Author's Note: So I recently discovered the wonder that is Vampire Diaries, and by extension, my love for Klaus. I adore his weird little relationship with Caroline and I sincerely hope that it's given more of a chance. This story takes place after Tyler breaks up with Caroline to take revenge on Klaus but disregards pretty much anything after that.

The streets of New Orleans were just as hot and sticky and loud as she'd always assumed they'd be. What she didn't expect was the sheer level of life that thrived around her. It pulsated and writhed, matching the thrum of the poison in her veins moving ever closer to killing her.

Freaking Tyler and his freaking temper.

The bite itched like crazy, but she resisted the urge to scratch. Little victories. She could see his building up ahead. She flashed to his door, lacking the patience for dealing with any lackeys he might have lurking around. The light knock reverberated through her brain, making her wonder briefly if this was the best idea. Before she could reconsider, the door flew open, and there he stood. Klaus.

"Caroline." His eyes wide and alight. He was genuinely happy to see her. Her resolve faltered some. She could wait a bit to ask him. She didn't totally feel like she was dying just yet.

She followed him inside where she took a seat and he poured her a drink. She could feel the poison spreading still further and took a sip to try to numb the pain.

"So love, what brings you to my fair city?"

"Sense of adventure?" She offered with a little laugh.

He chuckled. "Small town life getting a bit troublesome darling?"

"Just a bit," she mumbled into her glass. "So, tell me about New Orleans. Why here?"

And so he spoke: of his past history with the city, of his present troubles. He talked for quite some time, longer than she'd ever heard from him before, all the while, Caroline could feel herself spiraling.

Realizing she was sweltering beneath the jean jacket concealing the bite, she interrupted to make a quick excuse about getting some air. The second she stood up, however, the blackness crept into her vision and her legs refused to hold her up.

Klaus's arms were around her before she felt the hardwood floor beneath her.

"Caroline? Caroline, sweetheart, talk to me." His voice was frantic as he brushed her hair away from her face. He shifted his hold on her and his hand brushed the bite on her arm, causing a hiss of pain from her otherwise silent mouth. He laid her on the couch and deftly removed her jacket. The bite was small but deep and looked decidedly angry.

"Caroline, love, why didn't you say something?" He meant it as a rhetorical question and so was slightly surprised when she answered.

"You were so happy to see me. I didn't want you to think that it was the only reason I came."

"It wasn't?" He sounded thoroughly surprised.

"No," she croaked, "I was already on my way when I got bit."

Klaus slowly started piecing things together. "It's a full moon…how…" then it clicked. But he needed to hear it from her. His voice was a few shades darker when he spoke again. "Caroline, who bit you?"

She refused to look him in the eye and it was all the answer she'd give.

"I'll kill him," he growled.

She laid a weak hand on his shoulder. "Please don't. I took care of it."

Unable to speak through his fury, he simply pushed up the sleeve of his Henley, bit into his wrist, and quietly seethed while she drank. He continually ran the fingers of his unoccupied hand through her hair, allowing the motion to soothe then both.

He felt her move as she pulled away, the wound on his wrist already closing. He looked at her arm, to ensure that she was whole and perfect once more before he spoke; this time with that gentle tone that she so very much adored.

"Will you tell me what happened?"

She shifted, so that they were lying together on the couch — she on his chest, her hand over his heart, and his arms around her — and began her story.

-Earlier that Day-

Caroline double checked to be sure that she had everything packed and then carried the small load to her front door. Unfortunately Tyler was standing there, hand poised to knock. She sighed and opened the door.

"Tyler, what are you doing here?"

"Care, I just…can I come in?"

She folded her arms and stood her ground. "No. Tell me what you're doing here so I can be on my way."

He finally noticed the bags next to the door.

"Where are you going?" He seemed appalled that she'd be making any kind of plans without him.

Her anger got the best of her. "I'm going to see someone who made the right decision, Tyler. Someone who chose me over revenge."

He barked a derisive laugh and started pacing the porch. "Klaus?! Are you kidding me? You're going after that psychopath after everything he's done?"

"Yes Tyler! Because we've all done terrible things! And despite all that he still has some kind of humanity left. He wasn't born evil…his life has just been really screwed up and he's not all that great with handling disappointment from people he cares about. I understand him, I guess and I just honestly need to figure some things out. I'd really appreciate it if you would let me do that."

"So you need to figure them out in New Orleans? No, no, I forbid you from going anywhere near him." He stalked towards her.

She stood firm, her position defensive and ready to strike. "Forbid me?! Who are you to tell me what to do? Get out of my way Tyler or I swear I will make you."

She moved to push him aside; he grabbed her arm, yanked her outside, and shoved her against the wall. They flashed back and forth, alternating the upper hand, until Caroline caught him from behind in a headlock. She was contemplating snapping his neck so she could get away when she felt the sharpness of his teeth sinking into her arm.

Caroline shoved him away, but the damage was done. She could only stare at him in shock.

"Care…I…I'm sorry. It was just instinct. I-I don't…I'm sorry."

He took a step toward her and she held up her arm. "Don't. Don't come near me. Get out of here Tyler and don't ever, ever let me see your face again."

-Present Time-

"And so I checked my pocket for my plane ticket and stormed off. Unfortunately, that means I left all my stuff behind." They both laughed lightly and then fell silent.

"Alright," Klaus spoke up, "I suppose I won't kill him, since living with your anger and hate is probably enough for him at this point."

Caroline laughed sleepily, "Probably."

"Why don't you get some sleep, love, you've had a bit of a rough day. Tomorrow, I'll show you everything there is to see in New Orleans."

"Hmm, sounds like a plan." She was quiet for some time before a muffled, "Thank you Klaus," reached his ears.

He smiled that special smile he held only for her, kissed the top of her head, and whispered, "You're welcome, Caroline."