Disclaimer: Still borrowing…don't own anything.
A/N: Thanks again to all my readers, and especially the lovely reviewers. Let's get a few more this chapter – I'm close to begging – maybe I'll try bribing first?lol Tell me what ya want…more Klaroline, Daroline, Steroline, or is it more drama, fluff, bickering? You name it! Unless, of course, you say you want more Delena, Stelena, really anything that doesn't begin with a "C" or have an "aroline" at the end of it. Then again, if you are really convincing in your review, I may just have to reconsider. Oh and if you are interested in seeing all the ladies in their ball attire, check this out on Polyvore: its polyvore .com/where_lonely_ones_roam/set?id=43309918
Timeline of previous events. Thought this might help with some of the backgroud info that is different than canon. I'll fill in more details when they come up:
1492 - Klaus is successful in breaking the Hybrid curse and kills Katerina; however, Elijah was in love with her and gave her his blood, causing her to come back as a vampire. She and Elijah flee together.
1700s - Klaus tracks down Elijah and Katerina, but she runs instead of helping. Klaus angry over the betrayal and inability to create hybrids, informs him that he's disposed of their family, further igniting their fued.
1864 - Katerina (now Katherine Pierce) comes to Mystic Falls - the events are the same as in the series. She stages the fire in the church to throw Klaus off her trail (making him think she's dead).
1920s - Katherine follows Stefan to Chicago, where she finds him befriending Klaus and Rebekah. She learns of a Chicago Police Department detective who is investigating Klaus/Rebekah and with the information she had gathered from Pearl/Anna, deduces that the man is Mikael. She provides an anonymous tip of their whereabouts, which leads to the raid. During the bar raid, Katherine manages to steal the coffins. Klaus assuming she is dead does not suspect her, and instead suspects Elijah (who still believes that his family is dead). Rebekah wants to stay with Stefan, but Klaus daggers her instead and erases Stefan's memory for protection.
1990s - Klaus tracks down Mikael, and has two powerful witches secure him in the tomb. All he has left to find now are his coffins.
Where the Lonely Ones Roam – Lights
… I had a way then, losing it all on my own
I had a heart then, but the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now, the dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping now, the strength I need to push me.
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone…
I can feel the wheels turning in Klaus's mind, weighing the pros and cons of Elena's proposition, trying to establish some sort of loophole in the deal before responding. By the look on Damon's face, I think it is safe to say he is unenthusiastic about Elena's boldness (or stupidity, depending on Klaus's decision). Stefan, on the other hand, seems uncharacteristically aloof considering the circumstances and what is on the line. He seems more preoccupied and confused than anything else. He keeps stealing glances every so often between Klaus, Elena and...Rebekah? I can't help but notice the peculiar gleam in his eyes when he looks at her; like he's seen her before but can't quite figure out when or where.
And that is when it hits me, seeing the blatant desire buried just under the surface of Rebekah's face when she returns his gaze: Stefan is the lover she chose over Klaus back in the 20s...the one who had his memory taken away! That must be how he ended up with her necklace.
OMG! Take that Nancy Drew! I shriek to myself, as if my speculations were Noble Prize worthy. Does that mean Stefan unknowingly gave Elena a necklace that once belonged to his ex, who happens to be standing right here in front of him? Wow. Talk about awkward!
As much as I want to continue connecting the dots and gloating internally, I focus my attention back on to Klaus when I hear him begin to speak. He looks scary calm – the kind where you just know that at any minute he'll drop the match on top of an inconspicuous pile of kerosene-doused hay, or something equally flammable and cartoon-like.
Seriously, is anyone else worried by how ridiculously composed he seems?
I can't help but worry. Something just doesn't seem right in the world when Klaus looks that content – save maybe in the aftermath of a particularly satisfying romp in the sack.
Caroline! I issue myself a mental slap on the wrist for having such inappropriate thoughts. What? It's not like it isn't true! The devil inside me defends.
I think it's pretty much common knowledge that good sex is food for the soul…even the darkest of them, but even I can see that this is just the calm before the storm.
"Being the decent bloke that I am, I will consent to your terms." Klaus explains, pleasantly, but as I predicted the façade soon fades and the demon within comes out. "Though, I must warn you, Elena; I do not adhere to the same moral code that my dear brother does. I am a gentleman and a man of my word, but if anything should go wrong, I will not hesitate to destroy anything standing in the way, including this lovely town of yours and everyone in it, if that is what it takes."
"Deal," Elena agrees earnestly, while reaching her dainty hand out to seal the union.
"Not so fast," Klaus shakes his head, chuckling to himself and smiling devilishly. "You have yet to hear my terms."
"Your terms?" Elena gulps at the thought.
"Yes; unless you'd rather take a leap of faith? Though, I wouldn't recommend it."
Duh Elena! I rebuke silently. Have you never watched an episode of CSI or Criminal Minds? It's never that easy! And you never negotiate with terrorists!
Okay, so that last part I may be guilty of myself – if you count such technicalities as bringing him here as my guest, accepting his extravagant gift, fawning over his relentless charms and housing him – yea, maybe I'm not the one to judge.
Damnit, though…why does Elena have to be so, so…Elena? Why can she never just keep her damn mouth shut and hope for the best?
"Okay," Elena proceeds cautiously, for once, giving me some hope that all is not lost in the world of Elena's never-ending self-martyrdom. "What are your conditions?"
I can see the look of dread plastered all over Damon and Stefan's faces. Knowing Katherine – the baddest bitch on the planet as far as I'm concerned – had been running from this guy for over 500 years; well, it doesn't bode well for Elena, that's for sure.
"My terms are simple. I get my coffins…and a lifetime supply of your blood. You see, the doppelganger's blood is the key to creating successful Hybrids, like me, and I intend on creating an army of them. Of course, Katerina knew this, or at the very least she thought she knew. Why else do you think she led me straight to your doorstep?" He posits the question to Elena, caressing the side of her face ominously, but it's clear she's not the real target of his conjecture. "She set you up, lads!" He boasts ceremoniously, turning to assess the brothers' reaction. "And by the looks of it, she didn't have to try all that hard. She always was a clever little wench that one." He admits begrudgingly, as if recalling his own experience with the original doppelganger.
Klaus shakes himself out of the memory and perks up again, addressing Elena. "Safe to say you did not inherit the quality, dear. Lucky for you, though, Katerina failed to do her research. Despite what she may have told you, I do not wish to kill you. Quite the contrary actually, I need you alive for a very long time if I'm going to amass a proper army."
"So all I have to do is get you the coffins and agree to be your creepy human blood bag?" Elena balks at the concept, and I can't say I blame her. It is a disgusting thought.
Klaus bellows, finding humor in Elena's gloomy interpretation equally petulant behavior. "If that is what you wish to call it? Sure, be my guest. I only ask that you provide your blood when I request it; and in return for your obedience, I guarantee protection not only for the ones you love, but for you as well. Now," he declares, clasping his hands together. "Do we still have a deal?"
"Absolutely not!" Damon growls from behind Klaus, flashing forward to Elena's side. Stefan follows dutifully. He's such a patsy when it comes to her, I think to myself before Damon continues his rant. "That's the lovely thing about leverage. Those who hold the power – which in this case we do; you know, on account of having those pesky coffins and all – determine the stakes. So, Elena…yea she is off-limits!"
"That is where you are wrong," Klaus spits angrily, having used his superior speed to get in front of Damon. In a motion so quick that even I can't follow, Klaus thrusts his fist into Damon's chest, grabs hold of his heart and proceeds to squeeze it just short of rupture. The look on Damon's face is one of pure agony... Stefan and Elena's, pure terror. "I don't have to ask anyone for permission to do or take what I want. My terms are non-negotiable. You have until tomorrow at midnight to safely return my family to me. Otherwise, all bets are off. Have I made myself clear?"
"Okay!" Elena screams in fear, seeing Damon contort in pain.
"That's enough." Stefan caves almost at the same time.
With their surrender, Klaus immediately releases his grip on Damon's heart, but I can tell he isn't done. Looking directly into Elena's eyes, he effortlessly whips out a vile from his pocket, pierces her finger with the dagger she'd intended to use on him and collects a small sample of her blood. "A parting gift," Klaus clarifies, cheerfully, before grabbing his sister to leave.
Holy shit! I freak out to myself. WTF was that?
I stand there gaping like a fool, unable to move my limbs in shock. My eyes, however – who clearly have a mind of their own, and a self-destructive one at that – seem to unconsciously drift over to Klaus's disappearing frame. Almost as if he can feel the weight of my gaze, he turns his head back in my direction. We lock eyes for the briefest of moments, and just as I am about to turn away he…blows me a kiss?
Are you kidding me? Tell me he did not just pull that cheese ball move! A number of less friendly hand gestures come to mind as I huff at the inane sign of affection. He does realize the novelty is monumentally less endearing when it comes from a lunatic who just moments ago threatened to destroy your town… with you in it, right?
Too bad he is long gone by the time I regain my wits; because otherwise, I would very much like to give him a piece of my mind!
…And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home…
By the time I reach my driveway, it is nearly midnight, and I'm beyond exhausted. Stefan, bless his undead soul, was nice enough to help me with the "Aimee Bradley" clean up. I can't thank him enough for sticking around after everything that went down. Honestly, I don't know if I would have been able to stomach doing it myself. Seeing him cover up and haul away the evidence was sobering enough. Seeing the reality of what I had done…it makes me physically ill just thinking about it. But that isn't the worst part; the worst part is trying to accept why I had done it, because there is no good reason.
I purposely attacked that poor girl over some harmless flirting! What the heck is wrong with me? Who does that?
I was just so mad! I was mad at her, mad at him, mad at everyone it seemed, but mostly I was mad at myself for letting something so silly get between Matt and me, again. The drama. Somehow it always came down to that. If I were being completely honest with myself, I would admit that it wasn't Aimee's fault at all.
Looking back, I can see the writing on the wall so clearly. We were doomed from the beginning. I was too high-strung, too demanding, and he was not willing to budge even the slightest when it came to my obvious insecurities. Sure he said all the right things – I want to be with you, not her; I love you; you're more important than anyone else – but he couldn't see the way he looked at her. Elena, that is.
I wanted him to look at me like that; that's all I ever wanted. I could not have cared any less what he was actually saying…he could have said, "you smell like a giant pile of diarrhea." It wouldn't have mattered. I would have ate that shit up – not literally, of course – if just for one millisecond he would have looked at me like everyone and their mom looks at Elena, like I was special.
I drove myself crazy, waiting for him to look at me like that, and he never did. So tonight, I don't know what happened. He broke up with me…and I just snapped. I didn't mean to kill her, honestly. I just wasn't prepared for my own strength – yea that excuse is getting old fast – and I really wasn't ready for the blood! It had all happened so fast…and it was only a tiny gash on her arm; she would have healed, maybe needed a few stiches, but she would have otherwise made it, had I not been there to pounce on her like a rabid animal. Once I had started, though, there was no turning back.
I'm a monster! I wallow to myself, even though I know in my heart that isn't an excuse anymore. You have to learn to control it! My conscience kicks in. I had told Damon I would learn to be better, and I will. You better get your shit together Forbes! If Stefan can do it, so can you! Hell if Damon can… Speaking of the devil, he gave me a bunch of blood bags to hold me over. It isn't a lot; only a day or twos worth, but that will have to do. I'll just have to be a quick study! No big deal.
The walk up to my front door – heels and blood bags in one hand, cell phone in the other – seems to take an eternity, each step forward only serving to remind me of who will be waiting for me when I get inside.
I am in no mood to deal with them right now! I curse under my breath.
After another moment of hesitation, I sigh in defeat.
There's no use in avoiding the inevitable, I remind myself while slipping my key into the front door. As soon as I hear the familiar click, I aggressively throw the door open and flick the lights on. I had expected to find two blonde and equally smug ancient vampires lounging on my sofa, but to my surprise, no one is here. The house is completely silent. Am I really alone?
I take a quick look around the house to be sure my guests aren't just holed up somewhere taking a snooze, and still I find nothing. Where the hell did they go?
I take another lap, slower this time, and it's then that I notice the small black velvet box waiting for me on the table. The box is similar to the one that held the bracelet from Klaus, and there is a small piece of parchment paper folded up underneath. I immediately reach for the card – my name and the rest of the contents written in impeccable cursive – and start reading.
Caroline,
My selfish cad of a brother requires me to babysit the precious doppelganger in his stead, and I find the thought of spending an entire day with that worthless twit truly horrifying. While not ideal, you have proven to be less intolerable, and for that reason I ask that you join us in our activities tomorrow. After nearly a century of downtime, I am in dire need of new clothing.
I realize your present arrangement with the sun makes this endeavor quite difficult. Fear not, at Nik's expense I have taken the liberty of acquiring you your very own Lapis Lazuli ring. Along with the protection it provides against the sun, I had my witch specifically incorporate Amazonite to help with your "control" issues. My mother had this same stone fitted into my necklace after I was turned and couldn't exactly turn-off the bloodlust; it helps balance emotions and aligns the heart.
Please do wear it. We'll pick you up at 9 o'clock sharp. Don't be late! – Bekah
I stare dumbfounded at the letter, reading it over for a second and third time, expecting to find some kind of catch…a trick of some sort. A million questions and nonsensical thoughts run through my head all at once:
Why on earth would the evil blood slut go out of her way for me? Will I really be able to walk in the sun again? Where is Klaus scampering off to that he needs to secure a chaperone for Elena and why? More importantly, what the hell does she mean by "at Klaus's expense?" I'm already far enough in his debt, I'd like to not add to that if at all possible! Shit! 9 o'clock? That's gonna come quick.
I place the card down on the table and reach for the box. The first thing I notice when I open it up is that it's much nicer than the one's Stefan and Damon wear. It's actually quite beautiful, the deep royal blues of the Lapis Lazuli and blue-green of the Amazonite intertwine gracefully in the shape of a heart.
I don't know why I would expect anything less? I berate myself. Everything that family owns is phenomenal!
They are almost like an immortal equivalent of the Kennedy's, which is a frightening thought, considering the only thing that seemed to ail the Kennedy's was a penchant for untimely death.
I sit at my kitchen table, contemplating my options and twirling the ring between my fingers. I don't like the whole idea of accepting the ring, and gallivanting around with Elena and Rebekah tomorrow; it makes me really nervous, actually. But, I do desperately want to be able to walk in the sun again. In the end, my curiosity gets the better of me, and I decide to try the ring on.
What's the harm in that, right? I'm just trying it on. It's not like I'm marrying it, jeez!
Unfortunately, the second it wraps around my finger I am ashamed to admit that I know it's never coming off. The pure tranquility that flows through me in that moment is incredible. For the first time since becoming a vampire, I feel like I can be myself again. Sure the emotions are there; I don't see those going away any time soon or ever, but they aren't invading my mind, body and soul like a tsunami anymore. I feel like I can finally handle them, like the old Caroline would. It's with that comforting thought that I find myself drifting off into a blissful slumber.
…Noises, I play within my head
Touch my own skin and hope that I'm still breathing
And I think back to when my brother and my sister slept
In an unlocked place, the only time I feel safe…
I wake up the following morning, and the first thing I want to do is run outside and bask in the sunlight. I don't care if Mrs. Anderson from across the street thinks I've gone mad. It'll be worth it. Mind you, there is a small part of me that fears I'll burn alive – assuming the sun protection ring is a hoax designed to lower my defenses – but that is a risk I'll have to take. Besides, homicide by hocus pocus ring does not sound like the modus operandi of someone with Klaus's killing pedigree. Plus, he has saved my life twice now, why would he do that if he wanted me dead? And, Rebekah? Much as there is no question whether she can hold her own in a verbal fight to the death, something tells me she doesn't do a whole lot without consulting Klaus first.
I hear the honk coming from outside – it's 9 o'clock already? – and rush to throw on the pair of jean shorts and pale yellow tee that I have sitting on my dresser. I pick up my toothbrush, brush my teeth and splash some cool water on my face. I throw my "get ready" routine into high gear when I hear another honk. Luckily, I don't need much in the form of makeup anymore – another point for Team Vamp – just a quarter-sized amount of tinted moisturizer, a swipe of mascara and a thin layer of lip gloss. I'm down the stairs, out the door and halfway to the car when I realize I'm standing in the sun.
I'm actually in the sun and I'm not turning into a burning inferno! I squeal internally. I would have likely stood there all day taking in the glorious rays, had I not been interrupted by a very irritated Rebekah.
"You're late." She drawls, impatiently, rolling down the passenger side window, and admiring herself in the mirror as if she doesn't have a care in the world outside of my burdensome tardiness.
"Hey Care," Elena greets me from behind the wheel, as I make my way into the back seat.
It doesn't take more than a few seconds for me to sense the growing tension between the two. Through the rearview mirror I can easily see that Elena's jaw is set tighter than I've ever seen it before, and if I didn't know better I might mistake her eye-rolling for having a seizure. Rebekah, for her part, seems mostly calm, aside from the periodic outbursts regarding Elena's driving skills or lack thereof. I imagine if the last vehicle you'd driven in was a Model T you might find riding in an SUV like the one Elena drives a bit alarming. Though, I'm willing to bet Elena's erratic behavior is directly correlated with the blonde sitting beside her.
"Soooo," I breathe out dramatically, trying to lighten the mood. "Where are we off to first?"
Rebekah is the first respond; and she does so rather nonchalantly, causing Elena to take the next corner sharper than she needs to.
"Heavens," Rebekah huffs indignantly. "Had I known what an incapable driver you were I would have insisted we walk."
"Still can…" Elena offers callously, as she makes another abrupt stop. "No one is stopping you."
"Ah, yes, like no one was stopping Stefan from venturing off with my dear brother last night?"
"That was different." Elena contends harshly, but her subsequent sulking suggests otherwise.
"I suppose it is…" Rebekah tilts her head slightly, mimicking the act of deep thought as she taps a single finger on her lip. "The difference being that Stefan left on his own accord, and I was left with no choice but to keep you out of trouble?" She asks conspiratorially.
"Damon is still around!" Elena argues. "He would never let anything bad happen to me."
"Ha! Leave you with that miscreant?" Rebekah literally flinches at the idea. "That lovesick puppy would have you turned the first chance he got, and then you'd be even more useless than you already are!" She continues to laugh maniacally to herself. Elena looks the other way, doing her best to seem unaffected.
I want so badly to push the issue further, not knowing what would possess perfect-boyfriend Stefan to leave with Klaus, but I can tell that the subject is a touchy one. Not wanting to be the cause of any unnecessary bloodshed, I decide to leave the issue alone for now. I'm sure Elena will give me the scoop once we're alone anyway, or at least I hope she will.
We still haven't spoken since last night's events, and our brief encounter prior to the "showdown" hadn't exactly been my finest hour, or hers for that matter. There had been so much going on just on my end alone – between unveiling my new vampire status, downplaying my arrival with Klaus, avoiding Matt's inquisition and accepting Bonnie's refusal to be anywhere near me – seems like I missed a lot.
Figures they wouldn't include me in on their little plan, I sneer to myself.
"Hey, you never said where we are going." I remind them, hoping to change the subject entirely for their benefit and my sanity. We were going shopping, I knew that much.
Rebekah turns her head back and begins to provide the details. "Niklaus arranged for a private showing at some boutique in town...Angelica's?" She explains as though the concept of renting out an entire store is normal. "I do not expect to be wowed by any means. Nothing this raggedy town has to offer will compare to Chicago. I would, however, like to try on a pair of those tight denim slacks I see everyone wearing."
"Jeans?" I yelp in amazement. "You've never tried on a pair of jeans? Well, of course you haven't," I correct myself, "you would have looked like a fool back then! But now, oh my gosh, Rebekah…jeans have revolutionized the world! They're incredible, God's gift to women, really…and now there are all these designer jeans with…" I hear Elena's familiar snicker and realize I'm rambling on. "Sorry. I just really like jeans." I say a bit sheepishly.
"You don't say?" Rebekah teases, and in that moment we are able to set aside our differences; yes, right now we are just three girls hanging out, smiling and laughing. Surely that won't last!
...
Lyrics are from "Lights," by Ellie Goulding.
A/N: Ok…what'dya think? Did you like the girl-time? Wondering why Stefan left with Klaus, without force? Where is that skanky bitch Katherine? Loving it…hating it – I accept all feedback.
