Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Diaries

3x21: Before Sunset

Caroline

Elena didn't have to tell her twice, Caroline knew she had to get out and get help. She sped into the hall and stopped short, way short, of the front doors, her eyes wandered as she thought she heard something.

She wanted to scream as someone grabbed her from behind. A large hand slipped over her mouth, muffling her pitiful cries for help and Caroline's heart pounded in her chest as she futilely struggled against the solid body behind her, pulling her out of the middle of the hall. She held on tightly to who's ever arm had wrapped tightly around her body, fingers wrapped around his forearm.

"Shh, shh, shh," he whispered urgently and Caroline stopped her struggles as her muffled cries turned to whimpers. "It's okay. It's okay," Klaus whispered in her ear, moving his hand from her mouth to her neck, cupping it comfortingly and his other arm loosened around her middle but still maintained the protective contact. "It's me. It's okay, you're safe," he whispered again.

Caroline was still nervous, the whole situation had her jumpy but she believed him. She knew nothing would harm her while he was here, his hand resting in the nape of her neck, the solidity of his body behind her, guarding her. She followed his cautious glance as he looked over his shoulder and she felt herself tense again, fear of Alaric working its way back into her gut. Her breathing still shaky as she took comfort in the presence of her savior, relaxed as she felt the way his hands caressed her.

"We'll save Elena," he whispered, his breathe brushing against her skin, his lips moving close to her ear. His voice was so low that Caroline knew no other vampire could hear. She felt his eyes look back down, the intensity piercing her skin, his hand still holding her in place. "You go straight home," her eyes flashed to his face before looking away again. "You stay inside. Do you understand?" he asked, his voice harsh.

Caroline didn't answer, she felt her eyes grow wide in fear. Did that mean he was staying here? With evil Alaric who was intent on killing them all? She wanted to shake her head, disagree with his antics until he swung her around, hands on her arms with that firm gentleness, and stared directly into her face.

"Do you understand me?" he asked again, blue eyes intently looking into her own. His voice might be harsh but there was no missing the worry laced in it, the foreign look of fear and worry in his eyes against his hard face and set jaw.

Caroline studied his face and nodded slightly. His hands relaxed on her arms, but they were still there, holding onto her as if he was afraid of what would happen when he let go.

"Thank you," Caroline whispered, eyes scanning his face. She was still scared and she had every right to be, but he was here, telling her it would be alright and she believed him.

Klaus' face softened as he visibly relaxed. He regarded her with a knowing look and stood there for an extra moment before exhaling sharply and disappearing before her eyes. In his sudden absence, Caroline had never felt so alone. She watched the direction he had run off in before running for her car.

Much later, after everything was said and done, after the Salvatores had left to dump his body in the Atlantic, Caroline laid in her bed, once again. His sketch in her small hand, her eyes admiring it sadly. Odd was the only word that could describe it. Odd, empty, final. It all felt so final.

And Caroline wasn't sure she liked it. She should be happy, utterly blissful that he was finally out of their lives. But she wasn't. How could she be? The way he looked at her in the school with such genuine worry for her safety and such relief that she had agreed to follow his instructions…the way he had looked at her as if he knew what was going to happen in the end. His words ran through her head as she traced her finger over the fine lines of the drawing.

"I fancy you."

"You're beautiful. You're strong. You're full of light."

"I dare you."

"One day, perhaps in a year or maybe even a century, you'll show up at my door and let me show you what the world has to offer."

"It's me. It's okay, you're safe."

Caroline had never thought that she would agree with him, never even dreamed of feeling so secure in his arms but she had and she never would again. The tears came slowly as she turned her light off and placed the paper safely under her pillow. She laid there, thinking about the days events, wishing he was here to tell her, that somehow, it would be okay.

But he was gone and, as far as Caroline knew, he wasn't coming back so she did the next best thing.

She imagined him there, his firm body behind her, his muscled forearm holding her protectively against him. His hand resting in the nape of her neck as he whispered slowly in her ear, telling her everything was alright.

Caroline fell into a restless sleep, believing in the last words he told her.

A/N: SO MANY EMOTIONS. Ugh, did anyone else die inside when Stefan stopped his heart? If Klaus isn't woken up, I won't ever be okay again. D': /3

Anyways, such a sweet and tender moment between them where I hope that even Klaus haters could see that he genuinely cares for her and wants her safe. It broke my heat that this scene happened and then she was the one to throw the party...it just didn't seem right.

Will have part 2 up tomorrow at some point. Thanks for reading and please review if you have a minute! :)