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OUTTAKES

Caroline Forbes: Bonnie! I got this. Save your magic for some other time. Xo

Bonnie Bennett: What r u talking about? Xo

Caroline: KLAUS. I'll handle Klaus.

Bonnie: Is this Damon's doing?

Caroline: Nope

Bonnie: Then who's the brainiac behind this idea? Stick to the plan, Care! Trapping Klaus in one of my invisible bubbles is safer than you flirting with the psychopath.

Caroline: Trust me. I GOT THIS.

Bonnie: And what am I supposed to do in the meantime?

Caroline: Take some time off! We can all use some.

Bonnie: Maybe I should just tag along to Canada with the rest of them.

Caroline: There you go! Join Scooby and our Mystery Gang. Get Elena that cure, Bonbon!

Bonnie: LOL How deranged would this conversation read out to someone else?

Caroline: LOL

Bonnie: You sure about this? You'll keep Klaus busy?

Caroline: Trust me, Bonnie. The wheels are in motion as we speak.

Caroline's sure her voice has become brittle in the silence. The quiet engulfing Klaus's SUV is brutal! She mulls over the chance of Klaus speaking up first, and her relief would be palpable. Caroline wavers. If she did embark on a conversation, where exactly could she start? But, to be fair, Klaus isn't giving the impression like he's necessarily waiting for her to say anything at all. His rigid jaw and unflinching eyes could mean a lot of things, and Caroline decides on pensive and concerned.

Pondering recent events would of course make sense. For one, it was all very suspicious. Caroline consistently cast off any inkling to have a tête-à-tête with Klaus. She mastered turning her back and beating around the bush almost from the first day they met, and then there were the countless unprovoked interruptions. She couldn't decide if she was thankful or ungrateful about her friends popping in when something deeper was on the rise. They had a knack for that. It's becoming abundantly clear to Caroline that the Universe is conspiring against them, too. It manages to get in the way when something a little more honest and authentic is on the horizon, but despite the elements, there Caroline was today—turning up at his door on her own volition. She summons that memory to mind like it's a phenomenon, and the recall effectively incites a new nerve.

"That was Bonnie," she says, shifting slightly in the passenger seat. She was studying Klaus inconspicuously, and the improved angle suddenly makes it easier to execute.

"And how is my favourite witch?" he asks, staring ahead at the road.

"You know," Caroline starts, "Bonnie may be the only witch I know, but she's very good at what she does. Probably the best."

"I wasn't slighting your friend, Love. I happen to think she's very talented and possesses inconceivable potentials."

Caroline surveys him. She can't decipher if his smile is patronizing or genuine. She opts for the latter.

"Well… thank you, I guess," she says. "You know, on Bonnie's behalf of course."

Klaus smirks. "Of course," he says. "And you're welcome."

The silence creeping back up prickles.

"So, you're really not curious?" Caroline resumes, bewildered by how much he's not giving away.

"About?" Klaus asks, deadpan.

"About why I came over. About telling you straight out that the plan was to ambush you so Bonnie could trap you in some inviable dome until my friends get their hands on the cure. About how I went against that plan and took it upon myself to engage you into spending time with me instead."

"Do you expect me to thank you for the distraction?"

"Well… no. But, a little gratitude would be nice," she retorts. "Actually," Caroline continues, "Yes! Yes, a thank you would be very nice since I am saving your ass, and I don't have to remind you how little it deserves to be saved."

A flicker of amusement casts over Klaus's face.

"And who, pray tell, are the masterminds behind this plot? The Salvatores?" he asks. "My sister?" Klaus says, menacingly meeting Caroline's gaze.

She doesn't flinch, but can't help recoil in her mind. Contemplating the shock of knowing someone in your own family could conspire against you makes her feel like she's shrinking back in her seat. But Klaus can't possibly be surprised.

"You know, if you were nicer to Rebekah then maybe she could actually be on your side."

"Nicer," he hisses, flabbergasted. "Nicer?"

"Yeah, you know… nice, as in agreeable, kind, respectable, tolerable," she adds, discernibly amused with riling him.

"I've lived just to protect my baby sister. I've shielded Bekah from harm, secured her safety…"

"No, you lock her in a coffin, Klaus! You store her away when she's up to things you don't like and confine her from disrupting your plans. Granted you free her when you get a little lonely, but that's far from protection, Klaus. That's domination. That's control. That's totally narcissistic! You're self-obsessed, possessive, and…"

"And I'm collected enough to exit this merciless conversation! You might also notice unflappable chivalry coming from me, Sweetheart, as I deflect your insults with this question: Is your plan to simply let me drive in circles for the next few days or may I escort you to an establishment of fine wine and dining?"

Disconcerting guilt and compassion stir up, arresting Caroline. Maybe it's the accent commanding attention, but she's slightly enchanted. He's handsome, yes. Quite handsome, but Klaus is also eloquent, talented, and sensitive in a rough, unpolished way. Hardly unkempt, his appeal is a tousled display of simplicity and a sophisticated gentleman. She can't look at him for too long, and she's bothered by how he can hold a gaze.

"Eyes on the road, please, and good luck even finding a place like that in this town. So sure… yeah, why not! I'd love to experience something posh and classy for a change."

Klaus gapes. She's managed to take the wind out of him, and having the upper hand truly does things to her. Caroline clamps her legs akin to an Eagle pose.

"So, you're up for a surprise, yeah?" he says, seemingly recovered from the shock to his system.

"Why? What exactly do you have up your sleeve, Mikaelson?"

He looks at her crooked. "Now what kind of surprise would that be?"

"Alright…sure." Caroline says, transfixed. "You are in the driver's seat after all. Lead the way, Original Hybrid."

Author's Message:

Everyone okay so far? Eager to know your initial take on my story.