Chapter 9.
He knew all along...
Caroline recalled every painful and breaking moment that day.
How truly angry he was for never having an ultimatum for their breakup. How the tormented look on his face looked so inconsolable and vulnerable after finally letting out everything he has kept deep inside him after five long years. How every heartbreaking, full of painful words he has spoken teared her inside piece by piece.
But out of everything, what really bothers her is that he knew..
He knew about everything
He spoke to Elijah the day she left him and knew about their conversation, he knew every single detail about what they've spoken about. Yet, he still tried to speak to her, practically pleaded her to listen to what he had to say for the past two weeks and she still refused to hear him out, because she knew... She knew if she was to see that pain-stricken look on his face and hear his reasons, she'll be lured back into his arms and that would have been detrimental to his career.
What she did may not have been the best option, but what else could she have done? She was so young and insecure about everything. Always feeling second to best when compared to everything and everyone, and that wasn't what Klaus deserved.
She wanted him to settle with a future full of content and happiness, a future his own father couldn't come to insult, a future teenage Caroline couldn't give because she was always insecure about herself, their relationship, and his future. He deserves to have his dreams come to life. He deserved everything in life and she would have given up anything at that time, because... She loved him.
She loved him so damn much.
However, what she failed to realize when Klaus tried to get her back was that he already knew.
He knew about how insecure she was and what she thought. He knew everything about her and he still accepted her as the way she was, even knowing what the consequences would lead to for his life as an actor. He still decided to propose, he decided she was the only one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He wanted her...
He chose her...
Caroline Forbes, the neurotic, insecure, control-freak who was never good enough, for once was chosen as someone's first priority because he truly loved her as the way she was. Her bad aspects and the good. He accepted everything, he wanted a future with that person, he wanted her, he chose her...
"You were my dream Caroline."
She clenched her eyes shut as that sentence evoked happiness in her, and yet constricted her heart in deep sorrow and pain as those words constantly echoed in her mind, every breath she took, every waking moment, every haunting dreams since the day he left...
What could her life have been like if she just chose to open that door, the day he left Mystic Falls?
"Caroline?"
She immediately opened her eyes at the sound of his voice, and turned to see Tyler staring at her in confusion.
He looked at her concerned with how silent she was, as she was deeply immersed in her own thoughts with a look of suffering and agony in her eyes. It wasn't a look he was used to seeing, and it worried him.
She looked at him with a small smile of guilt as she was caught daydreaming. "Sorry, I was distracted."
She looked away from him, as she felt ashamed for thinking about Klaus, as the guy she was currently with was beside her. Besides the look of concern he had on his face, he was also filled with excitement as he spoke about whatever it was and it seemed very important, and yet... she didn't even hear a word. Already she was ruining things between them.
She hasn't seen Tyler since the day he acted so temperamental at the game, but when he sent her flowers and a letter filled with apologies. She knew she couldn't ignore him for too long. So once she was able to take a hold of her emotions, and stopped herself from indulging too much of her time in work, she went to visit Tyler at work.
"Are you okay?"
No... She wasn't okay. She hasn't been okay since Klaus left about a month ago, but she couldn't tell Tyler about that. Besides the fact she knew he held some sort of resentment towards Klaus, she also knew she couldn't speak of her worries with Tyler because she just wasn't comfortable enough to speak to him about her past. Also, she didn't want to drag Tyler into anything. It was her past mistakes, and no one else. She was the one who caused every pain and suffering to herself and she just had to own up to them.
Taking a deep breathe she turned to look at Tyler as she tried to look cheerful as she spoke. "What was it you were saying again?"
Tyler looked skeptical at her obvious attempt in acting as if she was fine, and wanted to speak to her about it, but he realized something. Even if he was to ask her about her thoughts, she would ignore it and focus on him. Although he enjoys the fact she would rather talk about him, it still irks him that he doesn't know much about her even after the few months they've been seeing each other.
Sure he knows about her hometown, her friends and her lifestyle, but that was it. He doesn't know the true depths of her life, the true depths of her. What was in her thoughts? How was she truly feeling?
He likes Caroline, he really does. Even though they've come to the conclusion they didn't need a label on their relationship (which was more on her part), he's always wanted something deeper with her. But there's always been something mysterious behind her cheerfulness, always something that was holding her back and not reveal the true Caroline.
And it bothered the hell out of him.
But as always he ignored it and went back to the good news that's been bursting inside of him.
"I was just telling you how great it went last weekend. I wish you were there."
Caroline apologized as she realized what he was talking about. "Oh right, I'm sorry about that."
Tyler was now officially under a real modelling agency and had his first booking for a small runway show just last weekend. Because of the obvious fact she busied herself with paper work and the clothes Katherine made for the upcoming fashion show, to forget the conversation she had with Klaus for a couple of weeks, she wasn't able to make it.
Then just her luck, Hayley was headed their way. She was wearing six inch red stilettos, a tight pencil skirt above her knee and a tight white blouse that revealed some of the cleavage she had, and she was also wearing that obnoxious flirty smile on her face. "Hey Tyler, you were awesome last weekend."
Tyler grinned proudly, satisfied with the compliment. "Thanks Hayley!"
"Just tell me the date for your next show, I'll make sure to be there, unlike some people." Haley turned pointedly towards Caroline at her last sentence.
As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't retort back to Hayley because for once she was right. She wasn't there because she was too busy trying to forget her ex-boyfriend, and she felt horrible about it.
"I actually have to get some paper work, so I'll have to talk to you later Ty." With that she finally left, strutting her way down the hallway.
With Hayley gone, she turned to Tyler as she asked him out of curiosity, "You know, I would have thought you wouldn't pursue any further into your modelling career."
Tyler looked at her strangely after that claim. "Why would you think that?"
Caroline shrugged her shoulders as she replied back. "I don't know, just... Seeing your reaction towards Klaus, made me thought you would hate the idea of being in the same category as him, seeing as he is a top model."
Tyler flared his noses a bit at the sudden mention of Klaus, but he responded back to her quickly with a strained voice. "That's a completely different story. I just don't like him as a person, it has nothing to do with his career."
She wanted to ask him why he hated Klaus so much, seeing as how they've only met once and didn't even interact that much. But thinking back to Tyler's temper back at the game, she restrained herself. "If you say so..."
Tyler gave her a glare at the fact she looked so uncertain at his words. He knew they were finally back on good terms, and should restrain himself. But the mere mention of the man who can make this girl smile so easily, while he always had to try so hard just to get a smile not as nearly as radiant as that day, caused him to snap.
"Why can't you just be happy for me?"
Caroline looked at him in surprise at the sudden rude tone. "I am happy for you."
But he wasn't having any of it. "I'm having a show next month that would really jump start my career, and since you're always mentioning Klaus, you should be happy to have me as a model."
Caroline looked at him with wide eyes and her mouth open at his claim. Was she really suppose to answer that? "Tyler.."
Getting up from his seat, he walked hastily to the elevator and Caroline followed him in confusion.
Since he got there before Caroline, he was able to press the button and once she caught up to him, the door opened. "I have work to do. You have to go."
She couldn't believe how things went astray between them so fast, but she put her hand to her hip as she looked at Tyler with a glare and spoke in a hiss. "Seriously Tyler? Is this how you're always going to be?"
He stood there without a sound coming out of him so she shook her head, fed up with his attitude and temper. She may not have been the greatest towards him, but that didn't mean she deserved this treatment.
So she gladly walked in and before the doors closed, she spoke in a harsh tone. "Don't even bother calling me."
She sat in the lavishing chair as she skimmed past the magazine in her hands. Even though it was the biggest and comfortable room in the hospital, it was still dreadful and she hated it. She would always try to ignore the awful smell of medication from the hospital and the beeping noises from the machine that was attached to the young boy in the silent room.
She hated this place, but sadly she was used to it for the past few months.
When she heard the ruffling of the white sheets that came from the bed, she immediately looked up and bolted to the boy laid on the single bed as he was awakening.
When she was met with a pair of innocent brown eyes, she smiled down at him as she combed his long dark brown hair away from his face. "How are you feeling buddy?"
He smiled at her as her blonde straight hair tickled his nose. "I'm feeling better... I- I had a dream about Nik."
She widened her eyes at the mention of his name and smiled sadly at the thought of him. She hasn't seen him for 9 years, no one has. Even though she hated the idea he's been away for so long, she also understood this wasn't the place he wanted to be. She still missed him
There was an occasional call from Elijah about how they were doing, but she hasn't seen or heard from Klaus after he left London.
"Do you think.."
She looked at the hesitant boy in front of her as she waited for him to speak, but with a deep breath he finally spoke. "Do you think I could ever see him again?"
She felt a sharp pain at the solemn look on his face. He was only five years old when Klaus left, but the day he was born. Klaus rarely ever left his side, because of the fear of Mikael corrupting such a young boy, which caused him to be attached to him at the young age. So it didn't come to her surprise his memories of Klaus hasn't really vanished even at the age of 14.
With a new determination, she smiled at him as she spoke to him with excitement. "I'll tell you what. Since your next examination isn't until a while, how about we use that time to go visit him once you're feeling better. How does that sound?"
He looked at her with sparking wide eyes as his face broke out into a wide smile. "Really?! Do you mean it?"
Happy to see her brother finally smile, she ruffled his shaggy brown hair as she smiled back. "Of course. It's about time we've had a family reunion."
He sat there in the backseat of the black Cadillac Escalade. He had his elbow on the window as he held his hand against his lips while he watched the buildings outside pass by in a blur.
The vision of the crying blonde on the floor as he left her there made him clench his eyes in pain. No matter where he was, no matter what time it was. That haunting image just wouldn't go away.
Many things have escalated that day of the party. The little escape from the reporters, their undeniably passionate kiss, the addicting wondrous taste of her, and the escalating revelation of their past. Even though he should be satisfied with the knowing fact he was able to finally relieve all the bottled up thoughts and emotions onto her, it didn't make him feel any better as the evocative image of the broken girl on the floor and her agonizing cries caused a discomfort in his chest.
He's only seen her cry twice when they were together. The day he confessed of his torturous childhood, she cried for him, and the day she rejected his marriage proposal and him, she cried for them.
Now he's seen her cry the day on the cruise, and the day at the party, but the way she cried that day...
It was traumatizing to see such a radiant person down on her knees as she lost all the strength in her to keep her composure. It was heart-breaking to hear such hard, loud cries that was clearly stuck in her throat as she sobbed for the painful past they had.
How did this happen?
Surely everything would have worked out well between them if they just spoken to one another five years ago.
But no. She couldn't. It wasn't only because of her insecurities and his future that prevented her from speaking to him.
It was also because of Elijah.
His own flesh and blood. His own brother who thought he was doing the right thing, has been a part of breaking him and Caroline apart, but also their sanity...
5 years ago.
It was late in the evening, when Elijah was in his own apartment as he tried to look through more contract deals for his brother. Even though it was dreadful that they've lost many contracts, he was thankful the movie production hasn't cut them off because they were still satisfied with Klaus's brilliant talent.
He was sitting at his desk with all lights turned off, except for the small lamp on the table as it shined down on the many piles of paper when he heard a loud knock on his front door.
He looked up with his eyebrows scrunched as the sound of the pounding only kept getting louder. He took off his reading glasses that he laid on top of the papers and walked to the door, already having an idea as to who would disturb him at three in the morning with such an erratic behavior.
When he unlocked the door, the door was slammed open before he can even turn the doorknob and was met with a fist to his face, his back against the wall and a hand tightly gripped around his throat.
"WHAT DID YOU DO?!"
Even with his lack of air supply and the pain on his face, his composure was still in tact until he saw the sight of his brother's angry face and surprisingly swollen eyes with redness surrounding them.
It was only then his equilibrium has faltered at the sight of his eyes, as he hasn't seen him in that state since the first few weeks their father has began his abuse. "Ha-... Have you been crying Niklaus?"
Barely understanding what his brother has said, he let go of his throat so they can have a proper conversation while ignoring his question. He paced back and forth around the small living living room as his emotions has been risen.
When giving Elijah enough time to compose himself, he turned to him with his finger pointed at him. "YOU! Why did you tell Caroline about my contracts?!"
It was then he understood why his brother was in the state he was. "I needed her to understand Nikla-"
He glared at his brother, interrupting whatever rubbish that was going to come out of his mouth, and screamed at him in fury. "Understand what?! She has nothing to do with my pursuit in the business. This was suppose to be between only you and I!"
He watched as his brother stood there trembling in anger as he replied in a cold tone. "She had everything to do with it. Your feelings towards this girl was clouding your sense of judgement. Your emotions were getting the best out of you, preventing you from further pursing your dreams!"
Klaus started to process what Elijah was saying. "Preventing my dreams... Block on the road.." It was then, that everything clicked.
He looked at Elijah as he whispered his thoughts, disturbed at the revelation of his words. "You... You told her to break up with me... Didn't you?"
With unwavering eyes, he spoke with confidence that struck a cord in Klaus
"Yes."
Elijah's composure started to waver with worry as Klaus began to take a few steps back in a staggering motion.
When the back of his legs met the small glass table, Klaus sat on top of it, because his emotions and thoughts were beginning to become unstable.
"Niklaus?"
Even with Elijah calling out to him, he didn't move an inch. The pain of watching Caroline leaving him, and now the pain of his own brother who he thought would help him pursue not only his acting, but his happiness began to tumble down on him.
"You betrayed me Elijah..."
Elijah had to lick his now dry lips and swallow the lump down his throat, when he heard the obvious sound of agony in his brother's tone. "I was trying to help you."
"Help?" Klaus looked up quickly with a new found hatred at the lie his brother has spewed. The brother who was suppose to be noble and help him as they left their wretched home. His brother... His blood... His own family, caused the deep misery and despair in him. Something he thought only his father and mother would do, but he was wrong. His own brother didn't even hesitate to ruin him also.
"You didn't help me at all, YOU RUINED ME, YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!"
"No Niklaus. Can't you see?!" Elijah had his arms spread at his next exclamation, to try and show he was doing what was right. To show him he was truly only doing what was best for his brother. But why couldn't he see that? Why was he looking at him with such hatred? He left his own future for his brother, because he wanted him to exceed in life. Because he was family, because he loved him! "Now you can finally go after the dream you longed for since the day father has began to hurt you. I did this so you can be happy, all I ever wanted was for you to be happy, which was the same reason why the girl left. She made me promise her to keep you happy and that's exactly what I am trying to do! That girl would have only brought you misery!"
His breathing began to labor as he ended his speech, however Klaus's head only hanged low during the middle of his grand speech and was now waiting to see what his brother now had to say.
"I asked her to marry me."
Elijah's posture has stiffen as his eyes opened widely at the sudden claim as those mere words washed away any meaning to what he has just said. He doesn't know how he didn't notice it, but his brother was actually dressed to his taste. It came nothing close to his usual attire, and at such a late hour too. "What did you say?"
With his head still down and his arms dangling in between his arms loosely, he dragged his left hand to the breast of his pocket and took out the black velvet case. He opened it and saw the diamond that was suppose to set his life forward to what he truly wanted. A life he didn't know he want, till the day he met her. The life only Caroline could have given him.
He spoke quietly. So quiet, it would have been difficult to hear if it wasn't for the obvious pain in his voice.
The aching pain he was suffering from, as everything that has occurred today shattered him and can never be fixed. "I told her about my past with father a few months back... I told her everything. From the beginning to the end, and do you know what she did Elijah? She cried... She cried for me... That was the first time I've ever spoken about my past and this girl. This beautiful girl who I spent every waking moment with for the past two years with laughter and joy has cried in front of me for the first time not out of pity. But because she felt my pain, she cried because she felt proud of me for fighting through it all. That was the first time someone has ever told me they accepted me for who I was, and... and I love her Elijah.
He lifted the palm of his hands to his eyes as those dreadful tears began to fall down onto the wooden floor like the pouring rainstorm. "God how much I love her. Every breath I take, every bone and fiber in my body. Everything about her stirs the deepest part of my soul. She means everything to me, she was the only one that could bring forth my happiness with nothing but her smile, her eyes, her laughter. Nothing can even come close to the feelings she's given me, not even acting. And yet..."
He looked up to see Elijah trembling with his hand to his mouth as he felt the tears in his eyes.
He didn't know... He didn't know his feelings for this girl was this deep, he didn't know that this young girl was the one who would have redeemed himself and cause a smile on his brothers face. The tear-stricken face on Klaus's face wasn't suppose to be there... Klaus was suppose to be happy, he was suppose to be satisfied with his life.
In just a few hours, he has already broken his promise to Caroline... He couldn't keep his brother happy, because she was his happiness...
He closed his eyes as the image of his brother crying freely with such deep sorrow wouldn't wash away. His screaming and trembling voice of such unknown suffering has hit him so hard. He knew then and there, his brother would never forgive him.
"YOU TOOK HER AWAY FROM ME!" Klaus screamed at the top of his lungs as he finally stood up, only to continuously push Elijah's shoulders, and he wouldn't stop. "The only good thing that has ever happened to me was taken and ripped away from me with your own fucking hands!"
He kept pushing his brother, trying to let everything out onto him. But it didn't come close to getting rid of everything that was bottled up within him. And with no energy left, he slowly fell to his knees as he continued to cry as this unspeakable pain couldn't leave him at all. From the betrayal of his own brother, from his brother taking everything away from him...
And from Caroline leaving his life.
They both don't know how long they've been in their positions. The room was filled with only the sounds of their hard breathing and deep sobs coming from the both of them.
Then finally. Klaus stood up with a small limp, and he dragged his heavy feet to the exit.
"Brother?..."
Klaus stood in front of the door with his back turned to Elijah, and slowly. He looked back to the man who he trusted with his life, and only felt hatred at the sight of him.
With a look so inhumane and so cold, he sent a look no human should hold within their eyes towards the man behind him as it was the beginning of the very day when everything about him has darkened his very soul.
"You are not my brother."
He slammed the door closed, and that was the day Elijah was filled with regret, guilt, and sorrow as he wished, no. He hoped one day his brother would forgive him for his mistake.
Two weeks later.
Elijah sat on top of one of the boxes, fidgeting with his fingers in Klaus's now empty apartment.
He knew his brother has been going to Caroline's house, in order to fix what he has ruined. But if things were to go well for him, they would have to unpack all of their things and cancel their move to New Orleans.
However, seeing as how he hasn't had any luck for the past two weeks. Things weren't looking too good for his brother...
He knows what he has done will probably ruin his relationship with his brother, because he wasn't able to truly see the depths of Klaus's feelings for the girl. He based his brother's past actions with other females and his past with Mikael as an conclusion of Klaus's incapability to feel love.
Which was why it came to such an alarming revelation of his brother's intent to spend the rest of his life with a teenage girl.
However, because of him. The future Klaus has wanted may have been vanquished from any possibilities. All because of his meddling, he robbed that future from Klaus.
Suddenly he hears the click of the front door, and he hastily stood up to see his brother enter, and he froze to his spot when he sees him.
The man in front of him was unrecognizable.
He thought the coldness Klaus held during the time Mikael abused him was the extent of it. However, he was terribly wrong. The man in front of him right now, was ten times worse than the man before. He was emotionless, cold, empty, lost... He was unrecognizable
"It's time to leave."
Even he himself, couldn't stop the chills at the sound of his brother's voice. One look and hearing him speak can cause a whole nation to quiver in fear.
"What about Ms. Forbes?"
He recognized the look of pain and devastation quickly come and go at the mention of her, and Klaus turned around. Trying to ignore the throbbing pain from overwhelming him at the rejection of the girl he loves.
"She didn't choose me. That's the end of it."
Elijah wasn't that surprised of the girl's decision. While he may not have interacted with the girl a lot, he was able to witness the kindness she held, that highly contrasted against Klaus's personality. He knew she wouldn't be able to reject his offer and ruin Klaus's acting career over herself, and he used that kindness to his advantage. Which was also why he came to the decision that she wasn't worth the destruction of his brother's career and life.
Although she was naturally kind-hearted. A girl like her wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of being the downfall to Klaus's career. Their relationship would be strained, their happiness would only be short-lived and eventually they would drag on a relationship that would have eventually meet it's end. He only made it happen quicker.
Even though he came to that conclusion since the day Klaus's career was about to rocket, it didn't make the uneasy feeling within him disappear.
"Is that your final decision? What if your paths cross in the future. What then?"
Klaus took a moment to take in that fact. A part of him wishes if that was to happen, they would be able to still amend their broken relationship. But he knew the reality of it all. They can never fix what was already broken to begin with.
"If I was to meet her again. I promise she will not get in the way of this career you want me to pursue so badly. I will avoid her like the plague, and nothing will change. You have my word Elijah."
He remembers that promise like the back of his hand. It was the same promise Elijah has been constantly trying to remind him of, ever since he was reunited with Caroline.
Because of the pain of her rejection, he meant every word of that promise. But everything was changing, and he didn't want to accept it. He can deny it for the rest of his life, but he was slowly changing into a different man. And he isn't too sure whether he liked the idea or not.
He tried to push the promise and those past memories away that caused a strain between him and Elijah for years.
But those memories was also the cause for how sorry he felt towards Caroline when he imploded his sorrow onto her, as she wasn't the only one who ruined their relationship. It was also because of his brother, and regretfully. Himself.
He hasn't done anything to reassure Caroline about themselves, seeing as how he was barely ever open about how he felt about her and his future until the day she was about to leave.
He could have told her about his plans, he could have told her his dreams has changed the day he met her. But he didn't... and it only amplified the insecurities the young Caroline held about their relationship, which he regrets. He could have done things a different way, but with the way he was. He couldn't..
And now? All he wanted to do was show Caroline how deeply sorry he was for making it seem as if she was the cause of everything, but how? What can he do?
Right then from the corner of his eye, he spotted something and he immediately called out to his driver. "Stop here."
Caroline sighed sadly as she walked home when remembering what just occurred between her and Tyler.
She didn't want to admit it, but ever since his modelling gigs he's been nothing but arrogant and rude as the attention of everyone surrounding him has gotten to his head and ego.
Maybe she just wasn't meant to have a man in her life. Maybe she was meant to die alone with Katherine beside her seeing as how she doesn't have a love life either... Maybe they should consider getting a pet together.
But pushing that aside, her thoughts drifted back to Klaus as she knew she had to speak to him. But how? He was all the way in California, and while the plane ticket isn't as expensive as other plane tickets, it was still something! Besides what would she tell Elena and Bonnie?
Oh hey guys, I'm just gonna go head off to California to talk to my ex-boyfriend who you guys never heard about. Did I mention it was Klaus Mikaelson? The man of your dreams and your weird obsession with?
...
Yeah as if. Anyways, Katherine would kill her if she left her alone with the company right now. Especially when they were in the middle of planning their upcoming fashion show.
However, besides the fact she had to speak to him. What she also came to realize she missed him...
Sure, she went five years without seeing him or even speak to him. But for the past few months, she was reminded of how much she loved being in his presence.
Excluding all of his cold behavior, and their fight. He had the ability to make her forget things and bring a certain joy in her life, that she hasn't been able to experience unless around him.
She missed their silly teasing, she missed his annoying passes onto her, she missed seeing his stupid dimple smirk, and when he wasn't so guarded with his emotions. She missed seeing the good nature she knows he has.
She really misses him...
UGH, why couldn't things be easier? Why did he have to leave?! Why couldn't the man who was leaning against her apartment door, be him right now?!
Wait. What?
When she saw the sight of his curly dirty blonde hair, her feet and heartbeat quickened, and when realizing who it was. She was shocked.
"Oh My God."
That was suppose to be said in her head, but when he heard her voice. He turned his head towards her, and her eyes began to glisten at the sight of him.
"Hello Caroli-"
Before he can even fully call out her name, he was thrown back by the sudden weight against him as he was engulfed in the sweet intoxicating scent of her long curly blonde hair.
"You're back." She laid her head against the hard plane of his chest. Her eyes and grip only tightened at the realization she wasn't dreaming. He was actually here, and it made her feel a deep relief.
With hesitation, he brought his arms around her waist. But the feeling of her soft body against him, caused him to relax and all of the sorrow, the regret, and guilt he has been feeling the day he felt Caroline crying alone, vanished into thin air. After a whole month, he finally smiled as it felt like he came back home to where he belonged.
"I'm back."
Katherine began to blink rapidly as the sight of the man in a well tailored suit wouldn't go away. She rubbed her eyes, once. Maybe even twice. But he was still there. "What the fuck?"
"Hello to you too Katerina."
At the sound of his voice, she recovered from her surprise. "I thought you were gone?"
Elijah nodded his head, as he took the seat in front of her desk. "I was. I just came back yesterday night."
"Did... Did he?"
"Yes. Klaus has came back with me." He answered her unspoken question.
"Actually, I thought you guys were never coming back." Katherine admitted. So she was worried about Caroline over nothing? What the heck man...
"I have something to ask you."
Katherine raised her eyebrow, urging him to go on.
"Do you remember the question you asked me?"
She nodded her head, how can she forget? It was stuck in her mind since that very day.
"And do you know of what occurred between Klaus and Ms. Forbes the day at the party?"
She shook her head no, as she didn't exactly want to evoke that heartbreaking look on her best friends face. "Did Klaus tell you what happened?"
"No."
She looked at him in confusion from his answer. "How could you possibly know what happened if he didn't even tell you?"
He gave her a moment of hesitation, until he spoke above a whisper. "I heard them."
She looked at him with surprise at his claim. "But you weren't even there!"
"I was."
Her eyes widened at his revelation.
"I knew my brother would be angry with me for leaving him alone, but I didn't want to take the chance of bumping into you because I didn't know what to say as your last spoken words stirred me. But I ended up going, because this contract was something of importance for Niklaus, and so I went. Elijah smiled, but it was empty.
"I couldn't find him anywhere, so I thought he left and I was to do the same. However, I heard of a reporter speaking of how Niklaus could have possibly disappeared downstairs, and knowing him. I thought he was able to just get them off their trail, so I went to check it out myself."
Katherine sat there in silence from what she was hearing. She didn't expect him to find out this way.
"When I heard their voices, I thought to stop them seeing as how they were arguing in a dangerous area, but I couldn't... It was too personal for me to interfere. However, I still stayed. I needed to make sure no one else came close to the door. So I heard them. I heard everything..."
Katherine took a deep breathe before she voiced out her thoughts. "You didn't get in the way of his personal affairs, but you still protected him by staying. I think-"
"But I was the one who brought him back to California, Katerina." He revealed. "I rescheduled all of his engagements and took him away... So, what does that make me?"
If Elijah didn't cut her off, she would have said he was Klaus's brother. But after that confession... After knowing Elijah was the one responsible for taking Klaus away... She didn't know what to think.
"If I did it once, I could do it again," Elijah stated. "I can take him away.." He smiled that hollow smile again as he thought of his actions.
"So I guess my place is still unknown. I'm sorry I can't answer your question."
"Elijah," Katherine called hesitantly. "If there's one thing I learned from what happened, it's that we shouldn't assume what's best for others."
"I'm sorry Katerina. But I have to tell you right now, what you may want me to do. May not be what I will chose to do."
Katherine watched Elijah as he sat there confused, and gave him a small smirk to ease his mind. "I trust you'll do the right thing."
If it wasn't for how Elijah's normal demeanor was, he would have scoffed at her words. "Don't count on it, I like to see it for myself."
Even with Elijah's doubts, she still smirked nonetheless. She knew it would be unrealistic to be able to change his mind, because the fact of the matter is. Things like this, doesn't change in a snap. His way of thinking wouldn't be altered with just a few conversations. But she was happy, that she was able to embed the idea into him.
"By the way, when is your next fashion show?"
Katherine looked at him in confusion at the sudden change of topic. "Next month."
Elijah looked hesitant to continue, but he still chose to speak. "Could you by any chance, squeeze in a male model in the line-up for your show?"
"I'm not sure, I'll have to talk to-" Katherine trailed off when she realized what Elijah could be hinting at. "Are you saying that..."
"He'll model for you for free," he paused as he contemplated on what he just said. "Well, no. Not really. Business is business, so I guess I could just greatly discount his talent fee.
Katherine sat there shocked, with her mouth open wide. Not believing what she was hearing, "Bu-but, I mean - I..." She stammered as she digested the information. "Seriously?!"
Great now she was sounding more like Caroline.
"Yes." Elijah silently congratulated himself for making Katherine stumble over her own words.
"But Klaus isn't any normal model! If he walks that runway-"
"Then he'll be your official endorser. I'm very aware of that." Elijah smiled as she caught on.
"I'm positive he would agree to this deal, and as for legal matters. There wouldn't be any problems either, because he's not a representative for any New York based clothing company at the moment."
Katherine can only nod at Elijah's proposal, seeing as how she became speechless from this predicament.
"I'll have the contract prepared by tomorrow, and also. If it's possible, I would like this to be kept a secret until the night of the show. I want to surprise the media and everybody else with it."
She continued to listen to Elijah speak, and she couldn't believe this was happening. With Klaus being in her show, she'll be able to make her dreams come true, and her elation of the occurrence caused a genuine smile to break out.
Elijah was still speaking to her about business matters, but his words came to a halt when he felt his heart miss a beat at the sight of Katherine's smile.
He has only seen the girl scowl, glare, and smirk. While he enjoys her feisty personality, and doesn't mind her usual expressions. Nothing could compare to the expression on her face right now.
She looked so beautiful when she smiled, and he felt his own smile rise along with hers.
They stood there in each others embrace for what seemed to be forever. Even though they had those two sexual encounters during their reunion, one at his pool and the day of their argument. Also, the escape of reality at Lana's orphanage. None of those can compare to the serene feeling they felt in each others arm at this moment.
It felt as if all the tension, guilt, and sorrow they had was washed away just from such a simple embrace, and the only thing they know is that, they didn't want this to end. That was, until Caroline felt something touching her leg.
Caroline looked down to see what it was, and her eyes widen in delight and immediately broke apart from Klaus to bend down to the floor. Much to his dismay.
"OH MY GOSH, PUPPY!"
By her foot was a enthusiastic husky, probably only a few months old. It's fur was fluffy and the color of it was light grey and white. It's eyes were the color of the clear blue sky, and she felt herself falling in love with it.
But where did it come from?
Hearing a slight chuckling from above her, she realized the situation she was in and found herself rising to her height with the puppy in her hands.
The instant she got up, they made eye contact. Their eyes were unwavering, and she stood there. Hoping, he wouldn't be able to hear her heart about to burst out of her chest.
"Caroline-"
"I'm so sorry!" Caroline cut in. Even with how strange this situation is, she wasn't going to waste this perfect opportunity to talk to him again. "I know no matter how many times I apologize, it won't make the pain go away, and I know this is so cliche. But, if I could turn back time, I would have done things differently. I really would! But-but, I was so young. I didn't know what to do, and you were right. The person I was back then, I wouldn't- no. I couldn't handle the pressure. I was scared, which was why no matter what, I would have still let you go Klaus."
"Caroline..."
She tried to compose herself, as her emotions started to waver. But she needed to apologize, she needed to be strong. "You mean so much to me, and I wouldn't have allowed you to risk everything because of me. I know this won't change anything, and you probably hate me. But I hope someday you can forgive me... I know it's too much to ask, but I still hope-"
"I'm sorry."
He said it so quietly Caroline wouldn't have been able to hear it through all her rambling, but she did and it was effective in cutting her off.
Caroline looked at him sadly and shook her head no at his apology. "Please don't say that," she stated softly. "You have nothing to be sorry about, it was all my fault."
This time it was Klaus who shook his head softly as he looked at Caroline with a look of guilt. "Caroline, it wasn't just you. It was also Elijah's fault for planting the idea into your head, but it was also me. It takes two people to maintain a relationship, and I put all the burden on you. All because I couldn't even speak about how I felt. If I just reassured you once in a while about what I wanted, things would have been different. But I didn't and I'm sorry I put all the pressure on your 19 year old self. I'm sorry I made it seem as if it was all your fault, I was too harsh on you, you didn't deserve that."
"No you weren't, I did deserve it."
"No Caroline, I was out of line."
"Yeah, but-"
"But nothing." Klaus ended. Silence ensued them, until the puppy in Caroline's arm started to fidget around and bark. Ending their conversation.
Caroline attention was diverted and looked at the puppy in her arms. He was so cute, and made the idea of getting a pet with Katherine a good one. "I should probably go try to find it's owner."
Klaus watched as Caroline hugged the puppy to herself and smiled when she began to giggle from the puppy's kisses. "Do you like him?"
Caroline looked at him as if he was crazy, who wouldn't like the puppy? "He's adorable."
"Good he's yours."
Caroline's eyes widened at his sudden claim. "What? No he's not."
"He's yours now. I'm giving him to you."
Caroline looked at the puppy, then to Klaus in wonder. "Was he yours?"
Klaus rolled his eyes at her assumption. Him and a puppy? As if. "I bought him for you, he's yours."
Caroline's eyes sparkled and Klaus felt his heart constrict in such a delightful way. He was able to make her eyes do that, and he felt undeniably satisfied with the outcome. "Really? He's mine?!"
Klaus smirked as she began cooing at the puppy and began talking to him as if it was a child.
"Caroline?"
Upon seeing the serious face on Klaus's face. She settled the puppy down on the floor as it scampered around the hallway. "Yeah?"
"Listen, I don't know about you, but I noticed fate found it funny to always make us meet unexpectedly." He started, and she couldn't agree more. "Honestly, I don't know what we are. But I don't want us to be awkward around each other. So my offer from before at the gas station. Even while my stay in New York, do you think we can be friends?"
Caroline looked at him intently at his repeated offer, and spoke. "No."
Klaus could feel his heart drop to the floor at the unexpected answer, and shook his head slowly in understanding. If that is what she wanted, then he would respect her decision. Even if it meant he would never be able to witness her light again that caused his heart to twist a little, he'll go through with it. "I see..."
"No... You don't." Slowly she grabbed onto Klaus's hand and squeezed it as a reassurance and smiled at him. "Not just when you're in New York. Even after you leave, we'll still be friends."
Just from those words, she got rid of the feeling in his chest, and he smiled at her answer. "Yes. We will."
Caroline smiled her dazzling smile at his answer, and felt a burden has been lifted, because they were finally able to have the closure they needed for so long. Unlike any failed relationships, they didn't completely lose each other. Instead they reestablished a new one.
Caroline let go of his hand as she raised a fist to her mouth and made a fake cough, and smiled brightly at him as she stuck her hand out. "Let's start over. Hi, I'm Caroline Forbes!"
Klaus wanted to laugh at Caroline's silly attempt and followed along as he shook her hand. "Klaus Mikaelson." He sported his trademark smirk as he spoke again. "Did I mention I find you very attractive?"
Caroline glared at him and punched his arm for ruining her perfect way of reestablishing their friendship. "Seriously?! Take this seriously Klaus!"
"What? I am serious."
Caroline felt her jaw drop open when she realized he really wasn't joking. "Is that how you normally introduce yourself?!"
He looked at her innocently and gave her a shrug. "Not all the time, only if I mean it."
'And he actually had the nerves to answer that...' She could only stare at him incredulously. "You are such a flirt."
"What? You said we were starting over." He defended himself.
To say that Caroline was scandalized was an understatement. "That's your idea of starting over?... You're impossible."
"I already told you, that's what I usually say when the lady is-"
"NEVER-MIND."
She let out a huff of air and mumbled the word 'bye' as she opened the door to her apartment. Her new companion ran straight inside when he saw the door open, and she was about to close the door when she saw Klaus walk away laughing to himself.
"Klaus?"
He turned around and saw Caroline peeking through the small gap of the door, and he smiled at the cute image. "Yes sweetheart?"
She looked hesitant to speak at first, but when she looked at him again it went away. She smiled shyly, and whispered softly. "I'm glad your back."
She closed the door, and Klaus stood there for a moment.
He looked ridiculous standing there just smiling at her door, but he didn't care. He felt ecstatic at her honesty.
They have a new start at something and he found it relieving Caroline had no intentions of leaving their new friendship. With everything out of the way, having Caroline back in his life would change everything, but he finds it that, he simply didn't care. If anything, he has never felt so happy in the last five years.
Even though the door was already close. He still whispered back to her last statement with content.
"So am I love... So am I."
Hey you guys... Don't kill me please! I've just been so busy with work, and going on vacations. I know it's been months since my last update, and many of you has been questioning whether I abandoned this story or not. But no I can never! I plan on finishing this no matter what!
So two flashbacks, and truths has been revealed. Now a friendship between Klaroline has spout, which means the true romance can begin hehe.
Just so you know I have updated my other chapters so you guys can read that if you want. Also, someone stated I should get a beta, so if anyone knows someone. I would appreciate the help!
I just wanted to say thank you all for not giving up on this story, and the last chapter I updated was the most reviews I ever received and I was just floored. I love you all and I thank you for everything. All I hope now is that I can learn to update faster, and Julie Plec gets her head out of her ass and finally give us some Klaroline. So fed up with all this Steroline. (No offense to any Steroline fans out there, I'm sure you're awesome.)
So continue your reviews/follows/favorite. Love you guys! xoxo