"Caroline," The woman said.
Caroline's mind drifted awake from the deep sleep that had captured her the moment her head had hit the sheets. The bright light coming in through her window made her scrunch her eyes shut, and she rolled over in bed digging her face into her pillow.
"Caroline."
"Go away," her voice mumbled from inside the pillow's fluff. The female voice sounded familiar. Her brain woke a little more.
"Wake up or I'll starting cutting your hair."
"Don't," she whined drawing out the word.
She heard the snap of a pocket knife opening and shot up in bed. "I'm awake!" Rebekah sat next to her knife in hand with a melancholy smile on her face. Caroline's eyebrows came together in confusion. "Rebekah. I thought you left."
"I did. I'm going to. I came back to get my things," her voice confirmed sadly but firmly.
"Where are you gonna go?" Caroline asked sitting up in bed. She flung her hair out of her face with her hand.
"I don't know. I need to get away for a while. Niklaus destroyed my one chance of having a normal life, and, right now, I can't even look at him." The Original sister shook her head and looked down at her hands.
Caroline could see the pain etched across her face and her heart clenched. "You can still be happy, 'Bekah, as a vampire."
Rebekah's eyes shot up and the corners perked in a small smile happy that the young vampire had used her nickname. "One day. But not now."
"Being alone isn't going to make it better. It'll just make you feel alone."
She looked about the room as if she might find someone else in it. "I have no one else."
It hit Caroline just how many people Rebekah had lost. So much attention had been given to Elena for her losses, but, in the same amount of time, Rebekah had to say goodbye to just as much family. "You have Stefan. He's your friend," she said softly.
The Original nodded to herself and chewed lightly on her lip. Her brow furrowed as a forlorn expression spread across her face.
"Hey," Caroline said placing her hand on Rebekah's arm. "I'm your friend."
Rebekah gave a genuine smile as she tried to blink back the water in her eyes. "I'm glad. But, you are also the object of my brother's attention, so I don't think taking you with me is going to help me avoid him."
Her shoulders sagged. She had almost forgotten about her predicament with Klaus. She mumbled, "Right. Klaus."
Her attitude shift seemed to sober Rebekah slightly. "What is it?"
Taking a long breath, the bed-ruffled girl admitted, "He's getting to me. I didn't want him to, but he's crawled under my skin like some gorgeous, puffed up tick that I can't remove."
"He does that," Rebekah responded with the tiniest of smiles.
Caroline shook her head. "I don't know what to do." She lifted her hands and rubbed them over her face.
"What do you want?"
"It's not that simple. What happens if . . . if I start something with him? What if he decides to kill people? Or attack my friends? I'll feel like I'm a party to that." She shook her head. Imploringly, she stared at the other girl for an answer. She clutched her pillow in her lap needing to fiddle with something.
"You won't be able to change him. You may be able to give him a push, but he will always be Nik. But, if you were to start something with him, he would bend for you just as you would bend for him," Rebekah reassured.
With a short, huffed laugh, Caroline nodded, "That's what worries me." Her eyes drifted up to the chandelier and noticed for the first time how the afternoon sun reflected on the crystals and glittered across the ceiling. "I don't want to lose myself, and I don't want to lose my friends."
"Your friends will forgive you. If the past is to be taken as any indication, and, correct me if I'm wrong, but no one in your little gang has been permanently ostracized for fraternizing with an Original."
Caroline smiled before throwing her hands in the air and exclaiming, "But Klaus is, like, big bad. I would be with the villain."
A knowing smile spread up one side of Rebekah's mouth. "You're confusing what you see with what you are supposed to see. If you really believed he was an irredeemable villain, we wouldn't be having this conversation." She watched as Caroline took in her words. She gave her a moment, straightened, and continued on speaking with a hint of perkiness to her voice, "Now, in payment for my lovely advice, I need you to go distract my brother, so I can get out of the house without having to talk to him."
Caroline pointed to herself. When Rebekah nodded, she shook her head. "You got in. You can get out."
"He was sleeping when I came in. He woke up when I was packing. I snuck across the hall when I heard him get in the shower. He's out now. So, scoot," she chirped giving the girl's shoulder an easy push.
Caroline wasn't budging, "I am not distracting Klaus when he is fresh from the shower!"
"Scaredy cat," Rebekah said with obvious provocation behind her tone.
Her mouth dropped open indignantly. "Am not!"
"Prove it," Rebekah challenged. "I dare you." When Caroline crossed her arms across her chest stubbornly, she continued, "I need two minutes, Care. I doubt my brother can do much in . . ." She stopped, realizing what she was about to say. "Nope, not going to say it."
"Yeah, cuz it's not true," the young vampire grumbled.
Rebekah lifted her leg and gave Caroline a little kick. "I thought you said you were my friend," she whined, a truly pathetic pout on her lips.
Caroline sighed and threw the blankets off of her and over Rebekah's head. "You owe me."
Stomping across the room, she made her way to the door, opened it, and trudged through. In front of Klaus' bedroom door she whimpered with a touch of cowardice. The last time she knocked on his door, she had ended up straddling him in bed. "Ugh!'
Knock Knock Knock
"Come in," she heard him say.
Caroline turned the knob and swung the door open. He wasn't there. Confused, she searched the room. His bed was messy and a wet towel was in the middle of the floor. Silently she hoped he was not naked. She was a few paces into the room when his voice peaked up from just behind her.
"I hear I have two minutes," he hummed.
Startled, she spun around. Her voice came out slightly higher than she had wanted it to. Taking a moment to be grateful for his clothing, Caroline let her gaze smooth over him. His hair was wet and messy and his shirt clung to his still moist skin. The smell of soap mingled with his usual scent.
Oh god, why did he have to smell like soap?
She struggled to not purr and keep her expression unaffected. "You heard?"
A cocky smirk quirked onto his mouth, "Do you really think I'm gorgeous?"
She scoffed, "I think your brain missed the main part of that sentence. I called you an annoying, disease infested, parasite."
A humored smile touched at the corners of his mouth. Klaus stepped up to her, closer than he would have dared a few weeks ago. "But a gorgeous one."
Sighing, she put her hand up, "Just stay here for a minute while 'Bekah leaves."
He shrugged and his smile grew wider. "She doesn't want to be chased, and I'm so enjoying my distraction," he said reaching up to touch her cheek with the back of his fingers. Her eyes softened, and he could tell she wasn't going to argue with this action. While his fingers continued to run across the line of her jaw and across her neck, his eyes greedily drank in the texture of her skin and the way her pajama top clung tightly to her body.
Seeing his blatant admiration made her skin grow warm.
Well, if I have to distract him, might as well be useful.
Reaching up she pushed the tips of her fingers against the bottom of his jaw lifting his eyes to hers. Her voice was small but sure. "What do you want?"
His eyes bounced back and forth between her blue ones. They were so bright and curious. The tightening in his chest was only matched by the tightening he felt lower down. "I want you."
She lifted an eyebrow. "Why? I'm nothing special. Is this just a sex thing? I said no and accidentally made it a challenge, or something?" The very idea sent an angry tinge into her words.
He looked down, but his eyes quickly drifted back up as he peered at her from under his lashes. "Very few women have ever refused me."
Caroline dropped her hand from under his face and backed a step away. "So that's it?" She questioned while her arms flung out to either side.
"No," he immediately replied following her step. His face calmed when she didn't retreat away from him again. "The night I came into your room to heal you, you surprised me. The plan was to walk in, heal you, and leave. I needed your mother on my side, and you were my vehicle to that."
"Collateral damage," she muttered remembering his words.
His smile faded to something reminiscent. "Yes. I asked if you really thought that low of me and you said, 'yes'. I could see the light in you then. You intrigued me. Then at my mother's ball you spoke to me harshly."
"Truthfully," she corrected crossing her arms and shifting her weight to one hip.
"People don't speak to me like that. They know better. You know better and yet you do it anyway. I won't deny that you are beautiful and that was most certainly a draw," he admitted with a playful lift of his eyebrow, "But it's the fight in you, your spirit, that I covet."
Hearing his words, her posture and expression softened again. He was opening up, and she wanted answers, so she prodded for more, "And what would you do with me if you had me?"
"Cherish you," he crooned creeping into her space again.
Caroline had to admit that his words were pretty and her heart fluttered with the sentiment behind it, but her brain shouted one last question, "You shamelessly eavesdropped on my conversation with Rebekah just now, so tell me, would you respect my morals; would you respect me enough to change your ways if we were together?"
Slightly thrown, Klaus straightened and peered down at her. His face was conflicted. He opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off.
"Don't say it unless it's true."
His lips tightened and his mind juggled back and forth between the possible answers he could give to her question. He struggled for a few moments before admitting defeat and just returning her stare. His shoulders dropped, but he stood before her confidently. He decided, he would not lie to her, and he would not lie to himself. "I don't know."
She stepped back from him once more. "Right. I'm going to go get dressed," she breathed as she left the room.
Caroline walked into the dining room feeling groggy. Her shower hadn't refreshed her at all. Upon entering, she noticed Elijah sitting at the table with what looked like a grilled steak salad in front of him and a newspaper. She asked, "How are you feeling?"
He gave a light smile at her entrance. "Much better. My pride is wounded, but I'll live."
She smiled back as she hunkered down in one of the chairs and began making her own salad from the ingredients spread haphazardly about the table. "Live to die of something worse," she snickered. Looking up at him she saw a confused tweak to his eyebrow. "It's something my mom used to say." Her voice deepened as she tried to mimic her mother's stern way of speaking, "'Calm down, Caroline. You'll live to die of something worse.'"
Elijah shook his head slightly amused. "Interesting perspective," he said before sipping at a cup of tea.
She nodded. "True though. Considering how things have changed over the last year or so, I think it's safe to say that I will die of something worse than a scraped knee or a bad hair day."
"Indeed," he agreed.
Just then, Klaus barged into the dining room and strode over to sit near Elijah across the table from Caroline. He threw a handful berries on his plate and began making his cup of tea. "What are we talking about?"
Caroline smirked. "The statistical probability that a wounded ego could kill an original."
Klaus raised an eyebrow at her explanation.
With an exaggerated sigh she dramatically glanced wistfully toward the ceiling. "A girl can only dream."
Klaus's phone rang. "You're funny." Checking the caller I.D. he smiled and answered, "Ripper!"
"Klaus," Stefan replied with an unamused tone.
"Stefan?" Caroline chirped excitedly.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" The Hybrid asked.
Without preamble, Stefan dove into the reason for the call, "Damon was attacked last night . . . by Silas."
"Stepping out from the shadows is he?" Klaus asked intrigued.
"Not exactly. He came to him in the form of someone else. Alaric, actually." Caroline's heart broke hearing this. She wasn't Damon's biggest fan, but Silas showing up as Alaric was pretty messed up.
Her friend continued, "Stabbed him with a stake and broke it off inside of him. At least that's what he thought. He had me trying to dig out non-existent wood splinters all night."
"Nonexistent?" Klaus questioned.
"Yeah, we got into a little spat at about four this morning, and in his anger, it seems the pain just suddenly wasn't there anymore."
Klaus leaned forward on the table with his elbows as he spoke, "Hmm . . . What did he want?"
"He wants the cure."
Sighing, Klaus leaned back in his chair again. "Well, that's unfortunate."
"He knew things, Klaus. Information Damon hadn't told anyone. I have a feeling that we are dealing with something a little beyond our capabilities."
A blithe smile splattered across his face, "Are you asking for my help, Stefan?"
"Bonnie is M.I.A., Tyler is on the run, Elena is uncooperative at best, and you have Caroline, so yes. We could use some reinforcements." There was a brief pause while Stefan could be heard pouring himself a drink. "We've been trying to find Katherine, but we lost her trail in New York."
"Don't you worry about that, Stefan. It's well in hand."
"You found her?"
He dismissed his question, "I'll be in touch. Oh! And you may want to lure Rebekah back to Mystic Falls. We could use the extra hands."
Caroline smiled to herself at the idea.
"She's not with you?"
"Not as such. You may not want to mention I suggested it."
"Fair enough. Let me talk to Caroline."
Klaus dropped the phone from his ear, and he peered over at Caroline. She already had her hand jutted out in front of her ready to grab the phone. He momentarily contemplated just hanging up on Stefan, but decided against it when he saw how eager she was. As he passed off the phone to her, a ping of jealously stung at him.
"Stefan!" She exclaimed.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine," she reassured him.
"Having fun?"
She groaned. "Gag me with a spoon."
Klaus dramatically threw his hand up over his heart as if her words stabbed. Caroline rolled her eyes at him.
"Hurry home," he said. She could hear the smile in his words.
"Twist my arm," she responded dryly. "What's going on with Bonnie? What do you mean M.I.A.?"
"We haven't been able to find her anywhere. Her dad said that last he heard, she was with Shane . . . well, Silas."
"I hope she's okay," she said worriedly.
"We're looking for her. We'll be able to cover more ground when you guys get back."
"Okay, we'll be there soon."
"Bye, Care."
"Bye, Stef." Stefan hung up the phone, and she did the same.
Inconspicuously, she waited patiently for Klaus to lift his tea to his mouth and tossed the phone at him. He barely caught it as it flew at his face and after, glared up at her irritated as a bit of tea sloshed over the rim of his cup.
Elijah watched this with amusement. When Klaus was about to say something in rebuttal to her actions, he piped in, "We return to Mystic Falls then. Silas will not be happy to learn that the cure has been destroyed."
Using his napkin to wipe the spilled tea, Klaus turned his head towards Elijah. "I'd imagine not."
"Should I push up our flight?" Elijah asked setting down his paper.
Klaus shook his head. "No. Silas attacked Damon last night. He's not going to try again until at least tomorrow. Not to mention, there are worse things than someone torturing Damon Salvatore. Tonight is soon enough, but my tickets will need to be exchanged?"
Elijah looked between him and Caroline and raised a brow, "Niklaus?"
"Need to know, Brother," he said taking a sip of his tea. He turned his attention to Caroline once again and faking congeniality he said, "Caroline, Love, you should pack."
She couldn't help but smile.
Finally! Back to Mystic Falls.
Some wanted space from Klaus before things got any more complicated. Tossing the last few bites of spinach and strawberries into her mouth, she excused herself to do just that.
"There!" She proclaimed proudly as she zipped up her overly full bag. She was placing it next to the dresser when a knock sounded at her door. Taking the few steps over, she opened it. Klaus stood behind the door with a playful smile.
"May I come in?" He didn't bother waiting for her response as he slid tightly passed her into the room; his military style jacket making a small sound as it slid across her shirt.
She stood there at the door for moment shaking her head at his brazen flirt. When she finally closed it, she glanced over at him hesitantly. "You aren't going to ask me to say good afternoon are you? Because, that would seriously be pushing it."
His smile widened slightly and his eyes twinkled with the dirty thoughts that lay behind them. He sat down on the edge of the bed as if he were getting comfy. "No. I needed to speak with you about this Silas situation."
"Oh?" She didn't move. As curious as she was, the sight of Klaus on her bed had her feeling anxious.
His smile became a smirk as he tilted his head to the space next to him. "Sit, Love. I won't bite."
Caroline raised her eyebrow accusingly.
"Scratch that," he laughed lightly recalling the fact that he had bitten her before.
She sighed as she plomped down next to him, "What is it?"
"Can you keep a secret?" He asked.
She was interested, so she turned to face him. "From who?"
"Everyone."
Taking a moment to answer, she apprehensively responded, "It would depend."
"Smart girl," he thought realizing she wasn't going to blindly agree. "What if I told you that the safety of your friends and the success rate of our plan against Silas depends on it."
She considered it. "You have a plan?" When he nodded, so did she. "Then, yes, I can keep a secret."
"This is something only you and I will know," he elaborated.
Her brow shot up and her eyes widened. "Elijah?" When he shook his head silently, she puffed out a bit of air. "I feel like I'm about to walk blindfolded off a cliff."
Klaus started to shift off the bed, "If you'd rather I'd not tell you-"
"No," she said a little louder than she had anticipated. He dropped back down to the mattress. "It's all right. Go ahead-Wait! What if Elijah or Katherine hear?" She glanced worriedly to the door.
He dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand, "Elijah isn't here, and the basement is spelled. Katherine can't hear anything when the basement door is closed."
"Okay." Caroline took a deep breath in anticipation. She watched as Klaus reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small glass vial that swirled with a familiar red liquid. She yelped, "The cure! You didn't destroy it?!"
"I'm not an idiot, Sweetheart, but it's safer for my family if everyone believes it no longer exists."
Her eyes shot back up to him in a tiny fit of fear, "This isn't one of those if-I-told-you-I'd-have-to-kill-you secrets is it?"
He laughed outright at her, "More like if-you-tell-anyone-I'll-dotdotdot."
She nodded slowly, "Right. So why are you telling me?"
Klaus explained, "Well, here's the thing. I can't go back to Mystic Falls. I'll be close by but not too close."
Sensing something was amiss, her eyes narrowed. "Uhuh? And why is that?"
"Well, it's something Stefan said. Silas knew information about Damon that Damon hadn't told anyone. Silas was able to get inside his head, and the plan depends on Silas thinking the cure is destroyed. He may be able to get inside my head, so I can't be anywhere near him." He shrugged and looked around the room waiting for her to catch on.
Her face immediately contorted in confusion, "But . . . but you told me."
He looked fixedly as her and grinned. "Yes, I did."
"But I'm going back to Mystic Falls . . . "
Klaus raised an eyebrow as if to ask "Are you?"
Understanding flashed across her face. Raising her fist she hit him hard in the arm. "Are you kidding me?! What the hell, Klaus! You-You! Ugh! Seriously!" Standing up from the bed to better yell at him she paced furiously.
Faking a realization of his own, he pronounced, "You're right, Love. It is way too dangerous for you to go back to Mystic Falls now that you know about the cure. I guess you'll have to stay with me." He continued to smile and rubbed at his arm where she had hit him.
She picked up a pillow from the window seat and chucked it at him. "Dick move, Klaus. Dick move!"
Dodging the pillow, Klaus rubbed his hands together and stood looking very proud of himself. "Well, now that that's settled. We leave in an hour."
She shook her head feeling like she wanted to claw those overconfident eyes right off his face. "You're such an ass!"
He gave a classic smirk as he opened the door to leave.
Before he could abandon ship, she yelled out to him, "At least tell me where we're going?"