Darkest Temptations

Chapter Eleven: First Times

Elena Mikaelson

From the moment we laid eyes on the hotel we would be staying at, Caroline, April, and I were filled with sheer ecstasy. Klaus maintained his usual smirking demeanor as we excitedly anticipated experiencing the finest amenities at this luxury hotel. Since we arrived in Utah and I felt a rush of excitement like this I would stop, prompting me to reflect on Stefan and my friends. With so much unfolding in my life, I was gradually adapting to my new lifestyle. Looking back served no purpose; our future together was all that mattered now, and that was what I was determined to focus on.

I could have easily stayed stuck in the past, consumed by guilt and only desiring to spend the rest of my life apologizing to those I had hurt with my selfishness. Caroline was right in pointing out that it would have been more cruel for all of us to remain there and feign happiness when we were not truly content. Despite my newfound happiness, I realized that there were two personal traits that required immediate attention, although I was content in being myself. I had to start speaking up about my choices, even if others didn't agree with me or thought I was being too assertive. One of the main challenges I faced was overcoming my indecisiveness. I needed to learn to make decisions and communicate my desires to others. I found myself constantly repeating 'I don't know what I want' throughout the day back in Mystic Falls.

That was Elena Gilbert, that girl would always hold a special place in my heart, but moving forward, I had to find the courage to embrace my new role as Mrs. Elena Mikaelson. It felt as if a new chapter had begun in my life. It might have taken me a bit longer than it did for Caroline and April but that didn't matter now. I was no longer a high school senior, I was now Klaus's wife and sister wife to two others. I had a house in Utah that I would turn into my home when we arrived back. This new found energy was everything I had prayed for and it truly was just the beginning of things to come for me going forward.

Upon our arrival at the hotel, I observed the other guests arriving in their luxurious cars. Only one other limousine was present, surrounded by high-end cars with private plates, all looking brand new and polished to perfection. The hotel staff were bustling around in a professional and optimistic manner. The bell boys were dressed in crisp uniforms with the hotel logo stitched in gold thread on their deep red suit jackets. Their gold name tags displayed their names and titles in an elegant font.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by a magnificent fountain at the center of the entrance, its soothing sound welcoming us as our driver opened the door. Klaus was the first to step out. As he started to put on his suit jacket, we all glanced at each other and quickly checked our teeth and lipstick to make sure we looked our best and would blend in with the other female guests. The other women arriving at the hotel weren't wearing ball gowns, but they seemed to have carefully chosen their outfits and coordinated their jewelry accordingly.

Klaus quickly faced us again as our driver started giving instructions to the bell boys who were bringing out shiny new luggage carriers to help us. Klaus extended his hand towards mine, catching me off guard. I reminded myself to be gracious and not spoil the vacation for others by rejecting a harmless gesture. As I reached out to take his hand, I stepped out of the car. Klaus's hand was warm as he held mine, gently running his thumb over my knuckles as we faced each other. As our hands lowered to his side, he surprised me by running his finger down past my wrist and over my palm, causing goose bumps to form on both arms. I watched him smiling at April as he helped her out of the car next. She thanked him and gave him a small peck on the cheek before walking around to my side, while Klaus finally helped Caroline.

We watched Klaus as he approached our driver, who had given detailed instructions to our bell boys. There were three separate luggage carts that contained our separate luggage cases, and beside each of our own luggage was one smaller case on each belonging to Klaus. Klaus had planned ahead for the trip by packing three cases for himself, ensuring his luggage would be distributed among three separate rooms. This was going to be similar to our step up at home, Klaus would be spending equal time with us to ensure we gave the spell the strength it needed. He emphasized at the airport that it was no longer about the spell, but about us handling our new lives as polygamists with maturity. We chose to spend this time together, looking ahead to strengthen our marriages and give them a real chance.

Klaus expressed his gratitude to the driver by shaking hands and generously giving him a substantial tip for looking after us. Caroline and I shared a small smile of surprise as we watched Klaus simply thank the man instead of compelling him to forget what he may have seen or heard from us in the backseat of his car. Klaus's display of humanity caught us off guard, a seemingly small moment that hinted at a hopeful future ahead. We were about to experience a newfound sense of humanity, I could sense it deep within me.

"Sir?" April called out to the nearest bell boy who turned to look our way.

We then watched as April retrieved her phone from inside her handbag before approaching the same boy.

"Would you mind terribly taking a photograph of us?"

"Not at all." The boy said gladly eagerly happy to assist us.

Klaus returned to us after hearing the conversation, looking just as surprised as Caroline and I when he stopped at my side.

April turned back to us and stopped in her tracks, noticing our equally stunned expressions. She swiftly transitioned from appearing puzzled by our expression to reverting back to her cheerful, smiling self as she gently reminded us, away from the bell boy's hearing.

"We don't have a single photograph of us all together." She whispered standing in front of us then "And we're married. It's ridiculous."

I looked from her to Klaus and said "But if anyone ever see's the picture."

"Then we'll tell them the truth, we all vacationed together. There will be no need for further explanation."

"I agree with Caroline. I don't know if it's smart." Caroline said beside me.

We all observed April as she moved closer to us, her expression softening, her hair swaying in the warm breeze, the air filled with the scent of palm trees and lime juice.

"We have to capture these moments. They're important. It's not about the risk, it's about the reward. Our homes should feature our memories. And…private pictures of us as couples, we can keep in each of our bedrooms out of sight."

April was the youngest among us, yet she displayed remarkable maturity in that moment. We filled our houses with photographs because they turned houses into homes, and this photo was especially significant. April was pleased that we all agreed, and Caroline even gave her a small hug for reminding us what was most important - our family.

We positioned ourselves for the photo while the bell boy cheerfully arranged the phone. Klaus stood in the center, with Caroline to his right and me on his left alongside April. Caroline nestled against Klaus, her hand resting on his chest, as I took a deep breath and wrapped my arm around Klaus's back, as he held me close. Though not visible in the photograph, he and I shared a knowing glance acknowledging my gesture. Klaus had his arm around both my shoulder and Caroline's. April was nestled against my side, almost embracing me, as we all moved closer together to make sure we were all in the picture.

Instead of saying 'cheese' as the picture was captured, it was actually me who suggested we say 'Utah' which we opted for.

Klaus tipped the bell boy for taking our picture as we examined it. The photo came out wonderfully, the phones Klaus had provided were fantastic, and the picture quality was indescribable. April shared the picture with all three of us, and I was surprised to see Klaus choosing it as his desktop background. He didn't notice me, yet I was enveloped in a surprising sense of comfort that put me completely at ease.

The hotel's front is meticulously kept with well-groomed lawns and vibrant flower arrangements. As I gazed at the stunning scenery, my stress seemed to just melt away like butter. I sensed that Caroline and April were sharing the same emotion with me at that time.

As we made our way inside the hotel Klaus arrived at my side taking my hand in his and I stopped myself from turning to look at him in shock. I wasn't trying to tell myself how to behave moving forward, merely reminding myself that these were small innocent gestures that were nothing in the grand scheme of things. Klaus wasn't demanding kisses or even hinting at the idea that we take things further, he was choosing to hold my hand and be a gentleman as it was my day with him.

The lobby was bustling with guests, our bell boys followed behind us as we headed toward the front desk. It was later in the evening now and I was sure we had a gentle night ahead of us with nothing to extravagant in mind. I kept my hand in Klaus's as we approached the gentleman behind the desk who welcomed us to the hotel. I looked over my shoulder to find Caroline and April directly behind us and very happy indeed to be here.

"Mikaelson party checking in." Klaus explained

"Of course Sir, let me just pull up your reservation."

I could see Klaus looking at me from the corner of my eye but I didn't turn to meet his gaze instead I simply stared straight ahead, curious as to what it would make him think in result.

"Yes, Mr. Mikelson I have all three of your reservations. We have you and Mrs Elena Mikaelson on the tenth floor, a Mrs Caroline Mikaelson on the second floor, and finally Mrs April Mikaelson on the twentieth floor."

I immediately began to squeeze Klaus's hand in response to hearing he had opted to use our private surnames for the hotel reservations. The man behind the desk didn't batter an eyelid and must have assumed we were all family, sisters in law probably. I didn't dare turn around to look back at Caroline or April but April had been completely caught off guard and coughed as the desk clerk read out her married name. Klaus appeared completely unfazed for he had opted to take the risk without consulting us.

"That's fine. I will require additional keys for each of the suites however." Klaus relayed the information to him.

"Of course, Sir."

"And what about the dinner reservation I arranged for this evening?"

"We have that listed here also. It's for seven o clock as per your request." The desk clerk explained as he printed the necessary pages for Klaus to sign.

As Klaus's hand slipped from mine, I took a step back and positioned myself between Caroline and April. We all swiftly moved as a group towards the elevators in sight, pausing and facing the other person.

"Did he tell you he was going to do that?" I promptly inquired of Caroline.

"Of course not."

"And obviously I didn't," April said then.

Within a minute Klaus made his way over to us while tucking the additional keys into the breast pocket of his suit. He would need these keys to enter each of our rooms on our days.

"What the hell was that?" April questioned him as he stopped before us.

"We're not in Utah. I can choose to use my wives surnames when the opportunity presents itself." He reminded us.

Why am I so angry when he makes a fair point?

"You still could have run this by us first" I told him.

"There will be times going forward sweetheart where you'll just have to trust that I have the best intentions for each of us." Klaus explained before his gaze briefly shifted to my lips forcing me to look away.

Klaus proceeded to give each of us the keys to our individual suites. He seemed oblivious to the possibility of getting us each a hotel room, opting instead for suites. Receiving my key, it struck me why he opted for suites instead of a single room - suites implied multiple bedrooms. Caroline and April were unaware to the fact that Klaus and I hadn't slept in the same bed. In fact, Klaus hadn't even shared a bed with April yet, as he missed her day with him. But I imagined Klaus and April being more open to sharing a bed than we were. Klaus and I were not trying to impose a bond on each other; we were choosing to honor each other's boundaries.

When we hit the button for the elevator Klaus shifted his gaze to me once more.

"Will you join me for dinner?"

"Me?" I blurted out, unable to conceal my astonishment.

Klaus lip's curled up at the side as he confirmed "Yes."

"But I-" I looked over to a softly smiling Caroline and a happy April who were trying to look anywhere but at us.

"I have a few things I must arrange but I'll be at your door for six forty five." Klaus said.

I met his gaze just as he shifted his attention towards Caroline and April "You'll make plans?" he asked.

"Absolutely." Caroline agreed with a warm smile before he passed by her.

The three of us stepped into the elevator together that's when the questions began, but none at all like I had expected, none of them were regarding my invitation to dinner.

"Did you see that woman carrying that dog in her bag?" April asked trying to contain her laughter.

"April you shouldn't have taken those mints from inside the car." Caroline said rolling her eyes.

"I didn't see any dog." I said then content that they were choosing to talk about anything else.

"What are we gonna do tonight then?"April asked Caroline.

"Check out our rooms and then I'm hitting the pool."

"There's a pool?"

"Doesn't matter if there is the beach is right outside." I reminded them.

"This place will have a pool, I'm hoping a heated one."

"I've never been in a heated pool." April admitted.

"Me either." I said.

"I did once when I went to Spain with my mom and dad. Before their divorce obviously." Caroline told us.

Caroline exited the elevator after bidding me goodnight, knowing she wouldn't see me until the morning. As the elevator doors opened on my floor, I decided to give April a kiss on her cheek as I bid her goodnight. Her cheerful demeanor and quick thinking with the picture had touched us all, and I felt proud of her.

My suite was located at the end of the hallway, far from any noise of elevators or ice machines. The hallway around me exuded a sense of freshness and cleanliness. The scent of wood polish lingered in the air, and the immaculate rug runner lay gracefully on the marble floor. The walls were adorned with lovely lights, giving the place a more sophisticated feel compared to standard hotels.

I was pleasantly surprised by the grandeur and beauty of my suite. You entered into a stunning sitting room with a sunken seating area and a wall of windows that framed the water and horizon. On the right side of the room, there was a private bar area that caught my eye. I decided to make my way over to it, taking a moment to breathe deeply. I reached for a bottle of sparkling water from the mini bar without checking the price, poured myself a glass, and savored its refreshing taste. It was the perfect way to start my vacation and rehydrate after the long flight.

Exploring the suite, I discovered three bedrooms - two doubles and one single. The bathroom featured a spacious layout with a standalone tub as the centerpiece, a roomy walk-in shower, dual sinks with plumped towels, and separate hampers containing bathroom amenities. My thoughts immediately turned to what I could bring back with me from the hotel to Utah. I found myself tempted to take some of the luxurious towels with me after feeling their quality.

My luggage arrived quickly upon my arrival, and I directed the bell boy to store all the cases in the larger bedroom to his right. I understood Klaus's desire for us to progress in our marriage, yet I hesitated to fully embrace the idea of sharing a bed with him at this point. After the bell boy left, I grabbed Klaus's luggage and moved it to the other double bedroom, placing it on the bed for him to find later that night.

During my alone time, I relaxed and unpacked my luggage. I discovered that the hotel had provided us with all the necessary items, such as wooden coat hangers, garment bags, and lists of their complimentary laundry services, including steaming suits and other tailoring services. Every bedroom featured a seventy-inch flat screen seamlessly integrated into the bed frame. The hotel thoughtfully placed mints on each pillow and had a timer set for our arrival to sync with the activation of the electric blanket on each bed. In the spacious room I had the electric fireplace switched on full blast, providing warmth to my bare legs as I walked by. Unpacking my case was a meticulous process. Instead of just folding my clothes and putting them away, I hung each item in the wardrobe and neatly stored my shoes in the provided boxes and shoe rack. Deciding to make a mental note to start investing in shoes that better fit my lifestyle, I realized it was time to leave my Converse shoes behind and take on a more mature wardrobe.

After unpacking, I carefully placed my luggage at the top of the wardrobe to maintain the pristine appearance of the bedroom, ensuring everything remained in its rightful spot. As the scene unfolded, I made my way to the bathroom with my toiletry bag and make up case, ready for my dinner with Klaus. As I stepped into the bathroom, I carefully arranged my items on the sink counter and illuminated the room with the soft glow of LED candles provided by the hotel. Afterward, I began running my bath, mixing in jasmine bubble bath and Epsom salts to the steamy water. With precision, I unraveled my hair and smoothly fastened it with the nearby hair clip. After I pinned my hair back, I began cleansing my face and gently wiping off the light makeup I had put on before the flight. After browsing through the selection of complimentary items, I decided to use a few more products for a facial scrub and a peppermint scented mask. I kept the mask on while I prepared for a relaxing bath. The flight was amazing, with the crew offering excellent service from beginning to end. This stood out as a sharp difference from the typical lack of attention from the crew in coach class. Usually a ten-hour flight would have left me exhausted, but I was in high spirits and wide awake, preparing for the night ahead. I settled into the tub, sinking my back against the soft scented bubbles, feeling a wave of calm wash over me.

I was unaware of how long Klaus had been planning to ask me out for dinner, only that he had already made the reservation before we departed from Utah. There was a feeling within me that suggested there were no specific expectations attached to it, just that his speech at the airport was beginning to make more sense. He approached the trip as if it were a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, with a clear strategy to strengthen our relationships, beginning with ours. He proposed a dinner instead of a night of drinks and dancing. It seemed he preferred not to hurry things by inviting me to a restaurant. I think he understood that I would be more comfortable being around Caroline and April on our first night here at the hotel. It was a pleasant surprise, considering our strained relationship after the move. He displayed a calm demeanor while also expressing his feelings. I didn't resist his touch today. Stefan had never displayed much affection in public, he didn't dance with me in public let alone put his hand upon my thigh.

The reality was today Klaus had wanted to touch my thigh and I had allowed him to do so. And that was because a small part of me was adjusting to the idea that Klaus and I could push beyond the past and open our minds to being something more than what we were before. I just hoped this new found honest in both of us wouldn't revert back when we returned to Utah. I knew I had to be more mature moving forward which meant addressing sleeping arrangements, I would have to have a serious discuss with him over how I felt about it and us together when we got back home.

I've been in Utah a week and I'm already calling it my home? Is that good or bad?

After enjoying a soothing bath, I washed my hair, shaved my legs, and then stepped out of the tub. Wrapping my body in a plush white hotel robe, I slid my feet into the matching slippers. I sat on the chair at the sink counter and took my time blow-drying my hair with the hotel's hairdryer. Then, I carefully straightened my hair until it was silky and sleek. I chose to stick with my usual makeup look initially, but after removing my facial mask, I decided to change things up a bit with my makeup. I wasn't planning on making major changes, such as wearing black eyeliner or bold red lipstick. Instead I decided to use a dark brown beneath my waterline to create the illusion of bigger eyes. After that, I applied a few extra coats to help my mascara stand out. I opted for a subtle pink shade for my lips. Before applying it, I gently exfoliated my lips with a scrub, moisturized them, lined them, and then applied the lipstick.

It was almost twenty to six when I left the bathroom, but I was confident I could get ready before then since I had already chosen my outfit. For the trip, I packed a new black dress that was shorter than what I typically wear. I imagined Stefan's reaction to seeing me in it, wearing it back there it would have made me feel self-conscious in a town where my parents were well-respected. But I no longer had to carry that fear with me. I was a young woman embarking on a new chapter in my life, feeling confident about my body. I didn't want to draw attention or blend in with the crowd, but I was tired of not dressing the way I wanted to instead of conforming to expectations. Klaus didn't have any expectations of me, and I was aware that Caroline and April might decide to switch up their fashion choices as well. I wasn't going to be judged. I was going out to dinner with my husband. I was his wife and I was tired of not living how I wished.

After removing my robe, I sprayed some body spray and applied perfume to my wrist and neck. As I was about to grab the drawer handle with my underwear, I hesitated. Biting my lower lip, I made my way across the room to the wardrobe instead. I reached inside and pulled out my black dress. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror on the inside of the wardrobe door, before slipping on the dress. Keeping my eyes focused on my reflection as I zipped it up in the back and brushed my hair forward over my shoulders. I'd never done something like this before, I always wore underwear and the truth was I already felt naked without it. I wasn't certain why I had decided to attempt this for the first time at this moment. I was curious about the sensation of the dress against my skin initially. After seeing myself in it, I have never felt more beautiful and true to myself. And after carefully selecting my new six inch black pumps for shoes I suddenly couldn't stop staring at my reflection. No handbag or phone for a distraction, this is how I wanted to look for my dinner with Klaus. I aimed to exude the same level of confidence outwardly as I possessed inwardly.

What if he doesn't like seeing me without it? Wait is it even that noticeable anyway?

Opting to go without underwear under a stylish dress didn't make me feel immodest; I was still true to myself. I had to be truthful with myself! I did this to look nice for Klaus. At last, I admitted it! I wasn't ashamed. I had been away from home and Stefan for less than a week, and I was already adjusting to being a polygamist and Klaus's second wife. I refused to feel ashamed! I had sacrificed all I knew to courageously welcome this new life with open arms. It didn't imply any emotional attachment to Klaus or a belief in his feelings for me were anything but lust. It meant that despite everything, when he looked at me, I felt sexy.

There was a second knock at the door then causing my stomach to fill with nerves at first. I walked across the room carefully in my heels and retrieved the half full glass of sparkling water which I drank with my eyes closed as I steadied my nerves.

Go. Go out to dinner with him. And just be you. That's all he wants.

Leaving the bedroom, I made my way towards the front door without hesitating, opening it to reveal Klaus standing on the other side. He changed his clothes, taken a shower, and was now wearing a navy blue suit with a light blue shirt underneath. He had clearly put in the effort for tonight, and the way his eyes sparkled as they swiftly moved away from mine and traveled down my body to admire my dress told me he was very happy with the effort I had made too.

He stepped towards me then and for once I didn't take a step back, he leaned in as he did every day and placed a gentle peck upon my lips which he knew I wouldn't return.

"You look beautiful." He commented as our eyes met once more.

I stepped out from inside the room and he closed the door behind me before we heard the door securely lock itself. Klaus then offered his arm for me to take and I did without hesitation.

"So whose suite did you use to get ready?" I asked as we walked to the elevator.

He's gonna say Caroline. No! Stop sounding jealous. We're polygamists. Elena, seriously. No come on. Deep breath.

"April offered. She came down to the lobby as I was taking a call. She was going straight to Caroline's room afterwards."

"Wait why was she down in the lobby?"

Klaus looked straight ahead and refused to answer prompting to press him.

"Is it a secret or something?"

"…She wanted to ask the front desk about nearby wedding boutiques."

"….Right."

You had to ask…

Descending in the elevator wasn't as uncomfortable as expected. Klaus briefly checked his phone upon entering but promptly put it away as we started going down. There was a peaceful silence that I never imagined could happen between us. The lobby was bustling with people dressed to the nines, which reassured me about my outfit choice. Here Klaus and I were, two newlyweds heading to dinner, and it was shocking how at ease everything felt.

We were seated at a table towards the rear of the restaurant, close to the dance floor. A jazz band in white jacket suits was playing as we arrived. Our hostess guided us to our table, and Klaus promptly pulled out my chair before taking his own seat. When we were offered the wine list we both choose two soft drinks instead. Our waitress was also quick to arrive and assist us, while Klaus ordered the rib eye steak I also opted for the chicken. But then I remembered that this was something I would have selected because it was part of a special that night and the price wasn't outrageous. I chose to proceed at my own pace, refusing to conform to the girl I was before. It was my first date with Klaus, and I was determined to make it a memorable one by confidently ordering exactly what I wanted. Instead of the grilled chicken, I ordered the rack of lamb.

The table looked stunning, adorned with pristine white tablecloths and an impressive array of silverware in front of me. Placed in the center of the table was a red tea light candle inside a small burner, emitting a fragrance that brought back memories of Christmas morning. It was a lovely experience to bask in the soft glow of candlelight without the harshness of bright ceiling lights disrupting our perfect evening.

I locked eyes with Klaus and discovered he was already gazing at me with a gentle expression.

"A week ago I was worried about passing my midterm." I admitted aloud.

"And now what are you worried about?"

"Everything I probably shouldn't be."

Klaus leaned his elbows onto the table then and laced his fingers together before resting his chin upon his joined hands.

"Do you regret your decision love?"

"…Sometimes" I admitted.

Keep going. Just keep being honest.

"But only in the moments when I realize I'm happy. When I'm not thinking about what I left behind."

"What or who?"

I kept my eyes locked on his as I told him "I love Stefan. And I think a part of me always will."

Instead of walking out on me then or turning the table over Klaus surprised us both by accepting the truth and nodding in response.

"Are you in love with Caroline?" I asked.

You had to ask, you had to, you had to, you had to, you had to.

Klaus studied me for a long time, probably expecting me to change the subject under the intensity of the question and the silence but I kept my eyes on his. My expression just as gentle as his, I wasn't judging him nor did he appear to be the slightest bit judged by the question. He just appeared to be taking a moment.

"I am. But I think you already knew that."

"Maybe" I said raising both brows as I did "Maybe I just needed to hear it."

"And now?"

"To be honest I don't have a clue. I really don't know how to do this."

"Do what?"

"Eat dinner with all these questions burling around in my head. I feel like I should charge them storage at this point."

"Are they questions I can assist with love?"

"You don't want to help me."

"Try me." Klaus challenged.

I met his eyes once again and asked the ultimate question.

"Did you perform the spell to sleep with us?"

"Yes" Klaus answered just as quickly as I asked.

Jesus I knew it. I knew it.

"But that was then. This is now."

"It's been a week, Klaus. Just a week."

"And look how much has changed in that week."

"What's changed?"

"Caroline has found a role that helps keep her mind off being thousands of miles from her aging mom. April has finally started sleeping through the night again and you, sweetheart, don't take this the wrong way but you look ten years younger."

Excuse me?

"I looked old before?"

"Not old. Tired. Far too tired. And far too worried for such a young woman."

It was then the band began to play an instrumental version of Tiny Dancer by Elton John.

"Why are we doing this Klaus? Utah? Being polygamists?" I asked and shook my head "It's so intense when you think about it. And I mean really really think about it."

"You don't think it will work?"

"Are you going to tell me I'm wrong?"

"No." He responded and rest back into the back of his chair "I'm not naïve, Elena. There's incredible hardships ahead for all of us. And I won't deny I've not shared the same doubts."

"So why do you seem to have it so together?"

"Because while all of you are adjusting to being home owners, a new town and adjusting to sharing one husband. I'm finally opening my eyes to what I've been given."

"But you said at first it was about sex."

"I'm a hybrid sweetheart. But still a man, and even the most gentle of gentlemen would have listed the pros and cons to being in a relationship with three women.

"So you're not a bad guy you're just a victim to your body?"

"We all are." He replied with an arrogance that made me roll my eyes and look anywhere but at him.

"Look at me." Klaus groaned when I refused.

"Come on." He said more softly making me sigh and meet his eyes once more.

"I just thought we could be honest." I told him.

Klaus held my gaze for a moment before he finally spoke again "I knew I was in love with Caroline long before that night in the forest. If anything, I could sense myself feeling something deeper for her from the night of the ball."

All the way back then? We thought he just had a crush on her. Well Bonnie actually thought it was just an act to get under Tyler's skin.

"So if you knew you were in love with her why become a polygamist?" I paused "Was it just to be with her finally?"

"I'm not blind, love. I see you. And despite what you may believe, unlike the Salvatores I do not in any shape or form see Katherine when I do."

"Everyone does."

"Not me."

"What makes you so different?"

"I knew her as a human. And despite what my brother believed of her, I knew she wasn't as innocent as she appeared. And when I heard of the way she became a vampire, how she sunk her teeth into that milk maids neck without hesitation, I knew my suspicions were right."

"She did it to survive."

"And what happened when you had to survive? Did you sink your teeth into someone's neck? Or did you, sweet Elena, hold off hope to the very last possible second before accepting the dreaded fate of eternity."

Tears threatened to prick my eyes then but I remained strong.

"So are you going to stay honest all night long?"

"You know the worst things about me love. I doubt it would do much harm to be honest with one another now."

Ask him. He said so himself. Just ask him. Be brave. Be this new version of you and just say it.

"Does Caroline know that you slept in your car on my night?"

"No. And she never will." He told me before leaning forward in his seat "Because despite what you may believe. I don't tell Caroline everything."

"Do you expect me to tell you everything?"

"No. Not everything. But in time. I expect that will also change."

"Yeah I don't know about that."

"And why not?"

"Some things are better left a secret."

Like me seeing you having sex with Caroline.

"Do you like secrets Elena?"

"…I didn't. Not for a long time. I felt like secrets were worse than lies. But-" I paused and ran my hand through my hair "I sound so immature don't I?"

"Yes." He answered me honestly and I appreciated it.

I sighed and leaned both arms together in front of me on the table and met Klaus's eyes before asking "Do you really think we can do this? All four of us together?"

"I think it will take great effort from everyone involved."

"…You weren't like this before. You have this faith about you that wasn't there before."

"What are you so worried about?"

Don't ask me that. I haven't even told Caroline or April this.

"Sometimes I'm worried they will find us. And I hate myself for thinking like that because it's like saying they're our enemies now. Then I hate myself for hoping that they will find us because I see the happiness in Caroline and April's eyes and it breaks my heart."

"You haven't told them that have you?"

Jesus are you a mind reader now?

"What makes you think that?"

"Your shoulders sunk after you told me."

"You're paying that much attention?"

"Does that shock you?" He asked before a smile formed upon his lips "May I remind you that you are my wife."

"Second" I reminded him.

"Doesn't matter."

"Doesn't it?"

"No."

"Then what does matter?"

It was then Klaus smiled back at me as he pushed his chair back and got up to his feet. He buttoned his suit jacket before stepping out to the side of the table and reached his hand out for mine.

"Dance with me."

I looked out to the dance floor across from us and there were couples slow dancing as a female artist took to the seat and began to sing the popular track by Celine Dion – Where does my heart beat now. It was a song I enjoyed but I'd never expected Klaus to ask me to dance.

Stefan never asked me to dance. But Klaus is right that doesn't matter now.

I extended my hand to him, and Klaus effortlessly led us to the center of the dance floor. He gently twirled me close to him, and I rested my hand on his shoulder while his confident hand landed on the lower part of my back. We started to sway gently to the beautiful voice of the singer.

"So much to believe in. We were lost in time. Everything I needed I feel in your eyes."

He was a good dancer, he wasn't counting the steps or stepping on my feet. It was as if he was leading us and all I had to do was be centered in my mind and in the moment.

"Always thought of keeping. Your heart next to mine. But now that seems so far away. Don't know how love could leave .Without a trace. Where do silent hearts go?"

Klaus never took his eyes off mine and I found I too couldn't look away. All I could focus on was the sound of my heart beating rapidly in my chest as I found myself moving closer to him. My hand leaving his shoulder and the other running up his arm towards his face as I brought my lips closer to him with not a hint of regret.

"Where does my heart beat now? Where is the sound? That only echoes through the night. Where does my heart beat now? I can't live without .Without feeling it inside. Where do all the lonely hearts go?"

Those exact words were sung as Klaus and I brought our lips together and shared our first shared kiss. I wasn't sure how it had happened all of a sudden. I kissed him and only him. There were no thoughts of Stefan or Caroline or April.

In that moment, with those beautiful words echoing in the distance Klaus and I were together.

And there was no going back from here.