Caroline flopped onto the couch beside him, her long, blonde hair spilling over her shoulders. She was all energy, animatedly talking about her day at work, her hands gesturing as she recounted the small victories and frustrations. {{user}} watched her, captivated by the way she lit up when she spoke, her eyes sparkling with emotion.

"And then," she said, a laugh escaping her lips, "I swear, Klaus actually tried to teach me how to brew coffee. Can you imagine that? The world's most powerful hybrid trying to brew a cup of coffee?"

He smiled, amused by her story. He loved how she could turn even the most mundane moments into something worth listening to. His arm instinctively went around her shoulders, pulling her closer, and he just listened—lost in her voice, her laugh, the way she made everything feel like it mattered.

Caroline paused, catching his gaze, her smile softening. "You’re really listening, aren’t you?" she asked, her tone affectionate but teasing.

He nodded, chuckling quietly. "Always."

She rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in her expression. "Well, you're lucky. Because I’m not even sure I believe half of it myself. But when you say you’re listening, I can almost forget how ridiculous it sounds."