Okay. This fic is post 4x23. Slight AU
It'll be quite fluffy more than anything. Nothing too dark so please don't expect it.
The only things that are different pre 4x23 are:
Hayley and Silas don't exist. Kol is alive. Rebekah and Matt haven't gone travelling around the world, yet. Caroline is human but please don't let it put you off, she is still sassy and full of light as ever.
Here we go!
Disclaimer: I do not own TVD or any of its characters, only my ideas.
Caroline was drunk. Alone and drunk. Miserable and drunk. But she knew she was doing better off than just alone and miserable.
So much had turned into complete turmoil, her whole life actually, in less than two days. And right now, tequila was her only friend. After bonding over vampire dramas and drunk crying, Caroline had hit the trifecta, self loathing. She was a strong, determined and confident person. Ever since Damon used her as a human blood bag, she began to change, for the better. She had learned there was more to life than cheerleading and event planning. She learned to protect herself and help and look out for the people she loved. She learned not let herself get emotionally caught up in Elena Land and became less insecure. But right then and there, all she could think about was how pathetic and stupid she was to drive all her friends away and get drunk to numb the heartbreak.
Being human had never been so hard in the past two years. She was constantly surrounded by vampires and although she had taught herself to not be intimidated by them, she still had to watch her own back. And it didn't make it any easier for her when the Originals showed up in Mystic Falls. Especially when she was always used as Klaus' distraction when her friends were plotting against him. She was surprised she was even still alive, sitting there at the bar of the Grill, guilt tripping Matt into serving her more and more drinks.
She was on her 4th when she saw the original hybrid make his way over to her. What the hell was he doing here? He was only in Mystic Falls a week ago, saving her graduation. The constant darkness in his eyes never seized to frighten her, but only for a moment as she'd remember how hatefully charming and charismatic he was around her. And how he was never a threat to her, something she had to be careful with abusing. The more and more she thought of the many times he'd pursue her with gifts and promises of adventure made her face contort and her eyes roll. She was absolutely not in the mood for Klaus.
"Don't get too excited to see me love," was his open liner.
"What do you want?" Caroline moaned, then knocking back another shot of tequila.
Klaus smirked, sliding onto the bar stool next to her. He grabbed Caroline's last two shots that were lined up to her disposal. There was no doubt she had fiddled with the glasses once given, aligning them perfectly as he could vividly picture her doing so a few drinks ago. Before the intoxicated human girl could notice, he tossed both drinks back. The alcohol hardly tickled his throat compared to how it burned down Caroline's.
"Hey!"
"I assure you sweetheart, you were in no need of them."
"Who the hell are you to tell me what I need and do not need," the blonde slurred.
He only chuckled, knowing it'd be too easy and not as satisfying to tease her as much now. With her eyes closed, Caroline swayed seemingly lost in her inebriated thoughts as Klaus watched intently. The way her golden curls swished on and off her shoulders and how she'd lick her lips every couple of seconds sent Klaus' thoughts far from his ordinary ones. His selfish desires of power and loyalty were diminished by the exquisite light he saw in Caroline, but only temporarily. She had no idea of the power she had to bring that out of him, admiration and love, even if only a moment.
Caroline met his gaze and questioned, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Dropping his gaze for a moment, he smirked again. "Only enjoying the view," he teased, a saying he'd normally avoid. Caroline scrunched her eyebrows and scoffed which only made him smirk more. She was drunk and trying too hard. He could see right through her. But then again, who really knew what an intoxicated Caroline would say or do? "Ew," she replied which only made him chuckle again.
All signs of Klaus' light happiness had faded once Caroline have him a sad, glossy-eyed look. "What's wrong love?" He asked in all seriousness and concern, in which she was certain could only be faked. Trying not to sound as melodramatic as she possibly could she answered, "My life is ruined."
He raised his eyebrows at her and huffed, "Your life is not ruined Caroline. Worst case scenario, your life in Mystic Falls is ruined."
"And my life is Mystic Falls," she retorted.
"It doesn't have to be."
"No no no," she said shaking her head. "Don't you start with the whole 'Let me show you what the world has to offer' façade," she mimicked him. Klaus stared at her, smiling smugly. Caroline uncomfortably met his gaze again, her eyebrows furrowed. "What?"
"I believe you recited me word for word," he pointed out, teasingly. "I guess it would be safe to assume you've thought about it... a lot."
Caroline let the conversation fall into an awkward silence, leaving Klaus with the upper hand. He had shocked Caroline, maybe even embarrassed her and she prayed it wouldn't be evident on her cheeks. She had thought about it, thought about him, more than she'd like to admit. But everything else, him terrorising her friends, his endless pursuits to create his hybrid army and his history of maiming, torturing and killing throughout his thousand years, tarnished any attraction she felt towards him.
"And it is far from a façade-"
"Matt!" She whined, interrupting him and tapping her empty shot glass on the bar. Matt turned his head to Caroline's call and after seeing who accompanied her, he walked briskly towards the pair. Klaus gave the bartender a smug look and he returned it with a dirty one before walking past him and straight to Caroline. "Are you alright Care?" Matt asked with that softness in his voice that would always comfort her when they were together.
"Another round," she demanded.
"I think you've had enough," Matt replied, acting as the voice of reason for his friend. Watching Caroline cautiously, he had now realised how stupid it was to leave her alone with six shots of tequila. And by the way Klaus was staring at her, he knew he needed to make a stand. There was no way Matt could leave one of his best friends drunk and in the hands of the most dangerous original. Especially when he looked as if he had alternative motives hidden beneath the 'friendly chat' they were having. "C'mon Care, let me take you home," he offered.
"Caroline is perfectly fine in my care," Klaus insisted. "Go home Matt."
"Care?"
"Leave," Klaus scowled. Both humans could see the hybrid's buttons were being pushed. His signature look of suppressed anger forced Matt to back down, very aware of his ability to rip his heart out within a second. Even under the safety of the Gilbert ring, Klaus' craftiness and mercilessness was still something to be afraid of. Matt looked worryingly at the intoxicated blonde, in which she reassured with a faint smile, "It's okay Matt. Go home, I'll be fine."
As Matt's shift was over, he reluctantly left the two alone again. Regretfully turning his back, Matt headed towards the back exit. Klaus shot daggers at the back of his head, figuratively. His trance was broken as soon as Caroline decided to speak to him again.
"This is all your fault you know."
Klaus' anger was suddenly replaced by incredulousness and pure curiosity. He almost chuckled at her pout but asked seriously while gesturing to her whole distressed being, "How have I caused all this, sweetheart?"
"I've decided to blame it all on you." Caroline explained in a hopeless tone, "I know it wasn't your fault directly but you've ruined a fair share of lives in your abnormally long one. What's another to add to your list?"
Caroline knew she was babbling, she had know idea of what point she was trying to make. Her weak attempt at using fake anger towards Klaus to distract her from her sadness was falling short as he began sweet talking.
Maybe now was a chance to get through to her? Klaus thought. To prove to her his feelings were sincere and pure. Using his skilful alluring ways, he'd hope Caroline would be more open and accepting in such lonely times. Times that Klaus was all too familiar with.
"I would never want the false credit of causing you such misery, Caroline Forbes," he frowned. "I would rather truly ruin the lives of all that have wronged you."
"No, no, don't do that," she said quickly.
His expression softened, "Then please tell me how I could cure your sorrow, love."
Placing his hand atop of hers, Caroline turned to the touch. His thumb stroked little circles tenderly, leaving the back of her hand tingling. Confusion washed over her face as she saw the genuine concern in his soulless eyes. Why'd he always make it so difficult? She wanted to know this man, the one who supposedly fancied and cared for her. But she couldn't. After going around in pointless circles every time Klaus would get under her skin, she'd come to the same conclusion. It just could never happen. Regardless of how different he was around her. He was dangerous. But no matter how many times she'd have to remind herself, his charming ways and tempting offers lured her into his darkness over and over again. And she wanted to show him light and goodness, she wanted to see beneath his wicked ways, see his humanity. She was simply constantly torn. However, Caroline's desires were locked away by Caroline herself. Klaus was the big bad wolf and Caroline, little red riding hood. She just couldn't put her life on the line.
"Its times like these when I'm drunk and in need of comfort and you're being so nice," she admitted in almost a whisper, "that I really do wish I could forget all the terrible things you have done."
The softness and concern revealed in Klaus disappeared. His jaw locked. He slowly let go of Caroline's hand and balled his own into a fist, then banged it down creating an undeniable dent. Wide eyed and alert, dizzied Caroline watched the original lean over the bar and grab the whole bottle of tequila. Breathing noticeably heavier, she gulped, desperately hoping he wouldn't snap or snap her neck.
Out of all the insults and brutal opinions she had thrown his way, the confession that proved Caroline had not hated him, frustrated and infuriated him. His confidence in their progress had gone, as if there was none what so ever, which was far from true. After downing a gulp of the strong alcohol, he glanced at a terrified Caroline. He could hear her heart pounding and it made his teeth clench. That very fear he brought out in the blonde was the reason she refused to even give him a chance. No matter how hard he tried to win her over, she would never be able to see past his unforgivable actions. So, he did the only thing he knew for certain would get him what he wanted.
"Well then, let's forget shall we."
Gazing at Caroline predatorily, his expression turned bitter. It was like she was suddenly dehumanised in his eyes, as if she was nothing more than a task needing ticking. She snapped her head towards him, the cautiousness in her expression trampled by drunken befuddlement. He gave her a mere second to process his words before grabbing her wrist at vampire speed and ripping her vervain bracelet off of her person. Caroline looked from her naked wrist then back to him with petrified eyes. Her voice trembled, "Klaus please no!" But it was too late. Pulling her close by her neck, he stared into her pupils, dilating his own.
"Caroline Forbes, you will forget of all immoral crimes my family and I have committed and if you are reminded, it'll not faze you.
Your old friends did not deserve you, you are free of them and all of their burdens."
So this is my first Klaroline fan fiction, please be kind, or be mean, constructive criticism is always good. If you demand I will give more.
