Chapter Six : Temporary Happiness
"What are you doing? You're not suppose to just hang them.. They're suppose to trickle down!" Caroline sighed causing people to look at her mostly dumbfounded.
Since New Orleans was like a beacon of jazz, art, culture and food, there was always an event to plan. And given her great success with Kat's wedding, business was booming. She had landed clients and was so glad she'd be so busy, that she wouldn't have time to even think of anything else... Anyone else.
Well besides her date tonight with Enzo.
Yeah maybe she was being a bit harsh on her newly hired help commanding them to trickle the decorations but she couldn't help it.. She was nervous. It would be the first guy after...Klaus and she just didn't know exactly how to feel.
People would call her crazy, being so hung up on a guy she hadn't even been intimate with. But all she could conclude was that with her and Klaus, it went beyond sexual attraction.
It was a different level of intimacy. To Klaus and her, intimacy is not who you let touch you.. It was who you texted at 3am about your dreams and fears. Intimacy was the person in the back of your mind no matter how distracted you are or try to be. Or at least that's how it felt for her.
"Caroline where do you want me to put this?" One of her hired staff asked her
"Over there." She pointed out, ticking some things off her checklisted clipboard. So far so good...
Mr Gerard, or rather Marcel was quite a well known buffin in New Orleans and by buffin, she meant he knew everyone in it, even Klaus. Apparently they were good friends... Or so she heard. He practically lived for the music. He was extremely talented which aided him in going further into the music industry. And given his success in it, the mayor of New Orleans decided to throw a party in his honor. It was a 1920's theme which excited Caroline since she'd always been fascinated by that era, the fashion, the parties.. Which is why she had worked her butt off to land this gig.
The party taking place tomorrow night just had to be a success.
If she could impress the mayor, well then she would pretty much score all the future events in the French Quarter. And hey, this was New Orleans.. There's practically a party on the corner of every street you walked down.
"You should go home. The place looks great and everythings pretty much done." Elena smiled joining her in the hall.
"You're right." Caroline smiled taking a look at her work. She had done great, the decorators too.
Elena hadn't worked for her or anything. But she always liked to help out now and again. Caroline insisted that she be paid for her troubles but she always refused claiming she did it for the fun of it
It was a little after 5 as she made her way home. There was so much traffic but that was the norm here. The streets were always jam packed with tourists, street musicians, artists, even palm readers.
Reaching her apartment at last, she was relieved to see that she still had about an hour and a half to get ready before her date.
She texted Kat earlier to ask if she could help her get ready. Her bestie was if not the best dresser she knew and the outfits she picked out for Caroline were always perfect. Much to her surprise though, Katherine had yet to reply.. It wasn't like her best friend not to respond to her text. She got worried so she called Elijah.
Elijah explained that Katherine was busy with the new interior designer for the house and would be unavailable for the remainder of the day.
Well she was glad nothing was wrong with Katherine, but she still didn't know what to wear.
She and Enzo had texted, but he refused to tell her where he was taking her claiming it was a surprise. As sweet as that was, she was still without a clue about her attire for the date.
Standing in front of her closet she sighed. Throwing out various dresses, tops and skirts she knew she looked good in. Eventually she narrowed it down to two outfits.. The first was a bohemian styled chiffon dress and the second was a black Chanel boob tubed jumpsuit that she still borrowed from Katherine and had yet to return.
Deciding which outfit screamed 'sex' more.. She went with the jumpsuit since it was sexy complimenting her best assets, but also safe enough just in case the date happened to be somewhere classy and sophisticated. Enzo was a doctor after all...
With her heels and her make up done, she was poofed and puffed with all sorts of products and perfume. Seeing as she had at least a couple of minutes left she decided to have a glass of wine while she waited
Playing out the date in her head, Caroline quickly downed the glass and was on to her second already. She figured she needed the liquid courage if she wasn't going to be thinking about Klaus tonight.
Taking a moment to ponder the tempting thought of a third glass, she heard the door.
Must be Enzo. She thought slipping into her heels before walking towards the door.
Caroline had plans for everything. It was like her thing, to always be prepared for anything and everything. Only.. There was one thing she really had not been prepared for at all, and that was the man who stood at her front door.
"Klaus..."
"Caroline called earlier.. Are you going to tell me now why you're avoiding her.." Elijah asked as him and Katherine got into bed after the day.
"I'm not avoiding her." Kat frowned
"Well the interior designer came two days earlier than expected, which meant you had rescheduled. So yes you are avoiding something, I know you Katerina, you can't keep secrets from me you know." Elijah laughed
"I can't see Caroline...yet." She sighed
"Meaning what exactly?"
"Klaus.." She sighed
"Ah yes. The talk you had with Niklaus the other night."
"If I see her before Klaus does, I'll blab.. So until Klaus speaks to her, I have to keep myself occupied."
Katherine and Klaus couldn't agree on anything that night.
When he suggested flowers she laughed at him
When he suggested chocolates she mocked him
So finally they just agreed to disagree.
Although they did come to a conclusion.
Klaus would go see Caroline and knowing after he told her everything she would need Katherine. And that's when bestie would step in and help in any way if needed.
But Katherine made one thing clear.. She would not influence Caroline's decision in anyway. She still thought Klaus was a dick, but a dick that happened to care about her best friend. And that didn't mean she was going to score Klaus brownie points by Caroline. He had to convince her on his own.
She just hoped that Klaus would hurry up already. She couldn't stay away from Caroline too long. Her bestie would know something was up and Katherine would just blab right away.
"Perhaps I can help with that." Elijah purred pulling her ontop of him and kissing her fiercely
"Hmm.. If you plan on keeping me occupied like this... I might never want to leave." She sighed feeling his hands roam all over her body.
She loved this man.
"Klaus..."
"Hello Caroline." He half smiled. He hadn't missed how beautifully dressed up she was tonight. He hoped she wasn't working or...dating. The second one made his skin crawl.
He saw all the various emotions flashing over her face. He saw relief, a glint of happiness even? But then all of that turned to a frown filled with hate and rage.
"What are you doing here?" She muttered
"We need to talk love." He reasoned
"I have nothing to say to you." She scoffed
"Well I've got plenty to say to you sweetheart."
"Well that's too bad. I'm actually on my way out." She fired back leaning back to slam the door shut. Only Klaus was faster and stopped the door before it shut.
"Caroline...please." He muttered. And those eyes, those damn eyes of his fucked her over. He just frowned a little lips slightly pouted and she was like putty in his hands.
She sighed side stepping allowing him entrance to her apartment.
Leaving the door, she huffed in annoyment turning around to scoff at him, arms crossed to show her anger, but also as if to guard her insecurity about seeing him.
"I want to apologize. I-" he started
"You have nothing to apologize for Klaus, we're not together. We're never were." She stated
"Would you just let me explain." He commanded
Saying nothing she just looked down to her hands. Just standing there, her body facing him.
"There is.. No excuse that can make up for what happened that night. And given that, I'll understand if you never to want to speak to me again. But, I will not leave until you know my side of it." He stated
Saying nothing she just looked at him. So he took it a cue to go ahead.
"I don't know what Elijah, Katerina or Kol has told you about me. My reputation with women, my reckless behavior, my lifestyle...yes it's true. But that was until I met you."
"3 weeks Caroline.. 3 weeks of no sex, nothing but just spending time together and yet I've still not been able to get you out of my head. Please understand that it had never been like this before with any woman, I swear.. Which is why I didn't know what to do, I thought there was something wrong with me, Kol added on that insecurity no doubt, provoked me into believing that I was becoming someone else because of you. And as scary as that sounded at the time, I ran." He sighed
"But the truth is; no matter how many bourbon's I've consumed, or women.. I haven't stopped thinking about you.. Caring about you. I don't know what this is Caroline, I don't what we are.. But I really would like to find out." He stated
Caroline was speechless
Which rarely ever happened.
At some point she wanted him to take her in his arms and never let her go... Promise her love, happiness and all that other fairy tale stuff. And yet at another, she couldn't bring herself to just forget about everything and forgive him...it just wasn't that simple.
How funny though, when he confessed to not being able to stop thinking about her...did he know it was the exact same case for her?
Only his earlier indiscretion made her build up her walls so high, that no one could even attempt to know what she was feeling sometimes..not even Katherine. And that was something that would always plague her. How could she ever trust him again? Being hurt by someone you care about so deeply.. It felt like the worst thing in the world.
"I can't." She croaked out
Klaus looked up to her face in shock and sadness
He wanted to look for any sign that she was maybe joking around or something..but all he saw was heartbreak.
"Caroline ju-"
"No Klaus. I can't, you've explained and shockingly..I get it. I forgive you, if that even gives you peace of mind or something but I.." She sighed
"I just can't trust you.. How can I when if I look at you all I see is your face buried in her neck.." She looked down.
Klaus was disgusted with himself. Suddenly feeling the bile rising up in his throat making him nauseas.
But she cared too. She cared enough to let it bother her this much and all he needed was some sort of clarity that she still felt that way..
Sucking in a breathe he was in front of her in a flash and pulled her flush against him before smashing his lips onto hers. Caroline quickly reciprocated the action. Placing his hand on her neck, keeping her close to him. It wasn't hurried, yet it felt as if they both were hungry for this, and had been for so long.. Almost as if they would just fall apart if separated.
Caroline felt his tongue against her soft lips and instantly parted them without even thinking allowing him entrance. At this point, her mind had no control whatsoever. Instead, it was her body who responded along with her heart maybe.. Their tongues battling for dominance, dancing together so beautifully as if they were made to fit each other, compliment each other. She didn't want this to end. She wish she didn't have to stop to take a breathe knowing that she would stop it right then and there.
Pulling back she placed her hands on his chest and lightly pushed him away.
"Stop.. This isn't.. what I want." She breathed out in a much less convincing tone
"That's not what it felt like. You kissed me back." He added.
And that was it. That was all the clarity he needed to confirm that she still felt strongly about him. He had his reason to fight now. He would not, could not stop now until she was his. And that was a promise he made to himself right then and there.
"I'm seeing someone." She started. Fishing for anything that would just make him leave. She couldn't think straight and if he didn't leave now, she would end up tearing his clothes off and taking him to her bedroom. And that would be a mistake...wouldn't it?
"Who." He growled. Yet he knew who, it was that Doctor.. The thought alone of Caroline in the arms of that guy made him fume with envy.
"It doesn't matter. What matters is that this.." She pointed between her and him
"It can't happen. It just won't work." She sighed
"Ever since I met you, I haven't been able to think of anything else. And don't tell me you don't feel a connection between us. There was something between us that day when we danced under the sunset.. And there still is today." He stated
All her willpower had just vanished after being reminded of when they first met.
"Caroline..? the door was open and-"
They both shot around to the sound of the voice that came from a figure who emerged from Caroline's door.
"Enzo." Caroline croaked
Looking between the two figures between him, Enzo could sense the tense atmosphere and wondered if maybe he walked in on something.
"Is everything okay?" He asked
"Yes Mate. All good. We were just-" Klaus started
"Leaving. Klaus was just leaving." Caroline quickly cut in before Klaus could say anything else
"Caroline w-"
"I've said all I needed to say. You can see yourself out." She muttered grabbing her bag and walking out the door, Enzo following closely behind leaving Klaus in her apartment.
It wasn't a smart move, but she hoped that if Klaus cared about her at all like he said, he would take a hint and abandoned this foolish notion that they could actually be together. Because in her head; someone ends up hurt, no matter what scenario she played out.. It eventually ended in tears, most of the time for her.
Klaus was angry, insanely jealous and hurt a little but nothing, if not competitive. Knowing how Caroline felt about him was all the motivation he needed to pursue her again, winning her heart.
And if that meant he had to play against some bloody bloke, goody two shoes with half an accent, so be it.
"Who was that guy?" Enzo asked as they reached the car and drove off
"Klaus. His an old friend, well not anymore anyway." She muttered.
Great now with Klaus and his stupid confession buzzing around her head, she doubted she would be of any company right now to anyone, especially Enzo and he didn't deserve that at all.
Nodding, Enzo decided to talk about how her day was. He could see she was upset, a little tense about something so he didn't want to press and further upset her.
Pulling up to a secluded little Italian place, Enzo got out to open the door for her and held her hand all the way inside until they were seated.
The gesture felt somewhat strange but she went with it anyway. Anything to get Klaus out of her thoughts.
She was glad he wasn't the shy type. She could see he was the type of guy who knew what he wanted and had gone for it. Much like another person she knew...Oh Caroline stop it would you! Geez the world doesn't revolve around Klaus.
But yours does... Her bitch of a subconscious would fire back at her
"How'd you find this place?" Caroline smiled. The restaurant was beautiful inside. It was cosy yet it had that elegant charm but one thing was for sure..It wasn't like Cami's usual bar crowd.
"And you call yourself an events organizer.." He teased
"I always come here. They make the best pasta dishes in town." He added
"Hey..I'm still finding my feet. I'm not that well known with the locals yet." She shrugged. The wine made if awfully easy for her to seem like her old self, well somewhat.. So she just went along with it.
"Well I'm sure that'll change very soon. Aren't you doing that thing for the mayor?" He asked
And suddenly she remembered another thing she had yet to do.. She needed a date to the party.
Klaus would be there! Shit! Shit! Shit!
She couldn't face him, and yet she couldn't NOT attend, what would the Mayor think of her?.. Deciding to come to terms with the fact that she would see Klaus there, she thought it wouldn't be a bad idea not to show up alone, although she didn't know if Enzo would accompany her. He was a doctor after all, duty calls and everything..
"Speaking of... What are you doing tomorrow night?" She asked hopeful
"Uh.. Nothing that I know of." He smirked
"Well would you like to be my date?" She grinned. Thinking more of how jealous she would make Klaus then anything else. Yes it wasn't fair to Enzo, but at this point she couldn't think of anything else.
"I'd be happy to." He winked
"Oh its a 1920's theme so you have to dress the part.." She giggled
"Fantastic." He grinned
"Didn't know you'd get that excited over dressing up." She smirked eyebrows raised
"I wasn't.. I just can't begin to imagine how breath taking you are going to look tomorrow. If I do recall, women in the 1920's were quite promiscuous.." He teased
She could flirt back.. She wanted to.
"Well.. You're just going to have to wait and see if that theory proves to be correct.." She smirked. Already feeling the wine kicking in nicely.
Enzo was right. Caroline hadn't eaten pasta like that in all her life.. Simply delicious.
They spoke for hours and much to Caroline's surprise, Enzo was actually taking her mind off Klaus..a lot. And that was saying something since well, she thought about him constantly. They spoke and spoke until eventually they were the last people in the restaurant
"You know we're like the only people here..." Caroline muttered
"I hadn't notice." He stated staring at nothing else but her.
He was so sweet and charming. Why did her stupid heart still not want anything else besides Klaus after he himself had broken it in the first place.
It was almost as if she craved the bad things because it made her feel good. Like what normal person does that? Seriously.
It was a little after 12 when Caroline and Enzo pulled up at her apartment building. She noticed Klaus's car was parked in the front anymore so she sighed inwardly in relief knowing he wasn't waiting for her in the apartment. She didn't have the energy to even deal with that. All she wanted to do was kick off her heels, and climb into bed shutting out the entire world even if it was just for a night.
"I had a great time." She smiled at him as they reached her door.
"Me too. We should do this often," he winked and she laughed
"We'll I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled
Turning back to face him after unlocking the door, Enzo quickly stole a peck from her soft rosy lips before she could say or do anything.
Caroline was a little thrown, she just stood there stiff as a pole suddenly forgetting how to speak.
Enzo smirked noticing how a simple peck on her lips could have such an effect on her.
"Until tomorrow night. Goodnight Caroline." He smirked and walked off.
Caroline closed the door behind her leaning flat against it and started banging her head against the door
"Stupid...stupid.." She muttered with every knock she took with the back of her head.
She sighed just leaning against the door.
This had been a total bust. Although the pasta was really great. Besides that she hated herself even more now.
Kissing Klaus, even just on the lips was such a rush. It sent tingles all through her entire body right down to her toes. His lips were so soft and welcoming with that cute stubble pricking her slightly. And yet kissing Enzo, well it felt the exact opposite.
Caroline dreaded tomorrow night's party. She wish there was some way she could shimmy out of it, but alas..
She wondered how Klaus would react to her being with Enzo. Yes he saw them walk out the apartment together.. But he didn't see them holding hands, dancing, kissing..?
A part of her hoped he would take the hint and leave her be, but another wished he would throw her over his shoulder like a caveman, throw her onto a bed and make sweet love to her. Yes maybe the last part had a glint of her sexual frustration. So what.. She had needs.
Scraping together the little will power she had left after the 'eventful' day, she managed to climb into bed. All those thoughts about Klaus and Enzo were put on a halt. She would deal with that when the time came. And that wasn't right now. She contemplated calling Kat, but it was late and Katherine was married now. She knew her bestie's responsibility was to her husband. Besides, Katherine would probably chew and spit her out after she told her that she kissed Klaus back... Yeah no. Rather don't call.
She sighed letting sleep take over her.
The next day came in full swing and Caroline was ready for it. She had been busy all day long yet still managed to find time to pick up her dress for tonight.
Tonight.. Tonight was party of course. Enzo would be her date, and.. Klaus would be there.
She wondered if Klaus would also be there with someone.. Strangely enough, she didn't like that idea at all. Well at least Kat and Elijah will be there, so it won't be too bad, and besides she'll be working mostly..making sure everything is in place etc etc.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
Caroline jerked around, hand on her mouth in shock at the sudden voice in her apartment.
Katherine stood there no less in a shiny black dress. Her hair was curled in an up-do with a lace band around her head. She'd be hit on a lot if they really were in the 20's.
"Kat! You scared me to death!" Caroline sighed
"What? You expect me to knock or something?" Kat shrugged going straight for Caroline to pull her up in a hug
"We'll it seems everyone just happens to find their way into my apartment now a days. I have to find a new place to hide the spare key." Caroline muttered
"Oh please. I don't need a key. I'm Katherine Mikealson... I could get into this house with both hands tied behind my back and being blindfolded. Now come on! Let's get you in your dress." She ordered
Caroline smiled slowly. She missed Katherine, this was the first time she saw her in a few days.
"So..what I miss?" Katherine asked as Caroline slipped into her red low cut dress. It had frills and beads all around it, moving around as she turned.
"Nothing much.. The usual." Caroline muttered not looking Kat in the face, knowing she would be busted
Katherine knew Klaus had been here a few nights ago. He merely discussed it with Elijah, but she hadn't gotten gory details. Which is why she wanted Caroline to tell her.
"Like have you forgotten how well I know you?" Katherine sighed
Caroline rolled her eyes starting to do her make up.
"Klaus was here." Caroline muttered, waiting for the curses and anger to start. Only..Katherine remained totally calm which was ...weird.
"And?" Kat added
"And? Seriously?! I tell you that a guy who you wanted to kill a few weeks ago was here to reconcile and the only thing you say is 'and?'" Caroline scoffed
"Well, let's just say..Klaus already told us about it." Katherine muttered
"And you didn't tell me?!"
"What was I suppose to say Care?. Look I'm not a sucker okay, I could see how miserable you were without him."
"Well it doesn't matter. It didn't happen and its not going to." Caroline didn't see the point in telling Kat about the kiss. Its not like she and Klaus were going to be more than.. Well, acquaintances really.
Katherine could tell Caroline was obviously thinking and stressing over this thing for a while now, so she decided not to push anymore.
"You look stunning." Enzo grinned
"Thank you.." Caroline muttered, ever since he kissed her last night, she felt kinda awkward.
"We'll let's take our leave then." Elijah stated ushering Katherine and Caroline out the door, followed by Enzo.
The party was the current place to be in the French Quarter. Everyone who was anyone was there, the alcohol was in abundance and the music was old but totally do'able.
Enzo didn't waste anytime in taking Caroline onto the dance floor as soon as she was done talking to the Mayor who thanked her for an outstanding effort put in tonights party for Marcel. She had yet to see him, Klaus too. But she figured Klaus probably didn't even attend.
So she let Enzo take her onto the dance floor.
It was a slow 1920's dance song. Couples were in eachothers arms swaying slowly to the slow soft music.
"Have I told you how lovely you look tonight?" Enzo started
"Yes..3 times actually." She giggled
"Well its true. You look.." He smiled
"Thank you."
Turning her face to lean slightly on his shoulder, she noticed 3 figures appearing from the entrance.
Klaus, another woman and a man. And the way everyone were greeting the dark man told her it was Marcel himself. But who was the woman..
Caroline saw the woman whisper into Klaus's ear and him laughing slightly. Her grip on Enzo's shoulder suddenly grew tighter.
"You okay?" He asked and she immediately lessened her grip
"Er, yeah." She smiled
He smiled rolling her out and then back into his embrace before dipping her toward the ground. Caroline couldn't help but laugh
Klaus heard her. Klaus would know that laugh anywhere.. Of course he knew she would be here, she organized the event after all. Scanning through the crowd of people swaying on the dance floor he saw her.
She was stunning.
And then there was Enzo.. Well not for long he thought.
"Excuse me mate, I'll catch up with you later." He spoke to Marcel, before walking toward Caroline and Enzo who were still dancing.
Swaying slightly around, Enzo noticed Klaus standing a mere few inches away staring at them. He stopped dancing and glared at Klaus. He knew Klaus had feelings for Caroline, it would take an idiot not to figure that out.
"What?" Caroline looked up to Enzo who stopped moving and then followed his gaze
And there stood Klaus, looking dapper in his suit smirking no less.
"Good evening." He smirked staring at Caroline
"Mind if I cut in?" He added
"Yes actually. We're dancing." Enzo scoffed
Klaus gave Caroline that look and she knew.., he wouldn't leave until he danced with her, and that meant he would be bothering her the entire night. Might as well get it over with.
"No..its fine." Caroline sighed smilling softly at Enzo.
Klaus grinned like an idiot.
"Get us some drinks would you mate.." Klaus added as he reached his hand out for Caroline to take. Enzo and Caroline scoffed upon hearing Klaus's comment and Enzo walked off.
Sighing, she took his hand and they slowly danced.
"Why do you always have to prove you're the alpha male?"
"I don't have to prove anything love I am the alpha male."
"Whatever." She rolled her eyes.
"You look ravishing." He smiled
She said nothing but continued to dance.
"You know you're quite the dancer.." He added
"Well.. I've had training. I happen to be Miss Mystic Falls." She stated
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you Caroline." He winked
"Have you thought about what I said.." He whispered in her ear. The small gesture sent chills down her spine, just reminding her of their little encounter in her apartment.
"We already had this conversation. If I remember correctly, I told you to get lost. I'm with Enzo." She scoffed
"What? That goody two shoes with half an accent? You're kidding yourself. Just denying what you truly what. And its right here in front of you." He smirked
"Can you be any less conceited?" She scoffed stalking away from him. She needed a drink, a strong one.
Klaus saw Caroline at the bar, he knew she was trying to get drunk in attempt to deny him further. Well she was going to be sorry, because it would not work.
"She's too good for you, you know." He heard someone say. It was Enzo
"How would you know mate, you don't even know me." Klaus stated
"Well I know enough to know that you obviously hurt her, so you should probably stay away. Caroline's with me now."
"Is that so? Well she must have forgot to mention it the other night when we were ravishing each other in her living room..." Klaus smirked and then walked off leaving a baffled Enzo. Finding Marcel, they settled at a table with a bottle of bourbon and watched the people dance, just like the good old days..
The party was a success and she was glad she didn't have to stay late and clean up, because she had hired people to do that. The night went by rather okay, Klaus didn't hit on her, and Kat was on her best behavior. Although Enzo seemed a little off, she figured it was because of Klaus and her dancing together. She quickly brushed off the negative thoughts as they pulled up to her apartment.
"So what's you're deal with Klaus?"
"What?"
"Like are you seeing him too?"
"How can you even think that!"
"Its not a leap Caroline. Whenever you're around each other, with people even, its tense. To intense if you ask me. So what's the deal with you to?"
"We're nothing. Klaus is nothing. I can't believe we're having this conversation!."
"So you and him in you're living room was nothing?!"
Caroline didn't expect that.
She didn't answer, but her face said it all.
"Enzo-"
"Perhaps we shouldn't see each other anymore. I like you Caroline, I really do. But I can't be second to him." He sighed
"Come find me when you get that temporary happiness out of your system." He added before he turned back to the steering wheel. Caroline got out and watched him drive away. She felt horrible, he was a good guy and good guys don't deserve this.
Although a part of her had wondered if he were right.. Was Klaus a temporary happiness?
Reaching her bed at last she sighed after the days events. She wanted nothing more than to just stay in bed for a while. Some best friend time wouldn't hurt too, feeling nostalgic she called Katherine
"What's wrong?" Kat answered after the 2nd ring
"How do you know somethings wrong?"
"Well its 2 in the morning, and somethings wrong because you left with Enzo who I thought would be helping you break the bed by now." Kat muttered
"We ended things..." Caroline sighed. She wasn't particularly broken up about it, but she it wasn't like she was thrilled either, she felt horrible.
"What happened? or should I rather ask who..., heck should I even ask?" Katherine shrugged
Caroline just sighed
"Funnily enough, I was about to call you. I'm having a dinner party tomorrow, not a big thing, just the usuals.. So you can come by at like 7'ish?" Katherine muttered
"And by the usuals you mean Klaus too? I don't think I have the energy to deal with that Kat." She sighed
"Care, you're my best friend.. His my brother in law, you're like bound to cross paths sooner or later. Might as well get use to it and over it." Kat sighed
Katherine had a point. Although it would have been much easier if Klaus wasn't so insistent and infuriating.
"Soo your dramatic pausing.. I take it that's a yes then? I'll see you tomorrow bestie.. Kisses!" Katherine smiled ending the call.
Seeing Klaus for the third time this week? Oh joy
"Hey where's Kat.." Caroline smiled as Elijah hugged her. She had pulled up at there house at exactly 7pm sharp. Caroline hated tardiness.
"In the kitchen, could I get you some wine?" He offered following her to the kitchen
"Yeah thanks. Red please."
The kitchen was filled with dishes. Everything looked and smelled delicious.
"There's no way you cooked all this." Caroline laughed. Katherine couldn't even fry an egg.
"Well I might not be queen of the kitchen, but I do know how to order good take out that's passable for home cooked meals" she smirked
"That's true." Caroline shrugged popping a baby carrot into her mouth.
"Hey!" Katherine swatted her hand away
"No eating yet." Katherine commanded
The only reason why Klaus had come to this dinner in the first place was because Caroline was going to be here, other than that he didn't care about Kat and Elijah's dinner party.
Making himself comfortable in the living room, nursing a tumbler of bourbon. He heard all the fuss going on in the kitchen and smiled hearing Caroline's melodic voice. It was like music to his ears. He could just still and listen to her talk all day about anything really.
"And what's got you smilling like that?" Kol frowned
Hearing the light banter between their sister in law and Caroline coming from the kitchen he smiled sadistically. Klaus hated that smile, it was the one thing Kol got from Mikeal.
"Ah so Caroline's here." Kol grinned
"Better go make my presence known to the bl-"
"You will do no such thing. Caroline is here as our guest. You will be on your best behavior Kol." Elijah stated entering the living room to join his brothers
"As will you Niklaus.." Elijah added
"I didn't say anything." Klaus smirked
Soon after Elena and Stefan arrived, everyone took their place around the dinner table. Katherine took into account that Caroline wouldn't want to be seated next to Klaus, but that had meant that she would have to sit opposite him.
Caroline couldn't eat. Klaus was directly opposite her watching her like a hawk. She felt flustered. Angry, flattered.. No very angry.
The conversations had been the norm, Elena complaining about Stefan's crazy schedule, Katherine bragging about how well she fitted the high society wife role, Kol hitting on Caroline any chance he got always earning a scowl from Klaus, and both of them earning disapproval looks from Elijah who was not nearly impressed.
"So Enzo said the party was great Care, you must have outdone yourself yet again." Stefan smiled at Caroline. Caroline had totally forgotten that Stefan was a med-student at the hospital, so he must have known Enzo.
"Yeah.. I guess," she half smiled
"Who's Enzo?" Kol purred
"His none of your business." Katherine rolled her eyes.
"His Care's boyfriend." Stefan winked over at her
Caroline sucked in a breath, the only person who knew the truth was Katherine, oh well. Might as well come clean now.
"We're not together anymore.." She stated
"Oh..I'm so sorry..I didn't know." Stefan muttered
"Its fine." She smiled tight lipped
This was news to Klaus... Who smirked looking down to his meal. He was glad that moron backed off.
"We'll I think Caroline deserves better anyway." Klaus muttered causing everyone to look at him
"Oh and that better is.. You?" Caroline snorted
"Well not to blow my own trumpet..but yes. I believe it could be." He stated looking up to meet her fiery gaze.
Everyone at the table grew quiet, watching the pair opposite each other in awe.
"And why is that?" She scoffed
"I love you." He stated
Caroline swore all the air had been sucked out of her. Elijah had choked slightly on his meat, Kat had wide eyes, even Kol stared jaw hanging on the ground.
"Are you crazy!" Caroline fired back
"No." Klaus stated calmly. Totally unphased, even if it took him a lot to say those 3 words he thought were true,
"Then what are you saying?"
"That I love you." He muttered
"You're nuts." She scoffed
"Why? Because I love you?" He frowned
Why couldn't she just accept it? She felt it too.
"You don't love me."
"Excuse me, now how would you know that? Don't tell me that I'm not in love with you." He rolled his eyes.
"Niklaus.." Elijah started
"Nik, Elijah.. Just Nik." Klaus sighed
"Nik, Nik you are sick!." Caroline shrieked
"You're just doing this to irritate me, because of what happened with Enzo.." She added
"No I'm not. You're a grown woman capable of having relationships with whomever you choose." He stated. Although he was really glad she and Enzo were over, that was one less thing to worry about.
"Alright I'm putting an end to this right now." Caroline scoffed getting up from the table stomping off. Klaus soon followed in suit.
"So how about dessert then." Elijah stated to the remaining people at the table who all looked baffled.
"Caroline...love listen to me." Klaus said walking after her outside in the back garden.
"Go away."
"But what have I done? Why are you so angry..."
"How long have you known me Klaus?"
"Almost 2 months, well counting the day we met on the phone as well." He smiled
"Listen.. You don't even know me." She sighed
"I do." He stated
"Really...what do you know?" She rolled her eyes
"Well... You're an events organizer.. Quite a good one might I add. You're beautiful, you dance very well... You're somewhat of a neurotic control freak, you hate latecomers...and I love you." He smirked
"You can't be in love with me!" She shrieked.
"Why, what's wrong with you?" He frowned
"With me? Nothings wrong with me. Its you! The problem is you. You need to get your head checked." She scoffed
"Caro-"
"You think a 2 month period, half of what was probably just hostility is love?" She interrupted
"What else can you call this?. Ever since I met you... There's something between us and don't deny that you feel it too." He fired back
"Yes there is... But it can't be love." She sighed
"Why? Sweetheart listen.."
"Look we don't know each other okay.. At least not well enough to call it love." She reasoned taking a seat on the outside bench.
"If we need to get to know each other better, that let's do that. If we need to understand each other, let's spend more time together." He replied sitting next to her.
"All this because I'm a good dancer.." She muttered
"No. Because maybe this is love, and maybe it isn't. Unless we give it a chance, how will we ever find out love?"
"It won't work Nik, I know it won't." Caroline sighed.
Klaus felt the tug at his heart hearing her call him Nik. He felt like he was breaking through to her.
"Why?" He asked
"By the time you wake up, I'm working. My job is demanding, it keeps me out at night sometimes. And you.. You're at the studio most of the time, or exhibits. How do we turn this into a relationship. Where the time?" She replied
"So...let's live together." The words were out of his mouth faster than he could think.
"What.." Caroline thought he might have been on drugs or something earlier, but now she was convinced that he was completely mental.
"Yes! Think about it... You live alone in a overpriced apartment, I live alone too.. Let's live together." He urged her
"No Nik, I'm not going to live with you." Caroline sighed
"Why not? You just said that we don't have the time to meet each other, this way we'll get that chance." He smiled
"We're barely know each other.. We met like two months ago, and we hated each other. How can I live with you?"
"That was before I really met you Caroline." He sighed
"So what? Should we let go of our feelings because we have demanding jobs?" He stated
Caroline sighed
"Look sweetheart, I don't know what we have between us exactly.. But I want to find out, because if it is love, then I don't want to loose it. He sighed
"No Nik." She rolled her eyes. He was crazy if he thought she would share a house let alone a bed with him!. Yes she liked him but that was a big step and she wasn't even sure if he was a temporary happiness yet...
"Hey, wait a minute. You're not thinking..." Klaus frowned seeing the look on her face.
"I didn't mean it like that Caroline. We'll live in separate rooms." He added
"Just what did you mean then.." She crossed her arms
"We'll live in the same house, we'll eat breakfast together, watch TV together. And we'll share the chores. Then you'll find out what I'm actually like, how I live at home, when I wake up-" he started
"Which is in the afternoon." Caroline snorted
"Very funny. but listen..I'll find out what you're like, what you like doing, what your problems are, which shows you like watching, which games you like playing..." He smiled
"Do you like scrabble?" He added
"I love scrabble." She stated
"See? I hate scrabble." He smiled, hoping he finally convinced her.
"Its too hasty.." She spoke after a few minutes of silence.
"Maybe.. But if we can't tolerate each other..then we just go our separate ways. Simple." He stated
"It's not so simple Nik." She sighed
"I'm sorry." She added looking to her hands in her lap.
"Fine. Maybe you're right, maybe there is nothing between us. And even if there is, it'll go away. Life moves on." He scoffed.
"But 10 years later, when you wake up one morning to find a fat, rich doctor snoring next to you..won't you ask yourself, was there something? Could something have happened?. But then there will be no answers, because you didn't give it a chance. Maybe Nik and Caroline could've been something, maybe not.. But we'll never find out." Klaus muttered before getting up and leaving.
Hope everyone likes the chapter. Sorry for killing the Carenzo buzz so quickly. I just don't want to prolong the inevitable *Klaroline* :)
I know I might have dropped the 'Love' bomb kinda early, but Klaus merely thinks its love. They still kinda figuring it out as they go along.
I'd really love to hear you're thoughts on what Caroline should do after Klaus's confession.
So review review review
Until the next chapter sweethearts
Xx