I'm sorry for the delayed upload, hope that I can get back on track!
Let me know what you guys think of this! Your opinions and comments are so cool and very important to me!
Also, hope you guys don't think there's too much sex... I mean I think we all want it to happen on the show, and it's not! So I thought I'd maybe try to satisfy those cravings here... I think you can tell by the end of this chapter, the next one might be a wee bit saucy... ;) Anyone, let me know if you think there's too much sex. I'll lighten up... Maybe.
Cheers!
Caroline's point of view
Matt is sitting at the breakfast bar, I've slept in and I feel guilty; like I'm being a bad house guest.
"Hey," I greet him quietly, raising my hand in a lame version of a wave.
He looks up quickly, as if I've startled him, but smiles.
"I'm just heading to work," This surprises me, I glance at the clock, how late did I sleep? But it's only quarter to eleven. "Early shift." He clarifies, answering my unasked question.
I pause, unsure of my surroundings. Last time I was here, just hanging out in this house, I was never alone, and never without Tyler. Thinking back to those days, I can hardly remember what it felt like to be in love with him. My memories are a blur of happiness, betrayal and Klaus...
"Care, I know this must be... weird for you. Being here I mean." I sigh, relaxing slightly. Thank God he understands. "But, it's not for long. And... I don't want you to feel like you're in a prison."
I nod, pressing my lips into a line. "Just a place that I can't leave... without adult supervision."
He looks slightly guilty, looking down at his breakfast.
"It's okay," I flick my hand in the air, as if to pass it off like it doesn't bother me. "It's only temporary. And I don't want to seem ungrateful." I pin him with a look. "Because I am. Really."
Shrugging, he takes a final bite of his eggs, and picks up his plate. "Glad I can help."
"Ohmygod Matt what happened?!" My eyes go wide when I catch sight of his right hand, heavily bandaged in white gauze, and medical tape.
Looking at his hand, then back at me, he doesn't say a word. Only looks at me with an expression of exasperation... an edge of worry tinting his eyes.
I straighten up, feeling a coolness trickle down my spine.
That definitely wasn't there last night.
"Matt." I cross my arms across my chest, trying to control the anger that's coursing through me. "Matt did—"
There's a muted knocking sound that comes from upstairs, knuckles on glass. It must be quiet, because Matt doesn't react, just waits for me to continue my incomplete sentence.
I sigh loudly, and scoot past him, out of the kitchen. "Son of a..." I mumble to myself as I take the stairs two at a time, stomping down the hall to the guest bedroom.
Flinging open the door, I go straight for the window.
"What did you do?!" throwing the window wide open, Klaus looks at me, completely taking off guard, his perplexed expression carrying an edge of amusement. Perched on the shingles, he looks like he's recently rolled out of bed himself. Wearing a lose fitting grey knit, V-neck sweater, the long sleeves pushed up to his elbows, and dark-washed jeans, slightly warn at the knees. His tousled blonde hair is longer than I've seen it in ages; standing up in places; he looks irresistible in the morning light that peeks through the early clouds. It takes me more than a few seconds to remember that I'm angry with him, and what for.
"This is not funny." My words come out sharp and fierce. Good.
His eyes darken slightly as he gauges my mood, sensing the seriousness of my accusation and temper.
"Klaus you cannot just go around, willy-nilly hurting my friends! It's not ok!"
His eyes narrowing slightly at my words, the blue in his eyes turning to ice. "Perhaps your friends would be better off to mind their own business—with the audacity wafting off of that busboy last night, you might think him lucky it was merely the hand that remains incapacitated."
I feel my eyes growing wider with his every word. I open my mouth, having so many things to say— Who the hell do you think you are? What gives you the right? What did you two talk about last night?
All of these questions play through my mind at a hundred miles per minute— yet nothing comes out. I close my mouth, and glare ice cold his way
"You know, I was so looking forward to spending the day with you, I actually missed you last night!" I roll my eyes, my voice hitching up a few notches in volume as I throw my hands in the air, "I can't believe your inability to control this compulsion of yours to keep everyone in line—you're line. God! Aren't you like a million and one or whatever!? Grow up."
Shaking his head and looking quickly over his shoulder, over the ledge of the roof, he chuckles; though there's no humor in it. Resting his wrist on the windowsill, he leans into me, coming disarmingly close. I know that he's hit his limit, that in fact he cannot close the gap between us—but this doesn't stop my breath from hitching in my throat, and a twisted sort of desire to unfurl in my stomach.
"Well, on the bright side love, it seems your new found sanctuary has come an opportune time," His eyes bore into mine, making me want to lean forward—but run and hide simultaneously. Leaning his forehead against the window frame, his eyes skim over me.
My cheekbones, the length of my jaw, down my throat, my flushed chest; rising and falling too quickly. Finally slipping back up, they pause once again at my lips; my bottom lip grasped hard between my teeth. He mirrors the action briefly, almost absent-mindedly...
Holy shit—I've never seen him bite his lip like that before. It's so... hot.
Abruptly, his eyes snap back to mine. They're harder, meaner, than I thought they would be.
My heart yearning to be close to him, feel his pulse against mine; my mind keeping it in check, my feet planted firmly on the ground.
He raises his eyebrows at me, in that infuriating way he has. "In honesty, last night was equally as unsatisfying for me—I had anticipated a long day, spent with you, naked in my bed..." My heart pounds painfully in my chest as he looks at me narrowly through thick lashes. My nails cut into my palms as I resist reaching for him, pulling myself to him, giving myself to him in every way. Letting him cure every burning craving, that lashes against me like hot flame. Putting out the fire with his expert touch.
Oh sweet baby Jesus give me strength.
"But seeing as my juvenile tendencies seem to infringe on your increasingly heightened standards..."
His words smart and I wince. He knows how much I dislike being referred to as the neurotic, control freak. His mouth twitches with hints of a dark smile as he watches the fire dim in my eyes. I blink several times, willing my heart rate to return to normal.
"Are you going to apologise to Matt?" I plant my hands on my hips. I curse my voice, so raspy and hungry my obvious desire.
His eyes flash amusement, before he gives me a: you're-kidding-me-right? look.
I glare at him for another second before rolling my eyes, "Ugh, get off my roof." I chide, snapping the window shut, drawing the drapes in front of his surprised face.
Take that!
My phone buzzes loudly from my bedside table, moving slightly as it vibrates against the polished wood. Snatching it up, I read the text that's come in from Elena.
"Thinking dinner? Feel like we haven't talked in ages."
Biting my lip hard, I look towards the covered window, hearing nothing, it seems he's left. I wonder briefly if he's been careful not to let the neighbors bear witness to his inhuman climbing capabilities.
I try to convince myself that his absence is what I want. I square my shoulders, and type a quick reply.
"Sounds great. Meet me at my cell block in twenty?"
I smile when her reply is almost instantaneous.
"Hope I can get the wine past security. See you soon."
XXX
"Have you talked to him since?" Elena raises her eyebrow at me, pulling her morning hair into a high ponytail.
I rub the sleep out of my eyes, almost regretting having her stay over. Between talking for five hours last night, and not getting to sleep until four in the morning, I know today is going to feel exceptionally long.
"No." I grumble, burrowing further into the bed. It still feels odd being in this house. After breaking up with Tyler, I would have sworn I'd never spend another night under this roof.
It still smells like him.
Bastard.
Pulling on her sneakers, she stands up from the end of the bed, looking much more put together than I would expect her to. I frown at her in question.
"Damon is coming to get me," She looks uncomfortable saying this, flicking her hand in the air to make light of her words. My face falls a little, and she's suddenly scrambling to recover, "I mean I don't have to go, if you want me to stay I will, I'll stay," She says in a rush.
Though I had hoped she would spend the morning with me, reassuring me I'm not over reacting for giving Klaus the silent treatment, and keeping me company in the confines of this safe house, I can't exactly blame her. The idea of them together doesn't exactly thrill me; I can see how happy they make each other. I hate what it does the Stefan... Watching him watch them is torture. But who am I to dictate who people should and shouldn't love? Look who I fell for...
Bringing my thoughts full circle, Klaus is on my mind once again. Damn it!
I offer her a warm, and hopefully reassuring smile.
"Don't worry about it," Pushing myself into a seated position, "Maybe I'll call Bonnie," I say this, knowing it's probably not true. The distance between us these days is palpable. Her decision to trust Shane, let Silas in, and put all of us; including herself in danger, still smarts when I think about it.
And my decision to trust Klaus, give myself to him, and let myself love him... Is something that she can't handle. I can tell when she looks at me, at us, she will never approve.
And why should she?
The door bell chimes; jarring me out of my stupor, I catch the flash of excitement and happiness in Elena's eyes as we both register who's at the door. Looking back at me, she leans over, pecking me quickly on the cheek before straightening and running a hand through her ponytail.
Pointing quickly at her shirt, "This look OK?" Awwe. She's so cute.
"Pretty sure you could wear a potato sack and Demon would still think you looked 'OK'." I giggle, and she rolls her eyes.
I flip the covers off my legs and my toes search the floor for my slippers. Skipping down the stairs, I slow when I get near the bottom. The two of them are standing in the doorway. Damon is pushing a stay lock of hair behind Elena's ear. He murmurs something, low enough for her ears only, making her laugh, and then kisses her smiling lips.
I feel both awkward and overwhelmed. Tears swell up in my chest. God damnit, why do I feel like I haven't been kissed in centuries? Slipping sideways, I silently make my way to the kitchen, opening the fridge, and pulling out the first thing that jumps out at me. I eat, not paying much attention, and flip through The Mystic Inquirer, skimming the pages with mild interest.
From upstairs I hear a loud buzz. My phone vibrating against the hardwood floor. I pause, mid-page flip, and wait for more; but it's a singular alert. A text.
I'm upstairs in a few seconds, scooping my cell off the floor, I illuminate the screen.
"It's as if time has stopped. Let me come see you."
Holy shit. I bite my lip hard.
No Caroline, no. You're mad at him, remember!
Yes. Yes I am angry. I don't want to see him, no matter how much he begs, I will stay strong because... Because, I'm mad... About what again..?
Chucking my phone onto the bed, I feel agitated. And hungry. But not for more stale pancakes, something that will satisfy this itch in my throat and this deep ache in my stomach.
The basement of the Lockwood house is ajar. I tip-toe down the stairs, finding the cooler tucked deep into the corner of the room, and pull open a blood bag with my teeth; drinking greedily.
It's cold, and old, but it beats re-heated leftovers.
XXX
I wake up before my alarm. Way before. Reaching my hand out instinctively, my palm glides across the cool sheets on the other side of the bed. Empty.
"Mmm... Klaus?" I roll over, opening my eyes. It's dark, and I'm alone.
Glancing around the room, my eyes adjust to the dim light. Checking my phone, squinting as the screen shines bright.
4:55
I haven't woken up this early since the first day of freshmen year, excited and nervous for high school.
"Ugh!" Throwing myself back onto the pillows, I cap my hands over my eyes. No Caroline, sleep! Sleep is good. Go back to sleep.
After fifteen minutes of tossing and turning in the empty, cold sheets, I give up. Whether it's the fact that I went to sleep three hours earlier than I would given other circumstances, or that I'm so used to having another body next to me, sleep evades me.
Hopping into the shower, I take several minutes to shampoo my hair, rubbing my favorite coconut body wash through my fingers, gliding it over my arms, legs, shoulders and feet. Turning the steaming water off, I rub a towel through my hair; chucking my toiletries back into my bag, I slip back to the guest room silently.
Pulling on tights, and a long, baggy sweater that hangs down across my thighs; with sleeves that touch my finger tips. Slipping my feet into my brown wedged boots, I tip toe down the hall, keeping extra quiet as I pass the closed door of Matt's room.
Checking my phone quickly, 5:36, I pull the front door open with minimal sound—and with my vampire speed, disappear into the streets.
XXX
Okay, so I know the safe house plan doesn't work unless I actually, stay in the safe house. But I'm exhausted and missing him desperately. I find my way there without having to think about the direction my feet take me. Sliding into the house easily, I find my way in the dark, navigating his bedroom in seconds.
Closing the door behind me, I lean against it, taking in the scene in front of me—it's a sight to behold.
Klaus, sitting on the ground, his legs stretched out in front of him. Each muscle across the bareness of his back and shoulders stand out as he's leaning back on his arms; the small triangular tattoo on his right shoulder blade contrasting boldly in the shadows of the room. His hands and his forearms both splattered with partially dried paint. His shoulders are shrugged, his head tilted back, he's staring up at a large canvas propped in front of him on a wooden easel.
He looks so relaxed, so young... The vulnerability in these quiet moments is overwhelming.
My eyes are pulled from his position on the floor, to the painting unfolding on the surface of the canvas in front of us. Beautiful dark blues, greens, and yellows, dripping and falling and moving into each other. Elegantly morphing into burnt oranges, deep crimsons and bright turquoise. I've never seen anything quite so complex, yet virtually so simple at the same time...
"What're you doing here?"
I jump slightly, startled from my trance as I gaze at the painting, brought back to the present as Klaus's surprised voice slices through the tranquil moment.
He stands, turning away from the painting, and I'm instantly distracted by his nakedness.
My eyes trail down his chest, across his toned abdomen. The trail of hair leading a narrow path from his navel, disappearing into pair of well-worn brown, paint splattered canvas pants; that hang low off his hips in the most provocatively delicious way; and fall too long, gathering slightly at his bare, paint spatter feet.
"Caroline?"
"Mmm?" my eyes snap back up to meet his, my lip slipping out from between my teeth as he brings me back with his harsh tone. His expression filtering through a series of emotions; surprise, happiness, confusion, eventually settling on anger.
Taking two long strides towards me, he's closed most of the space between us.
"Do you realise how reckless and dangerous this is?!"
Shit.
"Well—"
"Caroline, there is no point in this outrageous plan if you wander around on your own!" He sounds really mad. What was I thinking?
"I wasn't wandering." I say quietly, blinking at him.
"Caroline you were almost killed a few days ago. And you expect me to be happy that you're risking your life, showing up here after days of not hearing from you—Damn it, if they are looking for you—"
"I'm fine!" I hold my hands out, as if to prove it, "Look at me, all in one piece," Doing a small turn, and raise my eyebrows at him. His expression remains hard. So I pull out the weapon that I know will work.
"I just wanted to see you..." I blink at him, the small lamp in the corner, and the early morning light are hardly illuminating enough to see his face, but his eyes soften considerably.
Sighing loudly, he puts his hands on his hips, distracting me once again with the low swing of his pants, displaying the enticing V contoured between his hips.
The fresh blood in my veins pumping wildly as we stare at each other. Feeling my need building up dangerously, his eyes burning into mine as I watch him desperately trying to hold onto his anger. I want to reach out, slide my hands across his chest, down his arms, down his stomach and lower. Feel him against me, kiss him like I've wanted to for days, feel his skin against mine as he takes me, in the perfect, flawless way he does.
I take a small step forward, my legs have gone soft.
"You shouldn't be here." His voice is husky and quiet. I know he feels it too. His body betrays him, giving away his excitement; desire floods to the pit of my stomach. I take another step towards him, reaching out an arms length, and tucking my fingertips into the waist of his pants, pulling his hips gently towards me.
He closes his eyes, moaning deep in his throat.
"I want to stay," I whisper.
He stays very still, and so do I. I worry he will send me away, cold and unsatisfied.
"Please..." it comes out as a mild whimper, "Please Klaus... make love to me..."
I steal myself, boldly sliding my thumb against the button of his pants, pushing it open. He snatches my hand, grabbing it in an unbreakable hold; not moving my hand from its place at his waist, only impeding me from going any further.
After a beat of painful silence, he lets out a heavy sigh, surrendering.
"Fuck it."
Using his grasp on my hand, he yanks me forward. I gasp in surprise, and his mouth crashes down on mine, invading me. My skin bursts into flames, hot desire pumping through me, bellow my navel, crushing me under its intensity. Marveling as he relinquishes his resistance, giving into my pleas. Letting himself be possessed, following me down in this spiral of passion.
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