Fallen
Chapter Six
A.N. Thank you my lovely readers for all of your wonderful feedback for the last chapter! I'm glad everyone liked the little Klaroline confrontation, because it was a particular favorite of mine to write.
As I promised, this chapter is chalk full of Klaroline goodness, so I hope that you enjoy!
Longest chapter yet!
Thanks to Becky, Miranda and Leah for all their help!
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"How come I never get to go to your parties?"
Klaus laughed quietly, smiling at the reflection of his son behind him as he diligently fastened the cuffs of his white button down shirt.
Declan was sitting cross legged in the center of his bed, his hands fiddling with the wheels of a toy car, a perfect pout on his face as he stared glumly at his father. His blonde curls were in disarray atop his small head, the sleeves of his Spider-Man pajamas bunched up around his elbows.
Klaus shrugged, turning towards him as tucked the tails of his shirt into the waistband of his black dress trousers, his eyebrows raising as he met the boy's gaze. "There's not much to see," he tried to placate, fighting the grin that threatened to spread forth when his son's frown deepened. "Lots of mindless chit chat and not a toy in sight. You'd be bored senseless, son." He sighed, stopping at the edge of the bed and slipping his hands into his pockets. "Come now, enough with the pouting. You know that when you're old enough you'll be able to come if you want to, but you're really not missing out on anything."
Declan sighed, his shoulders sagging. "But Caroline will be there," he pointed out sadly. "Uncle Kol told me that she was coming to Bonnie's party, and I haven't seen her in a long time."
"You just saw her less than two days ago, Declan," he laughed, sitting on the edge of the bed and angling his body so he could face his son. "And you know not to completely trust Uncle Kol's word. There's no guarantee that Caroline is even going to show up."
He certainly hoped she did, however. He could still clearly see the fire in her eyes as she'd confronted him yesterday, her blonde curls flying around her shoulders as she ranted and raved at him. She'd tossed his gift in his face and flat out refused it, stating quite plainly that she wasn't looking for handouts or to be bought off. Neither of which was his intention, of course, but he couldn't deny that he had enjoyed seeing her in her element. Full of fire and spirit, her words strong and forceful. It had been such a contrast to the quiet, subdued Caroline he had interacted with in the past.
It was quite clear that she was a force to be reckoned with; and at that, one he certainly wanted to reckon with.
The bed shifted underneath him, and his train of thought was cut off as he glanced over to see Declan stretching his legs out in front of him, his toes curling into the comforter as his bare feet stuck out from beneath the pant legs of his PJs. "But do I have to eat Jane Anne's gumbo?"
Klaus' lips twitched. "What's wrong with her gumbo?"
"I just don't like gumbo."
"No one really likes gumbo, mate," Kol said as he waltzed into the room, grinning when his nephew turned his sad puppy dog face towards him. "What's with the long face? You get the whole house to yourself tonight while Jane Anne catches up on her Charmed reruns and attempts to read the runes or whatever she does. You've got it made, champ. Not to mention," he added, twirling a finger in the air before jabbing it in his direction, a wicked grin on his face. "A late night party tonight for us means cake for breakfast for you."
Klaus scoffed as he rose to his feet, crossing the room and picking up the folded suit jacket that was draped across an arm chair. "It most certainly doesn't," he stated, glaring at his younger brother once he caught the intrigued glimmer in Declan's eyes. "Lunch, perhaps, but breakfast is out of the question." He turned towards the mirror as he shrugged into his jacket, rolling his eyes as he saw Kol purse his lips and nod his head once his back was turned, giving the small boy a discreet thumbs up, eliciting a bright smile on the child's face. He shook his head, turning around and looking at the two of them. "Shouldn't you be off making sure the preparations are underway? This whole frenzy was your idea, after all."
"It was Bekah's as well," Kol replied, plopping down next to Declan on the bed and resting on his elbows. He was dressed much like Klaus, in a black suit with the jacket unbuttoned and hanging loosely around his chest. He'd forgone a tie, opting instead to leave the top three buttons of his gray dress shirt undone. His hair was slicked back neatly and his face freshly shaven.
Say what you will about Kol Mikaelson, but he went out of his way to make an impression when it came to Bonnie Bennett.
"She's there now, making sure everything's going off without a hitch. She claimed I'd only ruin everything anyway, so I'll let her do all the heavy lifting and then just take all the credit."
"Story of your lives," Klaus remarked with a smirk. He straightened the collar of his jacket as he looked towards his son. "Deck, why don't you head on downstairs now with Jane Anne? We'll be leaving soon."
Declan slid off the bed, his toy car clenched in his hands as he looked up at his towering father. "But do I have to eat the gumbo?" he asked, his brown eyes widening with his plea.
Klaus smiled, shaking his head. "No, you don't have to eat the gumbo," he chuckled. "I'll make sure she gives you something else for dinner, alright?"
The boy nodded, dragging his feet as he slowly made his way to the bedroom door, his head hung low. He stopped and turned when his uncle called out to him, glancing over his shoulder.
"Auntie Bekah keeps a carton of Rocky Road stuffed behind the ice pack," Kol winked, laughing when the boy grinned and continued on his way, his light footsteps padding down the hallway and towards the stairs. He looked towards his older brother, shrugging when he saw the look of annoyed disapproval on his face. "Oh, what are you complaining about? Jane Anne's the one who'll have to deal with his sugar rush. He'll be out cold by the time you get home tonight. That is, if you get home," he smirked, swinging himself up into a sitting position. "Who knows where the night may take you and Caroline."
Klaus rolled his eyes, striding the door and into the hallway, flicking the light switch off as he went. He heard the mattress of his bed complain as Kol hoisted himself to his feet, his steps lunging after him to catch up as he rounded the banister of the stairs.
"Such a Doubting Thomas, Nik," Kol clucked, shaking his head as he followed his brother down the stairs. "Don't think you're fooling anyone, brother. After your grand gesture of the dress and subsequent invitation to this night's festivities, you'll be lucky if that blind soothsayer down in the Quarter doesn't see your obvious infatuation. Not that it's unwarranted," he shrugged, hopping the last step and landing his feet on the ground with a thud, an eternal child. "She is a tasty little thing."
He stumbled back a step when Klaus whirled on him unexpectedly, a glare on his face and his jaw clenched. He grinned, holding up his hands and taking a step back. "Clearly I hit a nerve," he taunted.
"Go on, then," Klaus remarked, tilting his head and narrowing his glare. "Continue on with your insightful observations. See how long your tongue remains in your mouth."
"Easy, Niklaus. You know I just like to rile you up. And you also know that I only have eyes for one particular luscious beauty who will be at the party tonight, and she doesn't resemble Caroline in the slightest. Though, if I were you, I'd make sure my eyes were on the lookout for the blonde in question. Something tells me she won't be lacking of male companionship tonight once she steps foot into the hotel." He grinned, unrepentantly when he saw his brother's eye twitch slightly at the mention of any other man with Caroline. He reached out and clasped his brother on the shoulder. "See you there, big brother."
Klaus tried to ignore the sudden feeling of jealousy that erupted in him at the picture his brother had painted. While it was true he held no claim whatsoever over Caroline, the idea of her with any other man wasn't one he could stomach. The idea of her smiling at anyone else, dancing in the arms of someone who wasn't him...
He cleared his throat, shaking his head as he turned on his heel, following the sounds of Jane Anne and Declan's voices coming from the kitchen. He walked in to find them seated at the long island, a large bowl of ice cream situated between them, spoons at the ready to dive back in. His son was clearly wearing half of the dairy mixture on his face, and he sighed, crossing his arms over his chest and silently cursing his younger brother, for both this and the thoughts that wouldn't stop plaguing his mind.
Declan looked up at him from his spoon, an innocent look on his face as he shrugged, and shoveled another bite into his mouth.
"Uncle Kol said I could."
Those words would send him to an early grave, he swore it.
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Caroline straightened the skirt of her dress for the tenth time as she stepped out of the cab, staring up at the intimidating structure before her in all its historical beauty. The sound of old time jazz music poured from the arching entryways, the sweeping canopy boasting the name Hotel Monteleone towering above her. The white brick and mortar were enchanting, and her eyes widened as she tilted her head back, taking in every floor and window as they seemed to stretch to the skies.
Her feet carried her towards the entrance where a man in a top hat and tails pulled the door open for her, bowing his head with a smile that she returned hesitantly, the extravagance of the whole night suddenly hitting her head on. She was reminded once more of Cami's observation that the Mikaelsons never did anything low-key, and as she stepped into the lobby of the hotel and her eyes took in the flurry of activity, she realized just how non low key she meant.
Like the outside of the hotel, the inside was floor to ceiling white. Crystal chandeliers seemed to cascade from the ceiling, and marble pillars accented every hallway and doorway. White lights cast a glow through the room as she traveled along, her gloved hands tangling themselves into her skirts as she peered around in wonder.
Music poured from every crevice it seemed, and the crowds of people laughed and danced, their hands full of champagne and various finger foods. There were seas of elegant dresses and pressed tuxedos-black, white, red, blue, green, every color she deemed imaginable seemed to flock throughout the rooms.
Across the room, she spotted the carousel bar Cami had mentioned, and a wide smile spread across her face. The bar itself was just like it sounded, but instead of the familiar horses and carriages she remembered riding in her childhood, there stood a dozen wing backed chairs around the circular bar counter, each draped with thick velvet fabric with intricate designs stitched in. A smiling bartender tended to the patrons seated in the chairs, his shoulders and hips shaking to the tune of the music as he poured drink after drink, his eyes dancing with the magic of the night.
And it truly was magical, Caroline decided, folding her hands in front of her as she stepped off to the side. It was a like a fairytale kingdom for grownups.
"Caroline!"
The sound of Bonnie's ecstatic voice off to her side drew her attention, and she turned her head, smiling when she saw her roommate heading towards her in a sea of midnight blue that contoured to her form. The strapless dress showed off her slim shoulders, her caramel skin shimmering with a soft blush of body powder. Her long dark hair was pinned at the side of her neck, cascading over her shoulders in flawless curls. A sparkling necklace adorned her neck, encrusted with diamonds as they encircled an oval shaped jewel in the same divine shade of her dress.
"Bonnie, you look beautiful!" Caroline gushed, leaning into the other girl as she wrapped her arms around her. She closed her eyes as Bonnie's grip tightened around her, and she realized how much she'd missed this-actual contact with other people, with no ulterior motive at all.
"So do you," Bonnie replied as she pulled away, a bright smile on her face. She arched an eyebrow knowingly, her eyes darting down Caroline's form. "Nice dress."
Caroline rolled her eyes, scoffing softly under her breath, trying to keep the blush from spreading across her face.
In the end, she'd swallowed her pride and slipped into the extravagant dress, relishing in the feel of the fabric gliding softly against her skin. It turned out to be a perfect fit, a fact that she didn't dwell too much on-"a thin line between sweet and creepy" resounding in her head-and she'd spent several moments just spinning in front of her mirror, watching the skirt swish and swirl around her feet.
She'd swept her hair up into an high updo, letting a few wisps of curls frame her face softly.
"I didn't really have time to shop," she joked, laughing when the other girl rolled her eyes and shook her head. She smiled, lifting her eyes to the sparkling ceiling. "This is amazing. It's so beautiful in here."
Bonnie's reply was cut short when Kol suddenly came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his cheek against hers, his devilish smirk in place and his eyes roaming over Caroline in intrigue. "Well, well," he crooned. "Look at our little country bumpkin now. You look stunning, sweet Caroline. New dress?" He grinned when she narrowed her eyes playfully. "It's good to see your stick in the mud phase has passed. What do you think?"
"It's very...overwhelming," Caroline replied, nodding as her eyes lingered on the carousel bar once more. "But it's very beautiful. You did well, Kol."
"Rebekah did most of it," Bonnie replied, smirking at Kol when he glared at her in mock outrage. "But it's the thought that counts." She pressed a kiss to his cheek, lacing her fingers with his across her abdomen. She turned back to Caroline, smiling. "You should take a look around. This place is literally the ritziest place I've ever step foot in, and I've been gaping all night. It's extraordinary."
Caroline watched them walk off arm in arm, Bonnie tucked securely into Kol's side, his mouth pressed to her ear. Bonnie's soft giggling followed their steps, and Caroline couldn't help but smile wistfully after them.
She sighed as she laced her fingers together in front of her, her eyes traveling over the crowd once more before landing on the figure across the room, her breath stalling in her throat.
Klaus stood next to a refreshment table, laden with an assortment of desserts and snacks that looked as if it could feel an army. His back was to her as he talked animatedly with Stefan Salvatore, who had shed the police uniform for a snug fitting tux that showcased his broad shoulders and toned forearms. A smile was on his face as he listened to whatever Klaus was saying, his jaw working steadily as he munched on some kind of chocolate covered confection.
Cami stood next to him, her slim form sheathed in a pale yellow gown that reached her calves before billowing out in a short train behind her, coming to a fluttering stop just above her high heeled shoes. Her hair was slicked back into a neat French twist at the base of her neck, a sparkling barrett gleaming in the dim lighting of the ballroom. She was watching the two men converse with mild interest, lips upturned into a polite smile, before her eyes landed on her across the room, and her smile grew. She nodded towards her, shifting her glass of champagne to one hand and motioning for her to join them with the other.
Klaus turned just then, seeing Cami's distraction, and his eyes found her across the room. His lips parted when his gaze met hers, and she saw the hint of a smile tugging at them, a knowing glint in his eyes as they raked over her from a distance.
Squaring her shoulders, she made her way towards them, keeping her arms straight at her sides, flexing her fingers to keep them from fiddling with her skirt nervously as she kept her gaze fixed on the blonde haired man across the room. Her steps faltered when he suddenly started for her, meeting her halfway, his eyes sparkling as they took her in.
"Good evening," he said softly, a shiver coursing down in Caroline's spine at the huskiness of his deep voice.
She blinked at him, her mouth opening and closing as she searched her brain for something to say before settling on a small smile, tilting her head towards him and rolling her eyes slightly. His smile only seemed to spread, and he bowed his head slightly to her, stepping off to the side and motioning for her to move ahead of him.
"Damn, girl, don't you clean up well?" Cami noted, laughing as they approached, smacking Stefan's chest with the back of her hand. "Look at her, would you even guess that just a few short hours ago, she was a meek little barfly?"
Stefan smiled warmly at Caroline, nodding in greeting. "You look beautiful, Caroline," he said. "I'm glad to see you here, though. We were actually getting ready to start taking bets on if you were actually going to show or not." Cami smacked him again, and he looked over at her, affronted. "What?"
Cami only scoffed, shaking her head, while Klaus chuckled quietly next to Caroline, his hands clasped behind his back as he turned his head towards her. "Can I offer you a drink?"
Caroline looked at him, her heart skipping at this earnest, hopeful expression, and once more Matt's words echoed in her head. She shrugged, smiling a soft, reserved smile, and nodded. "Yeah...thanks."
Klaus seemed to pause for a moment, a flash of pleasant surprise appearing in his eyes, before he nodded, lips twitching. He held her gaze as he turned away, quietly asking Cami and Stefan if he could get them anything as well, and when they both responded in the negative, he turned to move away.
Caroline watched him go for a moment, before reaching out a hand, calling his name. He stopped, looking at her over his shoulder, his brows raised in question, and she shrugged. "And um...thanks...for the dress."
She watched the surprise spread across his face, his smirk slipping into a content smile, as his own eyes searched her face. There was an earnestness written across it, and an unspoken apology for her behavior the previous day, and whatever else he seemed to find there was enough to have his smile grow once more, his head bobbing as he continued on towards the bar.
Caroline watched him go, not even able to fight the identical smile that appeared on her own face.
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"Well, well...look who finally decided to show?"
Caroline attention had been riveted on the crystal chandelier dangling above her head, but at the sound of the teasing voice behind her she turned and smiled, watching as Rebekah sashayed her way towards her, her bright yellow ball gown swishing around her feet as he moved. Her long blonde tresses were bustled at the side of her neck, pouring over her shoulder in waves. She looked like Cinderella, stepped right out of her fairytale book.
"Better late than never, right?" she asked, shrugging and lifting her glass of champagne in greeting. Klaus had returned to her side with the bubbly drink, but had just as quickly been called away by a former acquaintance. He'd left with an apologetic look and a sigh, promising to find her as soon as he was done.
She'd almost been relieved as she'd watched his departing figure, grasping at the chance to finally take a breath and let her thoughts ponder of the events of the last few days. She'd tossed back her delicate glass of champagne, ignoring Stefan's impressed head bob as she downed it in one gulp, before quickly reaching for another off a tray of a passing waiter.
She'd stood and chatted with Cami for a few moments before excusing herself, using the extravagance of the hotel as an excuse to wander off and think. Her eyes had poured over the riches of the architecture, noting the moldings and the towering arches, every modern aged renovation that only seemed to enhance the old time feel of the hotel.
She'd found herself questioning her actual motives for being here tonight. Was she really here to take a stand against her fear, like Matt had encouraged her to do? To take back her life and start anew? Was she here for herself, or was she here for the blonde haired man that had seemed to invade her thoughts so presently as of late?
She was wearing his dress, after all. The dress that he'd bought her for this very occasion, a dress he had practically admitted was a play for her affection, a realization that brought on an entire new round of thoughts and fears.
Did she even want his affections? She admitted that there was a certain thrill that came with every encounter with Klaus Mikaelson. There was a kind of innocence to their quiet flirting and subdued glances. But even in those, there was something more that lied beneath. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on, but it often left her mind reeling and her heart racing. A sense of near calmness that nearly had her gasping for breath.
Shaking herself from her thoughts, she smiled as Rebekah stopped at her side, the diamonds in her bracelet shining underneath the lights of the chandelier. She watched the other blonde's blue eyes pass over her in approval, her lips puckering slightly as she nodded. "Nik did well, didn't he?"
Caroline frowned. "You knew he was buying me a dress?"
Rebekah shrugged. "He came to me for advice. He's not exactly an expert on women's fashion, and this just happens to be one my earlier designs in evening wear." She smiled proudly at the look of surprise that passed across Caroline's face.
"I certainly wasn't going to let him just go out and purchase the first off the rack frock he came across that he deemed pretty. He wanted to make an impact after all." She shrugged, lifting her martini glass to her lips. "Clearly he did."
Caroline gaped at her, and Rebekah only rolled her eyes, reaching and grasping ahold of her wrist to pull her after her.
"Come on. You've met Nik and Kol, you may as well meet the rest of our brood as well."
Caroline let her pull her through the crowd, her eyes staying trained on the way the blonde hair seemed to bounce along Rebekah's shoulders, instead of on the dozens of eyes she could feel following their every step.
It hadn't escaped her notice that the Mikaelsons appeared to be a very well known family in New Orleans, at least in the districts she'd been to they were well known. They couldn't seem to pass a single person without at least one of them calling out to Rebekah in greeting. She was reminded of how Klaus had seemed to be called away quite quickly as well, and she made a mental note to ask Bonnie more about the family's involvement in the city.
She and Rebekah came to a stop after a while, and Caroline watched as the other blonde tapped a tall broad shouldered man on the shoulder, his dark haired head turning around quickly to face them. Dark brown eyes traveled from his sister's face to Caroline's, a friendly smile spreading across his face as he lowered his wine glass and turned to face them more fully.
"Caroline, this our eldest brother, Elijah," Rebekah introduced, smiling fondly at the man in sisterly devotion.
"So this is the elusive Caroline," Elijah said pleasantly, his smile widening as he took a step towards her, extending his hand. "Elijah Mikaelson. It's nice to finally meet the young woman who seems to have put my family in pleasant disarray."
Caroline laughed as she shook his hand, tamping down the bout of nervousness that erupted when she remembered Bonnie saying the eldest brother was a sheriff. She forced herself to remain calm, keeping in mind that Stefan never blinked when he'd met her, and Matt had told her himself that things back home were quiet, so really she had nothing to worry about, right?
"I don't know about disarray," she laughed.
"Well, I don't think there's a more appropriate word for just how much more irritatingly invasive Kol has become, or how animated my young nephew is every time he mentions his new friend Caroline," Elijah shrugged, smiling. "It's not to be taken in a negative form at all, believe me. It's more a compliment, if anything."
Caroline smiled, wrapping an arm around her waist as she swiped at one of the curls brushing against her cheek. "Well, thank you. They're all quite something."
"'Something.' Thank you for putting it so delicately," he chuckled, turning when a dark haired woman came up behind him, her hand softly grazing his suit covered back, and he smiled, grasping her hand in his and bringing her to his side, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Caroline, may I introduce my wife, Katherine? Sweetheart, this is Caroline."
Katherine Mikaelson was just as fierce as she was beautiful, seeming to carry herself with an air of superiority and grace that left Caroline envious. She was tall and statuesque, with olive skin and piercing brown eyes that seemed to take in and critique everything around her. She stood tall and proud next to Elijah, her thin and fit form swathed in a vibrant red. The ball gown was bright and ostentatious, layers and layers of fabric wrapping around her chest and abdomen in a strapless fit before flaring out at the waist, in layers of ruffled tulle.
Long dark chestnut curls fell across her shoulders and down her back in waves, adding at least another inch to her already towering height. A black feather hairpiece sat nestled in the mess of curls, a pair of teardrop diamond earrings dangling from her ears, matching the sparkling necklace that hung from around her neck.
Her eyes were lined with dark liner and smokey eyeshadow, her lips painted a deep blood red as they quirked up in contemplation, and she tilted her head as she rested a hand on top of Elijah's against her abdomen.
"It's nice to meet you," she finally said, her voice lilting and pronounced. "We've heard quite a bit about you, between Declan and Kol. It's nice to finally put a face to all the mentions."
From the corner of her eye, Caroline could see Rebekah rolling her eyes, lifting her glass to her lips and taking a large gulp. Her lips twitched as she fought against a smile, and she nodded towards Katherine. "It's nice to meet you as well, Katherine. Your dress is stunning."
Katherine smirked, one hand reaching down to run across the layers of her skirt. "Thank you," she said smugly, side eying Rebekah and tossing her curls over her shoulder. "I always did say that if you were going to make an impression, make it well." She laughed under her breath, turning to her husband with a smile and tilting up her chin. "Elijah, Trevor and Rose are looking for you. Something about the upcoming council meeting or something like that. They asked me to come fetch you."
Elijah nodded, tightening his arm around her waist. "Of course," he said, looking at Caroline with an apologetic smile. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm afraid duty calls. But it truly was a pleasure to meet you, Caroline. I do hope our paths will cross once more, soon."
Caroline smiled, nodding, and watched as he pressed a quick kiss to Rebekah's cheek before turning and heading into the crowd, his hand capturing Katherine's as she moved to follow him. The brunette cast a last smile over her shoulder-a smile that was much less welcoming than her husband's-before falling into step with Elijah.
Rebekah scoffed as soon as they were out of earshot, her shoulder brushing Caroline's as she moved to her side. "I don't know what my brother sees in that trollop," she muttered quietly. "She's brash and unsophisticated. Who honestly shows up in a flashy dress like that, to a birthday party no less, one that isn't even for her?" She shook her head, crossing her arms across her chest and balancing her glass in her fingertips. "What I wouldn't give to rip those hair extensions from her head..."
Caroline laughed, looking over at her. "No love lost between you two, I take it?"
Rebekah sighed. "I've never cared for her. Not from the moment Elijah brought her home, and no more now that they're married. She's uncouth and rude. And while she may show a softer side that only my brother can see, she certainly doesn't win any points with me by being so ridiculously ostentatious and undermining Bonnie's celebration." She sighed again, looking over at her. "Well, let's not just stand here. There's an open bar going to waste, and the party's barely started."
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He'd been following with his eyes the entire evening.
He couldn't take his gaze off of her. She truly was breathtaking, the blue of her dress seeming to only bring out the attributes that had him mesmerized already. She stood proud and tall amongst the throngs of people, her smile unwavering, and every time he'd catch a glimpse of her sparkling blue eyes, there was that odd tightness in his chest that came with every thought of her.
She hadn't left his sister's side since she'd cornered her an hour ago. She stood off to the side with Rebekah now, a glass of champagne in her hand as they watched the waltzing couples glide across the marble dance floor. He tried not to let his irritation with his little sister get the better of him-he should have known, after all, that once Rebekah had caught wind of Caroline, she would stop at nothing until she'd learned everything she could about her.
Now if only he could be so lucky...
After he'd managed to slip away from Greta and Luka, a pair of siblings whose work he'd once showcased when they were just starting out, he'd quickly been accosted by Sophie Devereaux herself, eager to find out anything she could about her upcoming showcase and the buzz that it may have been circulating.
Klaus couldn't help but to assuage the young girl's worries, easily recognizing a fear that he'd felt more times than he'd care to admit when he'd branched out with his own artwork. He'd assured her that her showcase was sure to be a success, and they had several art buyers and collectors coming to the city just for the occasion. He'd smiled and patted her shoulder when she sighed in relief, promising to get in touch with her at the start of the week to go over any final details, and he'd turned away, his eyes searching the crowd for the familiar head of blonde curls.
He found her by herself this time, her head tilted back as she peered up at the intricate ceiling, taking in every etched groove and design. He couldn't help but admire the curve of her neck as she gazed, or the small smile of wonder that spread across her face the longer her attention was riveted on the ceiling.
Not wanting to startle her, he cleared his throat as he approached her side, smiling when her eyes met his and her smile seemed to brighten slightly.
"You're certainly quite popular," she teased, clasping her hands in front of her as she turned to face him.
He laughed, running a hand absentmindedly through his hair. "Art business. Settle in the city that boasts the best artists of our time, and you're bound to get hassled no matter where you are." He stepped closer to her, his hands sliding into the pockets of his pants. "I've noticed you and my sister have been spending a lot of time together this evening. Enjoying yourself, love?"
Caroline shrugged. "It's quite the shindig," she laughed. "Honestly this is probably the most extravagant party I've ever been to. I feel a little out of my element, so having Rebekah there to hold my hand was kind of a relief. I'm terrified I'm going to drink out of the wrong cup or trip a waiter or something." She smiled, shrugging her shoulders as she tore her gaze away from him and searched the crowd absentmindedly, watching couples sway back and forth to a slow jazz song. "So, where's your mini-me tonight?"
"Home with a sitter," Klaus replied with a soft laugh. "And quite put out by it, at that." He peered at her from the corner of his eyes, watching her profile as her gaze followed the dancing couples. A soft, bittersweet smile was playing on her lips, an unspoken hint of sadness in her ocean blue eyes. It caught him off guard-there was that tugging in his chest again. That need to make every frown and sad emotion disappear from her face. He turned her to her, tilting his head towards the dance floor. "Would you care to join me for a dance?"
There was a flicker of hesitation in her eyes as she quickly glanced back at the dance floor, her lower lip caught between her teeth as she followed each couple once more. It was almost as if she was overwhelmed by the concept of joining the dancing crowd.
"Or perhaps a walk?" he suggested after a moment. "A bit of fresh air? There's a courtyard just outside, it's quite spectacular to see."
Relief seemed to flow from her at his words, a grateful smile appearing on her face as she nodded slowly, moving to follow him when he made a motion to lead the way.
Klaus was very conscious of her soft footsteps next to him, and the way their shoulders brushed against each other as they weaved their way around the bustling crowds. He nodded politely at various acquaintances who called to him as they passed, but his attention stayed focused on the blonde at his side, his hand coming to rest against her lower back as he pulled open the glass door that led out into the courtyard behind the hotel.
The music from inside muffled as soon as the door slid shut behind them, and it was as if a weight was lifted from Caroline's shoulders as the cool hair brushed her skin and the muted sounds of the Louisiana city whispered around her. She turned, her eyes finally taking in the courtyard around them.
Klaus hadn't been exaggerating when he said it was spectacular. The courtyard itself was almost as magnificent as the hotel itself. Unblemished gray and red bricks zigzagged across the ground, creating an almost labyrinth effect with the way they crisscrossed and extended away from each other. Muted overhead lights were strategically placed around the building, illumintating the wrought iron benches that lined the walkways and the the perfectly trimmed trees and plants.
There was a flowing fountain in the center of everything, water trickling from the hands of a perfectly sculpted woman, her body turned upwards in a graceful poise. It cascaded down into the circular pool beneath her, rippling and flowing, the moonlight casting shadows across the watery surface.
Klaus and Caroline fell into step with each other as they started down one of the paths, their heels clicking against the cement. She peered at him from the corner of her eyes, noting his thoughtful expression as his eyes drifted up to the night sky. His hands were clasped behind his back as they walked, his gait slow and steady to accommodate her shorter legs.
"Thanks," she said softly, laughing under her breath as she shook her head. "I needed some air, it was just...weirdly suffocating in there for some reason."
Klaus chuckled. "Understandable. My family aren't quite known for doing anything low-key, as I'm sure you've come to realize. It can be quite overwhelming for anyone."
Caroline laughed, looking at him as she bunched a fistful of skirt in her hand, lifting it slightly and arching an eyebrow in his direction. "Gee, you don't say." He laughed then, a short, almost embarassed laugh, and the smile that crossed his face was almost enough to catch her breath. Shaking her head, she let the dress settled around her legs again, clasping her hands in front of her. "You Mikaelsons sure know how to make your intentions known."
"And what intentions would those be, love?" he asked, a smile in his voice.
Caroline's steps halted and she turned to face him, watching as his eyes seemed to scour her face. "You tell me," she answered quietly, not quite sure if she really wanted to know his answer. After all, there was a difference in entertaining the fanciful notion and finding out that it's not so much a notion as it is a fact.
They seemed to stare at each other for a long moment before Klaus shrugged, his gaze drifting towards the landscape around them as he smiled. "I fancy you," he stated quite plainly. He looked back to see her looking at her almost worriedly, a dozen different emotions warring across her face. "You're beautiful, you're strong, you're...full of light. As odd as that sounds, it's the most justified way I can describe the pure...luminance I see when I'm around you." He shrugged again. "I enjoy you, quite simply."
She shook her head slightly, sighing as she shifted on her feet. "You don't even know me."
"Oh, I don't know about that," he said, smiling when she looked at him inquisitively. "For instance, I know that you have quite the temper." He chuckled when her eyes narrowed, but he continued on. "You pride yourself on making it on your own, hence why you initially found the idea of the dress so loathsome. You're able to stomach my younger brother, a feat that is quite impressive in itself. You hold your own against Rebekah, who's been known to be quite mean, and you're able to sit as a little boy spouts off random facts about an animal he's never even seen other than on the Discovery Channel, and you do it with the utmost patience." He sighed, lowering his chin and looking at her. "You can't blame me for being fascinated."
"I like talking to Declan," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "And Kol and Rebekah, they're just..." She sighed, trailing off and looking at him once more.
"Why are you so resistant to get closer to me, Caroline?"
"I'm not," she argued, knowing that it was a lie but unable to admit how much she wished she wasn't.
"Then talk to me," he dared, spreading his arms out at his side. "Let me get to know you; get to know me, and then decide if you're still so hesitant."
He could see her wrestling with herself, weighing her options-the pros and the cons of continuing with their line of conversation-and he watched her reactions anxiously, nearly sighing out loud with relief when she seemed to give in.
A sigh escaped her lips even as she smiled softly, rolling her eyes as they continued on their way down the path. "What do you want to talk about?"
"You."
She barked out a soft laugh, and he grinned, shrugging his shoulders as he slipped his hands into the pocket of his trousers.
"Your hopes, your dreams...everything you want in life." When she only shook her head and giggled, he shrugged, pursing his lips playfully. "Too heavy of a subject for a get-to-know-you conversation? Alright then, how about we stick to the easy simple questions, then? What brings you to New Orleans?"
Caroline shrugged, tucking a strand of curl behind her ear. "Just...wanted something new," she answered carefully, looking over at him. His gaze was fixed on her, and she could feel her face flush under his attention. "New Orleans just seemed so...alive. I figured it was as good a place as any to start over."
Klaus nodded. "A clean slate."
"Yeah, I guess. What about you? I'm judging by the accent that your family aren't originally from here?"
"You'd assume correctly," he answered with a smile. "My family and I originated in London. We moved around quite a bit, all over England, and eventually started making our way over to the States. Both of our parents were very into the business world, what with stocks and trading and all that. Our mother fell in love with beauty of this city, and after years of summer visits and extended holidays, we uprooted ourselves and have been here ever since. We've gone back to England a few times since then, but Louisiana has been home for us for quite awhile."
"Where are your parents now?" Caroline asked.
Klaus was quiet for a long moment before he cleared his throat. "They're gone now," he said gruffly. "A car accident about ten years ago. Our younger brother, Henrick, was in the car with them when they went over a guardrail." His chest tightened at the mention of their late brother, images of Henrik's eleven year old face smiling up at him as he showed off some new trick on his bicycle or telling him about his science fair project.
Caroline could tell he was awashed in memories as she looked at his face. It was an expression she was all too familiar with. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, watching as he was snapped out of his reverie with her words, his head shaking and his throat clearing as he straightened his shoulders.
"It was a long time ago," he replied just as quietly.
She shrugged. "That still doesn't make it hurt any less."
Klaus turned to look at her, seeing the genuine sympathy and understanding on her moonlit face, and he nodded, turning his gaze back to the walkway as they continued on. "No, I suppose it doesn't," he conceded. He cleared his throat again, uncomfortable with their line of questioning had resulted, and determined to get back on the subject of her. "Where are you from?"
"A small town," she answered. "In the middle of nowhere, with not a lot to see. And it's somewhere I never really want to go back to."
There was a heaviness behind her cryptic response, and Klaus found himself wondering what could have possibly driven away a person as strong as the lovely blonde at his side.
They'd circled the courtyard at least twice as they continued talking, the sounds of the party inside all but forgotten as they smiled and laughed together. He found out that she'd been a cheerleader in high school, and head of nearly every committee she could get her hands on. She talked about how she'd always wanted to travel, but New Orleans was the furthest she'd ever gone. She wanted to see the world one day, to which he'd confidently responded that he would take her, a statement that had her scoffing and laughing all at once.
"Wherever you want. Rome, Paris, Tokyo. The world is at your fingertips."
She'd only laughed and shook her head, her hand reaching out to playfully push his shoulder. He'd grinned, his laughter mixing with hers.
She never revealed too much, he realized. Her answers, as sincere as they appeared, were short and too the point, never much detail to them. Despite how much more relaxed she seemed around him, she was still holding him at arm's length.
It was frustrating, but he knew that this was just a start. Caroline Forbes was a careful woman. She was stubborn and clear headed, not one to simply fall over after a brief round of flirtatious banter and moonlit walks.
If cryptic answers and shy smiles were all he would get just then, he would gladly take them. After all, you had to walk before you could leap, right?
They were stopped back where they started, in front of the large glass doors that led back into the ballroom. Caroline could see the crowds still dancing and laughing inside, the music now a fast paced pop ballad that had the bartenders dancing and the couples laughing.
"The party's still raging," she laughed.
Klaus sighed, glancing over his shoulder. "If Kol has his way, it will go clear into daybreak," he said, casting a furtive glance at the watch on his wrist, noting the time with a smile. "Though my attendance won't last quite that long. With the amount of sugar Declan consumed before I left, I can only image that Jane Anne will have one foot out the door before I'm even inside the house."
Caroline giggled. "Sugar fiend, huh?"
"He's much like Kol in that aspect, much to my objected horror."
Caroline winced playfully, shaking her head. She laughed quietly again, her eyes searching his face as her teeth caught her lower lip again, nibbling at the skin there in brief consideration before she voiced her next question. "And what about Declan's mom? She's...not around, I take it?" He looked at her, a flash of something she couldn't quite pinpoint crossing his gaze. "I just mean that I noticed all of your siblings here, so clearly they're not, you know, taking care of Declan. And you mentioned having a sitter, so I just..."
Klaus sighed, a biting laugh escaping his lips as he shook his head.. "That's a long story," he said wearily, eying her. "And quite an unpleasant one at that. Not one I particularly enjoy rehashing, Caroline." He watched her gaze drop to the floor as she nodded, her fingers twisting around each other, and he sighed again, cursing silently. "She's not in the picture. Hasn't been for quite some time."
She lifted her gaze back to him. His eyes had darkened, clouded with unknown shadows of another memory he seemed to be wrestling against. There was a detachment to his voice as he spoke, a near emotionless drone, and she couldn't help her curiosity as she asked, "So...she's not around."
Klaus sighed again, opening his mouth to reply, but the opening of the door behind them cut him off, and they both turned to see Kol hanging outside the doorway, his eyes hazy and clouded with an abundance of alcohol, a carefree grin on his handsome face as he eyed them happily.
"There you lot are," he cried victoriously. "We're about to cut the cake, so stop loitering suspiciously in the darkness and join the festivities! Honestly, Nik, do you want to cause a ruckus, compromising Caroline's good name by whisking her away to seclusion, where no prying eyes can see?" He tsked under his breath. "People talk, you know."
Caroline could see Klaus gritting his teeth in annoyance, but before he could even utter a word, Kol was letting out a muted yelp and jumping, whirling around to reveal Bonnie behind him, her hand digging into his side painfully as she glared at him in warning.
"Would you leave them be?" she hissed, ignoring the indignant expression on her boyfriend's face as she turned to them apologetically. "I'm sorry, you guys don't have to come in. He's just being an ass and has had way, way too much champagne tonight."
"Well, look who's talking darling," Kol chided childishly at her side, earning another jab from the scowling brunette. "Bloody hell, woman, retract your talons!"
Bonnie rolled her eyes, shoving Kol back into the ballroom. "Like I said, take your time, there's no hurry. There's plenty of cake to go around."
"Yes, but if they keep dilly dallying around, they'll miss my singing to you," Kol whined.
"A sweet mercy for them," Bonnie said after him, dodging his playful shove as she the door shut behind them, muffling her laughter and Kol's continued drunken rant.
They were left in the quiet of the courtyard again, and Caroline found herself shuffling her feet against the brick walkway, a sudden tension between them that seemed to throw them both for a loop.
"We should go in," Klaus finally said, turning to her.
She nodded. "Yeah, something tells me Kol isn't one to give up easily."
He cracked a smile at that, placing his hand at the small of her back once more as he pulled open the door to the ballroom. "Another family trait, it would appear," he said softly, catching her gaze with his own, his smile growing when one appeared on her face after a moment before she ducked her head.
They both headed into the hotel, where the crowd was flanking Bonnie and Kol who stood in the center of the room. Bonnie was smiling in embarrassment as a crew of waiters wheeled out a giant multi layered cake, its numerous candles burning bright on top of the blue and white icing.
Kol had his arms wrapped snuggly around her waist, his face alight with pure joy as he joined the crowd in singing the traditional birthday tune, his lips ghosting against the skin of her cheek as they moved to the lyrics.
Caroline watched the scene with a smile, clapping her hands when the song ended and Bonnie leaned forward, blowing out the candles in one fell swoop before laughing and falling back into Kol's chest. Lacing her fingers together and bringing them to her chest, she peered at Klaus from the corner of her eyes.
He was watching the scene as well, though there was no smile on his face and his eyes seemed a million miles away. She wondered if he was still thinking of Declan's mother, or if his younger brother and parents had drifted into his thoughts again. She recognized the haunted look on his face, a sure sign that unwanted memories were running amok in his head.
She wore that same expression more times than she cared to admit.
He seemed to feel her eyes on him, because his head turned, his gaze catching her own. She smiled at him encouragingly, and he returned it with a small one of his own after a minute, their previous exchange seemingly forgotten as they turned their attention back to Bonnie and her cake, both deciding to join in her happiness, if even just for a night.
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The streets were still alight with activity when Klaus walked Caroline to her cab an hour later.
The crowds from the birthday party were finally dispersing, and after confirming with Bonnie that her roommate would be spending the night at Kol's place, Caroline had told Klaus that she should head home herself.
He'd insisted on calling her a cab, and was now walking her to the curb, both of their steps slow as they watched the numerous people pouring into their own cabs and limos, their inebriated laughter adding the the music and dancing that was still going on around them.
"Well, I think the party was a success," Caroline said as they walked. "Kol pulled it off."
"It was mostly Rebekah," Klaus chimed in with a smile. "Though if you ask Kol, he'll surely take all the credit."
"Of course he will," she laughed, shaking her head. They came to a stop at the curb, the white and red taxi cab idling on the street, the driver waiting with a bored expression on his face as his fingers dancing against the steering wheel to the beat of reggae song playing softly from the speakers. She turned on her heel, taking a surprised step back when Klaus reached out around her to pull open the door. She stepped down off the curb, resting a hand next to his on top of the car door as she looked at him, smiling genuinely up at him. "Well, um..thanks again, for the dress. And for insisting that I come. I'm really glad I did."
Klaus smiled. "Yes, I'm sure Bonnie was very happy you came."
She nodded, brushing a curl off her cheek as she dropped her gaze briefly, taking a deep breath before she raised her eyes again, her shoulders raising in a half shrug. "And you? Are you glad I came too?"
She knew she was treading precariously. She was starting down a path she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to go down, but something was still pulling her towards it. Pulling her towards him.
He was staring down at her, his eyes intense and soft all at the same time. Their deep blue depths were shifting to a light green, and she watched as his lips twitched up into a pleased smile, his dimples-so identical to his young son's-appearing in his cheeks.
He nodded, his chin low and his eyes piercing as he gazed at her. His smirk grew, and he leaned forward slightly. "Good night, Caroline," he said quietly, his fingers grazing hers as they shifted against the door frame.
She smiled, nodding. "Goodnight, Klaus."
Their eyes met once more, and before she could react he was craning his head towards her, his lips brushing against her cheek in a soft, chaste kiss. Her skin tingled, every inch of her face seeming to react to the brief touch, and her eyes were wide with surprise in delight when he pulled away, a soft smile on her face.
She watched as he took a step back from the cab, watching her quickly slide into the backseat and pull the door shut behind her. She leaned forward, giving the driver her address, and as she settled into the seat, she glanced at the window.
He was still standing at the curb, a smile on his face and his eyes fixed on her as the car finally pulled away.
She could feel the butterflies in her stomach once more, and she leaned her head against the headrest, closing her eyes as the first happy smile in a long while crossed her lips.
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Is anyone else squealing? Because I was squealing as I wrote every word. I love me some Klaroline, you dig?
Well, we've learned a bit about Klaus, as well as a bit about the mystery of Declan's mother. I've read a lot of your guesses as to who it is, so do keep them coming, because I love to read how you guys are interpreting it. I promise that you'll find out very soon.
I hope you enjoyed our little glimpse at Kalijah and Stemille. And of course, Kennett.
As always, sound of in the reviews.
Also follow me on Tumblr for ramblings and other such nonsense: klarolineepiclove