A Klaroline New Year's Tradition.
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She walked away from Mystic Falls in 2015. Caroline kissed her Mother on the cheek and with a tearful yet excited, I'll call you later, and then she was off to see the world.
She took to staying in a new place for a year, ringing in the New Year before moving on to brand new city. She didn't see much of her old friends outside of a phone call here, a couple day meet-up there. She was taking in new sights, meeting and making new friends. Trying new things and all around just experiencing what the world had to offer her.
Somehow over the years, though she had no idea how, every New Year's Eve right at midnight there was a certain set of lips she would be kissing. But most of the time when she would open her eyes he would be gone. At first she thought she was going crazy. Then it turned into a game. A game she began to enjoy and look forward to immensely.
2016 New York City: She was in love with The Big Apple. The countdown was exciting and the people even more so, though she stood alone by the waiting taxi watching the ball drop from a few miles away feeling a sliver of disappointment that there was no one around for the traditional New Year's Eve kiss to take place with. That was the exact moment she caught a whiff of Klaus, felt his strong arms band around her back, clutching her to him tightly before his lips crashed against hers without so much as a hello. She barely had time to cup more than the side of his neck before he pulled back whispering, "Happy New Year Caroline."
And then he was gone.
Leaving her standing breathlessly next to the running taxi as the driver shouted from the window that he didn't have all night. It wasn't until her stunned mind caught up with her body when she took her seat in the airplane that she grinned, recalling that he was just as breathless as she was.
2017 London: Big Ben had begun to toll its massive bells, the crowd cheering drunkenly right along with it. She had no idea where he came from; she hadn't giving it a second thought to whether or not he would show. The past year she had just shrugged it off as a coincidence that he happened to be in New York City on New Year's Eve much like herself. But as his scent reached her at the same moment he appeared before her, kissing her sweetly as the fireworks began, she found herself wondering if it was a coincident at all. That night as she packed the last of her bags for her morning flight she couldn't quite shake the softness of his lips and the way he looked at her before he flashed out of sight from playing through her head.
2018 Berlin: She danced and shouted along with the others in the audience not caring in the slightest that she didn't understand a word that was being spoken or sang. Music, she had decided, was a multi-cultural language that needed no translation. Suddenly she was assaulted, very pleasantly so, by yet another language that needed no translation as Klaus spun her to face him in the middle of the crowded concert and crashed his lush lips against her. Her fingers had just made purchase in his hair before he spun her away and was gone leaving no trace but her tingling lips that she touched with her fingertips behind him.
2019 Sydney: She tagged along with a group of local boaters to watch the fireworks show from out in the Bay. The day had been hot and the heat in the air had barely cooled even into the night leaving most in nothing but their swim trunks and bikinis. Joining the laughing and drunken girls, she dove off the boat's stern to wade in the water. Just as the countdown began she smirked as she kicked her legs and used her arms to stay afloat thinking he would never find her here, even as a part of her felt a smidge of regret that she wouldn't be kissing him this year. He appeared next to her in the water as if her very thoughts had summoned him. The warm water slid between them as his arm banded around her waist pulling her close as his wet hand cupped her cheek before their lips and tongues began to duel. She felt him propel them backwards, their bodies slicing through the water as her head tilted to deepen the kiss. She felt him lift her body, seating her on the boat's stern as he pulled away with a cocky smirk. The goosebumps caused by the heat in his eyes as they trailed down her body stayed with her long after he disappeared beneath the water.
2020 Moscow: Her body was warmed from the vodka as she traversed the frozen city streets. Her blue curious eyes flicked and scanned the area wondering where he would pop up next. She didn't have long to wait. As the clock struck midnight she was set ablaze as his hot tongue slid into her waiting mouth, both his gloved hands cupping and holding her face to him. It was hours later in her bed when she realized what had caused her strange feeling of disappointment. She wanted to feel the heat of his skin warming her chilled and flushed cheeks. In the back of her mind throughout the year all she could think about was the heat of his skin pressed against her own in that warm water in Australia. She rolled her eyes at herself as she turned on her side with a huff; that explained why she unconsciously chose a place this year that called for many layers of clothing.
2021 Montreal: She was smiling from ear to ear as she spun and twirled effortlessly on the ice of the skating rink in the center of the city. She readied herself to make another pass around the rink only to have a sturdy set of arms band around her waist from behind pulling her in close as the cheers range in the New Year. He skated behind her around the rink once before spinning her to him, pressing his lips against her soft waiting ones. She giggled excitedly as he lifted her into a spin only to pout and glance around to find he had disappeared once her skates landed gracefully on the ice once again.
2022 Madrid: She rented an apartment on the top floor of a huge old building that offered a magnificent rooftop view of the celebrations below. She spotted him through the crowd this time and with matching smirks they ducked and weaved through the crowded space teasing each other. She lost sight of him fifteen minutes before midnight only to turn with a gasp finding him standing right there beside her with an excited twinkle in his eyes. They didn't speak, there was no need. Their hands met and their eyes stayed focused on each other's as they began to dance. The kiss was as slow and sensual as their dance steps drawing breathy moans from them both. As the last bell rang her arms gradually fell at the empty space around her. Strangely, she felt just as empty inside herself at the loss.
2023 Athens: Dressed in the comfortable airy garb of the Greece natives, surrounded by the magical atmosphere of the ancient Gods and Goddesses alike, they met in the center of a temple as the fires burned around them casting them in an ethereal glow. She recalled later as she boarded her plane that this year's kiss shook her like never before. So much so she swore as she settled into her seat that it was powerful enough to strike the very Gods the locals worshiped from their thrones atop Mount Olympus.
2024 Dublin: Drinking more than she had any other year before, she danced her heart out with the locals until her cheeks were as flushed as the humans around her. His laughter rang out loud and clear, mingling beautifully with her own, at the excitement of the atmosphere and the light show being presented once he joined her in the large gathering of people. Their kiss turned sloppy due to the slaps on his back from the local men and was full of their mutual deep chuckles and bubbly giggles as the people around them hollered and whistled.
2025 Dubai: She looked and felt as though she belonged with the World's wealthiest that she was currently rubbing elbows with in her stunning long golden dress. How he managed to have his tuxedo's embellishments match its shade exactly she never asked while he twirled her gracefully around the gala's ballroom floor. As the champagne flowed in preparation of the New Year's toast he escorted her off to the side of the ballroom. Silently he took her crystal glass from her hand to join his on an empty and forgotten table. Her shining eyes danced between his with a newly formed confidence pouring off her in waves. His tongue swiped his lips before placing a shy and tender kiss upon her soft pink painted lips. As they walked slowly away from each other that night, their hands parting at the last possible second, their cheeks were filled with a blush that neither could explain.
2026 Tromso: He found her standing alone atop a snow covered mountain. Her smile was beaming as her blue eyes dancing with the lights of the village below and the colorful Aurora Borealis in the skies above. Both were bundled for the inclement weather, even they could feel the chill in the frigid air. The thick stuffing of their parkas and the layers of gloves, hats and scarfs made it too difficult to gather in close to each other as the cheers from below echoed through the valley. Their frozen noses brushed while their lips gently pecked as a peaceful haze slowly devoured them both. She quietly leaned against his shoulder with his arm wrapping around her body as they stood together until the last light from the majestic sight above them faded into darkness. He escorted her back to her rented dog sled, helping her on with an affectionate smile. She grinned with a nod of her head before clicking her tongue commanding the dogs to begin their trek back down to the village. She felt his eyes warming her back until she was well out of sight.
2027 Las Vegas: She fell in with a group of merrymakers meandering down Fremont Street, in awe of the Sin City's light show on down its famous strip. Her head was tilted all the way back as her eyes drank in the patterns that mingled with the countdown clock when she felt a hand grip her chin. Her senses picked up on his unique scent just before his teeth clashed with hers; his calloused hands gripped her hips, heating the bare skin he found there between her top and skirt. She clutched at his shoulders, finger nails digging into his skin causing his answering groan to vibrate into her mouth as their bodies writhed together right along with their lips. The sight of his yellow tinged eyes right before he flashed away haunted her dreams from months to come.
2028 Hollywood: She blended right in with the L.A. and Tinsel Town folks; she loved the laid back yet always-party-ready attitudes that could be found everywhere she turned. The music blared around her and with how closely everyone danced alongside her, the beats of their human hearts pounded so heavily through her body that it felt as if they were all her own. Seemingly out of nowhere, she felt strong fingers grip into her long golden curls, her neck was pulled back, her body yanked into his and she caught sight of his eyes flaring yellow at the man standing right behind her before with a deep growl his lip possessed and owned hers. The way he had all but ravished her mouth with his teeth, tongue and lips had her own lips still swollen and tingling hours later when she went home alone.
2029 Cancun: Sweat poured off her body as she danced along with the massive throng of people. Her hands waving in the air, her bare feet pounding against the ground to the deep erotic beat that jumped through the speakers. She felt his hands start at her hips, slithering their way up her overheated body from behind as his body followed, curving to fit along the lines of her own. Once his hands reached hers he spun her quickly to face him, linking their fingers together above their heads and crashing their bodies back together. Their hearts were racing, their lips brushed and their tongues flicked playfully with every provocative rock and sway of their hips to the deep erotic tempo. Her fingers itched to curl themselves into his hair, but his hands held them prisoner as if to tell her that was not what this New Year's was about. It was about the chase, the tease, the artfulness of seduction. With a final dip of his tongue into her mouth he slowly flicked her upper lip and was gone, leaving her panting in the middle of the crowd, her fingers still craving the feel of his hair between them.
2030 Orlando: She spent a week at Disney World, getting in touch with her inner child and loving every second of it. She had made plans to travel back to Miami where she'd been staying to ring in the New Year but she could help but smirk mischievously at the thought of Klaus standing in the middle of the happiest place on earth. Just as Tinkerbell took her midnight flight off the top of Cinderella's castle and the fireworks began to shine she felt arms link around her middle from behind, his lighthearted chuckle brushed over her ear right before she turned her head to meet his lips in a soft quick kiss. He pulled back much too soon for her liking with a laughing smirk and a joyful gleam to his eyes. She felt a well of disappointment as she sighed once he was gone and she could once again pick up on all the laughing and crying children around her. She decided firmly after that no more New Year's Eves in a child's place.
2031 Buenos Aires: She more than made up for last year's blunder she thought wickedly as they danced the tango for hours in the Argentine streets. He spun her out and just as midnight struck he pulled her back in, her body collided with his, their breaths harsh and panting. Her leg curled over his hip with his fingers flexing into the bare skin of her thigh the slit in her dress revealed. His strong thigh slid between her legs as he dipped her backwards. His lips and tongue trailed a path up her exposed neck and over her chin to sensuously curve with her lips as the crowd whistled and hollered.
2032 Rio de Janeiro: They danced an eclectic dance of the locals down the cobbled streets along the water's edge. He twirled her away holding one hand as her other arm flared out only to spin her back into him. His eyes flared with desire as his hands slowly trailing down her sides with hers pressed firmly against his heaving chest. Their eyes locked speaking of all the sinful things they wished for, both knowing the kiss would have to be enough. Her body felt on fire long after he had left and for days to come.
2033 Prague: The night life had her in its grip ever since she stepped off the plane a year ago. After a few close calls with the wrong crowds, she found herself a great group of friends. She did her best not to compare them to her old friends from back home but there were times, like tonight, when that couldn't be helped. They were off on a Bar Crawl to bring in the New Year, and after a drunken night a few months ago she may have accidentally spilled the beans about her New Year's Eve Tradition. They were supportive, even if it was teasingly so, but it felt like an out of body experience for her to have people out there in the world that supported her odd relationship with Klaus. Even if they didn't know who and what he truly was. Her flat mate had noticed her change in demeanor the moment he walked in the door of the pub. As she thought back on the evening the next morning while she packed her belongings she couldn't help but laugh at how right she was about the whole thing being an out of body experience. Her friends had welcomed him with open arms, buying him drinks; even teased a blush or two out of him at how romantic they found it that he followed her around the globe for a single kiss every year. The weirdest thing was, he actually joined in and treated her little group as long lost friends, joking and laughing right along with them. She remembered biting her lip as they made them stand on top of the bar, making a spectacle of their yearly kiss. Her eyes glanced down at the picture one of the girls had taken and had framed for her as a going away present. He had made a big show of yanking her into his body and dipping her low with one arm holding her steady around her back as his hand cradled the back of her head with his eyebrows waggling and a wicked smirk upon his lips. The picture was taken the moment their kiss ended, her body still dipped low in his embrace and their eyes holding a fondness in them, a look she was sure she had never given another. The photo joined her bag with her most cherished possessions, the one she made sure to carry with her every time she traveled. It nestled in perfectly next to the framed drawing of a girl and a horse.
2034 Egypt: Seeing the ancient pyramids light up from the flares of the fireworks made her feel small, made her contemplate her life and just how insignificant she really was in the grand scheme of things. She was ready to leave, even if it was prior to midnight, to move on before the tears that gathered in her shimmering eyes fell. Just as she began to turn around to make her way through the crowd, his warm body enveloped her from behind with one hand rubbing soothing circles on her abdomen as the other gently brushed her hair off her neck. The countdown began the moment his lips placed soft tender kisses along the curve of her neck. It was the first time he had spoken during their little New Year's tradition outside of that very first year. Each kiss was met with a hushed yet powerful whisper, "You're beautiful." "You're strong." "You're full of light." She turned her head slightly to face him, her eyes filled with wonder at how this man could make her feel bigger than anything, even herself. His shining affectionate eyes spoke of a wisdom and understanding that she knew she would find nowhere else on the planet. She leaned in closer, her breath ghosting over his face as her lips shakily brushed over his. His low whimper at her emotion filled kiss caused her heart to clench and her lower half to tighten as his fingers gripped tightly into her shirt. Her eyes filled with tears yet again but this time for a reason she couldn't even explain to herself. She was the one to flash away that year not daring to look back as she left him alone in the dust.
2035 Agra: She had loved every second spent in India. The culture; the people, the sights and sounds, and it all shined through on this New Year's Eve night. She took to the center of the makeshift stage, joining a group of girls she had befriended, to perform the spiritual and sensual art of belly dancing for the crowd. She felt his eyes follower her every move. Her eyes scanned the crowd finding him standing right in the front row directly in front of her. The heat and desire from his gaze as he watched her body bend and twist had her burning from the inside out. Her keen senses zeroed in on the clenching of his fists causing her to smirk underneath the light fabric covering her mouth. When the dance was done he met her off to the side. She could clearly see the struggle he had over himself from the constant shift in his eyes from yellow to gray. His hands were clenched behind his back as he leaned in, barely breathing a kiss over her covered lips before he was gone with leaving the echo of his growl in his wake. It wasn't until later after hours of perplexing thoughts over his reaction when she realized the ancient etiquette of the area; one does not touch without permission. The female form in this culture was to be revered and cherished. She grinned like a fool for weeks.
2036 Stockholm: She searched the boat she had chosen to watch the night's festivities from with a sigh of disappointment when she couldn't find him once they took to the water. She stood by herself at the bow of the ship an hour before midnight, his name an unconscious whisper that fell from her lips. She grinned as she felt him cage her in against the rails and as she leaned into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his, she could feel his breath catch against her back. It was peaceful and somehow right as they watched the lights change in the town on the water's edge. As the countdown began he placed his chin on her shoulder whispering in her ear how she held him prisoner and enslaved to the one night a year his lips were able to meet hers. She turned so swiftly she had to stifle her giggle at his surprise. She gripped the collar of his coat in both hands and yanked him into her lips. But of course, he was not to be out done, his arm banded around her waist as his fingers dug into her hair knocking her cap from her head, causing her hair to blow wildly around them as he bend her slightly over the rail and kissed her with a pent up need that scorched her from the inside out. While she tucked herself in early that morning to catch a few hours rest before her afternoon flight a sense of surety bubbled within her over what she was beginning to understand. What she was finally starting to admit to herself that she wanted. She drifted off to sleep with a content smile as a plan began to formulate in her mind.
2037 Rome: She was slightly nervous about the possible message he might read into this destination. But after last year, she was ready to toe herself into the waters of possibilities. She met his hopeful eyes from across the street. The sun was just setting as she waved her hand in invitation towards the empty seat at her table for two on the patio of the small Italian restaurant. He walked across the street with a small bashful smile as he produced out of thin air a single long stem white rose. They ate, they laughed and they talked all the while as they strolled the streets with their arms linked. She was having such a relaxing and enjoyable time with him that when he stopped her beside the Trevi Fountain she arched a brow at him with a confused grin. Using his arm that was linked with hers he wrapped it behind her back and slowly pulled her in close as he took a step into her, his eyes shining with a hope that rendered her speechless. His other hand cupped her cheek as he leaned down pressing a gentle but deep kiss to her lips. He pulled back resting his forehead against hers staring into her eyes, searching for the purpose behind her choice of location. She smiled softly running the backs of her fingers down his scruffy cheek whispering, "Happy New Year Klaus. Goodnight." She gave his lips a final peck before turning to walk away into the night as she nibbled on her lower lip to contain her beaming smile.
2038 Paris: She wanted so badly to ask him up to her hotel suite and by the look in his eyes he wanted to same. But there was this underlying unspoken understanding that if she did, and if he did, that would be it. There would be no turning back. They had walked the streets of Paris starting in mid-afternoon and ending late into the night, taking in all the sights with their hands and fingers linked between them. It had been magical, beautiful and filled her with so much passion for life, and for him, that she couldn't see straight, let alone think. She smiled gently, hoping it would soften the blow to his ego that this just wasn't the time. He smiled just as tenderly and bid her a goodnight with a delicate kiss to her lush lips. It wasn't until the doors to the elevator slid shut and it started to rise when she realized what he had seen in her eyes that had him looking so damn pleased. Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes widened. He read that she wasn't ready, but he seen the deeper yet written clearly on her face that she was having a hard time hiding anymore. The next morning before she left she went back to the Pont des Arts Bridge overlooking the River Seine. She laid her hands on the railings edge gazing at the river before a lock nestled in with the other caught her eye. It was an intricate piece that stood out as much as it blended in. Etched onto its front was an infinite symbol with the words Last Loves below it. She was sure her smile had blinded the people around her as she walked to her waiting cab.
2039 Tokyo: He found her at sunset walking in Hama-rikyu Gardens. The weather just warm enough to get away with a light jacket and it matched her inner mood beautifully. His smile was filled with delight at seeing her. Hers was filled with a warmth she could no longer hide, nor did she want to. They spoke in hushed voices as they strolled through the gardens and caught up with each other's previous year. They laughed heartily along with the other merry-goers as the anime themed parade pasted them by. She teased him over not dressing in costume for the occasion while he smirked devilishly back, his husky whisper in her ear of how much we would enjoy seeing her dressed in such provocative apparel sent shivers down her spine. That New Year's night as the clock struck midnight and the fireworks boomed and lit up the night sky, the two were caught in a world of their own inside a private gazebo overlooking the water. Her back was pressed against a pillar with her lips molded to his as their hands touched and roamed each other's bodies. It had seemed like only minutes had passed, but when they finally broke apart with their heavy breaths mingling between them she glanced around to find the streets had cleared of all other walks of life. The look in his eyes spoke of the fire raging inside of him just as she was sure hers held the same. It took every ounce of self-control they had to break apart. They walked slowly backwards two steps away from each other, both knowing it was not the right time, both releasing a longing sigh before they flashed away from the temptation the other carried.
2040 New Orleans: This year he could not track her down, no matter how hard he tried. He sighed as he leaned forlornly against the balustrade watching the festivities below him on the streets of New Orleans, wondering what he could have done wrong last year to have her disappear on him. He knew she was alive and well, he had many sources to confirm it as so. Just a week ago she was off spending the Christmas holiday with her aging Mother and now she was nowhere to be found. So caught up in his morose thoughts he failed to catch her scent as she approached him from behind. It was the hand on his arm turning him and the solid thud of her favorite bag hitting the balcony floor that drew his attention and widened his eyes just before they fell slowly shut as her lips tenderly brushed over his own. Her fingers rubbed over his pounding heart, soothing away the ache that had formed there at her disappearance, as his hands cupped her jaw. He pulled back slightly, looking at her with that wonderful hope that she loved and mixed with a fear that she couldn't wait to take away. His mouth opened to ask, she was sure, what her being here meant. She shushed him quietly, her finger reaching up to cover his lips as she spoke instead, "It's been longer than a year but only a quarter of a century." She whispered tenderly as she caught sight of his throat bobbing as he gulped, "But here I am, at your door, ready. That is," She smiled affectionately, "If you'll still have me?" His face lit up brighter than she had ever seen, his breath rushed out of him tickling her lips as she felt his body sag in relief just before his lips crashed to hers in a passionate kiss. His fingers tightened in her hair as hers slid up his chiseled chest and neck to hold the ends of his hair in her grasp. His husky and elated voice washed over her in between each brush of his lips and swipe of his tongue. "Always." He whispered. "Forever." He groaned. His eyes were shinning with a happiness she was sure he had never known, and one she couldn't wait to discover right along with him, as he smiled widely and said, "Welcome Home Caroline." She cupped the side of his scruffy face, her thumb rubbing over his dimple, "Happy New Year Klaus."
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Next up will be updates for previous works and Above All Else. I have a plan in my head for all my updates but I'm waiting until it is officially 2017 for me to announce it! (2016 was such a jerk when it came to plans.)
Also, I made five different graphic frames to go along with this story. You can find them on Tumblr under the tag, A Klaroline New Year's Tradition. As well as on my Tumblr page. They are posted in five different parts.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope 2017 is a wonderful year for you all!
