Vampire Diaries Imagines

Your Comfort - Klaus Mikaelson

The Mikaelson mansion was alive with the sounds of revelry. The grand ballroom sparkled with opulent chandeliers, their lights reflecting off crystal glasses and the sequins of expensive gowns. The music was lively, the laughter abundant. Everywhere I looked, elegance and extravagance reigned supreme.

But not me.

I smoothed down the silk fabric of my dress, feeling its weight settle uncomfortably against my skin. It was stunning, of course-something Niklaus had picked out for me-but it wasn't me. I preferred my worn-in sweaters and thick socks, a cozy fire crackling in the background, and the satisfying heft of a book in my hands.

I forced a polite smile as I nodded at a passing guest, feigning interest in whatever superficial greeting they'd tossed my way. Klaus loved these parties-his way of displaying power and charm, though they often served as a reprieve from the chaos and bloodshed of his world. But for me? It was exhausting.

A quick glance around the room confirmed no one was watching too closely. I slipped toward the door leading to the courtyard. The crisp night air greeted me like an old friend, and I sighed in relief. Out here, the hum of conversation and clinking glasses was just a dull murmur. I sank onto the cool stone edge of the fountain, running my fingers along its smooth surface. The sound of the water was soothing, and I let myself relax, inhaling the clean, fresh air.

This was better.

Minutes passed-or maybe longer-before I heard the faint creak of the door. Footsteps approached, and I already knew who it was before he spoke.

"Sweetheart," Nik's familiar voice carried warmth and a tinge of concern. "I turn my back for one moment, and you vanish. You've broken quite a few hearts inside."

I smiled faintly, not bothering to turn around. "Somehow, I think they'll survive. It's not like they came for me."

He moved closer, his footsteps soft against the stone. "I beg to differ. You're the most enchanting creature in that room." His tone was playful, but there was sincerity in his words that made my cheeks flush.

I finally looked up as he settled beside me on the fountain's edge, his tailored suit immaculate despite the crisp breeze tousling his hair. "This isn't really my scene, Nik," I admitted, my voice softer now. "I don't belong in there. It's your world, not mine."

He reached out, his fingers brushing against mine. "Y/N, love, you belong wherever you choose to be. But might I remind you, it was I who brought that world to life. Surely, I can shape it to accommodate you."

I gave him a skeptical look. "You'd ban parties forever just to keep me happy?"

He chuckled, his dimples making an appearance. "Perhaps not forever, but I could stand to host fewer."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You? Giving up a chance to gloat and show off? I don't believe it."

He smirked, tilting his head. "You wound me, darling. I'll have you know, I enjoy these gatherings far less when you're not at my side."

I rolled my eyes, nudging his shoulder with mine. "And here I thought the great Klaus Mikaelson didn't need anyone."

"Ah, but I do need you," he said, his tone softening. His eyes met mine, holding that intense, almost magnetic quality he had. "If I didn't, why would I be out here in the cold, instead of in there basking in all that admiration?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly looked away, suddenly very interested in the fountain water. "You just needed some fresh air," I muttered, trying to keep the mood light.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my cheek. "Y/N, you're my fresh air."

I blinked, caught off guard, and then let out a soft laugh, pushing at his shoulder. "That was incredibly cheesy."

He grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "And yet, you smiled. Come, love, allow me the honor of whisking you back inside. We'll endure the dull company together."

I hesitated, then shook my head. "Five more minutes. I just want to enjoy this quiet."

Klaus studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. Five minutes. But no longer. Otherwise, I'll have to start terrifying our guests to make my excuses for leaving early."

The minutes passed quietly, the sound of the fountain mingling with the faint hum of the party inside. I'd let my guard down, enjoying the peaceful moment, when Klaus's voice broke the silence.

"Y/N," he said softly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. "You're shivering."

I glanced down at myself, barely noticing the goosebumps on my arms until he pointed them out. "I'm fine," I said dismissively, brushing it off. "It's nothing."

He gave me a knowing look, the kind that always seemed to unravel my defenses. Before I could protest further, he was already shrugging off his tailored jacket. In one smooth motion, he draped it over my shoulders, the weight of the fabric surprisingly comforting.

"There," he said, his hands lingering on my shoulders for a moment. His voice was low and soothing. "Better?"

The warmth from his jacket-and his gesture-was immediate. I glanced up at him, my lips quirking into a small smile. "Better," I admitted.

His gaze softened, the corners of his mouth tugging upward in that endearing way he had. "You've endured enough of my antics for one evening, love. Why don't you go upstairs, make yourself comfortable? I'll join you shortly."

I frowned slightly, not because the idea wasn't appealing-it was-but because I knew how much he enjoyed these gatherings. "Klaus, you don't have to-"

He cut me off with a small shake of his head. "Nonsense. You've already indulged me more than I deserve. I'd only like to spend a little more time with my siblings before I come to steal you away for the rest of the night."

There was a twinkle in his eye, his tone light, but the sincerity was undeniable. He wasn't just saying it to placate me; he truly wanted to ensure I was comfortable.

"Are you sure?" I asked softly, feeling a twinge of guilt for leaving him to the party.

He cupped my cheek gently, his thumb brushing against my skin. "Y/N, I'm always sure when it comes to you. Go on. I'll be up before you know it."

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But don't keep me waiting too long, Niklaus."

His smirk returned, a flicker of mischief lighting his face. "I wouldn't dream of it, my love."

With one last lingering look, I rose to my feet, pulling his jacket tighter around me. The weight of his gaze followed me as I made my way back inside, slipping through the crowd unnoticed as I ascended the grand staircase.

Upstairs, I shed the suffocating dress, replacing it with one of Klaus's oversized shirts that I'd stolen from his wardrobe. It smelled like him-like leather, cedar, and something uniquely Klaus. I curled up on the plush sofa in his private study, a fire crackling in the hearth, a soft blanket draped over my legs.

As I settled in, I couldn't help but smile. No matter how chaotic or overwhelming his world could be, Klaus always made sure I felt like I belonged in it.

And I knew he would be here soon, trading the grandeur of the party for the quiet comfort of this room and my company.