A/N Here is the next chapter. I got this one done quicker and that is thanks to the people who took the time to leave me a review. So this chapter is for you.
Enjoy!
It's a few days since Caroline told Klaus about Trevor, and she was surprised that the voicemails stopped since she saw him at the concert. She told Matt, Bonnie and Elena not to worry but she liked that they called her every day to check up on her.
After she told Klaus they hung out for a bit on Saturday but he had business with his brother so they only spent the morning together. Klaus told her before he left that if she heard anything from Trevor to call him immediately so he could rush back. She thought that was sweet of him and it defiantly made her feel less paranoid because she didn't want Trevor to obstruct what she's worked so hard for, a life.
On Sunday she got to go shopping with Lexi. Caroline understood why Lexi was Klaus' best friend, she had this "don't give a fuck" attitude that she enjoyed. It seemed she and Lexi were able to become friends, but the only thing she found strange is that when Caroline asked about her and Klaus it was brief she never went into detail even though Caroline pressed for them.
When the work week came she found herself swamped with work because one of the entertainment reporters resigned and Caroline had to pick up the slack, another reason she's happy to be getting the weekend off. She stayed in the office well past 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday getting organized for the story assignments.
She got off work at about 6 p.m. and it only being Wednesday she still had a lot of preparations to take care of if she intended on enjoying her weekend off starting Friday, but Jessica told her to take off and finish everything on Thursday. She had no complaints of going home early.
Caroline suppressed a yawn before looking at the clock on her wall to see it was after 10 p.m. as she lied on the couch in a pair of pajama pants and a tank top. When she got back from work she was not in the mood to go anywhere or really do anything. So she slide on her pj's ordered some Won Ton Soup and lounged on the couch with a graphic novel in hand as music played in the background.
Caroline was reading through "The Walking Dead" graphic novels and was on the 8th volume of the collection. She remembers reading the comics when she was younger, but didn't look back into it until she had more free time, and now she owns all the volumes while anxiously waiting for the next one to come out.
She put her book on the coffee table before she got out of the couch and walked around the living room turning off her lamp and stereo and before heading to the kitchen to clean up. After she finished washing her dishes and drying her hands she flicked off the kitchen light.
As she made her way down the hallway of her apartment she heard knocking at her door, "oh come one," she sighed annoyed as she turned around and walked back toward the door.
She flicked back on the kitchen light, "who is it?" she said stepping closer to the door.
"It's me sweetheart," she heard muffled through her door. She smiled opening it to see Klaus standing there.
"You know Mr. Mikaelson a good neighbor doesn't bother their neighbors just before she's about to go to sleep," Caroline smirked as she leaned on the doorframe.
Klaus chuckled stepping closer, "I'm sorry love, I just got back from work and I wanted to see if you were ok." He smiled as he reached and tucked a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear.
Caroline smiled because Klaus was dressed in his usual work attire, a fine cut suit, "I'm fine," she said as she ran her hand down his tie.
"Good," Klaus smiled, "Well I'll let you go to bed." He leaned down and gave her a light kiss. "Good night," he whispered against her lips.
"Night," Caroline breathed as he backed away from her and turned toward his apartment. Caroline stood there watching before she snapped out of her daze and shut her door.
Klaus finished tying his tie in front of the bathroom mirror when he heard his phone going off on his nightstand. He walked back into his bedroom and picked it up.
"Bekah, good morning darling," Klaus smiled even though Lexi and Rose were staying with her he hasn't seen much of his sister since her accident.
"Hey Nik, I hope I'm not interrupting you?"
"No I'm just about to head to work, what do you need Bekah?" Klaus picked up his suit jacket from the bed sliding it on before walking to his dresser to get his wallet and keys.
"I need to ask you a favor?"
"Ok," Klaus said slowly as walked out of his bedroom.
"Can I borrow five thousand dollars?"
Klaus chuckled as he opened his front door, "Bekah you have access to the family money, why do you need to borrow some from me?"
She sighed, "Because, Elijah put a spending limit on my account so I don't drain it all, and it won't start a new term until next week."
Klaus laughed shaking his head because he was the one who suggested Elijah do that, "how in the bloody hell did you reach your 10 thousand monthly allowance?"
"Hey hey," Rebekah stated firmly, "rent's expensive in this town."
"You own your apartment Rebekah," Klaus said rolling his eyes as he pushed the elevator button, "Now try again and tell me why you need five grand."
"Ugh…fine I spent my allowance because I updated my camera gear and finally bought a car, well leased, whatever" she paused, "and the reason I need the money is because…Stefan is having his art exhibit opening and I wanted to help him out this weekend," she mumbled.
Klaus chuckled, "that's all you had to say sweetheart, I actually enjoy Stefan. I tolerate him more than Damon that's for sure. Although I still don't know how I feel about you dating him."
"NIK!" Rebekah yelled, "We've had this discussion weeks ago when I told you we made it official after those wankers mugged me and you already threatened him so shut it. Now are you going to lend me the money or not."
Klaus took a long pause smirking when he heard his sister whine, "Fine, when is his exhibit opening?"
"Thank you Nik," Rebekah said happily, "it opens Saturday night downtown at Silas Gallery, it's one of San Francisco's major galleries."
Klaus nodded impressed because he's heard of that Gallery but never got to go, "I'll lend you the money Bekah, but not until the opening."
"That's not fair Nik I need it before then," Bekah whined.
Klaus chuckled, "what kind of brother would I be if I didn't attend my sister's boyfriend's first major gallery opening."
Rebekah rolled her eyes sighing, "Fine…can I at least have half now to help with startup expenses and I was planning on getting him a gift, but that can wait until Saturday night. Meet me at the gallery by 8 p.m. because his opening is at 9 and I want to get the gift before."
"Ok, I'm heading into my office right now, stop by at noon will go out for lunch," Klaus smiled as his sister said goodbye and hung up the phone. He stepped out of the elevator only to bump into Caroline, literally.
Caroline hit Klaus' chest with a "oof" because she was looking at her phone sending an email when she heard the elevator door ding and just quickly walking forward without a second thought until her phone hit her chest and her body was pressed up against something firm.
Klaus laughed, "you know texting and walking causes collisions like this sweetheart," he smiled as Caroline stood in front of him with his arm around her waist.
Caroline chuckled, "I was actually emailing," her hands rested on Klaus' chest. "I forgot some paper work in my apartment that's why I was headed back up." She smiled.
Klaus nodded before leaning down next to ear, "bump into me as much as you'd like love, as i said before I could get use to you in my arms."
Caroline felt chills down her spine from Klaus' warm breath. She smiled as her cheeks blushed before she slid her hand around his neck leaning toward his ear, "Mr. Mikaelson you sure know how to make a girl blush." She released her grip stepping into the elevator before the door closed.
Klaus looked at her as she pushed the button to her floor wiggling her fingers at him as she mouthed bye. Klaus shook his head chuckling as the door closed. He took out his phone and opened up a new text message.
I don't know why you insist on teasing me love, it's not very kind.
Caroline's phone binged as she stepped out of the elevator; she smiled walking up to her apartment as she replied.
You started it with a good night kiss ;-)
Klaus smirked as he glanced at the message getting into his cab before replying.
Here I thought I was being a gentleman after a lady claimed I was disturbing her slumber.
Caroline chuckled as she picked up her story notes on her office desk reading his message. "Slumber, could you get anymore corny," she smiled hitting reply.
True so now we're even, what's next Mr. Mikaelson?
Klaus smiled as he sat in the cab because he knew he wanted Caroline and it would seem she felt the same. God knows he wanted more than just to be her kissing mate, but after her revealing such a personal part of her life Klaus felt himself hesitating.
Meet me for dinner after work tonight, it's been awhile since we've shared an actual meal together, and I'm paying this time.
Caroline smiled as she hit the elevator button to head back down to the lobby, was this a date, she thought but she couldn't really tell with this text.
Sounds great, where do I meet you?
Klaus sent her the street as the cab drove to his office.
Klaus was stuck in meeting today going over the advertising firm's new budget. He and Bonnie developed the budget proposal and she presented it to the board. Klaus didn't mind Bonnie presenting because this would be a boost for her career and he was happy to help.
The meeting lasted until 12:30 and Klaus was met with a glare as he walked into his office.
"What the hell Nik you said lunch and it's already almost one," Rebekah said frimly as she stood up from his couch.
Klaus walked up to his desk dropping the pile of paper, "Not my fault Bekah the meeting ran a little over."
Bekah sighed, "well I can't go out for lunch now because I have an appointment with my graduate school advisor at 1:15 about my final year at Berkeley."
Klaus leaned against his table smiling, "Is my baby sister about to get her Master's Degree, I must say I didn't think you'd make it this far," Klaus joked.
Bekah walked up to him and hit him in the chest laughing, "Shut up Nik, you're one to talk with that 'I don't care about' school attitude."
Klaus chuckled it's true he wasn't the prime student but he sure did prove people wrong when he got his Masters, "touché love, well I guess you just want to take your money and run," Klaus pushed himself off his desk and took the money out from his inside suit pocket.
"Here you are, five grand, if you tell Elijah I lent you this money he'll have a piss about it," Klaus handed her the envelope. "So don't mention it."
Rebekah smiled shaking her head, "Don't worry I won't, he's always getting after me about how I can't manage my money and this will only make him right."
Klaus laughed, "Well the man's never wrong."
Rebekah scuffed smacking Klaus in the arm, "Thanks Nik I owe you."
"You owe me five thousand," Klaus smirked.
Rebekah rolled her eyes, "Tosser."
Klaus smiled as he put his arm on his sister shoulder walking his sister to his office door, "Now go to school and get smart."
Rebekah laughed as she kissed Klaus on the cheek, "see you later brother." Rebekah opened Klaus' office door to see his secretary about to knock.
"Sorry to interrupt Mr. Mikaelson but you have a guest," she said politely motioning to the lobby couch.
Klaus smiled when he saw Rose sitting there in a white sundress with white black strappy sandals, "Yes, thank you Ms. Young." Klaus and Rebekah walked up to Rose.
"Hey Nik sorry I didn't know you were with Rebekah," Rose said shyly as she stood up.
"Oh don't worry about it I was just leaving," Rebekah smiled, "Bye Nik see you Saturday." She waved before walking off.
Klaus smiled as his baby sister walked off, "Lunch?"
Rose smiled, "I'd love to."
"Great," Klaus smiled. "Ms. Young I'm going to lunch I'll be back in an hour."
"Of course Mr. Mikaelson," she said from behind her desk.
Klaus walked up to his office and locked the door before him and Rose left to have lunch. They went down to a diner around the block from Klaus' work. He's never actually eaten here before but it looked good enough.
After they order Klaus smiled at Rose, "so are you enjoying San Francisco?"
"It's ok, but I've gotten so use to London its odd being back in the states," she smiled because the last time she was in the U.S. was when she was 20 just before she went on vacation in Europe only to get kidnapped.
"Yes well there is no place like London," Klaus smiled. "How has it been staying with Rebekah?"
"Like college," Rose chuckled, "but with a very bossy roommate."
Klaus smiled, "Yes Bekah has the tendency to make sure she controls everything."
Rose chuckled as she took a sip of her tea, "That's what I acgtually wanted to talk to you about, can I stay with you for the weekend. I'd like to give Rebekah a break of having me and Lexi there."
Klaus chuckled, "Rose I'd love you to stay with me, but I don't have a guest room and I wouldn't want you to sleep on my couch." Klaus smiled, "why don't I get you a hotel room, give you some time to relax before we leave for the job in Chicago."
Rose smiled, "Klaus you don't have to do that."
"Don't be ridiculous darling it's not a problem," he smiled.
Rose nodded in acceptance she really wanted a break because it seems this upcoming job was going to be complicated. After New York Rose locked herself in her flat in London for a month to clean out her system because the Hunter drugs did a number on her mentally. She felt she wouldn't have been able to get through it if it wasn't for Klaus calling her almost every day to see if she was ok.
"Good, I'll book the room tonight if you'd like or you can check in tomorrow?" Klaus said taking his phone out of his suit pocket.
"Tonight would be great because Rebekah is prepping for her boyfriend's opening this weekend so I don't want to be in her way," she smiled as the waitress put her chicken salad in front of her.
Klaus nodded in understanding as he pulled up the number for the Ritz Carlton.
Rose watched Klaus make the arrangements as the waitress put his chicken wrap in front of him. She felt warm inside because she didn't realize she started falling for Klaus until this past job. It being extra sensitive with the drug use and Klaus told her she didn't have to and they'd find someone else, but Rose wanted to help.
After it was done with she enjoyed the way he took care of her, making sure she was staying clean, she was hoping that meant he cared for her just as much as she did for him. Rose looked away from Klaus and out the diner window hoping to distract herself because she would never have the courage to do anything about her feelings. Rose didn't want to ruin the friendship they had so she kept her feelings to herself, but it was getting harder and harder not to actually start to love this man.
"Rose," Klaus said chuckling noticing she checked out of the conversation.
"Hmm…what," she said pulling herself form her thoughts.
"You can check as soon as you're ready today," Klaus said smiling.
Rose smiles brightly, "Thank you Klaus."
Klaus nodded as he took the napkin off the table, "Anytime love."
Caroline was sitting in her office on the phone with an art gallery coordinator getting all the details of an opening event this weekend that she would have her intern cover. April was finally getting on her own two feet at the chronicle and this would be her first official assignment since the charity mishap because after that Caroline stuck her at the desk answering phones.
"Thank you sir thank you for the information I'll be sure to send a reporter there this weekend," Caroline said as she leaned back in her chair after hanging up the phone and put her feet on the desk..
She sighed as her hands went to the side of her forehead rubbing at her temples when she heard a knock on her door, she groaned lightly, "it's open."
Jessica walked in smiling holding a bottle of water and some Tylenol, "looked like you needed these." She smiled placing them on Caroline's desk.
"Thank you Jess, who knew it would be this much trouble just to take the weekend off," Caroline said as she brought her feet down and grabbed the water.
Jessica laughed, "Perks of the job I guess. I'm happy your taking the weekend off though, after you covered for me so well while I was on vacation you deserve it. I kind of wish you'd actually just take your vacation already," Jessica smiled as sat at the corner of Caroline's desk.
Caroline smiled as she took the Tylenol quickly, "Yeah I will maybe this fall or winter. I don't really have anywhere to disappear to for a few weeks so I'm fine with just a weekend," she chuckled.
Jessica stood up, "Well duty calls, you at least take a lunch break it's already after noon so go get something to eat." She smiled before walking out of Caroline's office.
Caroline stood up from her desk and grabbed her purse when she heard her cellphone start ringing; she smiled when she saw it was Matt.
"Hey Matty," Caroline chimed as she walked out of her office locking it.
"Hey Care, are you free for lunch?"
"Yes I was just about to leave for lunch, where should I meet you," she smiled walking into the elevator.
"We're at a small café called "Jerry's" it's about a block away from you."
"We, who's we?"
"HI CARE!"
Caroline chuckled when she heard Elena and Bonnie through the phone, "I'll be there in 10." She stepped out of the elevator and headed for the café.
"CARE!" the group yelled as she walked down the sidewalk, she smiled seeing them sitting at the table on the patio.
"Hey!" Caroline waved as she walked up giving them each a hug before she sat down.
"Sooo what's the occasion," she asked as she tucked one leg behind the other, "We all haven't had lunch together in months."
"Ugh do we need a reason," Elena smiled as sat back in her chair crossing her legs.
Caroline chuckled, "No, I'm so happy to see all of you."
"We're happy to see you to Care," Matt said smiling.
Caroline smiled, "So what's everyone been up to?"
"I got a new client. He's an artist, not the usual clientele I take on but Damon asked so nicely so I said yes," Elena smirked.
Caroline chuckled, "Why do I have a feeling that Damon's polite way of asking isn't PG?" she lifted her eyebrow at Elena.
Elena started laughing, "Wouldn't you like to know."
Caroline scrunched her nose, "no actually I wouldn't."
"I'm with Caroline on that one, Damon is beautiful, but please keep your 'favors' to yourself," Matt chuckled making quotation marks in the air when Elena stuck her tongue out at him.
Caroline giggled as she looked at Bonnie, "What about you Bon, what's new?"
Bonnie smiled as she leaned on the table, "Well I've been a lot busier at work working on our budget for the upcoming year. Klaus made me lead on the case."
Caroline smiled, "sounds important. What about things with you and Kol?"
"Who's Kol," Matt and Elena asked at the same time.
Bonnie widened her eyes at Caroline.
"I'm sorry Bon I thought you told them," Caroline looked at her apologetically.
"Who's Kol," Elena said again.
Bonnie chuckled shaking her head, "He's just a guy I've been hanging out with."
"What do you mean hanging out?" Matt smiled.
Bonnie rolled her eyes, "Fine we're kind of dating and it's nice."
Caroline smiled because she could tell Bonnie liked Kol, "That's great Bonnie."
"Come on give me the details, who is he, do we know him," Elena nudged Bonnies shoulder, "Is he hot?"
Bonnie cleared her throat, "no you don't know him, but Caroline knows his brother," she smirked taking the heat off herself.
Caroline widened her eyes at Bonnie.
"Really?" Matt and Elena said again as they turned their attention to her.
Caroline chuckled nervously looking between Elena and Matt, "Yes, it's ummm…Klaus little brother," she mumbled at the end but that didn't stop Matt and Elena's jaw from dropping slightly.
"Seriously," Elena asked as she looked at Bonnie and Caroline, "how did me and matt not know about this, and when did you meet Klaus' brother?"
Caroline and Bonnie took Elena and Matt through the night they all ran into each other at dinner, from Bonnie almost kissing Klaus to Caroline oblivious to the fact that it was Klaus. During the story they ordered soup and salad along and ice tea, it always seemed to be their lunch of choice whenever all of them were together, plus Matt and Elena didn't want them to stop explaining.
Matt and Elena said there pondering what they were just told before Matt spoke, "So you're dating Kol and Caroline is dating Klaus."
"I'm not dating Klaus," Caroline said automatically, "We haven't even gone on an official date."
Elena rolled her eyes, "Sweetie you've been sucking face with the man I think it's past the official date stance."
Caroline rolled her eyes, "Yeah we make out a little but call me old fashion I still think it's nice when a girl gets taken on a date before clarifying that their dating. I want dinner, flowers, the whole shi-bang," she laughed.
"Plus how did this conversation end up about me and Klaus when bonnie is the one actually dating Kol," she motioned to Bonnie just as she was about to take a bite out of her salad.
Bonnie's eyes looked up from her plate as Matt, Elena and Caroline were staring at her, "What?"
Everyone at the table stared laughing. The rest of the lunch was full of light conversation as Matt told everyone that he and Ben finally started dating, and Elena said that she and Damon finally admitted they enjoyed each other's company. When it came around to Klaus and Caroline she just smiled and told them that it was nice especially after he took it so well when she told him about Trevor.
Caroline was happy to see all of them and told them they needed to do this more often. As Caroline made her way back to the office she heard her phone buzz, she pulled it out and it was a text message from an unknown number.
You really should tell Bonnie hello for me. Maybe next time we can have lunch that way I can meet all your friends.
Caroline felt a pit in her stomach as her body got tense and she started looking around her frantically for that familiar brown hair and green eyes. Without second guessing it she picked up her pace heading back to her office. She deleted the text as soon as she got to her office. She felt she should tell her friends and Klaus, but she thought against it. They had such a nice afternoon she didn't want to ruin it with her stupid ex drama.
She felt the best way to get past it was digging into work so she did for the rest of the day.
Caroline waited at the street corner Klaus told her to be on so they could have dinner. This is the first time they were actually going out to dinner just the two of them since she took him to her favorite Italian restaurant weeks ago. He said it was his turn to treat her to some fine cuisine but not telling her where, so she had to wait.
She looked at her phone it was nine. She was still in her work clothes because she didn't get out of the office until 8:30 p.m. getting weekend assignments organized to the right reporters.
Caroline was wearing a black pencil dress with a red and black lightweight pea coat and black suede boots with a red bottom that went up half way up her calf.
"Caroline?" she stiffened when she heard her name. Oh god, no please, she was saying as she turned and saw Amanda's with her arm looped in some guy's arm she didn't know. She shook her head and forced a smile.
"Amanda," she sighed it seemed like a lifetime ago since she walked in on her and Tyler, even though it's only been 5 months, but she wanted nothing more than to be somewhere else right now.
Amanda smiled a little before she let go of the man's arm and walked up to Caroline. "How've you been?"
"I've been good," she said simply stepping back looking for an exit. "I'm actually headed to dinner so I should get going." She turned to leave, but was stopped when Amanda stepped in front of her.
"Wait, I have been meaning to talk to you," Amanda stopped her. "Please Caroline."
Caroline sighed, "What is it Amanda?"
"I wanted to apologize for," she paused, "for Tyler, I didn't mean for it to happen it just did."
Caroline just shook her head clicking her tounge, "Feel better." She looked at Amanda.
"What? No I—"
Caroline held up her hand stopping her, "I don't care Amanda the fact of the matter is you sleep with Tyler for four months and you did it behind my back. I thought our friendship actually mattered to you, but I guess it was for the best that I walked in on you two because it saved me from wasting any more of my time."
"And honestly now I could care less about you and Tyler," Caroline said shrugging. "I don't really understand why you feel the need to apologize because it's a little obvious you've moved on to," she pointed to the guy behind her waiting awkwardly, "Unless he happens to be someone's boyfriend?"
"Good evening love, sorry I'm late" Klaus interrupted as he came up behind Caroline putting his hand on the small of her back, he looked between her and a woman standing in front of her. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt."
"No Amanda was just leaving," Caroline smiled.
Amanda nodded and turned to leave.
Klaus saw her walk off before he looked back at Caroline, "Who was that?"
Caroline shook her head, "No one important. So where are you taking me?" Caroline smiled as she clapped her hands together. "I'm starving."
Klaus smiled as he snatched her hand up, "Follow me." He said leading her up the street to enter a restaurant called "The White Oak" on the street corner.
Caroline slid off her jacket and giggled. "This is where I am going to have fine cuisine?"
Klaus clicked his tongue as he pulled out her chair, "Don't knock it until you try it love. Trust me their food here is great." He smiled pushing her chair in.
She smiled and placed her purse on the floor by her feet. "Ok well since this is your choice tonight, what do you suggest." She picked up the menu at the edge of their table that was left by the waitress.
Klaus smiled snatching the menu away from her, "I have one condition?"
Caroline arched an eyebrow at him, "Ok?"
"You can't smell your food?"
Caroline laughed, "Seriously?"
Klaus nodded, "Yes, if we are going to enjoy this dinner I will order and you can't smell your food," he opened the menu in front of him, "I want you to just pick up your fork and eat." He lifted his eyebrows challenging her.
Caroline smirked as she leaned on the table, "challenge accepted."
Klaus chuckled leaning forward, "let the games begin sweetheart," he smirked.
Caroline lifted her eyebrows leaning back in her seat, "order away Mr. Mikalson" she gestures toward his menu.
Klaus smiled as he leaned back in his chair, he knew Caroline loved Italian food and he couldn't complain it was delicious, but Klaus was also a fan of French food. So he thought it'd be nice to bring her to a small French restaurant.
"Bonsoir Klaus c'est agréable de vous revoir ici, (Good evening Klaus it's nice to see you back in here)," a beautiful tall brunette woman with dark brown eyes said in French as she walked up to the table with her pen and pad.
"Soirée Aimee, oui ça faisait longtemps, mais je suis sûr que les affaires étaient bonnes (Evening Aimee, yes it's been awhile but I'm sure business has been good)," Klaus said politely as he put the menu down ready to order looking up at her.
"Oui ça a été stable (Yes it's been steady)," Mindy said lightly as she stepped close to Klaus putting her hand on his arm, "mais c'est toujours agréable de voir les habitués (but it's always nice to see the regulars)."
Caroline lifted her eyebrow in annoyance as she looked down at the woman's hand touching Klaus arm lightly because she was getting the impression that Aimee was flirting with Klaus right in front of her.
"Hello can't you see he's with someone you bimbo," Caroline said in her head, "Just because I can't speak French doesn't mean I don't know what you're doing," she rolled her eyes as she took her napkin off the table and placed it in her lap before looking back at Klaus who was staring at her.
"Yes well this is the place to get good French food," Klaus simple stated in English as he looked at Caroline to see her give him a small smile. "We'd like to order now Aimee if you don't mind."
Amiee finally glanced at Caroline, "Yes of course I apologize madam I should've asked if you speak French."
"Sto indovinando che è le tette che hai buttato via (I'm guessing it's the boobs that threw you off)" Caroline said in Italian as she smiled at Amiee.
Klaus chuckled as Aimee answered, "I'm sorry I don't speak Italian."
"Yes, and I'm sorry I don't speak French, but if I could get a scotch on the rocks that would be great," Caroline said sweetly as she leaned on the table.
Amiee narrowed her eyes at Caroline but said in a bubbly voice with a deep French accent, "Sure thing, and for you Klaus," she turned her attention back at Klaus smiling, but Klaus' eyes never left Caroline.
"Bring a bottle of Pinot noir for our dinner, and will have the Sole à la crème de citron (Sole with Lemon Cream), and Ratatouille for the two main courses, but to start us off please bring Moules à la vapeur dans une tomate et fenouil Bouillon (Steamed Mussels in a Tomato and Fennel Broth)," Klaus smiled handing Amiee the menus. "And make it two Scotch on the rocks."
Caroline smiled because Klaus was making his point clear that he didn't care for Aimee, but the only thing Caroline recognized out of Klaus' dinner selections was Ratatouille and she gives credit to the movie, other than that she had a feeling she shouldn't have accepted the challenge.
"Of course, I'll be right back with your drinks," Amiee took the menus from Klaus and walked off.
"The only thing I was able to identify was Ratatouille," Caroline chuckled, "And I give credit to that little rat for me even knowing that."
Klaus scrunched his eyebrows in confusion, "Rat?"
Caroline smiled, "yes from that movie 'Ratatouille.'"
Klaus shrugged because he had no idea what she was talking about, "I'm sorry love I don't know that movie."
Caroline started laughing as she waved her hand, "It's not a big deal, but I have to say everything you ordered sounds delicious," she said with doubt in her voice before mumbling, "I hope."
Klaus laughed, "Really?" he smiled leaning forward, "because it seems like you just got asked to eat a bug."
"Well," Caroline said smiling, "how am I supposed to know you didn't order a bug, I mean with your fancy French talk."
Klaus chuckled, "here I thought you would've liked I spoke French."
Caroline rolled her eyes, "Not as much as Aimee."
Klaus smirked, "Sai amore, hai un modo molto sottile di mostrare che non ti piace qualcuno. (You know love, you have a very subtle way of showing you don't like someone)."
Caroline cocked an eyebrow looking at Klaus' smirk, "Chi ha detto che non mi piace di lei? Stavo semplicemente facendo un punto. (Who said I don't like her? I was simply making a point)." She smiled crossing her arms over her chest.
"Davvero perché suonava come una gelosia terribile prima. (Really, because it sounded an awful like jealously earlier)," Klaus smiled leaning on the table. He thought it was sweet of her to get jealous but he's been coming to this restaurant for a while and Aimee was always extra nice to him but he never accepted her advances.
Caroline smiled as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink because Klaus wasn't wrong, but she wasn't going to tell him that. Just as she was about to answer Aimee placed their drinks in front of them.
"Your food will be out in a few minutes," she said sweetly looking at Klaus. "Can I get you anything else Klaus?"
Klaus was watching Caroline and saw her smirk as she tiled her head to the side a little, "Yeah Klaus can she get you anything else?'
Klaus chuckled, "No thank you Aimee we're fine."
Aimee walked away from their table, and Caroline started chuckling, "I'm getting the impression you've never thrown the girl a bone."
"Is it hard to believe that I come here for the food," Klaus smiled putting his hand on his chest mocking offense, "Yes Aimee has made advances before but nothing has happened because I happen to really like this place."
Caroline chuckled shaking her head, "Klaus I'm just messing with you. I'm a big girl if you slept with her the poor girl would've thrown your drink in your face for bringing me here."
Klaus laughed leaning back in his chair, "You've got a point there sweetheart, maybe we should start ordering take out."
Caroline kicked Klaus under the table.
"I was joking love," he said rubbing his shin.
Caroline shook her head smiling as she sat quietly.
Klaus looked at her with a small smile on his lips admiring how beautiful she looked, "did I tell you how gorgeous you look tonight?"
Caroline giggled as she picked up her scotch, "I need to remind myself how smooth you are," she smiled taking a small sip, "thank you, you don't look to bad yourself."
Klaus chuckled as he took a drink of his scotch, and Aimee brought the food over.
"Everything was done at the same time, I hope that's ok," Aimee said placing the dishes on the table.
"Thank you Aimee," Klaus smiled as she placed the two clean plates in front of Klaus and Caroline before opening their wine and pouring them a glass.
"Enjoy your meal, if you need anything just ask," she touched Klaus arm smiling before she left.
Caroline smiled lifting her eyebrows as she stared at the food placed in the center of the table. All three dishes she didn't really recognize but knew two of them were seafood. She already felt her taste buds get sour because the only seafood she seemed to enjoy was Shrimp, she didn't even really like sushi no matter how much Matt tried to convince her it was great.
Klaus chuckled at the hesitant look on Caroline's face, "trust me sweetheart, it's delicious," she smiled, "here start with the Ratatouille."
Caroline smiled as Klaus dished her out a little bit of the food and placing the plate in front of her. She picked up her fork picking up a piece, and like all instincts she was about to bring it to her nose when she felt Klaus' hand on hers.
"Ah ah ah ah love," Klaus smiled and his fingers held down her hand, "I said no smelling."
Caroline smiled as Klaus pulled away his hand, "fine," she said lightly as she brought the fork to mouth eating the Ratatouille and slowing taking out the fork, smirking as Klaus watched her.
Klaus felt his throat go a little dry because seeing Caroline's big eyes look at him seductively made it hard for him to remember they were in a public restaurant.
"Hmmm," she hummed licking her lips.
"Bloody Hell Caroline" he said in his mind as he picked up his wine to take a drink, he looked at Caroline and saw her smirking.
"This is really good."
Klaus smiled, "I'm glad you're enjoying it."
Caroline nodded because it was good; she took another bit before taking a drink of her wine.
"Hmmm," she said licking her lips, "it's even better with the wine." She smiled looking at Klaus to see him smirking.
"Yes I noticed that red wine goes well with some French food," Klaus took a bit of his food. He smiled in delight because it's been a while since he's had Ratatouille and it was splendid.
"So are you going to tell me who you were talking to on the street before dinner?" Klaus lifted his eye brow taking another bite of the Ratatouille.
Caroline sighed putting her fork down, "that was Amanda, the last time I saw her she was underneath Tyler," Caroline paused tapping her lips with her finger, "wait scratch that it was when I hit her after I caught her underneath Tyler."
Klaus chuckled as wiped his mouth with his napkin, "Oh no wonder why you dismissed her so quickly."
Caroline shrugged, "to be honest I'm not even that mad anymore about the screwing Tyler part, I guess it's the deception that pisses me off the most. She was a really good friend of mine but she lied to my face for four months, now that is something I don't forgive. If you break my trust there really isn't a way of getting it back." She smiled at Klaus before picking up her fork again and taking another bite.
Klaus all of a sudden felt a lump in his throat because there was a part of his life that he was lying to Caroline about, and when he finally would tell her would she be forgiving or punch him in the face.
"Anyway, how's work and what not, I saw Bonnie for lunch she said you two were working on the budget or something," Caroline waved her fork around looking at Klaus.
"Ah yes, I can't really take much credit for that because Bonnie is the one working her magic," Klaus smiled taking a sip of his wine. "She's a brilliant accountant and I'm glad she's independent enough to work on her own because I will be out all week next week for a business trip."
"Oh really, when are you leaving," Caroline asked as she picked up her wine glass.
"Sunday," Klaus simply stated as he put his wine glass back down to continue eating.
Caroline nodded, "I'm actually taking the weekend off." Caroline smiled when she saw Klaus smirk.
"Really, so no work all weekend."
Caroline chuckled, "Yes, Jessica suggested it and I actually agree for once. I just needed a break after the Social Distortion show and the busy week I've had."
Klaus smiled, "I agree with your boss."
Caroline smiled as she continued picking at her food.
The last dish Klaus wanted Caroline to try was the mussels. He was two out of three so far for his food selections.
He placed a mussel on Caroline's plate.
She looked down at it scrunching her nose a little, "do I have to? I mean I enjoyed the other dishes."
Klaus chuckled, "Come on sweetheart you've done so well."
Caroline took a deep breath picking up the mussel and sucking it out of the shell and letting it slide down her throat. To her pleasant surprise it tasted nothing like oysters. The only way she could describe it was a mild flavor that acquired the salty taste of the sea and it absorbed the sauce it was in making her smile in delight.
"Hmmm," she said as she put the empty shell down on her plate. "That wasn't too bad."
Klaus smiled in victory, "now maybe you'll stop smelling your food."
Caroline lifted her finger, "hey there is nothing wrong with my smelling food habit."
Klaus chuckled, "except how I proved it wrong tonight." He smirked sucking up a mussel.
Caroline smiled watching Klaus and for some odd reason found him extremely sexy right now with his suit sleeves rolled up showing his forearms, "what am I going to do with you Klaus" she said lightly picking up her drink.
Klaus smiled, "whatever you'd like."
Caroline chuckled as she took a drink of her wine and heard her phone start beeping.
"I'm sorry," she said putting her glass down.
"Don't worry about it," Klaus said.
Caroline smiled, "It's just a text."
Klaus smiled watching her check her text until he saw the color drain from her face, "what's wrong sweetheart?"
Caroline swallowed the lump in her throat before handing Klaus her phone.
If the guy you're having dinner with knew you like I did, he would have known that Italian is your food of choice. Tell me I'm wrong Care Vicious?
"Is this the first time he's sent you a text rather than a voice mail," Klaus said with an edge in his voice staring at the phone.
"No," she said softly. "He sent me one earlier this afternoon after I had lunch with my friends. He told me to tell Bonnie hi."
Klaus felt his blood start to boil as his eye skimmed across the phone again, he handed it back to Caroline calmly and she put it in her purse. Klaus wiped his mouth with his napkin and stood up grabbing his coat and draping if over his left arm.
"Let's go," he said softly as he held out his hand for Caroline to take it. "I want to show you something else before we call it a night."
Caroline smiled as she took his hand grabbing her purse and jacket. Klaus left the money on the table before they exited the restaurant.
"We can just go back to the apartment Klaus," Caroline said softly as he walked with her up the street it was already after 10 and she felt that Trevor was able to kill the mood.
"Don't be silly love," Klaus smiled glancing at her, "I'd like to show you something and I think you'd like it."
Caroline smiled as he lightly squeezed her hand. Klaus waved down a cab letting her get in. as they drove toward their apartment. Klaus was sitting with Caroline's hand resting on his lap and starting thinking.
After Caroline told Klaus about Trevor he had Lexi do a search on him, and to no surprise everything Caroline told him about him was right. The guy had no record of abuse in their small town, in fact it seemed like the people of Mystic Falls praised the man. Lexi even showed him a picture of him and Caroline from high school.
But the main thing he found odd was that he couldn't find any real trace of Trevor after 2007 when the divorce between he and Caroline was processed. It seemed he disappeared for a few years and popped back up on the map in 2011 when he bought a house in Los Angeles, Calif. Klaus even scoped out the house when he took a quick drive to L.A. in hopes of beating him until Klaus felt it was justified, but it was no real surprise when he found the house empty with only a house keeper.
Caroline was looking out the window and she couldn't help but think of how Trevor knew what she was doing. She felt her body shiver thinking how close he's gotten without her knowing.
Klaus felt Caroline shiver. He let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her bringing her closer to him. "Are you ok sweetheart?
Caroline sighed, "I just hate that he has this upper hand."
Klaus put his hand under Caroline's chin so she would look at him, "Hey, I promised he'd never hurt you and I meant it," he smiled, "you have just as much power as he does."
Caroline smiled, "thanks" she said lightly before she let her head rest on his shoulder.
The cab stopped in front of their apartment and Caroline got out of the cab looking at Klaus confused.
"I thought you wanted to show me something."
Klaus chuckled, "I do" he held out his hand waiting for her to take it.
She smiled grabbing his hand as he lightly pulled her to walk down the street. They walked for a little over a block when they ended up by the alleyway of two building. Caroline's only ever passed by the two old brick building in a cab because she didn't know what they were.
"Um ok, this is creepy," she said as she looked down the alley.
Klaus smiled, "trust me." He pulled her with him as they stepped into the alley.
Caroline grip tightened on his hand but she went, and when they were half way down she gasped at the sight in front of her.
Klaus smiled when he saw her eyes brighten when she noticed the different types of street art that covered the alleyway walls. He discovered this when he was wondering around years ago and makes note to come back to see if anything else has been added.
Caroline let go of Klaus hand when she saw the biggest piece there. She walked up to it just to feel it.
"This is beautiful," she said lightly as her hands traced over the panting.
Klaus thought it was some of the most interesting pieces he's seen and it was rather romantic because the added street art around it matched the original theme.
"It's called 'The Lovers Embrace,'" he said pointing to the corner of the work where it was signed by the artist. It was a spray painting that stood 15 feet tall of a man and women embracing each other as they were about to kiss. The man's hand held the girls face as the girls hand wrapped out the guys shirt.
Caroline loved the detail put into the hair and clothes of both of them it was breathtaking, "it's so romantic." She took her eyes off the piece and wondered over to all the others.
There were several each of them sticking to the theme. Beside the couple was a man wearing a suit, he was painted in black but the heart he was holding was bright red, another piece that caught her attention was a mixed medium of a lesbian couple kissing and their faces were covered by their hair, and it was an actually photo but pasted on to the wall as the artist spray panted around it.
Klaus' eyes weren't even on the art anymore he watched as Caroline's eyes wondered over all the pieces. He smiled because she was in her own world right now examining each of the pieces.
"How did you find this Klaus," she asked turning her attention to him.
He shrugged, "luck really." He stepped closer to her as he ran his hand along the wall, "I was out and about one afternoon and found it. I've been coming back to it ever since to see what else's been added, and it's grown a lot because before it was just the lovers," he pointed to the big piece and the women beside it.
"I've always wanted to add something to it but I just haven't developed the right piece," he smiled stepping in front of her.
Caroline smiled, "it's beautiful."
Klaus exhaled smiling as he put a strand of her hair behind her ear, "I'm glad you like it, not everyone appreciates street art."
"Thank you for bringing me here," she smiled turning to look at the pieces one more time.
"Anytime love," he grabbed her hand. "Now let's get you home."
She smiled as she felt Klaus tug at her hand before she tore her eyes away from the wall. They walked back in silence as Caroline wrapped her arm around the back of Klaus waist and his rested around her shoulder.
Klaus and Caroline got off the elevator smiling as he walked her to her door.
"Dinner was amazing Klaus thank you," Caroline smiled as she opened her door. "I admit you were right about not everything tasting as it smells, and turning the night around with that art was just amazing."
"It was my pleasure love," Klaus smiled stepping closer to her. "I do have one request before the night is over."
"And what's that," she giggled.
"I think it's time you let me take you on a real date," he said gently locking eyes with her.
Caroline's was taken back, "A real date?" she said softly as she leaned against the door frame smiling. "What's a real date?" She was enjoying Klaus' company even though they haven't officially said they were dating.
"Oh you know, flowers, dinner, the whole thing," he smirked stepping closer to Caroline, "And because I am honestly running out of reasons why we shouldn't take this a step further."
He wanted her to be something more than just a friend. He wanted all of her ever since they spent their first night together weeks ago, and Klaus was ready to see if what he felt for her was real. He wants Caroline and he will do anything in his power to make her see herself the way he does, amazing.
"Come on Caroline give me one good reason we shouldn't?" He brushed her hair out of her face as his fingers touched her cheek.
"Trevor for starters," Caroline mumbled looking down.
Klaus sighed as he cupped her face with his hands, "he's nobody sweetheart, let me prove that to you."
Caroline felt herself lean into his touch as she looked at him thinking about it. In all honesty her heart skipped a beat when he finally asked. Sure they've been hanging out a lot, but after everything she was ready to see if this chemistry was real and what better way to see if it then a date on her terms.
"Ok, tomorrow there is a party going on at a jazz club downtown, I was invited a few weeks ago by the club owner and it's supposed to be a 20s theme party. Pick me up at 8 we can have dinner first." She smirked putting her hand on her door waiting to close it to.
"Oh you also have to dress up from that decade," she smiled devilishly. "So put on your 1920s hat…Nik."
Klaus never got knots in his stomach, but his breath caught when he heard her say Nik, that was the first time she actually called him by that name since The Strokes and he loved that way it rolled off her tongue.
"Oh you are in for a surprise love, because the 1920s happens to be a decade I am quite fond of," he smirked. "See you tomorrow night." He kissed her check before turning around to walk back to his apartment.
Caroline closed her door and felt like a teenager again, her heart was pounding and her stomach was in knots. Plus the fact that she was grinning like a fool. She grabbed her cellphone and dialed Elena.
"Hey Care what's up?" Elena said tiredly because it was almost midnight.
"We need to go shopping," Caroline beamed.
"Why what's the occasion? I mean don't get me wrong I can shop with you for hours, but you don't spring it up unless something is going on," Elena giggled through the phone.
"I have a date," She paused. "With Klaus"
Elena screamed through the phone suddenly very awake, "it's about damn time Care. Ok I'm going to call Matty and Bonnie. You meet us at our favorite boutique during lunch tomorrow." She hung up before Caroline could answer.
Caroline smiled before locking her door.
A/N So are you ready for their official first date? Leave me a review and give me your thoughts on how this date will go or what they'll do.