Chapter 8.

He sat there patiently in the small unknown cafe in Soho with his cup of fresh coffee, all black. As he waited for her arrival.

He stared out the glass window, watching as all the crowds of the New Yorkers went on with their lives. Free of all the burdens he has heavily weighed on his shoulders and soul he accumulated for the past 9 years. How he wishes for the day when he could be just like them and simply enjoy the very essence of life without anything else holding back his brother and himself, just so his family could finally be whole again.

Maybe one day it will happen...

Hearing the small bell attached on the top of the door ring, indicating someone has either entered or left. He looked to see who it was in case it was the woman he was to meet and once noticing the long curly hair brunette clad in high-waisted leather shorts, matched with a spaghetti strap and sweetheart neckline tight lacy crop top with another layer of black fabric underneath, revealing her toned stomach and great amount of cleavage.

He smiled.

She walked towards him in her 6 inch Chanel ankle boot with shoelaces interlaced in the front. Her presence turning all heads in awe or jealousy as the beautiful feisty vixen radiated with confidence and sultry.

She sat across from him in a loud manner as she dropped her leather Céline bag on top of the small table and against the window glass. She crossed her leg across the other, along with her arms across her torso as she looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Katerina. It's wonderful to see you again. So what do I owe to this abrupt invitation this afternoon?"

Katherine rolled her eyes at Elijah mannerism as he knew exactly why he was here. "I came here to give my thanks for the invitation to this formal ball this week I guess."

The day they were at the club, they had the time to talk to one another and she discussed her fashion line with him. She didn't go too deep into details of her company, so imagine her surprise this morning at her job when the invitation came in the mail.

Little did she know, with the connections Elijah has gathered from his brother's modelling gigs and the upcoming exclusive contract headed his way. He was able to use his connections to get an invitation for her and her employees for the formal ball coming up this week that will have an infinite amount of famous designers from all over the world and world well-known celebrities. He thought with this, Katherine would be able to receive her own connections and even have her own contracts to help expand her designs. All for business inquiries of course.

"Since you wouldn't accept any payment for the sudden invitation, I thought this could be my treat. Think of it as my token of gratitude."

Elijah was taking a sip of his coffee as she spoke and had a small smile hidden behind his cup at Katherine's strange change of attitude that wasn't remotely close to her normal behavior he was able to witness firsthand at the airport and her harsh new nickname of the word 'dickhead' she claimed him to be.

"Having you to accompany me this beautiful afternoon is more than enough Katherina." He stated making her roll her eyes again. "I'm sure you'll be able to use the invitation to good use. If what you stated was true about designing and sewing the dresses you made for your friends and yourself at the cruise, then I'm positive you'll have a bright future ahead for your company and yourself."

Katherine wasn't the type to allow compliments about herself really get to her because she already knew she was hot, but when someone was to compliment her on her abilities and company she built with Caroline then that's a different story. Petrova is her baby and with Caroline's knowledge, she helped her find the right place to purchase in New York to build her company including the hiring of the small amount of employees she now has. They started from the bottom to where they are now because of Caroline

She was sure having to deal with all the arrangements was a great hassle on Caroline's part, but Caroline wasn't one to allow that to stop Katherine's dream from happening seeing as how her own dream came to a stop. She didn't want the same fate to happen to Katherine. Which she will forever be thankful for and why she considers Caroline as her partner and best friend.

She let out a small cough as she felt her face heat up at the appreciative compliment and wanted to glare the crap out of Elijah for chuckling at her display of embarrassment.

"Yeah whatever, I already knew that."

They took their orders and once it came they ate in silence as Katherine was embarrassed for allowing Elijah to witness an unusual behavior of herself, while Elijah was simply enjoying her company.

Finally deciding she was fed up with the silence, she finally spoke. "So I heard you managed Klaus's career since you were 25."

Elijah looked up as Katherine finally decided to speak and put down his eating utensils as he gave her his full attention. "Yes that would be correct."

She took her time to ponder on that mere fact and looked at him strangely. "That's a pretty young age to be a talent manager, don't you think?"

Elijah nodded his head in agreement to her statement. "Yes, I was one of the youngest to have an exceedingly successful career and although Niklaus is the only one I manage, it's all thanks to my brothers acting abilities, that I won't have any need to scout for anymore talent."

She could tell Elijah held a high respect towards his younger brother, but there was something strange about this whole career relationship they built with each other. "Is this what you always wanted to do?"

Elijah took his time to think about the question, and answered her thoughtfully. "Not always. My father has his own law firm so I always thought as a child that would be what I can pursue in, however. When contemplating on it I decided what I can do is help Niklaus with his career for other reasons I do not want to speak of." Noticing Katherine's nod of confirmation they wouldn't discuss further into that topic, he continued.

"Although it wasn't what I expected myself to do, it has opened my perspective on what the world can truly be. This industry my brother and I are involved with comes with a price. It's all about knowing the right people, every action, planning every step ahead. I will not be untrue Katerina, but this job entails manipulation, lying, deceit, even blackmailing and you have to be insensitive to it all or else it will all swallow you whole, and you will lose the influence and power you accumulate from all the things you've done. Something my brother and I have crafted with ease."

All Katherine could do is nod, because she couldn't exactly relate to Elijah on that aspect.

Sure she caused a havoc back in Mystic Falls with all sorts of drama and manipulation if someone was to get on her blacklist, but she was sure everything she did would only be a child's play in comparison to what Elijah had to deal with. But nevertheless, she appreciated his honesty and maybe she was going to push her luck, but there was no better opportunity.

She had to do what she had already planned the day Caroline told her the truth as she cried in her arms, because for Caroline. She will do anything. "Does that apply to the actor you manage as well? Do you chose to be insensitive to what they can be feeling?"

He looked at her for a moment before answering, "If it's for the better, yes."

"Better for what exactly? His career or his personal well-being?"

Elijah had a suspicion with where this conversation was leading to. At this moment she wasn't asking questions out of curiosity and her shift towards his brother only proves it but nevertheless he gave her his honest opinion. "Both."

"But, what if-" Katherine knew she was starting to badger on with her questions. She saw the brief look of suspicion in Elijah's, and was deciding whether or not she should abort her mission, but as the look of despair on Caroline's face when speaking about Klaus or even remotely thinking about him came to mind. She couldn't stop. "What if what's good for his career, isn't all that good for him personally?"

"What are you trying to get at Katherina?"

Instantaneously she replied, "it was a general question."

"It depends actually." He stared intently towards the woman in front of him turning to figure her out as he started to explain. "Will this happiness be greater? Will he still be happy even if he was to lose his career? Or is that happiness not worth the risk? It also depends if the gain is short-lived or long-lived. If that happiness is only short term then I will not allow him to sacrifice his career."

Even with Elijah's calculating stare that could probably strike something into someone, she held her own gaze against his as nothing could stop her now with the determination she had within herself. "How do you know it's value?"

He smiled at her mysteriously as he thought about it. "That is my secret."

"Oh.." Knowing their conversation has come to an end, she sat back in her seat in a slump as her mission was futile.

"Katerina."

Aggravated she didn't find what she was looking for, she spoke in a sharp and annoyed reply. "What?"

Unfazed with her apparent annoyance, he still spoke in the same calm manner he was able to withhold throughout this whole conversation. "I know even behind your care-free mannerism and your indifference of one's opinion that you're a intellectual woman, so tell me. What exactly is it that you're curious about my brother."

Busted

Since she got caught and there was nothing else to hide, she sat back up and went straight to her point."Not entirely about him, but mostly about you."

"Me?" Surprise is an understatement from what he felt at the moment. He always thought his ability to evaluate a person was on point and he was correct about Katherine having a motive behind her questioning.

He already had an idea that she was aware of the true nature behind Klaus and Caroline's relationship, seeing as how she witnessed the abrupt occurrence on the cruise between the two and was entirely prepared for it, but him? What could she possible want to know about him?

"What about myself?"

Now Katherine was the one with the stern direct look on her face, and it was the first time Elijah has felt anything from such a look. "I want to know where you stand in this."

Her answer was not something he would have expected and he sat there in a silent surprise, but he should have known better. When dealing with Katherina Petrova Gilbert, you can't expect anything less of her and her next question made her intentions perfectly clear. The message couldn't be mistaken. "If you remotely cause anything to ruin not one person, but two people's happiness. There would be hell to pay, especially if one of them involves someone I love. Now what you need to start to decide is this. Are you his brother or are you just his manager?"

She knew with Elijah's silence, she struck a cord in him and she knew she wouldn't get any response from him for today, but that's fine with her because she already said what she needed to say. So after asking for the bill and paying for it, she looked back to the man who was still sitting there in silence. "I'm gonna go now, thanks for the invitation dickhead."

With that, she left Elijah with her threat and a simple yet significant question.


"Katherine, why the hell did you make me wear this?!"

It was finally the day for the big event at The Plaza Hotel, and it was just beyond words to say the least.

Everyone you can possibly think of from the fashion and talent industry was all there in New York at the biggest event of all time. There was a red carpet, paparazzi's everywhere, flashing lights and large crowds of people screaming everywhere. They needed more than 5 police stations for crowd control, and every road nearby has been blocked for this very event because everything was out of hand.

Because it was such a grand event and the girls didn't want to mess up this perfect opportunity. They were the only two to attend the event as they were the main representatives for 'Petrova" which led to a sullen group of employees and two miserable best friends at home crying out in despair.

With difficulty the two girls were able to enter the whole rented out hotel and was finally in the grand ballroom. and it was remarkable. Crystal Chandeliers all over the roof, Red velvet curtains pushed aside to reveal the long glass window panes, Long rows of white clothed tables filled with food made by the best chiefs in the world. Everyone was dressed to impress with their long gowns personally made by the current designers at the event.

It was as if the whole ballroom was sparkling and it was like it was taken out from a fairy tale book.

And although it was such a beautiful moment for the two girls as they were standing in the very room where their success will occur, Caroline was not happy.

Caroline was dressed in a tight black sheath satin dress that touched the floor, trailing behind her with a long slit on her left leg that ended above her hipbone, revealing the bare hip itself. The dress accentuated her envious body and beautifully long toned ivory leg. She accessorized it with a silver choker and crystal earring that glistened along with the Chandeliers, a satin black clutch, a thin silver bracelet wrapped around her hand with red nails and black strappy stilettos that revealed her also red painted toenails.

While black isn't her color, that wasn't the reason why the dress made her feel uncomfortable.

The dress had thin straps, and a very low cut deep V line that showcased her breasts. With one pull everything can be bare. Fortunately the dress she wore had thin paddings so her nipples wouldn't show through the thin material, while the inside stuck to her skin. The back of it was backless, ending right above her round bottom and since her hair was up, there was nothing that can hide her back or front.

The dress was undeniably revealing, but it was the most beautiful and sexiest dress there, as Caroline's perfect ivory complexion was shown and her body accentuated by the dress.

"Oh come on, you look insanely hot."

She scoffed at Katherine with her dark red lips and looked at the brunette beside her who wore a one shoulder strap creme dress that flowed right down to the floor. She had on pearl earrings, a white lacy clutch, gold strappy stilettos, pale pink nail polish, and her curly hair pushed to the side

"Then why couldn't you wear this, and I wear what you're wearing? It's as if we switched roles."

With nonchalance, Katherine pushed her hair more towards the side and looked at her as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I can't have any future business partners take me seriously if all they do is stare at my boobs. Seeing as how you don't need to worry about that and I can still show them how versatile I can be with how I make my dresses, it was the best option. Besides, your ass looks way better in that dress than mine ever will. I'm still working on my squats you know."

All Caroline can do is shake her head in disbelief at Katherine's 'knowledge'.

"Holy shit that's Angelina Jolie with Vera Wang! I'm going to go talk to them, go do whatever you want and I'll catch up to you afterwards!"

Before she can even have a word in, Katherine scurried off to do exactly what she intended to do.

Versatile my ass, she didn't even need her.

With nothing else to do, she decided to look around for one of the waiters she saw before who had a tray of flute glasses filled with champagne.

She was looking around as she was walking trying to find the waiter, while still appreciating the beautifully designed ballroom in awe until she accidentally collided into someone's shoulder. Spilling all his drink onto himself.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I'm such a damn klutz, are you oka- YOU!"

Right there before her was the man with icy blue eyes. The same man who had ill intentions towards her as he got her drunk back at the club 2 weeks ago.

With how things went astray with him that night, and now ruining his well-tailored tuxedo. She mentally prepared herself for an upcoming argument and possibly a fight. She was going to show him a thing or two if that was the case and was preparing herself with the remembrance of all the self-defense classes she took as a teenager because of her mom.

Since she was sober this time. There wasn't anything that could get in her way to kick some ass.

However, all Damon did was look at her with wide surprised eyes at the sight of her and clenched his well defined jaw as he looked perplexed. He suddenly turned around and walked away from her hastily, leaving a well confused Caroline in her spot at the unexpected occurrence that just took place.

Okay that was weird...

Feeling someone tap her on shoulders, she turned around to see who it was thinking it may be Katherine, seeing as how she was the only one she knew there, but what came to her surprise was a pair of friendly green eyes.

"Hi."

She was surprised to see Klaus's bodyguard standing there in a well designed three piece tuxedo and bow-tie, with a small smile on his face. "Hi.."

"We haven't been formally introduced, I'm Stefan. Stefan Salvatore. He laid his hand out in front of him as he introduced himself and Caroline shook his hand with a look of surprise. "You're related to Damon?!"

Stefan let out a chuckle as she wasn't the only one who had the same reaction. "Unfortunately yes. I'm his brother."

How could someone who didn't look remotely dangerous be related to a sleazy and creepy man? However it shouldn't have been too much of a surprise, because although they had opposite appearances. It was undeniable that they were both very good looking and blessed with good genes. "I don't want to come off too rude, but you two seem so different. Damon, he seems..."

Stefan looked unfazed as she was deciding whether or not she should voice out her opinions, but he let out a small smile that put her at ease. "Annoying? Unpleasant? Can't take no as an answer?"

Caroline let out a giggle as Stefan's description was spot on. "Yeah, all that."

Stefan let out a sigh at Damon's attempt to seduce her before. His habit of 'luring' woman into his bed may have gone too far. "He isn't as bad as he seems." He could hear a small unladylike snort coming from the blonde in front of him and all he can do is chuckle from her disagreement to his earlier statement . "He just has a bad habit of trying to get the whole female population into his bedroom. I'm sorry you had to be a part of that."

Caroline looked at him cautiously as she spoke very slowly, "what did you hear exactly?"

Stefan gave her a shrug as he spoke at ease. "Not really hearing, just a witness to the fight with Damon and Klaus. You could cut the tension between them with a knife."

Caroline looked at him with wide eyes at the shocking revelation and spoke quickly. "WHAT?! A fight? What do you mean?"

Stefan looked at her baffled by her reaction. "You mean you didn't hear?"

All Caroline can do was shake her head no, leaving Stefan there unsure if he should speak further into the issue. But seeing as how he already let it out in the open by accident, he couldn't do anything else but explain himself.

"It was the day after Klaus's disappearance. He went to the set to continue on with the movie.."


Klaus strolled into the set with a cold facade and Stefan followed him from behind. They both ignored all the whispers and look towards Klaus at his sudden disappearance.

He paid no attention to them as he was used to the gossip and absurd conclusions they may have come up with. Besides, his intention was to do his job and nothing else. That is, until he saw Damon speaking to the cameraman on how he wanted a specific scene to be shot.

Sensing someone's presence, Damon looked up to see Klaus headed his way and Klaus's anger towards him has slowly risen as he saw the smirk and amused look in his eyes.

"Well well, look who finally decided to show up. Had fun canoodling with the Blondie you stole from me the other night?"

Fueled with rage at the way he spoke of Caroline, all rational thoughts have disappeared into thin air as he grabbed a hold of Damon's grey V-neck T-shirt collar and dragged him to a more secluded area for more privacy, while ignoring Stefan's pleas to stop.

Finding the closest trailer, he slammed open the locked door while ignoring a faint shriek from the inside and saw one of his female co-workers in a white robe as she was preparing herself with her team of hairstylist and makeup artist.

With one look and one word, it struck them all in fear as they never witnessed such a sight. He reminded them of a wolf in the prowl and they froze, not sure how one man seemed so inhumane as his display of authority and power overflowed.

"Leave."

With one word they all scurried off in fear and felt sorry for the man who was there as a witness and Damon who Klaus was still holding onto, as they were left in such a frightening presence.

With them all gone and the door shut, Klaus gave one push and that was all he needed in order to see Damon fall onto the floor in a loud crash. Right where he belongs.

Damon glared up to the man who was seething and screamed at him for the way he was treating him. "What the hell Mikaelson?!"

Klaus spoke in a straight tone, but it still caused a tremor of fear to pass through the two brothers as his voice emitted out the anger and hatred he held towards the older Salvatore. "Don't bloody what the hell me Salvatore. I should rip your throat out for what you tried to do."

Not knowing when to step down from a dangerous situation, he stood up and spoke with his voice shaking in anger. "What in the world has gotten into you?! What makes you think you have the authority to threaten me?!"

Without allowing Klaus to speak, he continued on as he was now digging his own grave. "I think this has something to do with a blonde girl, what a sight to see! Klaus Mikaelson unraveled by a little girl! From what I can see, that sorry excuse of a girl isn't even worth it."

Within a blink of an eye, Klaus stood in front of him with his hand around his throat to prevent him from speaking any further about Caroline, for he wasn't even worthy to speak of the woman and watched as the man in front of him was withering around as his windpipe was clogged from digesting anymore air.

The sight of Damon suffering brought out a vicious smile on Klaus's face

"KLAUS, YOU'RE GOING TO KILL HIM!"

If it wasn't for Stefan and already witnessing the pain Damon was going through, he wouldn't have stopped.

So with reluctance, he let go of the dark haired man and waited for Damon's thoughts to coherent as he watched him gasping for the welcomed breathe of air as Stefan coddled him.

With very little energy he has left, he looked up at the monster in front of him and spoke with a raspy voice as his nearly crushed throat was finally allowing him to speak. "I should fire your ass for what you did, I will ruin you Mikaelson."

Klaus took a step forward as the threat was laid out, and Stefan was about to step in to prevent anymore damage, but when Klaus didn't come any closer. Stefan watched his boss, wary of what can happen.

Klaus stood there with a hard facade as he looked at Damon, like he was unworthy to be alive. "If that's what pleases you, then go ahead. But I'm sure the police would be at your doorstep the moment you do."

Damon and Stefan looked at Klaus in confusion, but couldn't speak a word as they saw the sinister smirk from Klaus.

"You shouldn't be so trustworthy of the people surrounding you, and be aware of what can occur. Especially when being with me."

Finally finding his strength coming back, Damon stood up straighter with difficulty as his glare started to look like he was squinting, as he was trying to figure out what Klaus was speaking of. "What are you getting at Mikaelson.."

Klaus shrugged his shoulders as he took his time to speak, but once he did. Damon stood there in shock, while Stefan was confused with the occurrence.

"With a little assistance, I was able to videotape all the times we've been out together just for a special occasion. Of course I put the cameras in areas where I wouldn't be captured, but unfortunately for you. You weren't able to be met with the same fate."

Stefan looked at the two in confusion and was taken back from the look of fear in Damon's physical appearance. "What is he talking about Damon?"

Klaus held his hands behind his back as he looked at Stefan in nonchalance, as if whatever he was about to say wasn't a big deal even though that was unlikely the case. "Oh, you haven't heard? Damon here likes to heavily indulge himself in a large amount of cocaine and even distribute it to his female companions. How naughty of you for not sharing that small piece of information to your younger brother."

Stefan was disturbed by that fact and even though he knew his brother has a bit of a wild side when he was out, he never knew what was happening behind all those party scenes. He couldn't believe it, no. He didn't want to believe it. "Damon?..." However, the look on his brother's face said it all and he was struck with silence.

"What do you want Mikaelson."

Klaus came closer to where Damon stood, and Stefan couldn't find the strength to prevent him from making those steps as the sudden unexpected revelation of his older brother struck a cord in him.

"It's simple really." Klaus put his hands on top of Damon's shoulders and spoke to him as if he was a small child, still unable to understand what was coming out of his mouth. But nothing about the look in his eyes was comforting the older Salvatore at all.

"We'll continue on with the shooting as you shut your mouth of what has occurred here or I'll anonymously distribute all the videos to the State of California and New York. Even with your incoherent mind at those moments, it's undeniable our outings has been too many to count. I wonder how many years that will be for you in a orange jumpsuit. Five? Ten? Or maybe even more years?"

Knowing now he can't do anything, all he can do is glare at Klaus for having the upper hand. "So you're blackmailing me."

Waving one hand in the air, Klaus was unfazed with what Damon said. "No, no. Blackmail is such an unpleasant accusation, just call it... A business opportunity."

When Damon didn't speak any further, he knew right there and then he had Damon in the palm of his hands.

He put more pressure onto Damon's shoulder, and he reveled in the sight of the cringe of pain that was brief on Damon's face. He trapped Damon into his stare, as his calm demeanor has changed into one of a strong dangerous gaze and he continued to speak in a harsh tone once catching his attention. "If it wasn't for Stefan here, I would have done the deed long ago because of your consistent need to irritate me. However, make no mistake. If you speak of her, if you touch her, if you remotely even come close to Caroline. Then right there and then, our deal is off and I'll ship your ass behind bars."

Knowing he has said all he needed, he let go of Damon and watched as he slumped back to where Stefan stood in defeat and made his way towards the exit.

Before Klaus was to step out, he turned around with his pointer finger in the air as he just remembered something else. "Oh and just so we're clear. You cannot ruin me Salvatore, because I will obliterate you before you can even think of having the chance." With that said, he left the two brothers alone as he knew they had some 'catching up to do.' And slammed the door closed.


Caroline stood there with her mind all jumbled up at the revelation of what she has just heard.

Klaus never spoke of this to her and she didn't know what to think, but what exactly is she suppose to think?

She felt a sense of gratitude for Klaus watching out for her and even had a warmth occurring deep in her chest, but there was also fear for the power Klaus held.

She already had an idea of what Klaus can do from when she heard about what happened to Enzo, but she should have known there was more to it than that.

What happened to the man she met 5 years ago? The man who easily laughed and smiled around her. The very man who can easily play with children without hurting them? The man who would go along with her playful teasing back at the park? The man who could do something so normal like take pictures with silly expressions? The man who can do a kind gesture like sending her favorite meal to her doorsteps? The man who asked her with uncertainty if they can be friends? The man who loved her and ask for her hand in marriage?...

But why was Stefan even telling her about this? And she voiced out that certain thought. "Why are you telling me this?.."

Stefan gave her a sad smile as he can tell she was having a battle with her inner emotional turmoil with the story he has just laid out to her. But from what he can tell, he knew for some strange reason he can trust her. Maybe the same reason why Klaus was so protective of her. "I know it isn't exactly safe to speak of my brother's drug addiction, but I thought I should let you know about what Klaus is capable of."

When all Caroline did was scrunch up her eyebrows is dismay, he continued. "He cares about you Caroline. Even if Klaus cares about a few other people, he doesn't display it. But for you it's different. He will turn the whole industry, maybe even the world into destruction if it meant protecting you. That also means he will have his own set of enemies out to get him. Although I have a good friendship with Klaus, I'm still cautious around him, because of what he is capable of and what his actions can drag along with him. You're a good person Caroline, I can see that. So I just thought maybe you too should be cautious. For some reason I don't want you to fall from all this."

Without anything else to say, he laid a hand on Caroline's shoulder as he gave her a look of pity for what may come into her future, maybe in another life or maybe even in the future. They could have easily been good friends, but he knew for now unfortunate events will only occur when being around her. "Take care of yourself Caroline," and he left her alone to contemplate on Stefan's message.


Klaus tried to suppress his yawn, but failed miserably.

These were the types of parties he hated. The whole showing off to the world on the 'fabulous' life of celebrities.

One of America's largest movie network has organized this event and spent an absurd amount of money for this formal ball, just so more celebrities can expand their connections and maybe even come into contact with one of the representatives. Which was why he was there at the moment too.

Even though Elijah wasn't present with him, he thought it was a great opportunity to receive an exclusive contract from the network and possibly the fashion industry, just so that they can finally have a 'place to belong'.

As if he needed anymore contracts and a spot in this industry. He had thousands of offers by his feet after the whole Enzo incident. He was Klaus Mikaelson, there wasn't anyone in the world who didn't know of his name.

Why couldn't his brother come in his place instead... Wait a second.

He let out a growl as he realized Elijah could have indeed come in his place. Instead he sent Klaus out to represent them both, the damn bastard bailed on him.

He was thinking of the most gruesome ways to torture his dear brother, but at the moment he had bigger things to do. Like remember certain details for this contract he had to nail. If memory served him right, being under the network would come with 5 Emmy and Oscar worthy movies. They were able to find out the talent fee, and it was a fee so large it can support a whole city.

"Excuse me, Klaus Mikaelson?"

He turned around to see who it was with the steady voice. "Liv Parker."

The newcomer Liv smiled, pleased that he knew of her. "It's nice to finally meet you, I'm a huge fan. I heard so much about you."

Klaus smiled back, his charm automatically kicking in. "Good things I hope? It's a pleasure to meet you too sweetheart."

Liv was of the most in-demand actress who had her own popular TV show. She was also a candidate to be paired with him if he was signed under the network.

Liv let out a small giggle as she teased him. "Now I understand why they say your partners can't help but fall for you."

Before they can speak any further, they were instantly surrounded by a group of video cameras and reporters. "Mr. Mikaelson is it true you're the newest addition to the network?"

He should have known there would never be a place of peace when attending such an event. "No, I haven't signed a contract. I'm still discussing the matters with the agency."

"What's your current relationship status with Camille O' Connell?"

Now that was the tricky part. He couldn't say they were exactly a couple, because he knew after the movie productions came to an end they will be paired with someone else or maybe he'll be with Genevieve so they can continue with their so called 'open-relationship.' He also couldn't say they were just friends, because they still needed to promote their movie.

Finally, he answered with his regular line as usual. "We're special friends." And with that he gave them a wide smirk.

Special, to quench the reporters hunger for big news, but friends so that afterwards him and Camille can just state they really were friends when they part away without any bad blood between them.

The reporters were right at the palm of his hand as they ooh-ed and ahh-ed.

"What about Liv Parker?"

"Is it true you've gone out together?"

Liv came to Klaus's defense as she replied for them. "Actually we just met."

Unconvinced with what she said, they continued to ask more questions of their relation and all Klaus wanted to do was beat them into a bloody pulp. When he was finally telling the truth, nobody wanted to believe him. They just don't want to hear what they don't like.

Putting his hand against Liv's back, he gave the reporters a smile. "If you'll excuse us," leading Liv and himself away from the ambushed interview.

"They're crazy." Liv commented once they were out of earshot and laughed.

"Yes I couldn't agree more.." Right then and there, from a small distance he saw her.

She stood there with her back straight, her blonde hair woven into a smooth intricate bun. Allowing it to showcase her ivory unblemished back, calling out to all people to lay their lips and taint with marks all over. The dress ending above her curved round bottom and with just one tug, it could be revealed to all eyes.

Even with the sight of her back, he knew who it was automatically.

"My apologies, I have somewhere to be."

He knew it was rude of him to suddenly walk away and not even wait for Liv's reply, but he had to see her. With any indication from her naked back, he wished to see how the front of her dress looked. So he took long strides with his long legs to where she stood and was finally a few feet away from her.

"Caroline."

As he caught her attention, she slowly turned to him and he lost all abilities to breathe and think.

His mouth was slightly ajar to let in the air through his mouth, but it wasn't helping the sexual need to take her right there on the floor, for all eyes to witness from vanishing through his thick cloud of judgement. His eyes never left her face as he was captivated with the sultry look. A silver crystal chocker was adorning her long neck that tempted him to leave a trail of kisses. Her blonde hair was slicked back away from her face, except for the two long wavy strands encasing her beautifully crafted thin face structure. Her long thick wispy black eyelashes fluttering at seeing him, teasing him to come even closer. Her eyeliner winged out, making her look like a feline who was ready to purr out his name. Her soft lips painted in a matte deep dark color of red.

She looked sinfully memorizing.

With the most difficult effort he has ever made, his eyes trailed down from her face and was extremely pleased, but yet painfully aware of his need for her only increasing. He had to swallow the threatening growl wanting to come out at the vision in front of him.

The inside of her perfectly perky large breast were out in the open and he felt his fingers twitching, as it wanted to push the black materials contrasting against her perfectly white skin aside to grab a hold of those succulent breast. The night at his pool came to mind as he remembered the temptation to bring her easily responsive pink nipples into his mouth and hear her gasp of pleasure to echo inside that very room.

His eyes trailed further down and stopped himself from grabbing her, as he could see her hipbone bare from the ridiculously long slit that also showed her long leg. It was impossible for her to wear her underwear without appearing on her skin, which didn't help him at all from preventing his shaft to enlarge. At that moment all he wanted to do was grab her waist, go down on his knees in between those naked hips and feast upon the treasure there, her thighs trapping his face in between.

How can she easily arouse him just by standing there?

"Klaus."

With a struggle he looked up and with every little strength he had, he pushed the thought of taking Caroline into a spiraling world of pleasure to the back of his mind even though the display in front of him was not helping him at all.

"What are you doing here Caroline?"

She looked relieved to see him and her tender red lips widened into the perfect smile that defined Caroline as she is and he couldn't help but smile along with her infectious smile. "I'm here because your brother sent an invitation for me and Katherine to attend the ball to help us further our clothing line. Have you seen Katherine by any chance?"

From what his memory can serve, Katherine was the brown curly hair brunette Caroline used to speak so fondly of when they were together. He discreetly remembered her back at the cruise with her twin and another girl who ambushed him with their constant questions, touches and squeals. He also remembered Elijah was to have lunch with her about a week ago. However, his brother came back in a sullen mood, something he hasn't witnessed much of throughout the years they've traveled with one another. Maybe she was the reason for his brothers absence tonight. "I'm sorry love. I couldn't say I did."

Caroline let out a huff of air at his words and he smiled as he saw how her cheeks puffed out in an adorable manner. Before they can speak again, he suddenly remembered where they were and gave her a gesture of their surroundings. Hoping Caroline could catch on. She looked at him confusingly, but when she noticed the reporters coming closer her mouth formed into a small 'oh'.

"Go outside, I'll meet you there."

She nodded her head and walked away without looking back, and he had to force his eyes away from the great amount of skin shown on her back again as he walked the opposite direction.


Caroline stood a few feet away from the entrance of the ballroom as she waited for Klaus to appear. There wasn't anyone there as everyone was inside attending the grand party.

She wasn't even fazed at all when she saw Klaus there. This party was filled with the top actors, models, and singers. Which Klaus was a part of, and with all the sudden reunions occurring the past two months it felt like it was an normal occurrence. But what wasn't normal was the excited expectation of seeing him every time.

She knew deep inside, their discussions and close proximate meetings should come to a stop. Especially with Stefan's warning of the danger that can happen being around Klaus and what may occur to her emotionally if she continued on. But in the back of her mind, she knew it was an impossible task.

It was as if all rational thoughts were thrown out the window. All she wanted was to see Klaus and enjoy their inevitable meetings. A part of her was blissfully ignorant to the dangerous parts of Klaus and the industry, just as she did with their past. And she wanted to keep it that way, especially when he hasn't shown an ounce of the dangerous predicament and involved her with it. She felt like it was just better off that way...

Suddenly she could hear the music from the ballroom becoming louder and she turned to see Klaus walk out the open double doors exasperated, as he pushed his finger through his already combed and slick back hair.

She had to bite her bottom lip as Klaus reappeared, to prevent a moan of appreciation from coming out of her mouth.

He wore a black collar shirt, all buttoned up. A black silk vest on top of his shirt with a black silk tie and a black blazer with a silk collar. She was able to see the silver watch around his left wrist as his sleeve was pulled back from when he was combing his hair. His normally curly unruly hair was slicked back, revealing his handsome face even more.

Why in the world did he have to be so god damn sexy...

"Those damn paparazzi are such a pain to get rid of," he grunted more towards himself. "So you were with your friend Katherine?"

Caroline nodded her head in confirmation. "I thought I knew where she was and was going to go to her, but I got a bit... sidetracked, and couldn't find her anymore."

He raised his eyebrow. "Sidetracked?"

Suddenly she remembered her conversation with Stefan and the look of pity in his eyes.

Not wanting Klaus to know of their discussion on what he did to Damon just for her, she began to fidget as she came up with another excuse. "Well, I was in a room filled with celebrities and I know I'm not into the whole showbiz, but come on! Beyonce was there, the Queen B! It isn't my fault I got a bit star-struck, it's not everyday when you're in that situation with so many superstars."

"I'm a superstar," he pointed out. "I don't see you going crazy over me."

"You're different." She stated impassively.

"How so love?"

"I know you."

He shrug at that statement. "Fair enough."

Before he can even speak further, the door leading to the ballroom opened revealing two reporters, obviously looking for something.

Immediately, Klaus was quick to react and grabbed Caroline's hand as they ran off to the opposite direction from where the reporters stood.

They immediately ran down the stairs to a different floor, and Klaus opened the closest door to them.

He pulled Caroline to the wall that was behind the door seeing as how there was no hiding area in the room that looked to be the staff room, and seeing as how all staff was busy with the party, they were alone.

"Don't they get tired of chasing you?" She whispered harshly because the reporters made her run in a pair of very high heels. Which was SO not easy to do.

"No."

They stood still, hoping they weren't followed, but luck was against them as the door slowly opened, and they both widen their eyes at the movement.

Since Caroline was the one against the wall and Klaus was closest to the door, he pushed himself against her so that the door wouldn't push against him and give out their hiding spot. They stood there still, with their breathe held, trying to avoid even the tiniest noise from them both.

"I swear I saw him enter here," the female reporter was saying as she tried to look for the light switch in the dark room that was lighten up by the moonlight through the many windows. If she opened the door any further she would have hit his back, but fortunately God was on their side as the other reporter replied.

"Maybe he's in another room?"

Dejectedly the woman answered back as she stepped out the room, "yeah maybe.."

When the door closed, they waited until they couldn't hear them any longer and when they thought the coast was clear, Caroline started to giggle. Then her giggling turned into laughter. "That was fun."

Klaus looked at her oddly for her sudden erupt of laughter and strange statement. "I don't see any fun in that."

"That's cause you're no fun," she teased.

Klaus grabbed a hold of her cheeks immediately and started to squish her face for her comment, while ignoring Caroline's plea to stop and her futile attempt to pull his arms away.

He began to laugh at her irritation from making her look like an adorable goldfish, until she couldn't hold back her own laughter and they laughed together.

When their laughter died down, they suddenly realized they were in the same position as they were from when Klaus went closer towards her to prevent the door from coming to meet his back.

Klaus was leaning against Caroline, her nearly naked chest against his clothed one. His hands were still on her cheeks, but instead of putting any pressure into her cheeks. He was now holding her face gently as he slowly caressed them in a delicate motion with his thumbs.

Her hands were still placed on Klaus's forearm from her attempt to pull his hands away, which was now holding onto his sleeve in a tight grip as the closeness between their bodies caused her heart to beat rapidly and her mind becoming hazy as she smelled his intoxicating scent that reminded her of the musky and fresh smell after the rain has ended.

Even with her barely clothed body, she can feel her body heating up as she wanted to feel his skin against her own. She felt him come even closer towards her, and she looked up from that movement, only to feel her legs begin to shake from looking into his eyes and his luscious plump raspberry lips nearly touching her own red painted lips.

She saw the familiar lust filled eyes that gazed upon her from above when she was laid on the pool floor. The same straight unwavering eyes from her confession of her secret stash of toys for her own pleasure. The same eyes that stared at her from just moments ago as he trailed his eyes down her face to her body in an appreciative manner before him. The very same eyes that caused the wetness in between her legs and her heart to swell up from 5 years ago.

Her body may have been trapped by his body at the moment, but her soul was captured along with it.

Klaus stared at her as the same moon that glistened her body back at his pool was now highlighting her delicate facial structures and enthralling bright lust filled blue eyes.

He tried so hard, so damn fucking hard to move his body away, but as her lips moved faintly against his when she whispered his name with uncertainty.

He couldn't stop.

He softly brought his lips against hers and they both let out a moan and shiver of their own as their lips were finally reunited after so many years. It was as if nothing has changed, except for their impossibly higher than the stars and the galaxies need for one another rising, as the only thing that can now get rid of aroused state was their bodies.

Their lips moved in a frantic motion and when their tongues touched, they couldn't stop anymore.

Her head moved to the side so their mouths can deepen and their tongues to continue their feral battle. It was as if he was stealing her breath, inhaling it as his own and she never wanted him to let it go.

She trailed and rubbed her hands from his arms, to his chest as she pushed his blazer off of him, to his neck to loosen up the tie, only to throw it somewhere else. Then to his now messy hair as she combed his hair with her own fingers and pulled his head even closer as she rubbed herself against him, making him growl into her mouth and nearly crush her with his body.

His hands left her face only to bring his hand down to her waist to wrap his arm around her and hug her lower body against his and received a moan from her mouth, echo into his own. His other hand went to her naked back he has been dying to touch since he first laid eyes on it tonight, and moved his hand down her back and up in a repeating motion. But when she wouldn't stop rubbing herself against him. He laid his hand out on her lower back and harshly grind his hidden shaft against her groin making her bite his bottom lip at the very needed pressure between her hips.

He continued to grind himself in a circular motion as he left her addictive lips to bite her left ear and listened carefully to the melodic sensual moans on replay. He pulled his hand away from her lower back only to pull her hair down that was still up in a bun and was satisfied to see those long blonde waves cascade down her body. He brought his lips to her shoulders as he licked and nipped her glowing skin.

Caroline couldn't understand a thing that was going on. But she couldn't care less as the relentless amount of pleasure Klaus was giving to her was making her high off of him, all thoughts were gone as it spiraled around him. However, when he stopped touching her. She opened her eyes in frustration and confusion, only to feel a tremor of arousal ricochet down her spleen, her veins, and down to her lower region at the sight of Klaus down on his knees as his unwavering stare continued to watch her face.

"Klaus?"

He brought his hands to her calves and she watched as his hand slowly moved up to the sides of her legs and to her hips, only to pull her closer to his face.

"Don't talk. Just scream my name."

She closed her eyes shut when she felt him push her long gown upwards and heard his sharp intake of air and growl.

"Fuck Caroline, you're trying to kill me here."

His thoughts from before has just been proven right as he could see first hand, nothing was hiding her seeping wet hairless pussy and he let out a groan of euphoria as he inhaled the scent of Caroline's arousal and watched as her wetness trailed down the inside of her thighs.

"Klaus.."

He looked up to see sweet Caroline panting painfully as she waited for him impatiently to do exactly what he was set out to do.

She delicately touched his hands that were still holding onto her hips, only to pull her gown away from his grip as she held it herself against her stomach with one hand, and used the other to bring his other hand down to where his much needed attention should be and let out a gasp of content from the contact of his long callous hand while his self restraint was breaking at her action.

"Klaus... Please."

Her begging him and her action of bringing his hand to her pussy made him lose it and he dived right in without any complaints and groaned at the delicious taste of her after so many years and her screaming.

She didn't know what came over her when she dragged his hand to where the pressure was building, but she was grateful for her action as she felt the contact of his mouth devouring her, the stubbles on his face deliciously scraping against the inside of her thighs which she is sure will turn red, and his tongue laid flat out against her as he took long licks in between the small lips of her labia and the tip of his tongue pushing against her entrance.

Klaus watched as Caroline leaned back against the wall with her hips struck out, jolting as he continued with his actions. But her face is the most exquisite vision to behold and nothing can come close to comparison of the beauty in front of him. His sketchbooks full of her drawn pleasure filled face can do her no justice, as the real face in front of him was even better.

All he can do is indulge in this moment and try to indent the sight of her open smudged red lips panting, moaning, groaning, and screaming into his ears, his thoughts, and chest.

The space in between her eyebrows were scrunched up together each time he pushed his face even closer to her pussy and her eyes closing even tighter as tears of unspoken pleasure was seeping out her tear-ducts, but at that moment he wanted nothing more than to see her watch him bring her to the height of her pleasure.

"Look at me Caroline."

Caroline faintly heard his demand, and when she slowly tried to open her eyes. She thoughtfully thanked him, as the sight only further amplified her excitement, because nothing more can be sexier than Klaus on his knees enjoying the taste of her.

She watched as the hand that was holding her hip let go, as he didn't need to pull her any closer, because she was doing the job herself by pushing herself against his mouth and went up the path to her stomach.

Skimming past her small soft hands that had an iron grip on the bottom of her gown. He made it to the valley of her chest and without difficulty, the silky fabric that was till laid on top of Caroline's shoulder easily slipped down her arm to reveal her breasts. He grabbed one of her soft succulent breast and fondled it in the palm of his hand while pulling and rolling her pink nipples in his fingers making her cry out even louder.

Even through all the pleasure she was receiving and he was giving, they never once had their gaze upon each other to astray as they watched one another, bewitched with everything occurring and the unspoken feeling of how this wasn't only effecting their groins..

But also their hearts.

Caroline gasped with widen eyes as Klaus finally plunged two fingers into her entrance and her thighs stiffened as she clenched around his face as her body shook. He knew she was close to her climax so he quickened his pace as Caroline tried with all her might to not close her eyes, but when he sucked onto her clitoris harder than she was used to. She came undone right then as he lapped up her climax and she screamed out his name.

"NIK!"


The moment she spoke his other name, all his past memories with her invaded his mind which also meant the painful ones too.

They were now fixing themselves in silence after he pulled away from her quickly when she cried out his full name, and she looked at him as if he was having a battle within himself with frustration.

"Klaus?"

She saw the way his back stiffen as she called out to him, and when he turned around to look at her she was taken back by the emotionless cold look in his face.

She hasn't seen this look since the day at the cruise and even then she still wasn't used to the look.

"I have to go."

He hastily tried to exit the room, but Caroline wasn't having any of it and grabbed his arm, not allowing him to leave.

She was sick and tired of this stupid game of cat and mouse between them and she knew with reluctance that the inevitable conversation was to occur.

"We have to talk."

He shrug her off him as he spoke to her, void of all emotions he may be feeling at the moment causing her chest to feel a sharp pain. "There's nothing to speak of."

She gaped at him for the audacity to say such a stupid lie, and felt herself getting angry at his lame attempt to push her away. "Just stop it! Your stupid facade to push me away even after everything that has happened, isn't working. We both know we have to lay out our damn problems!"

As he remained there motionless, she started to pace around the room as she combed her hair back in frustration as she wasn't getting through to him. Everything she has done to smooth things over between them hasn't done a thing.

"Why do you have to act like this?! We were doing so well getting along with each other, but you ruined it by acting as if you don't give a rat's ass about me again! If you didn't want us to be on good terms and you were pushing yourself then you shouldn't have and just let me be sane instead of confused!"

"Don't let it get to you."

"Seriously? SERIOUSLY?! Don't let it get to me?!" She repeated unbelievably. "I tried! I'm still trying, so don't. Don't you dare tell me not to let it bother me Niklaus Mikaelson!"

They knew they were treading on dangerous grounds. With how loud she was getting, there was a chance they would get caught. But Caroline was irrational and at that moment, neither cared.

Klaus looked at her impassively as if what she has said was untrue and voiced out his thoughts with a hardness to it. "Well you're not trying hard enough. Just let it go already Caroline."

Caroline felt angry tears developing in the sockets of her eyes and she just wanted to scream out curse words till the whole world can hear her, while pulling out all her damn hair. Why couldn't he understand? Why couldn't he just realize she simply couldn't let it go."

"I CAN'T!" She cried out.

"Even after the horrible thing I've done to you, even after the way everything ended. Even after you act so cold towards me, I can't let it go because-... Because I still care about you!"

He looked at her with wide eyes at her confession and she finally felt her tears of anger threaten to fall as she looked at him sadly. "I'm not a freaking masochist Klaus. I don't enjoy the way you treat me and I definitely don't like how you're always pushing me away, but even through all that, I still care about you.. I always have. That's why everything, even after everything that happened between us. It affects me, it still affects me Klaus, it always has."

Klaus tried to speak but as he opened his mouth, he couldn't voice out his thoughts. He shook his head to stop himself as he still spoke in the same cold tone. "Forget it."

Caroline cringed at the short sentence and echoed his words in pain. "Forget it? That's all you can say to me?"

She spoke softly as her chest painfully clenched when he still couldn't even try to fix anything or say anything besides telling her to stop caring, and it hurt. "You said you didn't hate me, but that seems like complete bullshit."

He quickly looked at her as she said that and she just couldn't bring herself to do anything else, because she was tired.

She was tired of having to be the only one who tried to fix everything, she was tired of Klaus not even trying to meet her half-way, she was tired of him confusing her mentally and emotionally.

She was tired of it all.

"I'm sorry okay?" She whispered brokenly as her emotions were unraveling. "I'm sorry I ended our relationship the way it did, I'm sorry I couldn't even give you a better explanation, I'm sorry I hurt you, I'm sorry for everything, I'm sorry Klaus, I'm so sorry.."

He wanted to comfort her as he saw her tears and his body twitched as all he wanted to do was wipe those tears away from her beautiful face that should only be filled with happiness and laughter.

But he also wanted to turn around and leave, but he couldn't.

He wanted to get away from everything, the memories, the emotions, the thoughts. He wanted to get away from her. He didn't want to relive the pain that scarred him, the pain that molded him into the conniving man he was now, the pain of her ever leaving him.

But this confrontation was long over due.

And although he knew it, it didn't mean he wanted it to occur and have to deal with it because he knew he wouldn't be able to control himself.

But maybe this was what he needed... No.

He knew he needed to do this. It wasn't a maybe, it was a must.

"I know why you did it."

She looked at him in confusion and questioningly from what he admitted, as she wasn't exactly sure about what he was talking about.

"I know why you left. When you broke up with me and mentioned me losing my contracts, I had a feeling Elijah was involved with it. So after you left I went to his place and confronted him. He admitted his part."

Caroline stood there frozen to her spot as her secret was revealed. The reason why she left him, but all this time he knew. He's always known why she made her final decision. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Klaus glared at her as she spoke and laughed with the bitterness that was embedded into his soul, and it will probably always be there till the day he was buried in the ground. "Tell you? Why in the world did you think I kept calling you? Why I sent you text messages? Why I sent you letters? Why I stayed nearly over 150 hours for the past two weeks at your door?! You didn't even let me tell you, you didn't even let me have any chance to fix things between us! You didn't give me any choice! You decided for us, and that was it! I had no say in anything of the matter, you chose to ignore me! So how exactly am I suppose to feel, how am I suppose to act around you?!"

All Caroline can do was watch as Klaus was finally speaking about his pain. The pain of rejection on her part, the pain of never allowing him to have a chance to speak on his own part. The pain of everything she has done to him and she cried as the realization hit her and that she made the biggest mistake of her life.

"Even after finding out Elijah's part, I still couldn't come to understand why you did it. I know you would have fought for us, I knew with your stubbornness you would have tried everything in your will-power to make things work, but you've done nothing and after I left I finally realized why you did it. I realized why you truly left."

The glare on his face softened as his anger was gone, and was only left with sadness. "You were afraid. You were afraid of being the second choice to my career. You were afraid once my career took off, I would leave you behind. So once Elijah gave you the opportunity to leave, you took it."

She didn't reply, she couldn't reply.

She should have known Klaus knew her like the back of his hand. She should have known he knew of her biggest fear from their past arguments about his future. She should have known he would be the only one to realize her deepest darkest secret when she couldn't even admit it to herself.

She should have known better.

Even through all the tears, she looked at him with determination, because although she made the mistake of not allowing Klaus speak for himself, she was right about what his future would entitle him if she was gone from his life.

"I still think I did the best thing for you. Even though you're right about my fears, I also did it because I didn't want to be selfish little girly Caroline anymore and I was right about being that stupid block on your road, and now? You're claimed as the number one hottest and talented man on earth. You have so many girls falling at your feet. You have all the money to buy whatever you desire, you have infinite fame! You could be happy, you should be happy because all your dreams came true!"

"GOD CAROLINE. Did you ever think my dreams may have changed after meeting you?!"

She took a sharp inhale of air as his words caused her heart to stop. All thoughts of arguing with him vanished. Her state of mind went completely blank and she just stood there staring at him, not believing what she has just heard.

"What?"

Klaus's expression started to change as it revealed all of his suffering and despair. How the past 5 years of bottled up emotions and unspoken truth were finally being released and she witnessed the brokenhearted man that he was, because she caused it with her own two hands.

She broken Klaus Mikaelson.

"You were my dream Caroline."

His face only reminded her of the face that haunted her dreams after breaking up with him and just like that very day. She felt the warm tears falling. She tried to stifle her cries, but she couldn't and the tears came rolling down her face, never coming to a stop.

"All I wanted for my future. Our future, was to be with each other. I would have easily given up all this fame and fortune if it meant being with you. Waking up every morning to see your smile. Having our own children running outside the yard with our picket fence in Mystic Falls. That would have been my happiness, because all I ever wanted was to be with you, all I needed was you..."

She fell to the ground as all strength has given up on her and she let out violent sobs. She couldn't breathe from the lump clogging her throat as his confession caused herself to self explode and felt her heart twisting in an even more painful and gruesome way than the day she deliberately left him.

Then suddenly she flinched as she saw Klaus punch the wall, and saw the hole in it.

Just like the hole in both their chests.

"YOU DIDN'T TRUST ME!" He roared in sorrow as his face couldn't hide how painful this all was to him. How she ruined him.

"You didn't have faith in us, you didn't even come to believe that we could have made this through! You didn't even come to think you were worth more than all this crap I have! We could have achieved something greater than fame, we could have had each other! But you decided all this had to come an end! You say you care about me, then why did you have to utterly destroy me?! Why did you have to do it Caroline?! Why did you back away from what we could have had?! You left me hanging and you left me Caroline! You left me... You left..."

She has never hated herself more than she ever did at that moment as she acknowledged his words. She knew they were both deeply hurt from their breakup, but what she didn't realize was that she hurt him much, much worse. She couldn't truly justify that she left him for the better now, because all it did was tear him apart from the inside piece by piece.

Along with the beautifully descriptive future Klaus has envisioned with one another.

Her cries were uncontrollable. The anguish was too unbearable and she just couldn't contain it any longer. It hurt to breathe, it hurt to watch his normally tall and proud stance to weaken. It hurt to see his unmistakably pain written all over his face. It hurt to hear the way he spoke as he whispered, as he yelled, because the pain was all in his tone. It hurt... It hurt so fucking badly...

"But you know what's much worse? I'm so ashamed to call myself an actor and claim the spot as number one when I can't even act indifferent towards you and act as if our past isn't there. I tried so damn hard to be unresponsive to you since the day I saw you again and act as if I'm okay, but I can't because every time I'm around you. I just lose it.

As his face only deepened in further despair, all she wanted to do was comfort him. Bring him into her arms and make everything okay.

But she couldn't.

She didn't have any right to, because she was the one who caused all this. She was the one who ruined it all...

"And whenever you're close to me... I have this constant reminder of all this pain... All this pain I felt before only keeps coming back, and I don't want that. I don't want to feel this, I don't want to feel so weak."

He had been hurt badly not only by Caroline, but his own father which made it difficult to put his heart in stake again. He never in his life want to feel anymore pain. He could cover it better than most people, but it didn't mean he was hurting any less.

So he left, and this time. She didn't stop him from leaving.


"Caroline.."

Caroline has been crying for days and was now laying on Katherine's lap as she still continued on. After receiving a text from Caroline of where she was located, Katherine found her in the staff room and felt her heart break at the sight of her broken form on the floor crying her eyes out and from what she gathered, the ex-couple talked and it went horribly horribly wrong.

However she couldn't find out all the details as she couldn't understand a word that was coming from Caroline's mouth. She's been trying to calm her down by stroking her hair and when her sobs lessened, she thought she finally fell asleep. But she was proven wrong when Caroline slowly sat up.

Still letting out hiccups and the tears still pouring out of her she spoke in a raspy voice from all her weeping. "I have to talk to him..."

She had to see him again. She knew there can be nothing to change the past, but it didn't mean she couldn't do anything to try and make it up to him. It was the least she can do.

Katherine bit her lip as she was uncertain to talk about it. She didn't want to deliver the news when Caroline still hasn't recovered from her conversation with Klaus.

But Caroline knew exactly what that look on Katherine's face meant and she asked her cautiously, afraid of why she looked at her the way she did. "What's wrong?"

With difficulty Katherine tried to form the words in her mouth and when she saw how Caroline was going to become hysteric, she told her the truth.

"Elijah sent me a text message a few hours ago... They went back to California. Caroline, He's gone."


Hi everyone! I'm so sorry for the late update, my computer broke down and I've been so busy with my new job. Fortunately my birthday was on the 24th of October so someone offered to fix my computer as a present so here I am (:

This is the longest chapter I've ever written, and I'm surprised no one came to the conclusion of Klaus already knowing the truth... I even let out subtle little hints, but still. Don't hurt me ):

I hope the smut can at least kind of make up for it? It was my first time really writing one, so I hope it did you guys a little justice.

Anyways continue with your reviews/favorites/follows! I love you all xoxo