Author's Note: Here's one more for you! What a wonderful reception this story has achieved. Due to the kind reviews coming my way, I'm feeling an ample flow to continue with it. Alas, my last story, After They Left, is on hold. Send me a word! Let me know how you're liking (or not liking) this fanfic. It's all helpful : )

P.S I don't own these characters (if only I did). Well, at least Miss Elma was born in my head.

Sunday cont'd...

KLAUS

Wavering at the edge of a risky precipice, desperately searching for words to make this better, Klaus stays too taken aback to speak. He's winded. Caroline's whimpers of heartache wound him to the point of incense. He's inclined to jump in with compulsion, forcing her anguish into extinction.

Moments ago, when Caroline was freefalling, Klaus was lost in awe by both admiration and terror, flooded with angst to trust himself with the right response. He's not sure when, but at some point, he fared to slither in her chair, positioning Caroline on his lap. She clings, allowing Klaus to draw her closer, and a thousand foreign emotions rack Klaus. They play havoc with everything he knows and everything he was, and for some reason, he fathoms things will blow up in his face.

Images of Katarina smothering her, of a vampire abusing her, of turning in a bloody hospital of all places utterly alone, enrage Klaus. It riles him that Caroline replays the scene with Carter repetitively, driving herself to continually face that night over and over by coming here.

He wants so many things; possessively embrace her, kiss her senseless, and shake her for putting herself through this. He needs to fight through the impulses and grasp what's important to her in the moment. He remembers another time, stepping in for Caroline's own good and thinks she had appreciated it then. During the Miss Mystic Nomination Ceremony, she was discouraged and frustrated with Elena, unaware she was on her way to make a scene. He knew Caroline would want to regain composure and maintain sophistication throughout the event, so Klaus slowed her down, reminding her to take it easy. Promptly, Caroline took it down a notch, not seeming to mind his cue.

"Love," he says softly, clasping the back of her slender neck in his hand for a calming squeeze. His fingers take a trip through her hair, tucking locks behind her ear. "Caroline," he tries again. "Miss Elma will surely and emphatically wring my neck between her pecan thighs if she catches you this way," he jests, a sad, half grin rising at one side of his mouth.

Caroline snivels the softest cries of mirth. Klaus reckons she's even more beautiful when she's delicate like this. He can hardly support how much he yearns any longer.

Caroline comes to life, sitting up in his lap to mop up the tears and damp mess staining her face. She giggles an appreciative, embarrassed, nervous, laugh that is so beautiful to Klaus it's heartbreaking. Caroline sets up to stand, but Klaus sorely recognizes how it always feels like something's being ripped from him when she walks away.

"Seriously, Klaus," Caroline rebukes. "She will pound you to a pulp," she says, restoring buoyancy to the mood.

Klaus beams. He had chosen the right tactic after all. He tries to focus on something less excruciating than the desire to grab and pull her face in for a ferocious kiss.

He wants William Forbes alive, so he can kill him!

"I'm just going to tidy up the kitchen, grab my things and say good-bye," she tells him. "Do you… Are you… Can you wait for me?" Caroline asks.

He smiles. "I'll be right here, sweetheart."

Klaus watches her go, exhilarated for the chance to stay with her some more, but abruptly faces what's truly at stake. He takes his phone, choosing to text so to prevent Caroline from hearing.

He types: Your daughter's fine, Sheriff Forbes. I've joined her, and it seems she did simply need a change of scenery. Matters are in my hands now and I promise she will be safe, returning home to you this evening. You have my word. I did not enlighten Caroline on the details. She deserves another day to unwind, especially now. I'm sure you agree. Ask her friends not to alarm her. Klaus

Liz: Thank you, Klaus. What excuse did you give her for showing up?

Klaus: I'm a pest and she knows it. I find it is the easiest thing for her to believe, so I'll take the worse of it. Caroline's safety is worth it.

To Steven: She's now in my care. I will delay bringing her home until tonight. I'm working on giving her a more varying scent. Continue scouting the perimeter with the Salvatores. DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO BECOME IDLE AND DISTRACTED. I will feed you each of the brothers' livers if anyone crosses into town.

Steven: We're on it. I assure you that I'm devoted to this, Klaus. Her friend Matt's on the lookout for new faces as well.

Klaus: Good. Add the quarterback to the list of organs I will feed you if any of you let them slip into town.

To Rebekah: Keep an eye on the Sheriff. I fear she's unwell. Please do this for me, Sister. I've instructed Caroline's friends to inform you on the situation. I will fight so that cure is yours if you rally round Caroline with me.

Rebekah: OK. I'm in, Nik. THANK U

To Stefan: CAROLINE'S WITH ME. ON GUARD AT ALL TIMES! DO NOT LET YOUR BROTHER FUCK THIS UP

Stefan: Tell her I say hi

To Bonnie: Notice I found her myself which was a lot faster than your location spell. Freshen up on those skills of yours, Witch. We'll require a barrier spell that works!

Bonnie: Tell Caroline to answer her phone

To Bonnie: GO STUDY

Lastly, he locates a number he put in for safekeeping a while back when he dared to hope for a second date with Caroline—a proper date. He calls, eager something can be arranged for today.

From the Author: It's short, I know. Forgive me. I work, and home is another busy, noisy place LOL I'll try uploading more sooner than later. PLEASE REVIEW.