Notes: Paula surprised me with a GORGEOUS cover so I buckled down and finished this thing. Mostly fluff with a wee bit of smut near the end. Thanks for everyone for reading! The BadSex prompts seemed impossible once upon a time but I'm quite happy with where they went even if it is WAY more than a drabble.

You're The Nicest Thing (Chapter Ten)

Caroline (9:12 AM): Et tu, Bonnie Bennett?!

Bonnie (9:13 AM): I have no idea what that means.

Bonnie (9:13 AM): I've only just poured my second cup of coffee, Caroline.

Bonnie (9:14 AM): It's too early for cryptic. And for exclamation points.

Caroline (9:14 AM): Well, caffeine wise, you're ahead of me.

Caroline (9:15 AM): I did wake up with orgasms so maybe I've got the alertness edge.

Caroline (9:15 AM): That's right, orgasms. PLURAL.

Bonnie (9:16 AM): I DID NOT NEED TO KNOW THAT.

Bonnie (9:16 AM): Ugh.

Caroline (9:16 AM): Sorrynotsorry.

Caroline (9:17 AM): Especially since I've been informed that you're the one taking the bets?!

Bonnie (9:17 AM): Ah.

Bonnie (9:17 AM): I'd wondered when that would come out.

Bonnie (9:18 AM): It's not like the betting was ever my idea.

Bonnie (9:18 AM): I just kind of fell into the job? Kat says it's because I'm usually trustworthy but sometimes scary.

Caroline (9:19 AM): I guess that's true.

Bonnie (9:19 AM): I just keep them orderly, make sure everyone pays up. If anyone can appreciate a solid organizational system it's you, isn't it?

Caroline (9:19 AM): Low blow, Bon.

Bonnie (9:20 AM): It was chaos before I took over.

Caroline (9:20 AM): Yeah, the logical thing to do, in that case, would have been to STOP placing bets.

Bonnie (9:21 AM): Poor stressed students don't care about logic when entertainment and extra cash is on the line.

Bonnie (9:21 AM): We were betting rolls of quarters in the beginning and you know how precious those were.

Caroline (9:21 AM): Wow. SUCH commitment.

Bonnie (9:22 AM): It really was.

Bonnie (9:22 AM): Who knew it would drag on for so long?

Caroline (9:22 AM): Well, tonight I'm heading over to Klaus' for leftover lasagna. I'm going to pin him down to figure out an official first date-date.

Caroline (9:22 AM): And then I might pin him down to repay the favor he did for me earlier. The one where he used his mouth.

Caroline (9:23 AM): That resulted in the multiple orgasms I just mentioned.

Bonnie (9:23 AM): CAROLINE.

Caroline (9:23 AM): ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Caroline (9:24 AM): Shut down the betting or suffer through super graphic play by plays of my sex life every time we talk for the foreseeable future.

Caroline (9:24 AM): FYI, Klaus is down for some really dirty stuff.

Caroline (9:25 AM): Gonna treat myself to an under the bed restraint kit.

Bonnie (9:25 AM): I love you but sometimes you're the worst.

Caroline (9:26 AM): I'll own that.

Caroline (9:26 AM): Do we have a deal?

Bonnie (9:26 AM): Yeah, fine.

Bonnie (9:26 AM): I suppose it's a fair trade.

Bonnie (9:26 AM): And I'm happy for you, btw.

Caroline (9:27 AM): TY!

Caroline (9:27 AM): I'm pretty happy for me too.

The room is packed when Caroline walks in, the seats near the front where she usually sits occupied. She tamps down her annoyance because she should have planned for this. Their professor's finals are notoriously difficult so she gets why everyone had decided to show up on the last day for the promised study outline. Violet Fell catches her eye from her seat closer to the back and waves, head tipping to the empty seat to her left.

Caroline smiles in gratitude, making her way up the center aisle. Violet's in the same program, had been a year behind until Caroline had had to rearrange things to deal with her mom's cancer treatments and extended her time in grad school. They have two classes together this semester and Violet's always willing to share notes. Caroline has to squeeze passed a few people, muttering apologies, and she drops down into the empty seat with a sigh. "Well," she huffs, "clearly I picked the wrong day to run late."

Violet laughs, bumping her shoulder against Caroline, "Kind of, yeah. I've known you for two years and I think this is the first time I've ever shown up to class before you. I'm patting myself on the back a little." She lowers her voice and leans in a little to give the illusion of privacy, "Hot date with the boyfriend?"

Caroline presses her lips tightly together for a moment, attempting to smother the smile that surely would have been dorky in an attempt to play it at least a little cool. "More like… casual sleepover with the guy I hope to be using the boyfriend label with in the near future."

This morning hadn't been at all casual but Violet wasn't in the tier of friend to whom Caroline was comfortable with bragging about her wake up workout. Caroline's thighs twinge when she crosses her legs and she leans forward to struggle out of her coat. She glances around, hoping no one will notice that if she's blushing.

"Oh, that's nice!" Violet exclaims. "It sucks that you and Klaus broke up but I'm glad you're getting over it."

Caroline's head swivels, confusion filling her. She and Violet are only superficially friends, their conversations usually related to classwork, but she's met Klaus plenty of times when he'd helped himself to the other half of whatever study table Caroline and Violet were occupying in the library. Caroline's sure she'd have mentioned that they were only friends. "Klaus and I didn't break up," she says slowly.

Violet's brows creep up in surprise. "Huh, did not peg you for an open relationship kind of girl." Caroline sputters, shocked, and Violet hastens to continue, "Not that there's anything wrong with that! It's the 21st century and polyamory is nothing shameful. I was just saying..."

Caroline shakes her head, a small smile forming as her surprise turns to amusement at Violet's hasty reassurances. "No, it's fine. I definitely am not. Only child, never mastered the whole sharing thing. I get a little possessive. I just meant that we didn't break up because Klaus wasn't my boyfriend. He was just my friend."

Violet appears skeptical, "Really? You guys always seemed so… I don't even know. I totally thought you were together. I mean, he always disappeared and returned with chocolate at the exact moment you started getting hangry. That's an A+ boyfriend move."

Caroline supposes she should expect a whole lot of moments like this. A casual comment or an observation that has her looking back with new eyes. Where she'll wish she could pop back in time to slap the past version of herself that absolutely refused to even consider pulling Klaus out of the box labeled BFF. She's betting that the I-told-you-so that came from certain people (ahem, Katherine) won't be as gently perplexed as Violet's. It's annoyingly obvious that a whole lot of other people had seen things Caroline had missed.

Her managing the realization on her own is for the best, Caroline thinks. She tends to dig in her heels when people try to tell her what to do. She and Klaus might have ended up more My Best Friend's Wedding than When Harry Met Sally and that would have been awful. "Don't worry about it," Caroline offers sincerely. "I've been told that we gave off that vibe."

Violet nods, her expression turning curious, "So… the new guy. Is he cute?"

She smirks but hides it, rummaging through her bag. This part is gonna be fun. Klaus will hate that 'cute' had been used as a descriptive adjective of any part of his person. "Very cute."

"Nice. How did you meet him?"

She laughs ruefully, "Remember how I said Klaus wasn't my boyfriend?"

Understanding dawns and Violet shakes her head with a conspiratorial smile, "Huh. Somehow I don't think Klaus will object to the boyfriend label. Not with the way he's always looked at you."

Caroline doesn't think he will either though she will admit to a couple butterflies about the prospect of actually having that conversation. She's been rehearsing various speeches since she'd left his apartment. Well, since she left his building. Klaus had kissed her up against his door just after she'd bundled up, the hot urgent brain meltingly good kind of kiss, and Caroline hadn't snapped out of the haze until she'd been hit with a cold winter wind. She's always been a big believer in preparation but, in the moment, she doubts the words will come out smoothly.

At least, Caroline assures herself, Klaus tends to like her lack of brain to mouth filter. Even found it endearing. Another A+ boyfriend material quirk that Caroline totally should have paid more attention to.

She's been ready for a solid quarter of an hour, hair and makeup complete, carefully chosen outfit on. Except for the shoes because Caroline's pacing and there's no need to piss off her downstairs neighbor with the repetitive click clack of her high heels.

Klaus isn't supposed to pick her up for another ten minutes but she's too excited to sit down or stand still. She'd expected nerves but, as she'd showered and blown out her hair, they hadn't appeared. She's perfectly calm, happy. It's been an embarrassingly long time since she's been on a first date but Caroline knows that, even if she's out of practice, Klaus won't care.

They're going to a restaurant they've been to before, albeit a nicer one that they use for big celebrations. The plan includes a movie afterwards, something they've done a hundred times. When they'd been making plans Klaus had expressed surprise at the simplicity of her suggestions but Caroline had wanted to keep it classic and undeniably date-y. Dinner and a movie is perfect since it's way too cold to linger outside.

The place, the activities, neither mattered. The intent did.

There were, Caroline has begun to realize, some serious benefits to dating your best friend. She wasn't going to have to agonize over her dinner order, debating over the pros and cons of the items on the menu. She wouldn't have to worry about messiness (Klaus had seen her drunkenly consume spaghetti and attempt to eat cake a lava cake while lying down) or likelihood of offensive garlic breath (she already had a toothbrush stashed in the cup next to his sink). Klaus isn't going to be condescending about her course of study or lecture her on the low chances of actually making a living as a writer. There will be no vague distaste on his face when she talks about growing up in a small town in Virginia. He's not going to nod and smile and laugh at her jokes solely because he's hoping on improving his chances of getting into her pants.

She already knows she enjoys his company and wasn't that the whole point of dating?

The knock at her door startles her and Caroline yelps, slipping when she turns, her tights sliding against her laminate floor. She catches herself on her couch, cursing when she stubs her toe. Another knock, slightly more insistent, has her hobbling toward the door. "One second!" she calls, fumbling with the locks.

"Are you okay?" Klaus asks immediately, his eyes scanning her for signs of injury.

"Totally fine! Nylon and slippery floors and surprises don't mix."

"Surprises?"

"You're early."

"Early is on time and on time is late," Klaus says, repeating words Caroline has definitely used. The smirk says he's making fun of her but she's distracted from replying when he pulls his hand from behind his back, a small bunch of purple flowers in his hand. Tulips, she realizes, upon closer inspection. Tied with a matching ribbon.

"Wow," she drawls, taking them from his hand. "You've got moves."

Klaus shrugs, falsely modest. "I like to think so." He leans in, his lips brushing her temple. "You look lovely, Caroline."

She sways a little when he pulls back, the urge to lean into him strong. He's wearing her favorite cologne and she wonders if he'd somehow known of her fondness for its scent in his skin. She smooths the front of her green lace dress to occupy her hands.

Caroline reminds herself that they have reservations so she shouldn't get handsy, before stepping back into her apartment, "Come in. Let me grab my shoes."

He brushes passed her once she steps aside, heading to her tiny kitchen and reaching up to grab a vase from the top of her cupboards. The one she likes the best because it had come with a floral arrangement from her dad. He fills it with water and Caroline finds herself watching him.

Klaus is at home in her home, just as she knows she is at his.

He glances up as he stops the tap, expression expectant. "Everything all right, love?"

"Do you want… are we…" she struggles for words, blowing out a frustrated breath. Klaus waits patiently and Caroline lifts her chin, meeting his eyes squarely.

Time to just word vomit the thoughts that had been bugging her.

"It's been pointed out to me, kind of a lot, that you've been an awesome boyfriend without ever being my boyfriend so I figure we should do something about that."

"Oh? And what would you suggest?"

"You could, you know, be my boyfriend. If you wanted." She holds her breath, her toes curling into the floor, her upper arms locked to her torso. Klaus approaches slowly, plucking the flowers from her hand, dropping them into the vase and setting it aside.

The light in his eyes is mischievous; he grabs her hands, his palms sliding up her stiff arms, before he tugs her closer, "Hmm, before our first date? That's awfully fast. Maybe a man wants to be wooed."

Caroline snorts, slipping her arms around his neck, "You want to take it slow? Not put out until the third date, maybe? I was planning on going home with you but I can end the night alone, with a face mask and some cuticle oil, on my couch if you prefer."

Klaus is shaking his head before she finishes speaking, "Now let's not be hasty. I grocery shopped this afternoon to ensure that I had the finest midnight snack selections on hand."

"Oh, if you've braved the horrors of the grocery store…"

His arm wraps around her waist, a smile just beginning to form. "An awesome boyfriend wouldn't allow you to starve, would he?" he says, perfectly casual.

Caroline laughs, brushes a kiss across his lips, relief making her giddy. "Good point."

She makes to pull away but Klaus doesn't let her, his arm flexing to keep her close. "You can't have thought I'd object."

There'd been a teeny thread of doubt. In the time she's known him Klaus had dated extensively but usually pretty casually. There'd been a serious girlfriend when the blow up with his parents had happened, it had taken Caroline months to poke and prod out the details. A slightly drunken Klaus had confessed that he hadn't been willing to occupy the same city as his father, had jumped at his brother Elijah's offer of enough money to get him out. A flurry of applications had landed him a spot in an art program and, as plans were being made, Genevieve (a very pretty redhead who Caroline might have devoted some serious time to Insta-stalking) had confessed she wasn't willing to attempt long distance.

They'd broken up, amicably, according to Klaus. And while she hadn't doubted him Caroline had always chalked up his preference to short-ish uncomplicated flings to lingering bitterness over how that relationship had ended. He's watching her carefully and Caroline attempts to explain, "I didn't want to push you into anything. You do tend to avoid labels."

"Not with you," Klaus says firmly. "I am perfectly content with whatever label tells people that your mine. Besides, I quite like it when you're pushy. Or are you forgetting how thoroughly I enjoyed myself the last time you were in my bed making demands?"

It's been less than thirty-six hours. Caroline's recollection is crystal clear.

She presses her lips together, trying to hide a smile. "Good point."

He leans in, catching her mouth in a kiss that starts soft. She inhales sharply, her lips parting, hand sliding into his hair to keep him close. The kiss lingers, heats, the press of their bodies insistent. Caroline quickly forgets about their reservations.

Maybe, occasionally, when there was a really good reason, a little lateness was allowable.

"I knew you two were going to be nauseating. I've never hated the fact that I'm always right more."

Caroline rolls her eyes at the familiar strident voice and Klaus stiffens, his shoulders going rigid under her palms. They're at Lucien's café for game night again. It had been a fun night last time and Caroline figured if they showed up and spent money Lucien might keep his mouth shut about any assumptions he's made about how hastily they'd left last week. Klaus is on a stool at the counter, she's standing between his legs – close but perfectly respectable for the hour and the romantically lit establishment. They're waiting on several friends but it's probably a good thing Katherine's the first to arrive. Certain boundaries need to be set.

Caroline turns to face Katherine, snagging Klaus hand and wrapping it around her midsection before she rests her hands on his bent knees and leans back into him. If Kat thought being obnoxious was going to faze either of them Caroline would just have to nip that thought in the bud. She offers a sweet smile, "Hi, Katherine. So good to see you! How was your day?"

She slips onto the stool next to them, ignoring Caroline's pointed politeness. "Same old, same old. Kicking ass and taking names. So this," she waves her hand, encompassing both Caroline and Klaus and their closeness, "Is really happening, huh?"

"You literally helped me pick out a dress for our first date last week," Caroline points out, not bothering to hide her exasperation. "I borrowed your purse. So yeah, it's happening."

"Awfully generous of you, Katerina." Klaus notes, his surprise clear. "I rather thought you'd be miffed that you, yet again, lost money because of us."

Caroline elbows him lightly even as Katherine's mouth opens, her eyes spitting outrage. Caroline slashes a hand through the air before Kat can voice whatever snidely sassy comment she has at the ready, "Nope, not tonight. Actually, I'm going to call for a cease fire between you two. At least whenever you're in my hearing. I know you're secretly into the verbal judo you do so I wouldn't want to take it away entirely."

Kat looks like she's about to protest and Caroline would bet that if she turned around Klaus' face would read denial as well. She pushes ahead, "I recognize that neither of you is the sunshine and rainbows and kumbaya type but you're just going to have to learn to deal with each other in a slightly less snippy way."

Kat pouts, Klaus grumbles, but Caroline stays firm. "I love you both and we're all grownups. It seriously won't kill you."

Klaus fingers twitch where they're pressed into her stomach and she's pretty sure he skips a couple breaths given how still he goes.

Whoops. She maybe should have kept a lid on the love confession until they were in private. She'll have to do better once they're alone.

There's a tense moment where Klaus and Kat appear to try to kill each other with the power of their minds. Caroline thinks it's a draw because Klaus' stiffness eases just as Katherine tosses her hair over her shoulder. "Well, I guess I should order a drink if I'm supposed to play nice," she says, with an aggrieved sigh.

It's not gracious but Caroline will take it.

Klaus rests his head on Caroline's shoulder, lifting a hand to get Lucien's attention. "It's on me. In the interest of peace."

Caroline smiles, "Somebody's getting some later," she jokes, turning her head to plant a lingering kiss on his cheek, hoping he'll understand that she's sincerely appreciative of his overture. "Good thing I'm wearing cute underwear," she adds, just to push Kat's buttons. As a little payback for all the bets and commentary.

Katherine makes a disgusted noise, turning to peruse the cocktail menu written on the chalkboards behind the bar. "Nauseating," she mutters, loud enough for them both to hear.

Caroline doesn't scold her, too distracted by Klaus, who has taken the opportunity to slip his hand under her shirt while Katherine's not paying attention. His thumb strokes a line between her belly button and the waistband of her jeans, slow and deliberate. Her abs tighten at every brush and she fights the urge to squirm.

Caroline deeply regrets inviting all their friends as his lips brush her neck. With all the prying eyes there's no possible way they can sneak away to the employee bathroom discreetly.

It's going to be a long night.

It's too cold to talk much when they leave the café. They exchange a look before burrowing into their scarves and Caroline loops her arm through Klaus' before they hurry in the direction of her apartment. They'd spent most of the evening engrossed in separate games. Marcel had related how the previous week's Risk game had gone and, miffed at his massive loss, he'd insisted that Klaus and Caroline teaming up to take out the competition before turning on each other was unsporting.

He had a point, a small one, but neither Klaus nor Caroline had ever claimed to be above playing dirty to win.

She'd had fun, indulged in a little nostalgia by roping Kat, Bonnie and Elena into a game of Candyland. When Klaus had caught her eye and tilted his head toward the door, Caroline hadn't hesitated to pull out the ol' yawn and stretch and pretend like she was exhausted.

Her friends hadn't tried to hide their skepticism but Caroline had initiated a speedy round of hugs and made a quick escape. If Elena was allowed to disappear with her new boyfriend and be all lovey dovey Caroline totally deserved a turn.

She takes her mittens and hat off as soon as they enter Klaus' building, stowing them into her purse before turning her attention to the buttons on her coat. An idea had popped into her head as they'd walked, their frantic pace and furtive looks hitting her as familiar, even if this time they were both sober and it was too cold to make stops to paw at each other.

When the elevator doors slide open, revealing an empty car, Caroline takes it as a sign.

She walks in, hitting the button for her floor and the door close button. Then she grabs the lapels of Klaus' jacket, backing into the wall and hauling him with her. "This would be easier if I'd thought to wear a dress," she mutters, her hands dropping to pop open the button of her jeans.

"You'd be half frozen," Klaus points out, his eyes glued to her hands.

"True. At least my place is higher up than yours so at least we have more time."

Klaus had seemed confused at first, but understanding dawns when she presses his hand against her stomach. He takes over, crowding close, and Caroline sucks in a deep breath when his hand slips into her jeans. A groan rumbles from him when he finds her underwear damp his finger slips underneath the lace, curving into her as his thumb presses into her clit.

She buries her face into his chest to muffle her whine, leaning more heavily against the wall and hitching a leg over his hip, "You kinda missed last time," she gasps in hopes that he'll take the hint and give her more.

Klaus' mouth brushes her ear, "I was drunk. And not yet privy to all the things that you like." His thumb moves, begins tracing slick slow circles around her clit, even as his teeth bite down on her earlobe. Caroline's hands clench the fabric of his jacket tightly as her thighs shake and threaten her balance. "Your wet, love," Klaus notes, his voice thick. "Have you been thinking about this?"

She nods, "The Deja vu kinda hit me as were walking home. It was too cold to do any making out in convenient alleyways."

He eases another finger inside of her, hooking and rubbing as the motions of his thumb speed up, her hips rocking as pleasure builds. "There's always next summer. We can try it again then."

She moans her agreement, pressing her lips to his throat. Klaus glances over his shoulder, a sigh escaping. His fingers still and Caroline whines a protest. "Look at me," he urges, and when she does she can see he's apologetic. "We're almost at your floor. We're going to have to pause."

Damn it.

She's tense with frustration when he eases back, shivering at the brush of his hands against her belly as he gently re-fastens her fly. "Ugh, I forgot how much this part sucked."

He presses a kiss to her forehead, amusement coloring his tone, "I've grown far too fond of the sounds you make when you're desperate to come to deprive myself of them. This is only momentary. Does that help?"

"Kind of," Caroline grumbles, slumping into him, willing her pounding heart to steady. "It's totally my own fault."

Klaus is wise enough not to agree, his hands tracing the lines of her body now gentle and meant to soothe. The elevator pings, the doors sliding open. Caroline shakes herself, reaching into her bag to fish out her keyring. Her hands aren't super cooperative, still a little twitchy, and she hands her keys off to Klaus when they reach her front door.

He lets them in without comment and Caroline immediately begins stripping away her clothes. It really had been so much simpler last time, her summer dress easy to remove. Her boots are kicked off first, landing not so neatly and she lets her coat fall to the floor. Her cardigan follows and the loose tank she'd worn underneath is whipped over her head to join the heap.

Klaus doesn't seem to mind the extra layers, the time it's taking her to shed them, the heat in his eyes growing as he watches her discard them. She reaches back for the clasp in her bra, pausing and thinking back. Her memories of that first night, up until the end, weren't the clearest. "Oops. I think my bra stayed on for longer, didn't it?"

Klaus shakes his head, stepping forward and smoothing the straps off her shoulders. His mouth follows, planting a kiss on the faint red line left behind. "It's not going to be a faithful re-enactment, love. You'll come for me this time. Often."

Caroline's not going to object to that.

She loses her bra, pressing her mouth together as Klaus' rough palms shape her breasts, teasing her nipples into sharp points. His head's tipped down, watching his hands on her skin, until he glances up, lips wet and pupils blown. His head dips, mouth wrapping around her nipple and Caroline swallows harshly. She gropes for a shred of control, "Take off your pants," she rasps. "And get on the couch."

Klaus eyes narrow, a touch defiant as he straightens. He backs away, reaching back to grasp the neck of his shirt, yanking it over his head. Another deviation but, watching his muscles flex as he undoes his belt in jerky motions, it's one Caroline approves of. His movements are deft this time, sidestepping her furniture, until he's in front of the couch. He strips the rest of his clothing away quickly, sinking down onto the cushions. He holds her gaze as he wraps his hand around his cock, his hips thrusting up as he treats himself to a lazy stroke.

Oh, so he wants to play dirty?

She keeps her expression placid, easing her jeans and panties off her hips and down her thighs. She kicks them aside and steps in Klaus' direction, letting one hand smooth up her stomach to pinch her nipple. Klaus jolts when she does it, shifting restlessly on the couch. She moves slowly, considering her options. Last time she'd climbed on his lap, urged him to come apart with her hand, and the idea has some appeal.

Still, she doesn't want to be predictable.

She settles next to him, on his left side, lifting her thigh to hook over his knee. His brows rise Caroline grasps his wrist, pulling his hand from his cock and replacing it with hers. He tenses, a heavy breath leaving him when she runs her thumb over the head, smearing the bead of precum she finds. She uses her free hand to press his to her thigh and Klaus takes the hint immediately, his palm cupping her pussy. She moans when he delves into her folds, face heating slightly her audible slickness when his fingers tease her entrance. Klaus doesn't notice her embarrassment and, when he twitches in her palm, Caroline feels the twinge of unease melt away.

She remembers saying that she liked how much he wanted her the first time they did this. Clearly a sentiment Klaus shares.

She reaches for him, her motions steady on his cock even as she presses a palm to his cheek. Caroline leans in to kiss him, open mouthed and hot. She moans when he rubs her clit, her legs beginning to shake. "I like this," Klaus rumbles, when he pulls away. His eyes flit down, watching as his fingers ease inside of her. He pushes deep, his palm firm. Her back arches, searching for friction against her clit. He makes a noise of approval, "Good girl," he rasps. "Let me give you what you need."

Her thighs spread wider, searching for more contact, and she closes her eyes in an attempt to concentrate, tightening her grip on his cock and speeding up her strokes, her palm passing over the head to make the glide easier. He's pressed all along her side and she pays attention to the tensing of his muscles, the heat he begins to give of as his breathing picks up speed. He nuzzles her jaw, presses an urgent kiss to her lips, "Look at me. Tell me you're close."

Caroline's eyes flutter open to meet his gaze, sees the strain in him. Suddenly his fingers aren't enough. She wants to be closer. "Stop," she grits out, sitting up. Klaus hands steady her shaky limbs as she throws a leg over his lap. She rocks against him, sliding his cock against her soaked flesh, biting her lip to keep from crying out. Klaus lets out a guttural curse, his hands on her hips keeping her from sinking down, his arms shaking with the strain. "Condom. Still in my pocket."

Of the pants that are way too far away. She and Klaus have been having sex for two months, he would have told her if there was anything to worry about health-wise. She shakes her head, her hair sticking to her damp skin. "We don't need it. I have the implant. It's only been you all year. It's only going to be you, right?"

He wraps his hand around her neck, urging her down so he can lick into her mouth. The kiss is frantic, and messy and Caroline's breathless as she struggles to keep up. She moans when his grip relaxes and she sinks down, the first few inches easing past her fluttering muscles. He tears his mouth away, thrusting up to bury himself fully inside of her, "That's right, sweetheart. Only me," he says, his voice a hoarse scratch.

She digs her nails into his shoulders, even as her hips grind down, "You know that goes both ways."

Klaus grins, slouching deeper into the couch, a hand gripping her ass and urging her to move. "I wouldn't have it any other way." His free hand pushes between their bodies, his fingers trapping her clit and squeezing gently. She whimpers, head tipping forward to watch him touch her. She increases the speed of her rocking, chasing the release, impatient even as it rushes towards her.

It's his name on her lips as she comes, his arms catching her and gathering her close when she might have lost her balance and tipped back. His motions grow frantic, the pumping of his hips losing its finesse. Caroline doesn't mind, panting into the slightly damp skin at his throat as he shudders underneath her.

The rest of the world begins to intrude on her haze, goosebumps appearing far too quickly. The cool air of her apartment meets her sweat slick skin, leaving Caroline shivering. Klaus's palms span her back, rubbing up and down her spine. "You're cold. Let's go to your bed," he murmurs. He stretches to reach the tissues on the side table, offering her the box before easing her back.

She cleans up the rush of wetness when he pulls out, and Klaus is quick to follow when Caroline rises. She takes a quick trip to the bathroom while Klaus wanders into her bedroom. She pauses to ogle his backside a little, the bunching of muscle as he walks. Klaus catches her, the smug smirk on his face a clear indicator that he doesn't mind. The cold still bugging her, Caroline grabs her fluffy winter robe from the back of the bathroom door before she leaves, turns the thermostat up a couple notches and joins Klaus.

He's under the covers and his lips twist slightly with dismay when he sees her clothed state. He doesn't comment, lifting the edge of the blanket in invitation. Caroline slides in, keeps going until she's pressed along the length of him. He rolls onto his back, taking her with him, until she's half sprawled over him. Caroline yanks the blankets up the their necks, dropping a kiss to Klaus' chest, lingering to feel his heart beating. "I meant what I said earlier, you know. At the cafe."

"Hmm?" Klaus asks, slightly drowsy.

"I love you," Caroline says, looking up just in time to see his eyes fly open. She reads shock but there's something warmer there too. "I said it earlier when we were talking to Kat. So you can't think me saying it now is just the hot sex endorphins scrambling my brain. It was a little flippant but I do. Love you."

He clears his throat, "I believe I said something like that the other day."

"Yup," Caroline agrees softly. His declaration had been said in a rush, lost in the rapid fire revelations. She hadn't asked for clarification. She'd anticipated that the words would be hard for him, knows Klaus has been thinking about her in more than friendly ways for a long time and struggling with how to convey his shifting feelings. She finds that she really doesn't need the words, secure in how she feels. "And you've been showing it. I can't believe it took me so long to catch on."

Klaus grins teasingly, dimples carved deep into his cheeks, "You really were uncharacteristically slow on the uptake."

She glares, poking his side half-heartedly in admonishment, "Just for that I'm going to stay here, nice and cozy, while you make the midnight snack."

Klaus scoffs but doesn't protest. Neither of them would ever make it on The Food Network but he was slightly more proficient in the culinary arts. "Was that a hint that you're hungry, milady?"

Caroline shakes her head, laying down fully and letting out a long breath. "I'm good. Are you good?"

His hand drifts up her back and Caroline hums contentedly. Klaus' voice is pitched low rumble and she feels it where they're pressed together, "I am very good."

"Wanna take a nap?" she asks, the words beginning to slur.

Klaus' laugh is soft, rich with fondness and warmth, "Whatever you want, Caroline."

She drifts off easily, lulled by the beating of Klaus' heart under her ears. She thinks she hears him say that he loves her too, though it's possible that it's a dream.

One day it won't be a barely audible whisper in the dark. She's not going anywhere, neither is Klaus. They'll have plenty of time for him to manage it when she's awake.

She'll have to think of some appropriate positive reinforcement for when that day comes.

Group: Blonde Jokes Encouraged

Katherine (11:17 PM): Put me down for four years from mid-January.

Bonnie (11:18 PM): What?

Katherine (11:18 PM): For Klaus to propose.

Katherine (11:19 PM): I don't remember the exact date but that's when she dragged his wasted ass home. Klaus is exactly the sort of cheeseball to propose on the anniversary of their first conversation.

Katherine (11:19 PM): They better have an open bar considering how important booze has been in their major milestones.

Bonnie (11:20 PM): We're not doing that anymore, remember?

Bonnie (11:20 PM): We should probably delete this group chat.

Bonnie (11:20 PM): And we will NEVER tell Caroline that we had a group chat she wasn't invited to.

Elena (11:21 PM): Yeah, we're going to have to take that one to the grave.

Elena (11:21 PM): But put me down for a year from next May. After Care graduates.

Elena (11:22 PM): No way Klaus waits that longer than that.

Elena (11:22 PM): They'll have a long engagement.

Elena (11:23 PM): At least two years.

Katherine (11:23 PM): All the better for Caroline to get her bridezilla on.

Katherine (11:24 PM): You might have a point, GoodTwin.

Elena (11:24 PM): Wow.

Elena (11:24 PM): Will mark this occasion in my calendar, EvilTwin.

Bonnie (11:25 PM): As cute as this rare bonding sesh is…

Bonnie (11:25 PM): And it REALLY is.

Bonnie (11:25 PM): We are not placing bets.

Katherine (11:26 PM): Come on, Bon Bon. You know you want to.

Bonnie (11:26 PM): Caroline will murder me. Creatively.

Elena (11:27 PM): No she won't. It's harmless fun. Plus, you're totally her maid of honor.

Katherine (11:28 PM): You're only gung ho because you're rolling in our money right now.

Elena (11:28 PM): I did treat myself today.

Katherine (11:28 PM): Ooooh, shoes?

Elena (11:29 PM): Bookbag. Leather and monogrammed. Classy and doctor appropriate. It'll still be nice when I'm finally finished school.

Katherine (11:30 PM): So, super practical and boring?

Katherine (11:30 PM): That's not treating yourself.

Katherine (11:30 PM): HOW DID WE SHARE A WOMB?

Bonnie (11:31 PM): A question for the ages.

Bonnie (11:31 PM): Seriously, guys. No more bets on Caroline and Klaus.

Elena (11:32 PM): Then I guess we have to open the pools on you and Enzo.

Katherine (11:32 PM): Oh my god, I am so proud.

Bonnie (11:33 PM): You will not.

Elena (11:34 PM): What shall we name the GC, Kat?

Katherine (11:34 PM): Let me ponder.

Katherine (11:35 PM): Bonnie Bennett and the Bangable Brit Stan Club?

Bonnie (11:36 PM): No. Just, no.

Katherine (11:36 PM): You're right. I can do better.

Bonnie (11:37 PM): Ugh, fine. I'm saving these screenshots to prove that I was under duress.

Katherine (11:37 PM): Text Marcel and see if he's in. We all have jobs so let's not be stingy.

Bonnie (11:38 PM): Will do.

Elena (11:39 PM): Thanks, Bon! You're the best.