Hi everyone! I know it's been a really long time since I've updated this and I'm sorry but I've started school again and I've been preparing for my AS exams as well, I swear Chemistry is going to eventually kill me. But I'll find a way to keep updating from beyond the grave! (Somehow :P)
Anyway, I hope you like this chapter so enjoy and please review and tell me what you think :D
A few moments later, Katherine gasped as she arched her back and began coughing as did the others. She turned to check on Elijah and Nadia who were both gasping for air before calming down and realizing that they were back home, back in the mansion, back in the bedroom. Klaus' eyes flashed open as he reached out to where Caroline lay as Katherine flashed up and looked at the bed. Their eyes widened at the sight before them.
"Where is she?" Klaus whispered with wide eyes as they all stared at the bed.
"I have no idea…." Katherine murmured with a tremor in her voice.
Caroline was gone. The side next to Klaus was empty. Apart from the white sheets which were now ruby red.
Ruby red. Blood. The bed was coated in Caroline's blood.
"That's a lot of blood…." Davina whispered as her wide eyes rested on the crimson sheets. Everyone's eyes were focused on the liquid which was dripping onto the floor splashing into a pool of blood which kept growing. Stefan, who was standing by the door, glanced to the side to see a red handprint painted onto the frame of the door. He stepped out of the room and saw more handprints and broken flower vase which was covered in blood as well.
"Um…guys…" Stefan cautiously followed the trail leading down the stairs and to the door which was fully open with blood on the handle. The others followed with Katherine, Klaus, Lucy and Elijah in front.
"Where do you think this leads?" Rebekah says from behind as she swallows still remembering everything that had happened to Caroline and what the younger blonde had done for her. Katherine's eyes narrowed as they stepped out of the door and the line of blood stopped at the end of the path. Glancing up and down the street, there was no one in sight and no more blood in view, but Katherine knew where the blonde had gone, what she would always head to, to wash herself of the memories. Only problem was finding one on New Orleans.
"Waterfall." She murmured as she turned to look at Klaus with renewed energy. "Is there a waterfall anywhere in New Orleans?" Klaus looked puzzled but he shook his head. "What about a cliff, a lake, anything with water."
"White cliff, it's in the bayou." Hayley said as she stepped forward and Katherine nodded as she flashed away to Caroline.
Meanwhile…
Caroline stumbled through the trees as she felt the searing pain in her body, the wounds had begun to heal but the agony was still imprinted in her mind. The sun had just begun to rise, she had been in her nightmare for 14 hours.
Caroline coughed as blood spewed out of her mouth and dripped from her head as well as poured out from under her hair. She gasped air back into her lungs as she felt the ache course through her veins. Looking around, her eyes widened as she saw the others in the room all laying on the floor as Klaus lay beside her with his eyes closed. That's when it hit her. They were all asleep, it had manifested, drawn everyone in and they were inside her head for every moment, for every memory, for every second of pain. Groaning, she slowly shifted her feet to the floor as she clutched her stomach to alleviate the burning which caused her flesh to hum. Caroline hissed as she gradually got up, letting her balance settle as the blood rushed to her head and caused the room to spin. Looking back to Klaus, he still lay on the white sheets whilst her side was covered in her blood, the imprint of her body was clearly defined but had expanded as blood had begun soaking into the sheets throughout the night. Caroline moved towards the door cautiously as she clutched the door frame for support. Her wounds were slow to heal, like they always were after the nightmare, but they continued to heal nonetheless. The blonde glanced at her former friends who would soon wake to her gone and the memories in their heads. She had to get out. So she ran…
She could hear the ripples of the water near her as she pushed away the branches of the lush green trees, the leaves crunched beneath her and rustled as her blood dropped onto them turning them scarlet. She walked closer to see the grass continue on from the trees and lead to a cliff which fell down into a vast azure lake that glistened in the peaking sun.
Katherine trudged through the mud sighing heavily but listening out for a heartbeat, Caroline's heartbeat.
"Katerina?" Elijah's voice rang out but she kept walking seeing a lake in the distance through the branches. "Katerina, where are you going?"
"Shh." Kat heard a Caroline's groan murmur through the forest causing her to speed up and push through the trees with force. Klaus and Elijah had followed her and heard Caroline as well, they walked quicker as the others joined them, slowly gathering and following. The made their way through the trees to see a pure blue lake shimmer in front of them but Caroline not in sight. Katherine's eyes followed the cliff line to Caroline who stood at the top as she took off her jacket and shoes slowly trying to contain the pain.
"Where is she?" Klaus asked but Kat shushed him and gestured to the top of the cliff where Caroline stood clutching her chest tightly as her injuries continues to heal. "What the hell is she doing?" Klaus murmurs as he keeps his eyes focused on her.
"She's going to jump." Katherine smiles sadly. Rebekah's eyes widen as Caroline steps closer to the cliff edge and raises her arms slowly breathing through the pain. They're all stood frozen watching the girl covered in her own blood who edges closer to the ridge and lets her toes peek over the edge.
Caroline keeps her eyes closed as she feels the breeze softly brush against her skin, lapping up the blood and cradling her wounds. The sweet salt water lingers in the air which she breathes in letting it sooth her throat and lungs as they burnt. Caroline takes in a gentle breath as she parts her rosy lips which curve up into a soft smile. She leans her body forward and lets the caress of the wind tip her over until she feel her feet come off the ground.
The air swept past her whipping her golden hair into a tornado, the adrenaline burnt through her veins as the blue canvas drew closer to her, her hands became numb as the air left her lungs and her eyes flashed open to see the calming blue. Her heartbeat came softly, aware to the plummet, yet not distressed. In fact, it was relief. She felt relief as she smiled into the blue abyss and the salt water in the air grew heavier but did nothing to cause her harm, instead it continued to embrace her body with open arms welcoming her into the calming lake.
The water encompassed her frame seeping in through her skin, cleansing her of everything. The blue liquid swam around her as a protective shield, numbing every other sensation out except for the respite that she gripped and pulled in. Opening her eyes, she looked around into the depths and smiled at the distortion underneath and the rays of light which rippled through the surface onto her skin, she reached out towards it erupting through the surface into the cold air facing the cliff. She smiled as her body forgot the pain and instead felt the invigorating rush in her blood consume her. Water drops ran down her skin as she combed her fingers through her hair and giggled at the calming sensations filling her. A light blue hummingbird swooped down and floated in front of her as it flapped it wings quickly and danced. Caroline looked at it in awe as it moved closer to her and she slowly lifted her hand letting the little being gently perch on her finger as it tilted it's head and looked at her. She smiled and raised her other hand as she moved her finger closer as water trickled off the tips. Carefully, as the bird rested, she moved her index finger to the head of the small bird and gently brushed a drop of water over its feather as if she was christening it in a new light. In her new light.
The others watched on as she floated in the water with her back to them but a slight side view of the hummingbird which relished in Caroline's touch and bowed its it light blue head slightly as the water slid down through its feathers and dripped back into the pool. Katherine watched the scene intently and listened in to the soft beat of Caroline's heart as the hummingbird's heart raced. Klaus stepped forward, careful not to disturb the blonde as she cherished the bird in her hand, he could make out the soft breaths that escaped Caroline's lips as she watched the bird in awe with a grin on her face. He kept his eyes on her, wondering if she'd turn around even just for a second to show him her light. Her giggle echoed in the air and his heart pounded in disbelief in the joy of the sound.
"Caroline…" Elena said loudly as she stepped forward. Caroline's body tensed and the hummingbird darted away in a split second leaving Caroline alone, the blonde tilted her head to the side but didn't turn around or respond, instead the water rippled around her body for a few moments before she, like the hummingbird, darted away. The others looked around and Klaus watched as she flashed back to the top of the cliff and walked away, bending down to grab her jacket and shoes, but not turning around. She walked back into the clearing, not sparing a glance to the others.
Katherine gritted her teeth as she turned around to face her doppleganger. "Why did you do that? You just had to go and ruin it, didn't you." She hissed and pushed past her to Nadia and led her back into the forest when Klaus called out.
"Where is she now?" Katherine shrugged her shoulders.
"Have no idea, she usually does this and then talks to me, but someone had to ruin it for her." Kat glared at Elena who glared back. "She'll come when she's ready. Just leave her be for now."
"What if she turns it off?" Elena says as Katherine rolls her eyes.
"She won't. I know her."
"So do I. If that happened to me, I would turn it off." Elena says resolutely as she stands tall whilst Katherine smirks and ambles towards her stopping just a few feet away from her.
"But you're forgetting something sweetie." Elena looks puzzled. "Caroline Forbes is nowhere as weak as you…" she says with a hard tone.
"Preach, sister…" Kol murmurs with a smile as he agrees with Katherine. "But I've got one question. All the people who were involved, are they dead?" Katherine's eyes gleam with cruelty.
"No. Some are buried six feet under or chopped up or desiccating or burning, well, you get the picture. But no, not all are dead." She says with a smirk as she walks back to Nadia and Lucy, taking the latter's hand, and flashing away.
Meanwhile…
Caroline kept walking as she let the water continue to drip down, not bothering to dry herself on her way to the little house on the outskirts of New Orleans. She had flashed away instantly once she heard Elena's voice. The soothing sensation of the water had disappeared and the world sat heavy on her shoulders again.
The heartbeat in the house was located in the library where he usually stayed, he reread books over and over again, maybe it was his guilty pleasure, escaping into the world where anything was possible, but he was already in a world full of monsters. He lived in a town inhabited not only by witches but also vampires and werewolves who were common enemies. He had been dragged into the supernatural without any way out. Except for this. Books. Though he was a man of faith, his hold wasn't as strong as it used to be, before the monsters came to town, before he became prey. But now, he was at peace, for a few weeks he had been, all thanks to Caroline, the girl who had found him and pulled him out of that world.
He hated to admit it, but he fit in here. He fit into being human, maybe because he was, maybe because it made him believe he had much more of a fighting chance to live a normal life. But even if God watched over him, he had already sold his soul tot the devil by accepting the demons he lived with.
"Father Kieran" The door opened and Caroline appeared in dry clothes with her hair ruffled into soft curls which hung just below her shoulder. Father Kieran halted his train of thought and placed the book to the side as he smiled at the blonde.
"Caroline, please, come in." Caroline stepped into the library and glanced at the book which lay on the side.
"A Monster Calls, interesting read…" Father Kieran glances at the book and nods slightly but his eyes are downcast. "Father, you seem…anxious?" He sighs as he presses his hands together on his lap and looks at Caroline.
"What were you like before this, before any of this?" Caroline leans back in her chair and rests her hands on the armrests as she looks into his eyes intently.
"Human or vampire?"
"Both." Caroline nods.
"As a human I was shallow. A neurotic control freak who didn't fit in. I craved to be loved, to be cared about, and have a family, proper parents who cared."
"I thought your mother…" Caroline smiles to herself.
"My mother was there, but she worked leaving by myself usually. My father was absent and I had no siblings. I hated myself, I was needy and pathetic girl wanting attention." Father Kieran furrows his brow in confusion. "When I became a vampire, it was difficult. My friends had left me to deal with it, some refused to help me and then I had to learn how to cope with being a whole new person in terms of biology. I was a predator, someone whose nature was to hunt people and drain them. I chose not to do that. I began drinking form blood bags and refused to hurt humans. The rest you mostly know, my father hated me, he died refusing to become a vampire and my mother came to terms with it after a while. But I grew. I became loyal, trustworthy, a friend. A true friend, a girl who stuck by others through anything. I protected those close to me." She said slowly letting Father Kieran absorb the information until she fell quiet. "Even though, you're surrounded by monsters, it doesn't mean they'll hurt you." His eyes flashed up to hers and then to the book. "It's full of compassion, it trembles with life, doesn't it?"
"How can something which seems to be so wrong, be right."
"And that is one of life's biggest mysteries." Caroline says letting out a laugh which Kieran joins into as well. His fingers brush over the title. "This is your life, Father, your choice to make. Live it, fulfill it, and love it. Don't let your past choices determine your future actions."
"But my past is who I am Caroline, it defines who I am." Father Kieran sighs as he rests his head in his hands. Caroline tapped her finger on the arm rest as she sat quietly overlooking the man in front of her.
"The past is a tricky thing. Sometimes it's etched in stone. And other times, it's rendered in soft memories. But if you meddle too long in deep, dark things, who knows what monsters you'll awaken Father. It's not your past which defines you, not the choices you make but commitment you have to them." Kieran raises his head and locks his eyes onto hers.
"I admire you, my dear…" Caroline's lips curve up into a soft smile, "your strength, your kindness. My niece used to say that we admire the things we do not understand-"
"Sounds like a clever girl."
"-but she's wrong. I may not fully understand what you are Caroline, the things that you hate about yourself, but I understand who you are. You are beautiful, you are strong, you are a woman of honor and so much more. I admire you, and I say that with the utmost sincerity." Caroline's eyes shimmered with tears at his words but she pulled them back.
"Thank you Father Kieran." She gets up and looks at him, "they know. You can return now." She says softly as Kieran's eyes widen and he shoots up to his full height.
"They know." Caroline nods and holds the door open for him to see the bags which are already packed.
"Shall we?" He nods and grabs his bags as they walk out to the car.
"Did you tell them?" Caroline turns the car on as she shakes her head.
"No, they found out on their own." Father Kieran fiddles with his keys as he looks down. "I meant what I said Father, this is your life. You don't have to stay in New Orleans, there's a whole world for you to discover and embrace."
"And Camille?"
"She's a grown woman, you could ask her to come with you. But you don't have to do as I say, it's just a suggestion. I've learnt quite a few things in my life Father, one of them being that life doesn't wait for you. Every breath you're taking now is a breath for someone else on this world who is embarking on a mystery. Just think about it. If not now, then soon. This world is cruel Father, we both know that, so make the most of it." They pull up in front of the abattoir and get out.
"Thank you Caroline." He says as he takes her hand in his, she smiles at him gently.
"No, Father Kieran, thank you…" he takes in a deep breath and looks at the building where everyone is waiting. Caroline grabs a notepad from the car and scribbles on it, ripping the paper away she hands it to Kieran. "If you are ever in trouble or need to talk. Call me." He takes it and folds it neatly putting it into his pocket as he takes the pen from her and does the same, handing over some paper which she takes.
"And if you need anything, please call me."
"You ready?"
"More than I'll ever be." He takes his bags and steps forward before stopping and looking back at Caroline. He lowers the bags and turns to face her. Cautiously raising his arms he wraps them around her frame, embracing her. They stand together for a few seconds like that before Caroline pulls away and smiles with tears blurring her vision.
"You should go." She whispers and he nods turning back.
"Are you going to come in?" Caroline looks at the building and then shakes her head.
"Not right now, there's some things I need to do. I'll see you later Father Kieran."
"I'll see you soon, my dear." He says as he takes his bags and walks towards the doors, his fingers reach out and he slowly pushes it ajar then glances over his shoulder to see Caroline already gone with her car. He shakes his head with a small smile before standing tall and entering the courtyard where he sees Camille with her back to him talking to Marcel as Elijah talks to a brunette man with green eyes and a woman who looks just like Katherine but this girl has straight hair and is dressed in a more shy way. Rebekah sits on the other side in deep contemplation as Hayley sits beside her with Hope in her arms.
"Kieran…" Marcel whispers as he looks at him over Camille's shoulder. Father Kieran lowers his bags as Camille spins and gasps as she sees him then rushes to him embracing him in a tight hug.
"Uncle Kieran." She sobs into his neck as he holds her tightly and the others stand at Kieran's appearance.
"Shhh, Cami." She pulls away and wipes her tears before looking past him and seeing no one.
"Where were you?"
"I was safe, don't worry. Caroline kept me protected." Katherine walks towards him. "Katherine, it's good to see you."
"You too, Father Kieran. Where's Caroline?" she asks slowly with narrowed eyes.
"She said she'll be back soon but she had to do something." Katherine gets out her phone and dials the blonde's number.
"Hello."
"Where are you?"
"Figuring this out. I'll be back soon Katherine." Katherine scoffs.
"Don't you dare leave without me or Nadia."
"I won't" Caroline says and then hangs up immediately not letting Katherine get another word in.
Caroline pocketed her phone before entering the little cottage which was hidden deep in the woods. The blonde braced herself for the mystery as she waked towards the door and reached out to open it when it opened by itself revealing a cozy little room. It seemed normal, like an elderly woman lived here. There were photos on the walls of a family, a roll of knitting was placed on a rocking chair in the corner and the fireplace was lit enveloping the room with warmth.
"How may I help you, child?" A soft voice sounded form behind her, Caroline slowly turned to see an old dark skinned woman in her 50s sitting by a desk which was covered in various necklaces and grimoires.
"I'm Caroline."
"I know who you are, child. I wish to know what you want." Caroline narrowed her eyes and slowly stepped forward only to be burnt by the sunlight which entered through the window. "Your ring doesn't work in my home." Caroline nods and moves back.
"I need your help."
"I don't serve your kind, my dear." Caroline sighed.
"Please, I don't mean you any harm."
"Give me your hand, child." Caroline slowly walks towards her, avoiding the sunlight, and places her hand into the palm she holds out. The woman tightens her hold like a snake and looks intently into Caroline's eyes, judging and analyzing her. "I'm truly sorry Caroline. However, you are surrounded with dark magic from beyond the grave. The Original witch's magic. The nightmares, memories, dreams are all work of a curse which she has placed on you." The woman gets up slowly and walks over to the middle of the room. "Help a woman out, my dear. Raise the carpet and then the floorboard." Caroline walks closer and follows her instructions, the wooden board easily lifts to reveal a small oak box with an infinity symbol engraved in it. Caroline takes it out and hands it to the woman who turns back to the desk and sets it down as she waves her hands causing the curtains to shut and only letting the fire bathe the room in light. She opens the box to reveal a small, thick dark green grimoire lying beside a silver star shaped necklace with an infinity symbol in the middle. She opens the book flicking through pages when she stops suddenly.
"Can you lift it?" She smiles to herself and nods.
"Yes, child, but it will come at a cost."
"What cost?"
"Protection." Caroline's brow furrows. "I want you to be the guardian of my bloodline. I saw the atrocities you committed to save those who you are loyal to. I want you to protect my children, grandchildren and any future generations of mine." The blonde's jaw drops.
"Why me? Why not someone much stronger like the Originals?"
"Honey, you are an Original."
"No, I mean, why don't you ask the Mikaelsons?" She scoffs as she brushes her fingers across weird symbols on the page.
"They will not hesitate to call in favors from my bloodline. I want to keep them safe Caroline, not send them off to their deaths."
"So…you trust me?" she nods as she gets out a few candles and clicks her fingers lighting them. "Why?"
"Because I see your light. It may be obscured by the darkness but it is there. Your experiences have forced your hand Caroline Forbes, but your judgment isn't clouded. I believe in what I say. You are a beacon of light who needs polishing. I trust you." Caroline swallows under the woman's heavy gaze.
"I didn't tell you my last name…" Caroline whispers as the woman smiles.
"I know." She freezes as she looks at the page. Caroline looks at her in confusion.
"What's wrong?" The woman sighs. "Do you know whose bloodline you belong to?" Caroline nodded, it was Klaus. "I'll need their blood to cleanse you. The curse runs through your veins. I also need the blood of the one who turned you. Do you have that?"
"Yes, but do you need the blood of the person who turned me or killed me?"
"Both."
"Ok." Caroline nodded knowing that she'd need Klaus', Katherine's and Damon's blood.
"I could get it now. How much do you need?"
"Only a couple of drops, however you will need to ingest the blood of the Original whose bloodline you belong to." Caroline sighed and gritted her teeth.
"Give me twenty minutes and I'll get it for you." Just as Caroline turns to walk out the woman grabs her wrist tightly.
"Do not make me regret this Caroline, I do not want the Originals after me or hounding me for a spell. Give me your word that they will not try to use me if I do this for you." Caroline places her hand on the woman's and nods.
"I give you my word." The woman releases her and she walks out of the cottage dialing Katherine's number.
Katherine was sipping on some bourbon beside Nadia who was conversing with Lucy about magic when her phone rang. Katherine got it out immediately and answered.
"Yes?"
"Katherine I need your help."
"What do you need?"
"A few drops of your blood. I found a witch who can help me but she needs the blood of the person who killed me which is you and…"
"And…what else Care?"
"I need Klaus' blood since I belong to his bloodline and Damon's as well." Katherine sighs but agrees.
"Where?"
"The East woods, follow the path until you reach a little cottage, I'll be waiting outside. Do not let anyone know where you're going and make sure no one follows you.
"Give us ten minutes, we'll be there."
Thank you Kat." Caroline says softly causing the brunette to smile. Caroline hangs up and Katherine grits her teeth before flashing to the library where Klaus is drowning himself in scotch. She grabs the glass from his hand and slams it down onto the side. He flashes up and towers over her with a clenched jaw as his hands squeeze into fists. Elijah who had heard the sound flashes into the room to diffuse the situation when Katherine grabs Klaus' wrist and pulls him along with her towards the door.
"What the hell do you want Katerina?!" he hisses as he wretches his hand away from her hold. "Are you forgetting that I could kill you in a blink of an eye?" Katherine rolls her eyes before glaring at him.
"Klaus, be a dear and follow me." She says in a deadly voice causing Klaus to narrow his eyes at her.
"Why?"
'Caroline called, she needs us' Katherine mouths to him making sure no one is watching them. Klaus' eyes widen but he composes himself and grabs his jacket as Elijah walks towards them.
"Niklaus, Katerina, where are you going?" Katherine plasters a smirk on her lips as she turns to face him.
"Klaus has kindly agreed to show me round town." Elijah's eyes narrow at them but just as he opens his mouth to speak Klaus flashes to him and snaps his neck and lowers him to the ground quietly. "So much for family love…" Kat murmured under her breath earning a glare from Klaus.
"Let's go."
"Where's Damon?" A malicious grin spread over Klaus' face but he narrowed his eyes at her question.
"Why?"
"We need him so that we can help her." Klaus takes in a deep breath before walking to a hidden door under the stairs as Katherine follows. He opens it leading down to a little dark corridor which is lined with 5 doors, he opens the 3rd one.
"Seems we'll be needing you Salvatore, but don't worry this isn't over." Katherine watched him enter the room and she followed to see Damon strung high from ceiling with chains with blood seeping from a deep cut in his neck. At least 7 stakes were imbedded in his torso as his left arm was broken and the bone was exposed. Katherine smirked as he groaned and sighed when he saw the brunette.
"Now, that isn't fair Klaus, I really wanted to be part of this." Katherine pouted, "You just have to be selfish don't you?" Klaus glanced at her with a smirk as he unshackled his wrists and let him collapse to the ground.
"Next time Katerina, as for you, you'll be joining us Damon. Do make yourself look a little less bloody, we wouldn't want attention to be drawn to us." Klaus grabbed him and pushed his broken bone back into his flesh and then dragged him out of the cellar and flashed him to a bathroom and pushed him in and then threw some clothes at him. "Get the blood off you. I suggest you hurry up Salvatore, I don't have the time for you to piss about." Klaus growled as he leaned against the wall by Katherine and heard the shower come on and then turn off five minutes later.
Damon emerged in his usual attire with no evidence of blood on him. Klaus smirked cruelly as he pushed himself off the wall. "Good, now follow us." Klaus' eyes bored into Damon's and he nodded along as Kat flashed out followed by Klaus and then Damon who showed no fight.
The cottage…
Caroline sat on the old wooden bench next to the house as she waited. Her hearing was focused off into the distance picking out the sounds of the world, the song of the chirping bird, the rustle of the leaves, the creak of a branch as it began to weaken and the drop of a light feather from a shedding bird. The quiet murmurs of the woman in the cottage floated through the air…
"I heard you've been looking for me, who are you?" The man said as he sized up Caroline. She sat opposite him in the diner booth and rested her hands on the table.
"My name isn't important."
"It is to me."
"How sweet, Luke. I want to find a witch." Luke sat back in his seat and watched the blonde before him stoically.
"Why?"
"That's for me to know and for you to dot, dot, dot." Caroline smirked as she ran her finger over the rim of the cool coke glass in front of her. "Regardless, I'm looking for a specific witch, a powerful one who can lift a curse."
"And why should I help you?" He drawled out in a bored tone.
"Emily is a lovely girl, isn't she? So much life, the world would suffer if it lost her…" Caroline glances at the red haired waitress who was giggling as she talked to an old lady. Luke slowly moved his drink aside but kept his eyes on Caroline who smiled at him.
"Don't you dare-"
"I won't hurt her. Not if I don't have to, the choice is yours Luke, tell me where to find a witch who can lift a very powerful curse and I'll spare both of you, if not then you'll both end up rotting six feet under with no way out." He didn't speak but glanced at the red head and then nodded at Caroline.
"What kind of curse?"
"One which makes you relive your worst memories." He cocked his eyebrow and sighed.
"That takes a lot of magic." Caroline rolled her eyes, "There's a woman in the East Forest who could do it, but it's a long shot, she's refused to help bloodsuckers." Caroline smirked.
"Thank you Luke, fyi, the girl is crushing on you. Hard." Caroline got up and left the bar and flashed away as she heard Luke approach the girl. "Typical…" she murmured.
Caroline's eyes flashed open as she heard the crisp crunch of a dry leaf and stood up immediately to see Katherine, Klaus and Damon approaching. "Took you long enough." She said which earned an eye roll from Kat. The blonde avoided looking at the other two knowing that they had seen her memories. But she couldn't miss the smell of blood which coated Damon and the thin line of dried blood which seemed to be hidden in the crinkle of skin between his thumb and finger.
"You called." Caroline nodded and gestured to the door which she opened.
"They're here." The blonde entered the home as the elderly woman came to the door and looked over the others.
"Hybrid…" she hissed as she narrowed her eyes at him whilst he remained composed. "It's his bloodline?" Caroline nodded. "I will not invite any of you in." Caroline looked at her in confusion. "But I will do the spell, child." The woman handed her three small cups and tilted her head towards the others. Caroline followed her look and stepped out of the house. "Fill the cups with blood." Caroline gave the small metal cups to Katherine and Damon. Klaus' fingers brushed against hers as she handed the last one to him and their eyes met for a second before Caroline glanced away and looked back at the others who bit into their wrists and let the blood flow into the cup. Klaus followed as he kept his eyes on Caroline as she felt the burning ripple of his gaze on her skin. They each handed the blood back to Caroline who gave it to the woman. She moved away from view and the blonde followed watching her place the cups in a triangle. "Now, your blood." Caroline let the blood pour from her wrist into the middle of the triangle as the woman held her hands over the shape and began murmuring in an ancient language. "You will feel pain, my dear, but that shows it's working…" she whispered in between her words as the blood caught fire and began burning a vibrant red. "Once it's complete you must drink from the hybrid to replenish." Caroline pulled back her wrist as she kept chanting and then grabbed Caroline's head in her hands. She felt her insides being ripped apart, as if something was trying to split away from her, the red flames turned black as teardrops of blood fell from Caroline's eyes onto the hard floor. The others watched since the two were now in their view. Katherine's fingers curled into fists as she tried to control herself and prevent hitting the barrier and demanding to be let in. The blood and Caroline's whimpers were so similar to the nightmares. Klaus watched on in concern, he was having the same thoughts as Katherine, if this went wrong then there was nothing they could do, the witch hadn't allowed them in but just left them to watch on in concern.
The woman let Caroline go and pushed her out of the house towards Klaus. "Let her drink from you." She said and before he even considered any other option, he bit into his wrist and held it out for Caroline, she looked into his eyes as she approached slowly and slid her fingers over his taking his hand. He stood still as he watched the blonde bring his wrist up to her plump lips and then pierce through his skin again and lap at his blood.
Caroline's gums began to ache as the sweet blood rushed past her fangs, she felt Klaus step closer and slowly brush his free hand over her lower back to hold her gently, his chest rose and fell against her arm as he lowered his head slightly so that her soft strands of hair brushed against his jaw line. Caroline could feel the emptiness being filled, the whole which had bored into her as the witch did her spell was being replenished and then pulled back slowly licking away the drops of blood which stayed when his wrist healed.
"Thank you…" Caroline whispered as she turned her head to meet Klaus' eyes.
"Is that it?" Katherine asked trying to ignore the 'eye sex' between Klaus and her friend. "It seemed rather anti-climatic." She murmured as the witch glared at her.
"Yes, that's it. Caroline?" The blonde looked away from Klaus and to her, "You gave me your word."
"I know, and I will keep it." The witch nodded and shut the door immediately leaving them standing outside.
"What deal Care?"
"She just wants me to protect her future lineage." Katherine nodded and then hugged Caroline suddenly. The blonde wrapped her arms around her tentatively and sighed into her neck as she realized her ordeal was over, she wouldn't have to relive it anymore. Except when she remembered. Caroline pulled back and forced a smile on her face. "So, how does Hawaii sound?" Katherine smirked.
"Perfect."
"Caroline…" Damon's hoarse voice whispered in the air and she turned to look at him as he swallowed. "Can I talk to you? Alone."
"No." Klaus said immediately as he stepped in front of Damon whose eyes widened. "We have a game to finish, don't you think?" Caroline stepped in front of Klaus.
"Klaus, stop it." She said as she nodded to Damon. Klaus' brow furrowed in confusion.
"Caroline, what are you doing?" she ignored him and gestured for Damon to follow her as she began walking away. Klaus looked at Katherine who shrugged and then back to the Caroline. "He should be dead, it's what he deserves. Why are you acting so…civil?" he asked in awe. Caroline stopped mid step and turned.
"I know. But some things are in the past, things that I won't dwell on, not now." She said and Klaus strode over to her.
"How can you forgive him so easily, he abused you?" Klaus said through gritted teeth as Caroline narrowed her eyes at him.
"If I want to forgive him then that's my choice, but fyi I'm not going to. Why don't you go back home Klaus, let me deal with the fallout." Caroline said with a tense voice, they stared at each for a few moments before Klaus glared at Damon and turned away to Katherine.
Caroline continued to walk as Damon followed and then she stopped turning round to face him. She waited for him to speak and he opened his mouth several times before his voice came out.
"I'm sorry." He simply said and Caroline nodded. "I'm sorry for what I did to you when you were a human. You didn't deserve it, I used you and it was horrible. I shouldn't have done any of it but I was in a bad place at the time. I was screwed up and I'm sorry." Caroline's face remained impassive.
"Good. But I don't forgive you, not now anyway. What you did to me, no one deserved. No matter how bad of a place you were at." Damon nodded. "But, you seem to be earning it with all the help you've provided all the times we've been in trouble. So I may forgive you one day, just not today." Caroline said as she looked at Damon.
"I understand." She nodded and walked passed him without another thought back to Katherine and Klaus who seemed to be having an intense argument.
"What the bloody hell do you mean she's leaving?" Klaus hissed as Katherine glared at him.
"It means, she's packing up, moving out and starting a fresh."
"With you?"
"With me." He scoffed.
"Over my dead body." Katherine rolled her eyes.
"Careful Klaus, don't jinx it." Caroline said as she entered their conversation.
"Care, tell him. He's being a very adamant dog." The blonde smirked as Klaus growled.
"She's right, not about the dog part, but we are leaving. All I needed was a way to break the curse and protect the others. I've done all that, which means it's time to start again." Klaus turned to look at her ignoring Damon who ambled towards them from behind the tree.
"No."
'No?"
"You can't leave, not yet."
"Give me one good reason to stay." Caroline said resolutely as she moved closer to him. He opened his mouth but no voice came out, his mind flashed through things he could say, excuses. The food, the culture, the music. But they just weren't good enough.
"Me." Caroline's eyes softened as Klaus whispered his answer. She ignored Kat and Damon's scoffs and kept her eyes focused on Klaus'. "Stay for me." His voice became hoarse. "I'll help you, you start new here, build a new life here." Caroline's lips parted in awe as his vulnerability shone through. Without a second thought, Caroline took Klaus' hand and led him away through the forest. They walked in silence through it before they reached the little house that Klaus owned. She opened the door and took off her jacket placing it on the sofa before turning back round to him and pulling him upstairs to his bedroom where she took the picture of her and him at the pageant and sat him down on the bed. She turned and showed him the photograph.
"Look at it." His eyes flashed to the photo and then back to her. Her eyes emanated sadness. "Do you see the difference yet?" She whispered. Klaus looked back at the phot and then at her as he waited for her to explain. "Look at the girl in the picture and then compare her to me." He followed her instructions but all he saw was a vision of blond nothing more. "Do you see it yet?" He shook his head and Caroline sighed with a broken look. She sat beside him on the bed and looked at the memory of herself before running her finger of the picture. "Klaus, I can't stay here." Klaus nodded slowly as the silence filled the space between them. "You and me. We…we could be…epic…." Klaus looked at her as a tear ran down her cheek. "But, we're so different. Maybe if, maybe if I wasn't so broken I could be able to stay. But I am so I can't." Klaus reached out his hand to wipe away the teardrop but was stopped as Caroline turned towards him swiftly and wiped it away herself. "Can't you see, Klaus? You thought I wasn't ready, but it turns out neither of us are. I was used and broken to hurt you, to hurt the people who cared about and as much as I fought, because goddamnit I fought so hard, they still got to me. I was ripped away from my life and repeatedly abused. I'm 19 years old Klaus, I should still a human, I should still be in college, my mother should still be alive. But none of those things are happening." She holds the picture back up. "The girl there is…happy, she isn't broken or sad or tired of any of it. She reveled in her immortality. It's like you said to her, she liked being ageless, fearless, strong. And for a while she believed that. I believed all those things, the fact that I was fearless and strong. But I wasn't and I learnt that the hard way. The Caroline you knew before is…gone. I faced the harsh reality of the world, because sometimes life isn't fair and we don't get what we want or we think we deserve." She placed his hand on the edge of the frame covered with hers. "Look at yourself, you were perfect then. You had your priorities sorted and nothing to fear. And you look at you now. You have a life in New Orleans, a family, loyalty, love. Everything you've wanted in life. You and me, we're different, we grew up. Because yes, even a 1000 year old can keep aging." Klaus' mouth twitched up into a smile but faltered as he looked up at Caroline. "You once told me that I was full of light and now…it's getting harder and harder to hold onto that. I need to find myself again. To redefine myself. To live, to start again, to let go of everything that happened to me." Her voice got more resolute but quieter as Klaus nodded slowly and lowered his head to look at the floor.
"I understand Caroline." She shook her head and looked at the photo of Hope on the bedside table. Klaus lifted his eyes and followed her gaze. "How did you find out about her?" he whispered not wanting to hear the answer, regretting that she had to hear it from someone else and remembering Katherine yelling at him about her finding out.
"Esther told me." Klaus's eyes snapped up to see Caroline's eyes glaze over with tears. "Whilst they were trying to make me turn it off, they told me that you had a child, I didn't believe it so she gave me a vision, showing you and Hope together. She said 'why should he deserve the gift of a child, he's a monster. But you're not, you could have children, you could have it all.' I refused again, and you can imagine what happened after."
"I'm sorry you found out that way." Caroline nodded.
"That's one of the reasons I can't stay Klaus. You're a father. You have a daughter who you need to raise with Hayley. I can't get in the way of that."
"Caroline, Hayley means nothing to me, she's just the mother of my child. You don't need to be jealous." Caroline smiled sadly.
"I'm not jealous Klaus." Klaus growled and stood up suddenly turning to look at her.
"Then what is it? Because I 'm trying to understand, why can't you stay here. You've given me so many reasons but why can't you build a new life here, with me, you could help me raise Hope. Please." Caroline stood up in frustration.
"Because I can't." she said resolutely.
"Why not?" he hissed. She ran her fingers through her hair not knowing how to word her thoughts. "Stay here."
"And what? Play happy families with you? Watch you as you raise your child with someone I hate."
"So you are jealous?"
"No." she said through gritted teeth.
"Then why do you see her as a problem?" He shouted.
"Because she gave you the one thing I could never give you!" Caroline screamed. Klaus' eyes widened and his jaw dropped at her revelation. Caroline gasped as she figured out what she had said. Her breath came out in small pants and the two stared at each other in disbelief.
"What…?" He murmured hoarsely. Caroline sighed as she felt the air leave her lungs.
"Because she….I hate her because she gave you something that I would never have been able to give you. A child." Both their eyes shimmered with tears. "I've always wanted a child, but because I'm a vampire, I can't. And seeing you with one brings everything back. You want me to stay here and watch on the sidelines. I'm not jealous of Hayley, I'm jealous of…you." She whispered as her eyes were locked onto his. Out of all the things that Klaus had expected her to say, that, was definitely not one of them. "When I found out, when Esther told me, I was hurt, I hated you, I was so close to turning it off. I wanted to just run away and hide, believe that she was wrong, that it wasn't true. But it was. I hated you for that. And yes, I know I didn't have a right to feel like that because we were nothing then. That didn't stop it hurting though." Her voice became even hoarser as she continued, hoping that he wouldn't come to hate her for her words but this was something that she had to tell him to make him understand, to make him see. "Once Katherine rescued me, I wanted to hurt you, to make you feel guilty, blame you for everything that happened to me. And do you want to know what happened?" He looked at her waiting for an answer. "I figured it out. I finally figured it out." She let out a forced laugh as she looked away from him for a moment. "I was completely in love with you." Klaus couldn't move, he knew she had said the words when she first arrived when he hugged her but he thought it was just in the shock of the moment, hearing her say it know felt like a bullet to his heart. "I was in love with you and it felt like such a betrayal to me. You chasing me back in Mystic Falls, promising to be my last love and then gaining the one thing that I always wanted, without me. It hurt. So much." She stopped not knowing how to continue, just taking in his frozen features. He swallowed hard as her words ended and remained still. "Do you get it now? I can't stay here because it hurts too much. It's a reminder that I should have figured it out sooner, I should have given you a chance before but I didn't. I was living in denial for so long all because I was scared of the people I believed to be my friends. And look at me know. I have been broken over and over and over again because I let you slip through my fingers. But the only thing that's keeping me going right now is knowing that we have an eternity to play it all out. That one day we'll both be ready, just not today…" Caroline let her voice trail off slowly as she stood still and waited for his reaction.
The words kept spinning round and round in his head yet he couldn't find the courage to fully believe them.
"You…love me?" Caroline's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Out of everything, that's' what you're focusing on?" she sniffled as he nodded. "Yes. I meant the words I said when you hugged me after we first met again. I'm not taking them back because I know they're the truth… I love you Klaus Mikaelson…. I'm completely and irrevocably in love with you." Klaus closed his eyes and sighed deeply before reopening them slowly to look at her. He swallowed hard before striding over to her and stopping just before their bodies made any contact. His eyes bored into hers, he lifted his fingers slowly and grazed them over her cheek slowly.
"Caroline…" he murmured.
"Yes…?" she whispered as he lowered his head slowly inching closer to her. His nose brushed hers and they stayed like that for a few moments letting their sweet breaths mingle in the middle. Caroline felt his soft hand slowly come to rest on her waist and then move round to her lower back. His sapphire blue orbs were locked onto her cornflower blues. He moved closer leaving a hair breadth gap between their lips.
"Tell me when to stop…" he murmured allowing his lips brush over hers, she gasped as she felt the brief touch. She nodded slowly as she raised her hand and put it on his arm gently. He moved in letting his lips softly press against her velvety ones. It was like drinking water in the heat of the desert, a cool lake on a warm summer's day, it was finding relief. He pulled back slightly separating their lips as he looked at Caroline and found no hesitation, he moved in again and let his lips linger over hers longer, caressing them slowly. They continued like that separating after a few seconds and then giving in again, Caroline's hand reached up to his jawline causing Klaus to shiver at her gentle touch as she cupped his cheek and tilted her head wanting to feel more of him. He reciprocated and tightened his hold on her and pushed her back slowly against the wall.
"Are you okay?" he murmured and she answered by pulling him back to her, she pushed herself away from the wall and backed Klaus up to the side so that she could push him against the wall instead. His free hand moved up her side to her soft hair where he buried his fingers into her golden strands as she wrapped her hand round the back of his neck and then into his crisp curls at the nape of it which she caressed slowly. Their lips continued their slow, sensual motion before all that was left was sweet, chaste kisses pressed to each other's lips as their foreheads met and they panted slowly.
"Ok?"
"Yeah…" she said breathlessly before closing her eyes and just resting in the moment.
"I love you, too." Klaus said as Caroline's eyes reopened and she smiled. "Say it again."
"I love you, Klaus." He sighed in relief as he let her words wash over him. The calm was broken as Caroline's phone rang and she answered still pressed against Klaus who didn't release her. "Hello?"
"Thanks for running off." Kat's voice bellowed through.
"I knew I forgot something." Caroline murmured.
"Forgot! How the hell can you forget me?"
"You're right Kat, it was just a momentary lapse, won't happen again." She said sarcastically earing a chuckle from Klaus.
"Please tell me you're not making out with Klaus whilst you're talking to me."
"No, I'm not. But if you had called 2 seconds ago-"
"Don't make me hurl. So what's happening now?" Caroline closed her eyes hoping that she wouldn't have to look at Klaus as she answered but that didn't help as she felt his body tense.
"Say your goodbyes Kat, get Lucy and Nadia ready. I'll meet you at the mansion." She cut the call and opened her eyes to be met with Klaus' broken look. "Klaus-"
"I know, its ok. You have to live and so do I." He said as he tightened his hold around her. "But don't forget me…" he said quietly causing her to laugh.
"Klaus, I can't ever forget you, I won't forget you."
"Promise me."
"I promise." He slowly released her but entwined his fingers with hers. She looked towards the door and sighed. "I suppose it's time to face the music then."
"I could compel all of them to not remember. And threaten my siblings, how about it love?" he said with a smirk. Caroline smiled.
"Even though the gesture is incredible sweet, I think I can handle it." She squeezed his hand and pulled him towards the door.
"I'll protect you from the vultures, sweetheart."
"I've missed that." She murmured.
"What?"
"You calling me sweetheart and love." She said imitating his accent causing him to chuckle as they left the house.
"That was terrible."
"But you loved it." He squeezed her hand gently.
"I do love it. I love you."
'I love you, too."
Hope you enjoyed it :D
See you next time!