A/N - I know I promised a multi-chapter fic next, and it's still coming don't worry, but this was driving me crazy all last night. I had to get it written down as well as create a place for random drabbles. Also, I'm not troubling my beta reader with these, so anything off is due to my own inattention.
A Fond Farewell
Klaus is leaving for New Orleans, but he has something to do first.
With hands clasped loosely behind his back, Klaus appeared as nonchalant as ever, a severe case of nerves carefully masked by his display of indifference. The reason for his nervousness stood less than two feet away from him in the dimly lit parlor. Caroline was as stunning as ever in an ice blue sundress and cream coloured cardigan, though the look of thinly veiled impatience was making it slightly more difficult for him. Normally a situation of this nature would be little more than a pleasant necessity or a display of power, but this time was different. He loved this girl, though unrequited, and would rather they not part on bad terms.
"I'm leaving Caroline. You may think there is something left to be redeemed, but I can't become the man you envision. I am what I am, though maybe not quite as inhuman as I once believed myself to be. I've had far too many years of being what I am to be able to change so dramatically. Old dog, new tricks and whatnot." He smirked a little, but it held more sadness than amusement. "I can, however, do this one thing for you."
Caroline's brows furrowed gently in confusion. "Do what for me?"
"Leave. I can't always behave in a manner above reproach, it's not in me, but I can remove myself from this situation and prevent any future actions on my part from causing you grief or unhappiness," he reached forward to brush a loose blond wave back from her face, pleased when she didn't recoil from his touch. "In this I can do right by you."
Her face softened to a look of understanding. She knew what it had taken for him to make this decision, and what it said about his feelings for her. He knew that she felt for him, but he also knew that it wasn't love. He'd always known his feelings for her went far deeper than hers did for him. He hadn't been expecting, or even hoping, for her to claim she felt the same. She understood, and that was all he had wanted to accomplish. He wanted her to know that he was willing to do this for her. He let his hand fall to his side and took a step back.
"I would compel everyone in this town to never hurt you, but I know that's not what you want. Free will and all."
She nodded. "I can take care of myself." Taking a step forward, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "You do the same."
He dropped his gaze, giving her a sharp nod and when he looked up again to thank her, she was already gone.