Fighting Free

Chapter 10

"Call him?", Klaus wondered. "What the bloody hell is he talking about?"

You glanced at the bottom drawer of the cupboard, where the papers were lying that had provoked that reaction from Damon.
"He wanted to know who you were and how I met you when we met up the other day, so I had to tell him the basics. Now he's afraid you're an incurable criminal and worried about his friend's fate while living with you. I think he's scared you'll kill me in my sleep or something like that.", you explained, rolling your eyes, almost feeling ashamed for Damon's behaviour.

But Klaus reacted much better than you had expected. He watched in the direction of the door where Damon had just disappeared.
"I don't think I can blame him for that. I probably would have done the same if I would have been in his position."

You started to chuckle.
"So you're the overprotective kind of boyfriend?", you wanted to know. You sat down on the couch, pulling your feet under you, making yourself comfortable.

Klaus raised his eyebrows.
"Ok... we're doing that now?" Then he shrugged, deciding it might not be the worst idea in the world. If the two of you wanted to get to know each other, today might not be the worst day for that.
"I'm not the type to just let my hypothetical girlfriend run everywhere she wants without commenting on that, if that's what you mean. I want her safe, and inviting a convicted criminal into your home, let alone start making out with him, is not exactly what I would call safe." He grinned. "Not that I want to discourage you in doing it in this case, because I'm really glad you have offered me a place to stay here. I can make an exception here and there. I mean, I would really talk myself out of your grace if I would completely agree with your friend." He looked at you, smirking. "You wouldn't want me not to worry, wouldn't you? In my eyes, that would mean I don't care what would happen to you, and I do. And apparently, so does Damon."

Ok. You had to deal with that. You weren't planning to give up your freedom just because you and Klaus might become something more than just roommates, but you couldn't deny there was some kind of logic in it.
"As long as you don't start controlling me. I have my own life, and I'm used to living it."

He smirked, that smirk that was so hard to resist.
"I haven't seen you do anything foolish until now, love, so I think we'll be fine. Except hooking up with me, because everyone would call that foolish. But you can't blame me for trying to stop you if I see you trying to ruin yourself. It seems you kept that deal with Damon, or he would have barged in here to defend your honour a lot sooner, so I think we can work something out as well."

"Ok. You can stop me if I'm about to do something stupid, even though I probably won't listen anyway, but I want the same privilege in that case." You weren't going to become one of those woman who would gratefully settle and listen to their boyfriends in everything. You were in this together, that meant you would do it together.

"That sounds only reasonable.", he smiled. "But in case you had missed it, I have been trying to behave lately."

You nodded.
"I know. I've seen that today. And the last few weeks. Even when I don't have anything to compare it to." You did get an idea though... not something that would involve doing something stupid, but that would make sure you got to know each other a bit better. Maybe even get his guard down to talk about what had happened the night his mother died. Something that you probably would regret once you were doing it, because you were sure you would totally suck at it, but it might help Klaus to come back on his feet.
"You know... there's this art class they're giving around the corner here. If you promise not to laugh at my attempts to draw stick men, we could go there together? You could draw again..."

He sat down on the couch, making himself comfortable now it was clear he wouldn't have to leave.
"I barely painted for five years... maybe I'm the one needing an art class to freshen everything up. But yes. I do think that's a splendid idea, actually. One Elijah put in your head again?" He cocked his head, looking at you with a grin on his face.
"Yes, I know you're calling him from time to time. But as long as that's all you're hiding, I'm fine with that. And I solemnly promise only to praise your without a doubt very skilfully drawn stick men."

You tried not to look guilty, again. You were hiding more, but there was no way Klaus was allowed to know that. Not as long as you haven't looked into what's in the file.
"No, Elijah did not put me up to this. Although I think he'd like it too. He just wants what's best for you, ok? And as long as you're too stubborn to look for help... "

He raised his eyebrows.
"I'd rather call it independent, love. That sounds a lot better."

You started laughing.
"Stubborn, independent... it's just how you look at it, isn't it? But I'm glad we're back to laughter... somehow it would have been quiet here without you. Although I wouldn't have missed the fact that you constantly forget to pick up your laundry from the floor..." You had no idea you could get used to having someone around this fast. You had always liked living alone, but you had to admit you would miss Klaus if he were to leave.

"I do not constantly..." He started indignantly, before frowning. "Ok, I might forget to pick some things up from time to time...", he admitted. "I'll work on that, love.", he winked, with the twinkle in his eye, before getting serious again.
"Thank you for today, Y/N. You know I didn't want to do this, but it was a good idea. I needed it. I probably need my family more than I want to admit. Somehow we belong together. And if we can forget about how foolish I was after that, I think we can call this a good day, in the end."

You nodded.
"I agree. Sorry for pressing you, but you did need this. And Rebekah and Elijah needed it as well. I just can't stand you living next to each other when you actually want the same. We just should have left Kol out of it... that's my only regret." Then again... that confrontation probably had to come sooner or later anyway, and now you had it behind you. Your only fear was that he was going to tell Mikael, and what the consequences of that would be.
"Can you call Elijah or Rebekah tomorrow?", you asked Klaus. You could do it yourself, but you wanted him to get in touch.
"Just to make sure everything went well after they came home?"

Klaus started to laugh.
"They'll be fine, Y/N. Elijah is a big boy now, he can take care of himself. And Rebekah." Then he became serious. He knew why you were afraid, and he was probably laughing part of his own fears away. "I'll call them tomorrow, if that makes you feel better. Or I could do it now?"

You smirked, moving towards him, and leaning against him.
"Not now. We just got rid of Damon. Why don't we keep tonight for the both of us? I mean... you have something to make up for."

Klaus grinned, wrapping his arm around you and pulling you closer.
"I think that can be arranged."