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Caroline's heartbeat was heavier and harder than ever. The news from her friend made her skin clammy and her nerves tied into knots.
She hated being alone…at night.
Alone during the day was fine, she could see things clearly. She could accept the atmosphere, but at night…it was a different world. A world that made her hair stand on end and her nerves tumble until she was sick. What in the world was she going to do with Bonnie leaving? Granted it was only for Sunday night, but still, what was she going to do?
Her eyes dropped. Would he be willing to come over and stay for an afternoon? She could ask Rebekah, but Rebekah was out of town visiting her boyfriend. There really was no one to ask but Klaus. Could she ask him?
Since the ballgame, their relationship had strengthened to the point where she was not as nervous asking him for help, but this…
This was an entirely different scenario.
"You could ask him."
Caroline's mouth hung open, but the expression told Bonnie another story. "Bon! That's..." How could her friend read her mind like that?
"Caroline, I know you want to and you know you want to. Besides, I know how you get when you're alone. Maybe with Klaus here, you won't be as afraid."
"Bonnie...I... what will he think?"
"That you are a friend in need, Caroline. Isn't that what you guys are? Friends?" Bonnie smiled and leaned forward. "For now."
Caroline groaned and her face fell in her hand. "Bonnie."
Bonnie giggled, sliding onto the stool across the island. "I know it's a huge step, but it's been weeks since you guys went the game and he helped you. Now, it's your turn to ask for a favor."
"But this isn't just any favor, Bonnie," Caroline began, dropping her hands. "This is asking him to stay an entire afternoon in the apartment."
"What you're worried he's going try something? Or you will?" Bonnie's brows flicked up and down, suggestively.
Caroline laughed with a blush on her cheeks and shook her head. "You're horrible," she sighed out. "How could you do this to me?"
Bonnie leaned forward, her expression becoming serious. "Honestly, it was not my intention to leave and stay the night, but it couldn't be helped," she paused, grasping her friend's hands. "I would have preferred it be Saturday then you could have gone with me, but it didn't work out."
Caroline smiled, nodding as the explanation calmed her. "I know."
"Besides, this may be the perfect opportunity for some quality time with the man you love."
Caroline's eyes brightened, but her heart pounded in her ears. The pain from his words had been reduced the past two months to a dim flicker, but she was still cautious. Though he had done everything to ensure her trust, she couldn't help but keep up her guard.
"Alright, I'll ask him."
~XXX~
Her palms rubbed against the rough edge of her jeans in a nervous action that she tried to conceal. She swallowed hard, rubbing her palms once more against her jeans. Her nerves needed to calm down. This was nothing she hadn't done before, right?
She groaned closing her eyes tight. Who was she kidding? She had never done anything like this. Asking for help was not part of her personality.
She was always a do it yourself kind of person. But Bonnie had been right. She needed help.
The night was her enemy. The night covered her with fear because of the danger unseen.
She needed help.
Who better than the man she loved?
Of course, she couldn't tell him. She wouldn't dare say that.
She waited on the bench, her mind replaying Bonnie's insistence. She should have told him Friday at work, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Perhaps she was a chicken.
No, she just didn't know what he would think.
Fear clung to her heart and she rubbed her chest, wincing as the memory of a dark night flashed in her mind. She wanted it over. She wanted the fear to leave and never return, but it was hard.
It had protected her in times of uncertainty, or so she told herself. In truth, fear hindered her. She wanted to be strong. To be what her mom had envisioned for her to be, but, again, it was hard. That was why she had accepted Bonnie's invitation to move to the city. Bonnie understood that fear.
She understood Caroline better than the others who had called themselves friends.
She sagged in pain as she remembered the scene at the bar when her "friends" had tried to push her and then ended up ridiculing her to the point of her running into the night, screaming, fighting until Bonnie wrapped her arms around her and held on until Caroline calmed down and Bonnie led her home into the open arms of her mom, who sat with her and Bonnie until dawn.
She let the tears trail down her cheeks at the painful memory. A memory she never tried to relive, but at times, it crept up and hit her like lightning.
Fingers wiped her face and her eyes jerked open and she relaxed as she saw him kneeling in front of her with a soft expression on his face.
"Caroline?"
Her jaw flexed as her lips tucked in her mouth. Her eyes flashed with fear.
Klaus smiled, gently, and grasped her hands with his. "It's okay," he uttered, calming her fears.
She breathed out, turning her head. "No, it's not. Sometimes, memories hit me and I don't know…I just…" she trailed off, closing her eyes.
He cupped her chin and brought her face to face him. "You don't have to explain, Caroline."
She swallowed and stood, moving away from the bench. "Perhaps, but," she whispered, sensing him closing the distance between them. "Bonnie left this morning on a business trip."
Klaus waited, knowing there was something to her statement. Seeing her sitting on their usual bench, crying had nearly broken him. He wanted nothing more than to get to the root of Caroline's problem, but he didn't want to rush her. Rush her and he could cause her to pull back into her shell and hurt her even worse than he did two months earlier.
She inhaled deeply before whirling to face him with her blonde braid flying over her shoulder. "She won't be back until tomorrow."
His hands slid in the pockets of his jeans. His eyes pushing for understanding. His stance screamed for answers, but his mouth remained closed.
She swallowed, her palms becoming sweaty once again. "You remember the ballgame, right?" she asked, her eyes downcast.
"Yes."
"You remember that I told you loud noises bothered me?"
"Yes," he repeated, patiently.
She breathed out, rubbing her hands together. "Something else bothers me, and I…oh, crap," she uttered, turning her head.
He moved closer, grasping her hands, tightly, in his, forcing her to look at him "Caroline, what is it?"
"I can't be alone. At night. Well, not the whole night," she nearly stuttered, her voice straining.
Picking up on the subtle hint, he smirked. "Do you want me to stay with you?"
"If you don't have anything to do, I would really like some company."
"And you thought of me? I'm flattered, love."
She laughed, shaking her head. "Don't get a big head. I would have asked Rebekah, but she's out of town too."
He laughed, a deep, pleasing laugh. "Well, in any case, how could I say no to a lady?"
Her posture relaxed at his teasing and she laughed, hitting his shoulder, playfully. "You really need to stop trying to charm me."
"Why is it not working?"
She shook her head, walking beside him through the park. "I'm too smart to fall for those."
"Well, then, perhaps I should up my game."
"Don't press your luck, Klaus."
He chuckled, feeling the day becoming brighter, and sensing her nervous actions melting into a friendly banter with him. For the next hour, he realized with a careful glance that she trusted him.
She may not trust him completely, but she trusted him enough to ask for help. It was that knowledge that warmed his heart.
~XXX~
"Where are you going?"
Klaus smiled, placing the last few items in his overnight bag. "I'm going to stay with a friend."
Esther brightened as she entered the room with her hands clasped gracefully in front of her. "Would this friend happen to be blonde and have a beautiful personality?"
His cheeks burned at the description. "So, what if it is Caroline? She needed someone to stay with her while Bonnie was out of town. She asked me."
Esther nodded, sitting beside the bag on the bed, gazing at her son with careful eyes. "So, the starting over is working, then?"
"So far."
"Is it working as you hoped? Or is it working more?"
Esther had always been able to see inside her middle son's pain. He was more like her than the other children, in so many ways. True, Elijah carried her kindness. Rebekah, her beauty. But Klaus, Klaus carried her perception. Her fire.
She reached out, grasped his hand. "Is she seeing it the way you are?"
His shoulders sagged with his eyes closing. "I don't think so, mother. She sees me as a friend."
"Are you okay with that?"
His eyes opened and he dropped in the chair behind him. "I have to be. It's taken two months to get this far with her. To get her friendship. I don't want to push her."
"Has she told you about her past, yet?"
He shook his head. "No, that's why I know she doesn't see me the same way."
"Have you told her about Camille?"
His clenched jaw and hardened expression answered her. She sighed. "If you don't open up to her, how do you expect her to open up to you?"
His silence weighed in the room, as she stood and touched his shoulder. "Perhaps, for now, it's best to let your friendship blossom, and then, after some time, you can confront what you are feeling."
"Do you think I'm making a mistake by spending the night with her?"
Esther shook her head. "No, from everything you have told me about her, she seems to really need someone with her. Taking this step is huge not only for you, but I imagine for her." She bent to kiss his head in a motherly fashion. "I'm so proud of you, Niklaus."
"Thanks, mother," he whispered, listening faintly as the door closed behind her. Perhaps, she was right. It was too soon to even think of anything beyond friendship with Caroline. Besides, despite the progress they had made the past two months, she still hadn't fully forgiven him for the words he spoke two months before, and until she did, he had to tread carefully and not allow his feelings to be known.
At least until every bridge was mended between them.
~XXX~
The sun was beginning to set, and Caroline's fears were beginning to emerge. At least until the knock on the door, had her rushing to answer it. She sighed in relief as she held it open, smiling when he entered with two pizzas in his hands and a backpack slung over his shoulder.
"Pizza, as promised," he remarked, setting them on the island.
Caroline laughed, noticing he had changed into a t-shirt, instead of the Henley he had worn earlier. She herself, had changed into Capri jogging pants and a baggy t-shirt. Comfortable, yet modest. "What kind did you get?"
"Well, I took a chance and got three-meat and my personal favorite…margherita."
She gasped, surprise overwhelming her. "You're kidding."
He shook his head, raising the lid, showing off the cheesy pizza with San Marzano tomatoes and basil sprinkled on the top. "I don't believe I am."
She laughed and reached for a slice. She hummed in delight when the sweet-tangy flavor filled her mouth, and the cheese literally melted in her mouth. "Oh, I've been dying for this for weeks. Bonnie hates Margherita pizza."
"Really?"
She nodded, taking another bite. "She prefers supreme."
"Oh, that's a crime."
She laughed. "I know. I'll eat it, but I have to take the peppers off, and some of the meat. I'm not a meat fan."
"Well, then it's just as well." He lifted the other lid and laughed when the pizza turned out to be another Margherita pizza. She laughed and shook her head. "I said I took a chance."
"Well, you get an A for effort," she stated, taking another slice from the box.
He chuckled and bit a piece from the slice in his hand. "So, what's on the agenda?"
"Tonight is movie night," she answered, jumping on the sofa. "Just because Bonnie isn't here, doesn't mean that I can't enjoy a good movie."
He smiled, showing off his dimples, placing one of the pizza boxes on the table in front of the sofa. "Well, what movie would you like to see?"
"I was hoping to watch this movie that I got this week on Blu-Ray, but if you don't to, we can watch something else."
"What movie is it?"
She slid off the sofa and held up the case. Passing it to him, she waited while he read the description. "It's the film debut of Cyndi Lauper. I love her music, and I thought she was great in Bones. Not to mention, a young Jeff Goldblum. I mean," she trailed off when he lowered the box. "It's okay if you don't want to watch it."
He shook his head and passed it to her. "No, I wouldn't mind watching it. I actually like Goldblum. He's very talented."
"He is, isn't he?" She opened the case and placed the disc in the player. "I loved him as Ian Malcolm."
"Nothing can really surpass the first film."
She laughed, shaking her head. "No, but I was so excited when he was in the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom film."
"Too bad, he was only in it for a minute."
She nodded. "I know. I thought Bonnie was gonna have to restrain me from the tv," she stated with a blush. "I kind of threw a fit."
He chuckled. "So did I."
She hit play and settled into the sofa with another piece in her hand, content as Klaus stayed on the other end of the sofa. By the middle of the movie, she had snuggled towards the middle, as did he, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.
She sighed as the dancing scene, which she had seen on YouTube, begin to play, and felt her cheeks heat up at the tension from the kiss at the end.
She laughed with Klaus as Goldblum's character saved Lauper's, unnecessarily from a not-so-bad guy, and Lauper preceded to yell at Goldblum for the stupid action, but only for a moment, at least until she saw his bloody arm.
She smiled as the couple fought their mutual attraction, and snuggled deeper into Klaus' side when Lauper saved Goldblum and then saved her. The ending was bittersweet, and she never wanted the cheesy movie to end.
The song, which played during the credits, made her smile even more and she moved with a jump to the beat. She listened to the song, countless times on YouTube, grateful to whoever uploaded it. "There's a hole in my heart that goes all the way to China…" she sang when the lyrics came up.
She sang, quietly, not realizing that Klaus was listening to her voice with rapt attention. When the main menu came up, she sighed, refusing to move for only a moment.
"What did you think?"
Klaus swallowed, concealing his disappointment when she moved. "It was really good. A bit corny, but fun."
"Yeah, I figured it would be, but it's a good movie to watch when you need to unwind." She took the movie out of the player, turning the case over in her hands.
"Is there another you want to watch?"
Nervously, she laughed. "How did you guess?"
He shrugged. "You didn't seem to know what to do next."
She nodded. "I have a few if you want to pick one."
Klaus rose from the sofa and approached her, glancing at the movies on display and just reached for one. "How about this one?"
Laughter escaped her mouth, taking the movie, she nodded. "I never pegged you for a romance kind of guy."
"Well, sometimes, I like the pace of them," he answered, huskily, the tone deepening his accent. "Besides, it's my mother's favorite movie."
She smiled, placing the disc in the player and followed him to the sofa. "You don't find it cheesy?"
"Of course, but Marisa Tomei was stunning in it."
She snuggled closer, leaning her head on his shoulder as she had before and breathed out. "Robert Downey Jr. wasn't bad in it either."
"He'll always be Iron Man to me."
"Always," she whispered, as the movie began to play.
Somewhere in the midst of the film, her eyes drifted close.
~XXX~
Caroline hummed, stirring closer to the object next to her. Her eyes flickered open and she held her breath. Sleeping soundly beside her was Klaus.
She swallowed, unsure if she should move, but her body refused to move. One of his arms was surrounding her while the other was draped over the top, caressing her side. Tingles shot through her veins, warming her blood and increasing the pressure of her heart. This was not what she had expected, but she couldn't deny it gave her some little pleasure.
Her awakening eyes focused on his sleeping face. His beard was slightly longer than usual, but the firm creases on his face had melted into an almost angelic expression. It warmed her heart to see it. Seeing him stir, she quickly closed her eyes, not wanting him to know she was watching. Instead, she hummed once more and moved her head slightly on his shoulder.
Klaus' eyes opened with a quick movement and focused immediately on the woman in his arms. He couldn't believe it. He had spent the entire night in the arms of Caroline Forbes. Unreal was the action, yet he couldn't move.
He didn't want to move. She fit perfectly at his side with her top hand resting on his chest and her head on his shoulder. Lifting his right hand, he brushed a strand of blonde hair from her face. Lightning coursed through his body. He never expected this.
Her eyes flickered open and in an instant, they were stunned. They laid on the sofa, searching each other eyes, both hoping the other wouldn't look away.
Static charged between them until the sound of a car blowing its horn outside broke the spell. Caroline climbed up, putting some distance between them. She needed to get her bearings. She needed…something.
"Umm, if you need to shower or anything, the bathroom is right down the hall. Second door on the left."
"What about you?"
She shook her head. "Bonnie and I have separate bathrooms. It was one of the draws for this apartment."
He nodded, standing only a few feet from her. "Caroline," he whispered, getting her to finally raise her eyes to his.
She smiled, shaking her head. "There's no need to explain, Klaus. Nothing happened last night except two friends falling asleep on the couch watching a movie. That's it."
His face conveyed something else, but she refused to acknowledge it. She couldn't. She wouldn't dare. All she knew was this morning, waking up in his arms, felt right.
For the first time in years, she truly felt safe in someone's arms. As he disappeared down the hall, she sagged back on the couch. Conflict welled in her heart and mind. She was getting too close. She had to pull back, but could she?
He was her friend. He had stayed because she needed someone with her. He understood. Should she read more into it?
She groaned, leaning her head back to the top of the couch. He was coarse and unrefined, at first. He was a beast, but now…
Now, he was dear. Truthfully, she knew he had it inside him, but still, she couldn't believe it. What should she do?
Finding her phone, she texted the one person she knew to talk to.
Her mom.
~XXX~
Klaus hung the damp towel on the shower rod and stared into the base of the sink with his hands gripping the sides.
He had almost gone too far last night. Sure, what happened was innocent, but the feelings it elicited were no more innocent than a serial killer. He breathed out, thinking back. Replaying so much of what happened and hoping he wasn't reading too much into it.
She didn't shudder or jerk when he touched her this morning. Nor did she rush to leave his arms when she woke up.
That had to be a good sign. Oh, who was he kidding? He was there as a friend. Helping another friend. He should be just grateful they had made it to that stage in their relationship.
Shouldn't he?
It was all so confusing. Not to mention unexpected.
~XXX~
"Oh, mom, what if he doesn't?"
"Sweetheart, if you are unsure. Talk to him."
"It's too soon. We've just started to get into a comfortable zone," Caroline sighed, zipping the side zipper of her dress.
"And you don't want to ruin your friendship? Caroline," her mother paused on the other end, giving Caroline time to know what she was going to say. "Do you love him?"
Caroline glanced towards the door, hoping he wasn't close. "How did you…?"
"I'm your mother. You can't hide your feelings from me."
"It's just…it's so unexpected."
"Love always is."
"I got to go, mom. I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart. Remember, I'm always here."
Caroline listened to the silent tone and sighed. Maybe her mom was right. Maybe she was jumping or reading too much into it.
She just had to take it one step at a time.
Finding Klaus in the living room, she smiled as the three-piece grey suit fit him in pleasing ways. He always looked so dapper in those suits, though they never really fit his character.
He turned and the wide eyes expression made her jump for joy inside because it was one of the dresses Rebekah had helped her buy. It was a beautiful sleeveless pale-yellow summer dress with a modest neckline and flowed just at the hips. The color matched her skin tone perfectly and made her blonde hair, which she curled, stand out.
She held up the white overtop and smiled. "The dress itself is not right for work."
He nodded, finding the words stuck in his throat. He cleared it and glanced away. "You look ravishing, love," he uttered, so low, she wasn't completely sure she heard him.
"I don't think I thanked you for last night," she began, stepping further into the room.
He smiled and shook his head. "There's no need, Caroline, but you're welcome."
She blushed and dipped her head. "Still," she replied.
"Caroline," his voice beckoned to her, causing her head to raise. "Other than you, I only have one friend. I don't get asked for help much, so," he paused, glancing away. "I just want you to know that you can count on me."
She closed the distance and with a soft expression, wrapped her arms around him, holding in a comfortable hug, feeling his arms, hesitantly wrap around her.
Whispering in his ear, she said, "I know I can, and you can count on me."
Please be kind!
I know I've been absent, but I've been working on other things and fighting writer's block! Oh, how I hate that! Anyway, I'm hoping to get back in the groove and actually finish a bunch of stories in the next few weeks, so pray I get them done! Or wish me luck!
The movie mentioned is called Vibes with Cyndi Lauper and Jeff Goldblum. I discovered this movie a month or so ago, and fell in love with it. It is a bit campy, but it's adorable. The last movie was Only You with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. I've loved this movie for years. It's one of my favorites!
The pizza is actually my favorite kind because it doesn't have meat on it. I'm not a meat lover when it comes to pizza, so the Margherita or cheese is my kind of pizza.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! More chapters on the way! Maybe two more this week!
Here's a Sneak peek...
"Klaus, you don't have to do this."
"You don't need to spend this day by yourself."
"How do you know?" She glared at him as he crossed his arms over his chest with a suspicious smirk. "Bonnie told you."
"She just happened to stop by the office and say that you didn't need to spend these two days alone, and practically gave me this idea."
"It's my birthday, Klaus, not a life or death thing."
"According to her, it is, and I happen to agree."
"Klaus."
"Don't argue with me, Forbes. Go pack an overnight bag and meet back here in ten minutes."
"I'm not going with you."
"Oh, yes you are. Bonnie already signed off on it, and besides, think of this as a birthday present from me."
Hope you enjoyed!
Until Next Time...
