A/N: Hi all. Thanks for all the great reviews and +alerts. AND for the constructive critisism I appreciate it as well. :) I never intended for this fic to be so long :S And I agree, it must be boring for some people since it does go over what is in the episodes but I wanted to keep it on par. However, now that we're onto Season 4, things will be changing from the plot line (which I'm greatful for), maybe not straight away, but soon. Anyway, I know this isn't popular and I don't care, but I want to finish this! No matter what. Thanks and thanks for reading and reviewing ;) Enjoy.
I've Loved You For A Thousand Years
Caroline sat in the car, gripping the steering wheel tightly, deep in thought. Her car sat outside the Salvator's boarding house. She was meant to be inside, tending to Tyler but she needed to think first.
The vampire hunter in town was troubling her. Connor had just come right inside without a care, usually ordinary hunters checked out the hang outs, seeing if anything was suspicious, but not Connor.
It reminded her of the Five. But they were dead now, thanks to Niklaus. However, he was in torment for years after that ordeal but that's what he got for not listening. In fact, that brought her to think of how Rebekah had told her that she had been in love. Caroline hadn't been around then; still hurt that they hadn't had a care for her after leaving the village, but it reminded her of that because Rebekah had later revealed whom it was she was in love with.
Alexander. One of the Five.
The five were relentless, unable to stop themselves from killing vampires. Their need to kill them overweighed their common sense and humanity.
Caroline frowned at that thought. Relentless, willing to do what was necessary, even in the house of the Mayor.
"God!" she exclaimed, exhaling deeply with frustration as she rested her forehead on the steering wheel inbetween where her hands sat.
What was she going to do? If it wasn't one thing, it was another in this town.
OOO-OOO
"Tyler!" exclaimed Caroline with worry in her eyes. She walked over to the couch where Stefan had just taken out the wooden bullets that had been lodged in Tyler's torso. He was now studying them and it was then that she frowned; recognising a symbol etched into each and every one of them.
It was their mark. This was the last thing she needed right now and it seemed the best option would be to convince them all to join forces with Niklaus to rid them of the hunter. If they didn't, things could get really bad. People would die. And she couldn't allow that, not after all the hard work she'd done to help them.
Stefan looked over at her, noticing her odd expression as her eyes focused on the bullet he was holding.
"Do you know what this is?" he asked.
Caroline came out of her reverie, snapping her gaze at him after realising he was talking to her.
"N-no," she lied, deciding to talk to Rebekah first before jumping ahead of herself. "Let me see it."
Stefan held out the bullet toward her using his tongs. She leaned down, examining it closely. Yes, it was definitely their mark. It was the symbol that was etched in their brain, they would carve it into wooden bullets and not even know how they knew what it was or how to carve it.
She leaned back after a short while. "No, I've no idea," she continued to lie as her gaze fell on Tyler and she gave a small smile. "You're lucky though. As Stefan said, they're specially carved...you're lucky to be alive. Next time, don't try and confront weirdos who knock on the door at a late hour."
She was joking, sort of, and he smiled a bit at her words until her smile faded.
"But seriously...don't," she said sternly.
Tyler nodded. "Don't worry so much, I'm a hybrid, remember?"
That didn't comfort her. It wasn't like he was invincible like Niklaus and she cared for him. Not as much as Tyler would like, but she really did.
OOO-OOO
The funeral was crappy and of course the hunter was there. She hadn't had a chance to speak to Rebekah yet since Elena had told them via text last minute that it was being held in an hour, and by 'them', she meant Tyler and herself. Elena was helping set up for the funeral so was already there. When she had gone back to the motel to change, Rebekah wasn't around. Typical.
So far, it had been revealed that Elena couldn't keep animal blood or vampire blood down and so had to feed on the poor Donovan boy. It seemed he felt so guilty and just let her do it. Of course, Damon wasn't helping his guilt since he brought up the fact he was worthless and not worth Elena's life every single moment he could.
Caroline and Tyler sat a few rows back from the others, which suited her fine. Stefan had shown his slight annoyance at the fact Tyler showed up but Caroline advised that she would kill the hunter if necessary. Stefan didn't seem too pleased or maybe he just didn't believe she would do it. And she wouldn't. But she could compell someone else to to it, because she knew what it would do to her if she did.
It was a bit boring for Caroline's taste but then it started to get interesting. Blood was dripping from the ceiling. She heard it but then she smelled it, whispering to Tyler to look straight ahead. Damon was also telling everyone it was a trap and was glad he at least wasn't a complete airhead.
Just what was Connor's play? Not absolutely everyone in town was here, surely he knew that. Therefore, there were still vampires in this town, like Rebekah, whom he wouldn't be able to kill here. So why pull a stunt like this?
Her thoughts came to an abrupt stop the moment Tyler got up after Elena's half eulogy, whom had to take April Young's place since April was nowhere to be seen.
Tyler was the first to be hit. He had began a speech about 'teamwork' and 'sacrifice' when he went down. She rushed toward him and after getting through the crowd, made it to him eventually. She pulled out the stake but her eyes were on the second level behind them, scanning the area to see if she could see Connor. And if she had the chance, she'd nip this problem in the bud before catastrophe happened.
The April girl was probably up there. She hadn't met April before but she knew it was Pastor Young's daughter and that most of them, Tyler included, had known her since primary school. And she was human.
Carol Lockwood called an ambulance and everyone was outside, having evacuated the church due to the attack. She was with Tyler but noticed that Elena was gone, forgetting Tyler for the moment.
She found Elena heading toward April to drain her. Caroline grabbed her quickly, trying to convince her that April was her friend, not a meal ticket.
OOO-OOO
Caroline had managed to settle Elena down and even got her to compell April successfully. But now she had to focus on the hunter problem.
She walked in the door to see Rebekah lounging on the bed boredly.
"Finally!" exclaimed Rebekah exasperatingly, throwing her arms up in the air dramatically.
Caroline rolled her eyes. "Look, I can see you're bored-"
"Bored? Bored?! No, bored does not begin to cover it. Where have you been?" she asked with a hint of loneliness in her voice.
Caroline dropped her keys on the beside table and sat on the edge of the bed beside Rebekah, exhaling deeply as she gathered her thoughts on what she had to say.
"I...I was with Tyler for a bit but something happened," began Caroline but suddenly Rebekah grabbed her arm forcefully, causing her to turn to glare at Rebekah.
"You have some explaining to do. Not only did you leave me here, on my own...for ages I might add to which I had to get out for fresh air for a while earlier but then came back and you still weren't here, but my brother showed up!" she exclaimed incredulously, letting go of Caroline's arm, opting instead to poke her in the arm.
Caroline frowned, ignoring Rebekah's childishness and got up to get changed. She took off her black cardigan as she asked Rebekah what had happened.
"Does he have a key? Because he walked straight in!" Rebekah said hysterically. "The reason I'm staying here, if you recall, is to be away from my brother and then I find out he comes to visit when ever he chooses?"
Caroline sat back on the bed. "Can you unzip me please?" she asked as she felt Rebekah immediately do as she asked. "Look, you don't have to worry about him, he just leaves me drawings sometimes...well, one time. And sometimes he visits to reprimand me or to argue. But he knows now I won't tolerate it, Bekah, so please don't worry."
When the zip was all the way down, she let it fall to the ground. She was glad to be rid of it and chose this dress to only be warn at such gloomy events because she hated the damn thing.
Rebekah watched her with scrutiny. "You said he left you a drawing?" she asked, trying not to sound nosy but it couldn't be helped. She had to know.
Caroline walked in her underwear over to her suit case which sat on a chair next to the bathroom door. "Yes," she said with annoyance as she pulled out various clothes to try and find her sweat pants.
Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "Interesting," she said with a smirk upon her lips.
Caroline found what she was looking for, grabbed it and began to pull them on whilst glaring at her room mate sitting on the bed. "No, not interesting Bekah. Annoying," she lied.
"What ever you say, Carolena. Don't you see you have a chance here?" asked Rebekah, folding her arms on her chest.
Caroline's expression darkened slightly at her suggestion but then she walked back over to the suit case to find a comfy shirt to wear. "Its too late-"
"No! You're being stubborn-"
"Look, we don't have time for such discussions Rebekah. I have to tell you something, I just need to find a shirt!" exclaimed Caroline in annoyance.
Rebekah rolled her eyes and made to move herself off of the bed. "You need to find pants too, we're going out," said Rebekah in a tone that said there would be no discussion.
Typical Rebekah. Always taking control and acting as though no one else's words meant a damn.
"We are not!" said Caroline defiantly.
"Put something decent on...preferably something that isn't last season. We can talk at the grill, no?" said Rebekah haughtily.
Caroline grumbled for a while but eventually acquisced to Rebekah's wish.
OOO-OOO
"That's still last season," said Rebekah as they walked toward the doors of the Mystic Grill.
"And this is me caring," sang Caroline, ignoring her friend's obvious shallowness.
"But, you do look nice," she said with a small smile. "Now, lets get a drink and talk about what ever thing you wanted to talk about."
Caroline rolled her eyes. She really didn't have time for this but a drink would be nice.
The two women walked into the Grill. They both wore nice skinny jeans. Rebekah's were a dark denim colour and Caroline's were black. As always. Rebekah wore a simple sleeveless top with sequins and Caroline wore a black 'v' cut blouse. They had always had different tastes in clothing but the same taste in brands, it was a tragic friendship really.
They sat at the bar, ordering drinks straight away.
Rebekah scanned the bar staff for a sign of the Donovan boy. Caroline sighed. So that was why Rebekah wanted to go out.
"Look, will you listen and stop trying to cop a perve on the human," she said knowingly, causing Rebekah to glare at her.
"Well, just because you and my brother are dancing around each other, doesn't mean I can't get what I want," said Rebekah snappily as she took a sip from her straw.
Caroline looked at Rebekah with a raised eyebrow. "I'm going to ignore that comment for now and will go on with what I was going to tell you, which by the way, is urgent. But I will certainly be bringing it up later," said Caroline evenly as she took a large sip from her bourbon.
"Fine. What is it that has your knickers in a knot?" asked Rebekah but her eyes never left the end of the bar where Matt was talking to the Gilbert Boy.
Caroline sighed, thinking of how to start. "The Five."
Rebekah spat out her drink from utter shock, narrowing her eyes dangerously at Caroline.
"Impossible...here?" she whispered incredulously, trying not to draw attention to their conversation.
Meanwhile, a man at the bar drank his whiskey and had just asked Matt where he got the injury on his neck.
"Nice ink," said Jeremy as Matt and himself left the Grill, not even noticing the two blonde beauties on the other side of the room.
Back with Rebekah and Caroline, she had just explained what had happened late last night. And then at the funeral.
Caroline watched as Rebekah downed the last of her drink with worry in her eyes. She hailed the barman to get them two more and then focused her frightened gaze upon Caroline.
"We have to leave-"
"I can't, Rebekah. I have to protect Elena-" interjected Caroline, but Rebekah angrily did the same to her.
"Oh! Its always bloody Elena. If its not you, its Nik! Well I'm sick of it! What if you die, Lena?" she asked desperately but Caroline shook her head.
"Then I die but it won't happen if I can help it," said Caroline reassuringly as she also took the last gulp of her drink and began to start on the fresh one that was just sat next to her on the bar.
Caroline crossed a leg over the other, copying Rebekah's position, and fiddled with the straw of her drink.
"Don't you see Carolena? The Petrova's are the cause of all this stupid nonsense! They have a spell on them that makes people forget they have a brain. You and Nik deserve each other, after all, you have the same goals anyway," spat Rebekah at the end of her comment as she quietly sipped on her drink afterward.
Caroline took a deep breath, not taking it to heart what she was saying because she knew Rebekah always did this. When she was hurt, she would lash out at people and that was exactly what was happening now.
"Bekah, please just listen. We can just get rid of the hunter," she suggested with a shrug.
Rebekah scoffed. "Yes. And while we're at it, why don't we kill ourselves, do ourselves a favour. It will be a much better fate than killing a member of the Five," said Rebekah sarcastically.
Caroline sighed. "No. What I mean is, we could compell someone to do it. Poison his drink, set a trap in his...ah, place or wherever he sleeps. You get my drift," explained Caroline as Rebekah's mind began to think over the proposition.
Rebekah frowned, turning her head straight ahead before giving a side glance at Caroline with disbelief. "Would it work though? Shouldn't we ask Nik about such things?" asked Rebekah, thinking it entirely odd that the two of them were discussing how to kill someone.
"Niklaus? Seriously?! I thought you weren't talking to him after what he did," said Caroline but couldn't help but think she was right.
"I'm not. But yes, I am being quite serious and this is something he would normally deal with. We're just...well, we're just us," she said dumbly, trying to think of an excuse. This was too big for them, right? If this were a movie, they were more like extras. Not the main stars. They helped when needed but they weren't fighters.
Sure, Rebekah was an original and could kill when she was pushed to do so but she wasn't the one with the plan and usually didn't even care about Klaus' goals unless it affected her. And Caroline? Well she was a good planner and she had helped a great deal over the last year but could she really kill a hunter? And one of the Five no less?
But perhaps the both of them, by combining their skills, could effectively end this threat before it began. What would Niklaus do? And there was the little rumour of the Five being the key to some sort of cure. It was a hard decision.
Rebekah didn't want to ever speak to her brother again, not after what he'd said and done. But the Five were something to fear and she would rather not die.
"I think we should speak to Niklaus," said Rebekah finally.
Caroline groaned and gulped down her drink in frustration. "I don't-"
"Oh, please! You just don't want to speak with him because you're in denial!" exclaimed Rebekah shrilly.
"Neither do you and let me remind you, he sort of disowned you!" snapped Caroline in annoyance, her blue orbs glaring over at Rebekah.
Both girls sighed at the same time. They were both right and yet, they knew that they should tell him, if he didn't already know that is.
"You know, I always go to Niklaus to tell him about everything that's happening. I told him there was a super hunter in town and to be careful already, I just didn't know it was one of the Five then. But this time, I think we can handle this and besides, he's an idiot and deserves to be left out of the loop," said Caroline defiantly.
Rebekah pursed her lips but reluctantly agreed. "Fine. And I agree. But there is the little issue of the rumour of a cure," said Rebekah thoughtfully, wondering if it was wise to kill the hunter.
Caroline nodded. "I had heard that but how can we be sure?"
Rebekah smirked as an idea popped into her head. "Lets capture him, its the only way," suggested Rebekah with renewed excitement and a sparkle in her eyes.
Caroline raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?! How are we supposed to do that on our own?" she asked, knowing that would be above their capabilities.
Rebekah's jaw tightened as what she was about to say was going to hurt. "We'll have to bring the Salvator's in the loop...and Elena," she said with obvious distaste.
Caroline nodded, it was logical but wasn't sure if they could handle it, but what choice did they have? Connor knew that Tyler was a vampire, eventually he'd work out that Elena was too.
"Alright. Now, lets drink," she said with a satisfied smile at the fact they had some sort of plan of action.
Rebekah ordered them some shots.
OOO-OOO
She received a text about a private memorial and so left Rebekah to her own devices. Sure, she felt slightly guilty but it seemed Rebekah had found her own entertainment at the bar.
She sat on the bench, listening to the others let go of their loved ones they had lost. It was sad that those so young would have so much loss already.
They were children and yet, they had so much responsibility and hardships they have had to deal with.
Elena's gaze fell on Caroline after she let her lantern go, causing all her friends to look upon her. She hadn't even realised she had been shedding tears when she looked up and Elena held a pitiful look upon her face toward her.
"Caroline?" asked Elena, handing her a lantern.
Caroline got up, holding it with a frown upon her face. Elena held the lighter, waiting for her to say the person's name she wished to have her memorial for.
"For Niklaus, Finn, Heinrick, Rebekah, Kol, Elijah and myself," she said sadly. She could see those names seemed to disturb most of Elena's friends, since they loathed the Original family.
But they had died a thousand years ago and no one had mourned for them. No one.
"For we died over a thousand years ago and no one noticed," said Caroline, blinking away her tears. It actually felt good to do this. And so she ventured further into her psyche, realising that perhaps this was the time to let go of Tatia too.
Everyone watched her with interest as they had seemingly forgotten just how old Caroline was. She had been human before and so, had also lost people.
"And for...Tatia." Please, please forgive me.
Elena unknowingly inhaled at the mention of her ancestor's name. She had forgotten that they had been friends a long time ago and to think that Caroline had been holding onto her for this long, made her feel great pity for the woman in front of her. She placed a hand on Caroline's arm comfortingly with a reassuring smile upon her face, despite the sorrowful occasion.
She lit the lantern for Caroline as she let go of it.
It flew into the air and so did Caroline's guilt, well, most of it anyway. But somehow, she didn't think it would last.
OOO-OOO
She stared at the girl, confused.
"And you are?" asked Caroline with a raised eyebrow.
"Hayley," smiled the girl.
God, who else was going to arrive in this stupid little town? This Hayley girl knew Tyler, they were great friends apparently. Caroline suspected more, but kept it to herself. Would she even be hurt if he had slept with this wolf girl in the Appalacian Mountains?
But she couldn't worry about that now. Rebekah had stirred up the pot at school by tempting Elena with blood - a stunt in which she would be sternly talking to her later about. However, not only was she having issues with her friends but it seemed that she was also having troubles with her 'sort of boyfriend' too.
Hayley looked at Caroline with an odd expression, was she sizing her up? What had Tyler told Hayley about her?
"Caroline. So you're friends with Tyler?" asked Caroline curiously.
Hayley nodded with a mischevious look in her eye.
Suddenly Tyler came into the room. "Caroline-"
"Its okay," smiled Caroline as she rested her bottom on the top of the couch in the living area.
Tyler had planned to meet Caroline at the door so she didn't suspect anything but it seemed she was faster than anticipated. Well, she was a thousand years old, so he supposed that did count for something.
Caroline's eyes focused on a figure down the hall. It was a young man she'd never seen before which meant one thing. It was a hybrid. Tyler could see her mind connect the dots and walked over, grabbing her shoulders.
"Look, the thing is Klaus has offered me protection against-"
"I know. I can see that! But don't you understand? This isn't some regular hunter, Tyler!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air as she walked over to the hall to observe the young man whom had been trying to hide.
Tyler frowned. "Do you know something?" he asked. "Who is he?"
Caroline opened her mouth to reply but remembered the unwanted presence in the room. Her blue orbs assessed Hayley and decided not to say anything about it.
"I've no clue," she lied, turning her gaze from the stranger to Tyler again. He stood beside her now, wanting to take her to bed but knowing he couldn't with all the company.
Plus, Hayley was here.
"He's here isn't he?" she asked quietly as her eyes followed the hall, to see what was beyond the hybrid but she couldn't see anything.
Tyler sighed. "Yes, but only temporarily!" he said, raising his voice louder as Caroline began to protest at how stupid he was for accepting his help.
The blonde huffed in annoyance, snapping her head to the side to glare at Hayley. Her soft blonde curls bounced with the swift movement and her eyes became curious. She stood in the middle of the vast lounge room with her arms crossed over her chest.
"So, its sort of a funny time for friends to visit, don't you think?" asked Caroline pointedly as she looked back toward Tyler.
He didn't seem to like the insinuation. "She helped me break my sire bond, Care. She's not here to hurt anyone, right Hayley?" he said confidently but asking for Hayley's confirmation.
The brunette girl smiled, sauntering toward Caroline with an equal curious look upon her face. "Yeah, Ty. That's right."
Caroline narrowed her eyes in disbelief, thinking that if she ripped the girl's throat out, she would regret it later. Why she had thought that was beyond her...she wasn't jealous. No. She wasn't. What right did she have to be jealous even if she was?
She didn't love Tyler.
"Fine. But just remember, sweetie, I'm a thousand years old. I'll rip your throat out if you so much as breath funny," said Caroline with a sweet smile upon her face.
Okay, she was childish, so what?
Tyler inhaled sharply at her threat, causing Hayley to visibly pale. "I don't do teen drama," said Hayley as she finally got the nerve to retort. She then walked off into another room.
"Did you need to do that, Care?" asked Tyler with disappointment clearly in his tone.
Caroline sighed. "No. And yes, it was childish, but I always have been I suppose. Just tell me, what is Klaus doing here exactly?"
Tyler frowned and then his expression changed to that of anger. "Why do you always have to bring him up?" he snapped, clenching his fists at his side.
Caroline shook her head, opening her mouth to try and explain what she meant.
"Don't make excuses! Look, I have stuff to deal with," said Tyler, clearly upset as he walked away, following Hayley to the other room.
"I just...I don't want him to control you," she said softly, bowing her head in guilt. "I worry about you. I care about you."
Did she always bring Niklaus up in conversation? Surely she didn't. Not when she was with Tyler.
She didn't know why she was speaking to herself in a large empty room, but it made her feel better. Because that's what she had wanted to say to his face, but he didn't give her a chance to say it.
Klaus, of course, had heard every word, until he noticed the front door close and her presence left the mansion. He slammed his glass onto the desk where his legs rested, one on top of the other, and angrily stared at the wall opposite with his arms folded over his chest.
He hated that Caroline cared for his hybrid. Why was she being so stubborn? She didn't really care for Tyler, how could she? He refused to believe it.
Was this a stab at him for not knowing her feelings all this time? Well, he was going to show her that he didn't care because he wouldn't play her silly games. Not anymore.
Klaus heard his hybrid coming toward the study and he readied his smirk and witty comments. Because he had met his little wolf friend today and that gave him comfort.
It was his opportunity; his chance to drive a wedge between him and Caroline. He would make her see that Tyler was just like everyone else; untrustworthy. That she couldn't pretend to move on with a boy who would only betray her in the end.
But to do that, he would have to let her find out for herself. It would hurt her, oh yes it would, but it was worth it. He had done it before but it was the only way for Caroline to truly understand that he was the only one she could depend on. Him.
"Why?" she asked quietly, her breathing rapid. She ignored the presence of Niklaus and simply stared at the person she had come to know as her lover.
Klaus stared at her curiously from where he leaned his back against the wall, observing the scene before him. It had been invevitable and perhaps he could have just killed the boy but then how would Carolena learn? He had tried to keep suitors away from her in the village tactfully, never wanting anyone to hurt her but after turning into a vampire he realised that you couldn't teach people anything, until they had experienced the betrayal first hand.
"Because you're a witch. You don't have the sickness even though I saw you help that peasant girl who had the plague," explained the man.
Carolena felt ill inside. Don Gerard, a rich entrepreneur whom held residence in the town she had been passing through, had loved her. She hadn't wanted anything to do with him at first, but after having a small chat with him because he spotted her travelling alone toward their town, she had immediately been intrigued. He had seemed so kind, honest and genuinely cared for her safety that day, that she had gotten to know him quite well. Eventually, she found herself almost in love. Almost.
But then the plague hit the town in a big way and she knew it was almost time to leave.
And it just so happened that Klaus had been in town and so Caroline had automatically assumed it was because of Rebekah. But she had recently been spending time with Rebekah since it seemed the Originals were only an hour away from her location in the country side in some manor there, so Caroline knew it had been Rebekah whom had mentioned to Niklaus about her 'love interest'.
"I-I didn't-"
"Enough of your lies! Klaus here was the one to show me your deception! I've already sent word to the church, they will be here shortly," he spat, his brown orbs focusing on her with disgust.
Carolena felt betrayed, Niklaus could see it in her eyes. He could deal with her resentment toward him for doing this, but, at least he knew now that he had been right. This Don Gerard was a pathetic, untrustworthy dog and he would have only hurt Carolena in the end.
Her eyes moved from Don to Niklaus.
"You...you did this!" she exclaimed, pointing toward him angrily as tears began to fall down her cheeks. "You couldn't leave things alone, could you Niklaus?"
Niklaus sighed, pushing off from the wall and walked toward her. "I'm trying to teach you-"
"I don't need you to teach me anything you brute! You may not trust anyone, but I have faith in humanity. You have no right-" she began, but Niklaus interrupted her.
"He would have betrayed you sooner or later and besides, the church would have caught onto you eventually, Carolena. How foolish can you be to stick around in a place like this for as long as you have?!" he exclaimed incredulously, his eyes furious at her actions.
Carolena shook her head angrily, her blonde curls flying about as they began to come loose from her tight bun. "I was going to leave...I just...I really liked him," she said dejectedly, her face sullen.
Niklaus looked upon his long time friend, ignoring Don's astonishment at the way he spoke to Carolena as if they had known each other for a long time, and smiled knowingly. His blue orbs glinted in the light of the torches which lit the street as they were focused soley on Carolena with pity.
As soon as Rebekah had mentioned that Carolena had been staying in some pony town in the middle of the plague situation, he knew he had to do something about it. He wouldn't let her burn at the stake for some idiot human. No matter what his feelings were of distrust, he still cared about her. And even though they had a schedule and were about to travel elsewhere as he'd heard word of the doppleganger, he would do this one thing before he left.
He had observed them for a while, watching them walk romantically on Don's property since it seemed to be a safe place where no disease could get to them, watching them kiss and laugh together. The way she smiled around the human made him sick, couldn't she see it was a fruitless endeavour? She would just have to leave eventually, why prolong the inevitable?
He'd heard the townspeople already say that she was odd and it was a miracle that she had not yet got the plague as it was hitting them like wildfire. Don was unlikely to get the disease at the moment as he was an upper class citizen, he stayed mostly in the safety of his home and hired people to deliver his goods, which was something that he was advised to do a month ago. It was two weeks after he'd met Caroline that he stopped delivering his goods outside of town.
Carolena however, had a room at the tavern.
And so he decided enough was enough and when Carolena had come across a woman lying on the road struck with pain from the plague on her way back from seeing Rebekah, she helped her. But Niklaus had deliberately placed her there after he had befriended Don and told him to meet him outside of town. However, it was Don's humanity that caused the reaction he had now. Not Niklaus' interference. And that is what Klaus believed. He'd done nothing wrong, he was only trying to show Carolena that she couldn't trust people. Only him.
"You should leave. They will be here soon," said Niklaus finally.
Carolena snapped her gaze up at him. "Why did you do this?" she asked softly, bringing her hands up to her face to wipe her tears away.
"Because you never learn. Love is for the weak and we are not weak! We are creatures of the night and we are above them," said Klaus, raising his voice as he grabbed Don whom was next to him, throwing him to the ground in front of him.
Don gasped in pain as he hit the ground, looking up at Carolena as if she were a monster. He looked so frail now, broken. She knew what she had to do but she hated that Niklaus had made her realise this in such a crude, heartless way.
"Maybe so, but without them, we cannot live," she said sadly as she bent down. She reached toward Don but he hit her hand away aggressively with fear in his eyes.
"W-what are you?!" he exclaimed as her eyes turned black.
She got up and walked over to him until she was standing right behind him. Don was getting to his feet now as he pulled out his human weapon, pointing it at her. She recalled the humans called it a gun.
Klaus watched her as a smirk etched upon his lips slowly.
"D-don't come any closer, witch!" he exclaimed before Carolena ripped the gun from his hand with a speed he couldn't even register with his eyes. The gun fell with a clang to the stone ground.
His eyes widened as he felt something puncture his neck painfully. Carolena was drinking from him, which usually gave her pleasure at feeling her hunger being sated, but not this time. The tears fell down her cheeks and dampened Don's shoulder, but her eyes were upon Niklaus whom stared at her with that smirk that she wished she could hate, but didn't.
Finally she pulled her fangs out of his neck, licking her lips with shame but pleasure at the same time. It was sick really. As her black eyes turned their usual blue colour, she let Don fall to the ground with a thud.
He was dead. She heard Niklaus clap and her eyes found his, which were sparkling with a playfulness she feared.
"Well done. I thought I would have had to do it, but it seems you're just as twisted as I," he said, his eyes lingering on the state of her.
She had blood dripping down her chin and onto her tunic, it was beautiful. She was nothing short of beautiful and if he'd known this side of Carolena, he would have asked her to join them long ago. Maybe that was stretching it, but, he did miss her at times.
"I could have loved him, but I didn't. I cared for him though, why can't you see that we cannot possibly survive without someone to spend eternity with?!" she shrieked suddenly, taking a step toward him as she motioned toward Don's lifeless body.
Niklaus narrowed his eyes. "Survive? I have survived because I don't have weakness! You would have died, they would have burned you! All because of some worthless human," he spat, striding toward her to shake some sense into her foolish behaviour and declarations.
He grabbed her shoulders tightly, glaring down into her tear filled eyes. She was shaking, sobbing and maybe he felt a little bad for how he had shown her that she couldn't trust Don, but now she knew.
"I could have turned him-"
"And you would be a fool. But you always have been," he said quietly, looking away, realising that everytime he saw Carolena, she brought out those memories.
Memories that he constantly tried to suppress, which is why he avoided her all the time. But here he was, with Carolena, teaching her a lesson; forgetting his vow to rid himself of her.
"No, you just always think that your way is the only way. Your weakness is yourself, not people," she said softly.
She accepted what he said was right, it was stupid of her to have stayed so long for Don in this town. But she could see now that there was still something in Niklaus to save because he still cared. He cared enough to come here to prove a point.
She had gone around in this world for nearly four hundred years, wondering what to do, how to get Niklaus to see that she loved him. However, she knew that was being selfish and it was just now that she realised she had to help him. She had forgotten about her goal for a moment, being involved with Don had done that. Ending his life had shown her though that it was possible to forget him.
So what would she do? She would still help Niklaus. She would try everything to make him see that love was not a weakness; it was a strength.
He had let go of her and she had fled without another word, the guilt of killing a human still fresh on her mind.
As he made his way back to the manor, his thoughts were soley on the woman he had tried to help and knew it was a mistake to have done so. He hated her words, they were always honest and he hated it. What right did she have to say such things? She gave him every reason to make him want to cast her from his life without a care but he could never do it.
When Tyler came into the room, it brought Klaus out of his reverie, and he was sort of glad for that.
OOO-OOO
An anti-curfew party. What a joke, just what was Rebekah thinking?
With everything that was going on, she was going to risk it? Not only that, but Connor had stolen some of Tyler's werewolf venom. Who was he going to use it on? Caroline just hoped that Klaus was around when he decided to use it.
Currently, she was sitting in the motel room trying to convince Rebekah to not have this stupid adolescent party but was having no luck. At the same time, she was texting Tyler but he seemed to be not responding.
She had only found out about his 'visitor' at the hospital from Stefan. What would it take for her to have a healthy, normal relationship for once? One where everything just went smoothly and she was in love and...
But her thoughts always ended up on him. She wished she could just erase Klaus from her mind, why couldn't she just love Tyler? It's all she ever wanted but Niklaus seemed to only be happy in destroying that.
Why couldn't she love anyone else?
Caroline blinked, realising she'd gone back to thinking of Niklaus again.
Relationship. Tyler, she thought, trying to think soley of the person she should be thinking about.
"I'm not changing my mind, Carolena," said Rebekah firmly in an annoyed tone, using Caroline's real name which usually meant Rebekah was annoyed.
"Elena...why did you antagonise her today?" asked Caroline, trying to remain neutral. She didn't want to get in the middle.
Rebekah stopped her packing. She was moving to the house she hired out for the day for the party and was packing the necessities, including her dress. But when she felt jealousy stab her in the chest like a dagger, she snapped her gaze over to Caroline.
"Are you taking her side?" accused Rebekah with a dangerous tone.
Caroline sighed from her position on the bed and shook her head. "No, but it was uncalled for. You can't hate her forever-"
"And you can't do this to me! Not again!" yelled Rebekah furiously as she grabbed a few things, throwing them into her suit case without a care. She then pulled the lid down and zipped it up.
She didn't know where this was coming from or what Rebekah was even talking about but she could clearly see it was bringing tears to the Original's eyes. It was an odd sight to see, after so long of Rebekah pretending to be tough; pretending to be everything her title of an Original held. Because she was feared and was thought to be ruthless, cold and dettached.
But Caroline knew she was everything but all that. Rebekah Mikaelson was still a woman. A teenage woman. She could be hurt, feel betrayal, feel jealousy and feel love, just like everyone else.
"Rebekah, I don't know what you're talking about," reasoned Caroline, getting off the bed to walk over to her friend.
Caroline placed a hand on her shoulder as Rebekah stood facing her with her head bowed to the floor, deep in thought. But as soon as Caroline touched her, she threw the hand away, her blue orbs glossy with unshed tears.
"You always took Tatia's side, always! And if not Tatia's then Nik's. Its pathetic! It's like history repeating itself, I'll not have it!" screamed Rebekah, letting everything that had happened lately, finally register.
Caroline looked her, wondering if she were simply lashing out at her because of Niklaus.
"Its not like that, Bekah. Elena didn't do anything. You killed her, remember? Of course she doesn't like you and yes, she daggered you but I think you and I know that's not why you hate her," said Caroline sternly, crossing her arms over her chest.
Rebekah narrowed her eyes at her as she took in Caroline's words. "Don't presume to know-"
"I don't presume Rebekah! I know! It all comes back to Stefan, doesn't it?" accused Caroline in disbelief.
The uppity blonde turned away from Caroline and grabbed her suitcase and makeup bag from behind her which sat on the vanity. She didn't want to talk about it, clearly, but Caroline had other plans.
"I wasn't taking sides Bekah. I've always tried not to take sides, but you make it very hard. You always want me to choose, but I can't," said Caroline as she placed her hands at her sides, taking a deep breath.
Everything was so hard and sometimes she felt like she couldn't win with anyone.
"Well that's the problem isn't it? You never choose me. Its always those Petrova scrumpets, well, guess what? Tatia is DEAD!" said Rebekah, her voice rising at the end of her statement as she dropped her bags in her sudden flare of rage. She disappeared and reappeared in front of Caroline.
Caroline's eyes widened as she was pushed backwards roughly. She fell to the ground with a gasp of pain as her head hit the hard floor of the motel room. She looked up as tears of pain began to form in her eyes. Physically, she was in pain but she didn't care right now, focusing soley on the way Rebekah spoke, it was as if she had been holding a grudge against all the Petrova dopplegangers for as long as she herself had loved Niklaus.
"Rebekah-" began Caroline with pity in her eyes.
"Why are they always so important to everyone! Why can't anyone choose me?! I tried so hard to do everything Nik asked of me, I was loyal! And what did he do? He threw me to the curb like bloody rubbish because of the doppleganger. Elijah and Niklaus grew estranged and in turn, they grew estranged from me as well because of Tatia...and you even defended her like she was some goddess! You were my only friend and sometimes, you still are," yelled Rebekah as she grew quiet with reminiscence. "And still, you defend her descendant when I need you to be loyal to me."
Caroline shook her head as she got to her feet, rubbing the dust off the back of her jeans, thinking about how similar Rebekah was to Niklaus. "You're wrong. Perhaps Elijah and Niklaus grew apart and yes, in so doing, they also alienated you. I never took her side and I'm not taking Elena's side. I hated that she daggered you but it was Niklaus that kept you that way! I came to see him that day, begging him to let you live your life and that you did not belong in a box, but he wouldn't listen-"
"Oh save your bloody lies Carolena!" said Rebekah, shaking her head madly, racing for the door with her suitcase and makeup bag in hand once again.
She opened the front door but stopped at the threshold for a moment, however, didn't turn back to look at Caroline.
"We're more alike than I care to admit. I've held onto something for over a thousand years too, Lena. My hatred for that girl. And yes, you're right. We're broken and we can't be mended." Oh yes, I'm beyond repair. "I'm petty and selfish, I know that. But if you choose her, then, you choose her. And if you do, I'll forever hate you."
Caroline watched the doorway, her eyes wide, realising that Rebekah was gone and had just given her an ultimatum. It was her or Elena. But that was Rebekah. She hated all other women, except her, because she was always threatened by others and thought them only to be competition. Rebekah had always been insecure, loved too easily and was sensitive. If you slighted her, she'd never forget it. And those qualities only heightened since turning into a vampire.
Just like Niklaus.
How had things spiralled to this mayhem in such a short time? She had only meant to convince Rebekah about not having this party, how could she have not realised that bringing up Elena would worsen Rebekah's already hurt feelings?
Rebekah was irrational, always had been. But now she had been scorned and hurt by someone close to her. She'd seen it when she came back to the motel but now she knew for sure.
Rebekah was unhinged. But weren't they all?
OOO-OOO
Caroline quietly got ready for the party, deciding she would have to attend to keep everyone from killing each other since she recieved a text from Stefan that Elena was attending.
She'd already been liaising with him about the fact she tried to convince Rebekah not to do this while Connor was here but had failed. Again.
She was just putting the finishing touches on her makeup as she thought of Tyler and that wolf girl Hayley. What was her purpose here? How well did she know Tyler? And then those pesky feelings came up again. Jealousy. She knew it was stupid because she had no right to really be jealous, after all, she still loved Niklaus. But the feeling was there nonetheless.
She pushed it away, choosing not to think about it.
Caroline looked at herself in the mirror, after putting on a tight black mini-dress and black wedges. Her blue orbs observed her form in the vanity mirror as her brow crinkled in disapproval.
Why couldn't she look better?
Caroline shook her head, shaking the insecure thoughts out of her head. What was she? Fifty? She was embarrassed by her own childish thoughts, what was wrong with her today?
She took one last look in the mirror. It would have to do for now, she was late.
OOO-OOO
"Damon," said Caroline curtly with a half smile.
He raised an eyebrow whilst leaning on the adjar door, trying to work out why the a thousand year old barbie vampire would want to visit when she knew that neither Stefan or Elena were there.
"Barbie, you know Elena's-"
"Shut up. He's one of the Five," interrupted Caroline impatiently. She wanted to get to that damned party but she knew that Damon would be her best option to erradicate the Connor problem.
Damon's eyes widened. "You mean-"
"Connor yes. Look, I don't have much time...we have to get rid of him and quickly. You don't want a hunter like that in town, they are trouble. The worst. I don't care what we have to do, but I can't risk him roaming around, especially with Elena being a baby vampire...I can't let anything happen to her," said Caroline seriously.
Damon faltered for a moment, realising that Caroline really did have Elena's best interests at heart. It was something he could admire since he was in the same business.
"I get what you're saying but what is the Five?" asked Damon with a frown, pulling the door open wider so they could converse better.
Caroline sighed. "I don't have time to explain. What I'm saying is, I think you and I should kill him," said Caroline, getting straight to the point. "As you know, he took some of Tyler's venom which is usually a bad sign."
She crossed her arms over her chest in an authoritive stance as she glared up at Damon. He took in what she was saying, realising that she wanted to work with him on this.
"But he's human. I thought you were against that," he said skeptically, narrowing his eyes with suspicion.
Caroline rolled her eyes. "He's not...not really. So beside the point, but anyway. Do you agree? Will you help me dispose of him?" she asked exasperatingly.
Damon glared back at her before conceding. "Fine. Lets talk."
OOO-OOO
Caroline texted Rebekah, she wouldn't make the party. She apologized for their arguement and asked that she meet her later that night.
"You're trapped, if you didn't notice," said Caroline, glaring down at Connor whom was bleeding in front of her with arrows lodged in both his arms.
"Wow, you really got duped big time," said Damon smirking sarcastically as he came around the corner from behind a shelf.
Caroline rolled her eyes as he came to stop beside her.
She really wondered how Damon survived in the world with the way he always mocked everyone and everything. He asked Connor questions to which he didn't answer, she surmised it may have been his attitude whilst questioning, but maybe that was just her.
They weren't going to get answers from him here, even with the prospect of being blown to bits with the claymore explosives which were on the ends of the string tied to the arrows. It would take torture, if anything, and that wasn't going to happen here.
Caroline checked her phone, seeing that she got a message from Rebekah. She was recovering from werewolf venom, it seemed, but even still, she was on her way to help. Things were about to get ugly.
Damon had been so busy with his questions that he didn't notice the way Connor's hands moved toward the strings tied to the claymores. She was about to advise Connor against it, when an unwanted presence arrived.
"I see the party has begun without me," said his suave-annoying voice. He came out from behind the shelves and stood in between Damon and Caroline.
She refused to even look at him but Klaus had no qualms at looking at her.
"Thought you'd be a hero, love?" he asked.
"Oh bite me, Niklaus. I am here for Elena, that's all," she huffed.
She knew how Klaus' mind worked, he was here for his own self preservation and for Elena too - his precious doppleganger.
"Am I supposed to be scared? You kill me and another one will be lined up ready to go," spat Connor as he looked up at Klaus, the new arrival.
"Just tell us who the big bad is," coaxed Damon. "And we'll let you go."
Caroline frowned and snapped her gaze over at Damon. 'Seriously?!' she mouthed at him and pointed subtly toward Klaus and in turn he winked. Well, at least some things never changed. He was still a liar and betrayed people left right and centre.
But she knew it was all for Elena in the end, so she couldn't really fault him on that.
Damon continued to interrogate the hunter, but it soon got old for Caroline and even contemplated sitting on the floor but knowing that it would be a bad idea, considering the claymores could blow if Connor felt suicidal at some point. Which was sooner than she thought, ironically.
She saw the way Klaus had been intrigued by Connor and just knew that he'd figured it out; that he was one of the Five. So when she observed that Connor was about to blow them all to hell, she ran forward, knocking Klaus far away from the blast radius and grabbed Connor.
In a matter of seconds they were in the parking lot but so was Klaus. He was pissed...not suprising really.
"Come on now, love. Don't do something you'll regret," he said evenly, clearly not joking.
Caroline felt Connor begin to struggle in her vice like grip, so elbowed him in the face, knocking him out cold. As he fell to the ground she looked over at Klaus whom looked absolutely livid.
"I'm taking him with me," she said with finality, her eyes penetrating his own.
"You and what army, sweetheart? If you haven't noticed, you're a mere vampire. You're not a hybrid and not an Original. I'm stronger than you," he said menacingly, advancing forward when suddenly he was knocked backward and slid on his back a few metres.
He looked up to see Rebekah throwing Connor into the backseat of Caroline's car. The two blondes glanced over at Klaus. One of them smirking, which was of course Rebekah, the other frowning. He couldn't tell what she was thinking, only that he had been less than above reproach yet again. But this wasn't about them, it was about the Five.
"You've no idea what you're getting yourself into, Caroline," snapped Klaus as he got to his feet quickly, walking back over to where he had been previously standing.
Rebekah rolled her eyes and walked over to the passenger seat, awaiting Caroline to take her place behind the wheel. Caroline moved to the car door and opened it. She glanced at Klaus.
"I may be weak, Klaus, but I'm not stupid. He's one of the Five. But I can't risk him being allowed to live any longer. Elena is at stake, Rebekah is at stake...we all are and I can't have that. You have your cards held closely to your chest as usual and that's a risk to me because I'll never know what you'll do. So I can't let you take him because there's a chance you'll let him live if it benefits you," she said in a clipped tone before getting into the drivers seat.
Klaus narrowed his eyes as he let Caroline speed off, away from him. How dare she? She'd spent far too long in her comfort zone, believing that he wouldn't hurt her for anything she may do to him.
He would retrieve Connor from them, oh yes, he would. Why couldn't she just side with him for once? She was making it harder than it had to be. He just wished he could do what he knew he had to...but knew he couldn't. Because that would mean Caroline would have to die.
And he couldn't help but notice that she'd called him Klaus. It was as if she was letting her past go and that included him.
Well, that wasn't happening. He'd make damn sure it wouldn't.
OOO-OOO
Rebekah and Caroline restrained Connor back at the Mikaelson manor. It had been a quiet drive and Caroline just now, realised Rebekah was still recovering.
She'd asked Rebekah why here of all places to which she explained that it would be the last place Klaus would look. And Caroline believed her.
"Are you okay?" asked Caroline as she sat in a nearby chair, across from the unconscious Connor.
Rebekah sat beside her and nodded. "I'm invincible Lena, I'll be fine," said Rebekah, clearly exhausted. She leaned back in the chair, seemingly finding no comfort in it whatsoever.
"I'm sorry. About earlier and about the venom. I'd had no idea he'd use it at your party," said Caroline apologetically, feeling the guilt from being absent. She glanced over at Rebekah, noticing an odd look upon her face. "What?"
"No, Lena. I'm sorry," said Rebekah genuinely, sitting up suddenly, her eyes focused on something across the room.
Caroline looked over and her eyes widened. She shot up from her chair and snapped an angered gaze down at Rebekah.
"Y-you betrayed me," said Caroline in disbelief as tears prickled at the corners of her eyes.
"I had to Caroline...I'm sorry. You don't know what they are-who they are! Only Nik can help us," said Rebekah quietly.
"I thought we were going to handle this ourselves," said Caroline in confusion. "Why the theatrics in the parking lot?"
"Because I wanted to do this...just us, but then I realised on the car ride over here that Niklaus would know what to do. I may despise him but its the only way," said Rebekah, her blue orbs finally meeting Caroline's.
Caroline shook her head and finally looked over at Klaus whom was now closer, his lips upturned into a smirk, knowing that he had won.
"Don't blame her love, you know what she says is true," he said, his eyes meeting hers as he moved closer toward them.
She couldn't believe that Rebekah would do this...who could she truly trust in this town? And that was when she realised.
I can only trust myself, she thought bitterly. It was poetic really because Klaus' outlook on life was exactly that. Trusting only himself. And to think all this time she had believed otherwise.
"Just...stay and we'll-" began Rebekah, almost pleadingly.
Caroline's jaw tightened as she desperately held in her tears. She wouldn't let them see her cry, not now. The feeling of betrayal consuming her.
"No. You couldn't trust me...none of you could. You didn't think I knew that he has a tattoo and that once it finishes it may lead to a cure? You think I didn't know that once you kill a hunter, you are consumed with vivid hallucinations in a last attempt to kill you? I did my research, I had it handled, but alas I'm betrayed yet again," said Caroline angrily as she stormed past Klaus and toward the archway, leading to the exit.
Rebekah stared after her in horror. "Lena please-"
"I get it Klaus. I get it now," she said, stopping in the doorway but not turning around again to face them and totally ignoring Rebekah's pleas. "Being betrayed by those closest to you is almost like a torture that never goes away...its loneliness in its true form."
Klaus watched her leave with an unreadable expression. He knew all to well what Caroline had spoken of. He had struck off any thought of friendship centuries ago but now Caroline had too. He hated that she sounded so defeated and yes it was a betrayal of sorts and yes, it had happened to him on many occasions but this was different. Unfortunately, Caroline had been collateral damage, but he would make it up to her.
"What have I done?" asked Rebekah quietly as tears fell down her face.
Klaus came out of his thoughts and back to reality. The reality of the Five and the race for the cure.
"You did what was necessary," said Klaus coldly as his eyes focused on Connor who seemed to be coming to.
Rebekah narrowed her eyes up at Klaus as she began to portray her guilt into anger. "You're a heartless man. She loves you and you just throw her away like rubbish!"
He turned around, glaring down at his baby sister. "You just betrayed her so I wouldn't be too quick to judge, sister."
"When this is over, I hope you begin to care for her. A lot. Then, when you do, I'll take her away from you; make her hate you only for you to see what you do to her a million times over," she spat coldly, before getting up and walking out of the room.
Klaus' jaw clenched in anger at her words. Because he already did care, he always had. Always will. He cared more than he should because already, he felt the guilt of hurting Caroline yet again. The only time he ever felt that emotion was when it was regarding her and he knew it was his humanity, he just chose to believe it was dormant forever.
But as long as Caroline lived, his humanity would live on. It was a weakness, he knew, but the other alternative was just impossible. He couldn't kill her.
OOO-OOO
Caroline had decided to stay out of the Mikaelson's affairs, indefinitely, or until she decided otherwise. Rebekah had moved out which was a given she supposed.
In fact, she decided that she was going to focus more on herself now. She went back to doing extra curricular activities at school and kept a close eye on Elena but only intervened when she was in absolute danger.
A month ago, there was a combination of being forced to once again interact with Niklaus and to help with a supernatural problem. Elena had killed Connor and went through hallucinations but Damon saved her. However, it was Caroline that had both distracted him and convinced him to help rid Elena of her curse.
It surprised her, the way Klaus had spoken to her that night. As if he actually cared and truly thought her beautiful.
"Can I buy you a drink, Carolena? Or is it Caroline that you prefer now?" he'd asked, swishing his bourbon drink in his glass.
Caroline shrugged. "Caroline. I'm trying to get rid of Carolena."
Klaus frowned at that. "Why?"
Caroline sighed, not really wanting to get into it but knew that she had to say something. So why not the truth? "As you cared to mention earlier, I can't hold onto my past. Tatia is dead. So am I. So why hold onto those memories of people we will never be again?"
Klaus understood what she meant but he hated that Caroline now thought along the same lines. She always embodied light. He knew that he himself, if anything, would be darkness. He didn't want that for her.
"But then again, I had the best times in that village," smiled Caroline, just thinking of all the fun they had then.
"So, I noticed you haven't visited my hybrid much," began Klaus, causing Caroline to moan.
"Seriously? You're checking up on me now?"
"Perhaps. It isn't as if you tell me anything-"
"Because...because you know why. I said that I am leaving you behind, you're my past-"
Klaus' jaw tightened in annoyance. "In your opinion, yes, but I know you can't just forget about me. We live in the same small backwater town, love. Its not easy to forget someone here," he said evenly, taking a sip of his drink while tightly grasping the glass.
Caroline looked over at him, taking a sip from her wine too. She eyed him suspiciously.
"True. And maybe and this is a very big maybe, but we may become friends once again eventually, who knows. But we can never...we will never be anything more than that," she said with finality, looking away from him so as not to give away her inner feelings.
"Well once again, that's simply your opinion, sweetheart," he said gruffly. "Do you really think Tyler measures up to me?"
Caroline rolled her eyes and snapped her gaze back to Klaus. "Seriously? Its not a competition-"
"No, but you're making it one. You confess your secret to me and then say that you're moving on to my hybrid? And let's not forget the wolf girl he conveniently decided leave out of his explanation of why he left," he said, clearly not buying her claim one bit.
Caroline couldn't take it. She was here to distract him and she was doing it perfectly but it was hurting her more than it was hurting him. He was playing with her feelings again, acting as though he actually fancied her; like he truly cared. But she saw through his deceptions.
She shook her head, grabbing her gold clutch and got off her stool. Before she left, she looked over at him. Klaus looked up at her with an intense gaze.
"Its your own arrogance and selfishness that allowed you to become this way. Its your fault that you couldn't see that I-" but she stopped herself before she said something she'd regret, not that he hadn't heard it before.
Caroline looked away from him for a moment, almost forgetting why she was there in the first place.
"I don't deserve to be treated this way. But that's all you do, isn't it Niklaus? You decieve and manipulate and play with peoples feelings to get what you want."
Klaus narrowed his eyes and got up from his stool as he noticed Caroline turning to leave. He grabbed her wrist, causing her to turn and glare up at him. She yanked her wrist from his grasp.
"I'm not decieving you-"
"It doesn't matter. I've never done this to you before but you deserve it anyway. I came here to distract you. Stefan went to help get Elena away from you, but she escaped-"
"What?!" he exclaimed and stormed past her angrily.
"Klaus," she said knowing that he would stop.
He turned, clearly livid, and walked up to her so that they were closer than before. He stared down at her with a sinister look in his eyes. "You're beautiful Caroline, but if you don't stop talking I will kill you."
She ignored the fact that he gave her a compliment she wasn't used to hearing from him and instead sighed as he turned back around to leave.
"We know how to help her get rid of the curse," she said, knowing that he wouldn't be able to resist that bit of information.
Klaus stopped and turned around slowly. He decided it was worth his time and walked back up to her. "You have ten seconds."
She explained that if they awoke the next hunter in Connor's line that the curse would be lifted. It was Jeremy. He could see Connor's tattoo, it had to be him. All he had to do was make his first kill to activate himself. Then he would be one of the Five.
"I'll give you a hybrid," said Klaus, his expression was thoughtful. He knew that it wasn't necessary to give up one of his hybrids, but it had two advantages.
It would save Elena quickly, no need to find a human and turn them. And he could get something in return. He then looked at Caroline and smirked.
"And in return, you go on a date with me."
Caroline's eyes widened. "What?!" she asked incredulously, her eyes full of uncertainty and suspicion.
"Time is ticking, Caroline. Make a decision. Your friend depends on you, love." His blue eyes scanned her own, knowing that she would accept. He just loved how beautiful she looked when she was mulling over something. She'd purse her lips and frown, nothing had changed.
"Fine. Yes, I accept," she said with finality.
"I'll see you then, sweetheart," he smirked as Caroline walked toward the exit without looking back.
But that was over now. Elena was safe and not cursed. She was a bit worried though. After her fight with Rebekah and swearing that she wouldn't speak or help any of the Mikaelsons (mainly Rebekah or Klaus), she had been getting a few messages and calls from Rebekah to apologise. But then a few nights after, nothing.
And every day since, nothing. She feared the worst but she wasn't going to find out from Klaus, no way. She had this stupid Miss Mystic Falls Pageant to organise and she'd be damned if she was going to miss it. However, the thought lingered in her mind when ever she wasn't busy.
You need to find out where she is, she thought in the back of her mind, but her stubborn, scornful side of her told her to forget it. She deserved to be ignored for a while.
So she vowed to investigate it as soon as this was over with. She hadn't spoken to Tyler for a while now too. He hadn't been happy with her sacrificing one of the hybrids for Elena. She understood what he was saying, they were like family to him.
But Elena was like family to her and she protected those she cared about. Plus, Hayley was really bothering her. She was always around Tyler and everytime she went around to the Lockwood Manor to try and reconcile with him, he was never there and neither was Hayley.
She knew this was bound to happen and she was going to let it. He loved her but she didn't love him so eventually he would have let her go because of that and moved on, so why not now?
Caroline lived in reality which meant accepting that she couldn't just string Tyler along, knowing that he loved her, because she was lonely. It was wrong and so this was the best thing she could do for him.
"Can you take those flowers over there please?" ordered Caroline as she looked up from her clipboard.
The girl in front of her nodded. Caroline sighed, looking up to the sky briefly.
It was a lovely day for the event, at least.
OOO-OOO
He stared at Rebekah, lying peacefully in her coffin. It had been a few days since it happened and he was thankful that Caroline hadn't been there to interfere with what needed to be done. It was too dangerous for Rebekah to be around, plus, he couldn't risk her ruining his plans.
If only he could do the same to Caroline too.
"She'll never forgive you," said Stefan's dreary voice from behind him.
"Who?" asked Klaus, not really sure if he meant Caroline or Rebekah herself.
"Caroline, obviously. Rebekah always ends up forgiving you," said Stefan, rolling his eyes, as if it were obvious.
Klaus stared down at his sister's lifeless body, hating Stefan's words, because they were true. He knew she would. And even though Caroline and Rebekah were at odds before, he knew Caroline loved her and cared about her dearly.
"Perhaps, but eventually she will. Maybe in a decade or even a century, but at least she'll be thankful because Rebekah will still be alive," said Klaus as he closed the lid to the coffin and turned around to face Stefan.
Stefan stood in the doorway with his hands in his pockets. "Did you get any information out of Connor?"
Klaus shook his head. "Not yet." He walked past Stefan and out into the foyer. Stefan followed closely behind. He hated siding with Klaus on this but it was the only way.
"Why did you offer up one of your hybrids?" asked Stefan as he headed for the front door. He turned his head to look at Klaus, trying to once again understand Klaus. He was the most complicated person he'd ever met.
The hybrid, whom was heading toward the dining area to finish off a drawing he begun last night, turned to look at Stefan. A look of sincerity upon his face.
"To try and show her...that I'm trying. How can you love someone for a thousand years, Stefan?" asked Klaus, genuinely trying to understand the woman he fancied.
Stefan shrugged. "I'd imagine it would be agonising really. After knowing that you were in love with her best friend I really pitied her. How long can you really watch the person you love be with your best friend?" Or brother.
Immediately thoughts of Elena and his brother came to life in his head. Stefan turned away and opened the front door, trying to block out thoughts of his own turmoil. "But the thing with Caroline is, she's had to live with that for a thousand years. I used to be afraid of her after finding out that she was friends with you. Turns out, I was wrong about her."
Klaus listened to Stefan. He stood in the middle of the foyer, grasping the fact that perhaps he wasn't the only one who had been lonely all these years. Nor was he the only one who had been betrayed either. But he couldn't just change overnight and be understanding and forgiving like Caroline was.
"She's my friend, Klaus. In fact, I could almost say she could be my best friend. She's done everything to protect Elena and all of us, from you...from a lot of things. Just leave her alone, you don't deserve her."
Before Klaus could angrily voice his opinion, Stefan was gone.
A/N: I know its been a while, sorry. Hope this makes up for the loss and in case you didn't know, I'm pretty sure the next chapter should almost bring us up to the current episodes. I regret nothing and even if people see this as merely a re-cap of the TV show, I don't care. I'll finish this, that's a promise! Please don't forget to read and review!
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