"Twirling? Ballet? Training your dog?" Jenna kept guessing as Damon drew pictures on the big sketch board. She was obviously getting frustrated though, as none of those were the answers.
"Dances with wolves," Klaus whispered to Caroline.
"Dances with wolves?" Caroline said to the whole group. Damon clapped his hands together once and pointed to her, indicating she had gotten the correct answer. She smiled brightly and jumped up and down while she sat.
"Good job, Care," Elena said.
"It was really Klaus. I wouldn't have known that," she giggled.
"You have to speak up, Klaus!" Aunt Jenna playfully chided him. He just shrugged without answering verbally.
"Whose up for another round? I think I have one more game in me," Alaric said, waving a marker around as he stood up.
"I'm terrible at this game though!" Jenna said horrified.
"Since when has that mattered to me?" Alaric teased her. She threw a pillow at him, but ended up missing her target.
Klaus was apparently going to take the pause in the game as an opportunity to make his leave. He patted Caroline on the knee and walked silently around the corner, so that he was out of the living room completely. Elena looked at her with concern.
"Is he okay?" she asked. Caroline nodded.
"He just needs time. This is a lot of people for him to get used to in one go," she paused, thinking of what to do next before continuing, "It might be best if we leave. I don't want to overwhelm him."
"That's fine. Don't feel obligated to stay here. We have a day or two still, depending on what everyone wants to do."
"Thanks, Lena," Care said, giving her friend a tight hug before standing up and walking over to her mother. "I think Klaus and I are going to head out."
"Oh. Is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine. I just think it best we call it a night. Do you want us to drop you off at the house, or are you staying longer?"
"Okay, sweetie, if you're sure. And no, that's not necessary. I'm sure Elena could give me a ride home. Will I see you again before you leave town?"
"Of course," Caroline said smiling. Liz returned the smile, bringing her daughter in for a hug before letting the blonde go. Caroline waved her goodbyes to everyone else, her gaze lingering on Damon's as she silently warned him not to say anything about Klaus's past behavior. Whether he got all that with one glance, she didn't know, but he nodded his head. So maybe he had.
Once Caroline had gathered her purse, she walked into the foyer and saw Klaus sitting on the stairs, his head in his hands. She bit her lower lip, walking slowly to him and sitting next to him.
"Everything all right?" she asked quietly. He nodded.
"Yea…just needed some air. I think I reached my limit for socializing."
"I figured," she said, taking his hand in hers gently, "I said my goodbyes. We can head back to the hotel now."
"Thank you." Klaus gave her a small smile, giving her a quick peck on the lips as well before standing, helping her up along with him. Caroline thought Klaus had done very well for his first big group gathering, but she wasn't going to push him. Baby steps. Rome wasn't built in a day.
Before they had a chance to get too far, Damon came jogging around the corner, stopping in front of the door to block their path. Caroline looked at him quizzically, afraid of what was to come. Her worries were soon forgotten though as Elena came around the corner as well to stand beside Damon. Klaus stiffened beside her, but she wrapped an arm around his waist, and placed a hand gently on his chest. Damon inhaled deeply before speaking.
"I'm sorry."
Well that had been unexpected.
"What?" Caroline asked. She was confused at what had just happened. Had she heard him right?
"I'm sorry," he said again, more slowly this time, "I've been a bit of a dick, when I don't know your whole story, Klaus. Elena has just recently reminded me of the many things I do on a regular basis. And while it irks me to admit it…I'm not perfect," he shrugged. Caroline scoffed. That was an understatement. At least he was trying though.
Klaus shook his head, in a way that expressed Damon shouldn't worry about it.
"Thank you Damon. It was very manly of you to apologize like that," Caroline said.
"Yea well…she made me," Damon said, pointing to Elena.
"Look, are you two-"
"Yes," Elena said before Caroline could finish. The blonde's eyes widened.
"Really?"
"Yup. Ever since Stefan…we've kind of just been there for each other. I figured you, and probably everyone in the other room had guessed it by now…but we've made it official. We were going to announce it to the group soon, but then you guys decided to leave…so we rushed in here."
"You want to know something?" Caroline asked quietly.
"What?" Elena and Damon asked at the same time.
"I believe Stefan would have given you two his blessing. Trust me." Caroline still remembered that conversation she had with him the evening they had carved pumpkins. He had wanted both of them together, because he thought they made each other happy. So really, she was positive he would have given them his blessing. Damon looked to the floor, deep in thought.
"That's my brother," he mumbled quietly. Elena patted him comfortingly on the arm, placing her head gently on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Care. We'll let you guys go, but that needed to be said before you did."
"I'm glad you came in here. It means a lot to me. And to Klaus," she said, looking over at him and smiling. He was just looking at the ground, his hands in his pockets. He was still so shy around people, even her friends.
Damon and Elena nodded in acknowledgement before walking back into the living room to where the others were already into another game of Pictionary. Caroline took his hand and led him outside. Finally, she had gotten a little closure from her friends that she had been looking for. And some that Klaus had been looking for as well, if their conversation on the way to Mystic Falls had meant anything.
Within a few short minutes, they had walked to Klaus's car, gotten in the navigator, and were on their way to the hotel. Caroline was in a cheery mood as she turned on the radio, happy after hearing Damon's apology. She figured Klaus would say something about her wanting to listen to music, but he kept quiet, so she went ahead with her station search. What she landed on wasn't bubble gum pop like on the way down. Caroline began bobbing her head and snapping her fingers, forcing Klaus to look at her sideways in a very serious manner while he drove.
"Caroline…"
"Everybody's working for the weekend," she began singing.
"What are you doing?"
"Everybody wants a new romance!"
"Please don't."
"Everybody's going off the deep end!"
"Shit."
"Everybody needs a second chance, oh! You want a piece of my heart? You better start from the start," she sang, pointing her finger at him, "You want to be in the show? C'mon baby, let's go!" Caroline then went into a snazzy air guitar solo. Klaus started smiling from the driver's seat, which was what she had been going for. She continued singing the song, bobbing her head dramatically as she danced in her seat. Eventually, she heard Klaus bust out laughing, his face turning just a shade of pink as he focused intently on the road in front of them. Caroline smiled, continuing her shenanigans as the next song played.
"Do I get a free show for this one too?" Klaus asked, a smile still plastered on his face.
"I don't know Bruce Springsteen as well."
"You don't know The Boss?" Klaus asked appalled. Caroline just raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me for not having every eighties song memorized. I thought I was doing pretty good with…are you humming?" she asked, a grin tugging at her lips. The noise ceased immediately.
"What?"
"Were you humming?"
"Nope," he said quickly.
"You know this song." It wasn't a question.
"I'm afraid not," he said innocently.
"You're lying," she sang a little, smiling completely.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Sing with me!"
"Hell no."
Caroline waited for the chorus to come back around before looking at Klaus and singing. "You can't start a fire…you can't start a fire without a spark." His lips formed a straight line, but it was to keep from smiling, not because he was ticked off.
"This gun's for hire…even if we're just-"
"Dancing in the dark," they sang in unison as Klaus quietly joined her. She squealed a little in delight as he began gently tapping along on the steering wheel. Caroline was sure she performed a variety of dance moves in the passenger's seat until they pulled into the hotel parking lot. By the time they had pulled into a spot, another song was starting. She was pretty sure it was Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics.
"Perfect timing," Klaus said as he turned the car, and therefore the radio, off. Caroline frowned, getting out of the car. Her smile quickly returned as she dance toward the lobby.
"Sweet dreams are made of these," she sang. Klaus's face was one of horror as he locked the car and walked hurriedly beside her, hoping to escape any glances from onlookers.
"Dammit," she heard him mutter.
"Who am I to disagree?"
"People are going to think you're drunk."
"Travel the world and the seven seas. Everybody's looking for something!"
"Why are you so hyper?" he asked chuckling, not managing to keep a serious face for long as he continued watching her.
"I don't know! I'm just in a good mood. I've had a good night, I've seen my mom, my friends…I've made you smile," she said, poking him lightly as they entered the hotel and went to take the elevator upstairs.
"That's all it takes to put you in a good mood?"
"You make it sound like a bad thing. I'm not going to brood all day like some people," she said teasingly, giving him a pointed look. He bowed his head in embarrassment, and she wished then that her mouth had a filter.
"Klaus, I didn't mean-"
"It's alright, Caroline. You're right. I shouldn't be like that all the time. It's not fair."
"Look at me," she said after they were in the elevator. He did as she asked. "I'm with you, brood and all. I told you I didn't want to change you, and I mean it. I just want to make you happy."
"Well mission accomplished then," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She blushed then, shaking her head when the elevator dinged, telling them they had arrived on the proper floor. The two of them walked out hand in hand, going to their room in a comfortable silence. Once they were in the room, Caroline went straight for her luggage, retrieving her pajamas.
As she looked in her suitcase though, her mind began whirling. Ever since she had seen him smile, she had wanted to do something that night…but what? Unfortunately, it wouldn't be anything that involved her wearing sexy lingerie. She hadn't thought that far ahead before they left New York. Caroline hadn't thought she'd want to do anything on this trip with him. It kind of just…felt right. Now.
Caroline looked for where Klaus was. He was currently facing the closed window as he took his shirt off. She bit her lower lip to keep from making any kind of embarrassing noise. Dear baby Jesus he was beautiful. She took in a deep breath before tip toeing to his suitcase, not too far from hers, and rifling through his shirts. There. That black one would do. She quickly picked it up and scurried to the bathroom, shutting the door quietly behind her. Leaving her bra and panties on, she had swiftly gotten rid of her top and jeans, replacing them with his black t-shirt. Much like she had done about a week ago after sleeping in the same bed with him for the first time.
Was she doing the right thing? It felt right, at least for her. They might have only been "official" recently, but this dance between them had been going on for months. Klaus had been giving hints to her, but he wasn't likely to make a move until he knew for sure it was okay with her. He was too uncertain to do anything before she did. A part of her adored that about him. The other part realized it only made her job that much more difficult.
As she was about to walk out, she froze. How did one go about doing this? Should she just nonchalantly lie down on the bed, hoping he would notice her? No, that didn't seem right. Should she saunter in there, sexily strutting her stuff? That seemed too obvious though. Oh hell. This was not going as she had imagined.
Caroline checked her appearance in the mirror, ruffling her hair and practicing her sex face. No, no, no. That didn't look sexy. She looked constipated. Furrowing her brows, she reached for her toothbrush, and after applying water and toothpaste, scrubbed forcefully, getting rid of any and all scum that dared to ruin her night. After that, she ruffled her hair again, going for an organized, messy do. Ugh! Why was this so much of a challenge? Klaus wasn't going to be her first or anything. Maybe it was because he was different. All the other douchebags she had been with were so sure of themselves. Klaus wasn't. Not until he got going at least.
That was what she wanted…that sexy, confident side of him that came out when he got truly comfortable around her. If she could pull that out from him, this night had a chance to be one for the books. She knew there was a sex god underneath all that uncertainty and broody exterior. Caroline just had to find it.
Time was ticking by quickly, surely making Klaus wonder about the things she was doing in the bathroom. Oh god. She became mortified as she reached for the doorknob, stopping once again as she listened to what was going outside the door. There was silence. Nothing was going on. Shouldn't he have asked her by now what was taking so long?
Caroline slowly opened the door, noticing the lights were all off. If he had gone to bed already, there was going to be a serious problem! Hopefully though, that was the case, and not something else. She peeked around the corner that faced the door. Nothing. Deciding it was safe, she turned the bathroom light off, stepping out after and walking to the bed.
Once it was in view, she saw Klaus just lying on the bed in a pair of comfy shorts with no shirt on, his arms behind his head as he looked out the window, a small grin on his face. All the lights had been turned off, so the moonlight shining in hit him directly on the face, lighting his distinctive features in a flattering glow. Caroline tilted her head to the side as she crawled into bed beside him, laying her head on his chest.
"Klaus?" she asked softly, "everything okay?"
"Yes, everything's fine," he said distantly, "I wasn't sure you were ever coming out of there."
"Was just taking care of a few bedtime routines. Why are the lights off?"
"I was going to go to bed, but I got distracted by my thoughts."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Tonight. Meeting your mom, meeting your friends, getting an apology from Damon, watching that soda spill all over you…our car ride here," he chuckled, turning his head to face her now. His blue eyes shone brightly with the moonlight hitting them, and it was without a doubt the happiest she had seen him in a long time.
"You're thinking about all that?"
"What can I say? It was a good day, and I don't have many of those," he said thoughtfully. Caroline kissed his shoulder softly, rubbing her hand across his chest lightly.
"I hope you have many more after tonight."
"With you by my side…that's almost a guarantee," he said sincerely. His eyes narrowed as she saw his gaze rake over her body for the first time since she had gotten into bed. She did her best to keep from smiling.
"What's the matter?" she asked innocently.
"I didn't realize you were wearing my shirt. It's very agreeable with you," he said quietly.
"I was hoping you'd think so," she whispered. His eyes visibly widened in shock, which quite frankly, almost ruined the moment by making her laugh.
"Don't tease me, sweetheart. It's not very nice," he frowned then, gently pulling himself out from under her and going to stand next to the window. She pouted then, standing up as well.
"I'm not teasing."
"Don't lie to me."
"Klaus, I'm not lying!" she said, now frustrated by his lack of cooperation. This had so not been how she expected things to go. Klaus looked her over in disbelief.
"I thought you wanted to wait?"
"I did. I waited until I thought the moment was right."
"And you think now is the right moment?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I…" she stopped, afraid of continuing then. He hadn't wanted to do this. Klaus had gotten up, and he hadn't been ready to go through with this. For all his teasing, maybe he was the one who wasn't ready. Yet, the way he looked at her after she had stopped…it was almost heartbreaking. His eyes focused on her, not once wavering. He knew what she was about to say.
"Caroline…don't…"
"Why not?" she asked hoarsely, tears threatening to break through at the rejection she felt.
"Because I can't say it back," he said so quietly, that she almost hadn't heard it. Her heart shattered into a million pieces, her lips pursing as tears began streaming down.
"And why not?" she managed to squeak out.
"I don't know if that's what I feel," he confessed, his face showing how much it hurt him to have made her cry. Caroline moved closer, placing a shaky hand on his cheek. He lifted his hand up to place it over top of hers, rubbing his cheek into it.
"Could Charlotte do this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Was she able to hold you? Tell you everything was going to be okay? Could she get this close to you?"
Klaus shook his head, and her spirits lifted a little. That crazy stalker hadn't gotten to touch him.
"You don't have to say it back," she assured him, "I'm serious. You wanted to know why I thought I was ready now though, and this is why. Because your smile was all it took."
Klaus looked away from her then, his composure slowly crumbling as he walked away from her, his arms crossed and his body shaking slightly. She could see he was getting uncomfortable now. That was how she knew what she was saying was spot on. Caroline had to keep going. He needed to hear this.
"There was no going back after I saw it. I wasn't sure if maybe I was just in shock from how happy it made me to see you happy, but then I realized I wanted to be the one to make you smile like that. I don't want you to be unhappy anymore. I want to have more fun car rides with you. I want to have more sleepovers where I wake up next to you. It wouldn't be the same if it were anyone else."
"Stop saying things like that," he said gruffly. She didn't though.
"No. You need to know that there are people besides Rebekah who care. You have to stop pushing people away!"
"Why? I told you before, I don't like having weaknesses, and I'm already pushing the envelope with you."
"The better question here is why are you so scared? I'm putting my heart on my sleeve here! You don't even have to feel vulnerable! I'm the one who feels vulnerable. I'm always the one who feels vulnerable!" she said, more tears falling as she opened her heart up.
"Oh really? It's always you that feels vulnerable?" he said vehemently, looking a bit more pissed than before. She stood her ground, however, and nodded.
"Yes! You keep trying to push me away, Klaus, and I don't understand it. I don't understand it and you won't tell me why! I thought you had opened up to me, but I guess not."
"I don't want to tell you! I shouldn't have to explain myself, and that should be enough of a reason for you!"
"Just try to. Try and tell me why you refuse to acknowledge that you might feel something for me! Something more than wanting to have sex with me!"
"God dammit Caroline I don't just want to have sex with you!"
"Then what is it, hmm? What is just so hard about this relationship that you have to storm off every time I start to get a little deeper than you like? Why can't you at least hear me say it to you?"
"Because I couldn't take it if something happened to you!"
Klaus had never looked so defenseless in the entire time she had known him. His eyes were wide with rage and pain. His fists were clenching and unclenching. His body was trembling terribly as Caroline lost any and all anger she had previously been feeling. Now tears were running down his cheeks as he stared at her, his body facing hers completely and openly. Now he was the one exposed.
Everything fell into place for Caroline as she watched his chest heave, attempting to get whatever source of oxygen he could.
"Nothing is going to happen to me," she said gently.
"You don't know that," he said, his voice cracking as the words came out of his mouth. She could see him visibly unhinge in front of her. Caroline walked to him, carefully watching his every move.
"Has anything ever happened to Rebekah?"
"What?" he asked, the question catching him off guard.
"Is Rebekah okay? Has she ever been harmed?"
"No," he said shakily.
"Exactly. You care for her though, don't you?"
"Of course," he said, his voice calming down a little.
"So see? Just because you let yourself care about someone, doesn't mean anything will happen to them."
"Caroline, if I lost Rebekah, it would kill me inside. It would be like it was losing Elijah. Rebekah is my best friend and baby sister. It would tear me up inside. But losing you…that is a completely different kind of hurt, and it would…I couldn't…I don't think I would be able to handle that very well," he admitted quietly.
"But you're strong, Klaus," she said, smiling as she took his face in her hands, "You've been through so much, and you're still here. You're still fighting. Didn't you once tell me that all you had to do was keep living? Well, that's exactly what you do. But just because you're breathing, doesn't mean you're really living," she told him softly. He couldn't keep going through life as an empty shell. If he was going to actually consider himself alive, then he had to feel. It wouldn't happen all in one night, but he had to be open to the idea at least.
His expression relaxed as he took both of her hands with his and held them. "I'll try, but this is all new for me."
"That's all I want you to do. Try. I trust you, Klaus, and I know this is the right moment for me. I just want to be sure it is for you."
"Only if you're absolutely positive this is what you want, Caroline," he scoffed, "It's not like I could ever refuse you. I don't have it in me."
"Klaus…" she said softly, bringing one hand down to wrap around his waist, while the other fell slowly, trailing down his neck before it finally settled on his chest. Her eyes didn't leave his, noticing the way he hung to her every word, like he seemed to do so often.
"Yes?" he asked breathlessly, his tone suggesting he was prepared to hear what she was about to say this time. Her mind was made up now. No going back. Tonight was the night. And after their argument, it had oddly never felt more right than it did then.
"I'm in love with you," she whispered, "and tonight I want to show you just that."
A/N: I believe it's obvious what the next chapter will be.
This is basically your warning my readers. If you don't like love making time, skip the next chapter.
I hope this argument felt believable. Our poor Klaus is still scared to let himself get in too deep, even if he has let Caroline in more than most. Although, I think he's already in too deep to turn back. Ahhh love.
Also, to address questions about Tyler, all I can say is...in due time. I haven't forgotten about it. Things shall unfold at a later time. Or sooner than you think. Who knows ;)
Now that I've left your imaginations to conjure up expectations I will probably never live up to, I bid you adieu! =P
