Thought I'd update "Eternal Flame," since it hasn't been updated since December 24, 2018. Inspiration has been difficult, but I think I can attempt a new installment. No spoilers, just enjoy what I have for you.

Passionate
I can't help but I need to get my hands on all of it
Need to get my hands on all of it all, a-all
I'm passionate
I can't help but I need to get my hands on all of it
Need to get my hands on all of it all, a-all

Klaus let out a sigh as he walked into the mansion. He was worn out after a long day and was looking forward to climbing into bed and pulling it all in after him. He was also looking forward to seeing Caroline, since he was sure she missed him. Speaking of the lovely blonde vampire, she appeared at the kitchen door, smiling at him when her blue eyes met his greenish blue ones.

"Hey, Nik, I missed you."

Klaus returned her smile. "I missed you as well, love." He approached her, embraced her, and kissed her. "How was your day?"

Caroline returned his kiss. "It was eventful, I'll tell you that much. Rebekah and I went shopping in the Quarter." She noticed the look he was giving her. "Don't worry, we didn't get into trouble. We just shopped and had lunch at the Cafe Du Monde."

Klaus relaxed. At least he didn't have to worry about his best girl and his sister getting into trouble while bonding. Though, he made a mental note to check in with Rebekah to be on the safe side. He kissed Caroline again and stepped back to caress her face with his hands. He loved her with every fiber of his being and if he ever lost her, it would destroy him on both the inside and out. That was why he worked to make sure she was protected, even though he knew she could easily take care of herself.

"You have no idea how good it is to come home to you at the end of a long day."

"The feeling is mutual," said Caroline. "I know you work hard to protect me and the rest of the family." She kissed his fingers. "Speaking of which, Elijah called while we were out and said he wanted to get together this weekend. I told him I'd have to talk to you before making any definite plans."

"I'll call him back later and say we're free this weekend," said Klaus. "For right now, I just want to relax and spend time with the lady vampire I've come to love more than anything else in the world."

Caroline smiled. "I'm sure I can arrange that." She stepped out of his embrace. "You go upstairs and change while I get dinner, as well as some wine for us. After the day you had, a glass of wine is definitely in order."

"You might want to make that a whole bottle, love."

"It was that bad?"

"You don't know the half of it," said Klaus. "I'll tell you about it while we have dinner."

Caroline nodded. While she was sure he was holding something back from her, she knew better than to push him for information. Klaus kissed her one more time before vamp speeding upstairs to change out of his blood-stained clothes and into something more comfortable.

Once he was gone, Caroline went into the kitchen to finish preparing the dinner for them. She then reached for the bottle of wine Klaus requested. While she wasn't sure what exactly happened, she knew Klaus would tell her once they were more relaxed. She even grabbed an extra bottle just in case. It never hurts to have extra. I have a feeling what Nik experienced today was worth two bottles of wine.

By the time Klaus came back downstairs in cleaner clothing, the dinner was on the table, along with the two bottles of wine Caroline had grabbed. When he saw the bottles, Klaus smiled. He knew she'd grab an extra bottle when he told her to only grab one.

"Two bottles, I see. Clever girl."

"I had a feeling we'd need two bottles," she said. "Judging from the blood on your clothes when you walked in, you must really have been in a big fight." She looked down at herself. "Shit! Why didn't I notice the stain?"

"Don't worry about it," said Klaus. "You were busy with the food and wine. You can change later."

Caroline wanted to protest but decided against it. He was right, she could always change later. Besides, finding out what went on was more important. She took her place at the table, Klaus following a beat later. The first few minutes of the meal were spent in silence as they ate. After a while, Klaus decided not to keep her in suspense any longer.

"I suppose you're wondering what happened to me today?"

"You wouldn't have wanted a full bottle of wine if you weren't planning to tell me," said Caroline. "Now, what happened?"

"Very well, Marcel's minions were a nuisance, like they always are," said Klaus. "Of course, this time they stepped up their game. I assure you no humans were harmed. We fought in the bayou, away from prying eyes."

"Good, at least you didn't hurt anyone other than Marcel's goons," said Caroline. "So, did you kill them or did you leave any of them alive to report back to their boss?"

"I only killed two of them," said Klaus. "The others went limping back to their boss with a message from me. I think it'll be a long time before we're bothered by that bastard again. Though, when he does decide to bother us again, I won't be so generous."

Caroline smiled. "And next time, I'll help you. I may be younger than Marcel, but I can hold my own in a fight."

"I can't let you do that, love."

"You know I'm going to do it anyway, so there's no point in forbidding me to help you," said Caroline. "In fact, Rebekah will join in as well. She's every bit as good a fighter as I am. We admire your abilities, Nik, but even a warrior needs assistance."

Klaus sighed, knowing he couldn't stop her from wanting to help him. Her stubbornness was one of the many qualities he found so endearing about her. "Very well, love, I'll let you assist me. Rebekah too."

Caroline smiled and took his hand in hers. "Thank you, Nik. I love you, I hope you know that."

"I know, Caroline," he said. "I love you too."

Note: Here you go, another update. I'll add another when I can.

ENJOY THE UPDATE AND REMEMBER TO REVIEW!