Hey, guys, I thought I'd update "Eternal Flame" (the last time being May 12, 2020). I recently got an idea for a new Klaroline AU/AH, but thought I'd post a snippet of it before go ahead with the full version.

We could have had it all
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
Rolling in the deep
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)
You had my heart inside of your hand
(You're gonna wish you never had met me)
And you played it, to the beat
(Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep)

Caroline stepped out of her car and stared up at the building she was about to enter. The Hybrid Nightclub, according to what she read, was supposed to be one of the most luxurious clubs in New Orleans. The reason she was here? She had seen an ad in the paper about a waitress job and was coming in for an interview. Now, this wasn't exactly the ideal place for someone like her to be working, but because she was a single mother raising twins on her own with the help of her twin brother, Cody, she didn't have many options in front of her at the moment.

Taking a deep breath, she walked into the building and looked around at the décor. It was definitely beautiful, but it also reminded her of the old Frank Sinatra movies she used to watch. So much so, she half expected Jerry Lewis to pop out.

"May I help you, love?"

A voice brought her back to reality and she came face to face with a blonde woman her age. Where did she come from? How come I didn't see her when I came in?

"I think you can. I'm Caroline Forbes. I have an appointment to see Klaus Mikaelson."

"Does he know you're here?"

"I saw your ad for the waitress job in the paper," said Caroline "I called the other day and I was told to come in for an interview."

"Ah, yes, the waitress job," the blonde woman said. "His office is this way." She turned around and started to walk away. "Follow me."

Sighing, Caroline followed the woman through the club, all the while wondering how Klaus was able to afford a swanky place like this. One thought was that he was involved in organized crime. Immediately, Caroline dismissed it. Why would she, the daughter of a decorated sheriff of a Virginia town, willingly work for a guy who killed people for a living?

It's probably just the way the club is decorated. I'm sure he doesn't do illegal stuff.

It wasn't long until they arrived at the door leading to Klaus's office. The woman knocked on the door and for a while, there was silence and Caroline wondered if he was even in today. But, wouldn't she have been informed that he wasn't available beforehand? She was about to suggest coming back another day when a voice came from the other side.

"Yes?"

"Nik, there's a Caroline Forbes here to see you. She says she's interviewing for the waitress job."

"I see. Send her in, Rebekah."

The woman, named Rebekah, turned to Caroline. "Go on in."

Caroline raised an eyebrow at her, but said nothing as she walked into the office. The door closed behind her the second she crossed the threshold. The desk in the middle of the room was definitely as luxurious as the rest of the place, made from oak and decorated with gold. She also noticed the paintings adorning the walls and couldn't help but be impressed.

"Like what you see, Caroline?"

Caroline was startled when she heard the same voice from earlier and turned to see Klaus Mikaelson himself. He was undeniably handsome, with slightly curly dark blonde hair and greenish blue eyes that had a devilish gleam in them. He was dressed in a tailored suit, but he had a body a woman would have to be blind and stupid not to notice. Caroline tried to discourage herself from any impure thoughts she was having, but the longer she looked at him, the harder it was.

"Y-Yes, I do," she said. "I've just...never been inside a nightclub before. I mean, I've been in bars, but they were nothing compared to this."

"It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it over time," said Klaus. "Now, Rebekah says you're here for a waitress job?"

Caroline nodded. "That's right."

"Forgive my bluntness, love, but you don't strike me as a waitress."

"What do I 'strike' you as?" Caroline wasn't sure what his answer would be, since she didn't know him from Adam. God, I hope he doesn't have me do anything illegal.

"You're more of an assistant manager than a waitress."

"I am?"

"Absolutely," said Klaus. "I doubt you'd want to be groped by drunk men while filling orders at tables for meager wages. I know I don't know you well enough to make that assessment, but you'd do better as an assistant manager."

Klaus studied her as he talked, getting up from the desk to have a better look at her. She was truly a beauty, with long, blonde hair that rivaled the summer sun, blue eyes that he found himself mesmerized by, and, although it was covered by the white blouse and black skirt she was wearing, she had a body that he could imagine himself caressing as he made tender love to her under the sheets of his bed.

"Can I think about it and get back to you?"

Her reply brought him out his reverie and he said, keeping his eyes on her, "Oh, by all means, love. Take all the time you need." He cleared his throat. "Do you live nearby?"

"I live in the Quarter with my brother," said Caroline. "He has an apartment and I live there with him."

"You will do no such thing," said Klaus. "I have plenty of room at my mansion in the Garden District. It'll be better than some drafty apartment."

Caroline was floored by what he said and didn't notice that he had advanced toward her until she felt his arms around her and before she could protest, his lips had captured hers in a deep, tender kiss. She definitely didn't expect this, but reluctantly returned it, moaning against his mouth as it deepened.

Note: This might not be quite the way it'll be in the full fic, but it'll probably be close.