it done and know what to do. Besides what other choice do we have?"

"I just don't want anything happening to you then I'm the one blamed for it."

"Thanks." She said sarcastically as they walked back inside the restaurant.

---

Caroline gazed out the car window, her face practically glued to the glass. Biting her nails till they showed pink. Her eyes squinted through the heavy unexpected raindrops trickling in front of her view, making it blurry and her more anxious.

"How much further are we?"

"No more closer than when you asked a minute ago." Kol replied dryly.

"And somehow you can't drive faster?" She pestered.

He chuckled. "You know, it's not my fault you are only capable of performing a non-specific locator spell so now we have no idea in this area where he could be. Not to mention you're the one who decided to date my dramatic brother who, of course, chose the furthest places as his getaway spots. So if you want to be fussy with anyone it should be yourself."

Her head turned with a glare.

"If you had just let me carry you like I initially suggested we could've ran and been there in half the time." He added with a shrug.

She scoffed. "Like I would ever let you of all people touch me like that, not to mention Klaus would kill you."

"Precisely my point, so point so, just sit back and relax darling. You're going to drive yourself mad asking for updates every second." He insisted.

As much as she would hate to admit it, Kol was right. She felt she was going insane but the only person capable of easing her stress was the one causing it.

The locator spell wasn't simple, or basic considering all the energy it took out of her. It was a spell she never felt was necessary—therefore never practicing. The nose bleed and migraine were picnics compared to the overbearing anxiety courting through her limbs.

Her backside reluctantly hit the seat with a huff, her arms crossed over her chest while shaking her head.

"You can't ask me to relax. Never when it comes to him."

"Yes, I'm aware of your little epic love story." Kol sighed. "We know exactly where Nik is alright? We'll get there. How haven't you perfected the act of patience by now?"

Caroline's quivering lips pressed into a line. She looked down while pulling at her fingers.

"I...I think I'm more worried of what's going to happen when we do find him."

She felt Kol's curious gaze as she continued her confession.

"Me and Klaus have been through a lot but, this is different." She sniffled "He's hurting in a way I've never seen before and I...this is something I don't know if I can help him with or be there enough for him."

"Oh poppycock!" Kol cursed. "Will you stop underestimating yourself already? It's nauseating."

Caroline's eyes widened, stunned at the sudden outburst. "Excuse me—"

"You realize this wedding probably wouldn't be happening tomorrow if it weren't for you right? If you didn't convince him to do the one thing he's been persistent on avoiding his whole life. You made that happen so yes, it's annoying that even after all this you still think there's nothing he wouldn't do for you. If anyone can pull my hard-headed brother from the ledge, it's you little witch. Probably why Elijah hates you so much." He snickered.

Caroline relaxed her forehead and entire body.

Kol sighed. "I know it's not easy loving my brother. Believe me I've gone two centuries wishing I didn't. I know he's a pain in the arse but you've been doing a damn good job thus far. You need strong skin to deal with a Mikaelson. Don't start backing out now."

"Never." Caroline warmly smiled, and noticed Kol doing the same.

The last person she expected to help her was the menacing youngest vampire who made a habit of getting under her skin. She didn't even think Kol understood empathy or how to give it to another person but, just like Klaus she was proven wrong.

No more words were exchanged throughout the duration of the ride and honestly Caroline preferred it that way. She was too wound up and anxious to have a proper conversation, let alone a coherent thought.

With her face pressed against the window and lips pursed, she stared aimlessly into the dark night. She was exhausted, scared and worried.

A beacon of hope shot through and her head popped up when spotting a dark figure on the edge of a cliff.

"Pull over."

"What?"

"Pull over Kol." She demanded.

"It's storming. I'm not leaving you here—"

"Pull this car over, now!" She screamed it, glaring at him with desperate eyes. Reluctantly, Kol sighed again obeying her command.

The car wasn't even fully parked by the time Caroline undid her seatbelt and dinged herself out the vehicle.

Kol's distant yells of her name got lost in the storm as her studded heels splashed against the grass with each sprint up the hill.

She didn't care that her perfect bun fell out of place, or the overly expensive dress was robe decorated with rain and mud or her skin prickling with goosebumps. Keeping a safe distance between them Caroline finally made it up the hill with the dark figure still facing her from behind.

He stood with spread legs and hands in his pockets. The dark blonde curls now flat and sad—the pouring rain drowning him.

"How'd you find me?"

"Wasn't easy." She replied breathlessly.

His back still facing her like an eerie black silhouette.

"Why'd you choose this place?" She asked.

Caroline had been curious since her spell identified his location. Her entire life she's lived in Whitmore and never been to this side of town. It was a distance away from her childhood home and her mom kept her on a right leash but The Falls was a known landmark. A beautiful abyss of waterfalls and rocks, even more illuminating in the moonlight.

She impatiently waited for his response—fighting off the shivers creeping up her arms from the cold rain and the urge to run forward and pull him off the ledge. A small but audible gasp left her lips when Klaus slightly moved forward. His toes touching the edge of the grassy cliff. His head hung low looking down at the water violently splashing against the rocks—looking down at nothing.

"You wanna tell me why you chose here?" She repeated the question.

Klaus opened his mouth to speak. "Moving to Whitmore from London was difficult on my family. It was new, dull and uninviting compared to our lifestyle in London. We had no family here, no power. My father heard about the Falls from a colleague, that it was tradition for every new resident to visit it to become acquainted with our new lives. I stood at the edge of this very cliff just peering over into the darkness, imagining what could be at the bottom and how'd it feel to get there? What would I see? Smell? Would it hurt? I've fantasized about my death before even understanding what it meant."

Caroline's stomach flipped with the urge to regurgitate—-she hated him talking about death. Her mind going back to the hauntingly disturbing images in Klaus' sketchbook of said fantasies being drawn out.

She sniffled as he continued.

"Then I felt his hand on my back. He didn't say anything, just left his hand in the same spot for maybe 15 minutes. No noise besides the waterfalls. It was the only time I can recall feeling safe with my father. Content and loved. I had so much hope. Imagine my surprise when he struck me with his flat palm just a week later and suddenly my mind was right back here, on this cliff, desiring for the journey downwards."

Caroline swallowed down the built up sorrow forming in her throat. Pinching her fingernails into her palms and rubbing her wet lips together. As much as she wanted to intervene she didn't want to interrupt the rant he's been needing to say.

"For 200 years I've carried the results of my father's abuse with me like a badge of dishonor. All the anger, resentment and depression. I befriended the darkest parts of myself and accepted that's all I am. But now I've let it go. All of it. I'm supposed to feel better, right? Lighter. Freer. Liberated...but I just feel empty, Caroline. Lonely. What am I if not the brooding miserable vampire with a troubled past? There's no fixing it so what am I good for?"

"Everything." She exclaimed. "I mean it when I say you're the most inspiring person I've ever met and so much bigger than anyone's ever given you credit for, and I'm so sorry about that. But you're a good person Klaus, and a great man. I see it everyday and it's why I love you so much."

He shook his head with a menacing laugh. "Fuck's sake, Caroline! You're such a bloody masochist."

She scoffed. "Excuse me—"

"You must be, or maybe it's the thrill. Something to cross off your bucket list and chat about with the grandkids someday because there is no other reason. Why are you insistent on doing this to yourself, hm? Loving someone who is ruined and in the end will just ruin you too! Who does that voluntarily?"

Her frustration began to build again from how insulting he was acting right now.

He tugged at his hair and shook his head. "Why do you even want me, Caroline? I've thought about it, countless times and cannot fathom a single reasoning. I'm broken beyond repair and will never be fixed, if tonight wasn't enough proof. It's not in the cards for me and I'll be damned if I allow my darkness to overtake your light because I was too selfish to let you go."

Caroline felt her heart threatening to break through the rib cage and splatter into his face. Her eyes welled up when she noticed he did as well—red and puffy.

"The things I said to you earlier...I'm sorry."

She swallowed hard. "Klaus—"

He shook his head again, taking a step back when she moved forward.

"I respect you Caroline, more than anyone, I would never force you to be with me in any way and I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. I'm sorry that I use any excuse to push you away, because no amount of time will make me believe I deserve this. I'm sorry that I'll never understand how lucky I am to have you. Most of all I'm sorry for giving up on us when you never did...for not being strong enough to be the man you deserve."

Her heart leaped and lips let out a scared gasp when his feet touched the tip of the grassy cliff.

"I'm so tired, Caroline." He rubbed over his eyes. "I'm tired of all of it. Of feeling like this, like a disappointment when all I do is try. I do try, to be better and do better."

"I know." Caroline said quietly.

Klaus shook his head. "No, I don't think you do. And that's not your fault. I would never wish this type of exhaustion on you, of trying to make it through each day without completely falling apart and nearly losing that battle all the time."

His lean body leaned over the edge, cloudy glare staring down into the pitch darkness so desperate to consume him.

She didn't think he'd actually jump, the fall wouldn't even kill him, but knowing he planned for it to on many occasions during his life was a different type of helplessness.

Caroline closed her eyes and mouth tightly to suppress the sobs begging for release. The crack in each of his words took a piece of her heart with it. She was grateful he was looking down, too preoccupied with his own emotions to notice hers written all over her face.

Vulnerability was not something Klaus did. It was a rarity in their relationship and though she understood, Caroline always fantasized about the day he'd finally let all his walls down—today was that day and she was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with sorrow, frustration, love, anger and hope.

Her trembling hands rested on her sides, relaxed and unclenched as she cautiously took a step towards him.

She let out a shaky breath and sniffled. "I performed a locator spell to find you. I've never done that spell, ever and it wasn't easy."

He looked up at her panicky. "Did it hurt you?"

Caroline's eyebrows furrowed. "What? No, I'm fine." She replied exasperatedly, despite being charmed and wooed by how adorable he looked when being over protective.

"It's just something I was willing to do, strictly for you. Not to mention I was stuck in a car alone with Kol of all people for nearly 40 minutes. That's still not enough reason for you to believe me?"

He stared up at her, darkly. "I'm serious Caroline."

"And I'm not?! God, Klaus..." Caroline loudly scoffed over the heavy rain.

She paced in a circle on the moist grass and hands interlocked behind her head. Her cheeks already flushed from the built up frustration and unbearable cold, but this was the window she'd been waiting for. The window for them both to be honest with themselves and each other.

Caroline gathered herself, breathing in a calm breath before facing him again.

"You know what, you're right. It is exhausting putting up with your shit." She spat.

Klaus' eyebrows lifted in shock.

"Majority of the time you're not a walk in the park to be around. Besides the obvious pig headedness, your self destruction is probably my least favorite thing about you. I hate that you think so low of yourself or consider yourself undeserving. I hate that your family made you that way and all that they put you through. I'm sorry, I really am, but you can't keep using that as an excuse when it comes to us! And I hate—no, I loathe that you continue to question the depths of my feelings for you every chance you get. That stops now." Her foot stomped on the grass.

His face crumpled as he watched her through the haze of her own exasperation.

Her chest was heaving up and down and the rain mixed with her desperate tears on her face

"I finally understand what you meant, about your connection with Aurora and the affairs who came before." She closed her eyes, letting out a deep exhale. "It took me a while but I think I get it now. Even before becoming immortal you felt alone, unloved and unneeded until you met them, right? Until you met people who were just as lonely and lost as you were. No, it wasn't romantic or healthy but that didn't matter because at the end of the day you needed that void filled, and they needed you too. That's what all of this has been about. You just needed a reason to be needed by someone, anyone. And for those few hours, every day for two centuries that's exactly what they provided you. No strings or emotions."

Klaus's forehead frowned as Caroline took another step.

"But then the most unexpected thing happened; you fell for a witch and things changed drastically. Our relationship is alien to what you ever understood about companionship. What we have is romantic, healthy and good but most of all it's not fleeting and that terrified you." She pressed her lips together to sedate their quiver. "You never fully let go of that mindset, did you? Because unlike them I don't need you, and if I don't need you then what am I doing with you right? That's why you question my feelings because you can't fathom that I'm with you is because I love you. You find it impossible that there's someone in this world who genuinely and wholeheartedly just, loves you..." Her lips violently quivered as her shoulders carelessly shrugged.

The vampire's mouth went dry and he stood dumbfounded as her rant continued.

"I love you, Klaus. I love the way you see the world. I love the way you think, your independence and bravery. Your persistence and ambitions. I love the way your mind works. Your creativity and expression. I love your instincts and flaws. The way you challenge people. I love your secrets and past because everything that you've been through, everything that you've done good and bad is what made you you. The man who owns my heart, the only man I've ever loved and would ever stand in the freakin' rain yelling at the top of my lungs in the middle of the night for!"

Klaus didn't realize how close Caroline got until her hand wrapped around his with a firm grip.

His eyes shifted, hesitantly looking down at their interlocked fingers, feeling her body shake from the cold and nerves. He gulped when looking up at the glassy eyes that matched his, her hair slicked back and face washed of makeup. Dripping black eyeliner and mascara rested underneath her eyes yet she was still stunning.

"What more do you need?" She cried. "You talk about futures but you're still holding onto your past. We can never move forward until you let that pain go and allow yourself to simply be but today you realized that you're capable. I know it's hard but it's okay, you can let go now." Her arms shivered with her soft reassurance.

The thick teardrops fell down his cheeks when her hand squeezed harder around him as if she knew he was seconds from breaking free and jumping over the cliff. He turned his head away, with his head hung low shaking it side to side in defeat.

"Caroline...the lives I've lived...the things I've done you couldn't even imagine."

"Then explain them to me. Hey," Caroline moved directly in front of him with her hands cuffing his cheeks, burning through the skin with her touch as did their eyes on each other.

Caroline's hands pressed tighter on both sides of his face when he attempted to pull away.

He huffed through his nostrils. So badly Klaus wanted to push her hands away and run until she stopped looking, and he possessed the physical abilities to do it and make her forget this evening ever happened—a temporary solution for a lifetime of her hating him.

Gradually he allowed his body to relax into her. Unclenched his fists, closed his eyes and calmed his facial features.

"Look at me." She pleaded until he finally obeyed with tearful baby blues. "I am not one of your flings and I am not your family. You can't just dispose of me when things get hard or tiring. Believe me when I say you are not the only person fighting a battle no one knows about. We all are, and most people aren't lucky enough to have that person they can completely vulnerable with. You have me, and I have you. We're partners Klaus. We're in this together. You don't get the easy way out because I won't let you. I have seen the best and worst of you yet I'm still here and not going anywhere. Tonight was a revelation that you have been needing and yeah, it feels shitty right now. Figuring out who you are is a difficult and scary process but it can also be the most rewarding journey. I'm living proof of that. You're not alone, and you never will be do you understand me?"

Her eyes were as desperate as her tone, rendering Klaus speechless from their glossy film. The heartstrings that solely existed because of her began to move and his chest warmed with her promises. He had no choice but to believe her.

No one had ever vocalized how much he meant to them. No one had ever fought for him until the witch who now owned his mind, body and soul. The one person he was against, now his one constant and it made all his walls crumble

Caroline thought she was the only one surrendering her heart when he belonged to her before he even knew.

Pulling her hands down from his face, Klaus placed them on her side. He moved forward until there was barely any space, tracing the water flinging off her shaking bottom lip as her eyes searched inside his determinedly.

Unable to find the words or fight his constant desire for her, Klaus instead roughly grabbed her wrists and pushed them down from his face to the side of her body. He held them in place as their eyes met only briefly—curiously—before his wet lips collided with hers, making her gasp. He took advantage of that and quickly pushed his tongue past her soft lips in urgency.

Caroline moaned at the feel of his tongue rolling against her teeth, relishing in all the emotions he was executing in this one; the pain, anger, hope and liberation.

He left a lingering kiss on her bottom lip before pulling away, staring into her eyes for the longest second before embracing her into his arms.

The witch's eyes closed and the tears were never ending as she reciprocated the hug; she wanted to laugh at the irony of him initiating the hug this time. His vulnerability only intensified her already thriving love for him and it was all she could do but melted against his hard chest, sighing against his neck as he cried into hers.

"I'm so sorry." He sobbed over the pouring rain.

"Shh..." Caroline coed, kissing him on the temple and hugging him tighter.

They stood there in the rain, locked in the safest arms either have ever known.

Their bodies molded into each other as the cold wetness engulfed them with thunder and the hopes of a clean slate.

---

2:30 AM read on the clock.

Klaus allowed Kol to drive them home, solely so Caroline wouldn't have to suffer anymore in the rain. He kept her body snuggled against his side, wrapping her shivering figure with all three of their coats and the heater blasting in the car.

The mansion was dark and vacant when the couple arrived.

Good.

After bribing Kol to find somewhere else to be for another hour, Klaus felt he could finally exhale; he appreciated the peace and quiet when walking into the empty palace. He figured no one was in a rush for more confrontations.

No ruckus. No noise at all besides the peaceful rain hitting the windows and the squeaking of their feet walking up the stairs.

"You should get out of those wet clothes quickly." Caroline suggested when closing and locking their bedroom door.

"I appreciate the concern but you forget, I can't get sick." Klaus responded.

Her eyes playfully rolled. "Last I checked discomfort is not an exception to immortals." She sassed, bringing a smile to both their faces.

For the first time tonight they felt like themselves—bickering, teasing and loving. No tension. The air felt lighter and the room felt bigger.

Klaus felt whole having her here. He felt more safe and whole in this mansion than the century of living in it.

His smile disappeared when his lips pressed into a line. He shook his head while shrugging off the drenched coat that hit the floor with a splat loud enough to trigger the witch's attention.

"Do you want to talk some more?" She asked.

"I think I'm all talked out, love." He answered with a raspy voice and brief grin. "Um...I'm going to take a quick shower then I'll be in bed alright?"

She squinted her eyes suspiciously but nodded her head as she warily watched him disappear into the bathroom.

Caroline just wanted to be there for him, be near him.

The second the shower turned on she was up. Pulling off her wet coat and unzipping the side zipper on her equally drenched dress until she was only wearing undergarments. Her heels forgotten on the bedroom floor as she walked towards the bathroom.

Steam fogged the mirror and glass shower door. Klaus was already inside with the water and steam dominating his body.

Caroline's fingers dipped into her seamless underwear and pulled them down, kicking them in the pile of Klaus' disregarded clothes along with her bra. Her hair in a tussle of damp golden curls swinging across her naked spine.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the glass door and was immediately hit with the fleeing precipitation.

Klaus didn't flinch when she stepped inside, his head hanging low as the water cascaded down his bare body and face.

The water was scolding hot, barely tolerable, so she appreciated him adjusting the temperature to her comfort level.

He still didn't turn to face her.

Caroline stepped forward until her front met his backside. Her hands ran from his wet curls down to the nape of his neck where she pressed a smoldering kiss. Her lips descended downwards over the flushed skin, brushing the triangle tattoo on his right shoulder blade. She heard an audible gasp when her attention landed on his scars.

Klaus' eyes pinched shut at the feel of her fingers tracing the patterns of the few browned slashes on his chest, her mouth still occupying his back.

The undead organ in his chest inching towards eruption from the unfamiliar intimacy.

Her lips met each vertebrae with tenderness and love Klaus could feel it coursing through him like a shotgun. She was so attentive, as if her kisses could cure two centuries worth of hurt—he was convinced they could.

His scars.

The constant reminder of the tortured life of a tortured young man who lost his soul. Convinced he was too damaged for anyone. Yet here was this witch who loved him the more she learned about him.

His eyes shot open and chest clenched at the sudden loss of her lips and hands. Swiftly turning his head to ensure the moment wasn't a dream, he was relieved to see Caroline grabbing his shampoo from the rack and squeezing a fair amount into her palm.

Noticing her signature golden hair was darkened by the water slicking it back. Her face clean and refreshed as it held a warm smile.

Klaus had to force himself from getting distracted by her beautifully naked physique stepping closer.

"You don't have to—" His voice husky and low.

"I know." She interrupted him while lathering the soap between her palms.

Silently asking permission to proceed with one look, and her soapy hands landed in his hair when he finally granted it with a hesitant nod.

Caroline knew he was still angry and confused. She could sense him wanting to throw up the walls that they worked so hard to dismantle but the simple fact that he didn't demand her to leave the shower was proof that he needed her, wanted her here.

Klaus marveled in the serenity of her slender fingers running through his hair to wash and massaged his scalp. In 200 years he never felt anything like this before, like he was floating. A soft moan escaped his lips. His eyes once again falling closed, succumbing to the peace.

She signaled for him to lean back to rinse out the shampoo until the hair was thoroughly clean before grabbing the washcloth next.

No words were exchanged. Only the sound of their mutual deep breaths and the pouring water to keep them company as Caroline rubbed the soapy cloth across his chest.

Leaning forward she innocently kissed his neck and collarbone while her hands contained cleaning him. She felt his abdomen clench and Adam's apple moving underneath her fingertips and mouth.

Klaus stood still, lips slightly parted while studying her every stroke with the cloth and her attentive mouth. He wanted to say something but was too stunned to get a word out.

She was perfect; too right and too pure to be real.

Caroline could feel his heavy gaze demanding for her to look at him; she did.

His burning blue eyes melded with hers so intensely she felt her knees wanting to buckle. Her cheeks slightly reddened from the way his eyes shifted between her lips and breasts, making her feel hotter than the water was already providing.

Behind the intensity she spotted the vulnerability. All his emotions squished into this one trance she had to force herself to break.

"Turn around." She pushed his shoulder.

Klaus complied, allowing her to give the same treatment to his back. He never felt so incredibly loved.

His heart caught in his throat and chest tightened when he felt her lips on his spine again. His muscles tensed from the unexpected but welcomed affection.

A single tear trailed down each eye from the overwhelming contentment he felt in this moment. Usually he'd scold himself for succumbing to his emotions but there was no holding back anymore, not with her.

All the years of existing he finally felt like he was living and found someone to share his fears, admirations, joy and melancholy with. Someone who stood by his side unconditionally—made him happy to be alive.

She was everything, and more. She was his once in many lifetimes.

The corners of his lips twitched. He felt he was going to explode if the words didn't force themselves out.

"I love you."

He heard her breath hitch as she pulled away from his body.

The washcloth fell to her wet toes as her heart fell to the deepest pits of her stomach.

"What did you say?" Her voice whispered.

-There's no way I heard that right? No, no way.

Klaus hesitantly turned to face her widened eyes and agape mouth, feeling mutually surprised with himself.

A fearful side of him wanted to retract and compel her to forget the moment ever happened. But he couldn't keep lying to her or himself

Love.

Klaus never thought he could comprehend the word let alone speak it.

Living a lifestyle of drunken affairs and witnessing the horror of his parents' marriage rendered the concept meaningless and the allure confusing. Why did so many people long to achieve this? Why is there an entire genre dedicated to it? Why do people sing about it? Why does the media fool people into believing that committing your heart to one person was attainable just to end up hurting each other? What was the point?

Despite existing before her, there was a lot of life Klaus never knew or understood until meeting the complex witch staring at him with her wide blue eyes.

The warm water didn't affect how incredibly cold, and vulnerable he felt in this moment.

He gulped, stepping closer until their toes touched and he towered over her small frame. The water coated his parted lips as he spoke.

"I—I love you." He confessed quietly.

Caroline audibly gasped as the inside of her chest bloomed and stomach cartwheeled. Her facial expression only slightly eased when Klaus showed no sign of taking it back.

"You love me?" She whispered.

Feeling more confident, Klaus cupped one side of her face and the other circled her waist to pull her in. Chest to chest. No room for space or fear. He knew there was no going back, he didn't want to.

The water splashed over them. His button nose grazed hers with their eyes glued to each other's like magnets. Water drops dancing off the tips of their long eyelashes.

"You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought." He recited over her lips. "I should have said it earlier, I know, but this feels-this is right."

Caroline nodded her head. "This is right." She agreed, grinning ear to ear.

Tears began to cloud her vision and she blinked to rid herself but they came back as each one fell down her already wet cheeks. Her chest rapidly rising and falling. Her breathing gradually sped up when relief and joy began to fill her.

Deep down she lost hope that he would ever allow himself to love her—to love anybody. Only fantasizing what the ideal moment would be like and how and where he would say it.

The reality outsold any imagination.

She let out a light sob, smiling through the tears and overwhelming shower sprays.

Pushing his hair back with her hands, she admired the black veins surrounding his red eyes. Her smile increased with the appearance of his fangs hanging over his lip and the cold touch of his gaudy ring on her hip.

This man—this beast who was capable of murder, nurture, torture and mercy was the love of her life. He was everything she was taught to be against while being everything she needed.

Caroline thought nothing could compare to when she realized she loved Klaus Mikaelson, but knowing he loved her was untouchable.

"Say it again, please." She begged.

A nostalgic smile appeared on his lips, remembering how he requested the same the first time she uttered those three words to him. The first night they made love and he realized he needed her now, and forever.

All too willing to comply, Klaus rested his forehead against hers.

"I love you, Caroline Forbes"

The witch bit down on her grinning lip, already growing addicted to the strained delivery of the words only meant for her.

The spikes of his growing stubble prickled her fingertips as the words decorated her skin and warmed her ear.

"I love you too, Klaus Mikaelson."

Klaus' chest deflated and his face relaxed with her beaming smile. His body melted against hers until there wasn't an ounce of space.

The water trickled over their heads as they basked in the moment.

Eyes never left each other when her lips grazed his—not enough to be labeled a kiss but caused the same physical effects from one.

"Again." She said.

Klaus lightly chuckled. "I love you." He said against her lips.

The kiss was slow and drugging like he was reacquainting herself with the feel of her lips against his.

Her arms wrapped around his neck as the kiss escalated to biting and sucking. She moaned at the feel of his tongue massaging hers in her mouth. She felt his hands squeezing her ass and pushing her front forward. Their slick bodies rubbed against each other in all the right places.

She slightly pulled away, liking the way the blue of his eyes darkened and how red his lips were. Convinced she could get drunk off his appearance alone.

Her thumb swiped across his plump bottom lip.

"Again." She said breathlessly between kisses.

He repeated the declaration before muffling any further demands with his mouth.

She sighed into the kiss, enjoying the languid way their lips moved together as he gracefully lifted her to wrap around his body. Her long legs circled his waist effortlessly, their lips still attacking each other's with gentle tugs and bites when Caroline felt her backside collide with the white marble.

A loud gasp swallowed by Klaus' eagerness. He pressed her more against the wall and suddenly all softness was gone.

His lips as scalding and demanding as the water spraying over their combined bodies. His hands moved over her hips possessively, leaving no room for any other man. She was his in every possible way and god Caroline couldn't shake how much she loved it.

She kissed him harder, fingers tugging at his hair as desire pooled between her creamy thighs from the feel of his fangs. No longer in fear her lips sucked on them recklessly and her tongue flirted with the sharp edges and his lack of control.

Klaus moaned loudly from the erotic taste of their blood mingling on his tongue and her thighs squeezing him tighter and fuck, he was holding on by the thinnest of threads.

He needed her, badly, and the way she whimpered 'I need you' into his mouth was the last straw.

"Yes." Caroline murmured as he lowered her slick heat onto his quivering member.

They both cursed at the abrupt intrusion. Jaws slacked and pupils blown as if seeing each other for the first time.

Her eyes closed and head lolled as she adjusted to his size, giving Klaus a moment to admire the beauty who trusted him with her heart.

Still holding her up with one arm, his free hand caressed her face as he pulled her closer. His thumb coaxed her eyes open before beginning a torturing pace inside of her. Pulling out then filling her again with a drawn out grunt, restraining from becoming a slave to her warmth.

"You're so beautiful." He sucked her earlobe into his mouth.

"Mmm..." Was all Caroline could utter while focusing on keeping her eyes open and his torturing pace that stroked all the right spots.

She moaned his name as he peppered hot open mouthed kisses along the column of her neck, nipping at the collarbone with his fangs. Her fingers scratched at his scalp as his tongue licked over the small beads of blood.

His thrusts were patient but his hands and mouth were frenzied. Lips and teeth sucked the top of her wet breasts and nipples hungrily, tasting the blood reaching the surface underneath his tongue.

Pleasure shot through her as he moved a little faster and she grinded on him harder.

Caroline's nails clawed down his back, causing Klaus to meld her slippery body more with the equally slippery wall.

The action cracked the wall, damaging the marble but neither found an ounce to care.

She felt no pain, only chasing after his addicting lips—forgetting anything except what he was doing to her; how infinite he made her feel and how no one will ever compare.

Sweet and slow thrusts quickly became rough and passionate as they both felt their climaxes reaching their boiling points.

"Love, I need you to come." He groaned out.

Caroline ignored his plea. Riding him harder and kissing him with equal measure as the wall continued to crack beneath her.

She bit down on her swollen lip as his fingers dug into her thighs, indenting the fragile skin while her nether walls clenched around his dick for dear life. She was so close she could taste it but she needed more.

Her orgasm climbed higher when his fangs accidentally scratched her neck.

Klaus drew back to meet her blue-eyed gaze. He gulped at the intensity living in her lustful glare that mirrored his own. The silent request that had become a mutually satisfying and terrifying routine during their lovemaking.

Though he had reservations about this before, the development of their relationship wasn't lost on him. He loved watching her in the only way he's had the privilege to—so raw, illuminated and free. The way she no longer felt ashamed of expressing what she wanted but mostly how much she trusted him.

She nodded her consent, bringing a drunk smile to both their faces.

He kissed her lips then left another on her carotid, lingering in the essence for a few seconds as the golden hue of his hooded eyes appeared.

His voice soft and drugging when murmuring, "Come with me", before his fangs hungrily pierced her skin.

Caroline's eyes pinched and mouth opened to scream into an erratic state of oblivion—thankful no one else was home from the sound of her orgasm echoing off the walls and through the house.

Whether it was possessive or just twisted, she found an odd satisfaction in her blood running through his veins.

Her death grip on him tightened and back arched off the wall, toes curling into knots from the final thrusts that felt like all his new found love being buried inside of her.

His hand moved to her throat as he continued drinking as she was his only life source. The gentleness from his touch and hypnotic bite made Caroline surrender—milking him hard and blissfully with Klaus following immediately after.

Her body hummed from the aftershocks. Through hooded eyes she looked down between them, marveling at the way his oozing desire ran down her thighs.

She whimpered at the loss when Klaus quickly retracted his fangs, licking her lips at his crimson coated lips and the crazed look in his naturally wild eyes. Blood spewed from his opened mouth like a waterfall, a sight that should have been terrifying but only furthered her attraction.

His eyebrow slightly arched with interest from the heated look in her eyes, not shying away from her admiration and prolonging his capability of catching his breath.

Even with oxygen being useless to him Klaus felt he had human lungs with a heart to match after what they just experienced.

Brushing her wet hair behind her ears, his nostrils flared from a familiar and delicious aroma; blood.

His forehead creased confusedly, peeking through the curtains of his hair he looked down, noting the broken pieces of marble beneath their feet and ruby red on his fingers that were holding her up from her spine.

In a panic, Klaus looked up at the hazy blonde witch in his arms.

He caressed her face like it was a fragile artifact.

"Are you all right?" He asked frantically.

She softly giggled at his unnecessary paranoia, replying with a head nod and sweet kiss.

Klaus' face crumpled in relief as he melted into it, pulling her into an embrace that made his undead heart skip a beat.

Her breathing was strained against his lips huffing and puffing while blinking away the white dots in her vision. She was able to see Klaus bite into his wrist before offering it to her.

With closed eyes and a sated smile she relaxed against the wall, enjoying the eroticism of his blood, venom and length inside of her at once. She allowed herself to bask in the sensation before reluctantly taking his arm towards her lips. Her eyes squinted the second blood rushed onto her tongue. The urge to gag was strong as, still not accustomed to the taste of blood even if it was to save her life.

When noticing her skin stitching back together, Klaus snatched his wrist away and leaned forward to kiss her lips—both moaning at the mixture of their blood again.

Caroline hummed at his lips kissing over the healing wound with extra attention and care while his hand soothed the scratches on her back.

She felt sated, adored and loved.

This was not where Caroline expected to be in the beginning of the semester—not even a week ago—in a shower, wrapped naked around Klaus Mikaelson after he confessed his love. Often it dawned on her how she nearly lost out on knowing what it was like to have him in her life.

It wasn't just from the amazing sex they had; it was the way he made her feel so comfortable with him and herself. The confidence he instilled within her from just one look. The intimacy she felt with him was a sensation she never thought she'd have the privilege of experiencing.

Under the now cold spraying water with her arms around his neck and him still buried inside of her, they just stayed there. Bodies wrapped tightly and chests heaving up and down.

Blonde hair soaked. Water droplets hung off their flushed skin like crystals. Blood lingered on the corner of both their lips. Their eyes were soft but wary staring into each other as the erratic breathing subsided and reality fought its way back.

Klaus' proposal from earlier was still present in the back of both their minds. Their future together hung in the balance and his revelation only complicated things more.

There was still much more to discuss. Decisions to be made and feelings to assess but all they knew for certain there was no coming back from the revelations of tonight.

Caroline was grateful for his supernatural strength keeping them both up because her limbs felt like soggy noodles.

Her fingers played with the hairs on the back of his neck, twirling the strands as his forehead rested against her shoulder.

Turning her head to the side she gently kissed him on the temple while her fingers stroked down his spine.

The water still ran as they took this moment to gather themselves and allow the hectic events of the night to go down the drain.

With him still perfectly snugged in her heat she already felt her body stirring for him again. A slight shift of her hips elicited the sexiest moan she's ever heard him make.

His hand snuck down her body to knead her breasts before finding where they intimately connected.

She gasped and shuttered when his thumb teased her sensitive entrance before pressing two fingers deep inside of her.

His name cried off her lips when he found her clit.

Her heartbeat pounded in his ear like a drum and he never heard a more lovely melody.

Klaus held her limped body securely in his arms, he could hear her heart beating loudly as he pressed a kiss to it before trailing kisses up to her ear.

"I love you."

---

UH HUHHHH...SO?

Did anyone predict Klaus finally saying those three magical words? What about his revelation towards his family and Caroline? He really does want to commit himself to her fully *swoons* and she loves him too so so what's the problem hm?

Our favorite witch seems to have a guilty conscience and now Liz is back in the mix, which is never a good thing.

BUT KLAUS LOVES CAROLINE. HE'S ADMITTED IT AND SHE LOVES HIM TOO. THEY ARE SO CUTE, AND SEXY, AND PERFECT SO LETS JUST FOCUS ON THAT FOR A MINUTE OKAY? OKAY.

Credit where credit is due: The quote that Klaus says to Caroline in the shower is from The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle and some of Caroline's rant in the rain was inspired by a scene from Malcom and Marie on netflix!

Next chapter is the wedding!

My tumblr is mydarlingklaus and twitter is folkloreklaus if you ever want to ask questions about my work, this story or anything!

Anxious to read your feedback/reviews!