Beauty And The Beast // Klaroline AU

Chapter 29

Caroline's POV

I stare at the texts, my heart racing. They're finally coming home after the week they've been away. It's felt like much longer, maybe a month in my mind. Something about Kol constantly being a smart ass and Klaus not here to calm me down makes this house lonely without him.

"Anxious to see your boyfriend?" Kol teases me from across the couch.

I grab the nearest pillow, chucking it at him to which he easily catches with one hand, a wide smirk on his annoyingly handsome face.

"Kol, shut up," Rebekah chimes in.

"Why? Caroline enjoys my company!"

"Hm, nope. I don't believe I do," I retort. Rebekah giggles, sitting down beside me.

"Sassy, I like it," he smiles, looking in my eyes.

"Do us all a favor and shut up, Kol. Every second you talk I lose ten brain cells," I reply wisely.

His jaw nearly drops and Rebekah is practically on the floor laughing.

"Well then," Kol dramatically stands up, sauntering off into the kitchen.

"You're in a playful mood. This have anything to do with the fact Klaus is returning?" Rebekah pokes my shoulder. Spending a full week with her really made us a lot closer, which is nice.

"Maybe. I do miss him, you know? Feels weird without him here," I add.

"Speaking of!" she jumps up as the black car pulls into the driveway.

I smile widely, standing up and heading over to the door. Kol, Rebekah, Emily and I all head outside to greet the three of them.

Freya steps out first, then Elijah, then Klaus. His eyes meet mine, a small smile playing at his lips. My heart pounds as we near each other.

"Hello, love," he smirks, leaning down to embrace me. I return the favor for a few seconds, taking in the scent of his usual cologne.

"Hey you," I grin, letting go. The others are too busy hugging each other to tease Klaus and I.

"So, Alexander?" I ask, not yet hearing the news if he's dead or not. Some part of me wants to hear he's not dead, that they worked things out and he forgave them, but I know it's not true.

"He's gone, no need to worry," Elijah speaks for Klaus.

"It took awhile," I tell, aiming it more towards Klaus.

He smiles guiltily, "I had no clue it would take this long, really. I would have told you if I knew he had the most powerful witches on his side-"

"Klaus, I'm joking. Calm down," I assure him with a small giggle. His eyes light up at that and he jokingly pushes me. This playful side to Klaus is new to me, but I can't say I don't like it. It's comforting to his normal protective and closed off personality.

"Let's head inside, hm? I miss sleeping in my own bed and not a car," he smiles, all of us strolling into the house.

I can't help but notice the way Klaus walks, as if he's limping slightly.

"Hey, you okay?" I whisper to him when we all reach the living room.

"Mhm, fine," he answers with a forced smile. I can tell when he's lying, but I don't press the situation. He's probably just tired from the ride back, seeing as it's nearing eight at night.

"Klaus, can we pass out here for the night? I don't know if I can keep my eyes open to drive back to my place," Freya yawns, rubbing at her tired eyes. The trip clearly took a toll on her magic and energy.

Elijah agrees, "I'm exhausted."

"Of course. You all know where the guest rooms are, make yourselves comfortable. Emily will cook you up anything you'd like, just ask," he tells them, unusually friendly.

They all scurry off in different directions, some upstairs to bed, some in the bathroom to take a much needed hot shower, and some to the kitchen to have a late dinner.

"You look tired," I study his appearance.

"I am," he replies, and as if on cue, yawns.

"You should get some rest. I'll be up soon," I tell him. He nods, not bothering to oblige. Klaus heads upstairs and I go into the kitchen.

"Goodnight Em," I tell her, leaning against the door frame.

"Goodnight dear. Tell Klaus I said hello, I know he's tired and I didn't want to disturb him," she smiles, cooking up something as Elijah and Kol wait for the food, sipping down blood bags as they do so.

"Will do. Night guys," I say and the boys wave, their faces stuffed in the blood bags to which I giggle at on my way upstairs.

I open my room door, closing it behind me. Klaus stands in front of the mirror, the light shining on his shirtless body. My gaze immediately darts to the wound on his side, right under his ribs.

"Klaus, what happened? Are you okay?" I ask, running over to him. I gently touch the bruise, causing him to flinch slightly.

"It's nothing, love. The witches cast a spell on me so I couldn't heal as quickly. It'll be gone by the morning, I just need some rest. I'm just not used to having to wait for my wounds to heal, I guess," he offers a sleepy smile.

"Want me to wrap it?"

"No, it's fine. Really, Caroline. I'm just going to go to sleep, if you don't mind. I'm tired, it was a long trip. That's all."

I nod, completely understanding.

"I get it. Can I stay in here with you tonight?" I feel the need to ask, unsure of if our silent agreement to sleep in the same bed as one another to help his nightmares was still going on.

"Of course, love," he moves over, providing me some space.

I crawl into bed, plugging in my phone and turning off the lamp beside me, happy that Klaus is back home.

"Night," I whisper.

"Goodnight, Caroline."

• • •

Another update because I love you all! :)

How are your weekends going so far?

Vote and comment!

XoXo