Hope you're still reading and please keep the reviews coming. I realise some things aren't completely canon but I had to make some small changes because it fits better this way. Also I usually try to stick to around the same word count per chapter in all my stories but this one will change a bit depending on what's happening.

P.S. I Love You

Chapter 3: Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

Klaus stirred slowly, his eyes fluttering open and focusing on the warm summer sun that was spilling in through the window. The memories of the previous night returned and his smile grew, knowing that this time it was real and not just another dream.

He still couldn't get over the fact she'd made the first move. At first he was worried she'd think his sketch book was on the creepy side but what she did was completely unexpected, not that he was complaining of course.

The sex was even better than last time and Klaus thought that it wouldn't be possible to top their liaison in the woods. The first time had been exciting, fast and urgent but this time around was slow and sensual, and they'd indulged numerous times during the night because their appetite for each other was insatiable.

Klaus loved the way she tasted, the way she moaned in unadulterated pleasure and the way her tousled, blonde waves fell across her chest as she was moving inside him. He loved how she'd squeal with delight when he nibbled on her neck and how she would leave long and lingering kisses on his chest. When it came down to it he loved everything about her not that this was news to Klaus.

When he invited Caroline to Italy he never thought she'd come but the fact she did and the way things had turned out had been the best surprise of all. Caroline was finally beginning to realise just how much he felt for her and Klaus could actually see a future for them.

He turned over so he could watch her while she slept but that side of the bed was noticeably empty. He sat up looking around his room wondering if she was in the bathroom. He walked towards the door and knocked calling out her name.

"Caroline love, are you in here?" The silence was devastating. He pushed open the door to confirm what he already knew was true. He looked around again thinking maybe she'd gone back to her room to change and hurriedly threw on a white t-shirt. It was only then he saw a piece of paper sitting on the bedside table.

He gulped nervously before picking it up noting her neat script. It was only short and Klaus hoped it was to tell him she'd be back soon. As his eyes skimmed over the paper each word felt like a knife to his heart.

I'm sorry I can't do this, C

He threw the paper back on the bed and let out a loud moan not caring who heard. How did he get it so wrong? Their night had been spectacular but how had it all ended so badly? Klaus never questioned himself, expect when it came to Caroline. What was so horrible about him that made her run away without as much as a goodbye?

He shook his head determined not to think about it and threw on his jeans racing out the door. She couldn't be too far ahead of him and he still might catch her. He knocked at her hotel room door but there was no answer, and given his sharp hearing knew the room was already empty.

Klaus considered going to the airport but there was only so much humiliation he was willing to take. He was the most powerful creature on earth and refused to let her rejection plague him. He returned upstairs and began to pack quickly, suddenly everything in Italy reminded him of Caroline and he had no desire to be there anymore.

Going back to New Orleans was exactly what he needed, at least there people feared him and he didn't ever have to question himself. Klaus knew it was going to be difficult but he needed to get her out of his head for good.

Xxxxxxxxxx

4 days later….

"How was your little holiday?" Rebekah purred from the balcony as he entered the compound.

"Well seeing you makes me wish I was back there again," he bit out in frustration. Why couldn't he just have some time to himself without his little sister's annoying attempt at conversation?

"Glad to see the time away hasn't changed your wonderful personality," she drawled.

"Well I certainly didn't miss you," he growled.

"I expected nothing less," she shot back following behind him. "So what happened?"

"Nothing eventful," he lied shrugging his shoulders and dumping his bags on the floor. "Don't you have someone else to go and annoy?"

"I've already annoyed Elijah today so it's your turn now," she quipped. "You know usually most people are refreshed and happy after a holiday."

"Well I'm not most people," he growled.

"Isn't that the truth?"

Klaus heard his cell ring and was happy to have a distraction from his overbearing sister. He pulled it out wincing at the caller identification; he'd secretly hoped it was a remorseful Caroline but it was someone completely unexpected. He let it ring deciding not to answer as Rebekah looked on curiously.

"Who are you ignoring now?" She asked trying to look at the screen.

"None of your business," he groaned trying to move it out of her reach but Rebekah was surprisingly quick managing to take it from his grasp.

"I know you and Stefan aren't the best of friends but still…" She trailed off sending him an evil glance before connecting. "Hello." Klaus could have strangled her at that very moment.

"Yes it's me Stefan," she replied. "I was bored and decided it would be fun to play secretary for Niklaus."

Klaus had no idea what he wanted but it surely had to do with Caroline. Did he know what happened in Italy? Was he after revenge? A multitude of options were flashing through his head. Klaus knew he could take Stefan any day but he figured killing him wouldn't go down well with her. Although she'd left him he still couldn't bring himself to hurt her.

"What happened?" She baulked her expression changing immediately. Klaus immediately wanted to know but couldn't bring himself to look like he cared. "I'll let him know."

She disconnected her face unreadable and he was suddenly impatient to know. "What's going on sister?"

"It's Caroline," Klaus felt his stomach drop not sure what to expect.

"What happened?" He asked trying to sound indifferent.

"She was bitten by a werewolf," Rebekah murmured. "Stefan needs your help." Klaus immediately consulted his watch realising time was short. Would he even make it there in time? The fact that Stefan had asked for his assistance didn't sit well, had they made-up when she returned to Mystic Falls?

He knew everything in him wanted and needed to save her but at the same time she had runaway. If anyone else had done that he would let them die without any remorse but this was Caroline. She may have left him but he still loved her and knew he probably always would.

Klaus knew what he had to do. He bolted towards the door desperate to get to Caroline before it was too late.

xxxxxx

As he drove up the familiar main street of Mystic Falls the memories came flooding back. The night they talked outside the Mystic Grille, the day he arrived at the high school to congratulate her on graduating, the night she asked him for a prom dress and the intense moment they shared over the map in Professor Shane's office, just to name a few.

He shook his head determined not to visit memory lane. He was here to save her; nothing else, then he'd be on his way and would never see her again. He looked at his watch impressed at the time he'd made up but still worried it wasn't fast enough.

Pulling up outside Caroline's house Klaus jumped out of the passenger seat and knocked loudly. The door flew open and Klaus was a little relieved the quarterback answered. His jealousy towards Stefan was immense and he was the last person Klaus wanted to see right now.

He nodded at Matt before walking down the familiar corridor and into her room. His breath hitched in his throat at her helpless body. Bonnie was sitting at her bedside and gave him a slight smile and nod before walking out so he could heal her.

He realised she was in the very late stages and if he'd been any longer she'd probably be gone already. He felt the tears spring to his eyes at the vulnerable woman in front of him. This wasn't the first time he'd been in this position but he hoped it would be the last.

Klaus had to remember he was here to save her and then he would leave her for good. The rejection was still fresh in his mind and that was something he never wanted to feel ever again. He regarded her closely. She looked so innocent and lifeless and all he wanted to do was gather her in his arms and never let go. He looked around the room noticing how sparse it was since he was there last, probably something to do with losing her mother.

His eyes fell on the bedside dresser and he opened the top drawer unable to help himself. The first thing his eyes fell on was what he'd been missing the past few days. Although he was upset and angry, Klaus had continued his regular pattern and opened his sketch book on the airplane to add another drawing of her from their picnic but couldn't find the original sketch to copy.

He pulled out the serviette from her drawer knowing where it had gone. Why had she kept that momento from the trip? Did it mean that she hadn't decided against him completely? It was only then that he saw his drawing from the night at the ball as well and it floored him that she'd kept it all this time.

Klaus shook his head knowing that if he thought about it too much it would drive him crazy. He placed them back in the drawer and sat next to her on the bed.

"Klaus where are you?" She murmured her eyes still firmly shut. He thought she was awake at first and had sensed his presence but realised she was delirious from the wolf bite. "I'm so sorry."

"Shhh it's okay, I'm right here love," he whispered brushing his hand across her pale face and sweeping the hair out of her eyes. Even sick she was still the most beautiful woman in the world to him.

He slowly pulled her towards him determined to do what he'd come here for. The movement awoke her and she looked at him suspiciously before a sleep smile broke out on her face.

"You're here," she sighed in relief.

"I am," he replied biting his wrist before placing it in front of her face. She pulled his arm greedily towards her and began to drink slowly. Klaus closed his eyes trying not to get excited by the exhilarating feeling of her feeding from him.

After she'd drunk enough Klaus laid her gently back on the pillow. He knew if he stayed any longer he'd get lost in her blue eyes again and it wouldn't end well. He stood up and began to walk out before he heard her raspy voice call out to him.

"Thank you." Klaus turned around briefly not trusting his voice at this moment, just nodding his head in acknowledgment before continuing on his way.

"Why did you save me after what I did?" He wanted to leave but he couldn't ignore her question. He placed his hands on the door frame collecting his thoughts then slowly turned to face her.

"You know why I saved you Caroline," he murmured unable to say the words he'd always wanted to convey to her but his pride wouldn't allow it. "It's why I always save you and why I keep watch over you even when we're apart."

She nodded and he could tell she wanted to say something but she looked so tired and weak.

"I was scared."

Klaus didn't expect that response, maybe there was a glimmer of hope after all. He desperately wanted to ask her why but knew this wasn't the time for this conversation given her current state of mind and with her friends nearby.

"Go to sleep Caroline." Her eyes closed and she fell into a deep sleep. Klaus had intended to leave straight away but he couldn't leave her, not yet anyway. She looked so peaceful and beautiful at the same time and Klaus was struggling to walk through the door.

"Uh thanks for coming," a voice said from behind breaking him from his trance.

He looked into the eyes of a concerned Stefan Salvatore. Klaus was familiar with that look; it was the same one he wore when it came to Caroline. They were both in love with the same girl and as much as Klaus wanted to hate his rival he knew they'd been friends once.

"No problem," he uttered. "She should be okay now."

"Thanks to you, it really means a lot to me that you got her so fast."

"I had some free time." He said shrugging his shoulders.

"I didn't know the King of New Orleans had any spare time," he grinned attempting to lighten the mood.

"Well I have to admit had it been anyone else I probably wouldn't have bothered."

"You've always been there for her," Stefan smiled. "She's lucky to have you."

"I'm not sure about that," he mumbled realising this conversation was getting entirely too personal for his liking. "I've got to get going."

"Of course," he agreed sending him a thankful glance before Klaus strode out of the room and to the front door. He knew once he left Stefan would swoop in and play the hero and it hurt. He loved Caroline and he'd loved her well before Stefan had professed to do the same.

Matt sent him an appreciative glance before he walked outside. Bonnie was sitting on the porch looking out over the garden. She looked up and sent him a small smile.

"I know we've never really gotten along, but thanks for doing that."

"Well it's been a tough year I hear so it's probably the least I could do," he shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing.

"You know about Caroline's mum?"

"And Elena," he acknowledged. "How did this happen anyway?"

"She was walking home from the Mystic Grille and the wolf took her by surprise and attacked her."

"Was she by herself?"

"Yes and she'd had quite a few drinks apparently so it caught her off guard and she wasn't able to get away fast enough."

"She was drinking? That doesn't sound like Caroline."

"Well she's had a tough year so it's to be expected but she's been a little weird since she got back." If Bonnie was telling the truth about her behaviour then maybe she was more affected by this than he thought.

"Where did she go?"

"Rome."

"I hear it's beautiful this time of the year," he smiled before adding. "I better be going." She nodded and stood up, then walked back inside leaving him alone.

He looked towards the sky trying to decide what to do now. She'd rejected him so all he needed to do was walk away and never come back. Something he'd promised in the woods but never had the willpower to keep.

Finding his sketches in her drawer had been a welcome surprise, it allowed him to hope that she hadn't totally given up on him. Something in her explanation had also buoyed him and he wanted to hear more. He thought she left because she regretted what they did but her confession that she was scared had lifted his spirits. Was she scared of her feelings for him? If that was true then whatever they had wasn't over.

Something in him made him stop and look at her mailbox longingly. In his frenzied and scared state to get to her Klaus had considered a last dash attempt to let her know he wasn't giving up that easily. He pulled the post card from his pocket reading over his words one last time.

Before he could think too much about it Klaus dropped it into her mailbox and strode away purposefully. If he never heard from her again he'd know there was nothing left between them and he had to finally move on.