Her first time had been in a cellar and standing up. She wanted to feel shame, but when thinking about it, all she could remember was the feelings that raced through her. The pleasure she'd taken from his tongue and lips and the pleasure she'd brought him. A tingle ran through her body, making her shiver as she combed her hair the next morning. A smile flitted across her face, wondering what Klaus may have in store for her next, but then the doubts started to creep in, ruining her afterglow. What if he was done with her now? Perhaps sex was all he wanted and he didn't really love her. These were the memories she'd be left with, but they'd be tainted. She shook her head, her brushed waves grazing her shoulders. Even so, she'd given herself in the love she felt for him and she couldn't regret that.

"Knock, knock," Katherine shouted before opening the door, a vase of what looked like a hundred long stem red roses in hand.

"What's this?" she asked, crossing the room.

"This, I'm assuming, is from Klaus."

Caroline took the vase, setting it down on her bedside table. "They're beautiful," she commented, plucking the card from inside the bouquet.

My Caroline,

These flowers don't begin to compare to your beauty.

Yours, Klaus

"Yours?" Katherine asked over her shoulder as Caroline quickly clutched the card to her chest, a light blush coloring her cheeks. Katherine eyed her suspiciously for a moment before gasping. "You didn't."

"I'm sure whatever you refer to, no, I didn't," she answered quickly, crossing to the closet to change for the day.

Katherine continued to eye her. "It's in your step," she finally said and Caroline turned abruptly, gripping one of her cotton dresses to her chest painfully.

Her voice was quiet. "What?"

Katherine came forward, gently laying a hand on Caroline's shoulder. "You're not walking normal and I know because I'm not exactly a saint either."

She gulped and met her friend's eyes. "It wasn't a mistake," she admitted. "And it just happened in the moment."

"Did you give him permission?"

She nodded, a small smile inching up her face.

"Good, I don't have anywhere to hide a body anyway."

Caroline laughed before sobering. "So, you and Elijah have…"

Katherine nodded, her eyes skirting away. "Among others."

"Katherine!" she chided.

With eyes rolling, Katherine continued, "Elijah knows, so it doesn't matter. Plus, it's not like he waited for marriage either, so he has no room to judge." Her eyebrows rose with a smirk. "And now neither do you, Miss Forbes."

"Oh, my goodness," she mumbled. "I'll have to tell Tyler, won't I? Before our wedding night?"

"You're still thinking about going home? After all this?" Her friend seemed to be growing angry. "You're in love with each other! Feelings like this only come once and I know you don't love Tyler, so don't bother denying it."

"I don't fit in here and my parents need-"

"Your parents don't need you as much as you think, Caroline. Besides, if you marry Klaus, they can just live in one of the billion rooms in his house. Do something for yourself. You've earned the right to be selfish this once."

"What if he doesn't want me after this?" she asked, her eyes casting to the ground.

"That note says it all to me. If you don't think so, then go and confront him. Lay everything out on the table." She clasped Caroline's hand. "Be brave."

ooOoo

She was being escorted down the stairs of the shop, smiling shyly as she passed the door to the cellar they'd made love in the night before. Klaus was just rising from his booth and stacking papers when she entered. Awkwardly, she stood in the middle of the room, wringing her fingers in nervousness before he finally looked up. So worried she was that he'd turn with a frown, asking her why she'd come to see him, that it took her off guard when he took long strides to get to her, picking her up off the ground before kissing her with the same passion as he had before. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him fiercely as relief coursed through her.

"I missed you," he admitted once they'd parted and he set her back on her heeled feet.

"I missed you too." She gave him a peck on the lips that had him growling in want. "I was a little nervous to come here, to be honest."

He frowned and tucked a curl behind her ear. "I'll always want you. You'll never have to doubt my feelings for you."

She smiled, glancing at the stack of papers on the tabletop. "Did I catch you at a bad time?"

"Your company is always welcome," he answered simply, wrapping his arms around her, as if he were scared she'd disappear.

"I was thinking," she began before loud voices were descending the back stairwell, Klaus moving Caroline behind him. The door cracked against the wall when it was forcefully opened, Klaus's guards piling in the room, two of them struggling to carry a bloodied man.

"He was shot," one of them boomed as another cleared off a table nearby, hauling the body on top. Blood oozed from a wound Caroline couldn't see, the man's shirt plastered to his chest from the blood.

Another commotion came from the back again where more people, injured, came rushing in. Seeing all the blood made her own blood run cold and her brain almost slowed to a halt as she stood frozen. Klaus jumped into the fray of men, barking orders to get his brother and a doctor. One man limped through the door with a knife sticking out of his leg while others focused on the gunshot victim. Their voices became a distant buzz as she watched the scene unfold. Her eyes went back to the man with the knife as another grabbed the hilt. Without thinking, Caroline leapt forward, shouting, "No!"

Some of the men froze at the sound of her scream, but she kept moving. She pushed the man who thought he was helping away from the injured one. "Get some bandages, some hot water, alcohol, a needle and thread and towels," she ordered, inspecting the wound. "Lots of towels." The man leapt into action, getting what she needed as she tore his pants open to get a better view. "I don't think it nicked an artery," she murmured to herself.

"Just take it out," the man ordered gruffly, but snapped his mouth shut at her fierce gaze.

"If I take this out right now, you'll probably bleed to death." The other man came back with the items she'd requested and she instructed him to tear the towels into long strips. "What's your name?" she asked the injured man as calmly as she could as she got to work wrapping a strip of towel tightly above the wound.

He grunted in pain, but answered, "Charles."

"Well Charles, this is going to hurt."

The scream Charles let out as she pulled out the knife had Klaus wheeling around, his eyes catching Caroline, hands covered in blood. She worked on the wound, pouring booze on the leg and ordering some of his men to help her hold the man down. Her dainty hands worked hastily, but with precision as she in no time at all sewed the knife wound shut. He didn't even know if she was thinking as she moved from one man to the next, observing them hurriedly and noting who was in more danger than others. He was in awe.

She scurried over to the gunshot victim, Thomas, a young man of only 18. Blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth and Klaus knew Caroline's magic hands wouldn't be able to help him, but he moved out of the way to let her assess him. Orders flew from her lips as if she did this every day and he couldn't help but notice how steady her hands were as she worked.

"There's fluid in his chest," she murmured to herself, pausing a moment to think before saying loudly, "I need a knife, bucket and a long tube, like a hose."

Klaus snapped his fingers when some hesitated, but moments later she had her supplies. He watched her work tirelessly, checking her patient's breathing and listening to his heartbeat. Blood smeared across her forehead as she wiped away sweat with the back of her hand and he grabbed the nearest guard, noticing her once pristine dress was stained with copious amounts of blood. "Get her an apron."

Some color had come back to the young boy's face, but he wasn't out of the woods yet, Klaus knew. When the doctor finally arrived, she stepped back, giving the older man plenty of room. Caroline hadn't saved the poor bloke, but she'd kept him alive long enough for their doctor to get there and his men looked on with admiration and gratitude. She made her way to the other people with minor wounds, one of his men acting as her nurse, handing her the needle and thread or a bandage. It wasn't until that moment that he thought he couldn't possibly love her more. Her skill alone made her magnificent, but her kindness even toward the gruffest of his men made him want to hold her and never let her go.

His attention was pulled away by the doctor sidling up to him, his dark hair in tangles from rushing to the shop. "Mr. Mikelson, Thomas should be ok, but I need to get him to a hospital." Klaus nodded and gestured to some men to bring around a car. "Before I leave, I would like to speak to the young lady who helped save his life."

Without a word the man wandered over to where Caroline was finishing sewing up a laceration. He watched as they conversed, the gentleman shaking her hand and Klaus could see the respect that shined through his eyes. Caroline smiled timidly at the doctor, nodding her head as he spoke and Klaus wished he knew what was being said.

"Klaus," Elijah rushed through the door, panting. "What happened?"

He let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. How fast this day had gone south, he thought. "I'm not sure. Thomas was shot, a couple knife wounds and minor cuts. The doctor is taking Thomas to the hospital and all the others have been taken care of by Caroline."

"Caroline?" Shock coated Elijah's words as he searched the area for the blonde, his eyes landing on her as she scrubbed her hands at the bar sink.

She had been so steady, a rock, that it hadn't been until that moment that he noticed the faraway look in her eyes and the slight shake of her shoulders. "It goes without saying we're closed tonight," he mentioned to Elijah before making his way to Caroline. "Have someone clean this place up. I'm taking Caroline home." He came up behind her gently to not scare her. "Caroline?" When she turned, he could see how pale she was and knew the events of what happened were catching up with her. "Come with me," he ordered lightly, taking her still wet hands in his. She obeyed and he silently led her up the stairs and into a waiting car.

He watched her the entire car ride to his home, noting the blank stare as she faced the window. She still wore her bloodied apron and an even bloodier dress. Thoughts ran rampant through his mind of how to comfort her while other thoughts scolded him for getting involved with her. He ruined everything he touched, his father's words clattering around his mind until the car finally stopped and he guided her through the house to his rooms. She walked silently to the large master bathroom and he closed the door, giving her privacy. His custom sized bed depressed as his body slumped into it, gathering the strength to take off his shoes and rid himself of his soiled clothes. After everything was thrown in the trash, he went to check on Caroline, softly knocking on the door, but there was no answer.

"Caroline? Love?" he asked, louder, but still got no response. He pressed his ear against the white door and listened, he was expecting to hear fumbling or water running, but instead he heard nothing. Curious, he cracked the door open, noticing that she stood by the sink, staring into the gilded mirror. "Caroline?" he asked again.

"I can't believe I just did that," she spoke quietly.

He made his way to her, wrapping his arms around her, meeting her eyes through the mirror. "I'm sorry that you had to. I'm sorry-"

"It was amazing." She turned in his arms, her eyes wide. "It was terrifying, but it was also incredible helping those men."

"You're a doctor," he stated simply.

She shook her head. "No, I'm-"

"You're a doctor," he stated firmly. From the way her hands were strong and steady as she worked to the way her kindness shined through to her patients. He should have seen it before in the way she'd healed him. "You should be a doctor."

Her smile was wistful. "Thank you for the encouragement, but there's no way for me to become a doctor in Mystic Falls."

"Maybe not, but there are schools here in Chicago that accept women. You could do so much."

"Dr. Saltzman, the doctor who was at the shop offered me an apprenticeship," she admitted and he could see the excitement in her eyes even if her mouth was turned down in a frown.

A smile curved his lips. "You should take it."

She stepped out of his arms, gathering up towels and starting the shower, steam slowly filling the room. "I have to get back to my home."

"Why?" he finally asked, his temper starting to rise. "You may have that boy waiting for you, but what else? What else could be so important that you'd turn down a chance to better yourself and your life?"

Her voice started to rise. "My parents and I have jobs there. People rely on me."

He took her hands in his. "Your parents could stay with us and you would have a job here. The people who rely on you in Mystic Falls need to learn to stand on their own two feet. You have an actual future here."

A tear slipped from her eye before she turned away. "I have to shower."

He knew she wanted to drop it, but he'd begin anew once she was finished in the bathroom. She had no idea how persuasive he could be when he put his mind to it. "I'll be in the bedroom."

Once the door clicked shut, she undressed, tossing the dirtied clothing into the corner of the room. They were absolutely unsalvageable. She washed until the water finally turned from pink to clear, but she lingered under the warm spray. The events of the day came crashing back to her, but they didn't scare her as she thought they would, they exhilarated her. She could practically see her future in Chicago unfold in her mind. She was sure Katherine would let her stay with her until she could afford a boarding house, but who was she kidding, Klaus would die before letting her live in a boarding house. The doctor that offered her the apprenticeship seemed like a good man and could even become her mentor. With a few jobs on the side, she could save until she could afford school. A smile curved her lips. She could do this. It would hurt to leave the place she'd called home all her life, but this was an opportunity she couldn't give up. Katherine had been right, she was allowed to be selfish this once.

Steam poured into the room as she finally exited the bathroom in Klaus's thick robe, stopping him in his tracks from pacing. When she met his eyes, she could see the determination in them and with every step he took toward her.

"Caroline-"

"I'm staying," she blurted and his eyes widened almost comically at her admission.

"You're staying?"

She nodded, a smile slowly creeping up her face and turned into a laugh as he lifted her off the ground, spinning her around. Once he let her down, her head a little dizzy, he kissed her. It was soft and gentle, something she hadn't come to expect from him, but it was almost as if he was thanking her.

"You're going to love it." He smiled as they parted and led her to the bed.

The warm puffy down comforter cradled them as they lounged, tangled together, talking about the future. It was so intimate, she thought, more intimate than what had taken place in the cellar of The Soda Shop and she felt like she was where she was meant to be.

"I'll ask Katherine tomorrow if I could stay a little longer with her and maybe I'll go out to one of those shops we stopped in," she started excitedly. "I'm sure they could use a seamstress or even a salesgirl. Maybe once I have enough money, I could start some night classes. And Dr. Saltzman said I could start off doing little things for him, so I'm sure we could work out a schedule or something."

She continued to plan and Klaus laid on his side next to her, smiling at the eagerness in her voice and how her hands waved around as she spoke. He admired her bravery for changing her life and saying goodbye to everything she once knew. From experience he knew how freeing it truly was to create a new life for yourself. He hoped she wouldn't come to regret it, but he knew deep in his soul she would thrive.

"If you think I'm allowing you to live in a boarding house, you're out of your mind," he said later once she'd paused long enough for him to interject.

She gave him an admonishing gaze, her lips pursed in displeasure. "Klaus…"

"You can stay here," he offered, lifting her hand to his lips. "You can stay in any one of the rooms in my home." He smiled wickedly as he laid another kiss further up her arm. "Or you could stay in this one."

"You're-"

"Handsome?" he interrupted, laying a kiss on her wrist. "Charming?" The cotton of the robe was soft as he ran his fingertip along the edge. "Tempting?"

Her eyes followed the path his nimble fingers took, her voice hitching as he gently pulled the tied belt apart. "I was going to say hopeless."

"Oh, I am hopeless, Love" he answered, gradually moving the sides of the robe apart, as if he were unwrapping a present. "I'm utterly and hopelessly captivated by you."

Her uncovered breasts heaved as he sat back and her body could feel the places his eyes lingered and indulged. It was like he was stroking her without even touching her. She should have been embarrassed by his heated gaze as she lay there naked, but instead she felt emboldened and powerful that she could make a man like him desire her. Without thinking too much she slowly pushed on his shoulder to lay him on his back, covering him with her body and straddling his waist. She thought she should say something seductive as his hands ran up her stomach and then back down her thighs, but she had no words. Possibly for the first time in her life she couldn't think of a single thing to say, but a moment later a soft moan slipped from her lips as a finger was snuck inside her, the heel of his hand pressing on her deliciously. His eyes seared her as she moved against his hand. His breathing became pants as his hand moved between them with every sigh and moan that slipped from her lips. She leaned back, her arms braced on his thighs as his strokes moved faster and her insides started to constrict around the digits. Her muscles clenched so tightly it was bordering on pain, but then a wave crashed over her. Her insides pulsed and a breath she didn't know she was holding came out in a rush as she spasmed above him. Errantly, she thought this was possibly what a volcanic explosion would feel like.

When her muscles relaxed, she peered at him through half lidded eyes and noticed how tense he seemed. His jaw was clenched so tightly she thought he might crack his teeth and the look he gave her scorched her with their intensity. She knew what was coming before he roughly rolled her to her back and she welcomed every nip of his teeth and lick of his tongue. His hands roamed everywhere and only lingered for a second before moving on to another part of her. He was ravenous for her.

He wasted no time shedding his clothing and poising himself above her. His hard shaft probed her entrance as her tired legs wrapped around him and before she could take a breath he slid inside her soaking heat. "I love how you feel," he gasped as he seated himself fully. "So warm," he breathed as he started to move. Her back arched, allowing him to go deeper as a hand clenched down on her hip, pulling her toward him with every thrust. "I'm not going to last," he admitted, moving them at a frenzied tempo.

"So don't," she breathed, pulling his face down to her.

His groan cut her off as his body jolted with pleasure, his seed exploding inside her as his breaths came out in gasps. His head rested on her chest as his muscles relaxed and his heart rate slowed, a shiver running up his spine. With a peck on her lips, he rolled off her, tucking her in close to him. "You amaze me every time."

She smiled into his chest as she moved closer to him. She never knew she could feel this content with someone. Her future had always been mapped out for her and for the first time in a long while she didn't feel a sense of comfort with that kind of thinking. Instead, she looked forward to the uncertain future, especially if it included this man by her side.

The sun shining through the windows was slowly making its way West when they finally decided to leave their comfy cocoon in the bed. Caroline dressed in a dress he'd had sent out for her, the fabric just as luxurious as Katherine's clothes. Nothing but the best, she thought as she watched Klaus button his crisp shirt.

"May I take you to dinner tonight?" he asked, turning away from the mirror in his armoire.

She perched on the edge of the bed, clasping her heels as she smiled up at him. "Nowhere fancy," she demanded.

"Alright," he answered simply, but his smile said it all. No matter what she insisted, it would be somewhere fancy.

They met each other in the middle of the large bedroom, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her close. "You're such a liar," she whispered as their lips met and he hummed in response.

When he dropped her off at the townhouse she couldn't stop smiling and there was an extra skip in her step. Her future was brighter than ever.

Katherine met her at the door as it snicked shut and she smiled questioningly at the sight of her friend's frown. A moment later she knew why and the smile she'd been sporting all morning deflated and what felt like a boulder sank in her stomach.

"Hey, Care." Tyler's voice seemed foreign to her as he stood behind Katherine, a boyish smile tilting his lips.