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Terrible Love
Chapter 9: Choices
"Niklaus!"
"Nik!"
Klaus turned at the sound of familiar voices and saw his sisters running towards him. "What are you doing here?"
"Shit," Rebekah murmured as she crouched down slightly to catch her breath. "We actually made it."
Freya took a moment to do the same before glaring at Klaus. "What are we doing? What are you doing?
"Surely it's obvious by now."
"Spare me your sarcasm brother," Freya retorted, crossing her arms. "I can't believe you were just going to walk out on us."
"Don't be so dramatic Freya I'm merely leaving early. I'll be here next year. If you'll excuse me I have a plane to catch."
Rebekah spoke up then. "Shut up Nik. Don't even think you're ditching our family reunion. You're here to stay like it or not. Freya, grab him, we're going home."
"What the hell are you doing? Release me this instant!" Klaus ordered when they each took one of his arms and began dragging him.
"You're not running off on us Niklaus," Freya began with a serious tone. "And you aren't running off on Camille either."
"We're sorry for teasing you Nik," Rebekah added when he was about to speak. "But you have our full support. Just tell her how you feel."
"Are the two of you really playing love doctor with me?" Klaus asked in disbelief. He shook his head. "I appreciate this lovely sentiment but you're wasting your time. And frankly, this is quite embarrassing."
"My dearest brother, there's nothing wrong with getting dragged to the car by your sisters." Rebekah joked. "Besides, when the idiot men of the family begin doing stupid things it's up to us girls who step in to resolve the issues."
"I don't need advice on how to lead my life. I'm a grown man." Klaus huffed as he was shoved in the back seat of the car. "You have some nerve."
"Oh shut up already." Freya replied while starting up the car. "Now I'm driving you back to the bar and you're going to apologize to Camille, understood?"
Klaus grumbled something about irritating sisters beneath his breath.
The drive to the bar was agonizingly long and he was already pissed for buying a plane ticket he obviously wasn't going to use. Recalling how their last encounter went he did his best to tone it down. Now that his anger and adrenaline had worn off he was starting to feel guilty. He'd told her some cruel things. He'd hurt her and it started making him feel like the biggest prick in the world.
The familiar bar came into view and he sighed. To think he was feeling nervous. This truly was pathetic.
"She's working." Klaus said in a poor attempt to not have to go through with this.
Freya smirked. "I've already got it covered. Let's go to the back door. Thank me later."
Right as they made it Camille burst through the back door. "Freya! Oh God, is Lucien okay? How did he have a ski accident in the middle of the summer!?"
Only Camille would fall for such a ridiculous tale, Klaus thought, doing all he could to prevent the idiotic smile from breaking loose. Her genuine worry and care would best even common sense. This woman was without a doubt the most unique woman he's ever met.
"Actually, I lied. I just needed you alone without any interruptions or, to be fair, it's my brother who wanted to see you."
"You dragged me here!" Klaus replied in defense.
Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Meh, details. Who cares?"
Camille didn't even look at Klaus. "I care. This joke is over. I'm going back to work."
The outright rejection stung Klaus more than he cared to admit.
One of the other bartenders opened the door and placed her hands on her hips. "Cami what are you doing? It's packed in there let's go."
"Sorry, I'm going."
"Don't stand there Nik!" Rebekah shouted, breaking his thoughts. She shoved him forward. "Go and say what you need to say. This is getting tiresome."
Klaus placed a hand on Camille's shoulder to stop her from leaving. "Camille I'm—"
She smacked his hand away. "I don't want to hear it! Why are you here? Everything has already been said!"
"You're wrong Camille. Let me explain."
Suddenly a car with a familiar red headed driver was screeching towards them making him want to scream. This was not possible. No one can be this unlucky.
Kol poked his head from the passenger window. "The jig is up! Run!"
"That's her isn't it," Aurora growled once she stepped out, shooting an accusatory finger. "That's the skank you've been seeing behind my back isn't it!?"
The other bartender froze in fear. "Me?"
"Not you grandma," She retorted and pointed to Camille. "Her!
Camille eyed Aurora like she was insane. To be fair she did appear it. After all who in the world drives a car around like that? "Look, why don't you head home. I don't think you need any more to drink."
"Are you insinuating that I'm drunk!?" Aurora retorted incredulously.
"Well... aren't you?" Camille replied, truly baffled by the question.
"Aurora go home!" Klaus cut in. "I don't think I can be any clearer with you. There is nothing going on between us."
"You and I are meant to be Niklaus and as soon as you forget about your little pet here the sooner we can move on with our lives."
"Who do you think you are!?" Camille snapped having lost her patience.
"Cat fight!" Kol joked earning a glare from his sisters.
"I'm Niklaus' lover!" Aurora shouted.
Camille turned to Klaus in disbelief. "You mean you've been trying to get with me while being with her?"
"No, she's—"
*Thwat*
Klaus lifted a hand to his burning cheek. He should've anticipated the slap and he probably deserved it. It still stung.
"How dare you!" Aurora yelled angrily.
"Ladies please," Kol cut in. "Can't we all just get along?"
Freya sighed. "Boy did this sure escalate."
The security ran out having been called by the bartender -whom must've run back inside some time during the commotion- and ordered them all to leave the area. Klaus felt a sense of déjà vu as he was thrown out by the security once more.
"Don't worry Nik," Rebekah tried comforting him on the ride home. "We'll see Cami tomorrow and you can mend the bridge once and for all."
Klaus turned to Kol who was sleeping in the back seat of the car. "There's another bridge I must mend first."
When they arrived home Freya stepped out and stretched her arms out. "This has been a long enough day and I'm off to bed. Don't even think about leaving again Niklaus."
"Wouldn't dream of it sister."
"Kol get your lazy ass up," Rebekah said while nudging her sleeping brother. "We're home already."
Finally he woke up and groaned at the rude awakening he'd gotten. "Be more gentle Bekah, you're dealing with precious cargo here. Plus it's been a long day so cut me some slack." He yawned. "And this older brother of yours is tired so, night."
"Kol wait." Klaus said earning the boy's attention. "I need to speak to you."
Freya and Rebekah went inside leaving the two alone.
Kol narrowed his eyes. "You're a wanker."
"I know."
"You're also a prick."
"I am."
"And you can be an ungrateful sod."
Klaus sighed in exasperation. "Yes, I know. Now can I apologize or are there any other colorful words you wish to describe me with?"
"Nope. You can apologize."
"Good," He nodded before continuing. "Listen Kol, I'm sorry about what I told you. It was in a fit of anger and I take it back. Can we start over with a clean slate?"
"I suppose. You're still a wanker though." Kol replied with a smirk.
Klaus chuckled and pulled him in for a hug, lightly tapping his back. "Don't worry about your future Kol. I've got good connections and I'm here to help."
"Much obliged Nik. For now let's start with letting me sleep."
... ... …. …. ... ... ... …. …. ... ... ... ….
Sleep would not come to Klaus as he tossed and turned. Why is it that everything always went so bloody wrong with Camille? It's as if the galaxies had plotted against him and are doing everything in their power to deny him his brave bartender.
This had reached a boiling point and he couldn't take it anymore. He tossed his sheets off and sat up, sleep was a lost cause by now. His eyes landed on his closet and then, almost of their own accord, his body dragged him towards it. He pulled out the familiar portrait inside and stared fondly at her beautiful face.
Suddenly it hit him.
It was like a fog clearing up, he could see the clarity now. He was still in love with Camille. The feelings he'd thought were buried and never to be seen again had now began creeping back to the surface. Kol would stupidly compare it to a zombie refusing to stay dead.
Klaus checked the time on his phone. It was past two in the morning, she should be getting out by now. It was now or never. He tucked the portrait under his arm and darted downstairs. Upon reaching the door he came to a startling conclusion.
He'd returned his rental already.
To hell with it, He thought and grabbed the keys to Elijah's rental. This time he sent him a message to avoid any hassles later. With the now empty streets it was much less time consuming getting to the bar. He parked the car and darted out. Flashes of a boy in high school echoed in his mind.
A pair of familiar voices halted him momentarily. One was obviously Camille while the other one no doubt belonged to him. He turned the corner and found them standing right outside the bar.
"You didn't have to wait for me Will."
"It's not a problem. I was in the neighborhood anyway and I know you get out around this time. And plus you can never be too safe."
Camille chuckled. "My car is just across the street."
Klaus smirked. What a complete bellend.
"Oh! Right," Will rubbed his head sheepishly. "You got me. I actually had another reason for coming here to be fair."
"Is something wrong?"
"I want to take you out."
The hold on the portrait tightened, eyes narrowed.
"Really? You actually came at this time of night to ask me out? Wow."
Her tone was one of shock. And... flattery? Had Klaus analyzed that right?
"Look, Cami, can I be honest with you?"
"Yeah, best quality in a man you know?" She joked.
"Well, here goes," Will started after taking a quick breath. "I've always liked you, ever since high school."
Klaus could hear his heart thumping against his chest. This couldn't be happening.
"I thought I was over it. I've had my share of women but nothing has ever filled the void. And then, I come back to town and you're here. And suddenly, all those feelings have resurfaced. I didn't even think. I just came here because I had to tell you. I would like to see if it can work out between us."
He was able to see the shock etched in her face. But, to his horror, she appeared to be contemplating his offer. And suddenly he was back in the gymnasium, watching her with someone else.
It was never him.
It will never be him.
The thought had never really occurred to him. Perhaps she simply never viewed him in that light. No that can't be right, his mind argued. After the barbecue there were clear signs that she wanted to be more than being friends.
"Sorry for throwing this on you out of the blue Cami," Will spoke, taking Klaus out of his musings. "You don't have to answer me now. I'll wait. Think it over. And then let me know what your answer is."
Klaus watched as he walked Camille to her car. He despised it when he kissed her cheek. This detective did not know who he was messing with. One call and Klaus could end his entire career in a heartbeat. But that was unnecessary. There was no need to use such forces.
Because he was going to let Camille know exactly how he feels. Then, the choice would be hers.
Klaus arrived at his house and dumped Elijah's keys back where they were. He couldn't make his move in the middle of the night. She was already overwhelmed enough for one day. And to be honest so was he. He had enough drama to satisfy a soap opera. Knowing Camille she'd slam the door in his face and not let him in anyway. Her uncle would most likely hear and it would lead to an even bigger mess.
He went about the same routine he normally does in the morning.
"You seem in good spirits brother." Henrik said when he noticed Klaus.
"That's because I am in good spirits. Today will be one with great changes. Changes that I've been hoping occurred for as long as I can remember."
Henrik stared at him in confusion. "Are you buying a new house? Or is there a new game coming out?"
"Aah, youthful innocence," Klaus said as he patted Henrik. "What I'm doing is far greater than any game or house. I'm going to profess my undying love to the woman of my dreams."
"Gross! How is that greater than a house or a new game?"
Klaus chuckled. "You'll understand when you're older little one. Let mother and father know I'll be out."
"Leave it to me!"
Nothing would stop Klaus. Once his mind is set on something he goes through with it. This time he'd present her with his portrait and confess his feelings once and for all.
Oh crap, he doesn't have a car.
All he could think was: Elijah.
"Sorry Niklaus," Elijah said, stopping Klaus right as he'd reached for the key to his rental. "I'd love to allow you to take my rental without any prior consent but, I'm afraid I need it. I'm doing the shopping today."
"I sent you a text to be fair. Also, are you kidding me?"
"I'm not. By the way we'll be having pot roast for dinner." Was the last he said before leaving Klaus to his dilemma.
If only Finn were here he'd take his rental but he was out too. Freya was not here either. That left Kol who was stripped of car privileges and Rebekah who had hers in the shop. And desperate as he may be he was not going to take Henrik's four wheeler.
Why did Camille have to work miles away from his home?
"Top of the morning to ya Nik!" Kol said with a terrible Irish accent as he came down the stairs.
"Kol, this is going to sound really bad but... I need your help."
"I figured as much. What is it?"
"I need to get to the bar right now and see Cami. But everyone is out and I've already returned my rental."
Kol raised a brow. "Will you be plowing her once and for all?"
There was a pause.
"Yes."
"Okay. We'll take father's car."
"You'd use any excuse to drive father's Mercedes wouldn't you?"
"I'll take what I can get brother. Now come on!"
Aurora was waiting outside the door as soon as it opened.
"Aaaah!" Kol shouted as he jumped back. "You have some serious stalker issues love!"
"Where do you think you're going Niklaus?" She asked, completely ignoring Kol. "Back to your pet?"
Klaus frowned and stepped in front of Kol. "Watch your tone before speaking of her. It seems you have yet to grasp the concept of me not interested in you so I'll repeat myself; I am not interested in you. Therefore I suggest you drop these delusions and move on with your life."
"He means bugger off." Kol added. "Now we have somewhere to be so, yeah, bugger off."
The two made it past her before Kol stopped dead in his tracks when Klaus abruptly fell to the ground, twitching in the process.
"Nik!?" He gasped. His eyes darted to Aurora whom was holding a taser gun. "What? You had another one? Actually, screw that! Let Nik go!"
She smirked. "I don't think so. If I can't have Niklaus no one else can. Can't you see Kol? He's been tainted by that blond skank. I need to attend to him like a good wife would do to a husband. In sickness and health is how it goes am I right?"
"Shit, you are like one of those psychos you read about in those reddit forums." Kol replied feeling extremely creeped out. "Look here love, it's clear you don't take rejection well but this is too much."
"Go away Kol. This is a dispute between two lovers. It doesn't need a third party."
"Okay Aurora, just relax," Kol began cautiously approaching her like a dog trainer would do to an enraged dog. "No need to get angry. Be a good girl and put down the gun."
"Put down the gun? Why I'm only getting started."
"I've had just about enough of this!" Kol snapped and charged at her. A moment later and he was sprawled on the ground with volts swimming inside him.
"I didn't want to do that but you left me no choice. Fear not beloved brother in law for once Niklaus is back to normal and over this little phase of his, we can return to normal."
Kol only twitched in response. Good God did Niklaus know how to pick them.
While Aurora was distracted Klaus used the moment to use all the energy he could muster and grab her leg. This caused the shock running inside him to pass onto her, successfully making her drop the weapon and fall down. He climbed above her and pinned her hands which, unfortunately, only excited her.
"Ooh, I see my idea worked wonders. But seriously Niklaus, in front of Kol? Who cares, my plan worked."
"Nothing worked Aurora!" Klaus shouted. "Nothing will ever work between us. It's done, we're done. You can't toy with people's emotions or force someone into loving you. It doesn't work that way. I have no feelings for you. Stop with this sick obsession you have or I'll be forced to put a restraining order on you!"
Kol managed to get on his feet before stomping on the taser guns. "That's for electrifying me. You seem to be in abundance of these things so I trust you won't miss them. If not well," He shrugged. "Sue me. But I should warn you Elijah is a damn good lawyer. Not to mention how this was practically assault and with Nik as my witness—"
"Kol," Klaus cut in. "Shut up and get the damn car!"
"Right, sorry!" Kol rushed to open the garage. "You have a bartender to shag."
"Why are you so in love with her?" Aurora asked angrily after recovering from the rejection. "Must I be boring to fancy you?"
"It was always her Aurora, and it will always be her." Klaus answered without bothering to look at her. "I better not find you when I return, or preferably, ever."
Kol honked. "Get in Nik!"
"Where are you two off too!?" Rebekah called from the upstairs window.
"We're off to fix Nik's tragic love life! And then he's shagging Cami!" Kol shouted making Klaus shake his head.
"Ooh hold up Kol! I'm coming with!"
"Alright, hurry! Some twat is also attempting to win her over!"
"For God's sake," Klaus groaned. "This isn't something for your amusement!"
"Relax Nik," Kol said and patted his arm. "Rebekah won't take long. Plus you have nothing to worry about. I'm sure Cami will pick you in the end."
That flattered Klaus long enough for Rebekah to climb onto the car.
"Do I even want to know why Aurora is crying on our porch like a freak? Or why we are in father's car?"
"Nik finally let her have it and let me tell you she is psycho. Where did you even pick her up from Nik? Didn't know the insane asylum gave out Match dot com profiles."
"Get off my back alright," Klaus retorted, throwing his hands in the air dramatically. "I was in a bad place and she seemed appealing at the time."
"This is what this ride is for anyway," Rebekah chimed in from the back seat. "To fix your mistake and put you back on the right road. No pun intended."
"Rebekah you're only here to watch a live soap opera," Klaus sighed. "Nice to know you find my predicament amusing sister."
"How could you think that Nik?" She replied while feigning a hurt expression. "Okay so perhaps I am. But it's roughly just thirty percent of why I'm here. I do want to see you finally happy. I think the entire family but Henrik knows you're crazy about Cami; so of course your happiness is priority number one."
"There's the bar," Kol said when they reached the familiar Mystic Grill. "It's your time Niklaus. Me and Bekah will cheer you on like the good siblings that we are. Of course we'll be having a front row seat and helping ourselves to some grub. By the way have any money? I'm penniless."
Klaus wanted to strangle the boy sometimes. Regardless he gave Kol money so that he and Rebekah could eat something.
"Cheers Nik! Never you worry once I'm on my feet I'll pay you back, if I remember." With that he grabbed Rebekah's wrist and headed for the counter.
Thankfully due to it being early in the morning there were hardly in patrons. Where was she? Good God he'd feel like an imbecile if Camille was off today. He approached the brunette bartender. "Excuse me, do you know if Camille came into work today?"
"Cami? Yeah she did but she told me to cover her shift. It was pretty spontaneous if you ask me but I owed her so here I am. Anyway, she just left out back like two minutes ago so you can probably still catch her."
Klaus rushed outside but stopped when he heard her voice.
"I've made my decision. I need to see you Will. Can we meet somewhere now or later? ...Yeah, that's perfect."
Klaus could've sworn he heard what was left of his resolve crumble; could've sworn he heard his heart fall to the ground and shatter like glass. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be.
"What's wrong Nik?" Rebekah asked when he came back inside. "You find her?"
"She picked him. It's over."
Author's Notes
Alright guys, final chapter up next! Big thanks for the feedback.
