Hello, lovelies! I know that I've been behind on my updates for "Eternal Flame" (the last time being March 20), but inspiration has been lacking lately. Since I have a moment now, I'm going to update. It's a random one shot where everything is Klaroline. Keep the faith, lovelies!
Why do birds suddenly appear, ev'ry time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be close to you.
Why do stars fall down from the sky, ev'ry time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be close to you.
Klaus had a big smile as he stepped off the train. He had been gone for almost three years, serving his country in Iraq. Now that he was home, he was looking forward to seeing his family again. More importantly, he was looking forward to seeing Caroline again. He had been sending her letters as often as he could from where he was stationed, and she sent letters back to him, letting him know that she missed him and couldn't wait until he came home.
Once he had disembarked, he grabbed his bag and went to where the cabs were parked, telling the driver to take him to the Mikaelson mansion before getting in and closing the door. The driver smiled at him and started the engine, pulling away from the station and driving through the town.
"Coming back from war, mister?"
The driver's question brought him back to reality and Klaus looked at him. "Hmmm? Oh, yes, I am. I've been away from home for too long."
"I don't blame you for wanting to come home," said the driver. "Though, if I may, I would like to thank you for your bravery. Not many can do what you've done."
Klaus smiled and nodded at the driver's words. It was true. Not many people could go to a country that didn't have the freedoms that his did, risk his life every day just to save them, as well as his fellow soldiers. Still, it was nice that this man was thanking him for his service.
"Your gratitude is most appreciated, mate." He cleared his throat. "Now, I would like to get home before my family wonders just where I am."
The driver nodded and didn't say anything else as they continued to drive. As they got closer to the Mikaelson mansion, Klaus smiled again, already imagining the welcome he was going to receive from not only his family, but also from Caroline, the one he loved more than anything else. He was sure that she was anticipating his return, counting down the days when they would be together again.
Before long, the cab drove up the winding driveway that led up to the lavish Mikaelson mansion, where Klaus saw yellow ribbons adorning the trees that were planted throughout the property, as well as the mansion itself, along with a banner with the words, "WELCOME HOME" written across it in big, bold letters.
They certainly put a lot of effort into this, didn't they?
With another big smile on his face, Klaus grabbed his bag and stepped out of the cab as soon as it stopped. He took some money out to pay the driver, but he refused, telling him that this ride was on him, as a way of thanking him for his bravery. Klaus said nothing, deciding to let it go. Besides, he had more important matters to attend to, such as reuniting with his family.
He watched the cab drive away before heading to the door. Before he could knock, it opened and he felt a pair of arms embrace his neck, knocking him to the ground. Laughing, Klaus knew just who this is. It was Rebekah, who missed him just as much as Caroline did.
"I missed you so much, Nik," she said. "I feared that you were dead at one point."
"Well, your fears are unfounded, little sister," said Klaus. "I am alive and well, and I am home." He kissed her forehead and let her get up before standing up himself. "I trust that everyone is inside and waiting to see me?"
"They are," said Rebekah. "The one who desires to see you the most is Caroline. When she found out that you were coming home, she made sure that you received a welcome that was worthy of a warrior returning home from a long and treacherous fight."
Klaus smiled and, after hugging his sister again, he walked into the mansion. Upon entry, he saw Caroline standing at the top of the grand staircase, her blue eyes meeting his greenish blue ones. Dropping his bag, he hurried up the stairs, embracing her and kissing her passionately. Caroline returned both without hesitation. After three years of not knowing whether she'd see him again, she was finally seeing her valiant warrior again.
"Oh God, Klaus, I missed you so much," she said, stepping back and breaking the kiss. "I know I had your letters to read, but they were nothing compared to seeing you before me."
"Believe me, love, I have missed you as well," he replied. "I assure you, nothing will ever take me from you again. I am here to stay."
Caroline smiled and kissed him again. In that moment, words didn't matter. All that mattered was the soldier in her embrace.
Note: There you have it, the next installment of "Eternal Flame." Consider this a commemoration of the second anniversary of this series (it was posted here on March 31, 2013). Thank you for joining me on this journey and remember to keep the Klaroline faith, guys!