A/N: Hello beautiful Klaroliners! See you at the bottom! Hope you like this one.


Part II:B

Caroline fiddled with her fingers on her lap as she sat on the backseat of the hotel's special car service which was (unsurprisingly) reserved for her perusal anytime. She replayed in her head the lyrics of the song she chose to sing tonight.

Deep down she knows she chose it because it was one of the few ways she can think about on how to get the world (or the bar where she's headed to for that matter) to know how she really feels. She wished on whatever deity recognizes her existence that she can get the message across.

Especially to him.

The night was sufficiently filled with people merry making in bars and on the streets, the lamp posts were alight and everywhere there seems to be music and food and an endless amount of wine one can find. It was the ultimate getaway and it would've been a perfect night if he was there with her.

You're perfect. (Cue: Miss Mystic Falls date string quartet background)

And she couldn't help but recall the confident smile he wore when he called him that while a grin slipped on her face too.

Nervously picking things to do while she awaits the moment of her arrival at the bar Klaus proposed her to perform in, she opened her beaded clutch to take out the silver key that made her too frustrated the other day because she has yet to find the lock Klaus had expertly kept among the hordes of amore infused locks, bolted shut on the fence that railed the sides of the infamous bridge.

Deciding she still had time to spare, she asked the driver to take her to the Pont des Arts before proceeding to her destination. It was already dark but there were still a few people rendering moments on the bridge under the pale lamps that adorned it.

Caroline paced the area slowly, trailing her sight over the several metallic items that hung perpetual promises. A golden one with Anna and Dickon imprinted on it, a bronze one with little blue ribbons tied along the loop, a pink one with a kiss mark on one side, a silver one with a galloping horse, another one in gold with a rose on it, even a lock made of crystal was there, and…

Hold on, a horse? Why would they choose a…

She stepped back a couple of times and lifted the silver padlock with the galloping horse, it was then that she noticed the numerous infinity links that went on a circle around the stallion and that's when it dawned on her.

Of course it is. The horse he had drawn for me. And the bracelet he gave me.

Her face broke out into an infectious smile and she was tempted to jump and run around the bridge in glee and triumph.

She gingerly readied the key to slide it into the keyhole, she took a deep breath that she didn't need but just did out of habit and to allow her frantic nerves to calm down.

When she finally put in the key and turned it, she already expected the loop that goes around the wire to unhinge and it did, but what she didn't expect was for the lock's body to snap open in half like a seashell, she was terrified for a moment she broke it.

But upon freeing it from being detained in a tourist spot, she separated the parts open in her palm and gasped in awe at the object that has been lying inside 'Klaus' lock' all this time.

A dark blue velvety material served as a cushion and on top of it was a fine chained thread of silver that seem to sparkle and for the pendant there was a smooth metallic ring that resembles a Mobius band Klaus told her about before.

"That it only looks like it has two sides but actually it has only one single surface."

"See, you're a fast learner."

"Some people think that there are a lot of sides to one person." Caroline quietly spoke.

"Could be true, but there are very few who can see them for what they truly are. Including the good and the bad." Klaus matched her tone.

She traced her finger on the necklace with tears prickling her eyes and her chest tightening severely. Blinking the waterworks away she squinted her eyes to look at the band closer after she noticed something along the smooth plane of the ring. Words repeated over and over again ran along the pendant and it took everything in her not to have a breakdown in the middle of a tourist site.

Aeternitas enim tuus


She smoothed down her dress for the millionth time before the driver broke her out of her thoughts, "We're here mademoiselle", he was about to get out of the car to open the door for her when she stopped him.

"Please, monsieur. I got it. Thank you." She gave him a smile which he returned with a polite nod.

As she stepped out of the car, she took in the façade of the bar Klaus wanted her to see. It did not scream extravagance like her hotel but it was captivating enough with all the lights placed strategically along the front wall, the dark yellow bricks exuding an atmosphere of an old historical landmark.

With confident strides and her head held high she walked through the double doors and took in the posh interior with authentic French details here and there. The place was ultimately a far cry from the bars she's been to back home. A few chandeliers hung from the ceiling giving the place a faint glow.

Patrons were huddled in groups or pairs, laughing, toasting, celebrating, delighting in the carefree atmosphere. A liquor bar lined the wall on her far right to which she proceeded after having her fill of gazing around.

She sat on one of the bar stools just as a bartender approached her "Bonsoir, mademoiselle" he greeted with a customer friendly smile "What can I get you?"

"Hi, good evening" she returned with a grin "I'm actually looking for someone" she took out the card Klaus gave her from her purse and placed it on the bar facing him "Andre Gaige. I was hoping he's here."

The bartender's eyes lit up with recognition, "Oh, of course mon cheri. I'll go ask for him. Please, it won't take long." With that he turned around and went into a door that was strictly for authorized personnel only.

A few moments later, he came back with someone who she assumed to be the Andre she was looking for. "Thank you, Antonio. Why don't you fix the lady a drink." The man in question instructed the bartender before he turned to her "What would you like to have, Miss…?"

"Caroline. Just Caroline. And a rum and coke would be fine."

When the younger lad went to prepare her drink, the man who looked liked every inch of him screamed French faced her with what seemed to be an unreadable expression but to Caroline it was a point between suspicion and wonder. "When the man contacted me for a favor, I actually thought he was bluffing. It was a very peculiar request if you ask me, so unlike him. To say that I'm surprised is an understatement."

"You and me both" she placed her hand in front of her in a gesture awaiting a handshake which he took courteously "But I'm glad he's got a friend crazy enough to fulfill his antics."

"Andre Gaige. And welcome to my bar." Her drink was placed before her and she sipped a bit. "Ready for your performance, mademoiselle?"

"There's no way I'm heading out of this place without tainting it."

"My sire has taste. I believe I'm impressed." He said with an amused grin.

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Why can I sense that Klaus didn't only give you his blood but you also inherited his cockiness?"

"Well, it comes with the package of being friends with a Mikaelson, you harbor the pros and cons."

"Friends, huh?"

"You brought that card here and that makes me think that you and I both know it's not as simple as that."

"Cheers to that." She raised her glass before tilting it slowly to her lips.

"Well, let's not keep the master waiting. I'll go get the band ready for you." He gave her another polite nod before sauntering towards the stage.


"Bonsoir a tous" Caroline addressed the crowd while gripping the microphone stand before her. The alcohol somehow dissipated the intimidation gradually to which she was grateful for. "If you could please lend me a bit of your time tonight that would be greatly appreciated" There was a chorus of hums from the audience and a few nods of approval to which she smiled widely for.

"Tonight is a very special night for me. I'm in one of the most beautiful places in the world and it has mesmerized me since the day I arrived. The person who made sure I get here made a roller coaster ride out of my life and it had been equally pleasant and terrifying at the same. But he's also the person who believed in me and has constantly reminded me that I can be greater than what I have deemed myself to be."

She touched the pendant that was now wrapped around her neck. Aeternitas enim tuus. Yours for eternity.

"And I thank him for that, for taking me here, for daring me to take a chance, for finally taking the plunge." She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill. "To you, my almost date, thank you. You have no idea how much I want you to be here tonight. You told me once to change my perception of time but all I can think about right now is how much I wish I could have more of it with you." With a slight bob of her head towards the band, music filled the place and she started to sing.

It feels so right to love you like this

There's so much I wanna say

The minutes are moving oh so fast

And the days are slipping away

Time is our only enemy

Eternity should've been too short with you here, Klaus. You said you'd take me anywhere I want. But now I don't care about it anymore because it's not the world that I want. It doesn't feel like home any longer. It's bleak and it's not as promising as it would've been.

So how do we fight what we can't see

I don't know but I'm trying

Let's meet tonight in our dreams

Baby why don't you lie down

Time is our only enemy.

When I open my eyes in the middle of dreaming about you, I will myself to succumb to sleep again. I know it's not doing me any favors but I can't help myself.

And when I hold you everything slows down

When I know you inside and out

I wanna show you

There's no such thing as time

So take a deep breath tonight

I wanna breathe you in

I finally know how to fight

It takes two hearts to win

Time is our only enemy

But I'm going to fight my way through this not only because that's what you would've wanted me to do but also because I want to see myself grow, because you believed in me, because you see me like nobody else does. You're trying your best to accomplish your promises, Klaus, I'm willing to do mine. I swear to be a survivor in this and I may not come out of this unscathed but I swear I won't allow myself to get out of this in pieces.

And when I hold you everything slows down

When I know you inside and out

I wanna show you

There's no such thing as time

It feels so right to love you like this

There's so much I wanna say

And when I hold you everything slows down

When I know you inside and out

I wanna show you

There's no such thing as time


"Cheers." Caroline raised the bottle of champagne Andre insisted her to bring home, a little token of thanks since he was able to fulfill his sire's 'request'. "So, how did I fair? I did miss some notes after the bridge." She brought the bottle to her lips and chugged a couple of mouthfuls before dropping it back to her lap.

"I swear I'll stop complaining about being here alone but given the chance I'd still kick your ass."

She stared at the bright night time skyline outside; the lights glimmered and dimmed every now and then, a faint sound of cheerful music blared somewhere, tourists everywhere in the city having the time of their life, and here she was, in her hotel room, still clad in her dress from earlier, curled up in a ball on the couch with a bottle as her sole buddy.

"If this was a real date I would've said 'I really had a great time tonight' and then maybe we could make out for a while before we go to bed, or something." She pressed her phone on her ear, securing it there as if to make her believe that she really is talking to someone.

"But for now, I guess a 'goodnight and sweet dreams' will do, I hope you also had a great time because I absolutely did. It was kind of liberating to admit things to myself I never would've acknowledged given a different situation.

So, cheers to you, who made all of these possible even if you're not here anymore. It still blows my mind every time I think about it you know, that you're gone and you're not coming back. Not this time."

She took another swig from the champagne and wiped her lips with the back of her hand. "Alright, alright. No more complaining about being left to my own devices." She chuckled heartlessly, "Goodnight, Klaus. Sweet dreams. I'm missing you too much for my own good."

She almost licked the bottle dry but suffice to say it never survived the night. Caroline eventually drifted off to sleep on the couch. Her body and mind worn out but her heart remained restless and pervaded with an unrelenting need for someone she can't see but surely know had always been looking out for her since the day she arrived in the City of Love.


For when you celebrate your life

Caroline was half expecting another bottle of fine alcohol waiting for her somewhere in the city, but she was proven otherwise as she was now standing in front of a centuries old winery in Sicily, the sweltering Italian sun poking her skin with its beams causing the hair that got loose from her ponytail to stick to the sweaty skin of her neck.

"When you said I'm going to celebrate, you failed to mention you were going to get me bloated what with you providing me a trip from Paris to a freaking vineyard!" she rattled on her phone amusedly, "this place is vast, like everywhere I look there's this amazing view and the people here are so passionate about what they do." She smiled to a few workers that passed by her.

"I'll try my best not to get drunk but it doesn't mean I'm not going to savor this moment because who knows when I'm going to get here again. Or ever."

She can almost hear Klaus reprimanding her for being so negativistic "Oh right, okay. I'll leave my pessimistic views to the dirt and stay on the brighter side of things. I'm a cheerleader after all, aren't I?"

Her eyes took another good sweep around the immense greenery and she smiled softly "I bet you ran this place ages ago. I'm hanging up now, I'll tell you everything later." Caroline stashed her phone away in her purse and started to trudge her way towards the massive double doors that adorned the entrance to the winery.

There was a characteristic smell to the place; to Caroline it was like a permanent stain that clung to the walls, the floors, the equipments systemically scattered around, the area itself seem to radiate with history and tales both told and unspoken but nonetheless contributes to the distinguishing aura she was sure she'll take home at the end of the trip.

"Buongiorno, signorina. I'm Florenda, welcome to our winery" A woman in her late fifties addressed her with a pleasant smile.

"Buongiorno, I'm Caroline." She extended her hand in front of her with a grin of her own. The kind lady took it with a light laughter and then she pulled her closer for a polite cheek to cheek.

"Miss Caroline, we've been expecting you." She said with a unique accent. "I'm going to give you the tour and then we can proceed to the part most of our tourists love. The wine tasting!"

"I assume you're acquainted to my friend?" Caroline was intrigued by the number of friends Klaus had andshe has met over the past few days.

Florenda gave her a knowing look, "Friend, signorina? Pardon me for being straightforward, but I don't believe signor would gladly invite someone who is just a friend over here."

"What do you mean?" she asked although she was also trying hard to hide the blush on her face.

"Signor is very particular when it comes to business. His instructions are to be followed without any form of mistake. He also dislikes when people meddle with his undertakings that is why even his family rarely ever set foot here and if ever they do they're not allowed to make any changes without his permission."

"Yeah, well he's pretty intense like that. You've worked for him for how long?" she inquired while the lady led her to different areas inside the establishment.

"Ever since I can remember. My parents worked here too, so as our entire family and the generation before and the one that will follow."

"Wow. That's incredible." She glanced wide eyed at her.

"I take it that you find it hard to believe. I've heard stories about him. Stories that make the children fear the night and stories parents use to make them obey the rules." She went on while waving her hands lazily in the air.

"Doesn't that make you scared? I mean, wouldn't you like to find another source of living or maybe even tried to move to another place?" Caroline asked quietly but not wanting to imply anything and just asked out of sheer curiosity.

"Signor is a complex man and is someone who you don't want to get in trouble with. But no, I never tried and no one in our family has. We have a good life here and I can't imagine having to live it any other way."

"Complex wouldn't cover the kind of man Klaus is."

"But I think we both know that a part of the reason why you're here is that you've seen the side of him no one else does." Florenda looked at her with expectant eyes and a subtle jubilant expression that Caroline had a glimpse of. It was the kind of expression a mother wears when her child who had been lost for so long had found its way back.

"…you and I both know it's not as simple as that." Andre's words at the bar rang in her head.

"I did." She went silent for a while to which the lady allowed her a spare moment to herself.

She remembered opening his letter in the hotel back in Paris.

Dearest Caroline,

The night I came into your room to heal you from a bite that I myself inflicted have been engraved in my memory and I can recall it as clear as day especially in times of desperate longing.

You were there on the brink of death but then you were still the same person you were before a deadly venom was cast into your system. And I've never seen such a brave thing to be for someone as young as you.

You have no idea how sorry I am for putting your life in danger several times. Allow me to make it up to you in the best way I could.

Celebrate your life. Your entire existence. Even if you feel like it doesn't matter to the world, it does to me. It matters, YOU matter so much to me.

Keep it, Caroline. Swear to me you'll always find the beauty in living.

Fondly,

Klaus

P.S. Drink to the future, for it holds the deepest desires of your heart.


Flashback

There was always some kind of thrill whenever they touch. It was the kind of attraction that could battle against the morals of human kind and could throw her into the pyres of hell and yet she'd gladly take his arm again and again just to feel the rush of having him close.

They were losing hope earlier; Damon was dying from the werewolf venom infested bullets the hunter buried in his flesh while trading for the cure. Klaus wasn't taking her calls and everyone was frantic and they were running out of ways to contact the only being on earth that holds the antidote to the fatal toxin.

But lo and behold, he came just in time in all his hybrid glory with his signature smug grin plastered on his face and Caroline couldn't help but return a grateful beam.

They walked lazily arm in arm from the empty field. Promises of the future endlessly buzzed in her head like a welcomed torment. A shadow of a smile creeping on both of their lips and both of them couldn't hold the bliss of infinite possibilities.

Even if it takes Tyler's return for Caroline to come into terms with who she really is. So be it. If he has to let her go for the meantime, so be it. But he knows he'll provide a whole new meaning to persistence if that's what it takes to allow her a life she wants, a life she dreams of and a life with him once she's ready. And when that time comes everything that they've been through will be worth it and will only fuel a passion that will burn through ages.

"When are you flying back to New Orleans?" Caroline breaks the comfortable silence.

"I have to leave tomorrow morning. I'm afraid my continued absence from the quarter may stir suspicions that I don't fancy happening." Klaus answered while slightly leaning his head towards her and piercing her with his eyes.

"Cryptic." She raised her eyebrows teasingly to which Klaus just gave a light laughter in response. "Be as it may, I'm glad you're here."

They halted in the middle of the parking lot and Klaus faced her fully. "You should know I'll always be here whenever you need me."

"You're letting Tyler come back, Klaus. You're letting me live my life and for that I'm grateful. But I'm not about to rip you off of your own just because I have car troubles or a two thousand year old resurrected being is walking around town in a disguise."

"Silas can be quite terrifying when given the right kind of toys to play with." he stated grimly.

"Just like how he played with your head?"

"Just like he did with yours." He looked at her worriedly.

"How did you…?" she shook her head confusedly completely aware she never told him that but sighed after landing on the only conclusion "Rebekah."

"My sister and I may not be in good terms but she's still quite chatty and you're deviating. The point is, Silas is to be taken seriously and with caution." He gently grabbed her hand and covered it with both of his.

"Promise me that you'd keep yourself safe, Caroline. I know how much you care for your friends and it's not impossible for you to put yourself in the line of fire if a situation requires but…" he caressed the back of her hand with his thumb "Keep in mind that there's someone out there who'd be utterly devastated once you get yourself hurt."

Caroline opened and closed her mouth but she wasn't able to form a coherent reply.

"I have to admit this is entirely inconvenient but I want you to live your life the way you want it but when you feel the need to flee from it all, don't ever hesitate to come to me." His eyes bored into her more fiercely after every word.

Caroline smiled to him and gave his hands a gentle but reassuring squeeze as if sealing a pledge between them. "And promise me that whatever it is you're going to do in New Orleans, always know that there's someone right here willing to listen to you when it gets too hard."

Klaus opened his mouth and was about to protest and prove to her that it won't be difficult for him but Caroline cut him off, "You don't have to do things alone. You don't have to involve me in it directly if that's what you want but rest assured you don't have to hide from me."

She knows it wasn't easy for him to accept the things she said but nevertheless Klaus gave her a grateful smile telling her the gesture was greatly appreciated and that he would honor the deal if that's what it takes to earn her trust.

"I believe we still have the night to ourselves." He started to drag her slowly towards his car. "I brought something to help us celebrate the new milestone in your life."

"I'm guessing champagne and strawberries." They filled the night with laughter and went on exhausting the minutes they have left before they would part ways in the morning.


Present Time…

"How far are you willing to let this drag on, brother?"

"As long as I can keep her safe." Klaus answered monotonously but with a very subtle hint of worry his brother was not allowed to witness just yet, or at least he thinks.

His brother snorted disbelievingly, "Safe? Poor girl. She doesn't even have the slightest idea of what's going on."

"Don't." Klaus seethed impatiently.

"I've seen you listening to her, Niklaus. She's grieving, at least let her move on if…"

"You are not here to tell me what to do." He gritted through his teeth while threateningly inching towards his brother, "Especially when it comes to her. You're lucky I can't dagger you."

"And you won't be. For quite a while. We're stuck in here and each other is what we have left." He tried to persuade Klaus to tone down his annoyance. "I know you're not ready to admit it just yet, but I can see that she means a great deal to you and she's probably the last person in the world you would hurt."

"Where are you going with this now?" Klaus asked, his rage still brimming over the edge.

"If you really do care for her, let her go." His brother squeezed his shoulder affectionately. "She deserves so much more than falling for someone who…"

"Who's what? Say it, brother. Tell me what a terrible person I am."

"That's not what I meant. But obviously your disappearance triggered a kind of pain in her that you also feel right here." He pointed towards his chest where his undead heart lays.

"I can't" Klaus sighed resignedly "I can't even think of letting her go completely. And it's selfish I know, but there's nothing, absolutely nothing that I won't do for Caroline."

"And that is why I keep on reminding you that you're not alone in this, brother."

"How could you be so impartial about this? All I've ever heard in this family is how I've robbed every one of their free will and their choice on how to live their lives seeing as I daggered each one of you multiple times?"

"Because I've seen something I've never seen for a thousand years. My brother cares for someone outside this family and besides himself, and might I add tremendously. That alone gives me hope, and I want you to be happy, brother and if your happiness lies with the young vampire you are so enamored with, then so be it."


tbc

A/N: And there you have it! If you've noticed I changed the title of this story because the previous one was just a bit too mouthful for me. And oh, please tell me what you think about this one and who do you think is Klaus talking to at the end? Also, I believe I borrowed a character from TO, I just gave him different name and made him French. Why? I have no idea! haha

Again, a huge thank you to everyone who reviewed/followed/favorite this story, don't be shy to drop me a message if you like.

Shout out to: kmoftherose, Lya K, Lily, Lou, worthyourtime, roseberry girl, .9, danigrlco, and to all the guests who reviewed! Thank you so much!

Song: No Such Thing As Time by Elenowen (I know it's a duet but still)

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Until next time!