CHAPTER FIVE: The Best Friend
WARNING: explicit language, light smut

"I HAVE TO GO BACK TO MY HOUSE," Caroline argued, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at Athena who was going up the salmon ladder.

"You're not going home," Athena drawled with a roll of her eyes, doing twenty pull-ups before going to the next level.

Caroline rubbed her forehead, "I haven't been home in the last couple of days. My mom is gonna freak out... Look, I can't stay here anymore or my mom might put me in jail," she sighed.

The girl walked to the door, having collected her stuff. She was going to go back to her house and get ready since she didn't have much here. Athena appeared in front of her, leaning back against the door with a smirk.

Caroline glared at her, huffing. Her eyes dropped a bit, her sight following a droplet of sweat that rolled down Athena's neck, down her clavicle, and disappeared under her sports bra. Athena pushed off the door and Caroline's eyes flew up to hers, gulping.

"You," Athena took a step forward and Caroline took a step back, "aren't. Going. Home. Today," she grabbed Caroline's arms, speeding them onto the bed so Caroline was laying down. The redhead gave her a look before pulling back.

Caroline grabbed her wrist, yanking back down and pressing their lips together. Athena hummed, kissing back and bumping their noses together. "I'll stay," the blonde mumbled.

Athena smirked and pecked her lips once more. "Good," she pulled back and went to her dresser, getting some clothes out. She went into her bathroom and got ready to take a shower.

When she was finished, all dressed and ready for the day, she went back into her room only to find it empty. Athena frowned and walked over to her desk where a piece of paper lay on the PlayStation.

I'll see you at the Sexy Suds car wash <3

Athena scoffed through her nose, smiling. Why did she think Caroline would listen? She walked out of her room, knowing today was going to be a tiring one.

With Damon out of the picture, she didn't need to worry so much for Caroline's safety in that regard. Elena would be safe as well, Damon can't stalk her in the night. Stefan can be free and do as he pleases.

Seems like a win.

She grabbed her car keys, her phone, and her bag that held her laptop (which was still a work in progress), her most recent diary, a sketchbook, her grimoire, and a couple of pens and pencils. She walked out of the house and went to her garage.

She opened it up and went inside, unlocking her black Jeep. She got into the car and drove towards the police station—or the remains.

She pulled up, parked her car, and then got out, leaving her things inside. Liz, Mayor Lockwood, and Carol were already there, waiting for her and her friend. "Good morning," she greeted the three, smiling.

"Good morning, Athena," Liz and Carol said, each with their own smiles.

"Where is your friend?" The mayor asked, getting right to the point.

Right on cue, a black Ferrari F430 pulled up. The car parked and the door opened. A black leather-clad leg with heeled boots appeared, foot planting itself on the ground. A woman followed soon after.

She had dark brown hair that cascaded over her shoulders in waves. Her dark-colored eyes were hidden behind a pair of sunglasses that rested on the bridge of her nose. She was tall, taller than her usual 5'8" height since the boots gave her a bit of a boost.

She was dressed in a red blouse that showed quite a bit of cleavage and black leather pants that hugged her figure nicely. Around her neck were about five necklaces, one being a pendant with the Mikaelson crest just like Athena wore.

A smile made its way onto Athena's face as the woman walked towards them. She stopped a bit away, "well, it seems you guys got yourself in a bit of a situation, haven't you?" She gestured to the ruined police station.

"You could say that," Athena grinned, walking forward and hugging her, "thank you for coming, Lu."

"Anything for you, cutie," the woman smiled, kissing her cheek. She pulled off her glasses and gestured to the other three people, "introduce me."

Athena rolled her eyes, "Sheriff, Mayor Lockwood, Carol, meet my friend, Luna Everhart. Lu, meet the sheriff, the mayor, and his wife, Carol," she said, gesturing to each one as she spoke.

Luna gave them a smile, "nice to meet you all. So you guys need a new police station, cutie?" She looked over at the redhead who nodded, leaning against her Jeep.

"That's right, gorgeous," she smirked when a light blush dusted across Luna's cheeks.

"Alright, well, I'll need the blueprints of the old place. I'm sure you have those, Mr. Mayor?" Luna looked over at the man who seemed a little dazed. Carol frowned and snapped in front of his face. The man jerked a bit, clearing his throat.

"Right. I'll get them to you by lunch," he said, nodding his head.

Luna sighed, "just send it to the Salvatore house. I'll be living there for now," she said, waltzing back over to her car. "I'm starving. Let's go get something to eat from the grill I saw on my way over," she gave Athena a look before sliding into her car.

Athena blinked before getting into her own car, giving the three a wave, and then driving towards the Mystic Grill.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

"YOU ARE THE stupidest vampire I ever met, and we both spent a decade with Hellion and a century with Nikky," Luna deadpanned, picking up a fry and tossing it into her mouth.

Athena rolled her eyes, leaning forward and clasping her hands together, resting her elbows on the table. "And why might that be, gorgeous?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Because you're back in this God-forsaken town with your imbeciles of brothers," Luna exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. They got a couple of offended and rude looks from people around them as Athena rubbed the space between her eyes.

"Babe, please keep your voice down," Athena hissed, setting a hand on Luna's and giving it a firm squeeze, "and I came back because of her." She took out her phone and found a picture of Bonnie, Elena, Caroline, Jenna, and Jeremy. They were all smiling—Athena had somehow managed to get them all to do it.

Luna took the phone, her eyes narrowed. Her eyes flew over the picture looking over every single one's face. "Katherine?!" Luna almost shrieked. The couple next to them jumped and shot them with annoyed looks. Athena mouthed a sorry to them before grabbing the phone.

"No, you bloody idiot. Her name is Elena. She's a Petrova doppelganger," Athena told her quietly, pointing to the eldest Gilbert.

Luna's eyes bulged, "you mean the answer to unlocking Nikky's wolfy side?" The 899-year-old vampire asked.

Athena nodded her head, smiling.

Luna let out a breath, looking as if she needed a moment to process the information. "And that's why you came back... so you can protect her for when—when Klaus gets word of her?" She asked, pointing to the girl.

Athena looked down at the table, "Stefan's in love with her or—or really fucking cares about her but Klaus, he... he protected me, he was there for me when my brothers weren't... he was more of a brother to me than Stefan or Damon ever were. God, I don't know what to do." She groaned and put her head in her hands.

Luna watched her sympathetically. If only she remembered... her decision would be so much easier, she thought. The brunette set her chin on the table, reaching over to comb her fingers through the redhead's hair, "Klaus hasn't found out about her yet. You still have time... and when the time comes I have no doubt you'll choose the right way," the older vampire whispered.

Athena set her chin in her palm, looking over at her friend. "Why did Nik free us?" She asked. She knew it had something to do with their protection but she never got a full reason.

"We're all very powerful, darling," Luna said, "Mikael could easily get a witch to trace our signatures. Klaus knew that splitting from them would be our best bet. Rebekah, Kol, and Finn are daggered. Elijah's God knows where and Nikky's probably causing chaos as he always does where ever he is."

Athena sighed and sat up, Luna following her example. The brunette narrowed her eyes. Athena had the same look Klaus did whenever he was worried. Their eyes widen and their foreheads crease. Their lips part. And they get this look that tells you they aren't with you and thinking of all the bad possible outcomes.

When the memories start to come back, Luna starts on another topic, "Has anyone tried to kill you recently?" She asked casually. The two were used to people showing up out of the blue and wanting them dead. Living with the Mikaelson's, you learn to watch your back.

Athena scoffed, "of course. When are they not?" Luna raises her glass and then takes a sip. "I actually got arrested yesterday because of it."

Luna choked on her drink. Athena's eyes widened. Luna set her cup down and grabbed a napkin, coughing. "I beg your pardon?" She rasped, looking at Athena in shock. "When did you get so sloppy?"

"It was one time," Athena sighed, running a hand through her hair, "a vampire and his little witchy friend found me in the woods the night of a party the high schoolers were throwing. I killed them both and then my attention was taken by the party. My brother had attacked a girl and Elena had found her. I had to get Stefan out of there before he went on a murderous, ripper rampage."

Luna hummed, "the rippah," she smirked, leaning her head back. "I remember that time back in 1922. You and Nik wanted to kill him for dating Rebekah. Always our princess's little protector."

Athena rolled her eyes, "Rebekah will forever and always be my little sister, no matter if we are blood or not. I love her more than life itself," she said, like always.

Luna smiled, "I know, cutie. She loves you too."

Athena gave her a small, sad smile. Seeing Klaus dagger Rebekah was the hardest thing to see and she watched the life drain from her brothers' eyes. Rebekah always looks so betrayed and heartbroken when she's daggered... and it hurts Athena's heart. She always tries to knock some sense into Klaus but he had his mindset.

He does it to protect her (... sometimes) but it doesn't always seem that way. By the time he had freed Athena and Luna, Rebekah had ended up back in a box.

"So," Luna sang, smirking, "any conquests in this little town you call home, cutie?"

"No," Athena deadpanned, rolling her eyes, "you know not everything revolves around sex, sweetheart."

Luna scoffed, "of course it doesn't. I'm just saying it's been a while. There was that one-night stand in New Jersey about a decade and a half ago and then me four decades earlier. You're a weird vampire, you know."

Athena whacked her friend on the side of the head, "are you crazy?" She hissed, "quiet your loud ass down. There are hunters in this town, Luv. Plus, you know one-night stands aren't my thing. That's all you. I practically lived bi-curiously through you and Bekah." She then pointed at her friend, "and you will not say a thing about sleeping with me or that one night stand in Jersey. We agreed never to talk about that one... it makes my head hurt." Athena frowned and rubbed her temple.

Luna raised her hands in surrender, "fine, fine. Can I see that photo again?" Athena gave the woman her phone. Luna quickly unlocked it and went to the photos, finding the picture easily. "So, you definitely fancy one of these people." Athena gave her a dry look. "It's obviously not Elena because you aren't a homewrecker nor are you like that in general. The boy seems too young and definitely does drugs. She looks like Emily Bennett and I know you want to stay far away from that family after the whole almost blowing up the poor witch incident in 1864," Athena winced at the reminder, "the redhead is hot and all but she looks like Elena and I'm guessing the boy's aunt based on how she's hugging them which leaves the cute, beautiful blonde."

Athena wasn't surprised. Luna was picked by Klaus because of her people-reading skills. You could put her in a room with three hundred people and she'd be able to find your target in less than twenty minutes.

"She looks absolutely adorable. Have you had sex with her yet?" Luna asked calmly, handing back the phone while slipping out Athena's sketchbook without her noticing.

"One, no I have not slept with her, you imbecile. And two, I don't like anyone," Athena says, giving the woman a fake smile.

"Har har, Salvatore. You forget I've been your best friend for 145 years. I know you like the back of my hand, literally." Luna winks at her before flipping through the sketchbook. "Oh, you bloody liar!"

Athena looks at her bag and sees her sketchbook missing. "Luna!" She yelped, reaching across the table to grab the book. The vampire dodged her hands, slapping them away.

"All of these are of the blonde! You totally have a thing for her! Oh, my God! My baby's growing up!" Luna put a hand to her heart, sighing dramatically.

"I'm going to kill you," Athena growled. Luna bit her lip, glanced down at the book, and then bolted out of the restaurant. Athena groaned, left some cash, grabbed her bag, and ran after her friend.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

CAROLINE HUGGED HER pillow, trying to calm herself down. The crow had added more fear than when she thought she saw Damon in her room.

The doorbell rang and Caroline's breath hitched. It's not him, it's not him. Calm down, she told herself, releasing a deep breath. Standing up, she left her pillow and walked out of her room. She hesitantly made her way to the door, trying to get a look at who it was.

Her fingers wrapped around the doorknob and she pulled the door open, revealing one Athena Salvatore. "Tina? What are you doing here?" She asked, confused. She thought they were just gonna meet at the car wash tomorrow.

Athena rubbed the back of her neck, rocking on the heels of her feet. She avoided eye contact with the blonde and released a breath, "I, um... I was worried," she sighed, dropping her hand. Caroline raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Damon may be... gone but that doesn't mean the memories are—"

"You don't have to worry about me, Athena—"

"I do!" Athena interrupted quickly. She cleared her throat when she saw Caroline's startled look. She sighed and took Caroline's hands, gently rubbing her thumbs over the back of them. "I do worry about you because I care. I hate that I do but I can't help it. You've wormed your way into my life. So yes I do have to worry."

Caroline smiled, "come in." As soon as the words left her mouth, the blonde yanked the Heretic forward, connecting their lips. Athena let out a slightly startled sound but melted into the kiss. She kicked the door shut with her foot and picked the blonde up easily. "I worry about you too," Caroline mumbles against her mouth.

Athena grinned and kissed her again.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

A BREATHY MOAN escaped her lips as a tongue ran over the mark that had been made. Teeth helped suck another part of her neck into the person's mouth, creating another mark as Caroline's hands quickly worked the buttons of their shirt.

A knee slotted between her thighs, pressing up against the place she needed them most causing a loud moan to tumble out. The person chuckled in her ear, hot breath fanning over her skin, "shh, Princess, you don't want them to hear us now do you?"

Caroline shook her head, whimpering. She recognized the voice almost immediately. The person pulled back, nudging Caroline's nose with theirs. The blonde met dark, lust-filled blue eyes. "Athena..." She gasped, her voice strangled.

The redhead tilted her head, tracing her nose along the skin of Caroline's jaw as her knee began to rock against the blonde's center. "Why did I say about calling me that?" A hand wrapped firmly but soft enough around her throat, "I thought I taught you better."

Caroline's eyes fluttered shut, feeling her stomach coil as her hips began to stutter against the redhead's thigh. "I-I'm sorry..."

The hand squeezed a little harder, Athena's thigh moving just out of reach. Caroline whimpered, trying to follow her but the redhead wouldn't allow it. "Sorry, what, baby girl?"

"I-I'm so-sorry, Daddy," Caroline stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep red.

Athena's knee went back into position, rocking harder against Caroline making the girl let out a high-pitched moan. Athena's grip around her neck loosened a tiny bit, "good girl," she whispered, pressing her lips against the blondes.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

"I'LL BE WITH Ms. Everhart and Mayor Lockwood for most of the day," Liz told Athena, keeping her voice quiet so as to not wake her sleeping daughter.

The blonde was tucked into the Heretic's side, face buried in her neck. Athena had been reading a book when Liz came in to check on Caroline before leaving. "I'll tell her when she wakes up. She'll probably focus a lot on the car wash at Mystic Falls High today though so I don't think she'll mind," Athena told the woman with a small smile.

The sheriff smiled at her, "thank you, Athena. I'll see you later. Oh, Luna got the blueprints right?" Athena nodded. "Great." Then the woman was gone and heading towards the police station.

Athena turned her attention back on her book, attempting to read again. Barely three words in and Caroline shifted, a sigh leaving her. Athena didn't think anything of it, focusing on the book in her hand.

Caroline moved again and Athena could feel the sweat that had formed on the blonde's forehead on her neck. She frowned and looked down at the girl, confused.

Was she having a nightmare?

Caroline let out an incoherent mumble, hand clutching onto Athena's shirt. The redhead got a good look at her. The blonde's skin was flushed and she was sweaty. Her heart is beating quite fast in her chest and—

Oh. Athena flushes. She can smell the girl's arousal now that she's looking for it. Usually, she'd pick up on something like that but she had been too focused on trying to figure out if the girl was having a nightmare to think of possible other solutions.

Athena, momentarily shocked and confused about what she could do, lets her powers slip away from her. Suddenly, she gets a front-row seat to what Caroline is seeing. Bloody hell—

She takes her hand off the girl's back, focusing on anything else but that. The mind connection is instantly severed. God, she does not need to be this horny in the morning.

She doesn't want to wake Caroline up and ruin the dream her mind had concocted because she, as creepy and weird as it is, likes that Caroline is thinking of her in this way, but she also doesn't know how much longer she can take without waking the girl up and jumping her bones right then and there.

Option two it is!

"Caroline, wake up, Princess," the redhead says, shaking the blonde's shoulder. That only makes Caroline burrow herself further into Athena. Closing her eyes and biting back a curse, she shakes the girl a little more firmly, "Caroline, you're late for the car wash."

With that, Caroline sat up, eyes wide with panic. The blonde practically leaps over Athena to get to her phone and check the time. Athena grunts, getting a knee to the stomach and an elbow to the face.

"It's only 7 in the morning!" Caroline shrieks, annoyance and irritation in her tone as she leans back. She grabs a pillow and starts whacking Athena with it, "what. The. Hell. Is. Wrong with you?!"

Athena tries to fight the attack and manages to wrestle the pillow out of the human's grasp. "I have a lot of things wrong with me, Luv, but you're the one who was having the sex dream!" She pointed the pillow at the blonde, eyes narrowed.

Caroline's eyes widen and her mouth drops open as a beautiful blush takes over her body. "I—no—what?! I was not having a sex dream!" She argues.

"Your red cheeks say otherwise," the Heretic smirks, whacking the blonde in the face. Caroline gasps dramatically, pretending to be offended.

"You did not just hit me!"

"Oh, yes I did, Princess."

Caroline then proceeds to try and suffocate the redhead with the pillow which actually almost succeeds if it weren't for Athena's counterattack with the pillow that was underneath her head.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

THE SEXY SUDS car wash was off to a good start. The boys were in swimming trunks with no shirts and the girls were in two pieces with shorts on. Many people have brought their cars to be washed.

Athena walked over to where Caroline was scolding some people. They looked so done with her so the redhead sped up, reaching them in no time. She wrapped her arms around Caroline, nuzzling her neck, "hey there, Luv," Athena smiled.

Caroline's attention was instantly on her allowing the two to slip away. "Hi," Caroline grinned, turning around in her arms. Athena set her hands on the blonde's hips. The human frowned, tugging on the jacket and sweatshirt Athena was wearing, "you know it's sexy suds."

The redhead smirked, "what? You don't think this is sexy?" Caroline's breath hitched when Athena leaned closer, making their noses bump.

"Take. It. Off," Caroline whispers, dragging out each word breathily. Athena kept eye contact with the blonde as she stepped back.

She slowly removed the leather jacket, tossing it at the blonde. Athena was very aware of the eyes of Caroline's peers and decided to use that to her advantage, to get back at the blonde for telling her what to do. She unzipped her hoodie and slid it off her shoulders, revealing the maroon t-shirt she was wearing underneath. Handing the hoodie to Caroline, her other hand reached for the bottom of her shirt, beginning to pull it off.

Caroline was in front of her in a second, hands tugging Athena's shirt back down, hiding any skin. "Not that," she snapped under her breath, glaring into Athena's eyes.

The redhead smirked, "and why is that?" She asked just as quietly.

Caroline's nose twitched, "because... because you're not wearing a bathing suit and men are pervs," she blurted.

Athena's smirk deepened, "or you don't want anyone to see just how ripped I am, Princess... because you want me all. To. Your. Self." Caroline just stared, her mouth set in a firm line. "I have to be right because when I was working out yesterday morning you seemed perfectly content with my shirt off," she teased, keeping her voice light.

"Shut up," Caroline said, tugging on the shirt and letting their lips connect. Athena smiled and set a hand on the side of her neck, pulling her closer. Her fingers danced across the straps of the bikini top the blonde was wearing.

She hadn't really seen what Caroline was wearing, she had been so focused on the blonde's eyes and the fire she got in them.

With that, she pulled back and let her eyes roam over the blonde. Caroline shifted a bit, wrapping her arms around her stomach as she glanced around. Athena slid her hands into the blonde's, gently tugging them away, "you look... very sexy and oh, so breathtaking. Knocked the air right out of my lungs," she whispered, smiling softly at the girl.

Caroline blushed and smiled back. She dragged Athena over to the paying booth and explained that they were gonna be running it for now then switch and wash some cars. Athena agreed with that, just happy to be in Caroline's presence.

They talked and laughed as they collected the money from everyone who was in need of a car wash. Caroline looked like she was going to say something but Elena interrupted, "Hey, we're out of towels and those shimmy things."

Caroline turned her gaze away from Athena with a sigh, "I'll go get some more. Tina, please mind the money." The blonde stood up after giving Athena the bills she was counting.

"You got it, boss," Athena saluted her and started counting the bills once more. She knew Elena hadn't left because she could hear her heartbeat and her breathing. "You're hovering," she told the brunette without looking at her.

"Sorry, uh," Elena cleared her throat and sat down next to her, "can I ask a serious question?" Athena nodded. "Why are you with Caroline? Like really?"

Athena paused what she was doing and turned her head to look at the brunette, "I beg your pardon?" This wasn't seriously happening now, was it? Elena had almost a whole month to ask about this, to ask about her friend, and she chose right now to do it?

"Why are you really with Caroline cause I know Matt has been trying to get her back?" Elena went on, "you literally have no reason to be with her. You two barely spoke without Bonnie or I around and suddenly you two are dating? It's suspicious."

Athena scoffed, "you're a fucking hypocrite, Elena." The brunette looked shocked, recoiling, "you knew my brother for five minutes and then you two were fucking dating. My relationship with Caroline is none of your bloody business just like your relationship with my brother isn't my business. I don't question your relationship so don't bloody question mine." She stood up, putting the money in the box, "watch the money or find someone else to do it. I have to go find my girlfriend."

She spun on her heel and walked towards the school. Hot-white anger flooded through her veins. She looked down and saw black pulsing up her wrists. Her eyes widened slightly.

No, please not now! We're surrounded by teenagers—humans, she pleaded.

You should have lit Elena on fire, her dark side ignored, how dare she question our relationship.

What relationship? Caroline and I aren't together. We kiss—we makeout— but we aren't together—

Stop lying to yourself. Luna was right, we like her or we bloody fancy her, whatever. Don't be an idiot and just go make this stupid thing official before we lose her to someone else.

Her dark side could be so annoying sometimes.

Bloody hell she was talking to herself, she really needs help. Walking the hallways of the school, Athena tries to listen for Caroline but can't seem to find her anywhere. "Care?" She called out, frowning, "babe? Princess?"

She didn't get a response from any of them which made her start to worry. She sped through the school, getting more and more worried by the second. She felt her phone buzz and quickly took it out, hoping it was the blonde.

Looney Luna
Your girl just freed your brother.
I told her to run for it.

Athena all but ran to her house. She dropped her phone on the grass, scooping up a scared and panicked Caroline. "Are you okay?" Athena asked, pulling back to look over the blonde, "did he hurt you?"

Caroline shook her head, burying her face in Athena's neck. The redhead sighed in relief and hugged her. She saw Luna standing in the doorway. Her friend gave her a small wave before disappearing into the house.

Athena picked her up and sped them back to Caroline's house. The blonde, from that point on, was very out of it. She didn't speak unless spoken too and even then it was really only one word or a nod or shake of her head. Athena was worried but she knew that Damon had frightened the girl.

It gets to the point where the two just lay in the dark silently. Athena is on her back, eyes closed and limp. Caroline is laying next to her, head resting on the redhead's shoulder, arms laid on her stomach.

The door opens and Liz walks in, looking at her daughter and Athena. "I didn't see you two at the car wash," she speaks up.

"Left early," Caroline explains off-handedly, her voice soft and quiet.

"Honey, are you okay?" The sheriff asks her, concern laced in her voice, "anything you want to talk about? Is it a boy thing?" She tilts her head, maybe Matt was annoying her again.

Caroline turns her head to look at the ceiling before looking over at her mother, "mom, if I want to talk boys, I'll call dad. At least he's successfully dating one."

Liz looks hurt. Athena opens her eyes and looks over at the woman as Caroline looks back at the ceiling. Liz gives her a sad smile as she turns to leave. Athena shoots her an apologetic look. The blonde closes the door, leaving the two once more.

Athena sighs and closes her eyes again, "that was rude, Caroline," she mutters.

The blonde frowns, "I know. I've been told I don't think before I speak," she says.

Athena makes a face, "you don't."

"I know." The blonde sighs and gets off the bed.

"Where are you going?"

"Just stay there and keep your eyes closed. I have a surprise for you," Caroline requests, feeling anxiety creep up her spine.

Athena relaxes into the mattress, "alright, Luv." It's quiet for the next few minutes. Caroline doesn't speak and Athena doesn't either. The redhead keeps her eyes closed, almost falling asleep.

"Okay... you can open your eyes now," Caroline says.

Athena chuckled and sat up, opening her eyes. "For a second, I thought you forgot about... me..." Her voice trailed off, heart skipping one or maybe three beats. Her mouth parted at the sight in front of her.

Caroline stood in front of her wearing a matching set of red lace panties and lace bra. Her hair was down and cascading over her shoulders.

Athena let her eyes rake over the blonde before settling on her eyes. "Bloody hell..." She whispered, "Care..." She reached for the blonde, sliding her fingers into Caroline's hands. "You look— you're perfect," Athena breathed, drawing her closer.

"Today you said that I wanted you all to myself and I don't think anything more true has ever come out of your mouth," Caroline said shyly, a pretty blush blossoming over her skin. Athena smiled and rested her forehead against the blondes.

"What's with the red?" She asked, trailing her hands up the blonde's arms.

Caroline's blush deepened, "it's your favorite color." Athena raised an eyebrow, she doesn't remember telling her that. "You're journals," she explains sheepishly, "you always say in there you like the color red so—"

"I'm gonna kiss you now," Athena interrupted, grinning. Their lips connected and Athena pulled the blonde even closer. The redhead coaxed the blonde's mouth open, pulled Caroline into her lap.

Caroline pushed her down, straddling her waist. Athena shifted her hips causing a groan to fall from the blonde's mouth. The redhead smirked and ran her hands over Caroline's thighs, settling them on her hips.

Her lips kissed along the blonde's jaw to her ear. "You look so good in lingerie, my love," she whispered huskily, letting her breath hit the younger woman's ear. Caroline shivered, her arm almost giving out due to shock. Athena kissed behind her ear, sucking a mark into the skin. "When I'm done with you, everyone—including the imbecile you call an ex-boyfriend—will know you are mine," Athena husks, her voice almost an animalistic growl.

Caroline released a shaky breath, shivering slightly before she connected their lips again.

AN: Thank you guys for reading! Sorry it's a late update, the last pre-written chapter was chapter four so... yeah. The updates now probably will be slow maybe a day or two because of school and some other extracurricular activities. What did you guys think? Did you guys like it? I think this is one of the shortest chapters I've written for this book so far.

Word Count: 5532
Finished: November 15, 2021
Edited: