#klarowinterbingo

This was written for the @klarowinterbingo Klarowinter Bingo Event. King Henry II’s French court no longer held any amusement for Klaus, but then he witnessed one of the ladies-in-waiting dance in the Ballet Comique de la Reine, and decided he’d found a new diversion...or at least a decadent meal.

Prompt: Snow-covered cathedral

Chassé Your Passion

“Unfortunately the contracts are often written in invisible ink when they should be signed in blood.” ― Suzanne Hayes, I'll Be Seeing You

           He was bored and Elijah wouldn’t let him eat anyone. With a long-suffering sigh, Klaus tried to lose himself in the palace musicians’ subpar melodies, but if the cornets kept trouncing on the arrangement, he would cut a bloody swatch through the first row of musicians. Lightly caressing the decadent gold leaf and wrought iron bannister, his polished boots clicked as he slowly descended the carved marble steps of the grand staircase. Klaus resisted the urge to fidget in the overly tight breeches and uncomfortable slashed-and-puffed-sleeves doublet. Even after several centuries of dressing in this finery befitting his elevated station, he still longed for the simplicity of tunics and trousers from his peasant days. The last vestiges of humanity manifested in the oddest of ways.

           Perhaps that explained Rebekah’s obsession with French royalty. She’d stubbornly insisted they wile away their days at Henry II’s court, and since loyal whispers kept them well-informed of Mikael’s current rampage across Russia, Klaus was inclined to indulge his sister’s whims. Besides, the marriage of King Henry II to Catherine de Medici had even intrigued Elijah, and once it was announced the court would host the Ballet Comique de la Reine, their tedious brother had insisted upon their attendance.

           Fortunately, both of his tiresome siblings were occupied for the moment — Rebekah had immersed herself in the queen’s sycophantic circle, while Elijah pompously strutted about in a satin doublet and stylish Venetian hose, desperate for compliments.

           Shaking his head at his siblings’ foolishness, Klaus entered the formal ballroom, openly admiring the exquisite stucco panels depicting Bacchanalian festivals. However, before he could properly enjoy the artwork, the irksome court heralds trumpeted the elaborate spectacle had begun. Queen Catherine and her ladies were brought out on a three-tiered fountain of sparkling jewels, polished marble and intricate gold leaf designs that intrigued his artistic sensibilities. But one face alone ensnared him.

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This is my attempt at a ‘drabble’ for @klarowinterbingo. I tried very hard to keep it short. But me and short have not been friends in years.

Prompt: Ice Skating rink on the verge of bankruptcy

Summary:

Caroline Forbes thought moving to London with her best friend Bonnie, to help her with her dead uncle's failing ice skating rink, would be a fun vacation from the chaos of her life.

Oh how wrong she was.

Ice Weddings

Caroline totally regretted coming out on the ice when, like she expected, she slid just a bit too much for her balance and fell, straight into someone’s hard chest.

“Easy there love,” a light British voice said. She looked up to see a tall man with shocking blue eyes and a bright smirk. “Don’t want to hurt yourself, now do you.”

She pushed herself away from the practical prince charming who caught her. “I’m so so sorry, I’m really clumsy.”

“Don’t worry about it love,” he said.

“Nik!” a young boy with dark brown hair who looked no older than fourteen said as he skated over. “You won’t believe what I saw, it was so cool, there was this massive white husky dog, it was awesome, can I ask mom for a husky when we get home? I wonder if I could get a husky. Oh, who’s this?”

This was written for the @klarowinterbingo Klarowinter Bingo Event. Small towns are supposed to be quirky. But what Caroline mistakenly assumes are kinky Wiccan nudist neighbors is a whole other level of quirky. 

Prompt: Awkward snow blower incident

This also is a gift for @eliliyah, one of the most generous and loveliest of lovely people and it’s a privilege to call you my friend! I’m equally envious of your writing talent and your ability to come up with randomly hilarious t-shirt slogans. I hope you like your gift!

Clever Fool

“Assumptions are the enemy of coherence...In other words, You're an idiot.” ― Nalini Singh, Archangel's Sun

           Toilet parts had never been more fascinating. Caroline paused her rifling through the plastic bin of seals, valves and chains when she heard Klaus, her ridiculously hot neighbor, joking with the cashier at the hardware store’s counter. She’d recently moved to Mystic Falls to open a spa and so far, every stereotype she used to snidely assume about small towns had been wrong. For one thing, apparently small towns were disproportionately full of attractive people. Must be the fresh country air.

           She quietly leaned over the bin, peeking in between the slats of the shelves for a better look. That jawline should be illegal. The first time they met, she’d been yanking out stubborn crabgrass from the hopelessly weed-choked front flowerbed and he’d just returned from running. In fact, most of her neighbors seemed to be runners. Hardcore physically fit specimens that looked like they were training for the Olympics. It was so disgustingly healthy and wholesome how many of them ran in pairs or small groups, smiling and chattering and barely even breathing hard.

           Sweat had glistened on Klaus’ bare chest and Caroline kept reminding herself to blink. From the amused twinkle in his eye and the slight twitch of his lips, he’d noticed her obvious interest. Cheeks flaming, she’d turned into a rambling mess, diffusing the awkward by piling on more awkward. It was hours later before she realized she’d been flirting while wearing a wide streak of mud across her forehead and along one side of her nose.

           Klaus’ chuckle caught her attention once more as he told the cashier, “I swear I still don’t know how Kol managed to get into the garage — much less the cabinet.” Shaking his curly head, he added, “Of course, once the ruckus began, I stumbled upon quite the unnerving scene in which the family still refers to as the ‘awkward snow blower incident’.”  

           Letting out an inelegant snort, Caroline realized she’d been caught eavesdropping and uncomfortably shuffled out from behind the shelves. Inwardly cursing that she hadn’t brought along the corroded part she was trying to match, she said, “Sorry to interrupt, but I need help with my plumbing.” At Klaus’ raised brow, Caroline felt herself grow warm as she hastily explained, “My toilet is running and I don’t know the right parts to get.”

           “I’d be delighted to help you with your plumbing, sweetheart,” he replied with a dimpled smirk, “I’m good with my hands.” He smoothly led her back to the shelves, ignoring the cashier’s quiet guffaws.

           Seriously? No one that attractive should be this inept at flirting. Not that she’d done a much better job with her earlier ramblings where she waxed poetic about organic fertilizer. Because there’s nothing sexier than a muddy woman talking about locally sourced animal poop. She might as well get a bunch more cats and lean into the crazy cat lady vibe.

           Klaus suddenly distracted her from those cringey memories, holding up several kits while discussing the pros and cons with surprising authority. She couldn’t help but be a little impressed by how quickly he pulled together the most likely parts, and realized she’d been staring way too long at his forearms than was considered polite. She hurriedly said, “So, you have a loveable troublemaker for a pet, huh?” At Klaus’ nonplussed expression, she asked, “You were talking about your dog, Kol, humping a snow blower, right?”

           Gray eyes went wide as he emitted a choking cough, lips curling into a small smile as he readily agreed, “Oh yes, Kol is quite the incorrigible...pet.”

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This was written for the @klarowinterbingo Klarowinter Bingo Event. These step-siblings DO NOT discuss the hot tub incident. Instead, they actively avoid being in the same state...until now. Who knew winter break could generate this kind of heat?

Good Things Come in Threes

Prompt: Hot apple cider

Warning: Klarenzo sexytimes three-way where there’s simultaneously too many hands and not enough hands. Also, Klaroline step-siblings pseudo-incest. Just sit back and soak up the shame; it’s delicious.

“Forbidden fruit is everyone's main meal.” ― Madeleine Ryan, A Room Called Earth

           It was when Klaus called from the road to say he was bringing his roommate, Enzo, that Caroline topped off her hot apple cider with more butterscotch schnapps. It was bad enough she and her stepbrother had this bizarre flirty...something going on, but add in his equally yummy roommate, and there was no way she was enduring the holiday weekend at the family’s secluded cabin sober.

           Their parents had a whirlwind romance that was completely unlike her prim-and-proper sheriff mother. She didn’t even know her mother could blush until Mikael started coming around. Their parents married the last semester of Caroline and Klaus’ senior year and attending colleges in different states meant that the stepsiblings didn’t settle into a typical blended family. Instead, they settled into something...other.

           Every time she and Klaus were in the same room, her skin just...vibrated. It wouldn’t have been an issue considering how rarely their lives intersected now that they were in college several states apart, but their parents insisted on regular family vacations and the one in Tobago this past spring had been nothing but trouble...the best kind of trouble because Klaus brought along Enzo.

           All those careful little touches that were far too deliberate to be completely innocent. A dimpled smirk here, a lingering look that burned there — it drove Caroline crazy. And that was even before the hot tub incident.

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This was written for the @klarowinterbingo Klarowinter Bingo Event. Caroline is finally meeting Klaus’ stepfather, and while she assumes it will be unpleasant, she hadn’t expected this. Good thing she came prepared... 

Prompt: “When was someone going to tell me mincemeat pies were meatless?”

Suspense and Sensibility

“We aren't in the same class. Just don't forget that some of us watch the sunset too.” ― S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders

           Diamond-encrusted platinum settings for the napkin rings. Crystal goblets etched with gold. The patrons with their shark-like grins and beautifully tailored clothes dined on Bordeaux marmalade crostini, veal demi-glace, pomegranate aioli-infused asparagus, and other luxurious fare that Caroline probably couldn’t spell, and only recently was able to afford. She’d come a long way from snapping green beans on Gram’s porch.

           She took another sip of the overpriced White Oak chardonnay, the bitterness doubly felt because she was picturing Bonnie and Grams drinking their delicious honeyed peach tea. As Caroline hid a grimace behind her goblet, she caught Mikael’s sharp stare, quietly assessing her once more. She was certain he’d selected the exclusive Salvatore’s restaurant to make her feel uncomfortable. After all, she’d been a hostess here just a few years ago when a too tipsy, and very flirty Klaus had stumbled into her podium.

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Author’s note: This was written for the @klarowinterbingo Klarowinter Bingo Event. This historical AU takes place in 1609-1610, known as the “Starving Time” in the Jamestown, Virginia, colony. Dark times have come to the colony, and Caroline’s village is trapped in a harsh, unforgiving winter. But the eccentric newcomers propose an unorthodox remedy to their hunger... 

Prompt: Black ice

Dine with the Devil

Warning: Angst. Plus, tasteful portrayals of cannibalism...no pun intended. Probably.

“There was nothing in her imagination to replace the formless, unchanging days of starvation. She clung to life because it seemed to have value, even if only to her.” — Shelley Parker-Chan, She Who Became the Sun

           The starving time had come to the Jamestown colony. The endless cycle of warfare with the tribes had squandered the lives of too many of their able-bodied men. Those left behind couldn’t properly tend the fields and the crops had withered before a proper harvest was collected. It had been an especially cruel winter. Caroline inwardly sighed, slicking her cracked, bleeding hands with salve and spurning the curious stare of Master Mikaelson once more. Despite the dire circumstances, he was bedecked in his usual finery of sumptuous velvets, silks, and leather trimmed with soft fur. Just one of those exquisitely crafted gold buttons from his waistcoat could’ve seen the survivors through this unforgiving winter.

           He’d recently arrived with several of his kinsmen on the second charter issued by the king, but the meager supplies they unloaded quickly were devoured, leaving the colonists even more desperate and fearful. If only she’d followed her instincts at the first withered corn husk and loaded her wagon then. It might not have carried her to the other sea as she once dreamed, but any life would be better than the death she faced in this doomed settlement. By now, the snowdrifts had buried the narrow pass through the mountains, cruelly cutting off their only means of escape. It was one of the few times that the Mikaelsons’ ostentatious wealth wouldn’t make a difference, she inwardly scoffed.

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This was written for the @klarowinterbingo Klarowinter Bingo Event. This is Part 3 to Chapter 97 (prompt: pink cocktail dress) and Chapter 92 (Hands-Off Policy). Caroline was on a mission to save Enzo and she brought along backup in the form of the most dangerous man they knew. Crash a party, get some intel, and then get out — it was the perfect plan. Until it wasn’t.    

Prompt: Peppermint schnapps

The Best ‘Laid’ Plans

“Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” ― Dwight D. Eisenhower

           There was a waterfall on the dancefloor. What kind of useless one-percenter douchebag put a fucking waterfall on a dancefloor? It was rare that Caroline felt self-conscious, but with Klaus possessively lurking at her side all night, she’d gotten far too many curious looks from others. She didn’t need that kind of attention. Enzo had sacrificed far too much for her over the years and it was time she did the same for him.

           “The Salvatores always have been a bit garish for my tastes, as illustrated by this outlandish nonsense,” Klaus commented with a huff, nodding toward the shimmering gold headpieces the servers wore that perfectly matched the trays of miniature cakes covered in gold leaf.

           “Rumor has it Damon never shuts up; it should be easy to get information out of him about whoever took Enzo.” Leaning close to hiss in his ear, she added venomously, “But with you up my ass all night, no one’s coming near me.”

           Gray eyes darkened as his tone turned seductive, backing her into a small alcove piled high with velvet cushions. “Is that an invitation, love?

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This was written for the @klarowinterbingo Klarowinter Bingo Event. Forbes Farms was struggling and Caroline was desperate to win this horse race. Unfortunately, she was distracted by the entitled asshat who’d put a claim on her horse. And she definitely was not thinking about their kiss...

Prompt: Animal tracks in the snow

Warning: Angst

‘Canter’offer

“Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.” ― W.C. Fields

           It was far from the first time Caroline had been to the track — but it definitely was the most shameful. But Forbes Farms had been failing for much longer than her mother ever would admit and they needed this win. Putting Phoenix in the claiming race was a risk, and it took everything in her not to walk away from the farm when her mother told her the news. Just grab her shit and go. She’d certainly practiced enough; the past couple of years had taught her that no matter how many times she packed up that old truck, she couldn’t seem to make it past the front gate. Her heart was too big. Or maybe she was just too stupid.

           She and her mother had never agreed on how to run the family business, but lately, Liz had been taking bigger and bigger risks, and now she’d backed them in a corner and the only way out was to sell Phoenix in a claiming race and a chance at the purse winnings. It hurt her heart to do it, but the real kick in the gut was knowing that in one of those sealed envelopes in the track’s lockbox was a claim from Klaus Mikaelson.

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