25 Days of Klaroline + First Kiss

Newly single Caroline Forbes is drowning her post break-up blues at the local bar when she awkwardly runs into her ex and his new girlfriend, not expecting the arrogant barman she's just met to step-in and lend a hand.

This drabble is dedicated to my favourite angry baker megansarah11 for her kindness, support and awesome TV show recommendations!

Steal My Kisses

Caroline

It was Friday night and the bar was overflowing with a noisy after work crowd. Original Sin was located on a rooftop and its prime position overlooking the famed Brooklyn Bridge was its main selling point. It didn't hurt that the tapas menu was delicious and its variety of whiskey extensive.

Caroline weaved her way through the hordes, tempted to elbow the nearby suited stockbroker who'd been trying to chat her up for two weeks now. Apparently repeatedly declining someone's advances made them more eager, go figure. She approached the bar, knowing she was going to need another drink to deal with his looming and repeated attempt. She blamed Katherine for putting her in this situation. If she hadn't taken a liking to the owner of said bar they wouldn't have returned.

It was four weeks ago when her roommate demanded she stop moping over her ex-boyfriend, drop the death by chocolate she was holding onto for dear life, get her butt into her cutest dress and join her at the hottest new bar in Brooklyn. She'd refused at first but Katherine wasn't one to give up easily and the next thing she knew she was perched on a barstool trading insults with the arrogant barman while Katherine fluttered her eyelashes at Elijah Mikaelson, who seemed unaffected by her charms. Something that was completely foreign to Katherine hence her persistence.

Initially it had been fun to down tequila shots for the evening but the bad memories were still there the next morning and the fact that her boyfriend had cheated was still very real. She thought she loved Tyler, he was her first serious boyfriend and they'd been together four years. Caroline had even planned their perfect future together down to the three kids, a white picket fence and a shaggy golden retriever named Max. Boy had she gotten it wrong, especially when she discovered him cheating on her with Hayley Marshall, her college nemesis. All the alcohol in the world wasn't going to make her forget that unpleasant memory.

"Here you go," a familiar English voice said, placing Caroline's usual drink in front of her.

"Am I that transparent?"

"I'll assume that was a rhetorical question," he quipped, flashing those disarming dimples her way. "Plus, I saw you coming and thought if I was efficient it would considerably lessen our conversation duration." It had been five days since she'd seen him last but she'd actually missed his trademark insults. Although he was completely annoying and insanely arrogant, Caroline found the banter was a good way to take her mind off Tyler.

"I almost forgot just how charming your customer service skills are," she noted. "And why don't you have any of those cute, tiny umbrellas for my drink?"

"Uh, because this is Brooklyn and not a tropical island in the Pacific," he scoffed, polishing a glass and shaking his head in her direction at the same time.

"But I put that in the suggestion box last week," she whined.

"Just because we have a suggestion box doesn't mean we use it," he snorted. "You want to know why I dread our time together so much? It's all the silly suggestions you feel the need to impart upon me."

"Maybe I need to speak to your boss, you know I'm sure Elijah would like my ideas." Elijah was currently the focus of Katherine's undivided attention, hence why she'd escaped to get a drink. Caroline wasn't sure whether he was attracted to her or scared of her, Katherine tended to have that effect on poor, unsuspecting males.

"Well, I hate to break it to you, love, but I'm just as much the boss as my stuffy, older brother and there will never be umbrellas in the drinks as long as I run this place," he growled. Caroline attempted to respond but Klaus was already speaking before she could, he had an annoying knack of doing that. "That also goes for the weird bingo night idea and don't even get me started on including more Taylor Swift on the playlist."

"You secretly love her," she pressed. "I saw you singing along to We're Never Getting Back Together the other night."

"What can I say it? It reminds me of a stalker I stupidly dated," he joked. "The one thing Taylor Swift knows how to do really well is throw shade but that doesn't mean I want her whiny voice wafting through my place of business."

"Maybe I need to write a song," she murmured, thinking it was the least Tyler deserved. "Your ego may be huge but your dick is tiny." Over many alcohol induced evenings, Caroline had shared her misfortune with Klaus, she always had been too honest for her own good.

"Not sure that's quite as catchy but if it works for you," he conceded. "Also, why on earth would you go out with someone so poorly endowed?"

Caroline had a sneaking suspicion that Klaus was more than okay in that department. That, and she may have found her eyes lingering there on occasion. She decided to blame it on the alcohol and not the fact he was extremely attractive, especially in those fitted dark jeans that hung low on his hips and hugged him in all the right places. She shook her head, trying to get back to what they'd been talking about.

"He wasn't but it was the most spiteful thing I could come up with on the spot," she groaned, hitting her head on the bar dramatically. The next thing she knew, Caroline felt a pair of strong hands, lift her up so that she was looking directly into his face and those beautiful lips. Even in the dimmed lighting of the bar, Caroline could still make out just how deeply crimson they were. She briefly wondered what it would be like to kiss them.

"I'm pretty sure you could come up with something, love." He offered, cocking his left eyebrow.

"He did have this weird thing for the Backstreet Boys."

"And that didn't raise any alarm bells?"

"I figured he was just trying to share some mutual interests," she offered, feebly. "Am I really that bad?"

"Well, your judgment leaves a lot to be desired," he began. "But honestly that guy is a class A asshole, you may not see it now but it's probably the best thing to happen to you."

"Really?" She asked, finding herself staring into his dark blue orbs and trying not to lose herself in them. When he wasn't being gruff, he could actually be quite nice.

"That's about as much sympathy as I can give tonight," he offered. "It's not good for my reputation after all." She obviously spoke too soon.

"Well, we can't have you ruining that stellar reputation of yours," she muttered. "Funnily enough, I thought barmen were supposed to be good listeners."

"You've been watching too many movies and episodes of Cheers. Now, go away, I have other people to serve and I better not find any more of your suggestions in that box later."

"That, I can't promise," she said, raising her eyebrows in his direction as she slipped off the barstool. "Anyway, I figure it's probably a better use of my time than trying to work out ways to kill my ex-boyfriend."

"Remind me never to mess with you, Caroline Forbes," she heard him chuckle as she sauntered away, her hips swinging exaggeratedly for added effect.

Klaus

"What's with that stupid grin on your face?" Elijah asked, taking a seat at the bar and gesturing for a glass of his signature, single walt whiskey.

"I'm allowed to smile, you know."

"This is you we're talking about Niklaus, you rarely smile. Actually, I don't think I've seen you smile since you stole Rebekah's favourite Barbie doll and beheaded it just for fun."

"Like you're one to talk," he snapped, choosing to ignore his comment. "Where's the brunette? Don't tell me she finally realised just how dull and boring you are and ran screaming for the hills."

"I think I preferred it when you were smiling," he scowled. "And, not that it's any of your business, but Miss Pierce and I are just friends."

"Have you told Miss Pierce that?" He asked, mockingly. Klaus knew that when women looked at you that way they didn't want to be just friends.

Not that Klaus was complaining about the sudden appearance of his brother's brunette admirer. He wouldn't admit it aloud but Klaus had found her beautiful, blonde friend rather intriguing and although he pretended she annoyed him, Klaus looked forward to her return visits. He didn't always man the bar given his owner duties but he had begun to work on nights he knew she would come by.

The bar could be packed but Klaus felt almost lonely when she wasn't sitting on a barstool rambling away, her soft pinks lips moving teasingly about tempting him to lean forward and capture her mouth with his. Both to shut her up and to find out exactly what she tasted like. Strangely enough, it was somewhat comforting having her around even if her suggestions were terrible. His favourite time of the night was when they'd close and he'd raid the suggestion box to see what she'd come up with now.

Although he'd slept with his fair share of women, Klaus had no idea how female minds worked nor did he want to know, until now. Was she leaving those absurd suggestions because she wanted his attention? If she was, he figured telling her not to leave them would make her more determined which was exactly why Klaus did it. Although, she did have a tendency to talk about her ex boyfriend a lot so he wasn't altogther sure what was happening. He'd ask Elijah but knew his brother would have no idea especially given his absolute naivety when it came to Katherine and women in general.

"I don't need to tell her that," Elijah growled. "Anyway, she's otherwise occupied with Caroline and that ex-boyfriend of hers." Klaus' eyes immediately searched the room, curious to see the idiot in the flesh. He was also wondering what had happened. Either they'd kissed and made up or she was doing everything in her power not to kill him, Klaus hoped it was the latter.

"You don't say," he murmured, trying not betray his feelings in front of Elijah.

"He's even turned up with his new girlfriend, according to Katherine it's the one he cheated on her with. Talk about soap operas," Elijah recounted, staring into his tumbler and swirling the amber liquid around it.

"Hayley," Klaus mumbled, he'd heard her name more than a few times in passing.

"Oh trust you to be thinking about another woman when you're talking to me," Elijah replied. Klaus had long stopped listening and was pouring Caroline's usual drink before leaving the bar without another word to his brother. He wasn't quite sure what he was going to do but the thought of her having to deal with her cheating ex and his new girlfriend made him strangely irritated.

It didn't take long to locate her, Katherine standing protectively by her side. He considered retreating given she seemed to have support but the fake smile plastered on Caroline's face was telling him otherwise. He advanced toward her without hesitation.

"Honey, there you are," he greeted, handing her the drink he'd just made. Her shock and Katherine's was obvious as they processed exactly what he was doing. Klaus made a mental note to tell them both what bad actors they were afterwards. He pulled her towards him, his arm snaking around her waist, trying to ignore just how good she felt nestled snugly into his side. "I got your favourite."

Thankfully the initial shock on Caroline's face was now replaced by a relieved smile and a very telling blush. Klaus had to remember to ask her about that reaction later.

"I thought vodka was your favourite?" Tyler asked. When Klaus had surmised earlier that he was a Grade A asshole he was right. His pouting, brunette companion seemed disinterested and so incomparable to the gorgeous blonde by his side.

"Well, a few things have changed Tyler," she growled, taking the drink in his outstreched hand and downing a large gulp, no doubt for some extra courage.

"I can see that," he noted, raising his eyebrows at Klaus. Where did this guy get off?

"This is Klaus," she introduced him.

"Yeah, her boyfriend," he added, not bothering to extend his hand to shake it. Instead he leaned in towards Caroline nuzzling his nose against hers, his eyes gazing into hers. He wasn't intending to kiss her but her perfume was so intoxicating and before he knew it his lips were pressed against hers. They tasted like a delicious mixture of lime and whiskey and were more supple than he'd ever imagined. He soaked up her delicious flavour as his tongue ran it's way along them before dipping into her hot mouth and massaging her tongue.

She moaned against his lips spurring him on further, Klaus desperate to explore every inch of her mouth. A loud cough sounded out, making them break away reluctantly reminding them both they had an audience, not that he minded of course given this little act was for Tyler's benefit. He held her gaze momentarily, her cheeks pink, her breathing ragged like his. So, that's what it was like to kiss Caroline Forbes.

"Get a room," Hayley muttered.

"I'm sorry, I just can't get enough of this one," he said, finally tearing his gaze from her. "Who are you?" Tyler's face clouded over in confusion, almost like he was shocked someone didn't know. Another thing Klaus needed to speak to Caroline about after this was her poor taste in men, until him of course.

"Her slimy ex-boyfriend," Katherine muttered, emphasising 'ex'. "Oh and this is his skanky, play thing Hayley. He's really skimming the bottom of the dating pool these days." Hayley attempted to hit Katherine but she was more than ready to block the incoming blow with her arm. Klaus realised at that moment why he found Katherine Pierce kind of scary. "That's the best you've got?"

"Still your crazy self, I see," Tyler mumbled.

"She's the crazy one?" Caroline baulked. Klaus could feel her body tense and rubbed her lower back gently. He told himself it was to calm her nerves but given the residual buzz he was feeling from her kiss that wouldn't be altogether true.

"Look, I know you're upset Caroline but..."

"Oh, I'm not upset, Tyler," she scowled. "I would just prefer you didn't frequent the same establishments as me, it really puts a dampener on my social life."

"It's a free country," Hayley bit out, childishly.

"Well, you see it's not actually," Klaus began. "I own this bar and as of now I don't want to see either of you here again." From the corner of his eye Klaus noticed a satisfied smirk grace her features. He may not have been able to fufil her other suggestions but he figured this one might make up for it.

"You can't do that."

"Oh yes he can," Elijah said, appearing from what seemed like nowhere. "I'm co-owner here, so it looks like the decision is unanimous." They'd left immediately to avoid any further embarrassment, a rather satisfied Caroline smiling in their wake.

"Nice work Forbes, you too boyfriend," Katherine joked, nudging her playfully. "Funny how this is the first I've heard about this relationship."

"You and me both," Elijah agreed, looking at Katherine. "And where did you learn to fight like that?"

"I'd be more than happy to show you some moves," Katherine purred, pulling him away and leaving Klaus and Caroline alone together. Silence enveloped them and it was suddenly a little awkward. What did you do after an amazing kiss like that?

"So..."

"So," Klaus repeated. "He really is an ass."

"He really is," she agreed. "I can't believe I wasted all that time on him."

"Well, now you don't need to worry about seeing him ever again," Klaus smiled. "Well, at Original Sin anyway."

"It's no bingo night or drink umbrella but I suppose it will do," she grinned, poking him in the chest teasingly. "Thanks for that, you uh didn't have to do that..."

"I know," he murmured. "I just figured he had it coming, that's all." He shrugged his shoulders, feeling uncomfortable all over again about their kiss and wondering just how to broach the subject. They'd been so caught up in the moment Klaus hadn't had chance to process what had happened.

"Uh Klaus, we need a hand at the bar," one of the waitresses interrupted. Klaus wasn't sure whether he was glad to end the awkwardness or whether he was upset they couldn't talk about what happened.

"I, uh, better."

"Oh yeah, of course," she nodded understandingly.

The rest of the night passed in a blur, he'd tried to look out for Caroline on a few occasions but he was finding it difficult to see past the crowds at the bar it was that busy. When closing time arrived Klaus realised he was somewhat disappointed she hadn't said goodbye but maybe she didn't like him that way and wanted to avoid him after the kiss.

It was only when he was cleaning up after closing that Klaus noticed the suggestion box sitting there taunting him. Klaus doubted she would have left anything but he decided to check anyway, even just to amuse himself with other people's weird ideas. There was one lonely piece of paper inside, he opened it expectantly, his mouth curving into a smile as he read her neat and familiar cursive.

I suggest you call Caroline and ask her on a date: 477-689-5957

Now that was one suggestion Klaus intended on taking Caroline up on.