I know it's gotten considerably colder once everyone's stopped their frantic – honestly inappropriate – jumping and grinding. I felt the change in temperature some time ago, yet with the internal heating system I claim as my own it's no wonder I don't realise just how cold it's become. It starts with the sharing of jackets and coat tails, which had been abandoned by the door when everyone arrived. The couples who'd thought in advance to bring their own suits of warmth happily mill around, oblivious to the plights of those forced to share. The nip in the air forces those struggling to share a measly piece of clothing to band together in intimate embrace. In every direction there is a scattering of couples or friend groups, huddled together like penguins in the Artic. As promised the music slows to accommodate the latest atmosphere.
For the first time that evening the whole scene truly takes on the serenity and crisp coolness of the Christmas season.
Elena had abandoned me with Caroline after a good ten minutes of gyrating dancing steps. Caroline fared no better and kept running back and forth to obtain punch whenever there was a lull in the music.
As a crooning ballad of blizzards and fireplaces trickles from the speakers, I swivel on my heel to search for Klaus. The chance is unlikely (and really I don't need his jacket) but I'd be more than happy to pretend shivering if he'd wrap his coat and arms around me – even if it's only for one song.
The low hum of a man's voice fills the room – I vaguely recall it as something that used to play on the radio back in Forks as well. It's a song Sam had used as an excuse to cradle in his arms, even though we'd reeked of wet soil and pine cones from a perimeter check. It's a memory I'd gladly relive – only this time in the arms of Klaus, with the smell of aging books and the achingly sweet scent of the juice we've been served all night long.
I spot him across the floor, leaning against a wall with said beverage in one hand. Even with multitudes of couples between us, I can see his features well. Later, when I accuse him, he'll blatantly deny the content arch of his brows and the slightest dip of his head in time to the music. He's magnificent to look at and I cannot imagine how much better it would seem from closer up.
Klaus turns his head, eyes meeting mine like a moth drawn to flame. My lips twist and stretch into a painfully wide smile; I'm unable to contain my joy at seeing him, simply being able to share this day. His lips twist in an answering grin – smaller and less bright than mine must be, but beautiful and breath-taking all the same.
My stomach erupts in the furious flutter of butterfly wings. I haven't felt like this since the day Sam first told me he loved me. I have less naïve hopes now; perhaps I'm stronger for the pain he dealt me. Klaus isn't Sam and I'll not harbour false dreams of him miraculously coming to love me, but if he cares for me enough to hold me during this song's duration…it would be enough for now.
He pushes from the wall, raising a brow and sweeping an arm toward the dance floor where Elena and Damon stand in one another's embrace. If the butterflies were wild before, they mutate into a spill of lava that makes my breathing hitch and my fingers tremble.
I nod.
Before I can take my first step though, the path is obstructed by shoulders clad in crisp white shirt alone. A jacket settles over my shoulder and I raise a confused scowl to Kol who's smirking like the big idiot he is.
I sniff indignantly, "If you'll excuse me, I got somewhere to be." I peek around his shoulder, reaching to pull his jacket away from my body. There's a hint of that sweet punch, but the scent isn't right – it doesn't smell of Klaus.
"Oh, no, you don't," Kol intercepts my efforts, stepping in front of me before I can escape. My scowl turns fierce, annoyed at the action, "You promised me a dance and I'll be claiming,"
My face crumbles a bit, my eyes searching his pleadingly. This might be my only chance to dance with Klaus – who knows if he'll ever offer again. "Please, Kol," I try pleadingly, "You can have the next; I really need this one to…" I cut myself off, biting the inside of my cheek hard.
Kol shakes his head, not looking sorry in the least when he shrugs his shoulder in a 'can't be helped' manner. "Sorry, love, but I get to choose and I'm really feeling this song."
I tsk but don't fight him when he claims one of my hands. Still, I search for Klaus over his shoulder. The other man is not where I'd last seen him, I wonder if he'd found another partner – instantly jealousy raises its ugly head, I trample it to dust as quickly as I can. I have no claim on Klaus; if he wants to dance with other girls, he may.
The music continues as a sorrowful wail in my mind. Kol wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me closer. I continue to glare over his shoulder, hoping to see a glimpse of Klaus as Kol leads me in slow purposeful steps across the floor.
"You'll get yourself hurt, love," Kol hums in my ear.
"I'm stronger than I look," I inform him with more bite than I originally intended.
"And so is my dearest brother. He could crush you without any effort," he spins me and draws me close once again. The smell of sugar and soap tickle my nose; he fills my senses and I don't like it in the least. I should be in Klaus' arms, not his brother's. "You seem to forget all he's good at is breaking hearts – or crushing them, they're both quite a skill, really."
I shake my head, "And you? Are you not good at breaking and crushing them? I seem to recall you have just as sordid a reputation as he."
"Now, now. We're discussing Nik, not I,"
"He is the better looking brother after all," I snipe coolly and Kol laughs, gripping me with bruising force and yet seeming gentle in the embrace.
"Somehow I doubt I could ever convince you otherwise,"
"You can't," I agree, proud of this fact.
"Well," he spins me once more and dips me over his knee, bringing our faces much too close. "I'll simply have to work harder to convince you of his failings." Kol brings me back up, not missing a beat before he whisks us into a smooth glide across the room. "It'd be a pity to see you gutted like so many before you… In fact! I'm sure it was a night exactly like this on which he slaughtered his hybrids. A messy affair, really, all that blood."
"I know," I snap, more to dissuade further description than to stop his listing of Klaus' deeds. I've witnessed the slaughter once. Even with my dull memory of it, I'd rather not have to think over the blood coating my hands, face, everywhere. But not mine, Klaus'.
"Oh, do you? How thoughtful of him to tell you of his sordid past."
I don't mention that the means of the tale were less than preferable and Klaus has no clue as to my knowledge of it. I turn my cheek, returning to my search. "He's not as bad as you make him seem."
"Broccoli isn't as bad as it seems when you douse it with cheese sauce,"
"I happen to like broccoli."
More laughter, "Of course you would." He hums low and turns us so I can spot Klaus headed toward a back door. "Look at that, broccoli chasing after the garlic sauce,"
Caroline slips through the door, unsteady on her feet, Klaus follows right behind her.
"It hurts when your vegetables don't like the same sauce as you do, doesn't it?"
On that, I'd have to agree with Kol.
Will be away doing human stuff during September…*coughs* sooo ThisIsTheLastUpdateUntilOctoberArrives …yup. You read that right.
Adios ^^"