Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait. Life has been busy lately and I didn't have much time to write. But I hope the next one will be up sooner, I'll do my best at, I promise. Hope everyone is having a nice day and if not, I hope this can make it slightly better.

Thanks to Caryn for being an awesome beta.

Chapter 2

Caroline spent the day relaxing, lounging outside in a hammock, and reading one of her historical romances - they were her favorite kind of books. Caroline switched from coffee to tea, but let it cool down and was careful to take the medicine. She felt better but she didn't want to get worse again. Since she wanted her strength back, she tried to eat something but couldn't manage much.

She checked her phone but no one had called her in the last three days. She wasn't close to her mother but she did miss her, she really needed to repair their relationship.

Caroline could hear a car coming up and she wanted to get inside and hide or greet him, she wasn't sure which. But she was too lazy and tired so she just stayed put.

The front door opened and she could hear footsteps and some other noises she couldn't make out. The door to the terrace was open, so Klaus would probably find her easily. But he didn't and she could hear a shower turning on. She must have still been sick because she suddenly found herself imagining him under that shower, naked, cleaning himself up, and washing his hair and his hands running over his body. This medication she was taking must be really strong.

Soon she heard footsteps coming down the stairs and she pulled herself up a little bit, sitting straighter and not completely slumped.

Klaus appeared in the doorway, a beer in his hands, shirtless again, wearing only light grey sweatpants. Ugh, his stomach was toned and the V shape above his pants still had some water drops on it. If this was her boyfriend, she'd lick them off.

"Don't you have any clothes?" Caroline asked him, flushed and annoyed.

He smirked in answer. "I worked the whole day, it's hot and I need to cool down. Why, does it bother you?"

He had her there. No matter what she'd say, it would be the wrong answer. So she ended up saying nothing and just rolled her eyes.

"You feeling any better?" he asked her.

"Yes," she said. "I'll be gone soon. I've looked up some places nearby and will stay there," Caroline lied. She hadn't done any looking up because she has been procrastinating the whole day.

"No, you're not," Klaus said and leaned on the railing, his voice firm.

Caroline blinked, "I'm not?"

"Nope," he said unyielding.

"But, I am," she said mostly to herself.

"You aren't," he heard her.

"Why?" she was truly curious.

"You need to rest," he reasoned with her.

"I can rest in the hotel," and she could. She would. No matter how much she wanted to stay here, she knew she couldn't. The place was beautiful and the surrounding breathtaking but he was there. "Plus, I'm feeling much better already."

"You can't drive." He was relentless.

"Sure I can," she rebuffed.

"I don't have time for this," he said, turning to her. "You're staying and that's that."

"Seriously?" Caroline squeaked. "You're not the boss of me. And if I remembered correctly, you wanted me gone when I first got here. Desperately."

"I have work to do," Klaus said and started walking back into the house. "I also have your car keys."

Caroline quickly got up, wanting to stop him but it was too quick and she needed to hold onto something. Before she could find anything, he was in front of her and grabbed her. His chest was suddenly staring at her and she could make out his tattoo clearly. It was birds coming out of a feather. It was beautiful and she wanted to know what it meant. She also noticed strong arms holding her and she pulled away quickly, although not letting go because she didn't want to fall on her ass in front of him. Again.

"Why?" she asked him, looking into his stormy blue eyes.

"Why?" he repeated curiously as if he wasn't sure what she was talking about.

"Yeah, why?" she persisted.

"Because," was all he said.

"Because why?" she didn't get it. He didn't want her there; she didn't want to be there, not with him. "You're home."

"And?" he asked.

"And we can't both stay here." Was he crazy? Delusional? Was he the sick one? She was tempted to feel his forehead to see if he had a fever.

"I can't see why not," he said. "There's plenty of room."

She didn't have an answer for that. Or she had but with him half naked in front of her she couldn't think of one.

No wait, there it was. "I don't know you."

"Sweetheart, I've seen you naked. You know me," He grinned deviously.

"Ugh, don't remind me," she took a step back. She needed space. "And I was unconscious!"

"You lifted up your hands and helped me, so it doesn't count." He laughed at her, laughed! Asshole.

"I had a fever, I didn't know what was happening," she half screamed. She just couldn't reason with him. "And that still doesn't mean we know each other now."

"I slept with you and love, when you sleep with someone, you know them." She wanted to punch him.

The worst thing was she remembered – glimpses only but she remembered him there, covering her, putting a glass to her lips, wiping her forehead, holding her close. She shivered slightly.

"You're delusional," she said quickly, hoping he wouldn't notice her thinking too long.

"And you're a fighter," he released a long breath. "And as much fun as this is, I need to eat something and then work."

But Caroline wasn't done. "I don't understand you, one minute you're this and then you're that." She followed him into the kitchen.

Klaus started preparing a sandwich and put on some milk. Milk?

"You obviously came here for a reason, to start fresh, leave everything behind for a while and find yourself anew. And to get away from that Taylor person," Klaus said, his back to her.

"Tyler, and how do you know about that?" She corrected him but then froze. How did he know?

"You babble when you are awake and you babble when you are delirious," he explained.

"Oh." Damn it, she'd never meant to let his know her reasons or secrets. Great, just great.

"Personally, I don't think the jerk deserved you."

Klaus put some oatmeal in the milk and handed the bowl to her. She took it without a comment and started eating.

"What do you know?" she said with her mouth full.

"Been there, done that," he explained, a painful look on his face.

"Would you care to elaborate?" she asked.

"No," He sat down at the counter and started eating. "Look, I'll be gone a lot anyway, so we probably won't cross paths much. Just stay and enjoy your vacation."

She wasn't sure what he was doing and she didn't know what she was thinking. Because she started to see the option of just staying there. If he wasn't home much, that wouldn't be so bad. There was a lot of space and she really loved the house and the surroundings.

She had been looking forward to this trip for the past two weeks and wasn't just feeling ready to let it go just yet. So maybe, just maybe this could work. She'd stay and give this a try and if it didn't work she'd leave as soon as possible.

Caroline just nodded, also curious about his past. "Fine, but only for now," she muttered.

"And for the record, that asshole didn't give a shit about you so forget him as soon as possible." Klaus didn't know that Taylor guy but from what he got from Caroline when she'd be sick, he was a dick and cheated on her. And even before that he didn't pay any attention. And she was a beautiful woman, full of life. She was meant to be happy, not sad and in pain.

"He used to care," she said sadly.

"That may be true, but from where I'm sitting, he doesn't anymore. Or why hasn't your phone rang in the past couple of days?" He knew he had a point and he knew she knew it too.

"I'm done with him. It's just not that easy. We have a lot of history, not just a romantic one," She wasn't sure why she was explaining things to him but it felt good to let it out. "We used to be friends, long before we got together. We grew up in the same town, had the same friends, but then moved away and went to college, moved to Washington and in together and then everything just fell apart. It's not even the cheating, that bothers me that much – not that it doesn't – but how he had acted before that. We drifted apart and I just wasn't important enough."

Klaus sighed. He wasn't good at this and he sure didn't want to talk about it.

"Better now than five years into your marriage," he said.

"I guess you're right," Caroline smiled painfully.

After a few moments of silence, she added, "I want my car keys back."

Klaus was already on his feet, exiting the room. "I'd tell you to try and get them but I've got no time to play now," smirked Klaus.

"Asshole. I'm gonna go to bed, I'm tired." She pushed the bowl away and went upstairs.

Klaus just chuckled and watched her go.

Caroline slept much better that night and woke up relaxed and filled with energy. She felt better, her throat was well and her nose didn't run anymore. She still wasn't sure whether she wanted to stay at Klaus' house but it didn't hurt to give it a try. Maybe he wasn't such a jerk and he said he wouldn't be home much. Maybe.

She pulled on a robe and went downstairs. She listened for a little while but couldn't hear anything, so she found her way to the kitchen and saw fresh coffee brewing. Klaus was nowhere to be seen though. She made herself breakfast and ate at the bar. Then she took another cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin and went to check her email.

She had two new emails. One of from her employee, saying everything was going well and the other was from Kol. There was only one sentence.

Sorry, darling. Blame Nik.

Nik? Who the hell was Nik? Caroline humphed and spent some time on the internet then went back upstairs to get dressed. It was 9 am already and she wanted to go out and explore the surroundings a little bit. She put on some shorts and a T-shirt, used some sunscreen just in case and took her camera with her.

She found a set of keys on the table in the living room, took them and a bottle of water, locked the door and went on her little adventure.

It was a glorious day. She stayed close to the house, just in case her health got worse again, and took a walk in the woods around the house. She discovered a little field and a stream and took some pictures. It was so peaceful and quiet. She picked some flowers for the kitchen and just wandered around.

After a few hours she returned back to the house, completely exhausted. She took a quick shower and then decided to read a book on the couch downstairs and after reading a few pages, she fell asleep.

A delicious aroma woke her and she quickly sat up. She looked at her watch and realized she'd been asleep for two hours.

She walked into the kitchen and saw Klaus putting a couple of burgers on plates. He looked up and smiled at her, probably the first real smile he had given her.

"Morning, sunshine," he grinned. "Didn't mean to wake you, but I brought some late lunch from town." He offered her a plate with a burger and some fries. "Hope you aren't one of those who doesn't eat meat."

"Thanks and no, I eat meat." She blushed a little, still drowsy from her nap. She realized she was famished though.

"Feeling better?" Klaus asked.

"Yes, I spent a few hours outside actually, walking around, doing a little exploring. It's beautiful." She took a bite and let out a groan, it was delicious.

"Well, if you want to see more, I'm headed up to the falls tomorrow; need to take a few shots for some paintings people ordered."

"I wouldn't wanna impose," she said but then focused on the last part of his statement. "Paintings?"

"Don't start getting timid now," he teased her. And when she just lifted an eyebrow, he explained. "I do some painting now and then. And there are a few people from out of town who want a painting of the falls, but they want to see some photos first so they can pick it. Otherwise, I'd do it by memory."

Caroline dropped her food on her plate and walked into the living room, taking a closer look at the paintings there. She'd noticed them the first day she arrived but didn't properly check them out yet. They were beautifully done and she could see the signature in the bottom right corner now. K.M.

Oh.

"You did these?" She asked loudly.

"Yeah." He didn't elaborate.

"They are beautiful," she said honestly.

"Thank you," he was suddenly behind her, too close.

She turned around, looking into his eyes and didn't like what she was seeing. She was attracted to him and this was all a bad idea. She should have gone to town and stayed in a hotel. This would never end well. She needed to stop this now.

"Ugh," she stammered. "My food is getting cold." Brilliant excuse.

She walked back into the kitchen and finished her burger. Klaus joined her again, smirking the whole time. When he was done, he was on his way again.

"Have fun and see you tomorrow morning. Let's say 8 or 8:30?" He told her more than asked.

How she wanted to wipe that smirk off his face. She would so not go and then he could smirk all he wanted.

"Fine," she said, surprised at herself. Didn't she just decide she wasn't going? Now she was pissed at herself too. And his answer was surprise, surprise, another smirk.

"Change of plans, love," woke her Klaus, walking straight into her room at 7 am.

"Klaus," Caroline yelped. "Can't you knock? I might have been indecent."

"All the more reason not to knock," he grinned. He was already dressed in some jeans and a dark light grey Henley.

"Ugh. Wait, what do you mean change of plans?" Caroline asked, rubbing her eyes and then running her hands through her messy hair.

Klaus leaned on the aim chair. "I have to go to town, they need me to check a construction site and since I promised you a lovely day about and your car doesn't work, I thought you'd like to go with me, explore the town a little."

She wanted to refuse, but the offer was tempting. Caroline could definitely do with some shopping or at least window shopping, walk around town and maybe get a bite to eat. "Fine," she said. "Just let me get dressed."

Klaus didn't move. Caroline raised her eyebrows but he just kept looking at her.

"Well?" She prompted. When he just kept waiting, she kicked him out. "Out, now."

His eyes told her she was no fun at all but he didn't say anything out loud, instead he went back downstairs. Caroline started plotting his murder in her head.

Caroline got ready as fast as she could and put on a green dress and some flats. It was a warm day outside. She packed her bag and went downstairs to grab a cup of coffee and eat something.

While her French toast was getting ready, she sipped her cup of coffee and watched the front yard through the kitchen window. Klaus was standing by his car, looking amazing. What should definitely not bother Caroline yet what did a little was the woman standing next to him. She was a brunette, long wavy hair and looked like she came out a magazine.

Maybe she was his girlfriend. He probably had one, or several, looking the way he did. He was probably a complete man whore and slept around constantly. Caroline decided she'd leave her as soon as possible.

When the woman hugged Klaus and he hugged her back, Caroline let out a snort.

The ride into town was surprisingly quiet. Klaus looked deep in thought and Caroline paid attention to her surroundings instead of him. The nature was beautiful and when they entered the town area – she had come from a different direction when she has first arrived – she loved it immediately. It reminded her of Mystic Falls, so she felt comfortable and familiar.

Klaus parked the car and they went their separate ways. He took her number so he'd be able to call her once he was done with work.

Caroline walked around the town, went into a few shops to browse a little and just looked around. The town wasn't big and she noticed several tourists on the streets, with cameras around their necks and curiosity in their eyes. She purchased some lovely little earrings in a jewelry shop and a grey top in a boutique.

There was a lovely little café in a corner and Caroline ordered herself an ice-cream. It was a sunny day and she enjoyed the feel of warmth on her skin.

A couple of hours later Caroline was walking down the street when she saw Klaus coming towards her. He had a carefree smile on his face, although she couldn't see his eyes, because they were hidden behind dark sunglasses. First thing that came to her mind was sex on legs but she quickly yelled at herself to stop thinking like that.

"Hello Caroline," he said.

"Klaus," she nodded. "All done with work?"

"For now. Want to grab some lunch before we head back?" Without waiting for an answer Klaus already put his hand on her lower back and steered her in the other direction. Caroline felt sparks on her back but ignored them.

"I guess so." She was hungry and she didn't feel like cooking. "Where are we going?"

"Just over there. So how was your day?" Klaus asked, looking at her.

She wanted to see his eyes, but couldn't, so she kept staring at his stubble. She realized by now, Klaus didn't shave daily and she remembered Tyler did. He always had a clean face and she liked that about him, although now, she definitely saw the attraction in a stubble too. She wondered if it would feely prickly on her skin.

"Caroline," Klaus prompted her.

"Huh, what?" Damn him. She really needed to get a hold of herself. "Mhmm, it was good, fine. The town reminds me a lot of home, it has a similar feel. I did some shopping and wandered around a little bit."

"What'd you buy?" he asked, sounding if he already regretted the question.

"Nothing much. Just a pair of earrings and a top," she explaining rolling her eyes. "I found this most adorable shop with jewelry. Such original pieces." She really loved the place.

"Oh, that's probably Katherine's shop, she makes her own jewelry." Klaus explained while the entered a restaurant. Caroline looked around and it was cozy and cute.

"Hey Klaus," greeted them the hostess.

"Hey, do you have a table," he asked.

"Sure. For two?" Klaus just nodded.

The hostess led them to a booth beside a window and Caroline sat down. Klaus ordered a beer and she ordered a glass of red wine.

"The usual," the hostess asked.

"Yeah," said Klaus refusing the menu.

"Mhmm," Caroline didn't know what to order. She hadn't even looked at the menu yet.

"Take your time, sweetie," the hostess said. "I'll be back in a few."

Instead of sitting down across from her, Klaus sat down next to her.

"There is enough room over there," said Caroline annoyed.

"It's enough room here, too," grinned Klaus. She wanted to smack him.

"I've decided to poison you. First I was thinking stabbing you in your sleep but that might not go over well, so I've chosen poison." Caroline huffed and Klaus just laughed out loud.

"You're cute when you're angry," he said still laughing.

"And you're bloody annoying." She looked over the menu and decided on some shrimp pasta. When the waitress came, she put in her order and took a big gulp of her wine. It was surprisingly good.

While Klaus was looking at her, Caroline did her best to ignore him and looked around instead. There were several people in the little restaurant, two families, a few single people and some couples. There were three girls at a table on the other side, giggling, and they reminded her of Bonnie and Elena, her two best friends. She has missed them so much.

"So, are you up for going to the falls tomorrow?" Klaus asked her.

Caroline really didn't want to spend more time with him than necessary – he was messing with her head enough as it was –, but on the other hand she could really use a tour guy up there.

"Sure," she said, sounding anything but.

"You should pack a swimsuit," Klaus told her, looking over her body.

No way, she would not get undressed in front of him. "No. It's too cold and I've just been sick. I'm fine."

"Don't be such a spoilsport. Live a little," Klaus teased her.

Before she could respond, a couple stopped in front of her table. The girl looked oddly familiar and Caroline needed a few moments to see she was the girl from this morning.

"Hello, Klaus. I haven't seen you in a while," she said smoothly. Wasn't she there just this morning, wondered Caroline confused.

"Tatia," said Klaus coldly. "Hey Jason."

The Jason guy just nodded and Caroline could see he was uncomfortable. And he wasn't the only one. Klaus was tense and the constant flirting look he had on his face with her all the time was gone, replaced by a much darker one. She couldn't figure out what was going on exactly but either Klaus and this woman have been involved before or she is trying to get involved with him now.

Caroline stretched out her hand and Jason took it, "Hi, I'm Caroline." Tatia ignored her.

"Jason, nice to meet you. And this is Tatia, my girlfriend." Caroline nodded with a bright smile on her face.

"You came back to town with Klaus?" Jason asked her and Tatia's eyes landed on her, appraising her critically.

"Ugh, what?" Caroline was confused.

"She rented the house," explained Klaus and it dawned on her what Jason was asking.

"Yeah, I need to take some time off. And it's beautiful here, the house, the whole area, really." Caroline was honest, she wasn't so sure about the residents yet but the scenery was breathtaking.

"Did you know Klaus built it himself?" Jason asked.

And Caroline was surprised. "No, I didn't know that." She looked at Klaus, "You did?"

"Well, I had help," Klaus said.

"You had a lot of help," said Tatia bitterly but Jason ignored her. "Designed it, too."

Caroline was impressed. He was really talented. It mustn't have been easy. She was still looking at Klaus, "You did an amazing job."

The cold and scary look disappeared for a second. "Thank you," Klaus leaned his head to the right a bit and observed her curiously.

"We should get together sometimes," said Tatia to Klaus. "Catch up a bit."

Her tone was seductive and Caroline couldn't believe she was flirting so obviously with Klaus in the presence of her own boyfriend. But Jason didn't react.

"I'm busy," said Klaus, looking at Tatia coldly, who looked disappointed.

"Well, we'd better be off then. Have a nice evening," said Jason, ready to leave them to their lunch.

Tatia, however, didn't move. She was looking intently at Caroline, shooting daggers at her. Caroline knew she was jealous and normally she'd put a girl at ease, but not this time. There was just something about her that bothered Caroline. So, she just smiled sweetly at her and leaned back into Klaus a bit. She was surprised but not shocked when she felt his familiar arm sneaking around her, holding her close. Caroline's eyes left Tatia's and she looked at Klaus. He smiled and she returned it, getting lost in his smile and his dimpled. The color of his eyes was hauntingly beautiful.

Tatia cleared her throat and interrupted the moment and Caroline smiled sweetly – too sweetly – at her. It seemed like she wanted to say something but she didn't and without a word she and Jason walked away. She didn't know why she annoyed her that much or why she let her get to her but she felt protective and possessive and she didn't like that. She needed to put some distance between her and Klaus.

"They're gone now, so you can remove your arm," she stared at him.

"But who knows, they might look back and I don't want to risk it," the charming Klaus was back.

Caroline couldn't help herself but the corners of her mouth lifted a little. Stay strong. "They'll get over it," she said and shook him off.

"So, who is she?" Caroline asked.

Klaus should have known this was coming. He let out a deep sigh but explained. "An ex, if you can call her that. We were never together. I did sleep with her a few times and even since, she just won't let me forget it."

"Ah," said Caroline, refraining from commenting too much. This really wasn't her place and maybe Klaus was a total ass to Tatia and he deserved it. Yet something told her it wasn't that easy. She let it go, for the time being.

Their meal the previous day had been surprisingly pleasant and Caroline was actually looking forward to the hike this morning. Klaus and her talked about unimportant things, kept the conversation light and not too personal. When they arrived home, they went their separate ways and Klaus hadn't teased her once. She was a little concerned about that but blamed it on Tatia. She wanted to ask him desperately about the previous morning but didn't want to appear too interested. Or let him know that she had seen him.

Caroline was ready before Klaus for a change, so she made breakfast and coffee. When he joined her a few minutes after the coffee had been ready, Caroline's stomach did a back-flip because of how adorable he looked. His hair was a mess and his eyes were still half asleep. He was wearing pajama bottoms but no shirt. She tried not to stare but failed miserably. It has been too long since she last got laid. This was all that was to it.

"Morning, love," he drawled.

"Mhmm," Caroline responded, daydreaming.

Klaus didn't notice but helped himself to some fresh coffee and breakfast.

"Are you all ready?" asked Klaus.

Caroline was still lost deep in thought and she didn't answer.

"Caroline?" Klaus said but Caroline just kept looking at his arms. "Caroline, hello." She heard him this time and shook her head and looked at him.

"Sorry, what?"

"I asked if you were ready," Klaus laughed. "You're a zombie in the mornings."

"Oh," blushed Caroline. "Yes, ready."

"Good."

The sun was shining and it seemed it would be a hot day. They were both wearing shorts and when Klaus set off in front of her to lead the way; Caroline couldn't help but admire his behind. She bit down on her lip but when she nearly tripped she told herself to get it together and stop being a complete idiot. She paid more attention to the surroundings after that.

And it was beautiful. Everything was covered in green, there were birds singing and they might have seen a deer. It all happened too fast so Caroline couldn't be sure. She only hoped there weren't any bears out there.

Klaus had to stop a bunch of times because Caroline wanted to take a ton of pictures but he didn't seem to mind. He even offered to take some with her in them.

Two hours into their hike they arrived at a clearing with a beautiful lake.

"Wow," gasped Caroline.

"I know," said Klaus. "Just wait till you see the falls. Just a little further up."

They hiked the rest of the way and soon they reached the falls.

"It's so beautiful up here. How can you ever leave this place," asked Caroline, putting her backpack down and just taking in the view.

She walked towards the edge. The falls started a few meters above them and there was a drop to the lake, although it wasn't that high. From the spot where she was standing, Caroline could see the whole lake and trees surrounding it. She took out her camera, still drinking in the view, and started snapping pictures. The pictures would never do it justice, this had to be experienced, but she wanted to preserve the images somehow.

"I never really leave. This will always be my home." As Caroline was looking around her, Klaus was looking at her, happy that she loved it this much.

"I'm all sweaty," she said, brushing her forehead and removing her sunglasses.

"We should go for a swim, cool off a bit," Klaus suggested with a low voice.

Caroline looked uncertain and she wasn't sure if she really wanted to go into the water, but she was pretty hot.

Klaus started pulled off his shirt and removed his shoes and socks. "Come on, I dare you."

Caroline smiled, she wasn't one to back down a dare. She started undressing herself, glad that she had already put on her dark blue bikini in the morning. It wasn't too revealing but it wasn't completely modest either. She walked towards the cliff and looked down warily.

"Are we supposed to jump?" Her voice shook a little.

Klaus was looking for something in his backpack, "Live a little."

"I can live a little down there," said Caroline in a high pitched voice and Klaus just chuckled.

He stood back up and turned around and saw her in her bikini for the first time. He swore under his breath, "Damn it, this is not fair."

He walked closer to her and she wasn't sure where she got the nerve but she smiled. "What isn't fair?"

"You know well what," he groaned. Caroline turned back towards the cliff, smiling, but Klaus beat her to it and stepped in front of her.

"This is pure torture, just so you know," he told her in a husky voice.

"You're the one to talk, walking around half naked all the time," she accused him, pressing her finger into his chest, not realizing what she was admitting. This was all fun but when he was standing this close to her, Caroline forgot how to breathe.

Klaus traced her arms with his hands and Caroline felt goose-bumps all over her. His hands continued towards her neck and up into her hair. She knew he was looking at her intently, but she couldn't meet his gaze. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she was completely focused on his lips. What would they feel like on hers? What kind of kisser was he? She was sure he'd be possessive but would he be gentle or demanding? Would he give or would he take? Did she want to find out?

He was leaning closer and closer and there wasn't much space between them anymore. Caroline licked her lips and angled her head but at the last moment changed her mind and just pushed him into the water. Her hand flew to her mouth; she couldn't believe what she had done.

She stood nervously and waited for Klaus to resurface. When he finally did, there was a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Well played, sweetheart," he said. "Now come into the water."

"No," said Caroline. No way was she getting in now.

"Come on, get into the water," encouraged her Klaus.

"It's cold and it's high and no," protested Caroline, stepping closer to the edge.

"Come on, jump," shouted Klaus now. "It's great."

"I'm sure it is," muttered Caroline under her breath. What had he said before; live a little? She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and jumped. For a second she heard Klaus cheering her on but the sound of his voice got lost in her yell.

She hit the water and it was cold but she loved it. She cooled down immediately and it has been ages since she has done something like that. She reached the surface and laughed out loud. She pulled her legs up and just floated on the water, grinning.

Klaus observed her for a while, smiling. She was having fun, he was sure of it. And she looked like she needed it. There was so much energy and life in her; she just needed to let it out. He didn't like the sad look on her face all the time, like she didn't know who she was anymore. He was very good at reading people and he knew she was a little broken. But he also knew she was strong and full of fire. And he was determined to help her use it. It was one of the reasons he teased her all the time. Getting her riled up was a pleasure and he enjoyed their banter. Probably too much.

He swam towards her, grabbed her by the legs and pulled her to him. She let out a squeal but came willingly. Her arms came around his neck automatically and he ran his hands up her back. Caroline shivered.

"Cold," he teased her.

"No," she whispered.

Klaus was so tempted to pull the little string on her back. Just one pull and her top would float right off. His hand was edging towards it but just when he got a hold of it, something moved behind the trees.

Caroline heard it and turned around quickly. "What was that?" she asked concerned.

"Well, we are in a forest and there are animals in it," Klaus teased and cursed his luck. But when he was the look on her face, he added, "Don't worry about it, it was probably just a deer."

She laughed, "Sorry. I'm being stupid," but the moment was broken and she moved away from him, swimming towards the shore. She got out and started walking back to their backpacks. Klaus let out a sigh but joined her anyway.

He put on his clothes and took his camera and told Caroline he'd be back in a few. He asked her to come with him, but she wanted to relax a bit. So he let her sunbathe while he took some photos of the falls.

Hope you liked it. Until next time. Oh, and if anyone wants to look me up on tumblr, i'm realynn8 there as well.