A/N:

Hello my loves! I hope you enjoyed the last chapter of this story. I loved writing the drama and turmoil that was brewing. The beginning of this is a bit boring, but just wait until the end. There's a surprise!

~Erin

Chapter 31: Saints and Sinners

My bare feet walked against the aged wood outside the study, hoping to catch a snippet of the conversation that was occurring on the other side of the door. But from what I could tell, Georgiana had put up a privacy spell so that I couldn't spy on the planning.

Elijah, Klaus, and Georgiana had gathered to discuss the plan to keep Hayley, and the twins, safe. Klaus had insisted that I 'get some rest', and sent me on my way. I had wondered around the house for a little bit, but had eventually gotten bored. That's when I had taken post outside the study, hoping to snoop just a little bit. I hated being left out.

Eventually I gave up on my attempt to eavesdrop, and headed towards the kitchen. I entered the modern themed room, and turned on the overhead lights. Placing my cellphone on the granite counter, I opened the Sub-Zero fridge, and was not shocked to see a fully stocked refrigerator. Ignoring the overflowing bin filled with fresh, in-season fruit, I went directly to the ultimate comfort food.

Removing the mega size quart of chocolate ice cream from the freezer, I closed the appliance's door with a soft click. But then I remembered I also wanted whipped cream and chocolate syrup, and went back to the refrigerator to fetch them. Piling all my ingredients on the counter, I searched around for a bowl, silverware, and an ice cream scoop.

I found all of said items littered throughout the kitchen, hidden away in certain drawers and cabinets. Preparing myself a large bowl of chocolate ice cream, I layered on the whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Thank god for the wonderful gift of a never changing body, because I was totally calorie overloading right now. I sighed in bliss at the deliciousness of the creamy thick pleasure.

"Are you trying to make out the spoon, love?" Klaus's voice asked me, and I stopped eating. Klaus stood in the wide doorway of the kitchen, his back leaning against the engraved frame.

"It's ice cream. I can't help but want to make out the spoon." I tried mocking Klaus's accent, but failed miserably. He laughed at my attempt, but then joined me at the granite counter.

"What's your decision on Haley's condition?" I asked, and Klaus looked down at me. I could tell he was hesitating for a moment, but then he spoke.

"The young wolf will remain at the cottage for the time being, and has constant protection from Georgiana's coven. They will be rotating in sectors, every six hours. Haley's every need in being catered to, and we have a medical professional on call 24/7. The twins will be fine, I assure you, sweetheart." Klaus spoke to me.

"Okay, you just openly told me all that. Then why was Georgiana burning sage? I know I privacy spell when I smell one. I do have a witch as a best friend, remember?" I asked Klaus, who sighed. He knew I had caught him red handed.

"I am not supposed to tell what we discussed in there, per Elijah's request. But since I know that you're persistence is never ending, so I am going to tell you. Marcellus has given us one last chance to reconsider his offer, via an invitation to a ball at the Abattoir." Klaus conveyed.

"What is the Abbatoir?" I asked, placing my spoon down on the counter. The word sounded French, and considering we were in New Orleans, it had to mean something important.

"When my family and I originally lived here, we lived in a beautiful house that I designed and had built from the ground up. It was perfect, secluded. It served it's purpose for my family's and our guest's needs. When Rebekah, Elijah, and I fled the city, Marcellus took the place for himself, now calling it his palace." Klaus explained the origin of his old home.

"What does Abattoir mean exactly?" I asked Klaus, who grimaced.

"Abattoir means slaughterhouse in French. Which is what I used it as. Many people have died there, Caroline, by my hand. Now Marcellus is taunting me with my sins by inviting us to this ridiculous party." Klaus spat. He clearly was opposed to attending the soirée.

"Can I see the invitation?" I asked softly, and Klaus reached into his back pocket. Removing a crumpled but still elegant looking envelope, he placed it before me on the counter.

Opening it, I revealed a glittering piece paper. It was covered in bedazzled scrollwork and script, with the title 'Saints vs Sinners'. It listed the time, place, and date of the event, along with the instructions that it was white tie only. The colors requested were black, white, or red.

"What is with people you know and fancy parties?" I commented, which made Klaus laugh.

"We are sophisticated in our own right, I suppose." He replied, his crooked smile sincere.

"What would you be? A saint?" I asked Klaus, who raised his eyebrows.

"I think we both know what I am, love. You on the other hand, are the opposite." Klaus said, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"You may consider yourself a sinner, but in my eyes you've redeemed yourself many times over." I said, and Klaus gave me a soft smile.

"You, love, are undoubtedly a saint." Klaus leaned in closer, our lips inches from one another.

We kissed softly, taking everything in. Klaus's lips tasted of mint, and I could taste chocolate on my own. It was a strange experience; I felt like I was floating. Klaus's hands gently grasped my waist, his fingers slightly brushing the hem of my shirt. It wasn't passionate, but instead sweet. It was great, until someone cleared their throat, interrupting us. Quickly I pulled away, blushing. I made eye contact with Elijah, who gave me a small grin.

"I see you have informed Caroline of the invitation, brother." Elijah spoke to Klaus, motioning to the crumpled invitation that lay on the countertop.

"She had a right to know, Elijah. Caroline is as involved in this as we are." Klaus defended his choice of showing me the invitation. Elijah sighed, frustration evident in his face.

"So what is your opinion, Miss Forbes? Do you think we should attend Marcellus's social gathering, or keep ourselves safe by staying here?" Elijah asked me to voice my thoughts. I was taken back, unsure of what to say.

"Enough, brother. She is still new to the politics of our world." Klaus came to my defense. Elijah nodded, and picked up the invitation.

"The ball is to be held next Saturday at 8pm sharp. It's a white tie occasion, so I suppose you should be looking for a gown Caroline. My brother and I shall need to break out the tuxes." Elijah announced, and left Klaus and I standing there in surprise.

"That was blunt."

Klaus laughed at my observation, and then snatched the spoon I had been eating my ice cream off the counter. He then attacked my almost melted sundae, and shoved a huge glop into his mouth. Feigning being appalled, I tried to snatch back my ice cream, which Klaus was now holding high above my head.

"Give back my chocolate, you monster!" I shouted as I tried to jump high enough to grab back my bowl of ice cream. Klaus then proceeded to dump the entire contents of the bowl on my head.

Chocolate ice cream dripped down my face, my blonde curls soaking up most of the mess. It felt sticky, and Klaus was grinning like a maniac at his handy-work.

"I'm going to KILL you!" I screeched, and Klaus continued to laugh. That was until I grabbed the whipped cream, and emptied the entire container atop of Klaus. The white foam came down in clumps, sticking to Klaus's hair.

"Oh you're on, sweetheart." Klaus challenged me. And so the food fight of champions began.

I went right for the chocolate syrup which was still out. Squeezing the bottle, I erupted a spew of the dark liquid onto the front of Klaus's charcoal colored shirt. Klaus dodged my next attempt to bombard him, and made a beeline for the pantry. I was right behind him. Klaus grasped a bag of flour, and the battle ascended onto a whole nother level. Soon the Original Hybrid had blasted me with a handful of flour. White powder dusted all over everywhere.

The fight continued with me dousing Klaus with a pound of powdered sugar. He then grabbed ammunition from the refrigerator. There was eyes flying across the used to be pristine kitchen in seconds. Klaus was able to empty a whole gallon of milk down my shirt, which was freezing and sticky all once. I felt so bad for the cleaning staff who would have to tackle this in the morning. I would clean it up by myself, but Klaus would insist that I didn't.

But it wasn't until the doorbell rang that there was a ceasefire between Klaus and I. I looked at him, and he motioned for me to stay where I was. I obeyed, not wanting to endanger myself if there was someone at the door that could kill me. I followed Klaus to the edge of the kitchen, where I watched as he walked down the entry hall. He approached the door cautiously, and when he opened it, it wasn't who we'd thought it would be.

"Okay, you jackass. Let me remind you, I have a gun with wooden bullets that are laced with vervain. Now where the hell is my daughter?"

A/N:

Hope you liked! Sheriff Forbes is in New Orleans...I wonder who informed her of Caroline's real location, and who she is with?

Goals

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~Erin