A/N: To all my reviewers, thank you. I cannot put in words how much I appreciate each and every one of you.
Okay, please do not get angry with me. I know last chapter I said that Andy would choose in this one, but as I was going back over it... I don't know, it just didn't feel right at this time. I was rushing in but I realized I should at least give the guy she doesn't choose a chance, so it will be a few more chapters until then... Please don't be upset with me.
Poison & Wine - Chapter LIV
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I hesitated outside my house, staring up at it with wide eyes. After allowing Caroline to use me to manipulate Klaus, I ran back to the mansion where I got drunk and passed out after making a few drunk calls to Elijah. I wasn't sure what I said to him, but it was enough to get him to call me. As soon as I woke up this morning with a throbbing headache, my new phone I got after Klaus busted my old one, buzzed and it turned out to be Elijah.
I screamed at him and cursed him to hell for ten minutes before I gave him a chance to explain. "Andrea, you have to listen to what I'm about to say: Emmeline and Katherine were after the cure as well and wanted to go retrieve it. I agreed I would help them so we followed the group to this island. I didn't want to risk someone finding out and spoiling it all."
I had admitted to him it wasn't that bad of an excuse, but left him with a warning: "You need to be cautious, Elijah. I don't trust that they won't hurt you after what they've done to Kol."
"I'll be fine, Andrea. It is I that should be concerned about you,"
I sighed as I stared at the alcohol on the table nearby. "You don't need to worry about me, Elijah, I'm going to survive. I just wish I was there with you... "
"Niklaus needs someone to look out for him. Unfortunately, I do not trust your friends either after what fate fell upon my brother,"
"Least I'm not alone," I exhaled and forced myself not to go pour myself a drink. "This will mark the first time I've been alone with Klaus since he killed Carol Lockwood."
"Andrea Gilbert, you are the last person Niklaus would ever hurt,"
"Physically, you mean. He has no problem with mentally destroying me," Which was completely true, as he had done it countless times already. "I don't know if I can go in there, Elijah. I don't know if I can see him."
"I know you'll make the right choice, you always do,"
"Well, you give me much more credit than I deserve,"
"I thought I was giving you less,"
"Oh, stop it," I slightly blushed and couldn't hide my goofy smile. "You better go and focus on finding that cure rather than flirting with me. You're as bad as Kol sometimes." I got a sharp pain in me as I realized Kol would never be here again to flirt with me... "I'm sorry about Kol, Elijah."
"Thank you. Be safe, Andrea,"
"You, too," I hung up and cursed myself for not having a backbone. I should've been more angry about Elijah ignoring me, but after loosing Kol I didn't want to risk him dying and thinking I was angry with him. After that, I pushed those thoughts away and prepared my things to bring Klaus a few items, figuring he'd need a blood bag and change of clothes after three days stuck in that house.
And here I was, forcing myself to walk closer to the door. Taking a deep breath I opened it and entered.
When I entered the living room, he was standing by the coffee table, staring straight at me. I didn't look at him directly as I moved into the room and sat the bag on the couch; I pulled out the a blood bag and tossed one to Klaus without looking at him. I then silently made my way into the kitchen, pausing for a long moment to look at the spot where Kol's body had been yesterday. I wiped a stray tear as I hid around the corner so Klaus wouldn't be able to see me. I wasn't ready to face him, but I wasn't sure I'd ever be.
Elijah claimed he understood why I couldn't write Klaus off completely but I knew he didn't - couldn't. No one did because everyone would always see Klaus as a monster, and I would always keep allowing myself to get hurt by him because I needed him, despite all of the shit he caused. I hated the fact that I was hung up on him, like we had even been a couple in the first place. I especially hated the fact that my body felt like it was on fire when I was around him.
I stood there for another moment as I tried to gather my thoughts up, and I debated fixing myself lunch, but it was already three o'clock. "I'm not hungry," I murmured to myself as I headed towards the door going out of the kitchen. I left to go stay in to my room, deciding that I couldn't stay too near Klaus, but as I passed the living room I was stopped by his voice.
"Andy?" Stopping and turning to face Klaus, I felt my heart break even more at the pain in his eyes. "Would you mind coming over here?"
I stopped just outside the doorway, staring in at him. He had walked over and was now peering back at me. We stood like that for a tense moment before I broke the silence. "Did you drink the blood bag?" I asked, my voice breaking every so slightly.
"No, not yet," He admitted, glancing back at it on the coffee table.
I nodded slowly, my mind flashing back to what Caroline had said last night... 'I know that you're in love with Andy.' Was he? Or had she just said that? "Well, you need to drink up. I don't want anything to happen to you," I said stiffly. "And there's a clean change of clothes in there, too."
Klaus looked back at me intently, his brow furrowed. "After everything... You're still worried about me,"
"Well, trust me, my better judgement is telling me not to," I looked away from him with a slight frown. "My better judgement was also told me to let you starve but I decided to ignore it today."
"Harsh,"
"But it's fitting for us, don't you think?" I asked as I looked back at him.
"I see that you're still angry,"
"Hurt and disappointed, not angry. I've gotten over my anger. If I had been angry, I assure you would have seen nothing of me today," I said with a slight frown. "I keep thinking that you won't do bad things because of me... That you'll avoid ever hurting me, but it keeps on coming and that's what disappoints me."
"I saved Caroline yesterday," He pointed out.
"After you bit her,"
"She mocked me,"
"I know, and I agree she should have known better... I mean, you are known for your impulsive rage issues. I suspect Carol knows that more than anyone," We stared at each other down for a long moment before we were interrupted by Caroline and Tyler walking into the house. Caroline had a laptop in her hands while Tyler had what appeared to be that stupid sword wrapped in a blanket.
"Well, if it isn't little orphan Lockwood. Come to show how laughably impotent you are against me?" Klaus said with a smirk and I looked at him in disappointment again, but now he refused to acknowledge me with even a glance.
"I'm just trying to help my friends find the cure," Tyler said as Caroline sat on the couch, and he revealed the sword from the blanket. "Found this in your attic."
"And you think finding the sword brings you closer to the cure?" Klaus raised an eyebrow at him.
"You tell me. I was playing around with the handle on the ride over, and I found this," Tyler unwrapped the leather on the top of the sword, revealing some sort of turning device. Klaus got up and walked over to Tyler.
"And what do you think 'this' is?" He questioned.
Caroline got up. "It's called a cryptex," Tyler looked at her in surprise. "I've seen The Da Vinci Code," She said defensively before continuing to speak. "You turn the different sides to the different symbols to get the translation on the other side," Caroline turned to the table. "And with the magic of the internet, Elena sent over these." She held up print-outs of Jeremy's tattoo. "So now all we have to do is cryptex away," She sat down again. "If you happened to want to help, we wouldn't stop you."
"Right. Well, might I suggest using the magic of the internet to purchase an Aramaic-to-English dictionary from your nearest retailer," Klaus smirked.
Tyler turned to me. "What's Aramaic?"
"It's a dead language. It hasn't been used since sometime back in biblical times," I answered, looking back at Klaus. I didn't want him to help, but if he did, then Elijah could get the cure before any of them and that would change the entire game that we were all playing. "Qetsiyah's native tongue, I'm guessing." I added as I looked to Tyler.
"You know, even if you had the best dictionary in the world, it could take days to translate," Klaus said as he sat down on the couch. "Perhaps weeks. '*In bas so-teen-too ara-ma-eet.*'"
"What does that mean?" Caroline asked.
Klaus grinned and answered, "'If only you spoke Aramaic.'" He looked over at me, grinning even wider at seeing my jaw slightly dropped. "You're drooling, love," He commented and I instantly closed my mouth and ran my sleeve across my lips but there was no drool. I glared at him before I moved over and sat beside Caroline who was spreading out the pictures of Jeremy's tattoos on the table. She had her computer open and was sitting with Tyler.
Yep, I definitely was going to help and take the cure from all of them that wanted it most.
While we translated all the symbols, Klaus sat in the next room, not speaking as he watched us work, so I refused to look over at him and acknowledge him. I wanted to punch him more than anything right now but I did get why he didn't want to help. If Jeremy had been the one die I wouldn't exactly be in a helpful mood either, and honestly I was in more of a revenge mood right now. Caroline and Tyler am didn't even question my help.
"Okay, this is it. We've translated all the symbols on the tattoo," Caroline said as she turned her laptop to me. "I'm too scared, you read it."
I sighed and started reading the translation. "'Passage inside... requires a young senator, and a pretty flower.'" I slid the computer back over to Caroline and put my head in my hands. "Okay, none of this makes sense!"
Klaus spoke Aramaic, then the English translation. "'Requires a powerful witch and a hunter in full bloom.'" I looked over at him in surprise.
"What are you doing?" Tyler asked him.
"I don't need to tell you my reasons... Andy, love, bring my sword over here," Klaus said and I picked it up, bringing the sword close enough for him to read the cryptex.
"'Silas rests on the far side, the means of his destruction at hand.'" He glanced at the pictures of Jeremy's tattoo on the computer screen. "Turn the cryptex to the right," I obliged. "Stop. The top of the hilt reveals a key to a nautical map. Turn it to the left," I turned it. "Now turn the other piece," I do that. "There's something else," Klaus said in English before he spoke Aramaic again.
"What does it mean?" I asked and Klaud smiled widely at me. "Klaus, what does it mean?"
"There is only one dose," He shielded his mouth before mouthing to me so the other two wouldn't know.
I inhaled sharply and turned to Caroline. "Call someone and e-mail them the translations," They stared at me with uncertainty so I sat the sword on the table and pulled out my phone to dial Rebekah's number. I put it on speaker as it rung.
Rebekah answered on the third ring. "Hello?"
I didn't even question why she answered. "Hey, it's Andy. We have the translation of the tattoo. Caroline's emailing you pictures of the map and instructions right now," I said as I watched Caroline type everything up quickly then hit send.
There was a moment of silence. "Got it. Thanks,"
Klaus spoke up, "Actually, it was me."
"Nik, you helped?" The surprise was evident in Rebekah's voice.
"You sound so surprised, little sister," Klaus commented.
"Shouldn't I be? I mean, you don't want me to be human. You don't want any of us to be human. Why would you help us find the cure?"
Klaus looked at me but quickly looked away again. "Maybe I finally realized the longer I stand in the way of what you want, the longer you'll continue to hate me. Perhaps I want my sister to finally know happiness,"
"Fool me once, shame on you; fool me a hundred times―"
Klaus quickly interrupted her. "No more fooling. No more games. I hope you get to live, and die, as you wish," I couldn't help but smile small at him because Klaus sounded like he truly meant that... It was what I wanted him to be like, but to be honest I didn't need him to be like that. I still could accept all his flaws.
"So do I,"
"There is one more thing, Rebekah," By Klaus's tone, it caused Caroline and Tyler look up so he spoke quickly with his next words, "There is only one dose of the cure. You need to find it first and take it. It's the only way you'll―" Tyler rushed to end the call.
Tyler walked out onto the front porch and Caroline followed quickly behind him. I glanced over at Klaus who was watching me before I followed them out. "Every time I think I have him, that son of a bitch gets the upper hand," Tyler growled as I walked out the door. I noticed the sun had now started to set.
"We won't let him hurt you. Stefan and Elena will bring back the cure," Caroline tried to reassure him.
"If they get to it first! And if they don't, Klaus kills me," Tyler started to get hysterical. "I need to get out of town to figure out how I'm gonna stay alive―"
"Wait, hang on, okay? Gosh! Before you get all doomsday, just... At least let me try and talk to him," Caroline asked.
"He's got nothing to lose, Care. His brother's dead, his hybrids are gone. All he wants right now is blood, starting with mine," Tyler looked over at me with sorrow but looked back to Caroline as she responded.
"I'm not gonna say goodbye to you again, do you understand me? Let me fix this," She said and he nodded at her.
"Klaus won't listen to you Caroline, you know he won't," I said quietly before exhaling. "Just... Just let me do it."
"Andy... " She started to protest, but I wouldn't let her finish. I might hate Tyler right now, but him dying was the last thing I wanted.
"Just wait out here, okay?" I sighed as I went back into the house and into the living room to find Klaus was now sitting in the armchair. With a deep breath I stepped into the living room where Klaus had easy access to kill me if he wanted. I needed to ask this full-heartedly without my fear getting in the way.
"What you did for Rebekah was really sweet, Klaus," I started out with as I kept my eyes on the ground.
"I didn't lie when I said she should have her happy ending,"
I exhaled, deciding to cut through all the BS and get to the point. "Y-you can't kill Tyler,"
"Not only can I, I have to. I have a reputation to uphold. Moreover, I want to," Klaus said, causing me to look up at him with teary eyes.
"He was my first love, Klaus. I used to play with him as a child... He was my first kiss... I'm not asking you to forgive him. All I'm asking is that you let him live, somewhere far from here," I implored taking a few steps towards him.
"So he gets to live a happy life after he turned all my hybrids against me, after he tried to kill me, after he made it his life's mission to find the cure so he could use it against me―"
"They all want the cure, Klaus. They all want to be happy and human again," I said quietly, deciding not to inform him that I was actually helping Elijah. "Don't you?"
"If I could... I wouldn't," He said as he stood and slowly made his way over to me. "I prefer who I am now to the boy I once was. I like being strong, ageless, fearless." Klaus finally closed the distance between us so we were face-to-face.
I felt the fear starting to brew in me as I looked at him, but I saw that he wasn't going to hurt me. I finally believed Elijah's words that I was the last person Klaus would ever hurt physically. "I don't condone what Tyler did by any means, Klaus, and you know I don't... But you also know how much Caroline loves Tyler. You can see how scared she is to lose him. If you ever wanted me at some point or another, if you ever even thought you loved me, then show me your compassion. Show him the mercy that I would show you," I had tears streaming down my face and my hands were shaking uncontrollably. "Please, Klaus, do this for me... Show me that the Klaus I was falling in love with is still in there." I let those words slip before I could stop them, but every word was the truth. I had been falling in love with Niklaus Mikaelson this past year, even when he wasn't being so nice. I just wasn't so sure that I felt those feelings anymore.
His face crumpled slightly, but he turned away from me just as I saw the formation of tears. "Mercy... for Tyler," He said after a long moment of silence. I heard him exhale before he continued, "Very well. Tell him to leave town immediately." A thousand pounds felt like out had just been lifted off my shoulders and I couldn't help but smile small. He started walking back to the armchair but turned back to face me, his face unreadable. "And tell him to run and hide in a place I will never find him."
"Thank you so much, Klaus," I breathed out and started to walk away, but his voice stopped me again.
"Tell him that this is the mercy I extend for your sake... that I will give him a head start before I kill him,"
My face fell as I turned back to Klaus. I felt the tears build up again, but I knew this was just Klaus, and I accepted that. With a heavy heart, I went outside to where Caroline and Tyler were sitting on the porch swing crying. The sun had set and all was dark and quiet outside now. "Tyler, I―"
"Can I say good-bye first?" He asked softly and I nodded to him before I walked off the porch and out of earshot to give them privacy. I watched as they embraced and kissed one another for the last time. Finally he walked down the stairs and approached me.
"Thank you for that," He murmured before pulling me into a hug.
"Take care of yourself, Ty. I'm sorry I couldn't do more," I squeezed him back tightly before letting go.
"You did more than enough," He gave me a weak smile before he disappeared. With a sigh I went to comfort a sobbing Caroline on the porch swing, though she didn't deserve it whatsoever.
After a while of comforting Caroline, she drifted off to sleep on the porch swing. I stared out into the darkness and waited for something but I didn't know exactly what. What were we supposed to do? I mean, I hated not being able to be useful anymore, but there wasn't anything left we could do. From here on it was all Elijah.
My thoughts were interrupted by the front door opening and Klaus stepping out. My heart sped up and I felt my breath slip away from me for a moment. "How did you get out?" I asked in whisper, wiping the tears away that I hadn't noticed were falling.
"I fear something awful has befallen your friend Bonnie," He answered in a quiet voice when he noticed Caroline sleeping. He closed the door and took a step towards me but I instantly tensed up. It was not because I was afraid but that's how he took it. "Don't worry, love. You know I'd never hurt you."
I gently stood up and made my way over to him. "That's what I keep telling myself," I said as I warped my arms around my waist.
"Andy," He reached out to touch my face but I leaned away.
Looking away with teary eyes I spoke, "I think you've done enough tonight, Klaus. You should go,"
"I've done more than enough. I've shown kindness, forgiveness, pity... because of you, Andy. It was all for you,"
More tears flowed down my face. "Why? Why was it for me, Klaus? Please tell me why you would ever listen to what a human asks of you,"
"Because I'm in love with you,"
My breath caught and my entire body felt like it was on fire. While a part of me wanted to grab him and kiss him, the other part of me was frozen in place. "This- this can't happen," I whispered. "You know it can't."
He stared at me another moment before he took a step towards me. "And why is that, Andy? Why can't it?" He slowly moved to place his lips against mine and I couldn't bring myself to stop him. My feelings were scattered all around that I wasn't sure what I was feeling now.
"Andy?" Caroline asked from the porch swing, causing my limbs to regain feeling and I jumped back from a disappointed Klaus. Caroline stood up and glared at him. "What are you doing?"
Klaus stared at me intently for a minute before he walked away without another word. I watched him walk until he disappeared into the night.
"What the hell was that?" Caroline demanded as she walked over to me.
I slowly turned my head to look at her. "You wouldn't understand, Care," I headed into the house, Klaus's words plaguing my mind.
'Because I'm in love with you...'
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The End of Chapter LIV
Like I said, please dont be angry with me! I'll update again tomorrow to make up for it! Remember to leave a review!
~ The Onceler's Unless
