Hey everyone! I want to start off by asking how you all are doing? The world is in a very weird and scary place right now, difficult as well for many and I just wanna check in! I unfortunately can't do much through a computer screen, but I am sending my love and positive vibes to everyone. We will be alright :)

I hope this new chapter can lighten your spirits at least a bit! There is some angst, but not how you all think. I know the past couple of chapters have been pretty brutal but this one should shed some hope and light. I love reading your reviews, and your interpretations on the direction I'm taking this story, even if I don't necessarily agree with them all. I value your input, you're my audience and your feedback is important to me so thank you to readers and frequent reviewers.

ENJOY!


"I hope you all enjoyed the film assignment on supernatural stereotypes." Professor Sommers announced from behind her desk. "We've seen it all since the beginning of time. Nothing better than watching human ignorance for a grade right?"

Each word throughout the lecture went in one ear and out the other for Caroline—like she was incapable of cementing any of the material. But how could she focus on class when she could feel Klaus's state burning a hole through the back of her head the entire time.

Nearly a week had already passed by since their 'talk'—when Klaus confessed his sins and begged for forgiveness, but the two haven't spoken since. Caroline was sincere when saying she understood where Klaus was coming from, and that he had a lot of inner demons he needed to conquer before anything further could happen between them. She was adamant about keeping as much distance as possible, for both their sakes. The image of that night was still fresh in her memory. Seeing Aurora's hands all over a vulnerable Klaus and him allowing it as they fed off a fellow classmate together was never going to leave Caroline's mind. Almost like a reminder, for her to never go back to him...

No matter how much she desired to.

Caroline would be lying to herself if she said she didn't miss him-she missed him a lot-or think about him constantly. She couldn't sleep without him appearing, and waking up before she came to a solid conclusion. Was she pathetic for missing him despite everything that's happened? Could she forgive him, trust him again the way she did before?

So many jarring questions. This was nowhere near easier for her than it was for him in terms of the separation. She knew it was for the best, to figure out if being together was something she could even do after everything that's been said. Thankfully Klaus respected her request for space, thus far, and hadn't attempted contacting her or even annoyingly loitering around the bleachers during cheer practices. But that didn't stop him from sneaking glances at her whenever he could—in the hallways, the cafeteria or during the only class they shared together.

The class that started everything.

She aggressively chewed on her pen cap, focusing her attention on what was in front of her instead of behind—wanting to at least catch the last few minutes of the lecture without thinking about his eyes burning a hole in the back of her head. Professor Sommer's lips were moving but Caroline heard nothing—her ears drifting towards a raspy accented voice instead.

Dong. Dong. Dong.

Caroline had never been so grateful for that damn bell. Not even hesitating to close all her books even while the Professor was still speaking. The class was dismissed and everyone began to scurry around. Trying not to come off too excited, Caroline subtly cleared her throat before turning to remove her bag from behind the chair-unexpectedly meeting his wide-eyed gaze

He definitely hadn't lost his touch.

Her heart melted, cheeks flushed and movements came to an abrupt halt as they both became entrapped. Entrapped in the private world they had been creating for themselves for the past five years, the one where they felt alone together.

It only lasted a few seconds but felt like hours, completely at his merciless hold. Like he was asking her 'how's your day? Are you okay? How have you been? Do you miss me?' all in one stare. It was infuriating, he was infuriating. After spending almost every moment together, it was odd going back to avoding each other like a plaguel—immense torture, actually.

Caroline was the first to look away, maintaining her neutral composure while continuing to gather the rest of her school equipment, not daring to give in again—no matter how much he refused to do the same.

"Miss Forbes?" Professor Sommers called her name from her desk. "A moment of your time?"

-Thank god!

She had never been so relieved or enthusiastic about talking to a teacher before. Anything was better than the possibility of her and Klaus exchanging words on their way out the classroom.

A confrontation she wasn't ready for.

Leaving her things as is, Caroline basically hopped out her seat towards the front of the class. Taking a seat across from her teacher and cringing at the footsteps that followed behind when Klaus finally exited the classroom with high speed.

Caroline closed her eyes and took a deep breath before meeting the other woman's intrigued gaze.

"What did you want to talk about? Is it my grade, am I failing?!" She panicked.

Professor Sommers shook her head with a laugh. "No Caroline, it's definitely not your grade. There's no surprise you're one of my brightest students."

She sighed in relief. "Then what's wrong?"

"That's actually what I wanted to ask you."

Caroline's frown lines deepened.

"Academically you're stellar, no one can doubt that, but I can tell there's something else going on personally. You're preoccupied during lectures and never even volunteer to participate in class discussions anymore. It's a very noticeable shift in behavior." She pointed out.

Caroline swallowed, shrugging her shoulders. "I guess I've just been pretty tired lately."

"Mhm, you sure that's all?" She questioned.

"What else could it be?" Her nonchalant exterior was not as convincing as she hoped.

The quirk in Professor Sommers indicated she wasn't buying it.

"Look, as much as I try to stay out of teenage gossip it's kinda difficult to ignore when that's all everyone is talking about, including staff."

-Great.

She sighed while folding her fingers together and leaning forward on the desk. "I hope I'm not stepping on your toes or coming off as unprofessional with this, but I've considered us to have a pretty good relationship over the years. A trusting one, and I want you to know you can talk to me about anything that's bothering you...even if it's about shitty break ups."

Her body noticeably tensed. Now feeling even more humiliated that the entire school was talking about her relationship troubles, again.

"Word really does travel fast around here." Caroline muttered.

"Afraid so." The Professor smiled sympathetically.

"Well, I'm fine." The witch confidently claimed, but her eyes told a different story.

As much as the teacher wanted to press further, the last thing she wanted was to drive Caroline away when she was trying to help her. Talking to teenagers about anything was like pulling teeth, especially one as stubborn as Caroline.

"Okay, if that's what you claim. I can't tell you how you feel, we don't have to talk about it." She agreed. "I just want you to know that it's also okay if you're not fine."

The reassurance was pleasant but saddening. Deep down Caroline knew she needed to talk to someone—an unbiased third party with more experience that could offer her effective advice.

She wasn't making any progress by keeping it all in—if anything the despair worsened with every passing day but talking about it hurt just as much.

"Is it supposed to be this hard?" She asked under her breath, pausing the professor from packing up her belongings.

"Which part, men or relationships?" Sommers asked.

"Both."

The strawberry blonde woman laughed, sitting back down at her desk. "It's not supposed to be hard, no, but it is a journey and sometimes those journeys can be rocky. Especially when it comes to someone you're serious about."

Caroline bit down on her bottom lip thinking about how 'serious' she was with Klaus. In her mind, they hadn't been together long enough for them to be serious about each other—even if that's how she felt. She's never been heartbroken before, felt such emptiness and defeat from a boyfriend.

-Shit...

Worrying her lip between her teeth while looking down at her trembling fingers.

"Is-is it pathetic, to miss someone who hurt you? To want to forgive them so badly because each day without them has been complete agony, but you don't want to make a mistake."

Sommers shook her head side to side. "There's nothing pathetic about the grieving process, everyone is different. Don't let anyone convince you that debating on letting someone in your life go is simple. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and judge or say 'I would never let that happen to me'—experiencing these obstacles head on is how you find your strength. When it comes to relationships, friendships or just life, it's never black and white. And don't trust anyone who thinks otherwise."

No one believed in the blended mindset more than Caroline. Her world hasn't felt so grey until Klaus entered it, and the shades became even darker with each passing day.

"But you're smart Caroline, and you're a secure person. I know you'll make the right decision for yourself, but make sure it's for you and you only."

The professor's reassuring smile actually lifted the witch's frown briefly, if barely.

Professor Sommers was the closest adult figure in Caroline's life that she trusted. Liz Forbes wasn't exactly the comforting or helpful type, and dodging all her texts and calls the past few days has been an even bigger battle.

Last thing Caroline needed was her mom throwing salt in the wounds.

As much as she appreciated the advice, surely great advice, it might as well have went in one ear and out the other. Like the more they talked about the situation, the more confused, angry and depressed Caroline felt.

Her heart was nowhere near healed and the ache in her belly still throbbed and she needed the conversation to end as quickly as possible.

For her sanity.

Putting on a brave face, sucking back the tears and flipping her hair back the witch grinned.

"Thanks Professor Sommers, I'm actually feeling a lot better." Caroline lied, placing her bag over her shoulder as she stood from the chair. "I'll see you in the next class."

"Anytime—"

The eager witch was out the door before the sentence could even be completed.


Blowing the thick cigarette smoke into the grey sky, Klaus crosses his ankles as he lied back on the bleachers with his earphones plugged in, hands folded over his stomach and eyes closed—seeking some type of solace.

He decided to skip the rest of his classes for the remainder of the day—no longer in a 'responsible' mood after seeing Caroline earlier. Klaus was trying to be the good guy by respecting her decision and providing the space she calmed to desperately need. Not even an innocent text saying 'hey' was sent or a quick wave or hesitant smile was shared; no matter how much he yearned to. Constantly wondering if she was just as conflicted and in mourning.

-For fuck sake, get it together.

God he was a mess. Klaus never felt more pathetic in all his days—simping over a girl who, once again, wanted nothing to do with him. But each day was getting harder. Forcing himself not to miss her, or think about her was becoming a hassle with each passing day, especially when he had no choice. He thought pretending he felt nothing would make this break up easier—so used to acting like a one man island is his dream, the reality was much more depressing.

Klaus knew he didn't have a right to wallow, not to even miss her. He did this to himself by dragging her into his web of self hatred and secrets.

Avoiding Aurora was also difficult. Marcel and Enzo understood why he had been keeping his distance from the group. The red headed temptress was a part of the problem but she wasn't the source—even he knew that. She didn't force him to go out with her that night, she didn't persuade him to go on a blood bender and she didn't tell him to hurt the one person he swore he wouldn't.

It was finally sinking in.

Klaus was beginning to understand what it truly meant to be selfless. He thought he knew but his comprehension didn't even scratch the surface. Seeing the devastation on Caroline's face that night was a big blonde wake up call. After 500 centuries of not bending or compromising, having complete control over how much of himself he would expose to others made this transition even more of a chore. He never counted on the witch being such a crucial part of his life, or having a tight hold on the heart he didn't even know existed.

"You've become a difficult vampire to find lately."

Oh, how he silently wished the feminine voice was dressed in blonde curls instead of red waves.

After a long and deep breath, Klaus opened his eyes and sat up to face the green-eyed vampire. She was sitting one bleacher below him with a half smirk. Her face pale and bare, a modest gloss spreading across her lips instead of her usual red lipstick, while wearing black jeans and a graphic tee-this was probably the softest he's ever seen her. Aurora was gorgeous and illuminating, it boggled Klaus' mind that she didn't seem to believe that enough herself.

"I've been busy." He replied dryly.

"Busy, hm?" She questioned with an arched brow.

He simply nodded.

Aurora hummed. "I see...clearly not too busy to stare at your ex witch from afar like a lost puppy, or where you seem to have time to talk to everyone except me. That's been a real delight, by the way so thanks for that."

She was wasting no time. Great.

"What's going on with you?" Aurora asked, seemingly worried.

He knew why he was dodging Aurora, to avoid this inevitable confrontation. Despite how they started out, he didn't want to hurt her either more than he already has. Here was this beautiful girl, who wanted him and accepted his flaw but didn't want him to be anything more than the beast he's been aching to escape from.

In the brief time of Caroline's presence in his life, he managed to grow a heart— apparent but small, and meant for the one who reminded him it was there in the first place.

It was only a matter of time before she would take the initiative and seek him out first—that's just how she operated. There was nothing Aurora hated more than to be ignored, especially when she felt threatened.

Klaus sighed, flicking his cigarette to the ground before scooting closer to her. This wasn't going to be easy no matter how much he postponed the inevitable.

"I haven't been avoiding you—I mean I have, but things have been rather complicated as you well know."

She sighed into a smile. "Everything is always so complicated with you, my love. You need to relax."

Klaus quickly pushed away her hand that landed on his thigh, making her eyebrows scrunch together confusedly.

Aurora scoffed. "I'm not allowed to touch you now?"

The offense and confusion on her face actually made him feel a bit guilty.

Licking his lips, he spoke. "Listen, Aurora, um we've known each other for quite some time and we've had a lot of fun together. Lots of memories which is what made this decision so hard—"

"Decision?" Her voice slightly cracked.

Klaus audibly swallowed, licking his dry lips again that was associated with bad nerves.

Rip the bandaid. Rip the bandaid.

"We-we can't be friends, anymore." He finally said.

Despite Aurora's jaw dropping and a fiery red rushing to her pale cheeks, Klaus felt good. Like a 10 pound weight had been lifted off his chest and stomach. He was expecting to stutter or feel bad from her reaction but...everything seemed right for the first time in awhile.

Hopeful.

"We can't be—" Aurora huffed. "Are you joking? You don't talk to me for days, completely act like I'm nothing and the first time we actually do, you say we can't be friends? It's because of her, isn't it?" She accused, backing away from him.

"Aurora—"

"Answer me, you coward!"

Klaus actually felt an ache watching the hot tears form in the corners of her eyes as she punched him in the chest. Nothing could describe her face more than pure fury...drawing an unintentional parallel.

"It is..." She affirmed when he refused to answer, shaking her head and looking in the distance.

"Ever since she snuck her way into your life you've been different, distant. Marcel and Enzo might be too scared to admit it to you but everyone's noticed it, how much you've changed. No longer the faction leader everyone trusted, beloved in and feared, but now this? You're shutting us out for that witch?!" Now looking back at him with more anger.

"This isn't about her—"

"It's always about her!" She yelled, stomping her foot down until two bleachers broke in half then standing up from the bleachers as the tears began to run.

Her pacing back and forth was extremely off-putting but apparently she had more to say.

"That witch trollop has you so tight by the balls you're now letting her dictate who you can and can't spend your time with?"

He flashed in front of her, bending his head to her level. Relishing in the obvious shiver that ran over her body when his striking yellow eyes met her fearful green ones.

"Be upset all you like but insult her once more and next time you see your spleen it'll be thrown on the bloody turf." He growled in her face. "And I'm not turning my back on vampires, that's not what this is about."

"Isn't it?" Aurora spat. "First she's telling you you can't be friends with us, next she's going to dictate how you treat us. How to keep us in line and then maybe, your virgin Mary will convince you to give up on us entirely so you can run as her right hand with the witches."

She was slammed down onto the cold bleachers, her back flattening against the surface as Klaus held her there by the throat while towering his body over hers.

Now she was just pissing him off. Contrary to popular belief, Klaus loved being the faction leader and he loved his kind whether he admitted it to them or not. He ran a tight ship but that was so none of them took advantage of his power, but he always made them a priority. To hear Aurora spit all over his hard work made his blood boil.

"You're severely testing my patience and the little bit of leniency I extend to you, so I'd be extremely careful with whatever else you think you need to say." He growled.

Aurora choked as his grip around her throat tightened. She knew she wouldn't die from lack of oxygen but it didn't make the pain any more bearable. Klaus had never been violent with her before, he never raged his widened golden orbs towards her besides out of pure pleasure.

She grabbed his wrist, knowing it wouldn't do much to relieve the pressure, staring into his emotionful eyes.

"You-you're in love with her." Aurora choked out.

If anything could make Klaus loosen his tight grip, that definitely did it.

His fangs retracted as he tried to wrap his head around her absurd accusation.

"What did you say?" He asked in a barely-there whisper.

-No, no. Absolutely not.

Up to a week ago Klaus found out the dead organ on the left side of his chest had any life, how could she possibly accuse him of loving someone with it?

"You heard me." Aurora said, tears pooling into the corners of her eyes.

-No I don't. I don't.

Finally letting go the grip on her, looking away as the female vampire sat up rubbing her throat and coughing profusely.

Tugging on his hair in frustration-overthinking their every conversation, smile and kiss and wondering if he felt it. Given that it's a concept he's never endured he had no idea what to feel, which meant it wasn't there and Aurora was being more whacky than usual.

"You're insane." He mumbled.

"And you're pathetic." She retorted, still rubbing her neck. "Since the day you two miraculously became partners in that stupid class you changed into someone I began to not recognize. Whether you were fantasizing of getting in her pants or propping her head on a stick, she's been the one who's been a priority in your mind." She realized.

"Nonetheless, in the end it was always me." Aurora snapped. "I was the one you ran to when you needed something. Me. Not Enzo, not your siblings and definitely not that bloody witch!"

Klaus slightly flinched when her fists began flying against his chest. He didn't stop her or try fighting her off. He allowed her to take her anger out on him, just like he did with her for five years.

Him barely moving an inch from her assault only made her more furious.

"You fookin' bastard! I...I was the one who was actually there for you, comforted and fucked you no questions asked! My feelings were put on hold because you needed me, and I allowed it because..." She trailed off rubbing her nose.

Actions spoke louder than words. She didn't need to finish the sentence for Klaus to know this girl thought she was in love with him. He's never experienced the concept himself but he knew what they had was nowhere near. She loved the idea of him—the Klaus he didn't want to be anymore.

Regaining her composure, the redhead beauty wiped underneath her eyes and took a step back.

"I accepted you for who you are, what you are, when no one else did-when no one else understood or cared. I nursed your demons with my own and didn't make you feel alone in this wretched world! I'm the one who's never turned my back on you. I never treated you the way she did, like you were less than nothing, but I'm the one being pushed out of your life so she has a place in it! That's how it is, right? Just fookin' admit it!

Aurora's rant was only reassuring Klaus that he was making the right decision. For both their sakes this needed to end, and it was baffling how she still didn't realize it. Every point she made was another one stacked against her but she didn't see it, she never saw it—that was the problem. How one sided their friendship had become and how desperately she was clinging onto something that never existed. He was giving them both a way out.

Klaus lips rubbed together anxiously.

"You're right, a lot of this is because of Caroline. I know you don't want me to care about her but I do." Klaus explained. "In a perfect world, I could have both, we can coexist. I was living in that world far too long and refused to see the damage being done to the point where I started to lose everything."

Aurora's tears stopped streaming, drying up on her flawless face.

Klaus sighed. "Can't you see I'm trying to do better, by you and Caroline. I wasn't being fair to either. Our friendship—our mutual self-loathing that we disguised as 'support' quickly became an excuse for self destruction. Demons aren't supposed to coddle each other, they need to be managed apart and what we were doing was just making everything worse. You have to be completely mental not to see that."

The redhead scoffed. "You're trying to do better? Wow...now suddenly the dark prince becomes the white knight. When are you going to realize that's not in the cards for you."

A sly smirk formed on her face as she invaded his space, standing directly in front of him—well, not directly since she was so much shorter than him. Pushing him back against the railing and standing between his open legs.

She hummed. "Look at us, huh just like old times. Try as you might my love you can't run away from your past—it will always be there creeping in the shadows, it'll always be who you are and that's okay."

He felt nauseous as her palm caressed the side of his face softly.

"Come now Niklaus don't you get it? You'll never be the man she wants, or that you think she deserves." Aurora claimed. "There's always going to be a slip up, a trigger or a moment when that hostile beast inside of you is going to want to come out and play and she won't be able to handle it..."

Her fingers drummed up and down his chest sensually, twirling his necklaces and pressing her front against his.

"And when that happens, and it will happen, little miss fairy dust is going to run scared and leave you alone again. She'll never accept what you are, she was never meant to."

Klaus stilled, frozen in place while her hands traveled down his torso and around his waist.

"Face it Niklaus you two were doomed from the start, you were just delaying the inevitable. Witches and vampires shouldn't even coexist let alone be an item. When graduation hits, we'll all remember that again, but you'd never have to pretend with me. I can sedate your every need, want and desire. You know I can do for you what she never could, be there in the way she couldn't fathom. Don't make a decision for something that isn't even going to last past the semester."

Shoving her hands off of him, Klaus stared long and hard into her stunned green eyes. Remembering the first time he saw them and realizing this would be the last.

This wasn't just for Caroline, he needed this too. To stop punishing himself and hating himself for his past and what was done to him. To commit to starting a new path, with the only person who believed he was capable of change.

Who he was finally ready to let in.

"Goodbye Aurora." Klaus declared as he walked off.

"Just like that? Fine, she can have you!" Aurora yelled behind him. "But it's sad really though, she'll never have the real thing—just a carbon copy of a once fearful leader. You're pathetic, and you disgust me. The Klaus Mikaelson I knew didn't comprise himself for anyone."

Pausing in his tracks, smirking to himself before turning his neck to look at her one last time.

"I wouldn't have done it for you."


"Black or red?" Katherine asked her blonde friend sitting across from her. "Uhh, hello!" She sang when she received no response.

Caroline snapped out of her daydreaming and sat up in her seat, briefly forgetting it was dinner time. Looking down she realized she hadn't even touched her food but Katherine finished her's.

She hated feeling out of control, especially of herself. Caroline Forbes wasn't a flake or a daydreamer, she lived in every present moment—not dwelling on the pasts. She didn't sit around moping over boys or allow anyone to see her crack her image of perfection.

There was a lot Caroline wasn't before him.

She blinked rapidly. "I'm sorry, what?"

The brunette lifted her eyebrow. "My homecoming dress, you know, the one you promised to help me pick out? Not that I need your approval but I've been told this is the kind of stuff girlfriends do, I guess."

At least not everything changed.

Caroline softly laughed. "Right..." She sighed. "I'm sorry Kat, I know I'm being an awful friend. The red is cute."

The vampire rolled her eyes as she closed her laptop and pushed it to the side.

"Please, the red one looks like a fringed potato sack and we all know I look hotter in a black bustier anyways. I don't even need to ask you what's wrong because we all know you're still mentally moping over Romeo with fangs."

-Am I that predictable?

Her tongue wetted her shaky lips. "I know you don't want me to think about him."

"I never said that." Katherine refuted.

"But you're thinking about it, Kat. You're always thinking about it because you never liked Klaus for me in the first place. You're judging me for how I choose to cope with my broken heart—key word is my by the way."

"Are you serious?" The brunette crosses her arms defensively.

"This is hard enough for me as it is but the least I want is my friend's support, telling me everything's going to be okay even when deep down I know you're lying. I can't even shed a tear without you criticizing."

Katherine scoffed. "How horrible of me to not want to see you cry over a situation that doesn't deserve your tears any longer. I'm such an awful person."

Her sarcasm wasn't appreciated.

"Oh and to point out another hole in your anti-Klaus theory, I was the one who told Klaus to go to you that morning. Not the sitting outside all night thing, that has desperate Mikaelson behavior written all over it. But I was the one who encouraged him to go away and give you the space you so desperately asked for and needed. Sorry for giving a shit." She said dramatically, throwing her hands in the air .

Just when Caroline didn't think she could feel worse, she was now pushing away the one person who's been by her side this whole time.

"I'm sorry, really. I'm such a mess." She said burying her face into her palms.

"Understatement of the year." Katherine commented.

Caroline sniffled, dropping her hands in front of her. "It's not your fault and you're not the one I'm upset with."

"Do you even know who you're upset with at this point?" Katherine inquired.

She shrugged. "Pretty sure I'm mad at myself more than anyone, because—"

"Because you want to forgive him." Finishing the sentence for her.

The blonde sniffled, nodding her head in shame. "I've never been through anything like this before so I know I must sound like a complete nutcase that no one would want to be with anyways but, I just don't want to make a mistake. Forgiving him too soon, forgiving him too late, not knowing if it's because it's the right thing to do or because I miss him. Maybe both? Getting advice is overrated because they're all just telling me the same thing: 'you'll know when you know'.

"Sounds like the right advice to me." Katherine agreed.

Caroline groaned. "Not to an already indecisive person it's not! If I knew what I wanted I wouldn't be hurting my head over it everyday."

Katherine tilted her head, grinning ear to ear. "You know what you need? A night out with me. No worrying about vampire exes or dances or homework, just blissful fun. There's this really cool bar that recently opened just outside of town that I was actually thinking of checking out tonight. You in?"

"How do vampires seem to know about everything that happens outside of this school?" The witch wondered.

"We're naturally curious." She affirmed with a smirk.

Caroline sniffled a soft laugh. "I—I don't know Kat."

"Sweetie, you need to get out of your head and that's not going to happen trapping yourself in this school with the person you need time away from. You're miserable. Throwing on some makeup and a sexy outfit while guys practically beg to buy you drinks sounds like the perfect temporary fix to me."

The big brown puppy dog eyes staring her down had zero effect on the decision she came to.

Caroline sighed and rolled her eyes smiling. "Fine, fine!"

"Yay!" Katherine victoriously yelled while shooting her arms up to the sky.

"I'll go, but only under two conditions. One: I'm not getting drunk so don't even think about it." She disclosed with a pointed finger.

Katherine nodded. "Of course. Lightweight witch needs no more than one cocktail, check. What's two?"

Deciding to not find the remark offensive, Caroline proceeded with her conditions.

"I'm not hooking up with anyone either so no matchmaking business." She added.

The vampire's answering grin was too sinister for Caroline's liking.

Narrowing her eyes at her sneaky friend. "I'm serious Katherine."

She put her hands up innocently. "I heard you, loud and clear. Cross my heart and hope to die."

Something told Caroline that didn't mean much but she brushed it off anyways.

Maybe this was what she needed—a night away from Whitmore and the school, anything to distract her wounded heart. Caroline didn't want to drag this out longer but she couldn't make up her mind—or at least was afraid she made the wrong choice. Collecting her thoughts about Klaus would be easier if she didn't have to see him consistently.

"Okay, but I need to finish at least half of my grimoire readings and complete my spell checks before I go anywhere."

"Take all the time you need to finish your witch duties, I'll be taking a steamy shower figuring out what to wear." Katherine shrieked standing from her seat.

It was unusual to see Katherine so giddy over something as basic going out to a bar.


Dusk quickly approached, as did the pair of friends who finally arrived to their location.

Katherine was already dressed by the time Caroline returned to their dorm room—looking as exceptional as usual. The witch quickly threw on some light make-up and dressing in dark blue jeans and a black strapless bodysuit. After much persistence, Caroline finally complied to straightening her bouncy curls. It wasn't a bad look on her, she's worn it before but she didn't feel like herself at all.

But that was the point of tonight, right? To feel like anyone besides Caroline Forbes and her fucked up world.

Shockingly enough, Katherine planned everything out legitimately even requesting their off-campus passes. Deep down Caroline missed the thrill of sneaking on and off campus—Klaus was an expert at it and assured her she'd love it just as much—he was right. He always was.

They took an Uber to the bar that was approximately 30 minutes from the school. Caroline wasn't aware of the fake I.D. Katherine snatched up for them until they arrived and she pulled them out her purse to show the bouncer. Ever since allowing vampires in her life she has broken almost every law isn't he book.

"Fake I.D.'s Kat, seriously?" Caroline hissed as they walked in.

Katherine shrugged. "Well I was thinking about showing them my birthday certificate from the 1800's, but something tells me that wouldn't have gone over too well."

Walking through the brief darkness they emerged into the light of the entrance. Inside was fogged with cigarette smoke, blaring rock music, and people drinking and dancing at their stools. Considering it was a human bar full of tipsy college students dripping in debt, Caroline was expecting a lot worse. Barely interacting with the mortal world had that effect.

She wished she was as relaxed as her carefree friend who walked around like she owned the room. Katherine's effortless confidence was as inspiring as it was intimidating.

"Alright, what are we drinking?" Katherine asked as she found two seats for them at the bar.

Caroline shrugged, wiggling in her seat as she tried to seek comfort on the hard stool.

"Jesus Christ, Forbes..." The brunette mumbled. "What was the point of coming if you were just going to be a prissy bore?"

"I'm not!" She refuted.

"Your nose has been up since you got here, which hasn't even been 30 minutes and you're already complaining."

Even Caroline couldn't deny she's been trying to find an excuse to leave or not have a good time. Not that she would ever admit to Katherine's accurate assumption.

"Look, I get this isn't your typical perfect scene but isn't that the point?" Katherine explained. "You've been mending a broken heart for almost a week and just for one little night, you need to forget about it. Forget about Klaus, the school, your mom, everything. I know control is a big part of your personality but it's time to take a breather from all old habits."

She slapped her hand on the wooden bar to capture the bartender's attention—ordering two shots of whisky in the process.

Caroline watched as the brown liquid fell into the narrow glass—stomach already turning from the taste.

"Tonight is the night of exceptions." Katherine slid one glass over to the anxious blonde.

Letting out a harsh breath, Caroline picked up the glass and held it in front of her.

"To exceptions." She said. Their glasses clinked together before leaning their heads back and allowing the alcohol to take over.


An hour went by, then another hour after that. Caroline was pleased to admit she actually began having a good time—after a few much needed shots. She was committed to her condition of not blacking out drunk but being a bit tipsy never hurt anybody. They danced some, drank more and laughed out loud. Katherine was right, it was the exact stress reliever she needed.

She managed to go almost three hours without thinking about Klaus and it was heavenly.

Caroline was nursing a vodka cranberry while a very drunk Katherine paraded on the other side of the room dancing with two random college boys. Her chocolate brown curls wildly swinging side to side, slapping both guys in the face. The gentle assault made Caroline laugh. Closing her eyes only for a minute as her laughter failed to be contained, only to open them and be met with a dark-haired male leaning on the bar right beside her.

If she was in a better state of mind she would yelp from his abrupt appearance.

He was decently attractive, clean face, slicked back brown hair with an off white smile. He wore blue jeans, white sneakers and a simple t-shirt with the name of his school spelled across it. There was nothing wrong with him, just different than what she's used to seeing at the school—different from the henley and combat boots she's grown to adore.

-DON'T THINK ABOUT HIM. YOU WERE DOING SO WELL.

Caroline blinked rapidly when neither took the initiative to say anything.

"Umm, hi?"

That works.

The young man shook his head laughing. "I'm sorry. I came over here with a script and everything on how I was going to approach you and what to say but now I'm intimidated."

"Intimidated, by me?" Caroline asked.

He nodded. "Beautiful girls tend to have that effect on me."

A slight blush ran up her cheeks.

"Has that line ever worked for you?"

"Evidently not." He chuckled. "I'm Austin."

Caroline bit on her bottom lip, pondering heavily about what was going on.

This was typical Caroline Forbes fashion of overthinking a situation that wasn't as deep as she made it out to be.

No she wasn't planning on doing anything with this guy and he was a cornball with terrible lines but she was nonetheless flattered. On campus she was never pursued because she was always someone's girlfriend—not that she minded, but given everything that's happened it felt nice to be admired. She was newly single and there was no harm in talking to someone.

"Caroline." She introduced herself, smiling back at him.

"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl." He complimented.

The witch laughed. "Wow, you just can't help yourself."

Austin grinned, taking a seat beside her. "I've never seen you around here before, Caroline. Are you new to town."

"Me and my friend were just driving through, actually but a night of fun was needed. It's been a hard week."

"I get it, trust me." He sighed. "I've been swamped with classes, on top of promoting my photography."

Her eyebrows lifted. "You're a photographer?"

"In the making," he laughed, "but I still like to claim the title."

Caroline shrugged. "It's good to have goals, no matter how far fetched they seem."

The dark-haired young man nodded in agreement. Their conversation was going well and Caroline was actually enjoying herself more than she thought. Austin was sweet, ranting about his classes, fraternity and home life. Besides being mortal, there weren't any red flags. No complicated family ordeals, headaches, redhead demons or a secretive past.

He was normal—she needed some normal in her life right now.

"Why are you letting your drink go to waste?" He wondered, only then did Caroline realize how close he was now.

Their faces inches from each other, she felt the unfamiliar warmth of his breath prickle her skin.

She actually forgot about the alcoholic beverage seated beside her elbow.

"I guess I forgot. Good conversations can do that to a person." She flirted—completely unintentional flirting.

Austin's smile deepened, shifting his hand lower onto her jean covered thigh. She didn't realize how much she must have visibly tensed because he moved his hand immediately.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Was she? Even knowing she wasn't doing anything wrong it still felt wrong. Maybe it was the unfamiliarity of his touch or how she wished it was someone else's.

"Uhh yeah. I mean..." Caroline licked her lips nervously. "I'm sorry. You're a really nice guy and I'm having a good time talking to you but—"

"Let me guess, there's another guy?" He suggested.

"Kinda..." She regrettably affirmed.

Austin sighed. "Figured as much. No way a girl that looks like you hasn't broken a few hearts in her past."

She grinned sadly. "I just got out of a relationship and the wound is still pretty fresh. I'm not looking for anything new right now."

He hummed. "Well I can't say I'm not devastated that another guy has your heart, I just hope he realizes how lucky he is."

Caroline bit down hard on the inside of her cheek to hold back the cry she desperately wanted to let out.

"But I hope making new friends isn't off the table too..."

"Never." She sniffled with a smile.

Returning the expression he turned in his seat. "Good. Now how about you finish that drink first then we can go from there."

Caroline was relieved that he took her rejection better than anticipated. Even if Klaus wasn't still on her mind, jumping into anything new with someone right now wouldn't be a good idea.

The glass rim didn't even touch her lips before a hand gently grabbed her wrist—her heart racing.

-No, no, no this is not happening.

"Sorry for the abrupt interruption, you looked in need of some assistance."

His grip was strong and unwavering but it wasn't painful—more chilling than anything.

"Klaus, what the hell!"

"Wait, you know this guy?" Austin asked.

"No."

"Yes."

They simultaneously answered, giving the human boy whiplash. The smug vampire smirked at her daggered gaze.

Was it possible to be relieved at someone's presence while also wanting to punch them in the throat?

"Caroline who is this guy?"

"Let's not waste time with irrelevant questions, hm." Klaus waved off, effortlessly spinning Austin towards him by the shoulder. The two men now facing each other and eyes glued and pupils dilated.

"Now mate, I walked over here with the intention of detaching your head from your spine but, out of respect for the lady I'm simply going to ask you to dump that tainted glass in the sink and walk backwards until you reach 10,000. You'll forget you ever saw me or met the pretty blonde at the bar, and wherever you end up you better pray I never see you again."

He flashed him a threatening grin and patted him on the back.

The college boy shook his hand in obedience with a blank stare on his face, mouth dropped. As expected, he stood from the bar stool, dumped the glass into the drain before turning around to begin walking backwards out the bar.

Klaus smirked to himself watching the boy struggle to not bump into anyone while he counted the numbers out loud—only to face the displeased expression of the blonde witch with folded arms.

His shoulders lifted innocently. "What?"

She scoffed. "Don't give me that. Compulsion, really?"

"Well it was either that or do good on my threat, which I personally preferred but I know you're a bit squeamish."

"How did you know I would be here? Are you stalking me again?"

He laughed. "We're back to the stalking allegations, hm? Nice to see not much has changed."

She had to fight off the smile threatening her glossed lips. Scary how easy it was to slip back into old, pleasant, ways with him.

Klaus tilted his head curiously. "You straightened your hair." He observed.

"I wanted to try something new."

"Hmm, I see." Klaus nodded. "New hair, new boy. You're truly moving on, though I can't exactly say I'm a fan of the latter though."

She scoffed. "I didn't ask for your input. You know you don't actually have the right to be jealous right?"

As if he needed the reminder...

His glistening blue orbs rolled at her sass.

"Yes love, I'm painfully aware but that doesn't mean I suddenly stop giving a damn about you."

His admission struck her in the chest like a punch in the gut. Not that Caroline doubted Klaus stopped caring about her just because they broke up—knowing how much she still felt for him, but it still gave her a good pause.

"Contrary to what you may think, I didn't come over here with the intent of dictating who you decide to move on with." Klaus added.

He kept mentioning her 'moving on' like he wanted a confirmation that he was correct in his assumption, but Caroline never corrected him.

"Right, you just wanted to dictate what I drink instead." She spat.

"The drink that was laced with a nifty little date rape drug by that pathetic excuse for a human." He explained with clenched teeth.

"Don't worry, you're safe." Klaus reassured her by noticing her obvious panic.

Just her luck, huh? To meet someone who seemed decent and 'normal' only to turn out worse than any of the boys at school. She felt stupid and naive, especially with Klaus of all people being the one to act as her knight in shining armor.

Caroline cleared her throat, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "So this is why human boys are overrated."

Klaus smirked. "Just one of the reasons. Now you see why I struggled not to rip his throat out."

"Given the circumstances, I would've let that one go." Caroline said.

The two exchanged small laughs and small smiles though her hand wouldn't stop shaking—her mind filled with 'what ifs'. Staring up at the vampire beside her with concern evident in his stare; Caroline frantically turning inward as a result.

"Don't get too big headed over this, alright. It doesn't change anything." She declared.

Klaus shrugged. "A simple 'thank you' would have sufficed just fine."

Slapping that smug smirk off his face would be even better.

Caroline pressed her lips together, refusing to comply and give him the gratitude he wanted—though it was genuine she got a kick out of making him work for it.

"Well thanks, for saving me from a shitty date..." She said stubbornly.

"A date, hmm?" Klaus teased.

The thick tension thankfully began to dissipate.

He casually leaned against the bar, searching for her eyes that instantly found his. The instant warmth that only he could provide began to course through her again like for the first time.

Her shy grin made his smile grow as he casually leaned against the bar.

"Let me buy you a drink, a real drink." He offered.

"Klaus..." She sighed.

"As friends, of course." He clarified.

"We never did too well on the whole friends thing." Caroline mentioned.

Klaus shrugged. "First time for everything."

Caroline trapped her bottom lip with her teeth anxiously, looking over at Katherine who was now making out with one of her dance partners. Completely oblivious to the mental gymnastics her friend was going through just across the room.

They were broken up, nothing has truly been resolved and Caroline wasn't even close to understanding what she felt. The angel and devil on her shoulders screaming contradictions in her ears, while the handsome blue-eyed demon dominated both with his persistent gaze.

"Sure, I'd like that." She accepted his offer

This didn't change anything, it was just one drink for one bad night.


One drink turned into three. Ten minutes turned into an hour and neither were looking forward to it ending anytime soon. There were no rules against enjoying each other's platonic company, right?

"You know, you still haven't really told me why you're here." She said before finishing off the last of her drink.

Klaus downed the rest of his as well, hollowing his cheeks before swallowing. "Why are you here?"

"I asked you first."

"Show me yours and I'll show you mine." He said teasingly.

Her famous eye roll made them both smile.

There was never a battle he wasn't determined to win.

"Katherine wanted to come out, I couldn't let her face the mortals alone." She claimed.

Klaus hummed. "Something tells me she'd be able to handle herself."

They both turned their heads to the wild brunette still completely oblivious to the world around her. She was safe, and having a great time Caroline didn't want to interrupt with more of her relationship drama.

"She's been beating them off with a stick all night. I'm almost not offended that she completely forgot about me."

Her half joke made a grin bright on his face. "This is nice, right?"

Caroline's eyebrows furrowed.

"Us, being able to talk to each other again like before."

An award silence fell over them for the first time that night. Yes, they were sharing a more than peasant and unexpected evening together but it didn't heal any wounds or decrease any of her gnawing confusion.

"Not exactly like before..." She said, sadly looking down at her empty glass and twirling the black straw instead.

-You fuckin idiot.

Klaus wanted to beat himself for ruining such a good moment but, he couldn't hide how tonight was the best he'd had since their break up. Just being in her presence brought him life but he understood the weird place they were still in with one another.

He gestured for the bartender to grab another for both of them, ignoring Caroline's protest.

Wiping his hand over his mouth, Klaus turned his body to face the blonde who was still fixated on her glass.

"It's my turn,to tell you why I'm here. Though I'm sure you've already guessed..."

The straw twirling ceased.

"For you, I came here for you." He confirmed.

Caroline's stomach was in a whirl, she thought she was going to vomit. She did already know his team song for being here—Klaus didn't believe in coincidences. But hearing the strain in his voice and the explanation she sure was to follow already sparked her anxiety.

So much for a drama free evening.

Pinching her eyes shut to gain control of herself. "Klaus, don't—"

"I ended things with Aurora." He blurted, immediately catching the witch's attention as she opened her eyes and finally looked over at him with pure shock.

"What?" She asked in disbelief.

"I ended things with her, for good this time. To be quite honest it wasn't easy, and it's not a decision I came to lightly but it was a necessary one."

-You think!

"She and I stopped being friends, true friends longer than I would admit but I've been too stuck in my own head to care. To see how much I no longer cared about her or myself." Klaus explained. "This is a conclusion I should've came to a long time ago, it shouldn't have taken losing you for me to realize that."

-Don't cry. Don't cry.

Caroline blinked her burning eyes. "Umm, well good for you. Like you said, it wasn't easy."

His jaw clenched and unclenched "No it wasn't, but I had to choose and it's you Caroline—there was never a doubt that I would always choose you. Despite everything that's happened that's one thing I need you to understand." He hoped.

She did.

-Don't cry. Don't cry.

Not trusting what could come out of her mouth, Caroline simply nodded.

Klaus' face dropped into a deep frown. "But this changes nothing for you, does it?

Her head shook sure to side. "I didn't say that...it changes a lot, actually."

Feeling her control slipping with the pathetic confession she never intended on exposing. Her limits of control were becoming smaller and smaller, rendering the witch helpless against her own emotions.

"I miss you."

The words so soft anyone without supernatural hearing wouldn't have heard anything, but Klaus did, needing someone to pinch him to know it was real.

"I miss you." Caroline repeated, with trembling lips and bloodshot eyes. "But I feel like I shouldn't, or forgive you, think about you..." She sniffled. "Because that's not what you do when someone hurts you, or breaks your heart. You're supposed to make them suffer and not want anything to do with them ever again, right? That's what I'm supposed to do, it's supposed to be cut and dry—easy."

"Easy has never been our specialty." He said with a half grin.

Klaus couldn't help but melt into her soft laugh disguised by her softer cries. Scooting his stool closer to hers and lifting her chin up with just his index finger—needing to see her. Never has he seen a more beautiful creature, who stole his breath when she smiled as much as when she cried—and she wanted him. How could he have taken that for granted?

Caroline's breaths were shallow as his scorching touch lingered, with his palm now cuffing one side of her face. Her tears subsided and complexion returned to its usual smooth olive. She didn't even realize her shift in behavior until becoming conscious of the man caressing her arm. Now even closer than before she was practically in his lap as their thighs touched. Their gazes on one another hot and longing.

-Push him away.

She told herself. Wanting to believe when she said this was a mistake, and wrong, but her eyes drifted down to his full inviting lips shamelessly; not hiding behind alcohol since she was barely tipsy. Just a few inches forward would connect them in the way she's only been able to fantasize. To feel him the way she did in her nightmares but this time never waking up.

The pad of his thumb swept over her bottom lip slowly, her hot breath setting the small skin ablaze. Inching closer until her floral shampoo outweighed all his other senses.

"God, I want to kiss you." Klaus confesses breathlessly.

She wanted that too.

Everything still wasn't ironed out between them but him being here, with her and keeping her sane just felt right. It was a feeling she didn't want to question but just go along with.

She could feel an inevitable 'but' making its way into the conversation and never hated a word more.

He let out a deep breath, closing his eyes and opening them with regret.

"But I can't, I won't." He sighed, completely pulling away from her and placing his hands in his lap.

Already feeling the agonizing cold air brush over with his warmth no longer overtaking her. The scream she wanted to let out was excruciating.

She was only slightly glad he made the decision of pulling back—he was stronger than she was in that front.

Klaus sat back and stared at her intently, brushing his finger over his top lip while studying her conflicted expression. He didn't want to lash out but the frustration was slowly getting the better of him—not sure if it was more towards her, himself or both. Every time he thought they were making progress she made him feel they were two steps behind.

"What do you want, Caroline?"

He asked after what felt like the longest pause.

"What do you want?" He asked again, his voice calmer. "Because I know what I want and I'm selfish enough to take it but, I cannot be selfish with you, not anymore."

Her breath hitched.

It was a fair question: what the hell did she want?

And the honest to god truth was:

"I don't know..."

-Okay, wrong answer.

The hesitation and fear was evident in her tone and eyes—Klaus saw it but decided not to question her any further. This was the most progress they've made all week but he wasn't going to push if she wasn't ready to forgive him, if she ever will be. He's done all he could to prove how serious he is about making this work but the ball is in her court now, as it's always been.

He understandably nodded, pulling a few bills out his pocket and slamming them onto the wooden surface.

His face dangerously close to hers, breaths colliding as he granted her parted lips one last glance before stunning them both with a brief but effective kiss on the cheek.

"Let me know when you figure it out."

Klaus was out his seat and out the door before Caroline could say anything else—there was nothing left to say. Bringing her hand to the burning sensation on her face from his lips.

-You're such a coward Caroline!

Her phone buzzing hysterically in her purse was the perfect distraction from her now throbbing headache...or so she thought.

She groaned, sniffing back her tears while reaching into her bag and instantly went still at the name that appeared on the screen. Her heart battering so hard she just knew it was going to fly out her chest any second. Palms began sweating and chest heaving.

As if this night couldn't be more overwhelming.

The lump slowly fell down her throat as she shakily brought the phone to her ear.

"Dad?"


Whew! What a cliffhanger...

So I was meaning to add this but I forgot, but I have some pretty big news...I have decided I will be converting "Black Roses" into an original story! I've been wanting to write a book for quite some time and I think this story is the perfect first step. How do you all feel about a KC inspired story being published and (hopefully) become the next big romance novel sensation? Honestly it's nerve wracking but also really exciting as you can tell lol. I've thought a lot about this and it just feels right, I hope you all decide to read it when it's published. Your support over the years, and especially with this story, is why I have the confidence to finally take that scary step of legitimizing my work. I love you all for doing that for me.

All the details haven't been ironed out yet but I already have new names for all the characters and an editor etc.

*screeches* Yeah, that's that and I'll keep you updated! Exciting times, I think we can all use that right now, right?

P.S. REVIEWS ARE APPRECIATED!