Just to give you guys a timeline for the marriage if I've confused you; Caroline and Klaus's marriage is supposed to be six months in duration. They married on May 4 so that means six months will be up around November 4. I have dated everything so you know how far along they are. Now onto Paris…
Collision Course: Chapter 13
24 June: Paris, France
"For once in his life your husband did something right." Elena said proudly.
"Well I'm not sure I would call punching Tyler Lockwood right but…"
"Well I certainly would." She replied. "I thought you of all people would agree with that after everything he put you through."
"Yes I know but I don't really condone violence, although I must say he looked very pretty in the tabloids." Caroline laughed.
In the days following the awards pictures of Tyler had been splashed across the media after his altercation with Klaus. He had developed a nice bruise on his cheek not to mention a severe dent in his popularity after what social media was calling his 'dummy spit' at the EMA after-party.
"Well I say it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."
"Yeah you're telling me." It was a beautiful day in Paris and Caroline was walking along the Champs-Elysees getting in some well-deserved shopping time. The premiere for Klaus's new film was being held the next night and she wanted something amazing to wear.
To be honest Caroline was feeling a little self-conscious considering his co-star Jessica Sykes was absolutely stunning. She had briefly wondered whether she and Klaus had slept together since he was well known for bedding his colleagues. Caroline realised she was going to drive herself mad thinking like that considering the long line of conquests he'd supposedly had.
"So you didn't do too badly on the publicity front either Care, that kiss was an Emmy Award winner."
Caroline blushed as the memory of that kiss flashed through her head. She thought their first public kiss outside the Palms had been incredible but the sheer intensity of this recent kiss had left her completely flabbergasted.
Considering she instigated it Caroline knew it wasn't just about hurting Tyler or promoting their marriage. She had wanted to do it for so long and all the desire that had built up over time had resulted in one explosive kiss.
She knew Klaus felt it too but she was struggling to work out whether he only wanted to get her into bed or whether he felt something more. Caroline knew if it was the former she was in trouble because she was beginning to fall hard for him and couldn't imagine how she was going to stop herself.
"Yes well anything to annoy Tyler. Making us look better to the public was just an added bonus I guess." She joked.
"Well if the papers the next day were anything to go by I'd say you two hit a home-run." She said confidently. "There's no way anyone can doubt you're a real couple now." Caroline felt her heart sink realising that being a real couple was exactly what she wanted.
"Well that's good to hear and to think you were worried." She chuckled.
"I'll admit I had my reservations at the start but you two have managed to convince everyone." She said contentedly. "There's nothing you want to tell me is there?"
"What do you mean?" Caroline heard a faint beeping in her ear and sighed in relief, saved by the bell she thought. "Hold on Elena I have another call." She said connecting it.
"I can't believe the slimy toad got off with only one punch." Katherine said wryly.
"Trust me Klaus would have gone ten rounds if he could have but the media were everywhere."
"I guess I'm just jealous I didn't get the chance to hurt him myself." She pouted. Caroline rolled her eyes, Katherine had threatened grievous bodily harm after it first happened and at one point Caroline had to physically restrain the feisty brunette from attacking him.
"I have your sister on the other line so do you want me to call you back?"
"I'm about to catch a flight to LA, put me on with you." Caroline pushed a few buttons and put the phone back to her ear.
"Elena we have Katherine on the line too."
"If it isn't the person I've been trying to call for the past three hours." Elena said obviously annoyed.
"Well believe it or not Elena I have been busy doing my job." She snapped.
"Yes I can see how sitting at the spa for hours is such hard work." Elena scoffed.
"Remind me why I give you access to my schedule again?" Katherine muttered. "Anyhow keeping myself looking good is all part of the job." Caroline's head began to throb from the twins constant bickering.
"Girls could we maybe keep the sisterly bonding to a minimum, you're giving me a headache." She complained.
"Fine, what are we talking about?" Katherine asked curiously.
"What a loser Tyler is and how he got what he deserved." Elena said.
"Amen to that." She responded. "Onto more important subjects though how about that steamy kiss!" Katherine cried.
"Yeah there's enough combustible energy between you guys to start a fire." Caroline could feel her cheeks heat up knowing Elena was right. "Its certainly helped sell this marriage to the world."
"Forget the marriage when are you two going to get a room already?" Katherine asked. "Unless of course there's something you're not telling us." Caroline blushed, she really needed to learn how to control her hot flushes.
"Yes well I suppose there's some chemistry but you know we just…"
"You're rambling Caroline." Elena said.
"You should know considering all that rambling you did before you and Damon got together." She said obviously trying to change the subject.
"Don't change the subject Caroline." Katherine said. Caroline thought one twin was bad enough but two at the same time was full-on.
"Look I don't know, we have just been spending so much time together lately and I've seen another side to him. He can be so caring and sweet and when he's like that it's so difficult to resist him."
"Yeah I can just imagine you wanting to rip his clothes off when things become intimate like the other night." It was like Elena could read her mind Caroline thought. After the EMA's she had been unable to sleep, thoughts of a completely naked Klaus running through her mind.
"Am I speaking to the wrong twin?" She asked Elena in disbelief.
"Hey I can let loose every now and again." She said defensively.
"Don't mind my sister Caroline she's finally freed herself sexually and just can't help herself." Katherine laughed.
"So you and Damon have been having a little fun hey?" Caroline asked a broad smile on her face.
"You could say that." She giggled shamelessly.
"According to Elena we're talking multiple orgasms." Katherine said sounding like one proud sister. Caroline laughed at how much Elena had come out of her shell.
"Wow little Elena is all grown up." She joked.
"Ha ha! Anyway enough about my sex life it's time you got yours sorted out Caroline."
"Look even if I did want to rip his clothes off every time I see him." They both laughed. "I think I might want more than that. I'm just not sure Klaus would." She said her insecurities coming through.
"Honey if that kiss is anything to go by Klaus is absolutely smitten with you." Katherine said knowingly.
"I agree what have you got to lose Caroline? It certainly won't hurt your publicity to find out."
"Always back to work." She laughed at Elena. "Okay so let me get this straight, your professional advice to me as my publicist is to shag Klaus Mikaleson."
"Yes the sooner the better." Elena said. "And Bonnie agrees with me as well." Caroline rolled her eyes, trust those two to be gossiping behind their backs.
"Remember we want all the juicy details." Katherine said her laughter floating down the phone line.
"Right I guess I better go and get onto my assignment." She teased. "Hey Stefan texted before to say he was on his way to Paris, what's that all about?"
"He said something about wanting to check everything was running smoothly with the newlyweds." Elena said.
"I thought you said everything was great?" She asked confused.
"I don't know Caroline he's been pretty grouchy lately, maybe he just needs a holiday?"
"Or to get laid." Katherine laughed. "I mean look at Elena she's much less moody now she's getting some."
"Whatever Katherine." Elena said. "Maybe you can help cheer him up Caroline."
"Okay I'll see what I can do."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Finally! I thought you'd bought the whole Champs-Elysees you were gone that long." Klaus said dramatically as she walked back in to their suite at the W Hotel.
"Well almost." She said holding up multiple bags of different colours and sizes. "Actually you'll be happy to know one of these bags is for you."
"You got me a present?" He asked excitedly.
"I thought you deserved a treat." He looked at her slightly puzzled by her meaning. "Well it's not everyday someone punches out my ex-boyfriend for me." She chuckled passing him the maroon coloured bag.
"I hate to break it to you Caroline but I actually punched him out for myself. Honestly I still don't understand what you saw in such an idiot." He said shaking his head.
"Yeah, yeah we all make mistakes." She joked. Klaus smiled then eagerly turned his attention to her present.
He unwrapped the paper slowly careful not to tear anything. Caroline was surprised she assumed he'd be the type to just rip it open without caring but he seemed to be savouring the moment. His eyes lit up and she exhaled in relief letting out a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding.
He seemed overwhelmed as he ran his hand over the leather bound book. Caroline had found a second-hand book store that had an antique copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.
When they arrived in Spain they were both jetlagged so had spent a few nights wide awake watching movies, playing games and chatting. They'd been discussing books and he told her how much he liked Harper Lee's classic novel. It was actually his mother's favourite book and she had read it to him when he was younger. Klaus liked it so much they began a tradition where they would read it together once a year. When she died Klaus gave up reading it, and he told her it was something he regretted doing.
"It's only small." She said suddenly self-conscious by his prolonged silence. Klaus looked up and gazed deeply into her eyes obviously touched by her gesture.
"I love it." He murmured standing up so that he was standing closer to her. "I can't believe you remembered." He said overcome with emotion. She nodded unable to speak properly.
"Thank you Caroline you don't know how much this means to me." She breathed in sharply as he leaned in and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek. Caroline shuddered from his touch.
Ever since their incredible kiss in Spain they had instantly reverted back to their comfortable friendship, a somewhat easier place than the unknown territory in between. It was like once they kissed it became all too real and each of them dove for cover scared of possible rejection.
"Brrrrring!" The phone rang breaking each of them out of their trance. Caroline picked up the phone and after speaking with reception she hung up.
"We've got a visitor." She said excitedly. The doorbell rang and Caroline ran over to answer it. "Stefan Salvatore it's been way too long buddy!" She cried throwing herself into his arms.
"Now this is what I call a welcome." He laughed. "Now Klaus do you want a hug too?"
"Nah man I think hello will do just fine." He chuckled. "What in the hell are you doing in Paris?"
"Well I thought I'd check in on you two, I mean you guys have been without supervision for almost two weeks now and according to Bonnie, Kol doesn't count."
"Well Elena thinks we are the epitome of a married couple at the moment." She said proudly puffing out her chest.
"Yes I guess punching out loser ex-boyfriends and hot public make-out sessions would raise your profile." He smirked. At the mention of the latter Caroline felt a hot flush spread across her cheeks and looked down to avoid Klaus's gaze.
"So given we've earned a gold star from Miss Gilbert herself what could you possibly have to check on?" Klaus asked interested.
"Oh well truthfully I missed you guys, especially you Caroline. It just isn't the same without my annoying little sister chirping away in my ear."
"Awww! I guess I'll take that as a compliment." She laughed putting her arm around him. "Well I've missed you too Stef. How about we go and get a croissant or maybe a pain au chocolat?"
"Are we back to food again?" Klaus asked rolling his eyes. "Honestly I don't understand how you can put away this much food and still look like that." Klaus said motioning towards her lean physique.
"Just lucky I guess." She said, his compliment making her beam. "Come on how about an éclair boys, there's a cute little patisserie just around the corner."
"You'll have to excuse me from your little calorie fest I have a suit fitting for my premiere. Let's hope it still fits after all the food I've consumed with you." He said looking directly at Caroline.
"I know how you feel man." Stefan sympathised patting his stomach. "She's been shovelling food into me for years."
"I don't recall having to force feed you Stefan." Caroline said raising her eyebrows at him.
"Stefan man let's catch up later, there's a great whiskey bar down the Rue Saint-Lazare we need to check out." Klaus said walking off into the other room.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Okay you win this éclair is to die for." Stefan moaned tasting the delicate pastry.
"Good to hear I'm right as usual." She smiled. "So Stefan what's up?"
"What do you mean what's up?" He asked a puzzled look on his face.
"I don't know Elena mentioned something about you being um a little grouchy lately."
"I should have known she'd have something to do with this." He said rolling his eyes at her. "You can tell Elena that I'm fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Can't a guy come and visit his best friend without the third degree?"
"Of course you can and I'm excited you're here but it just doesn't seem like you to drop everything to come over here, I mean Paris of all places."
"Why what's wrong with Paris?"
"Oh come on Stefan, the most romantic city in the world?" She said. "You are many things my dear but you don't have a romantic bone in your body."
"Ouch tell me what you really think!" He cried.
"Well it's true, I mean when was the last time you had a girlfriend?"
"Well I had a very sexy blonde in my bed recently, a real sex kitten." He said his face lighting up excitedly.
"Sleeping with randoms doesn't count."
"Hey there's something to be said for sleeping with randoms, I'm sure Katherine would agree." He laughed and Caroline just shook her head.
"I'm just looking out for you Stefan."
"I'm fine and I'll admit there were probably other places I could have chosen to visit but none that had both you and Klaus in them."
"Oh I see what this is." She said in realisation. "You have a massive crush don't you?"
"What on you? Ew Caroline!" He said a look of pure horror crossing his features.
"Wow I'm glad to see you find me such an attractive prospect." She replied sarcastically. "No Stefan I mean your little bromance with Klaus." Stefan smiled letting out a loud chuckle.
"Yes you got me Caroline; I came all the way over to Paris because I'm in love with your husband."
"I knew it!" She said accusingly.
"Yes it seems like we've both fallen for Mikaelson's charms." He said cocking his right eyebrow, Caroline looked away embarrassed.
"Oh whatever Stefan." Caroline said dismissively.
"Oh come on, you can lecture me about my love life but I'm not allowed to go near yours." He scoffed. "It doesn't take a genius to see how into each other you both are."
"Do you think he's into me?" She asked all too quickly earning a smile from her friend. "I mean from a guy's perspective."
"Hell yeah Caroline, you'd be blind not notice it."
"Really?"
"Yes Caroline. I mean why do you think he beat Tyler up?"
"Um because he's a complete douche bag?"
"Well yes there's that but trust me Caroline guys don't just beat up ex-boyfriends without an ulterior motive." Caroline gave him a blank stare unsure of what he was getting. "Do I need to spell it out? Klaus was crazed with jealousy and was trying to protect you." Caroline nodded in realisation, how had she missed that?
"You know I take back what I said about you being annoying, you're quite handy to have around every once in a while." She teased.
"Glad to hear I'm useful for some things." He replied sarcastically. "So are you all prepared for the big premiere tomorrow?"
"Well I bought a gorgeous Chanel dress today so hopefully it will be enough."
"Enough for what?" He asked the confusion evident on his face.
"Well you know I want to look my best." She mumbled self-consciously.
"You always look amazing Care." He said placing a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "Trust me you could probably wear a hessian sack and Klaus would think you were beautiful."
"I hope so. I don't know Stefan it's just so hard to compete with the likes of Jessica Sykes." She said quietly. "I mean they probably slept together, which is hardly surprising given his track record."
"Caroline you have to stop thinking like that or else you'll drive yourself crazy. He may have slept with lots of women but how many has he actually gone out with, let alone loved?" Caroline looked at her friend realising he was right.
"Wow Stefan you're like the woman whisperer." She laughed. "I'm so glad you came to visit."
"Glad to hear it after the third degree I got before. Actually I have to get going." He said looking at his watch. Caroline looked at him curiously.
"Where? I didn't realise you had other plans."
"It's not all about you Caroline." He joked earning a whack from his client. "I actually have a few business meetings lined up while I'm here." Stefan stood up and threw a €20 note on the table. "I'll give you a call and we'll catch up later."
Caroline watched his retreating back thinking how strange everything seemed.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
June 25: Paris, France
"So you think Stefan is having an affair?" Klaus asked as Caroline fastened his tie.
"Well he was being so mysterious, I mean what business meetings?"
"Well he does have other clients besides you Caroline."
"I realise that." She said pulling on his tie slightly in annoyance. "He just didn't go into much detail and it all seemed so sudden. I don't know it's just strange and Elena said he's been really moody too."
"He needs to get laid." Klaus shot back with a smile.
"Thanks for that expert analysis Katherine Gilbert." She laughed thinking how similar they were. "So your sister has arrived for fashion week, any chance she'll gate crash the premiere tonight?"
"Well I haven't heard anything so fingers crossed she doesn't just show up." He joked. "There'll be no getting out of Thursday though." Caroline nodded thinking about her fashion show they were attending.
"Now are you going to hurry up and get changed?" He said pointing to her white bathrobe.
"Typical male." She muttered. "I'll be out in just a minute." She said shaking her head and retreating to the bedroom. The nerves were fluttering around her stomach like butterflies.
She knew this dress was the one as soon as she laid eyes on it in Chanel. It was a fitted strapless design in peacock blue that fell to the floor accentuating her big blue eyes and creamy skin. As she pulled it on and looked at her reflection Caroline realised she had made the right decision. Smoothing out her golden waves she accessorised with plain diamond studs. She took a deep breath and walked out.
Klaus looked up hearing her Manolo Blahniks on the tiles. Dumb-struck would be a good term to describe his expression. Caroline smiled happy that her dress had the desired effect.
"Wow Caroline, I mean wow." He said obviously stuck for words his eyes roaming over each and every curve. She could feel herself blushing and was relieved to be wearing so much make-up for once to cover it.
"Are you trying to show me up?" He teased walking over towards her.
"Well I thought I needed to lift my game, I mean Jessica Sykes will be there after all and we all know she's beautiful." Caroline said trying to not sound as insecure as she felt.
"She's got absolutely nothing on you Caroline." He said seriously his eyes staring deeply into hers. Caroline felt like the wind had been knocked out of her his gaze was that intense. "You're beautiful." He murmured fastening a stray tendril behind her ear. His words reverberated around her body making her dizzy.
"You know we never slept together."
"I didn't ask." She said secretly happy he had allayed her worst fears.
"I know." He smirked knowing it was exactly what she wanted to hear.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Klaus, Caroline!" The media screamed trying to get the couple's attention as they walked up the red carpet at the Gaumont Cinemas on the Champs-Elysees. Klaus was holding onto Caroline's hand firmly squeezing it every now and again in a show of support.
Caroline noticed his co-star further up the red carpet primping and preening for the cameras, her long dark locks ironed straight and her amazing body poured into a fitted red gown. She went cold her insecurities resurfacing.
The two actors met up and posed for photos. Caroline watched their interaction from afar noting their easy chemistry, the jealousy pulsing through her veins. Caroline was shocked at how unsettled she was. She had never felt like this in her life and it wasn't a good feeling.
After what seemed like hours of posing together Klaus beckoned Caroline to join him. She plastered on her best red carpet smile and walked over to him the jealousy still stirring inside.
They had organised an after-party at a chic French bar called Boho and the films cast and crew were toasting to their success. Critics were already predicting box office records for the film's opening weekend. Klaus had been busy shmoozing with all the right people so Caroline had decided to get a much needed drink. She wished Stefan could have come with her but apparently he was busy, with what or who she didn't know.
"Casey is it?" She heard a voice say in her ear. Caroline looked up and was faced with none other than the beautiful Jessica Sykes.
"Caroline actually." She said. Caroline intended to play nice but if this girl was going to be so blatantly rude she wasn't going to hold back.
"Oh that's right I get so confused with so many different people." Caroline mentally rolled her eyes.
"It really was a great film Jessica, your performance was great." She said sweetly.
"Thank you. Although I owe it all to Niklaus, he was just wonderful, you know nurtured and mentored me the whole way." She said raising her eyebrows suggestively. Caroline saw red, the nerve of this bitch.
"Yes Klaus is so considerate. He's always happy to help out his co-stars when they need it; I guess that's part of why I love him so much."
"I must say I was quite surprised to hear about your relationship considering how close Klaus and I became on set." She said attempting to dig the knife in further.
"Really? I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression sometimes Klaus is too nice for his own good."
"I'm fairly certain it wasn't the wrong impression." She snarled.
"Who's the one wearing the wedding ring love?" She shot back pushing her left hand in Jessica's face so she could see her rings close-up. Jessica gave her a look of disdain then turned on her heel and stalked off.
"Wow I certainly wouldn't want to get on your wrong side." Klaus said coming up behind her. Caroline blushed immediately wondering how much of their conversation he'd heard.
"She was asking for it. I mean what a bitch."
"So what else do you love me for?" He asked a cheeky grin on his face.
"What are you talking about?" She said trying to act calm.
"Well you love me because I'm so considerate, I was just wondering what else there was, maybe my amazing body or my sexy accent amongst other things of course." He joked leaning in dangerously close. All she knew at that moment was she wanted him now and nothing was going to stand in her way tonight.
"Possibly, I mean it certainly wasn't for your modesty." She flirted refusing to look away.
"Well maybe we can continue this conversation back at our hotel I'm dying to hear all the things you love about me." Caroline felt her throat go dry and was unable to speak momentarily.
"That's the best idea you've had all night." She whispered huskily.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So you're telling me Klaus Mikaelson rejected her advances for three months?" Caroline asked in disbelief.
"Oh yeah and she wasn't happy about it. I don't think I've ever met a woman more aggressive than Jessica Sykes."
"So why did you turn her down, are you blind or something?"
"Caroline contrary to popular belief I don't sleep with every woman I meet." He said. She gave him a look which clearly said she didn't believe him. "Oh come on you of all people should know what the media and tabloids can be like. I think I've been linked to pretty much every female I've been in contact with."
"I suppose you're right." She said still slightly unconvinced.
"I remember they even linked me to Rebekah before she was famous because we were seen walking down the street together." He said a look of disgust on his face. "Unlike those that believe I've slept with hundreds I'll have you know it's much less than that."
"You don't have to explain anything to me Klaus, it really isn't my business." She said feeling bad for misjudging him.
"I have no idea why but for some reason I care what you think of me Caroline." He said stopping in the street and turning to face her, his gaze serious. "I've never actually felt like that before." Caroline smiled thinking just how far they had come since their crazy drunken wedding. She stood on her toes and leaned in closer placing her hands on either side of his face feeling his stubble tickle her palms.
She closed her eyes and moved in the last few inches brushing her lips with his. She kissed him slowly enjoying the moment she had been waiting so long for. Klaus responded wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her flush against his body. She could feel the urgency and need in his kisses and let the desire wash over her surrendering to him fully. After a while their kisses became harder and faster, the months of pent up emotion spilling over. She moaned against his lips as his tongue found hers.
The loud beeping from a passing car broke them out of their trance, pulling apart reluctantly they smiled at each other.
"Wow." Klaus said breathing heavily.
"Mmmm yeah." She replied unable to say much else.
"Hotel?" He asked a big grin on his face.
"Hotel." She said returning his grin. He took her hand and they continued up the street each in their own world. They passed a quaint roadside café and Klaus stopped suddenly. Caroline looked in his line of sight, her hands coming up to her mouth in astonishment.
"Oh my god!" She cried. Sitting at one of the outdoor tables were none other than Stefan and Rebekah indulging in a heavy make-out session, oblivious to everyone around them.
"There are no words to describe how wrong that is." Klaus mumbled in shock.
"Oh my eyes!" Caroline cried. "I think I'm officially scarred for life." It was only then that Stefan pulled away from Rebekah and realised they had an audience.
"Caroline?"