Black Roses

by xKlaroStylesx

Species of all kind are welcomed at the Whitmore Academy for the Supernaturally Gifted, but that doesn't mean they all necessarily welcome each other. Ambitious supreme witch Caroline Forbes shares a mutual loathing with arrogant yet mysterious vampire Klaus Mikaelson. A spiral of events occur when their two dueling worlds collide and they have to ask themselves, 'is it worth it'

17. Chapter 17

Happy New Years!

First chapter of 2020...I hope everyone had a good New Years.

Quick note: The reason it took me longer to update is because I was in a really bad car accident last week, and I'm still dealing with it but writing klaroline always helps with the bad moments and I wanted to really get this chapter out for you all because I was really excited for it! Thanks for sticking with me (:

WARNING: angst. angst. angst.

I'm very much looking forward to everyone's reactions.

Happy Reading!

---

"How do these banquet things work again anyways?" Klaus asked while aimlessly looking through his closet.

Caroline bit down on her grinning lip, placing her book down to stand up from his bed to walk towards him.

"Well for starters, no Henleys or jeans allowed. It's formal which means you have to wear a suit. Black tie optional."

Klaus smirked turning to face her. "Ah, which means you have to dress in formal attire as well and I'll be able to witness you in a pretty little dress—emphasis on little." He teased.

Her cheeks slightly blushed.

"Sorry to disappoint but I'll be in my cheerleader uniform all night." She confirmed.

"Short skirt instead? Even better."

Caroline lifted her eyebrows amusingly. "Oh? You have a secret cheerleader fantasy I don't know about?"

Klaus smirked, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I do, actually, and it's always starring you."

She scrunched her nose cutely. "Cheesy."

He arched a brow suggestively before shockingly pulling her to him by her hips, their fronts meeting each other. Caroline yelped at the contact.

Their noses brushed briefly before their lips met softly but passionately—both smiling into the kiss like they always tended to do now. His thumbs subtly stroking the skin peeking out from under her shirt while she gripped his firm biceps. Tongues mingling and bodies consumed with each other's heat as they subtly rubbed against each other. Klaus tried taking advantage of the situation, walking them backwards towards his bed and lips still attached. Caroline groaned when the back of her knees hit the end of the mattress.

She giggled against his lips before pushing him away.

"Nope, no more distracting me." Answering his confused expression as she wiggled out of his embrace.

"I was actually enjoying my book and you need to pick out your outfit."

Klaus snorted. "Are you saying Fitzgerald is more entertaining than indulging in a few quick pleasurable moments with your needy boyfriend before he has to face the masses?"

"Hmm, you both definitely have a way with the dramatics." She teased, sitting on the bed and retrieving her book.

Klaus places his hand over his heart. "Ouch, love. But honestly, you haven't really talked about how you feel with your mother attending tonight."

Caroline's eyes shot up towards him alarmingly.

"You clearly weren't too thrilled about her surprise appearance, you didn't even want to tell me about it. I just want to make sure you're okay." He added, easing the witch a bit.

Klaus didn't speak much about his family but, Caroline realized neither did she. After her father walked out her family only consisted of her mother, and her coven, nowhere near the trillions of Mikaelson members.

Caroline closed her novel and sighed. "I'm fine, I mean I guess I am. Me and my mom's relationship is complicated to say the least and definitely conditional. We're not exactly close."

Klaus huffed. "Receiving conditional love from a parent? You're preaching to the choir, love."

She half smiled. "Remember what happened in the cafeteria that day?"

"You mean when you nearly knocked all of us out with a sonic wale? Still recovering from that actually." Klaus smirked.

Caroline rolled her eyes, picking at the skin of her fingers. "I meant afterwards, my nosebleed and almost blacking out? That wasn't the first time it's happened..."

His amused grin quickly fell into a concerned frown. It was odd for him to know his first instinct was to reach out and comfort her; not even knowing such affections until she entered his life. And hearing that she's had more than one newer death experience made him want to enrage war on the world.

She sighed before elaborating. "I was 12 when I first learned that spell. Me and Bonnie studied it religiously everyday after school and even practiced, and failed, on many occasions. I didn't care about being an expert any such an advanced spell because I was just having fun with my best friend..."

Klaus caught onto her saddened tone when mentioning the the other witch. Though she rarely talked about Bonnie around him, he knew her well enough to know she wouldn't recover from this loss anytime soon.

She sniffled. "Anyways I used to love it you know, learning new spells and embracing the beauty of being a witch, until my mom happened. She turned it into a chore and competition, and as her daughter I had to follow in her footsteps and be an exceptional witch. Given that it was the only time she paid attention to anything I did, and as a kid whose dad abandoned her the moment she developed powers, that's all I wanted, so I gave into her desires. Practicing that spell day and night for two months straight, until it was perfect—until I was perfect." Slightly choking on her words.

The pressure in Klaus's chest not lightening up with the more she spoke.

"And it was worth it, because I eventually got it." Caroline beamed. "I'm the youngest witch in history to master such an advanced skill. My mom was so proud of me when I performed it for her, I've never seen her smile that much at anything before—she was so proud of me." Smiling at the bittersweet nostalgia. "Then I presented it at school the next day, so excited to show it off to everybody and it was a success, until I started bleeding out my nose. From my nose then through my ears. I didn't even hear any of the panicked screams because I was already blacked out by then. The spell was too powerful and despite my skill, I was too young, I over exerted my body past its breaking point.12 years old and I thought I was dead."

His finger desperately itched for a cigarette or glass of blood, anything to distract the darkest aspects of his imagination. Just the thought of her cold, lifeless and alone—

Dramatically clearing his throat, not wanting to say anything until she was completely finished with her heartbreaking story.

"Next thing I knew, I was laying in bed at home—tucked under my covers with the most excruciating headache, and my mom sitting beside me. I was just a scared kid, not knowing what just happened to me and looking towards my mom for comfort, and love. You wanna know the first thing to come out of her mouth when I woke up? 'Accidents happen, darling. You'll be more prepared next time; you always are.'"

Caroline's soft laugh was anything but joyous, there was only bitterness.

"Her only child nearly died, and all she could think about was me doing better next time..."

He watched her ruffle her curls with her fingers, in an attempt to distract him from how desperately she wanted to burst into tears. Her hands then covering her reddened eyes.

"My mom has never attended any of my extracurricular events in the past unless she was obligated for whatever reason." Caroline explained. "She didn't even want to talk about my cheerleading or my ideas for the year the coven would be in charge of the homecoming committee. Basically she hated any extracurricular activity of mine that didn't involve witchery, not to mention I was second in all those committees until this school year. Which meant I wasn't the best. A Forbes witch always had to be the best."

His eyebrows frowned as she continued.

"You want to know her reasoning for deciding to come tonight? Because I'm now the top girl: captain of the cheer squad, leader of almost every on-campus committee and reigning supreme witch. I'm everything she's ever fantasized me to be. Just another thing for her to show off."

Now Klaus didn't know whether to feel nauseous or homicidal. He knew her father left when she was a child but he didn't know the reasoning, or that Liz Forbes was a more conniving bitch than he already suspected.

All these years of painting Caroline as a snobbish princess when she's been hurting for almost her entire life.

Maybe, they've always had more in common than either ever expected.

Klaus gulped, arms tight across his chest. "And yet you haven't given her the brush off?"

"She's my mom, Klaus." Caroline reasoned.

"Who treats you like a trophy." He added. "I don't bloody care who she is Caroline, her being your mother doesn't justify anything."

She swallowed heavily.

Klaus's harshness stemmed from his frustration from his own rough upbringings of being raised by unloving parents.

He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, love. It's not you it's just...it took me five centuries to break ties with my family. Not because I didn't want to but because I didn't have anyone in my corner saying I deserved better from the people who claimed to give a shit about me. And knowing you had to endure a similar case just infuriates me." He choked out.

This was the most Klaus has ever expressed to Caroline, or anyone, about his past home life. From day one it's been a touchy subject that she's tried not to push but here he was, willingly confessing. As comforting as it was she also couldn't help her concern for them sharing this similarity—what he had to have endured, and what his parents could've done to him.

Picking out a suit for Klaus was not supposed to transition into vulnerable and difficult conversations, but both have never felt more connected to other before.

"You never told me about that, about your father." He finally said after a long silence.

Caroline shrugged. "Well I figured mentioning how my dad walked out on his family when he discovered his daughter is a freak wasn't exactly entertaining pillow talk." Trying to lighten the mood.

Klaus's half grin proved it was somewhat effective, but her self hatred pained him more.

"You're no one's freak, Caroline Forbes." He said walking towards her.

Sitting down beside her on the bed—tucking her hair behind her ears and caressing her hot cheeks with the pad of his thumb.

"You're ambitious, incredibly stubborn, bit of a pain in the arse sometimes, strong and full of so much light. It took a long time for me to not think of what I am as a burden, and I don't want you thinking that way about yourself. If your own father couldn't see the potential in you even from a young age, then he never deserved to know you at all."

Caroline sniffled, wiping under her nose with her sleeve. "You really just think these kind of things on the top of your head?"

Klaus shrugged with a smirk. "It's a gift, that I only extend to you."

She smiled against his lips when pulling him in for a kiss that exuded only half of what she was feeling at this moment. The security, comfort and salvation he provided with just a few of his words. All the emotions that have been piling on top of each other since she was a child began to dismantle. Her baggage suddenly was not as heavy on her chest because of Klaus, she just wished he would allow her to do the same for him.

Their kiss lasted a while longer—Caroline being the one to pull away just enough to press her forehead against his; staring up at him sweetly.

"Not to sound just as cheesy, but I don't talk to people about this, not even Bonnie. But it feels good, to not hold it in anymore. Thank you."

Klaus shook his head. "I told you, you don't have to thank me for being there for you."

Her smile widened, kissing him again tenderly . Fingers buried in his dark blonde curls, tugging on the strands as her tongue crept into his mouth. Gracefully, Caroline hiked her leg over so that she was now straddling his lap. Both her hands in his hair while his assisted her hips subtly rocking into his. Klaus's moan of bliss just stirred her on more, sucking on his bottom lip seductively while lightly pulling his hair.

He groaned. "You've severely been testing my restraint lately." Murmuring against her lips.

The blonde giggled—pressing light kisses to his lips, scratchy cheek, nose and neck teasingly.

"Screw it, lets just skip this stupid banquet. Screw all the fake people that'll be smiling in my face as if they haven't been talking crap about me. Screw my responsibilities and obligations for a night and let's just spend it together." She suggested.

"Hmm, ditching cringy high school festivities? Doesn't sound very Caroline Forbes-like." Klaus mocked.

Both erupting into laughter when she shoved him in the shoulder.

"I'm serious, jerk! I just..." twirling his necklace between her fingers. "I feel safe with you and I want to always feel safe, preferably with a meat lovers pizza while watching 13 Going On 30 in your room."

"Ah yes, the ridiculous rom-com movie you forced me into watching." He claimed with a quick peck on the lips.

Caroline tilted her head and scoffed. " 'Forced' is a strong word to use for someone who was yelling at the screen when it was revealed Matt was engaged to someone who wasn't Jenna."

"Semantics, love." He muttered rolling his eyes.

Her laughter filled the small space between them while peppering his neck with innocent kisses though her internationals were anything but.

An unexpected shiver ran up his spine at the feel of Caroline sucking on a sensitive spot on his neck where his pulse would be. Subtly moaning when her tongue met his ear.

"Has anyone told you you're quite the little temptress?"

Caroline smirked. "Is that a yes?" She whispered nibbling on his earlobe.

Klaus closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the softness of her body against his and lips coaxing him.

He groaned, regrettably pulling away so they were nose to nose—grinning at her pouty expression.

"I'll tell you what, how about we appease the masses for an hour just to give you a clear conscience so it's not on your mind all night. Also so your mother doesn't send a town search party for you with a nice wooden stake waiting for me."

Her eyes rolled back, smiling as he held her hip with one hand and caressed her cheek with the other.

"Then, for the rest of the night it'll just be me and you. I promise." He assured.

Amusement ran through the corners of her eyes at him knowing her so well—she could never ditch her responsibilities without lingering thoughts.

Caroline nibbled on her lip, tilting her head as if she was debating on a decision she already made.

"I mean, I suppose I can negotiate that into my schedule or whatever." She nonchalantly shrugged.

Klaus smirked, surprising the feisty blonde by switching their positions so her back was pressed into the mattress and he was on top of her. He cut off her insistent laughter with his lips, melting onto hers. Their fingers tangled in each other's hair wildly.

Feeling her undeniable smile on his skin and having no choice but to reciprocate.

---

It was already 5:40 PM by the time Klaus entered the gymnasium alone. The banquet didn't begin until 6:00 but with his stubborn mission of finding a proper suit and tie, he thought he'd be late. Settling on all black attire to keep everything simple.

Caroline had to meet with her squad prior to the even so they decided he'd just meet her there—never was he so desperate for her company. Feeling uncomfortable like a fish out of water the moment he stepped into the room.

Klaus was no stranger to glitzy, extravagant and expensive settings—his family was the wealthiest in the town. He grew up attending all of his mother's charity events and father's company parties; against his will. Faking smiles and dressing in suits that needed to be dusted off. Underage drinking that adults pretended not to Kroger because then they'd have to admit they didn't actually care. A crowd of business associates throwing their money to causes they couldn't give two shits about just to prove whose cock was bigger.

This used to be his entire life—a life he hated, rebelled against and abandoned. It was something he thought he left in his past. Whitmore Academy was a cesspool disguised as a school.

He turned his lip up at his jock classmates tossing a football at each other while obnoxiously yelling—cringing at the sight of Tyler Lockwood in the circle. Despite them being at the same school, Klaus managed to successfully avoid the young werewolf since their cafeteria brawl. Their eyes briefly met in an awkward glare. Tyler confused yet curious as to why Klaus would be here of all places, like he completely forgot why he had that black eye in the first place.

He still couldn't believe Caroline ever fell for that prick.

Observing further he spotted a few coaches, professors and parents mingling amongst one another. Separated into different cliques as they sipped on scotch and brandy with aimless laughter. Alcohol wasn't allowed at school events, even for the adults, but as long as they had money to blow everyone turned a blind eye.

Klaus's fingers twitched violently, but it wasn't for his cigarette craving; this was stronger and more demanding. He hadn't had any blood since morning and the need was eating at him. Since Caroline, his feeding habits have been unpredictable. They've yet to discuss his, needs, because he was sure it was a lifestyle she wouldn't take lightly, therefore he'd neglected to mention it.

He meant to drink the last of his previous blood bag before getting dressed but was thwarted by his own nerves—he was nervous for tonight and had no idea. Whether it be because Liz Forbes would be in attendance or the fact it'll be their first official outing as a couple, Klaus had an uneasy feeling. Ditching sounded most tempting but tonight was for Caroline and she needed his support.

She needed him.

Running his fingers through his hair, Klaus sighed searching for any available liquor that wasn't occupied by a staff member.

His snarl obvious and eyes rolling when Rebekah walked towards him, dressed in her maroon and black cheer into form and a sly smirk and arms over her chest.

"Well I'll be damned. You actually showed." She commented. "I've been trying to get you to attend school functions for years.

Klaus stood straight, placing his hands in his pockets. He carefully eyed her head to toe, taking in her unusual attire.

"Hello to you too little sister. Sorry to say I'm surprised to see you here. Nearly forgot you were even part of a sports team."

"Right, because you've only been assisting me every day after practice for the past few months." She scoffed.

Given their hostile dynamic, no one would imagine that Klaus and Rebekah also had an oddly loving relationship as well. So much so he offered to walk her back to her room after each practice when first joining the team—to avoid any potential bullying from the rest of the squad. She was basically alone, being the only vampire. Though he was sure Rebekah could handle herself under most circumstances, witches didn't play nice or fair. It was a group of mean girls who were all under his now girlfriend's thumb, and he didn't want Rebekah falling victim to any of their petty feuding.

He'd never admit his actual good intentions and instead chalked it up to him 'having nothing better to do'.

Klaus shrugged her off with a soft laughter.

Rebekah's head tilted curiously. "And what exactly is so funny?"

He failed at covering his widened mouth that spewed constant giggles. "Nothing, it's just a bit difficult to take you seriously with that mop on the top of your head." Referring to her high ponytail wrapped with a big blue ribbon.

Her mouth opened and closed dramatically, clearly offended.

"It's a part of the uniform you prick!" She growled slapping his hand away from her hair. "Not to mention it was your girlfriend's bright idea, wow I still can't believe Caroline Forbes of all people is really your girlfriend." Shaking her head in disbelief.

Neither could he.

"Yet, I truly don't understand what the bloody hell she sees in you. Must be that good between the sheets I'm sure." She grinned.

Klaus smirked. "Not everyone needs to open their legs to keep someone's attention, and given that you've never experienced such a moment I won't take that statement personally."

Rebekah stuck here tongue out.

"Speaking of, where is Caroline?" Klaus wondered looking around the room.

"Do I look like her bloody watcher to you?" She expressed.

"Well since you've been with her for the last 30 minutes, yes I'd say you do." He countered.

Rebekah rolled her eyes but decided to ease his mind. "I don't know where she is, okay? We met up to do makeup and hair in the locker rooms but I left before everyone else did. I know you're an old man but cell phones do exist in this day and age."

Now it was Klaus' turn to roll his eyes. "Obviously, but the cell reception in the girl's locker room is a travesty."

The blonde vampire's she's squinted suspiciously. "How would you know that?"

-Shit.

As amusing as riling up Rebekah was, she was the last person he ever wanted knowing about his sex life.

"Call it common knowledge." He answered.

Rebekah raised an eyebrow but decided not to press him further—looking down at his twitching hands.

"I guess you regret throwing your twelve packs of nicotine away, hmm? Or maybe in need of something stronger than fruit punch?" She teased.

"Actually I need blood." He mumbled.

Rebekah's eyes slightly widened. "You haven't fed? She asked concerned.

"Didn't exactly have the time, between finding something suitable to wear no pun intended, and arriving here on time. Which was a bloody waste given that I only came here early for Caroline and I have no idea where she bloody is."

Klaus was physically agitated—hands running through his newly done curls and lips trembling.

Rebekah shoved him in the chest. "You have had a single drop of blood this evening? Are you bloody mad? I'm surprised you're even standing up straight."

"I'm fine." He claimed. "I just forgot."

Her eyebrows lodged. "Forgot, huh? Yeah, or maybe dating a witch is screwing up your vampire schedule and making you forget who you are?"

Klaus's eyes squinted, suspicious.

"I thought you liked Caroline, idolized her even, but you've been rather hostile towards her all night and quite frankly I am beginning to take it personally."

Rebekah raised her surrendering hands. "No bad blood here, I actually think she's dandy." Dramatically grinning. "But my dear brother I know that bliss can distract us from responsibilities and drinking blood is a huge one for us, and you've been forgetting lately—"

"You're not my fuckin' mother Rebekah." He snarled.

This was literally the last thing he needed. The more they discussed his lack of blood consumption the more he focused on it, which made him feel worse.

He was feeling fine, managing his urges and didn't need his little sister rubbing her nose in it, per usual.

"First, don't curse at me like I'm one of your friends. Secondly, I never said I was mother, I'm only guilty of being a concerned sister. My apologies for giving a damn about you." She snapped.

Klaus's jaw clenched and unclenched. "Well next time, don't."

The blonde vampire's eyes began to burn with tears. She hated showing Klaus emotions because he didn't understand nor care about them. She wish she could stop caring about him, no longer reach out-maybe lessen her own guilt, knowing their relationship is probably ruined beyond repair.

Right on cue, Caroline pushed through the parallel gym doors with her bright smile and swinging blonde ponytail on display. She was chatting with a few of her teammates—who Klaus assumed were also apart of her coven. They seem to have been engaging in civil conversations which was refreshing to see.

He tried to distract his mind from venturing to more inappropriate territory at the sight of her dressed in her cheer uniform. Not thinking about the short length of her skirt and the tempting black briefs underneath but slightly poked through the slit. Also wondering how the ridiculous hairstyle was completely rubbish but Caroline made it look so striking.

Their eyes finally met from across the room and her smile only increased.

Klaus reciprocated the expression, watching her wave 'goodbye' before perkily jogging over to him.

She surprised him by jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his waist and ankles crossed behind his back. Thankfully Klaus had the strength and reflexes to catch her mid air—not even giving himself a minute to say anything before her mouth was already covering his.

The kiss wasn't hurried or messy, just a languid exchange of tongues and soft whimpers. Klaus kept her lifted by her hips, though his touch was light as a feather.

Caroline pulled away, rubbing her nose against his while looking into his eyes.

"Hi boyfriend." She finally said,

Klaus smirked. "Hello sweetheart. You're cheery today, no pun intended."

"Hi!" Rebekah announced herself to the oblivious happy couple. "Oh no, don't mind me standing here trying not to vomit all over this newly waxed floor. Carry on." She said sarcastically.

Caroline pressed her lips together blushing. "Sorry Rebekah, I didn't see you."

"Clearly."

Anyone could easily cut the tension with a knife.

Caroline and Klaus were thrown off by Rebekah's behavior, considering they thought she was cordial with the witch.

Rebekah cleared her throat and tightened her ponytail. "Anyways, I'm going to entertain myself by compelling the pathetic human bartender to make me a double martini. You two have fun, I'm sure it's going to be a fun night." She winked before walking away.

"Well that wasn't awkward at all, but she seemed annoyed. What were you two talking about before I showed up?" Caroline asked.

Klaus sighed. "Nothing relevant. Just Rebekah being Rebekah."

Caroline hummed, hopping down from him and running her palms down his clothed chest.

"Wow, my guy looks good in a suit." She wiggled her eyebrows at his dapper all black suit.

Klaus licked his lips, looking her over. "And my girl looks absolutely devouring in this uniform. Any chance you'll wear this just for me sometime?"

The blonde lodged her eyebrows amusingly. "We'll have to see."

"Not dodging nor blushing at my attempts of seduction? You're definitely in a good mood." He smirked.

Caroline smiled into another quick kiss. "I am! I'm just really happy. Today was a really good day. Did you see me talking to Elena and some of the other girls just now? We were talking the whole time getting ready and it went really well."

"Is that so?" Pushing her hair back.

She nodded, incapable of not smiling. "It was great, we just talked about normal things, like graduation and Homecoming. Elena voluntarily asked me if we were going together, as if it isn't obvious but it's the effort that counts right? They actually care about my relationship with you. And it was so natural and gradual, like everything that happened before was just a hiccup."

"But it wasn't a hiccup, love. They threw away your friendship like it was nothing and abandoned you when you needed them just because you care about me."

"And I haven't forgotten any of that, but these are my small miracles okay? Two weeks ago I was convinced my friends would never talk to me again and now they're asking genuine questions about us. I'm the happiest I've ever been with you and now slowly getting my coven back. Everything is beginning to feel right again. Who knows, maybe Bonnie will want to come around soon too."

Klaus scoffed. "Yes, and speaking of miracles..."

The blonde scowled at his teasing. "I see you still can't take a break from being a sarcastic ass."

"'Sarcastic ass', huh. You haven't called me that in a long time. Are we now resurfacing old nicknames for each other 'princess' ?"

Her close-lipped smile contradicted her frustrated groan—frustrated with his cuteness and lightly slapping him on the chest before snaking her arms around his neck.

It wasn't that Klaus wasn't happy seeing her happy—it's the only thing he's ever wanted but he was also extremely protective of her feelings. He knew how sad Caroline's been without her coven even if she never said anything, no matter how awful they were towards her; they were her family. The witches burned her once and he didn't want to see that happen ever again. But he knew he couldn't control her either, so if the smallest ounce of bliss is what can get her through then he would give all the support she needed.

Caroline sighed blissfully. "You make me the happiest, ass tendencies and all."

If he had a beating heart he was sure it would be battering against his rib cage like a machine gun right now.

Everything screaming at him that he didn't deserve her light, or to feel this happy but whenever she looked at him like he was her world, those fears surely faded. Which only made Klaus think it wouldn't last.

"You know, two weeks ago if anyone told me I would make Caroline Forbes happy and vice versa I'd tear out their livers for sport."

She knew he wasn't joking. It was surreal to think about how far they've come in their relationship in so little time. Going from sworn enemies to caring about each other, though Caroline was beginning to feel something deeper—more magnetic and terrifying, but exciting.

Caroline smiled against his lips when dragging him in for another kiss.

Clearly not caring that they were making out in front of all their classmates, parents or even Tyler. Their wandering eyes and loud whispers were evident but pushed to the side. Caroline didn't care about anything else but her undeniable sense of freedom. To unashamedly express the joy of her relationship without worrying what everyone thought about it. To kiss Klaus in front of half the town without feeling guilty.

This was what she's been waiting for, and was in no rush to let it go.

"Well you two definitely know how to make an introduction..."

Caroline pulled away instantly—frozen and a gulp dropping from her throat to her stomach.

Slowly turning towards the snarky feminine voice behind her.

Her glossy lips pressed together anxiously.

Clearing her throat. "Umm, hi mom."

Sensing her body shaking, Klaus held Caroline's hand behind her back.

She let out a calming exhale. "I thought you were going to text me when you were here."

"And ruin the surprise? Darling you know how much I love to make an entrance." Liz sinisterly grinned, kissing her on both cheeks. "I wanted to see this, um, thing," gesturing her hand between the couple, "in its most authentic form, which I now have..."

Caroline audibly swallowed, squeezing Klaus's hand tightly.

Klaus held out his available hand. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Miss Forbes."

"Ah-ah, Liz, remember? You clean up quite nice." She complimented.

Now it was Klaus's turn to squeeze her hand.

Awkward was an understatement.

Klaus nodded. "Apologizes, and thank you. How have you been?"

Liz shrugged. "You don't have to be so formal just because you're now dating my daughter, but I've certainly been better. Finding parking was a disaster despite reserving a spot ahead of time and I heard there isn't even an open bar. What exactly are we paying this school for anyways?" She snickered.

-Could this be anymore nauseating...

"Well, how great it is to see all these boosters in attendance tonight. Feel like I haven't seen any of them in forever, although some were intentional." She snickered.

Caroline subtly rolled her eyes.

"I'm really glad I decided to show up this year, with it being Caroline's last and all. Though of course I expected people to gossip about my daughter's achievements as coven leader, instead of her questionable romantic decisions." She added, eyeing the two up and down judgmentally.

The couple simultaneously gulped.

"Last I checked, you two were class partners and then, this occurred. A scandal for the ages, is what they say right? Dating a werewolf wasn't enough to scratch that rebellious itch."

Then judgment in her tone couldn't be more obvious.

"Mom, we—"

Liz raised her hand. "No excuses necessary darling. I'm fine with this, truly. I suppose I just thought I'd hear news like this from my own daughter than the women at book club. That's all." Liz sighed.

Caroline's heart rate increased and palms began swearing so profusely she was forced to let Klaus's hand go—already missing his comfort. She didn't think her mom was going to be 100% on board with her relationship with Klaus, but her not giving a genuine reaction at all was what scared her more.

Liz's attention constantly shifted between them, like she had another spew of sarcasm or innuendos on the tip of her tongue. That natural sinister glint in her eye that Caroline knew all too well was alive and well.

This felt like an out of body experience. Staying silent and still as Klaus tried making conversation with Liz to divert her attention from Caroline. Watching her touch his arm and laugh—that phony chaotic laugh that sounded like nails scraping down a chalkboard. She hated it. She hated that Liz was here and triggered her so intensely as she has without realizing it. All the happiness Caroline felt just two minutes ago already wanting to fade. Being reminded of her reality made her sick.

All Caroline felt was fear, guilt and nerves rushing through her body like a tsunami prepared to crash all around her.

"Going public with our relationship to all our classmates wasn't exactly a fun experience for either of us..."

She overhead Klaus say.

Liz nodded. "Yes, I'd imagine the person of my dreams storming into a cafeteria and declaring their deepest feelings for me to be an extremely dull experience."

Both their eyes grew.

-Seriously! How does she know everything!

"It was certainly one to remember." Klaus commented.

"Hmm..." Liz hummed. "And exactly what are your intentions with my daughter, Niklaus? What do you think she can give you that vampire girls can't, or is this like a bucket list for you?"

Caroline never felt more embarrassed or ashamed. She didn't think her mother would be cheering their relationship on but she didn't expect her to be tactless either. She knew Klaus was trying his hardest not to lash out.

"The war among species never mattered to me, I treat people the way they treat me no matter what they are." Klaus began. "What attracted me to your daughter was not the type of creature she is, but who she is as a person."

Her heart sank.

"There's no secret of the bad blood among witches and vampires and you don't trust me, but Caroline does, as I do her." He claimed. "I guarantee my intentions are pure. Whether you agree with it or not, I care deeply for your daughter."

Liz's eyebrows lifted amusingly, looking over at a stunned Caroline and back at the confident vampire beside her.

He's never talked about her like that in front of anyone before, let alone someone as intimidating as her mother. That familiar warmth was creeping its way back into her heart as she looked up at him.

She looked like she wanted to say something but decided not to, settling into a small grin instead.

"Trust...interesting choice of words." Liz smirked, making Caroline panic as she subtly shook her head.

The older witch's smirk widened more wickedly before turning to Klaus again.

"Well I suppose I can look past my 18 year old daughter dating a 500 year old vampire, if he's a charmer like you." She applauded.

Her sarcasm was as off putting as her personality.

"I was just surprised, that's all. However you two seem quite compatible." Liz claimed. "Not to mention me and Caroline talk basically everyday so it's just a bit disheartening, as a mother, knowing she kept this pretty major detail out of our chats."

Klaus's eyebrows scrunched together as he looked over at the blonde witch next to him.

"Uh, mom can we talk, alone?" Caroline interrupted shakily.

Liz's laughter and mingling ceased, and lips pulled into a soft smirk and turned her attention from the vampire to her daughter instead.

"Oh dear, we'll have plenty of time to catch up throughout the night I'm sure." She winked. "I was just trying to get to know your boyfriend for a minute and I must say darling, I understand the appeal."

Caroline rewarded her with a small smile, wanting to separate them as quickly as possible.

"Mom—"

"Oh I think I see Carol Lockwood, I'm sure we have plenty to discuss as well. Excuse me." Miss Forbes exited her way out of one conversation to enter another.

Both exhaled as she walked off, taking deep breaths that they've been holding for the last 20 minutes.

"That could've gone a lot worse right?" Caroline attempted time lighten the tension.

"Hmm..." Klaus hummed, looking down at his feet.

"What?" She asked, already sensing the tension.

"I thought you said you and your mother weren't close?"

He didn't even hesitate.

Caroline pursed her lips, shaking her head. "We're—we're not."

"Yet she recalls you two being quite chatty on a regular basis, not to mention you lied to me about speaking with her on the phone the other day as well." Klaus pointed out. "Caroline, I don't care if you talk to your own mother, I just don't understand why you would lie to me about it."

"I'm not lying about this, and I already told you why I didn't want to mention talking to her that day so don't throw that in my face." Caroline defended.

Klaus still didn't seem convinced.

"C'mon I've literally been with you basically every second of every day for the past few weeks, have you seen me talking on the phone with anyone when we're together?" She pressed. "No, I didn't cut my mom out of my life completely. Do I still talk to her now and then? Of course I do, she's still my mom no matter how annoying she can be."

He stared up at her, more calm and defenseless after a minute of pondering. Body unclenched and glare gone. Klaus didn't acquire trust issues, not even remembering the last person he trusted before Caroline. It was all still so new, that the slightest dishonesty triggered him.

Caroline grabbed both his hands, lifting them to her lips to kiss both sets of knuckles while looking into his eyes—causing an uncharacteristically deep blush to spread on Klaus's cheeks. The intimacy from her smallest touches continued throwing him for a loop and off his game.

Being a naturally skeptical person was a gift and a curse, and Klaus was realizing that more and more lately. He had nothing to worry about with Caroline yet refused to believe otherwise.

"You're getting quite good at that." He commented.

"At what?" She smirked knowingly.

He returned the expression. "Distracting me."

"Well I did learn from the master." She smirked.

"Touché." The soft grin defining his naturally deep dimples.

Caroline kissed his right hand again. "I really like how you talked about me, us. Especially in front of my mom, of all people. It really meant a lot."

"It's easy when it's all true." He said.

The blonde smiled. "Seriously Klaus, I don't like when we fight and especially when it's over my mom." They both laughed. "The night just started and it's going really well. My mom has only invaded our bubble for less than an hour and is already trying to drive a wedge between us. It's like a job for her to ruin any joy in my life. But it's our job to not let that happen. I'm all in, remember?"

He took another look at the beautifully glowing girl in front of him. Like Caroline said, Liz Forbes was notorious for getting a rise out of people especially after discovering their weaknesses. She was the worst kind of evil because you'd never see it coming—unless you've been around long enough to know all types of people.

Of course she was throwing a fit upon discovering her pristine daughter was rolling around with a vampire. That woman rubbed Klaus the wrong way—in the two times he's come in contact with her there were twice too many. She acquired a sinister aura, an aura her daughter didn't possess that made his skin crawl.

But looking down at the girl with the most illuminating doe eyes of adoration—adoration meant for him and him only,

"I'm all in." Klaus agreed, happily.

Caroline's eyes glowed and face beamed as she leaned into him for a much needed reassuring kiss.

---

A few auctions, long speeches and brief cheer routines later, the night felt nearly over—it wasn't. Only an hour had flown by, which only fed Klaus's impatience.

Caroline was forced into meaningless conversations with Headmistress Saltzman and other staff, leaving Klaus sitting at their table alone. She would sneak gazes towards him, pleading eyes but small smiles so he'd know she was 'almost done'. Despite her refusal to come out tonight, this was her scene. She looked like she belonged and everyone adored her, it was actually intimidating.

Sipping a glass of bourbon that he compelled the bartender to serve him, Klaus unintentionally eavesdropped on what they were discussing. Catching onto a few congratulations and asking Caroline about her future, and plans after graduation. He knew he should've stopped listening but he couldn't, especially when none of her goals seemed to include him.

They hadn't exactly reached that point in their relationship yet, about what would happen to them at the end of the semester. Too busy enjoying each other's company to think about the heavy stuff just yet. Klaus cared about Caroline and wanted more time with her and figured she felt the same—but maybe she didn't. Maybe this was a quick fling for her to get through this last semester, maybe she didn't know what she wanted; did he? What if neither of them wanted that?

Klaus drained the rest of his drink appreciating the burning sensation in his throat. Slamming the glass cup on the table then pinching the bridge of his nose stressfully.

-Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.

He rubbed his lips together, tapping his fingers on the glass table and sitting up in his chair—taking deep inhales that he didn't need. He felt like the walls were caving in all around him, waiting for the right moment to collapse.

-You can do this, you can do this.

"Niklaus?"

Knowing that voice all too well activated Klaus's fight or flight mode. His entire body froze as well as his unblinking eyes. The color in his face drained and hands bawled up into two tight fists on top of the glass table. Eyes gold and bulging.

-Scratch that.

He hesitantly stared up at the strawberry blonde woman in front of him with a nervous smile on her face. Dressed in a royal blue dress and lavish diamond accessories and studded stilettos. Almond shaped brown eyes held uncharacteristically shed of light. Her hair was as he remembered—healthy, shoulder length and perfect; not a strand out of place. Still just as strikingly beautiful but Klaus learned to look past the exterior of most things in his life.

"It's so good to see you, Niklaus. You look good." She said after a long silence. Looking him over thoroughly and bringing her clamped hands together to her lips, like she was trying to suppress crying.

She doesn't cry. Mikaelsons don't show emotions.

Klaus shrugged his shoulders. "I can't exactly say the same." He replied dryly.

The woman softly nodded, already predicting what he would say.

She shook her head with the smallest of smiles. "Sorry, it's just been so long—"

"Not long enough." Stepping back when she stepped forward. "What are you doing here?"

All the hope she had when deciding to come tonight and approaching him lessened the more they spoke.

She swallowed, feeling her throat swelling but a tear never dropped.

"Okay, I'll take it. I understand how you must feel about seeing me so unexpectedly."

"You have no idea how I feel, and don't you dare perceive to think you do." Klaus said through gritted teeth, feeling his blood boiling. "Now you're on my turf so I ask you again, what in the bloody hell are you doing here?" He asked with clenched teeth.

Her eyes narrowing, and pointing a finger at him. "Watch your tongue. I know you're not too enthused about me being here but I won't allow you to speak to me anyway you please—"

Klaus laughed. "Not too enthused'? Is that what we're calling it now. I see nothing's changed with you and far as watching my tongue, I don't exactly see anyone in front of me worth my respect."

She sighed hopelessly. "Niklaus, please. I didn't come here to fight."

"Well, I'm not sure exactly what kind of greeting you were expecting but surely you must've known a hug and kiss weren't in the cards."

The woman prepared to speak again until an overly enthused Caroline popped into the scene—startling Klaus when she held him from behind.

-Fuck

"Hey sorry that took so long. Those old timers can talk forever, literally."

Her charming giggling, usually possessing the power to dissipate any negativity in his orbit, failed so miserably now.

Klaus gulped, face hard and lips nearly trembling—which didn't go unnoticed by a now concerned Caroline.

Her smile fell into a frown, eyes shifting between her boyfriend and mysterious woman.

"What's going on?" She wondered.

The woman smiled wide, holding her hand out to shake. "Hello dear, my name is Esther Mikaelson."

Caroline was taken aback—she knew the name of everyone in the Mikaelson family but never the faces. Given that the Mikaelsons were the most intimidatingly gorgeous family she's ever seen, it should I've been obvious they were related.

Stunned and confused, she immediately looked over at a less than enthused Klaus beside her.

He briefly closed his eyes.

"Caroline, this is my mother Esther. Mother, this is my friend Caroline Forbes."

-Wow.

Her stomach dropped and chest ached—feeling even worse as Klaus refused to meet her puzzled gaze.

-Friend...

Esther's eyebrows lifted to her hairline and mouth nearly dropped but she kept her composure.

"Forbes? I wasn't aware you knew of any Forbes witches, let alone befriending any..." She said to Klaus who was barely keeping his emotions at bay.

Caroline blinked out of her haze and intervened before he exploded. "Um, yes ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Mikaelson." Shaking her hand.

"Please call me Esther, I insist." Her smile genuine and warm.

Her handshake firm though she exuded such grace. Caroline nearly forgot she was a vampire. It was difficult not to feel inferior in her presence—Caroline remembered feeling the same around Klaus before they became a couple. Beyond her natural elegance, Caroline could sense a cold and callous interior.

"Wow, Forbes...it's almost scary how much you look just like your mother."

Caroline was actually glad that she already knew ahead of time about her mother and Klaus's parents knowing each other. This night was full of enough surprises, she wasn't in the mood for much more.

"Yeah, she mentioned that you two know each other." Caroline quickly blew over the topic. "Klaus didn't tell me you were coming tonight."

Her attempts at starting conversation with Esther irritated Klaus more than helped.

"It was meant to be a surprise, actually." Esther explained. "My youngest daughter Rebekah is on your cheer squad, I believe, and informed me that Niklaus would be in attendance tonight and I figured it was the perfect opportunity to see all three children of mine who aren't home."

Klaus snorted at her transparency.

Stabbing himself in the chest with a wooden stake over a million times would be less torturous than hearing her fake concern for her children. Of course this was 'can't mind her own business' Rebekah's doing.

Caroline lightly elbowed him in the torso.

Esther sighed into a frown. "Well I won't keep you, and I need to find Rebekah to give her my check. Donating big to that marvelous football field and library, she tells me you're quite the reader."

"Is there anything Rebekah hasn't told you?" Klaus mumbled.

Instead of entertaining his sour mood any longer, Esther turning to Caroline with a surprisingly warm smile. "It was truly great to meet you Caroline."

Giving Klaus one last pitying glare before trunk tom her diamond studded toes and walking away.

Klaus could already feel relief and Esther had only been gone for a few seconds. Her presence was more overwhelming than he'd ever be able to explain, and he was certain a particularly annoyed blonde wanted an explanation.

Caroline pressed her lips into a tight line and crossed her arms when turning to face him. "Friends, huh. So we're friends now?"

"Please don't make a thing of this Caroline, please. I'm not in the mood." He grumbled.

The witch scoffed. "Sorry for not caring if you're in the mood or not—hey!"

She muttered a quick spell under her breath to freeze him in place then spin him back in her direction. It felt wrong using her magic on Klaus but he was leaving her no choice, and quite frankly was pissing her off.

Klaus's feet involuntarily dragged back until he was directly in front of her again. Sometimes he did forget he was dealing with the most powerful witch in their class—too astonished to make a comment.

"Seriously! Did you really try walking away from me just now when I was trying to talk to you?" Breaking the spell and allowing him to move freely.

The clearly in distress vampire groaned, coming his finished through his hair agitatedly.

"Caroline, you don't understand."

"Then tell me! Let me understand, because right now I'm kinda pissed with you." She said with obvious hurt in her tone. "I thought we were done hiding. I thought we were over this phase of caring what people think about us, and you were the main advocate for that by the way. But first you freaked out around my mom and especially with yours so I'm just...confused." Shaking her head.

"Look, if that's changed and you're ashamed of our relationship now—"

Klaus's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What? Christ Caroline, I'm not ashamed of you or our relationship not even in the slightest, don't ever think that."

She huffed. "Well sorry for finding that so hard to believe when the first time I meet my boyfriend's mom he introduces me as his friend."

He hated this. He hated seeing Caroline doubt his feelings for her, and he hated Esther for her triggering presence. Most importantly, he hated that he couldn't tell her why—not yet at least.

Klaus licked his lips and sighed, staring at the ground, trying to form the right words in his head before they left his full lips.

"It—it's not you."

Caroline snorted. "It's not you, it's me, right. Seriously!"

"Sweetheart please, it's—you're not the one I'm ashamed of...it's her." Klaus bit out.

Thankfully Caroline's softened eyes indicated she already caught on quickly enough for him not to explain who he was referring to.

He sighed again. "I—I didn't know she was going to be here, and if I did, I definitely would have supported your idea to stay in for the night."

Caroline was able to relax her body to listen to his explanation, but she was also no less concerned based on the clear hurt in his tone.

She blinked the few tears that were beginning to form away. "Okay, I get you're not close with your family but what does that have to do with us?"

"Everything!" He nearly shouted.

Immediately regretting his raised tone because of the onlookers, and the hurt on Caroline's face.

-Screw up. Such a bloody screw up...

Klaus cursed under his breath. "I just—I don't want my mother knowing the important people in my life, alright? I cut her out of my life for over a year now and she stopped being a mother the day I was born. She doesn't deserve to know about me, or the good that is you and what you mean to me." He sighed. "That's why I introduced you as my friend, though I'm sure Rebekah already informed her on our relationship status and she was just playing dumb."

Caroline swallowed, finding his explanation understandable and even heartfelt, but it also made her more concerned. What was going on with him tonight? Why was his mother's surprise appearance so triggering?

She stared down at his hands, trying not to panic at the rapid shaking.

"You're trembling." Caroline noticed, making Klaus snap out of it.

A mixture of his mother and blood withdrawal were beginning to take their toll on his already sensitive emotional state.

Klaus closed his hand into a fist too suppress the shaken movements.

He dodged her touch when she attempted holding them in hers—deep down knowing that it was the only antidote he needed but not the one he deserved.

"I—I need to go."

"Go? Go where, Klaus what's going on?" She begged.

He shook his head. "Nothing...I just need to leave. Now. I haven't fed all day and umm, I should." Answering her concerned glare.

Caroline open and closed her mouth, not sure what to say or how to provide the comfort he obviously needed. She felt helpless.

She's never seen him so feverish for blood and honestly, it was scaring her. He looked pale and breaking out in sweat.

-Do vampires even sweat?

Eyes were wild and big, each blink changed the iris from gold to blue. Fangs subtly making an appearance over his lip. He was in full vampire mode and now it just worried her more than anything because something was clearly off with him tonight.

"Klaus—"

"Don't worry about love, I won't kill anyone." He weakly smirked.

She frowned. "I wasn't going to say that.

"But you were thinking about it." He accused. "I know my lifestyle is still questionable to you but it's who I am, what I am. You already knew that."

"Seriously?! I wasn't thinking that at all. Stop trying to pick a fight with me right now. I don't care about your feedings Klaus, I just care about you and something is clearly wrong."

Walking closer into him and placing her soft warm palm against his scratchy cheek. Her stare glistened with almost tears and pleading questions.

"Hey," offering him a small smile "it's me. Talk to me."

Oh how he wanted to...be wanted so badly...

-She'll never understand, I don't want her to.

Gulping, he abruptly pushed her hand away and face . "I need to go, Caroline."

Any response she had died when his lips landed on hers in a hasty yet passionate kiss—a blend of hurt, care, tears and flames. One they've never shared before and took both their breaths away from the perfect inlined pressure of their mouths against each other's. Gracefully melting into each other, almost making them both forget their current dispute.

It felt like the kind of kiss that the heroine presented their lover before leaving them in the name of heroic glory...

Before Caroline could deepen the exchange, Klaus was already pulling away.

Her eyes fluttered open and met his as their foreheads brushed. He's always been difficult to read and yet, in this moment she was certain she saw all five centuries of his life playing through his pupils. And he blinked as if he knew.

"I'll be back, I promise." He rewarded her with a smile, his thumb stroking her cheek soothingly before vanishing in a blink of the eye.

She hated when he did that.

---

"Oh my god, will you stop pacing!" Katherine begged a neurotic Caroline biting the skin off her fingers, whose feet seemed to be raving at lightning speed up and fish their confined dorm room.

Suffice to say, she was losing her mind.

It was midnight, three hours after the banquet concluded and still no word from Klaus.

He promised her he would return after getting some blood in his system but the night went on without his return. Caroline called him multiple times, sent endless texts messages and voicemails throughout the event and still no reply to any of them. The little attention she spared was now directed towards him. After saying goodbye to her squad, and avoiding her mom, Caroline called again on her way to her room.

Nothing.

This wasn't like Klaus, at all. He never dodged her calls or texts and certainly never stood her up or made promises he couldn't keep. She wanted to be pissed at his successful effort of boosting her, but right now she was more worried. Caroline was sure Klaus could handle himself in any situation but that didn't lessen her worry as much as she hoped.

Her pacing and nail biting didn't cease, prompting the irritated vampire to roll her eyes and toss her magazine to the side.

"Fine, I'll bite. What's wrong now?" Katherine asked.

"What makes you think something is wrong?" Caroline asked without thinking.

Katherine shrugged. "Wild guess."

The blonde immediately caught onto the sarcasm, stopping to scold but then noticed her fingers in her mouth and heart rate beating rapidly. She didn't even realize how maddening she must look on the outside, though she felt no different internally either.

"Oh my god..." Flopping on her bed, with her hands on their respective sides and blank face. "I'm a complete mess, aren't I?"

Kathrine twisted her lips. "Well, not complete..."

Caroline was afraid to laugh—because the laughter would tempt her too much to cry.

"Let me guess, lover boy problems?" She determined.

There was nothing Caroline hated more than admitting Katherine was right but she didn't need her pride right now, she needed her friend.

Her weak nod was confirmation enough.

"Figured as much." The brunette clicked her tongue against her teeth. "What happened? Weren't you two acting like a bunch of newlyweds at the banquet?"

"That's the thing, I don't know what happened! One minute we were perfect then the next he's acting like a dick and storming away from me!" Caroline exclaimed. "He promised he was going to leave for a second and come right back, he promised. Klaus never breaks his promises but I guess he wanted tonight to be an exception because ditching your girlfriend is the new trend. Oh, and did I mention I met his mom tonight unexpectedly?"

Katherine's choked. "Wait, Esther Mikaelson was actually here and no one told me? You didn't tell me!"

"I think you're forgetting the whole 'unexpectedly' part in this." She pointed out. "Anyways Klaus was really turned off by her showing up, he even introduced me as his friend."

"Bastard." Katherine muttered.

Caroline bit her lip. "He explained why but still, it hurt a lot and he didn't seem to care that it hurt me. I don't know, it's like he completely flipped the switch and now he's been ignoring me all night."

Katherine tried to keep her comments at bay until Caroline was finished but 'biting your tongue' was a skill she didn't possess too well.

"Wherever he is, I'm sure he's fine. Klaus Mikaelson isn't exactly the type to get jumped in an alley, he does the jumping." She joked, which did little to amuse the angry witch.

"That's not the point! The point is that someone I really care about is hurting and I need to find him! Sorry you don't have anyone in your life worth caring for, or who would care enough for you"

Immediately cutting herself off noticing her crude words and tone.

-Get it together Caroline!

Katherine appeared unfazed but Caroline knew she struck a nerve. Her only real friend was the last person she wanted to push away.

"I'm—I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

The brunette rubbed her lips together tightly and quickly shrugged her shoulders. "Don't worry about it."

"No, no." Shaking her head. "I'm being a bitch to you for no reason, and I'm exhausted with the worst headache and so sorry. I just feel helpless, Kat." Caroline sniffled and pulling at her hair.

"I know I shouldn't but I'm worried about him. Knowing something is clearly off about him and not being able to do anything about it terrifies me. I just want to know if he's okay."

The clear desperation in her tone intrigued the curious vampire.

She waved her off. "Sweetie, please I've been called a lot worse and worse things have been said to me. Besides, you're clearly going through a rough patch with Romeo, I see that. Which makes you more desperate for my expert detective skills."

Caroline's head popped up, forehead scrunched.

"What are you talking about?"

"Have you thought about ambushing him in his room?" Katherine suggested.

"Wha—what?"

Katherine scooted up to the edge of her bed. "You want to know where he is right? Step number one is to investigate his room. You'll either find him or at least someone who knows where he is."

-No, no that's insane...right?

She scoffed. "Isn't that kinda invasive? I wouldn't want him banging my door down in the middle of the night. No, I'm not doing that."

"Fine," Katherine shrugged, "Don't say I didn't try to help. I guess you don't want to know where he is that badly, huh?"

Caroline hesitated.

On one hand, trusting the intentions of the girl who didn't believe boundaries seemed naive but on the other hand it seemed she had no other choice.

Hours were flying by and she was wasting them by staying in her room and complaining. Maybe charging to his space was invasive, over dramatic and might frighten him but he brought this upon himself for ditching her. Caroline wanted to stay optimistic and not allow her imagination to venture to the worse case scenarios. And she wasn't going to be able to sleep tonight until she solved this mystery.

Briefly closing her eyes and sighing in surrender, she agreed. "Okay, okay you win."

A wide smile formed on Katherine's red lips as she clapped in victory.

Caroline shook her head grinning. "I can't believe I'm letting you talk me into this. What if he's not there?"

"Then at least you'll know, instead of wallowing I'm here doing nothing besides vexing the shit out of me."

The blonde bit down on her bottom lip, finally standing up from her bed to retrieve a jacket to put over her pajama attire.

"Hey," Katherine called, standing up and walking towards her nervous friend.

She packed her hands on both her shoulders when they were face to face and with a comforting smile.

"You're going to be fine, Klaus is fine. Stop stressing."

The smallest ounce of reassurance and support was enough to give Caroline the courage she needed.

---

The walk across campus to Salvatore Hall was a long and stressful one. Caroline had to talk herself out of going back to her room twice. The cold night winds swept her hair from her face, not allowing her to hide. Nothing's even happened yet and she was already quaking in anxiety—it was always the unknown that always frightened her the most.

A bright side was that there weren't many vampires loitering around by the time she reached the resident halls. Only a few gave her double looks, but she was becoming a regular in Klaus's room lately most were already used to her presence. The vampire faction quickly became accustomed to a witch invading their territory, but when said witch is saying their faction leader they didn't have much of a choice.

Caroline finally arrived outside of Klaus's door, biting hard on her bottom lip and palms profusely sweating.

-It's okay. He's okay.

She took a deep breath before raising her small fist to the wooden door, knocking.

Nothing.

-Is he seriously ignoring me again!

Caroline huffed, waiting a minute longer before knocking again with more purpose and determined. They became more forceful until someone finally swung the door open in annoyance and shock.

"Caroline?"

"Marcel, hey." She shyly greeted. "Sorry, did I wake you?"

The darker-skinned vampire shook his head. "No, no you're fine I wasn't sleeping. I guess you forgot about that nocturnal thing with vampires."

He flashed her his charmingly blinding white smile that made her blush, briefly. Of course Klaus would have friends who were just as attractive as him.

"Right." Caroline tucked her hair behind her ear.

Marcel narrowed his eyes, looking her up and down curiously as he slightly closed the door behind him.

"Not to sound rude or anything, but why are you here? Are you okay?" He inquired.

She nodded. "Yeah...well no, actually. I was looking for Klaus."

He audibly swallowed.

"We were at this sport banquet together tonight and, I don't know, things got weird when his mom showed up—"

"Esther Mikaelson was here?" Marcel asked astonished.

Caroline squinted. "Uh, yeah. I guess it really caught Klaus off guard because he became really distant towards me afterwards. He even left the event and never came back, even though he promised he would. Now he's been dodging my calls and texts for the last few hours and I'm a blend between pissed and worried because I have no idea where he is."

"Sorry, Caroline but I wish I could help." Marcel fidgeted with his fingers.

The blonde observed the vampire carefully, his unnecessary breaths were quickened and he was a balding eye contact in almost any chance he could.

Placing one hand on her hip, she arched her eyebrow. "Marcel," boldly stepping towards him and making him move back, "for someone who's Klaus's best friend you're a really bad liar. And I know you're lying about this."

He broke out into a nervous laugh. "Caroline—"

"Don't 'Caroline' me!" She stomped her foot. "Look, Klaus is my boyfriend. I care about him a lot, you know I do, or I wouldn't be here. You can clearly see how worried I am, been losing my mind all night and you still have the audacity to lie to my face?! Seriously!"

Though her anger was mainly for Klaus, Marcel was her closest target until then; and he kinda deserved it.

Under different circumstances he would actually be impressed with her boldness.

"He's my friend, Caroline—"

"And he's my boyfriend!" She countered.

Caroline breathed in and out, blinking away her frustrated tears and fixing her composure.

"Listen, it's not necessarily you that I'm mad at okay? I just want to know if he's okay, Marcel. That's all. There's something bothering him and I just want him to know I'm here for him and I'm not leaving until you tell me."

Marcel's lips pressed together, feeling a knot in his stomach from her intense glaring eyes. Like she already presumed him guilty without him needing to say anything at all.

"Please." She begged.

-Klaus was right, she really did have the most captivating ocean blue eyes.

Marcel thought to himself. Too captivating to deceive.

He didn't want to lie to her, but he didn't want to seem like he was betraying his best friend either. In all his years knowing Klaus, Marcel's never seen anyone care for him the way Caroline did. Their relationship was admirable and gave him hope—if anything he wanted to slap Klaus in this moment for not appreciating what he was so lucky to have.

Without another thought, Marcel groaned. "He's gonna kill me..." he muttered. "Okay fine, fine. Yes, I know where he is, c'mon I'll take you there myself."

Caroline nearly sobbed in relief, following after Marcel down the hall towards the courtyard.

---

Thankfully The Hole was closer to Salvatore Hall than the witch's dormitories.

-Why is it even called that?

Caroline made mental notes, distracting herself from the paranoia threatening to take over as she and Marcel continued walking. It was brisk outside but eerily quiet. She felt she was in the middle of a bad horror movie. Marcel wasn't saying anything either the whole way, raising her suspicions further.

-Did Klaus lie to me? Why would he lie? And why is his friend nearly shitting himself whenever I ask about him?

They finally arrived at the entrance of the abandoned building. Caroline couldn't hear the blaring music from the outside but she knew firsthand how loud it could get on the inside.

Marcel swiftly turned around and nearly smacking foreheads.

"What?" Caroline asked.

"Before we go in there, I just want to warn you—"

"I've been here before Marcel, remember?" She laughed.

He shook his head. "Not during these nights. Klaus knew which parties to bring you to and this wasn't one of them because there's gonna be a lot of blood. For a witch who's not used to this kind of atmosphere it could be...intense. I just don't want you to get hurt, and Klaus doesn't either. He cares about you more than he'd ever admit."

The more Marcel spoke the worse Caroline's anxiety became. Questions kept rattling in her head like, trying not to imagine the horror show that Marcel was warming her about. More importantly, why and how are Klaus involved?

Was Marcel trying to protect her from Klaus? She didn't know what to think about any of it.

Caroline scratched her teeth over her bottom lip anxiously.

"Open the door Marcel." She gently commanded.

The vampire sighed before tapping on the door to be let in. It only took a minute for a fellow vampire to open the door for them—not before throwing Caroline a threatening glare. The girl did nothing to hide her vamp features or wipe off the blood lingering at the corners of her lips. She's never seen that vampire before, definitely not the other night.

"Just stay close to me." Marcel encouraged.

As if she would want it any other way.

He wasn't exaggerating when he said it would be intense—it was haunting to say the least.

Music at its highest volume with only a few lights switched on, making the atmosphere faker than it already was. Walking through the crowd, Caroline cringed and gasped at all of them, shamelessly feeding on human blood. In every corner, against every wall or couch and floor, there was a vampire sinking their fangs into someone's neck. Holding them in a tight embrace so they couldn't move—their victims staring blankly as the life slowly drained out of them. All likely compelled as well. Blood covered their feet, neck and faces. The vampires smiled in pure bliss as they dropped their lifeless bodies like roadkill.

It was an oddly erotic view, as shameful as it any sound, but no less made chills run up Caroline's spine. Witnessing the potential murders occurring right in front of her mad knowing there was nothing she could do about it, was a heavy burden. She remembered finding Klaus that night in the library, feeding on a fellow student without a care in the world. Her life was meaningless to him, nothing but a source of life for him, just as these other innocents were.

There was...so much blood.

Marcel was right, again. This was nothing like what she experienced the other night, these vampires were different—wild and demonic. This was them embracing their true nature—Klaus's true nature.

Feeling like she was seconds away from throwing up, Caroline tapped into Marcel's arm so he would stop walking.

"What the hell is going on?" She inquired. "You're giving me a tour of a bloodbath to what, traumatize me?"

Marcel rolled his eyes. "You really are as dramatic as I always suspected."

She scoffed. "And you're just as unhelpful as I expected, yet I decided to tag along for the ride anyway. Looks like we both made mistakes."

He chuckled to himself.

Caroline's eyes narrowed. "I'm not here to amuse you. You said you would help me find Klaus but instead you brought me to this place of horror where he's nowhere in sight."

"My sources say differently." He claimed.

"Well your sources are obviously wrong." She sassed.

"Klaus must be a special kind of person to put up with you, then again it takes a special person to deal with him too." The handsome vampire commented.

It was slightly effective, only slightly.

Caroline half smiled, one that Marcel reciprocated with a long sigh.

"Listen Caroline," he sighed. "I like you and I think you're really good for Klaus."

She could sense a big 'but' from a mile away.

"But, Klaus is complicated." He began. "There's a lot of baggage and suppressed feelings and parts of himself he doesn't want anyone to know about. But especially you."

Caroline gulped, her nerves shot at this point.

"Just tell me where he is." She said exhaustingly.

Marcel slowly nodded. "He's here. After he left the banquet he stormed into our room royally pissed and agitated but he didn't tell any of us why. That's when Enzo and Aurora—"

"Au—Aurora?" She stuttered.

Now, her nerves were shot.

-What is going on? Why is he still friends with her after everything? Why did he lie to me?

Marcel's eyes apologetic and shoulders slumped over. "They knew there would be a feeding party tonight. Basically a night when, willing humans offer themselves to vampires to be fed on."

"Wait, that stuff is real?" She questioned.

Caroline always heard about the naive and lost souls who looked to the supernatural for answers to their miserable lives. Vampires were notorious for entertaining these people, all selfish intentions that usually resulted in all their deaths.

"Oh, you'd be surprised how easy it is to find a group of humans who are convinced vampirism is their calling." He smirked.

"Anyways, they left but stayed in as you saw. That's all he's here for, to blow off steam."

Caroline exhaled. "If that were the case he could've just told me that instead of lying."

"Could he?"

She scoffed again. "Of course, and I don't have to prove anything to you or anybody else. Thanks for taking me this far but I got it from here."

"Right, because in this crowded two story building you know exactly where he is?" He said with an arched brow.

At first, Caroline was grateful for his help but now he was just an annoyance.

"What is your problem? First you were being shady and didn't even want to tell me where Klaus was and now we're here and you're still being weird about it."

Marcel shrugged. "Have you ever thought that maybe I'm trying to protect you from what Klaus didn't want you to see?"

"Protect me from what? If something is wrong, or he's in trouble I need to know." She demanded.

Her persistence earned a frustrated groan from the vampire.

"Screw it. He's already going to kill me for even bringing you here so what's the harm, right?"

Caroline's eyebrows furrowed as she followed behind him again.

The blood drenched partygoers became less relevant as her mind began to spiral with unfortunate possibilities when finally seeing Klaus. He didn't seem to be in any harm, but Caroline was still upset that he lied to her about it. Yes, she still needed time to adjust to dating a vampire and everything that came with him but how could she get the opportunity if he closed her off each time?

She didn't want to seem insecure but her immediate first thought was why the hell Aurora was still hanging around like a lost puppy. Why was she always there, around and in Klaus's life? Why didn't he want to let her go?

-You're freaking out over nothing. He wants you, you're fine.

At least that's what Caroline wanted to believe. His reassuring words from the other night played on loop in her head.

She figured the worst she would see is Klaus gnawing on someone again—thankfully she's already gotten a preview of what that looks like. Though an unpleasant sight, Caroline was prepared for the worse...

It wasn't until she and Marcel stumbled upon a half-open door that Caroline realized how wrong she was.

Hesitantly pushing the wooden door open, mouth hung down low at the image before them. Caroline's throat dried, face pale and body frozen. She didn't even blink, afraid that it would only get worse in different frames.

-This isn't real. This isn't real. This isn't real.

She silently chanted to herself, waiting for the mantra to do its job and calm her down but it only got worse every second.

There was Klaus, still dressed in his black suit now drenched of blood, sitting on a couch with his face buried in a short-haired brunette's neck. The dark blood dribbling down her neck onto her barely covered chest. One of his arms wrapped around her waist in a firm hold as he thoroughly drank from her without a care. She was limp in his embrace and increasingly losing color in her face.

Horrifying, but not the reason behind Caroline's nausea.

Aurora also sat on the couch on the other side of the clueless human—feeding on the part of her neck that wasn't occupied by Klaus. Her hair pinned back with a bow, giving Caroline a clear view of her blood coated lips. The redhead's hand ventured from the girl's throat down to her waist, where Klaus's arm was located. She moaned against the human's skin as her touch moved forward, caressing the back of Klaus's hand and up his arm. All three tangled together like a sinful web of lust, lies and deceit.

He didn't push her away, almost like he wanted her to go further. Aurora pushes her body closer onto the brunette to gain better access.

Caroline was going to be sick. She never felt so nauseated and disgusted in her life.

-He lied to me...Klaus lied to me—

She didn't even want to finish that thought. Wanting to hold onto her ignorance for a little while longer before the reality crashed upon her.

Everything was too clear, the evidence staring at her in the face; there were no excuses.

They were...drinking from this girl, together. He walked out on her tonight to be with Aurora. She was worried about him all night only for him to be here, with her...doing god knows what. Watching her touch him and he allowing it, wanting and craving more.

-Is this my karma? One cheater to the another?

Caroline couldn't stomach any of it anymore, barley noticing Marcel tapping her on the shoulder.

She stumbled back, still in pure shock and harshly bumped into a wall. Loud enough to finally gain his attention.

Klaus ripped his fangs out of the human girl's jugular and eyes more wild than they already were. Gold, wide and fiery with the black spidery veins to top off an already haunting scene. Lines of blood seeped down both corners of his usually raspberry colored lips, now a deep shade of red. His sharp fangs still on display as he looked at his frightened girlfriend in disbelief.

"Caroline?" He finally said, with a mouthful of blood.

The way she was looking at him, with such disgust, confusion and hurt. Even when they hated each other she never looked at him like that.

Betrayed.

Slowly becoming fully aware of the scene she just walked in on—looking down at the half dead human slumped over on the couch, then up at the smirking redhead licking blood off her fangs. Turning his attention forward again to face her. They didn't say anything but her tearful eyes and agape mouth was loud enough.

It felt like an out of body experience, like he had no control over what just happened and Caroline was the key to breaking the spell.

But this wasn't a spell, he had control over his actions, and a crying Caroline running away from him was very much real.

"Fuck." Klaus muttered under his breath, instantly tossing the brunette to the side as he stood to his feet.

Aurora grabbed his hand and stood up as well. "Niklaus, don't go." Aurora insisted with a sweet smile that held cruel intentions.

"Aurora…" He warned.

"You were a mess earlier tonight but you're feeling better, right? You feel free. I could see it in your eyes. I could see the Niklaus I know and love. Being with your own kind is what you need, it's where you thrive. Don't let her take that away."

Klaus had to physically refrain from detaching her head from her body.

Instead she earned a death glare from Klaus as he pulled his hand from her hold and finally walked off.

Purposely shoving Marcel in the shoulder as he stormed past him. Pushing past the crazily drunk vampires, needing to find Caroline as soon as possible.

Finally exiting the building, he looked in all directions until he spotted her. Sure enough she didn't get that far—feeling immense relief when he saw the devastated witch walking across the field towards the dormitories in determined strides.

With his vamp speed, Klaus was able to reach her just enough for her to feel his presence behind her—which only made her walk faster.

"Caroline! Caroline!"

He yelled after her when she showed no sign of stopping her frantic steps ahead. Fists balled together tightly and nails piercing into her palms as she fought the relentless cold.

Klaus lightly jogged to catch up without startling her.

Grabbing her by the arm gently. "Will you slow down—"

"Get your hands off of me!" She jerked away, nearly pulling her shoulder out its socket. "You can never touch me again."

The vampire gulped down his emotions, trying to stay strong as he walked after her again.

"Caroline, I know how bad it looked but please, please let me explain."

She snorted. "Why, so you can feed me more lies and I'll be the idiot girl who actually believes it again? No, thanks. I'm not playing your fool any longer."

"I've never thought that of you, please don't call yourself that." He pleaded.

"Well that's exactly how I feel." She finally stopped, blinking away her constant tears before turning to face him.

Seeing him, with blood soaked clothes and face, knowing what she just saw—made her sick all over again.

"I feel like a joke and I'm completely humiliated. I thought you said I didn't need to worry about us, or be insecure about her and yet not even a week later all my concerns were proven right!"

That pesky organ in Klaus's chest began taking a life of its own as Caroline's tearful words struck him in the chest.

Her yelling startled him, but he didn't visibly flinch. She was too justified in her anger for him to show anything more than an understanding stare.

It pained him more seeing how much she tried suppressing her tears, and that he was the cause of it. Her usual vibrant blue eyes now red and drowsy.

"How—how could you, how could you do this to me?" She sobbed. "After everything we've been through, with my coven and the vampires, I thought we were finally in a good place, a happy one. Just when I thought that I...that we were..."

Caroline held her hand to her trembling mouth—he didn't deserve to know, not anymore.

"Sweetheart just let me explain—"

She pointed a finger directly in his face in angry fury. "Don't call me that! Don't you dare, call me that!"

The silly pet names she once despised became enduring and intimate, now completely tainted.

Klaus groaned. He had no right to be frustrated in this moment and fully understood that he fucked up, he was more fearful that this was a mess he won't be able to clean up.

Caroline's hysterically laughter paused his attempt at saying anything else. Her face turned an adorable shade of red, a deeper one than what she sports whenever he made her blush.

A shade he may never see again.

She took a deep breath after the prolonged laughing episode, looking up at him again with hurt eyes.

"You know, you're so good. You're so good. How easily you can play two different roles, one being the dutiful and perfect boyfriend when you're just a liar! And I fell prey to it, the infamous Klaus Mikaelson charm that I heard so much about but didn't think it would ever affect me. I guess that was my bad for keeping my guard down."

He didn't know what to say. Nothing would make her feel better and honestly, he had no concrete explanation that would justify what he did.

She wiped the tears under her eyes. "I left you countless voicemails, did you know that? I know your phone isn't broken." She choked out. "Voicemails and text messages, worried sick that something terrible might've happened to you! Honestly I wish something had. I wish you were burning alive on a cross or taking a stroll into the sun without your ring. It would be a lot better than catching you tangled up in some kind of vampire orgy with the girl you used to fuck on a daily basis."

"Caroline, it wasn't like that. I—"

"Then what was it like?! I'm all ears! Because from where I'm standing it looks like you were cheating on me. But I guess I deserve that right, considering how we ended up together."

He took a bold step towards her. "First, you can bash on me all you'd like but I won't stand here and allow you to talk about yourself that way. Secondly, I would never do that to you, you know that. Nothing happened between me and Aurora tonight, Caroline, I swear."

"You don't have to have sex to cheat on someone, Klaus. Believe me." She assured. "And quite frankly what you did is way worse than if you did sleep together."

The underlying guilt she still felt over what happened to her mad Tyler was still present. Wondering if this is how he felt when finding out about her and Klaus.

Utterly heartbroken.

"You stormed out on me tonight. I was trying to be there for you and you ignored me, left me alone, to go see Aurora?! When things get rough you always run to her..." Caroline shook her head.

"Sweetheart—"

"I said don't call me that!"

Klaus growled. "Nothing happened, Caroline you have to believe me! I don't know how many more bloody times I can say it. Look, yes, I shouldn't have walked out on you tonight but I was angry and overwhelmed, and not ready to talk about it with you—"

"But you were ready to talk about it with her? Is this supposed to make me feel better?"

-Shit.

"You shared something with her, emotionally, that you refused to share with me."

He huffed. "It's...it's complicated."

"Let me guess, you won't simplify it for me." She presumed. "Things are always complicated with you Klaus, that's your go-to excuse to not talk to me about your life but it won't work, not this time."

Her anger began bottling up again.

"Imagine if I was going through some hard times and ran to Tyler for support instead of you. Would you have liked that or seen it as justifiable? You know how I feel about Aurora, about your history together and you still keep doing this, my god!" She threw her hands in the air. "What is it about this girl that you can't shake? What is it that you can't let go of?! Was this whole thing about not wanting anything more with her true or just for show and being with me made you realize what you really want?"

"Caroline, stop."

Hearing her talk about herself and their relationship in such distaste was infuriating.

"Why? You're the reason for this, why I'm now second guessing our entire relationship. Look, I get there are things she can give you that I can't."

His eyebrows pulled together confused.

Caroline nibbled on her dry bottom lip, anxiously fidgeting with her fingers.

"Me and her are very different, I get that. There are things you can do with her you can't do with me, whatever vampire thrills she possesses."

"That's not—"

Her raised hand cut him off.

"I can't change what you two have done together either, no matter how much I wish I could. I accepted that and can live with that because everyone has a past and I was your present. What I can't live with is her being your support system while I'm left in the dark. Do you know how shitty that makes me feel, knowing my boyfriend is in distress but would rather go to his ex fuck buddy than confide in me, your girlfriend! The person who wants to be there for you more than anyone but you won't let me in, and I won't exhaust myself trying when you'd rather be with someone else."

-How could she possibly think that?

Klaus shook his head. "God, that's not true. That couldn't be further from the truth."

She didn't move as he took hesitant steps towards her, allowing him to grab one shoulder while the other hand cupped her cheek to look at him. Too tired to push him away, and hating herself for how badly she still yearned for his touch. Melting into his familiar warmth as his thumb captured all her teardrops.

"I don't want to be with anyone else. This is everything I need. I don't give a damn about her, I care about you." He claimed, caressing her soft cheek.

Caroline wanted to believe him, she wanted to brush this under the rug as a simple mistake—lapse of judgment. But it was more than that, and clearly his feelings for her weren't enough for him to break the toxic cycle he had with Aurora.

"You have a very interesting way of showing someone you care about them. And if I was truly everything you needed, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now."

Caroline said, pushing his hand away and creating a safe distance between them.

As much as this was killing her, she had to be strong—strong enough to resist her feelings for him and have respect for herself. She didn't care about any explanation, not now at least. Tonight, the wounds were too death for her to think about anything else except the cause. Seeing him was only increasing the already agonizing pain in her chest that migrated to the pit of her stomach.

Never did she think she had to worry about Klaus being the one to hurt her, but he still surprised her. How could the only man who made her feel exceptional, confident, beautiful and powerful, also be the second man in her life to break her heart. Maybe witches and vampires weren't meant to be more than them simply being different species, and she was a fool for thinking they were the exception.

Staring at him with bloodshot eyes and trembling lips. Wanting to burst into tears the longer he stared back with those painfully alluring and soft gazes that were meant only for her.

Caroline brushed past him to begin walking towards her residence hall.

"Don't follow me. Don't talk to me, ever again." She choked out with her back facing him.

Leaving an equally broken Klaus, lost and alone in the middle of the football field, to wonder when he'd become such a colossal fuck up.

---

*wipes sweat off forehead*

Just a comment of encouragement until the next chapter: I don't incorporate angst without an actual purpose (:

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