And here it is, the final chapter. This has been fun and I've really enjoyed writing it. I hope you've enjoyed reading it. I didn't complicate matters too much in this chapter, this was always more about Klaus and Caroline and their development than it was the whole MF plot. If I went really into details, I'd have to write more chapters but since I don't currently have that much time and must work on that othe fic too, I just can't. And this was meant to be a 2-shot anyway. ;)
Thanks to my wonderful beta Caryn.
Chapter 4
After a few minutes, Caroline felt strong arms coming around her from behind and she immediately relaxed into Klaus' embrace.
He took a few breaths, not trusting his voice yet.
"Are you okay?" he asked her quietly.
"Mhmm, I am now," Caroline answered. "You probably heard everything, didn't you?"
"Of course," Klaus said, "Which is why I decided to get the hell out of there before I did something you wouldn't be happy about." Elena had been lucky the little witch treated her better.
Caroline turned around and kissed him gently on the lips. "Walk me home," she asked.
Klaus took her hand and they started walking into the direction of the mansion.
"Do you want to talk about it?" offered Klaus. Caroline knew he was probably holding back all kinds of colorful comments and honestly, she was just grateful Elena was still in one piece.
"No, not now," she said. She needed to think things through first, and clear her head a little bit.
One minute they were walking and the next minute Caroline found herself pressed against a wall in the back alley, Klaus' hand over her mouth. She wanted to know what he was doing but Klaus just pointed to his ear and she listened instead.
They heard Damon and Elena, no sound of Bonnie and Stefan, so they must have still been at the Grill. Caroline knew immediately Klaus wanted to listen in, in case they revealed any of their plans.
"Damon, wait. What do you make of all this, Damon?" asked Elena. They stopped by a street light.
"I don't like it and something seems fishy," Damon answered. "Although I expected nothing less."
"I don't think Caroline is herself, I don't think she knows what she is doing. She'd never betray me like that." Elena didn't understand and Caroline closed her eyes. Did she have to hear it all over again?
"Caroline is fine, Elena. She has a crush and she picked the worst possible choice but I'm more worried about this Colton problem. They are not telling us everything," Damon protested.
"Like we never told her everything," commented Elena, remembering all the times they've kept Caroline out of the loop.
"And with good reason. Look how well that turn out last time," Damon said annoyed. "This whole deal with Klaus would have been behind us by now if she hadn't been in on the plan."
"She is not my friend anymore, Damon, we can't trust either of them. Stefan might not see it, but she's not the person we used to know."
"Come on, let's go home. We'll come up with a plan," said Damon and they walked off. "And hopefully this time it will work."
Caroline wasn't crying, she was just standing there, letting Elena's words soak in. Klaus observed her, dreading how she would react. He was itching to go after them, making good on his previous threats.
"Can we go home now?" she said flatly, blandly and tired.
"No," said Klaus.
Caroline sighed annoyed. "I don't want to talk about it," she protested. And she didn't. Elena thought what she believed was right and she couldn't help that. It's not like she didn't expect it yet her words still cut through her. But she'd stand behind her decision because she knew it was the right one. And if Elena was too narrow-minded then so be it.
She was upset though and her emotions were a mess. The whole Elena and Bonnie conversations and her worrying about Matt, and strangely, Rebekah, Damon snickering every chance he got, fearing someone would use her against Klaus, it was just a lot to handle.
"Then don't," said Klaus. "But give me something." Klaus was worried about her. He wasn't used to dealing with emotions and he didn't know how to do this and to make her feel better. Consoling just wasn't in his nature.
Caroline looked up at him and then crashed her lips to his. Klaus was surprised for a moment but then pulled himself together and kissed her back without abandon. This he could do. Her mouth opened in a moan and their tongues tangled together immediately. His hands came up her thighs and he thanked heavens she was wearing a skirt.
He had to muster all of his resolve to pull back and just look at her. Before he could say anything, Caroline said, "I need to feel good. And I can't think of anything else that makes me feel as good as you do."
Something moved inside Klaus' chest. Caroline's hands flew into his hair and she pulled him closer, once more molding their mouths together. They were flush against each other, Caroline caught between Klaus' body and the alley wall. Klaus' hands gripped her thighs and he lifted her up, her legs coming around his waist immediately, ankles locking behind his back. She bit his lower lip greedily and Klaus let out a growl.
In retaliation he slipped his hand under her panties and ripped them off, pocketing them safely in his coat. Caroline leaned her head back, enjoying the sensation and Klaus' mouth moved to her neck, nipping and sucking. He inserted one finger into her and Caroline whimpered.
"So wet already," groaned Klaus. She was driving him crazy.
Her hands traveled down his chest, nails grazing his nipples over the thin cotton and she grinned wickedly. She undid his belt and unbuttoned his pants and pushed the front of his jeans and boxers down a little, freeing his cock.
The wall behind her supported her so Klaus didn't need to hold her up with both hands. He added a second finger, grabbing her waist with his other hand. Caroline began stroking him with one hand, holding herself up with the other around his neck. She bucked her hips against his hand while he fastened his tempo and she pumped him harder. Fair was fair. Klaus cursed and removed his fingers, setting her down before he embarrassed himself.
"What?" protested Caroline but he silenced her with an openmouthed kiss. There were still people in the area and he didn't want them to get an audience, not when he wasn't done with her yet. He turned her around swiftly, pulling up her skirt and exposing her back to the night.
Since she was wearing high heels it made things easier, although she still had to stand on her toes. She put her hands on the wall in front of her and could feel his cock teasing her folds. His mouth returned to her neck and he entered her in one swift motion, his teeth grazing her skin. Caroline almost cried out but managed to contain herself and Klaus started slamming into her repeatedly. He fucked her roughly while he explored her body with his hands – her back, her ass, her front.
Caroline could feel her muscles clenching with desire, her belly tightening and she knew she was close. This wouldn't be one of those longer rounds; this would be quick and hard. One of his hands moved down her front, to her clit and he started rubbing her. Caroline had to bite on her lip to not scream out and she broke skin.
Klaus could smell the blood and it made him pound into her harder, letting her know he was getting close too. The next moment Caroline couldn't hold back anymore and the shock of the orgasm ran through her. Klaus continued to ram into her, which only prolonged her orgasm and she burned between her things.
"Fuck," groaned Klaus when an orgasm hit him too, and he spilled himself into her, hips stilling after a few moments.
They were both panting for breath, their muscles still twitching from their releases when he slowly pulled out of her and let go. If she had still been human, his hands would have left bruises. Her knees almost buckled and she had to lean on the wall for a few seconds.
Klaus pulled up his pants and fastened his belt while Caroline mustered the energy to smoothen her skirt. She turned around and leaned into him, her head resting on his chest, catching her breath. His hands rubbed her shoulders gently and he kissed the top of her head affectionately.
"There goes my plans for the evening," murmured Caroline into his Henley.
"Now, now, sweetheart,I could definitely go for round two," chuckled Klaus and Caroline smiled. "But what do you say we get out of this alley first and back home?"
"Sounds like a plan," agreed Caroline, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten.
When Caroline woke up the next morning, Klaus wasn't in bed anymore. She was naked since Klaus hadn't been kidding about round two – or round three – and went to put on a pair of fresh panties. She picked up his discarded Henley to put it away but changed her mind and pulled it over her head instead, surrounding herself with his tantalizing scent.
Last night hadn't been easy on Caroline and the old Caroline would have still been crying about it, panicking and thinking of a plan to make it right. But she has grown up in the last two years and she now knew you couldn't always have everything. And Elena might think she was right but Caroline knew she wasn't.
After they had come home, Caroline went straight to the fridge to get some ice cream and then she sat down and talked it over with Klaus. There wasn't really much to say but she admitted to him Elena's words hurt but she was standing strong. They had been friends for so long and Caroline always tried to be there for her and support her and it pained her the same didn't go for Elena.
Before their little romp in the alley she had been upset, on the way home she had been quiet and when she started talking she ranted and all Klaus could do was listen and offer to kill people. Klaus was worried, suspicious and a little relieved, scared this whole thing might not go in his favor. But she loved him, so how could it not?
He has become such an important part of her life. Everything didn't not revolved around him, she was too independent for that, but he was her other half and she'd do whatever neccessary to keep that for as long as she could.
She went downstairs and heard Klaus on the phone in his study. Coffee was already on in the kitchen and fresh blood was standing next to it in a glass. She downed the blood and poured herself a cup, added some milk and went to find Klaus.
He was making some notes, adding them to her board when she entered the room.
His eyes roamed down her body as he took her in appreciatively, although she saw the look of worry in them too. They both knew she wasn't okay, but Caroline knew she would be.
"Morning," he said.
"You should have woken me up," Caroline protested and walked to him.
"You looked so peaceful, so I didn't want to disturb you. You've had a hard day yesterday and you'd only worry and obsess." Klaus wasn't worried, they'd solve this problem and be on their way again soon enough. If she didn't stay behind, a small voice inside him said.
"What do we know?" Caroline asked.
"We have two locations. I think Colton is keeping them separated, which is a good sign. And since the witches have located them both, that means that they are still alive." Klaus watched as relief poured over Caroline. Her hands shook a bit but she smiled brightly at him. The whole room lit up.
"How did they manage to do that if Bonnie couldn't?" Bonnie was one of the strongest witches out there.
"With a blood spell and together," said Klaus focusing on the board. So that's where he was yesterday. "Matt's location was more difficult but they could trace a faint signal."
"Good, so when do we go?" She could be ready in minutes.
"Tonight," Klaus answered her.
Caroline's brows furrowed with confusion. "Because of the dark?" She studied all the notes on the board.
Klaus nodded. "We can walk in the sun but that doesn't mean we have to, and the darkness could come in handy."
"Fine, although just so you know, I hate waiting," Caroline mumbled and scruntched her nose.
"And don't I know it," chuckled Klaus.
"Hey," protested Caroline. "That wasn't very nice."
"I'm not nice," grinned Klaus and Caroline just rolled her eyes at him.
"So, we go in two teams, one to each location?" If she had to wait, she would just have to get as prepared as possible.
"Yes. We can call your friends and go in two teams. Although we could easily do this without them, since they will have their own motives. Colton is as good as dead. He might think he is smart but he just dug himself a grave."
"What are the locations?" asked Caroline and ignored the last part of his statement. They've discussed the extent of which to involve her friends in their plans late last night. Klaus was adamant they should just lock them away and leave them there, while Caroline wanted to make amends and include them. Klaus had tried to convince her they would have a backup plan and try to get rid of him, but Caroline was sure Bonnie and Stefan weren't in on it this time and they could handle Elena and Damon.
"An abandoned building in the next town and a farm in another. Matt is on the farm and Rebekah is in the building. And I'm betting that's where Colton is too."
Caroline nodded. "So, that's where you'll want to go." She wasn't sure where she wanted to go. She knew she wanted to save Matt but she also wanted to go with Klaus. Sticking together has always been the plan, but were they stronger in one place or would it be better if each of them was in one location and they could control both the outcomes?
Decisions had been made and Klaus arrived at the location Rebekah was held. His senses were on alert and he couldn't sense anyone outside except for a few vampires in the woods a couple of miles away. Escape plan, he wondered. Or false security?
He whistled and walked straight into the building by himself. So cliché, picking an abandoned building, no imagination whatsoever, Rebekah's creations have always been a little lacking. A vampire should know better.
"Come out, come out, wherever you are," sang Klaus mockingly.
There has been no resistance at the entrance and Klaus knew it was a trap.
"You came alone," said a voice from upstairs the railing. "I have to admit, I didn't see that one coming."
"Why would I need anyone, when I can do so well on my own?" Klaus stopped downstairs, not moving towards him.
"Why don't you come down here and join me," he added. "Aren't you lonely up there, all by yourself?" He could have flashed up to him and take him out in a few seconds, but he needed to feel out the place first, and preferably get some answers, too.
"I'm fine here, thank you. So where are the others, rescuing the defenseless human," asked Colton.
"Perhaps," Klaus wouldn't explain anything to him. "But let's focus on you and me. You wanted me, you got me. Although I do hope you know that this is your last day on Earth."
"I am well aware of that," said Colton and Klaus looked up a little surprised. So, that imbecile had a death wish? That only made him more dangerous. "But you see, I didn't really want you. I just wanted to hurt you and you played right into my hands."
"Did I now?" Klaus said. "Do tell me how exactly, mate."
Colton stepped into the light and familiar features greeted Klaus. "The whole kidnapping was to get you here. I've been keeping tabs on you for a while now, more than a year actually and I know all about your little queen. Never thought the day would come where the mighty would fall so low," Colton chuckled, amused with himself.
"And so you thought the best way to hurt me was to hurt Caroline?" Klaus guessed correctly. "Take from me what I've taken from you?" Pain spread in Klaus' chest when the thought of losing Caroline crossed his mind. They've come too far and she was supposed to be safest at his side. He couldn't lose her, he wouldn't. Not now and not ever.
"I was hoping she'd come with you here and you'd watch her die in front of you but maybe this is even better. You will get no closure and there is nothing you can do about it. It's already too late," grinned Colton.
Klaus would gladly wipe that grin of his face, because as much fun as this was, threatening Caroline in front of him just put the final nail into his coffin. He'd kill anyone who'd ever only think of harming her. He has never been this protective over anyone and he was still getting used to the feeling. He remembered how he had tried to get rid of her once before because he didn't want to feel what he felt but in the end he couldn't go through with it. And from that moment on he knew he'd never be able to hurt her again...and neither would anybody else.
"Maybe she's just a nice roll in the bed, thought about that?" asked Klaus, his patience running low. He knew people would learn about the importance of Caroline and they would try to use her against him and for a few moments he even considered giving her up, protecting her. But he was a selfish bastard and just couldn't do it.
"At first I have, but then after a while I realized that wasn't the case. You love her as much as I've loved my Aileen and I thought it only fitting I'd kill your love as you've killed mine. I've already daggered your darling sister, so she's gone." Colton took two steps on the stairs.
So he didn't know the dagger was only a temporary death. Good.
"I've had enough of this, it's time for you to die," growled Klaus. But when he moved forwards, excruciating pain exploded in his head and he buckled to his knees. Damn witches.
"Before I tell you what is happening to your darling Caroline? Don't you want to know how she is burning at this very moment? How I've booby trapped the whole farm, placed several traps no one could escape? Especially for her? It was my plan B if I dare boast about it and it has worked out brilliantly."
Klaus tried to find the strength to resist but he couldn't move. He thought about Caroline, about protecting her, keeping her save and sound.
"Let's check how it is going over there." Colton fished his phone out of his pocket and dialed a number.
"Hello, dear," he said. "Tell us what's happening. Has the cavalry arrived yet and tried to save the boy?"
Klaus could hear a female voice on the other end. "Everything is going the way you planned it. They came and ran straight inside and the building exploded."
"Splendid," quirked Colton. "You did well."
The mere thought of Caroline hurt or dead made Klaus boiled with anger. "Enough," he screamed, gathered the necessary strength to break through the spell and moved forward. He wasn't sure is he broke the spell or somebody else did but once he moved he felt no pain anymore.
"Now," exclaimed Colton and several vampire flashed towards Klaus. Some has chains, some had stakes but all had the same intent; to kill him. Good thing he couldn't be killed.
He had counted twelve as soon as he had stepped through the front door.
They attacked and he let them have their fun. Two caught him in chains and his hybrid features emerged, he could feel the strength pulsing through his veins. He growled dangerously and pulled on the chains, throwing the two vampires into the wall. The ones who came at him with stakes were still baby vampires, not knowing what they were doing. He flashed behind them and ripped out one's heart and the other one's head off. They rest of the vampires were older but that meant little to Klaus. He fought them and they managed to bring him to his knees and held him in place.
"How delightful, the big bad on his knees at my feet," laughed Colton. "I never thought I'd see the day. Well, let's not waste this opportunity, shall we. Two birds with one stone. First you lose your love, then your life." Colton laughed like a maniac.
"You really should check your facts better," growled Klaus. "Now."
"What?" asked Colton.
The next few moments flew by. Before Colton could even look around and grasp what was happening, Caroline was behind him, pushing a stake through his heart, not one strand of hair out of place. Klaus thought she looked magnificent, clothed all in black, his angel.
"But how," said Colton, slowly turning to grey.
Klaus used the confusion and pulled himself up, dealing with the rest of the vampires. Caroline joined in, although she had little to do, and they finished them off.
Klaus walked to Colton, and looked down at him. "I wish I hadn't missed the opportunity to explain this. It would have been my pleasure to rub your incompetence in your face."
He turned to Caroline and pulled her to him. "Well done, love," he said before he grabbed her face and ravished her mouth, still high from the fight. Caroline just melted against him, enjoying the feel of his mouth on hers. She wasn't even bothered by the fact that he was covered in blood.
"Don't let us interrupt," commented Stefan, suddenly behind him. Next to Stefan was Bonnie. "I can't believe this worked."
"Ye of little faith," commented Klaus. To be honest, he didn't want to do this the way that they did but he learnt firsthand how persuasive Caroline could be. She wanted to be on the team to save Matt but she also wanted to go with Klaus and they managed to do both. Compromise, she kept drilling into him when all he wanted was to lock her in a room and do all this on his own. It went against his better judgement and for a moment he'd preferred to have her pissed but alive. However, she wanted to prove she could handle herself and more importantly, she wanted to fight at his side, as his equal.
They had gone to save Matt first and Klaus expected the farm to be a trap since there were no guards. Elijah met them there – sans Katherine – with three of Kol's witches. They overpowered the vampires in a matter of minutes and the witches managed to get control over Colton's ones. They told them about the booby traps and Klaus and Elijah went in and disabled most of them, grabbed Matt and flashed him back to safety before the whole building went down in flames.
When they appeared with Matt, Caroline embraced him immediately and Damon complained there wasn't enough fun. They also didn't get an opportunity to pull something on them because there were too many people around. Elena never even looked at Caroline but Bonnie cast a cloaking spell on Caroline, herself and Stefan, so vampires wouldn't be able to sense or hear them. Caroline and Klaus had confided in them, telling him Klaus would play the distraction this time, while they would deal with the rest and surprise them. Stefan couldn't believe Klaus was willing to risk it but Caroline was pleased because he proved he trusted her and her capabilities. He had been teaching her since they've left Mystic Falls after all.
Elijah, Damon and Elena stayed back at the farm with Kol's witches, in case Colton contacted them to reassure him everything was going according to plan. Elijah has also been instructed to keep a close eye on the elder Salvatore and his appendix. And while Klaus was bantering with Colton, and fuming, Caroline found her way upstairs and just waited. Stefan dealt with the vampires in the forest and Bonnie took care of the witch that was having her fun with Klaus.
"Thank you for trusting me with this," said Caroline, looking Klaus in the eyes.
It hadn't been easy because it was a risky plan and Klaus could have dealt with everything on his own, but they weren't sure what tricks Colton had up his sleeve. Klaus didn't expect him to be so willing to die and for his plan to be so idiotic. But in the end he got what he deserved, and Caroline was safe and that was all that mattered.
"I'm exhausted and completely drained," said Bonnie, barely standing up straight. This day took a lot out of her.
"I'll take you home," offered Stefan. "You can take care of everything here, right?"
Klaus just nodded. "Some of my men are already taking care of the bodies outside and they will clean up here later. Elijah has it covered on his end. Maybe Damon will get some satisfaction in killing the witches." They have agreed on no loose ends. It was harsh but if they let them live, they'd be scorned and would want to avenge themselves.
"Let's get Rebekah," Klaus grabbed Caroline's hand and Caroline waved Bonnie and Stefan goodbye. "Talk to you later."
They searched the building and found her in one of the rooms in the cellar. Rebekah was laid down on an old sofa, dressed in black jeans and a white top. Klaus was already used to it but it still shocked Caroline to see her all gray and well, dead.
"Hello sister," Klaus lifted her in his arms and motioned for Caroline to lead the way.
"Aren't you going to undagger her?" asked Caroline confused.
"Not yet," said Klaus. "I'll hand her off to Elijah and he can do it after they've left this place."
"Klaus," warned him Caroline.
"I don't want to talk to her and I don't have the patience to deal with her just yet," he insisted.
"We're going to need to work on how you deal with your siblings," Caroline commented. Klaus didn't have many left and the way he handled them did nobody any favors. She knew they weren't your typical family but too much was too much.
Klaus just grunted.
After Klaus had handed off Rebekah to Elijah, they went on their way and Klaus and Caroline returned home. Caroline hadn't been in the company of Elijah many times before and it still felt weird talking to him. She did so with a warm smile on her face and Elijah was as polite as one could get. She did notice he eye them warmly although he hadn't said a single word about their relationship. The look he sent her when Klaus wasn't looking though was very … hopeful.
"I need a bath," said Caroline. "And then sleep for two weeks because the past few days have been exhausting."
"I need to deal with some phone calls first but go ahead," Klaus said, running his hands through her hair gently.
Caroline knew he also needed some time to himself, so she just nodded but went to the kitchen first. She took two blood-bags out of the fridge and poured them in two cups and put the cups into the microwave. She considered making herself a cup of coffee too but then decided against it, she was too riled up as it was.
When the microwave dinged, she took the cups and went to find Klaus. He looked up immediately when she entered his study, on the phone already. He eyed her warmly and she put a cup in front of him, then winked and went upstairs.
She filled the bathtub with hot water and slowly sipped her blood while she waited. She added some bubbles and started getting undressed. She finished off her drink and then sank into the tub. It was heaven. Her muscles started to relax immediately and her eyes closed. Matt was safe, Rebekah was safe and so were all of them.
A while later the water started getting cold but she didn't want to leave the tub, so she just let it out and poured fresh one into it. A few minutes later she heard Klaus come in and she was sure he said something to her but she hadn't the slightest idea what, so she just hummed. She heard a chuckle, followed by the sound of his zipper. She just smiled and Klaus joined her in the tub. She leaned forward and he sat down behind her.
They just sat there, Caroline against his chest, neither willing to break the silence.
"When Colton said you were burning at the farm," Klaus started but never finished the sentence, just kept holding her close. She knew what he meant though. She felt it too, the pain of the possibility of losing him. He was immortal but that didn't mean she couldn't lose him.
"I know, but I'm fine. Just focus on that," she tried to soothe his fears. She remembered how he acted when they had left Mystic Falls behind, following her every move, just waiting for her to disappear. And now, after all that they've been through, the fear was even worse. Now they truly had something to lose.
"You were wonderful," praised her Klaus and kissed her on her shoulder.
Caroline beamed.
"What are your plans now?" asked Klaus guarded.
"My plans?" Caroline was confused. "Don't you mean our plans?"
"I wasn't sure what you were going to do. Want to do." Klaus clarified.
Caroline turned around, "Oh, just stop it, right now. It's our plans and you very well know it. Or at least you should by now. You can't scare me away, my friends can't guilt me back into staying here, being their good little Caroline anymore."
Klaus wanted to say something but Caroline just held up her hand. "My relationship with my friends is rocky at the moment, well with Elena. Stefan is good with it, Bonnie is on her way, my mom is fine and Elena will come around eventually. I think. And I don't care what Damon thinks. But that is their problem. There is not much I can do about it and I'm not going to sit here and wait it out."
She was silent for a moment but Klaus knew she had more to say. "And I know this won't be easy. I know you'll make mistakes and I'll drive you crazy and we'll have problems but I also know that it's worth it. And we'll make it." She stopped suddenly.
"But..." prompted her Klaus, knowing there was a but coming.
Caroline looked up at this nervously, like a deer in the headlights. "I'm afraid, too," she confessed.
"Afraid? Afraid of what?" Klaus had no idea what she was talking about and his defenses went up immediately. His gaze grew colder and he waited for the punch in the gut. Caroline traced his tattoo with her fingers, trying not to look him in the eyes.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to hold your attention after a while. I'm afraid you'll tire of me. Because let's face it, you've been around for a thousand years and what appeal could a baby vampire possibly have for you?" She went all in.
"Is this about what Elena said the other night?" Klaus remembered Elena warning Caroline about the same thing.
"No," Caroline confessed. "She only said out loud what I've been thinking for a while."
Klaus' features softened as he saw her insecurities showing their face again. How could he explain to make her see? To make her understand?
"I just don't know what I'll do when that happens," Caroline confessed sadly. "Eternity is a long time and I know all relationships can end and I'm a strong girl, but it will crush me. Because," she took a deep breath. It was all or nothing. "I love you."
Klaus stopped breathing. He has wanted, needed, craved her love for such a long time he couldn't believe she was saying the words out loud. Logically, he knew she cared for him a lot, on some days he even knew she loved him but he didn't think he actually needed to hear it. But when she said it, he felt lighter and happier. He has always thought love was a weakness, especially for a vampire, and he never wanted to experience it, never even thought it was possible. But Caroline gave him strength, and ever since she waltzed into his life, he made him want to not just have her but protect her, cherish her … love her. He was a selfish bastard, he has always known that and it suited him just fine, but with her he found himself putting her first.
"I …," he started but then just couldn't continue, so he pulled her to him and kissed her instead. He would show her what he felt because he hasn't uttered those words in centuries and it was difficult for him to do so. Kissing her has always been an activity he thoroughly enjoyed and that has never changed, but when he kissed her in that moment, it felt different, better.
Caroline opened her mouth and deepened the kiss. It was a slow, tantalizing kiss, high on emotions. Her hand went around his neck as she held him close.
As they pulled apart, needing to catch their breaths, Caroline said, "I know." She knew he loved her, she had always known.
Klaus was looking at her intensely, and he knew she deserved more, but he still held back. He didn't even know why, she knew he loved her so why did it bother him this much. After all this time he still struggled with it. But then he thought about what she gave him when she said it and he wanted to do the same.
"I love you, Caroline," he whispered and he would never forget how her eyes lit up and her smile widened and he knew he made the right choice. A heavy burden lifted off his shoulders and he felt complete peace for the first time in centuries.
So he continued. "I've lived for over a thousand years and I know that scares you but it shouldn't. Because in all this time I have never felt what I feel for you. And I know there isn't anything I can say to put you at ease but let me try anyway. I haven't been in love for over a thousand years, it doesn't come easily for me and I don't see it ever going away. Because it's strong and it's different and I just know. I'm not a fickle boy who would change his mind all the time, love, look for something more because I've found the best there is and frankly, you are it for me. You've always been and you always will be."
Caroline felt her eyes water and a tear or two might have escaped her eyes. Eternity was a long time and she still couldn't really comprehend what it meant yet. And nobody could make any assurances, nobody really knew what the future held, but she was quite confident they'd discover it together, face it and enjoy it together.
She just nodded when Klaus wiped away her tears, and leaned into him. He cradled her close and they just sat there, her head nestled close in the crook of Klaus' neck.
After a while, the water got cold and Klaus lifted her from the tub, not bothering to dry them, and proceeded to carry her to their bed where he showed her all over again what he felt. And this time, he took his own sweet time.
They spent a few more days in Mystic Falls and it would always be their home but they had decided to continue with their travels for the time being.
Caroline spent some time with Stefan and Bonnie and had some girl time with her mom. When they said their goodbyes, Caroline promised Bonnie to keep in touch this time. Stefan mentioned going away for a while too, he wanted to spent some time on his own. Maybe they'd meet up some place one day, Caroline thought that would be nice.
She never said goodbye to Damon and Elena.
She was just leaving her mother's place, having said goodbye, when she decided to stop by the Grill and get them something to eat. Funny, how she started to call it her mother's place. It was not that she didn't consider it home anymore; it was just that she has realized her home was Klaus now. She didn't know what the future would bring, things and relationships changed all the time and she was sure there'd still be moments she would be afraid but she felt optimistic.
She was in a good mood because Liz had promised to come out and visit them and she was taking a few days off in two week, going on a little spa treatment. In Caroline's opinion Liz worked way too much and needed to have some time off. She sometimes worried about her decision to hop around the world while Liz was still alive and Caroline had forever while Liz did not, but her mother assured her she wanted it this way. Kids grew up and they needed to spread their wings. It was always hard leaving your nest, but it was part of life and immortal or not, Caroline deserved to have her own life. She did promise to talk to her regularly and come visit often.
Caroline entered the Grill and went straight to the bar. She ordered two burgers with fries and two salads to go. While she waited for the food to get ready, she felt a cold stare on her back and turned around slowly. There, standing at the pool tables was Tyler with a beer in his hands. He was shooting daggers at her and when she smiled at him tentatively, his eyes turned even more hateful.
He must have known she was back in town and he knew she was here with Klaus. Caroline understood why he was acting this way, she knew he was entitled to hate Klaus as he did and to hate her right with him but she couldn't and wouldn't want to change the way she felt. If she were Tyler, she'd feel the same way. It hurt her she was so happy with the guy who had brought so much misery to her former love, her first true love. Even without Klaus in the picture, she knew they wouldn't have lasted. She fought hard for him back in the days but in the long run it wouldn't have worked. But there was nothing she could do about it now, maybe time would help, although probably it wouldn't. But you grow up and you change and sometimes you have to let go of some people. Although it had been hard, Caroline learned it was okay to not be adored by everyone and for her to not like everyone. Some things just didn't work out.
When her food arrived, she paid for it and took her bags. Tyler's eyes were still drilling holes in her back, so she turned around once more and whispered, "I'm sorry," knowing he would hear her.
He looked at her puzzled for a moment but then the hate returned to his eyes. "Rot in hell, both of you," he said and turned around, downing a shot he had beside the bottle of beer.
Caroline just sighed and exited the Grill. There was nothing more she could do here, no damage she could repair at that moment, so she went back home. To Klaus. And then she smiled.
Nicaragua was waiting.
THE END
That's it. Hope you liked it. If you have a second, please let me know. :) Until next time.