Work Text:
The dim bar lights hung above the pair, the tinted yellow casting shadows against their faces. The sound of chatter and murmurs echoed throughout the bar, the sound of glasses being placed onto wooden counters.
Caroline’s gaze was focused solely on his face as he came to terms with his fate. With the selfless act he had committed and the burden of death he had endured for his daughter Hope, it was a far cry from the ruthless man she had known and feared at 18.
He wasn’t Klaus Mikaelson, The Original Hybrid at this moment. Instead, he was a father. A man who had sacrificed his life for his daughter. She was still struggling to come to terms with his impending death, a part of it felt unreal. Like she was in a haze, like this was some nightmare she wanted to be woken up from.
But no amount of magic or witchery could save him from the inevitable. He had told her there was probably a solution somewhere, a fix to this nightmare she lived in. But it was most likely written in Latin, deeply hidden in a grimore that had remained untouched for centuries.
He never had the chance to be her final love; he would never get that chance. Caroline was aware she would long for what could’ve been for the rest of her eternal existence, she’d always think back to the man who had never once doubted her ability and self-control, the man who had seen her as a person who longed for love beneath the mean girl facade, the man who had always promised to love her for eternity.
Her eyes flickered down to Klaus’ right hand, which wrapped around the delicate glass that contained bourbon– It was one of the last times he’d ever indulge in it.
His right hand was a light shade of grey, with deep black veins that pulsed beneath the skin. The Hollow’s power was slowly killing him, draining the power that had once coursed through his veins.
Caroline’s ears slightly perked up at the sound of relaxing jazz music being played by a performer at the piano. As the man pressed the keys, it formed a beautiful melody that flowed freely through the bar.
It reminded her of the 20s decade dance that had occurred 18 years ago; her hair had required lots of time to perfect. She vividly remembered the amount of hairspray it had taken to make sure her curls held; she could recall the hot pink fringe dress she had twirled around in and the excessive jewellery.
But most importantly, Caroline danced with Klaus– Well, he had used the sirebond to force Tyler away from Caroline so that he could dance with her. She remembered the initial annoyance she had felt, as well as the twinge of disappointment as he had told her he was leaving town but would always be there to show her the world.
Caroline longed for that simple time she had taken for granted; she had been younger and more naive, and she had represented something pure to him.
She gently traced the black veins that protruded from his grey hand, her touch as light as a feather as she attempted to offer some sort of comfort without words. There were no words that would come to her, no way to tell him it would all be okay because it wouldn’t.
His eyes were still solely focused on the glass of oak liquid in his hand, the amber liquid stirring slightly as his own eyes stared back at him.
“Do you wanna dance?” Caroline’s voice was barely above a whisper, “One last time.”
Klaus remained silent for a few seconds before his thick accent practically caressed her ears. It was one of the last times she’d hear that rich, soothing sound that always managed to either irritate or comfort her; it was a sound she’d always secretly enjoyed
“I thought you’d never ask, sweetheart.” A dimpled smile spread across his face, those adorable dimples that still had her in a trance 18 years later.
They both stood from their chairs, abandoning their drinks. He held his veiny, grey hand out to her, offering her a dance a final time.
Caroline placed her hand in his with the same elegance she had always shown; it soothed his soul for a moment. The familiar touch of a woman he had remained devoted to for 18 years, the woman who had the chance to be his last love while he hadn’t gotten to be her last love.
As he led her to the makeshift dance floor, he silently reflected on their time together. She would always carry a part of his cold heart; she had paved the way to his redemption despite everything he had done to terrorise her and her friends.
Caroline’s hand settled against his shoulder, Klaus’ arm wrapping around her waist and their arms now slightly outstretched, their hands still firmly interlinked. They were just as soft as he recalled, it had always fascinated him, even if it was a bit embarrassing to admit he had been entranced by her delicate hands.
They began to sway slowly to the pace of the soothing jazz music being played on the piano, getting into a familiar rhythm. A dance they had always shared, it would always be their dance. She’d always remember him, she could never forget.
The funny accent that had always been alluring to her, the infuriating personality that she had grown to like, the funky hair whenever he gelled it for one of those stupid high school dances, the fancy dresses from his collection he had gifted her and those beautiful drawings he had created for her.
She looked into his eyes a final time, the eyes that used to be full of mischief and charm were now filled with sorrow and a hint of resignation for what was to come, what was impending and solidified for his future.
A half-hearted smile graced his lips, his dimples hollowing out once more.
She offered a warm, comforting smile in return, even if her heart ached for what was to come.
“I’m unsure of how to say goodbye to Hope,” Klaus admitted, his voice barely audible as they continued to sway to the rhythm of the music.
Caroline chuckled softly, her warm breath fanning his face. “Try this.”
“One of you stands and walks to the door. But doesn’t turn back… even if their heart aches for just one more look, one more moment.” Caroline’s voice turned into a whisper.
“But you’ll know that the not looking… just means..” Caroline sighed, a hint of acceptance in her voice, “I’ll never forget you.”
Klaus seemed touched by her words, his eyes filled with longing for what could’ve been and resignation for what never would be. He spun her around gracefully before pulling her back.
Her lips landed on his; he tasted like oak mixed with metallic blood. His tongue ravished her mouth with gentle fervour because it was the last time he’d get the opportunity. Her tongue moved with similar passion and love, his lips rough against hers.
Their first kiss in the woods had been intense, passionate and rough. It had been fuelled by desire and need, but this was different. It was soft, filled with the love she had taken too long to acknowledge.
Caroline pulled away, resting her forehead against his with finality.
“I love you, Klaus.” She murmured against his lips, the three words he had longed to hear for so long.
She pulled away from the warmth and security of his arms, walking away as much as it felt like her heart was being torn out of her chest and ripped to shreds. His eyes remained on her retreating figure.
She stopped midway and stood there as a slight smile appeared on her face. She felt gratitude; she was grateful for the time she had with him, even if it hurt like hell to know she’d never get another moment with him– Not another kiss or another dance.
But she continued to leave because even if her heart ached– Caroline would never forget Klaus.