Finding a new job was hard, but she did it in the end.

The photography company where Tyler was working needed someone with some writing experience, and since she was a friend of his, and was interested in animals, she got a job writing articles on whatever they threw at her. A part time job, but Caroline was actually learning to love it. Soon, she'd be sent out into the field with Tyler to someplace while he took photos, and she did the notes.

A very different job to her last one, but she loved it.

Things had changed in a year, but for her at the moment, the man walking around in his boxers in her apartment was one of the biggest.

It wasn't official, for they'd been 'dating' for just a month when Caroline had finally given up waiting for Klaus, putting the ring away and trying to forget. Tyler had finally taken her out on that date he promised, and things went from there. She didn't know what to call the pair of them. It wasn't a sexual relationship, but that didn't mean she hadn't been tugged into bed by him at least once. Why shouldn't she let him?

He wasn't coming back.

And it wasn't like she and Tyler were a proper couple.

Caroline left her eyes closed as he climbed back into bed with her, tugging her form into his arms where she muttered sleepily. "Not official yet?"

"You really think we'd work as a couple?"

A pause, then Caroline pulled herself up out of his arms to seat herself upon his hips, trailing her hands up his chest before she replied.

"Tyler. You know I care about you."

"Just care?"

Caroline leaned down and placed a feather-light kiss upon his lips, whispering against them. "Am I allowed to love you, then?"

"That's fine by me." He muttered back, skimming his hands up her sides to rest upon her hips, flipping them over and pressing a passionate kiss to Carolines lips. She giggled quietly at that, raising a hand to cup his cheek as he added. "If you want to be a… ah, proper pair, tell me by tonight, yeah?"

"A deadline eh? Now I feel like shit."

"Well-"

Caroline just pressed a kiss to his lips in return, smiling out. "Fine. I'll give you my answer tonight. I'm heading to Mystic Falls."

The young man stroked a hand down her arm as he pouted. "Going to leave me here all alone?"

"Yep. Don't worry, if you feel unloved, pretty sure you have a few pornos hidden in your apartment. You don't need me."

Tyler just rolled his eyes, laughing against her lips.

"Just what am I gonna do with you, hmm?"

"Amy-! No don't eat that!"

Caroline couldn't help but giggle as Elena picked up her little daughter who was trying to eat the TV remote, setting her down upon her lap while she whined in annoyance.

The brunette pressed a kiss to her cheek as Caroline said "She's getting pretty mobile now, huh?" a pause and Elena replied, holding the little girl steady. "Well, she is three months now Care, and-" the rest of her words were cut off as Damon walked in, pressing a kiss to her lips, then to Amys cheek, leaving Caroline to roll her eyes as he went "Love you." Then he walked straight on through, a wide smirk on his face.

He knew it made Caroline feel dead awkward.

Elena was flustered for a moment, laughing out. "Sorry, I've forgotten where I was now. Damn man."

There was silence while Caroline glanced out the window, thinking; Elena had a smooth pregnancy, and little baby Amy came along a little early, but she was just like her father. Stubborn. She'd inherited his own deep dark sapphire eyes and her mothers oak hair, plus soft facial features.

"Care?"

She snapped to her senses, looking at Elena who arched a brow. "Still alive there?"

A sigh. "Sorry Elena. Late night."

"Tyler stop over again?"

"No!"

Silence.

"Fine, Tyler was over." Caroline said in defeat as Elena smirked in triumph, making the blonde add. "No! Not like that!"

"Why not?" Elena frowned, setting Amy down upon the sofa where she picked up her giraffe toy, poking at its neck. There was a sigh and Caroline shook her head a little as she answered in defeat. "I like him."

"I knew it. Is it official yet? Or are you just constantly having sex?"

Caroline spluttered and Elena laughed, shaking her head. "Joking. But seriously, why haven't you just hooked up prope-" then she realized as she scowled. "Are you still waiting for him? Care, he's gone. If he cared, he would have called or something."

"I know." Caroline muttered, staring down at the floor, wondering-

Why hadn't he come back? He promised…

"I think you should just give up anything to do with the damn Mikaelsons and stick with Tyler."

Caroline rolled her eyes once more, groaning out. "I keep putting it off, thinking he'll turn up but-"

"You can't wait forever Caroline! He doesn't deserve you. All these years you've been waiting for him to what? Take notice and care?"

"Okay Elena I get it, okay?!" Caroline yelled now, feeling guilty when Amy tumbled backwards from the shock, sniffling until her mother picked her up and cuddled her close as she told the blonde. "You just deserve someone who puts you first Care."

Caroline let it all sink in before she replied quietly. "I was going to check up at the man-"

"No. You forget that man and live your life with Tyler, Caroline. Klaus isn't worth it all. You stick with him, you're going to get hurt. Badly. As soon as you hear anything about him, you run there like a freaking dog and abandon whatever you're doing!"

That was the last straw as she got to her feet and walked out, hearing Damon call after her as she slammed the door.

"I've only just got that repainted Blondie-!"

She never went to the mansion, but back to New York where Tyler had left her a note saying that he needed to head into work for a little while.

Caroline was silent as she thought to herself, wondering-

Could she and Tyler have a future? She liked him, but… as much as he liked her, Caroline didn't like him on the same level.

God she couldn't win.

It was when she made her way to the door to check it was shut properly that she spied the little note sticking out of the letterbox. Caroline pulled it out with a frown and turned it over, just staring at the words.

Miss. Caroline Forbes, I would be honored if you'd attend Mr. Niklaus Mikaelson's Miami partyboat-

She didn't read on for a start, just groaning and closing her eyes-

Great. He was back.

And like Elena had said, she was… no, forget that.

She read the rest, sighing; Klaus was having a week long party in Miami, on his boat apparently. Caroline had no idea he owned a boat.

Had no idea that he was the partyboat type either. This was new.

She noted Tyler wasn't invited.

Caroline turned the invitation over now to stare at the handwritten note on the back-

It's time we met again.

It was signed Klaus and Caroline sank down onto the sofa, staring at it. She felt a rush of annoyance, anger and loss now. He just… expected her to turn up where? Miami? And party?

He'd gone fucking mad. Had to.

But Caroline was going to go just for the satisfaction of punching him in the face, telling him just how he'd fucked up her life. It wasn't all his fault, but she was damn well going to make it sound like it was. It hurt, thinking that she'd spent so many years pining after him like that.

It was her own fault…

Caroline sat back and closed her eyes-

She was going to do this. Go to the party and show him that she was over him. That… just that she was strong now. Wasn't going to waste her life waiting for a man that didn't care. Maybe go out with Tyler after all.

Caroline got to her feet now and strolled into her bedroom, pulling her suitcase, smirking smugly to herself-

Bring it on Niklaus.

Caroline left Tyler a note telling her where she was going, feeling guilty, for she was to tell him her decision that night. But instead, she was on the way over to Miami to party with Klaus.

That was going to hurt him, and she did feel guilty. But… they weren't a couple, so she shunned her thoughts, hoping that Tyler wasn't in love with her.

God this was all just a mess. But she'd sort that one out later on.

The flight to Miami wasn't as long as she was expecting, wondering if what she was doing was too rash, or stupid. Probably the both, but for once, she didn't care. She was going to slap him and knee him right where it hurt, then leave.

Nothing more, nothing less.

She couldn't.

Miami was boiling hot as she arrived, happy to stay in her little dress as she fanned herself with her hands. Caroline had been here once or twice with the girls when she was younger. But never before had she been to something like this.

As the taxi drove through the bustling city, Caroline turned the ring he'd given her over and over in her hands, intending on giving it him back as soon as possible and leave. Well, after drinking all of his alcohol. She might as well take what she could while she was there and have a good time in the process.

It had been years since she'd partied, so this would be a fun opportunity.

The taxi pulled up next to the harbor of sorts now, and Caroline didn't have to guess which one was his out of all the various boats- the massive yacht that looked more like a mini cruise ship. Bloody hell this man had too much money. Plus the boat was called The Hybrid.

Caroline had never understood why he'd named his gallery that. And now his boat? Hmm. There was some history behind that.

She dragged the case once it was placed upon the floor to the yacht, sunglasses over her eyes as she marched across the gangplank and dumping her case there as she called. "Hello? Someone?"

There was silence but for the waves and gentle rocking of the ship with the waves. But then there was footsteps, and the glass door that lead inside was pushed open to reveal Rebekah. Looking rather shocked Caroline had to admit as she exclaimed. "You came."

"Were you expecting me not to?" Caroline replied, rather coldly she had to admit. No more nice Care, that only got her hurt. Rebekah arched a brow. "Actually, I wasn't expecting you to even read the whole invite."

"Well, here I am. Now move? Your brother has an appointment with my fist."

Caroline shoved past the young woman and went inside the cabin, straight through where she saw the young man laid out in black swim shorts upon the deckchair, tanning with black sunglasses on.

She picked up the martini next to him and tipped it from a height upon his face, satisfied when he sat up with a jolt, shoving his sunglasses to rest atop his head, spluttering out. "Bekah-!"

But he soon calmed when he saw the sapphire eyes of Caroline, not his sister. Klaus sighed, closing his eyes a little. "Yeah… I deserved that, didn't I?"

"Yes." She snapped, shoving her suitcase away a little as she grabbed the handle, asking. "Where's my cabin?"

"Pick whichever you want. You came early and-"

"Whatever."

As she stalked off, Rebekah smirked to her elder brother. "You owe me ten dollars."

"Fuck off."

"Hey- you bet me ten dollars she wouldn't turn up."

A growl later and Klaus waved a hand before slipping his sunglasses back on, imitating Caroline. "Whatever."

Caroline settled into her cabin furthest from Klaus' that she could find, locking the door behind her and collapsed upon the narrow bed, sighing quietly-

This would be her ultimate test.

Caroline changed into a strapless dark red dress that came to her knees and matching heels when music started playing up on deck, along with the sound of laughter, loud voices and pounding music. She'd laid low all day long on purpose, not wanting to see him until it was time to slap him

And drink his alcohol.

She walked up to the top deck now, eyes scanning the crowds of unfamiliar people. Great. She didn't even know anyone.

Later on after she'd been bored with the lurking, Caroline crossed over to the side where the alcohol was, grabbing a shot and knocking it back, the music blaring in her ears.

Suddenly, she heard the cheering. He'd arrived on deck, she saw it with her own eyes. Caroline locked eyes with the ocean blue ones and grabbed a bottle of beer and turned away, heading over to the quieter side of the boat, ship… whatever it was.

She didn't want to be here anymore. Why had she even come? Stupid, stupid her.

Caroline stared into the midnight waters now, sighing gently as she did so, staring at her own reflection. But she knew who the footsteps behind her would be. Who else would it be?

"Your leg healed I guess?" she muttered now, feeling suddenly bitter for no reason.

"Mmmhmm, yeah." Klaus sighed as he leaned next to her, staring at the water too. The pair were silent, listening to the pounding music as Caroline finally spoke, turning away. "I need another drink."

Klaus caught her wrist, staring at the bottle in her hand- it was full, which made him arch a brow and ask in amusement. "Really love?"

"Let go of me." Caroline snapped, eyes narrowing. He let her go and chuckled, leaning against the railing. "You've let your hair grow longer, I like it."

"Why didn't you come back?"

Klaus ignored her question, nodding to the main party. "Want to dance?"

"Stop ignoring the question. I'm not some stupid little small town girl anymore Niklaus."

"I know sweetheart. Your martini shower made me realize."

Caroline closed her eyes, shaking her head a little. "I'm not playing games anymore Nik. Talk. Or I'm leaving, going back to New York and forgetting about you completely."

Klaus cocked a brow and laughed out as she turned around, going to leave when he said nothing for a start. "You think you'd even be able to do that? I know you, Caroline. At least, I do now."

Caroline gulped thickly as she turned back around to him, scoffing out. "You don't care. I was just… there for you to play with. Nothing else. Why did you even invite me here, huh? To, I don't know, make me feel like shit?"

Klaus scoffed, shaking his head a little as he set the bottle of beer down and stalked over to her, pulling Caroline to him by her shoulders where she whispered. "You disgust me. I loved you so much and-" he unexpectedly held her still while leaning forwards, pressing a kiss, neither hard nor soft to her lips, muttering after. "I don't intend on leaving you again. I'll explain why I left tomorrow, everything, anything you want to know, but for now…" he said nothing else, but from the look in his eyes, Caroline felt such a pang of longing shoot through her abdomen then the feel of the yachts railing as she was pushed against it, lips hot and hungry upon her own before he groaned against her lips. "I know I've most certainly not shown it over these years, but… I do love you Caroline. I am so, so sorry I never told you sooner. I fail, don't I sweetheart?"

Caroline was silent as she wound a hand into the back of his hair, hissing out as she tugged hard at it. "I spent most of my life pining after you, you bastard. And you just say that?"

"Well you have me now. Really going to give that up?"

"Shut up…" Caroline muttered, pushing at his chest to shove Klaus away, adding in a snappy voice. "You broke my heart so many times. And you think all this can be solved by just saying I Love You and kissing me-? Just… with no reason? Just that?"

Klaus sighed, raising his hands to cup her face into them, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips as he told her while his thumb traced her gentle features. "You didn't have to look after me that time. The accident. Why did you do it?"

She sighed, muttering out after a long silence. "I don't know."

"I still owe you, don't I?" Klaus responded quietly, frowning a little as his thumb ceased movement. Caroline rolled her eyes at that. "You've never owed me, Niklaus. Get that into your thick head."

"You did so much for me, Caroline. And I kept breaking your heart, yet you carried on helping, never giving up hope." Klaus just whispered, feeling disgusted at himself; he didn't deserve her anyway. Not in a million years. He'd invited her here, hoping that she'd come. That he could finally tell her what he felt… it might ease up a year of guilt.

Caroline pushed him further away now, picking up his bottle of beer and knocking it back, scoffing out. "I should have given up. I came here with the intention of punching yo-"

She just felt the bottle being snagged and tossed aside now as he crashed his lips to hers, yanking her close by her hips. And this time, Caroline didn't push him away and let his hands travel all up her sides, breathing against his lips. "You're drunk."

"So are you." He retorted, his face a playful smirk as he trailed his hands down to her backside to hitch Caroline up onto his hips, Klaus' lips hot once more against her own, but then he broke it away as Caroline stepped down from his hips, yanking the door open that led to the rooms, Klaus leading the way as he caught her by her waist, another kiss on her lips as she was pushed against it.

"How come you get the only double bed on this ship?" Caroline growled against his lips, hands running down the front of his toned chest, licking her own lips a little as they reached the bottom of his black t-shirt, tugging it up over his head and shoved him back onto the bed with a hand, locking the door with the other.

Klaus leaned up to yank Caroline down with him, flipping them over as his lips moved to her neck, groaning as her own hands went to his shorts and tugged them off with ease, leaving him in his black boxers that were growing unusually tight.

A smirk twitched onto his own face as Klaus turned her onto her stomach, kissing at the back of her neck as his hands went to her dress, yanking the zip down her spine and eased it down from her body, groaning lightly at the sight she wasn't wearing a bra underneath, her breasts firm and voluptuous, his hands the perfect size to cup them in. With hungry lips, he kissed down her spine before turning her onto her back again, shoving a pillow aside as he settled himself atop her hips.

"God love, you're so… beautiful." Klaus whispered against the underside of Carolines chin, fingers hooking into the hem of her panties, going to tug them down when her hand shot down to catch his wrist, suddenly sobering up as she muttered out. "No."

A pause and Klaus stopped his hands upon her, frowning out. "Why not?"

Caroline shook her head, placing her own hands upon his chest as she replied. "We're drunk and at a party. And you were going to stick that in me with nothing on the end of it. Plus I'm still mad at you. You think you can just… get me drunk and worm your way into my panties?"

Klaus rolled his eyes and got off her, lying down next to Carolines slightly panting form. "Ah. True."

Neither said anything, but as Caroline got up to leave, Klaus tugged her down with a frown of. "No. Stay the night with me. The party's boring anyway. Tomorrows crew will be much livelier."

"I'm not having sex with you Niklaus."

"I didn't mean that kind of 'stay the night."' He replied, tugging her into his arms where he pouted out, running a hand through already tousled hair. "Spend the night with me."

Caroline was silent as he asked, a hand caressing her arm. She wanted to. She shouldn't, but… screw it.

"Fine." She muttered, relaxing into his arms while she stared around the room, asking. "Why the boat party?"

"I love a good party."

"Whatever. Now tell me- why didn't you come back? Truthfully. No half answers or whatever like before."

Klaus didn't answer for a start, but when he did, he groaned and tugged her more into his arms, rubbing her bare, cool shoulder while his eyes wandered downwards. Caroline pulled the covers up over herself, feeling suddenly embarrassed.

"I've been looking for someone, Caroline. On the hunt is a better term." He finally said, making Caroline frown out. "Wha-? Who?"

"Just who and why doesn't concern you, but… this person owes me money. Major money. Pretty sure they organized that hit and run on me too."

Caroline understood, nodding slowly. "You want revenge. That's why you've been away. You've been chasing this person-?"

"I want the bitches head on a plate."

"So it's a She?"

"Caroline, leave it. You're not getting involved in this. It's dangerous. Deadly."

She nodded in silence, laying her head upon his chest as she just thought.

Whoever this woman is, she better keep on running before Klaus catches her and has her head.

Annnnnnd the next one! Came out a little longer than I was planning, so some planned stuff that should be in this chapter will be in the next. I've rewrote this a few times, and I just can't feel satisfied with it xD Anyway, thank you for the lovely reviews and support! You keep me going ^-^ thanks again and I hope you like and review! The peanut butter to my jelly x