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(3)
Mystic Falls, 2 years ago
In a blink, Klaus was gone. The forest remained silent and Caroline slowly stood up to get to Tyler. But Tyler is no longer sprawled on the ground. There he is just behind Caroline, struggling to stand. He's weak yet able to move. Caroline stood up and faced him; her tears from her recent encounter with Klaus are still all over her face.
"Tyler, are you alright?" she asked him as she stepped forward to help him. "Tyler, why did you do it? We have a plan. You should have stayed in it." Caroline asked him with a soft voice filled with hurt and pain.
Tyler raised his hand to stop Caroline. "Don't..." Tyler's voice sounds weak but indignant. "No Caroline, 'you' have a plan. Klaus should be killed by now. I should have killed him by now. But you and Stefan ruined everything! Tell me again why killing Klaus isn't part of your plan Caroline?" Tyler was almost growling at Caroline.
Caroline was shocked at Tyler. She paused where she stood and looked at Tyler in worried confusion.
"I told you already Tyler. We needed Klaus to get the cure."
Tyler only smirked in response. "The cure, huh. You still don't get it Caroline, do you? We don't need the cure. What we all need is to get rid of Klaus!" Tyler growled at her in anger.
"What?" Caroline is starting to get upset. "Tyler we need the cure for our friend, she needs it. Why can't you understand that?"
"No Caroline, nobody needs it. There's nothing wrong with Elena! She's a vampire, so what? You're a vampire too!"
Caroline shook her head and scoffed angrily at Tyler. She didn't know how Tyler's obsession in killing Klaus has clouded his understanding in other matters.
"Just admit it Caroline" Tyler's voice became softer.
Caroline quickly turned to look at Tyler. "Admit what?" she snapped, still upset.
"You don't want Klaus dead."
"What? What are you talking about Tyler?"
"He got under your skin Caroline. You have feelings for him. You care for Klaus!"
"Where is this coming from Tyler?" Caroline is getting more upset and alarmed with what Tyler is telling her.
"I don't know if you're blind to your own feelings or you know about it already and you're just denying it. But I saw you with him Caroline, I saw you laughing with him, dancing with him, having fun with him! With Klaus!"
"Yeah because you need me to remember? You need a distraction for Klaus and I was the only one who can give you and Hayley that. It's all part of the plan!"
Silence followed. Tyler is slowly regaining his strength as he stood up straight.
"Then tell me," Tyler spoke in a low voice. "Why did you let Klaus kiss you the other night? It's not part of the plan."
Caroline was stunned where she stood. She looked at Tyler with eyes wide in surprise.
He saw it. Tyler saw what happened between her and Klaus the other night. Caroline has been trying to forget it ever since. It was another distraction plan and she was with Klaus. There was a moment when she was overwhelmed with how Klaus was treating her, what he's telling her. He was so gentle to her. She was, at that particular moment with Klaus, fully aware of what she felt.
So that night, when she felt Klaus stepping closer to her, his eyes locking her in a place she couldn't get out, she didn't stop him. And when that moment came when he leaned down slowly to place his lips upon hers, everything becomes blurred to her mind. The only thing she did then is close her eyes, before she kissed him back.
She knew it was wrong and she does everything she can not to think about it. Caroline remained in stunned silence.
"Tell me Caroline. Why? Tell me"
"I don't know! I don't know Tyler, I don't know!" Caroline felt herself nearing into tears. Why did she let herself be in such predicament?
"I'm sorry Caroline, but we can't go on like this"
And then Tyler was gone.
Caroline started to walk back home. Everything that happened today was too much for her. She feels shattered and she couldn't stop the tears from falling down. People have died and Tyler has left her. The thought of Klaus creeps in her mind. She can't be falling for him, can she? No, she won't allow that.
But when she thinks about Tyler's question, no other answer pops in her head. At the back of her mind, she knew her every moment with Klaus is something she could never really forget. And that kiss has sealed Klaus' place somewhere inside her.
But now it's not important. Because after everything, Klaus now wants her dead. The tears continue to fall.
She arrived home and saw Stefan sitting on the floor. He's filled with blood everywhere and his face is buried on his palms.
"Stefan!" Caroline quickly went towards him. "Are you alright? What happened? Klaus was angry, what happened to the cure?" She asked, kneeling down in front of Stefan. She gently held his face and saw a stream of tears all over.
It was a few seconds before Stefan answered. "The cure's gone." Stefan said softly, his voice faltering. "I destroyed it Caroline."
"What? Why? Why did you do that Stefan?"
Stefan turned to face her, his eyes are filled with so much pain.
"Elena didn't want it. She didn't want the cure Caroline. She never had, and she never will. That's what she told me."
Caroline then wrapped her arms around the devastated Stefan. They held each other in a tight embrace as the tears from both of them kept on coming.
Victor is very happy. Actually, he didn't know that he'll be dealing with a vampire tonight. He's thrilled and his wide excited eyes are shining upon learning that this vampire Klaus Mikaelson is actually a friend of Stefan and Caroline. They are indeed, his lucky charm.
When Victor saw Klaus, he was enamored with the impression he gave him. He knew he's rich and sophisticated but the aura he brings tells he is a powerful creature. He felt proud of himself that he's starting to be acquainted with someone like Klaus. He knew he doesn't know Klaus much but his mere presence is overwhelming.
The four of them are sitting at the dining area. The table is filled with tasty variety of food, meat, and vegetables, fruits and wine.
"If I knew you are a vampire Mr. Mikaelson, I would have prepared a different meal. But seeing Stefan here is your friend, I think it's safe to assume that you are on a special diet like our friends here? I apologize if I'm wrong though." Victor nervously asked Klaus with his most charming smile.
Klaus continues to eye Stefan with so much amusement. Stefan looks back at him without a tiny glint of fear as he holds Caroline's hand tightly under the table. Caroline on the other hand can only give stolen glances at Klaus and so far, Klaus hasn't set his eyes on her since that moment a while ago in the hallway.
"This is already fine with me. I, too, have a special diet." Klaus responded. He quickly turned to Stefan again with a grin on his face. "So, exactly how did you meet my friend Stefan here?" Klaus asked Victor.
Victor started to speak. "Oh, it's a long time ago, I was-"
"I had some trouble before, back in the days and I needed his help and that's how we met." Stefan finished the story for Victor with a smile. "Right, Victor?"
"Ahh, yes, that's it." Victor tried to make a polite laugh while his eyebrows meet in confusion. Somehow he didn't understand why Stefan had to cut him. Maybe Stefan didn't want to tell Klaus about those days when he was ripping people's heads off? He doesn't know.
"Oh come on Stefan, why don't you let Victor talk about your ripper days?" Klaus made a yes-I-know-all-about-it wink at Victor. "It's quite fascinating how you manage to still be your better self when after everything that happened-"
"Klaus" Stefan didn't let him finish. "Of course I managed." He said. Stefan thinks Victor doesn't have to know all about what happened in Mystic Falls, it's too dangerous for him. Naïve as he is, Victor clearly doesn't know who Klaus is. He should be warned about Klaus and Stefan has been thinking of a way to talk to him before Victor could create a deeper association with Klaus.
"Of course." Klaus responded, not taking his eyes away from Stefan. "Anyway, it is fancy meeting you both here Stefan and Caroline. It seems to me there are only the two of you here, or are the others coming as well?"
Stefan's lips continue to smile as he answers Klaus. "No Klaus, it's only us."
Klaus raised his eyebrows while he reached his glass for a drink.
Still unaware of the tension in the air, Victor spoke next, almost immediately. "Oh, aren't they adorable? I was on my gondola last night, hoping for a little taste of blood from some human couple but then all I got is these two, lovesick and too cute." He chuckled.
Hearing Victor, Klaus paused in his drink. His eyes flickered back and forth from Caroline to Stefan.
"Ah, look at you two," Klaus spoke, his grin wider. "My two most favorite in the world, together on a romantic trip. What a fascinating turn of events indeed."
"You don't say?" Victor's is clearly charmed. "You met the two of them before they were together? Then this must be a surprise to you considering both of them are your friends. Stefan is very lucky to have this girl, Caroline is such a beauty, don't you think Klaus?"
Klaus finally turned his gaze on Caroline whom he saw smiling politely back at Victor before she meets his eyes. He remained in silence.
"You're too sweet Victor." Caroline managed to say before she took a sip of wine.
"And you dear Caroline, are also lucky to have Stefan here." Victor smiled back at Caroline before he turns to Klaus. "Well, Klaus, continuing with our previous chat a while ago, I think this mansion is perfect for your preferences. If the rest of the night isn't enough for a trip around the mansion I'll be very pleased if you could come tomorrow instead if you may."
"About that. I think the mansion is quite the one I just need. And I have decided to buy it." Klaus said.
Victor was surprised, and happy. "Oh, that's wonderful! Oh you won't regret your decision. What made you decide so quickly?"
"Well, blame the presence of my two friends here. I think it would be nice to spend more time with them in this lovely mansion. Speaking of which, why don't you two stay here?" Klaus turned to Victor. "I know it is rude of me to invite guests when this mansion isn't mine yet but what do you think of that suggestion Victor?"
"Oh that is indeed wonderful! Stefan, you told me you're going to stay here for quite a while right? Well then why don't you two pack your bags when you get to your hotel and be here first thing in the morning? And please, Klaus, treat the mansion as yours."
Caroline is becoming alarmed at the turn of events. She eyed Stefan to do something but Stefan only remained calm.
"Oh Victor, that is really nice but we don't want to give you some trouble." Caroline uttered.
"Caroline, dear, believe me, what you are giving me is exactly the opposite of trouble. Besides, it is a perfect time for you three to bond right? And if you're looking for privacy, the mansion has very large rooms for you and Stefan." Victor winked at Caroline.
Klaus brought his glass to his lips to take another sip of wine.
"Sure Victor," Stefan calmly answered at Caroline's surprise. "We will be here in the morning."
"Stefan?" Caroline asked him with eyes wide in shock.
Stefan only gave her a comforting I-know-what-to-do look. Caroline sighed in defeat. When she accidentally turned her head, she met Klaus's intent look fixed upon hers. She felt herself shiver at the intensity of his gaze. She removed her hand from Stefan and took her glass for a sip of wine, diverting her eyes from Klaus.
"Oh, I never felt so excited before. My wif-"
"Victor" once again, Stefan interrupted Victor. "There is something in my car I forgot to give you. Would it be okay if you go with me to see it?"
Caroline coughed at her drink.
"Oh, right now?" Victor asked.
"Yes, right now."
Stefan nodded at Klaus and gave the concerned Caroline a comforting look before he and Victor walked downstairs, leaving the two alone.
"Listen Victor, don't buy that castle." Stefan told his friend when they're outside the mansion. He has to warn his friend about Klaus. He was lucky to get Victor out there before he spills to Klaus that he has a family he cares about.
"But why not? Oh Stefan, you don't know how happy I am right now. You two are really my lucky charms."
"You don't understand, you can't trust Klaus, Victor. He's an original."
Victor made a confused look. "An original? You mean The Originals?"
Stefan nodded. Victor was astonished.
"Oh my goodness, if only I have known, I would have prepared a lot more than this. Oh why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Victor, listen to me. He is dangerous, he has killed lots of men and vampires. He is a hybrid and it's unsafe to be connected with him in any way."
"But I haven't done anything to make him mad. I only want a castle for my family Stefan. And I don't think Klaus would kill me for wanting it. If he turns down my offer to buy his castle then so be it, I won't do anything to make an original angry." Victor said with a determined voice. "And from the looks of it, I don't think he is that dangerous."
"Trust me, Victor, he is."
"Have you done something unpleasant to him?"
"Yes, I did."
"Then if you say he is that vicious, why would you still be alive? He should have killed you right at the moment he saw you. And he would have killed me and Caroline as well."
When Stefan doesn't have anything to reply back, Victor shook his head.
"Look, if you were friends before, I think this is the right time you two bury the hatchet." Victor told Stefan in a comforting tone. "And if you don't have any more things to say, let's go back there; I still have a castle to buy." He smiled as he turned around to walk slowly back at the mansion.
"Just don't tell him about your family. If he gets angry, he might use them against you." Stefan reminded Victor.
"Fine, fine, I won't. But I don't think he'll do that." Stefan heard Victor say.
Stefan sighed and followed Victor back. This leaves him with no choice but to keep Klaus close to protect Caroline, as well as his friend.
If silence could kill, Caroline would be laying hard as stone on the floor. As soon as Stefan and Victor went out she got ready for Klaus to attack and rip her heart out. But when she realized Klaus doesn't have any plan on moving from his seat, she remained in silence.
"You and Stefan huh?" Klaus started to speak. Caroline's eyes flew at him, meeting the intense gaze he's been giving her since the night started. "What happened to the hybrid whom you loved so much?"
Caroline met his eyes with resilience. "It's none of your business" She said.
Klaus laughed. "Such air of confidence, shouldn't you be frightened? Remember what I told you last time we met?"
Caroline didn't let fear crawl in on her. "Yes. So why aren't you still killing me?" She snapped back.
Klaus' smile faded away. "Patience love, we'll get to that." He said.
Somehow, Klaus saw how Caroline's eyes falter, but her poised gaze recovered itself at once. He smiled at himself, remembering how strong this vampire is. He took his time to look carefully at Caroline. She hasn't changed, of course. She still looks as beautiful as before. And he couldn't believe that he would ever see her again.
All the memories of her are buried inside him, locked in a chest that can only be opened with a key he burned with fire. What a great actress she was, pretending to enjoy being with him while planning his demise. Just when he thought he was able to reach out to her, make her finally feel connected to him, he found she was just messing with him.
"I won't go down without a fight Klaus." Caroline stated.
He smirked. "Oh I know. That's why killing you at once isn't interesting at all."
He stood up and went towards Caroline who remained on her seat while eyeing Klaus. Once he's in front of her, he placed his hand on the table and leaned down on her.
"Before I get to that, I wonder what would you do? Would you try and plan to kill me again? Like what you did with your hybrid friend?" His eyes are cold.
Caroline stared back at him. She tried her hardest not to remember the events from the past but it all came back so suddenly now that she's alone with none other than Klaus. All the memories came rushing, and she can't help but turn her head downwards so Klaus won't see what's reflecting in her eyes right now.
"I didn't" Klaus heard Caroline softly whisper.
Before Klaus could ask her more, footsteps sounded loudly nearby. Stefan and Victor are coming back. He straightened up and went towards his seat. He watched Caroline and when she moved her head to look at him, he caught her eyes and saw something in them. Was that hurt? Fear? Longing? He doesn't know.
"I think it's time we leave now." Stefan said as soon as he came back. Caroline stood at once and held Stefan's hand. The sight didn't escape Klaus, making him swallow. "We still have to pack our bags. Thank you Victor, I'll see you tomorrow." Stefan turned to Klaus. "Klaus," he said, and he nodded.
Klaus let out a grin on his face as he raised his glass to Stefan. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Stefan and Caroline are in the car back to the hotel.
"Why did you agree on that Stefan?" Caroline asked Stefan. "You know Klaus will kill us"
"No he won't, he made it clear by not killing us the moment he saw us."
"Uhm, maybe that's because he wants us to suffer before he kills us?" Caroline raised her eyebrows at Stefan.
"I won't let that happen."
Caroline sat back in her seat, sighing deeply. Stefan smiled at her. He took her hand and kissed it. She wished Klaus killed her right there and then. Because she knew now that Klaus is here, not only will her life be in danger, but so is her heart.
tbc…
A/N
Hi! I'm sorry about the flashback, some of you may not like reading flashbacks but I kinda needed that for the story. :)
But I hope you enjoyed the chapter :) Thanks again guys for reading and for all the reviews :)
Please tell me what you think! :)