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The city was quiet through the glass of her window. Strange, how people could carry on their day with no worries or cares when she was at wit's end.

How was she supposed to take this kind of news? How?

The idea of her cousin being released on a psych eval unnerved her. There had to be more to the story. There just had to be. She knew he was a master manipulator. He manipulated his mother and others during his stay with her and her mom. Did he really trick the doctors? He could have. It was something that never ceased to amaze her. Tricks were something he was good at.

He should never have been deemed unfit. He was too smart. She told the lawyers that. Even her mom fought the decision for a competency hearing. It was pointless. He knew what he was doing. He was brilliant, in his own way.

It wasn't a surprise. It really wasn't. A small part of her knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Timothy would play up the doctor's sympathy. Act like the world was a stage. Convince a sorry doctor he was cured, and be granted release. It was her nightmare come to life. So, no, it didn't surprise her. It didn't even make her angry. She couldn't be angry at the doctors for falling for Timothy's lines.

She was hurt. Yes, that was it. She was hurt.

Hurt that someone believed him enough to release him, but according to Klaus, Camille had been in the dark about Timothy's past. That hurt her. How could they hold out pieces so vital about a patient? Aren't they told everything?

So, no, she wasn't angry. She wasn't surprised. She was hurt. Hurt that once again, her words failed to be heard. Once again, no one listened to her and the consequences were going to be dire.

She barely registered the door opening and her name being called. Stuck in the world of questions, she forced her mind to the present and blinked. "Yeah?"

"Are you alright? Klaus called."

Caroline grinned. Of course, he did. "I'm fine."

Bonnie perched on the arm of the sofa and folded her arms over her chest. "You don't look fine."

Caroline snorted and faced her friend. "What am I supposed to do Bonnie? How am I supposed to react?" she asked, throwing her arms out. "Klaus' ex was one of the people who released him. How am I supposed to take it?"

"By not blaming him."

"I'm not," Caroline admitted. "I don't."

"To him, it seemed like it."

Caroline sagged in a chair. Klaus had called her in his office and in-kind, soft, yet restrained words, he told her. Everything. Timothy had been released because of Camille and her superior. She remembered standing and asking for the rest of the day off. In hindsight, walking out was probably not the best course of action, but at the time, she couldn't think.

She vaguely recalled him saying anything to her, as she gathered her things and walked out.

"What should I do?"

Bonnie sighed, sliding to her knees in front of Caroline. "How about a cup of coffee and then you talk to him?"

"How about I text him and talk to him tomorrow?" Caroline suggested, feeling constrained for the moment. "I just want to stay here."

Bonnie nodded with a smile. "Okay. I'll order some takeout while you text him."

"Thanks."

I'm sorry I walked out. Caroline caressed the phone and waited. She didn't mean to hurt him. Her mind was in leaving mode and nothing else needed to be said.

I'm sorry I upset you. His words carried softly to her heart.

You didn't. It was just a lot to take in.

Do you need me?

She smiled. Such caring words. Yes, she needed him, but not today. Today, she just needed to be alone. I'll come to you tomorrow.

I'll be waiting.

She hugged the phone, as she would hug him and let the tears fall down her cheeks. What did she ever do to deserve a friend like Klaus?

~XXX~

"Are you sure about this?"

Klaus nodded, cupping the mug in his hands. "Camille showed me the paper," he answered, casually.

Esther shook her head. "And I thought she learned her lesson."

"This was different, mother," Klaus remarked. "She was tricked by a master."

"But still, anyone who knew what that man did should know he was already sane and should have been locked up, not in a hospital," Esther stated.

Klaus couldn't agree more. His mother knew only what he was able to tell her for Caroline's sake. He imagined his mother drew more conclusions after meeting Caroline. Tonight, he knew the truth was necessary.

"Caroline told me enough of what her cousin did to her, Niklaus," Esther confided after a moment. "I may not know the details because it's not my place, but I know he is dangerous."

"I agree."

"What are you planning to do?"

Klaus' eyes raised and darkened. "Whatever I can."

Esther smiled. "I don't doubt it, dear, but Caroline has become such a vital part of this family. You can't protect her alone."

He knew it, but still, Caroline was his responsibility. She was his friend and his heart. How could he ask anyone else to protect her when it was his duty?

"Has she said anything?"

"She said she would come to me tomorrow."

"You didn't push?"

Klaus shook his head; reading his mother's disbelief. "I spoke to Bonnie. She's with Caroline. I figured Caroline had the support and time she needed for the moment."

"Still, you want to go to her."

Klaus gazed at the mug in his hands, warming the coolness enveloping him. "I respect her space."

"I know, but respect and want are different things, Niklaus. You want to be with her, don't you?"

"Yes," he answered, simply. "But I don't want to rush her. She's been through so much. Trusted me for such a short time."

"And loved you for just as long."

Klaus' head jerked. Loved? No, his mother couldn't know. Could she?

"The other morning, Caroline couldn't stop the blush on her cheeks nor the smile on her face when you say goodbye to her in the foyer."

Klaus recalled the moment and tried to hide a sly smile on his lips. He had been so close. So close to finding what her lips tasted like and what it would have been like to envelop her in his arms, passionately.

"I know love when I see it, Niklaus, and you feel the same."

Klaus swallowed, keeping his eyes downcast. He really shouldn't try to hide anything from his mother. She saw everything.

"Why haven't you told her?"

"I don't want to scare her," he answered, carefully.

"No, you are just being cautious, and I don't blame you, but sometimes, it's worth the risk. Especially now," she began, tenderly grasping his arm. "With so much pain resurfacing within her, she will need your love to carry her through. Don't you think?"

Klaus closed his eyes. "I'll be at the cottage."

She nodded, as he kissed her cheek before leaving. Silently, she hoped her son and Caroline would find their way through this. With a single thought, she smiled.

Yes, she believed they would.

~XXX~

Caroline slipped a few articles of clothing in her bag and zipped it with shaky fingers. Was she doing the right thing?

Inhaling deeply, she nodded. Yes, she was.

"Are you ready?"

Caroline grabbed her bag and whirled to her friend. "Yep."

Bonnie laughed. "He's going to be surprised."

"At what?" Caroline asked, breathing roughly.

"At your determination and your plan."

Caroline's cheeks heated and she glanced away. "Well, after last night, I decided I needed to tell him because no matter what went through my mind last night, the only thing I was sure of, was him."

"You don't have to explain it to me, Care," Bonnie returned, grabbing the bag from her friend. "I've known how you felt about him for months. It doesn't take a genius to see it."

"What if he doesn't feel the same, Bonnie?"

"Caroline," Bonnie dragged, facing her at the door. "I've seen the way he looks at you. I've also seen the way he treats you. After what he did yesterday, gently telling you what Camille did, adding another piece to the puzzle about Timothy, it only confirmed what I've known all along. The man is crazy about you."

"But you don't think I'm rushing it?" Caroline asked, nearly panicking. "I mean, just yesterday, I needed time to think about Timothy and everything, but…"

"All you could do was think about Klaus," Bonnie injected with a smile. "And no, I don't think you're rushing it. Timothy has been a dark shadow over you for years, and now with Klaus in the picture, you are moving on. Taking the simple step and confessing what you feel and going after it, is telling me that you've become stronger than I could ever hope for."

Caroline's vision blurred and she enveloped her friend in a tight hug. "Oh, Bonnie."

Bonnie returned the embrace and stepped back. "Now, let's get you to your prince, shall we?"

Caroline groaned, wiping her eyes. "My beast you mean."

Bonnie shrugged, listening to Caroline laugh. "Well, in the fairy tale, the beast turned into a prince."

Caroline laughed louder, following her friend out the door. "True, but don't let Klaus hear you say it."

"Heaven forbid, I'll never live it down," Bonnie groaned with a teasing tone.

~XXX~

Klaus dropped the brush in the cup of water and wiped his hands on the rag. The doorbell startled him as did the soft knock that followed.

Approaching the door, he glanced through the peephole and smiled, involuntarily. "Caroline, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he welcomed, opening the door wider.

Caroline rubbed one of her hands on the side of her black jeans and motioned inside. Dropping the bag beside the door, she entered the living room she loved dearly. The painting over the mantle kept the memory of the cabin so fresh and forefront to all who gazed at it, especially for her.

"Caroline?"

She cleared her throat. "You said to come to you today," she answered, nervously.

He nodded. "So, I did."

"If you're busy, I could call Bonnie to turn around and pick me up," she offered, seeing his painting rag in his hands.

He waved off her suggestion. "Nonsense, I'm glad to see you." His smile faded and he approached her with worry and concern. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine, now. Bonnie and I had a long talk last night and I realized a few things."

"Such as?"

She cleared her throat, trying to dislodge the lump threatening to choke her. Her nerves were fraying and weakening. How was she going to do this?

"I realized I needed to move on, in a way," she began, turning from him. "When you told me that Camille was one of the ones responsible for Timothy being released, I wasn't sure how I felt." She exhaled, tilting her head back. "When I walked out of the office, I kept replaying the words over and over, but one thing I realized after a while was, I wasn't as surprised or angry, as I should have been."

Klaus swallowed, clenching his jaw. Where was she going with this?

"I suppose I was more confused than anything. I kept wondering what else was there for the story. There had to be something else, but for all my thinking, one thing I kept coming back to was you," she added, whirling in his direction. "I kept thinking of how you didn't hold back the information. You told me and respected me enough to believe I could handle it."

He nodded, though he remained still, frozen.

"And you were right," she continued with a smile. "I don't know how I was supposed to react or what I'm supposed to say in regards to Camille releasing my cousin, but all I know is that I can't do this alone. I don't want to do this alone," she cried, shaking her head with tears burning her eyes. "I've been alone for most of my life, and I don't mean because of Bonnie or my mom, but no one really understood my…my pain until you."

Klaus blinked, allowing a single tear trail down his cheek. The pain of her words stabbed him, yet comforted him. He felt the same. He understood her pain and she understood his.

She clenched her hands together, turning them white with nerves. "I'm not angry, but I am hurt because my words weren't enough to keep him at bay," she whispered, lowering her eyes. "But besides the hurt, the pain I feel is knowing that the longer I keep my feelings in the dark, the pain is never going to heal."

He licked his lips before speaking her name.

She smiled, taking in the sound of her name on his lips. The sound ricocheting through her soul. "I need," she paused, closing her eyes.

I can do this. She reminded herself. I can do this. Stepping towards him with one solid step after another, she let her heart guide her to him. She could do this. She could. His actions were louder than words, and for Caroline, they were enough. They were what she needed.

Opening her eyes, she found his cerulean gaze piercing her, pinning her in a way she was beginning to relish. "I need to know that I'm not alone."

He breathed out, wanting to reach for her. "I won't make a move unless you want me to, Caroline," he confessed.

"Why?" she asked, her eyes brightening, understanding him.

He smiled. "Because it has to be you." Klaus' heart raced inside his chest. Holding in his position with each move she made.

Caroline swallowed and placed her hands on either side of his face. "I should not be doing this."

"Why?" he inquired, but the teasing light in her eyes told him.

She lowered her eyes to his lips and licked her own. "I don't know."

He circled his hands around her waist and pulled her closer, still allowing her lead.

"I'm not alone, am I?"

He shook his head, slowly. "Never."

She smiled, leaning forward, moving her hands behind his head, pulling him closer to her. Her lips brushed over his, testing them, tempting them. She shivered at the contact and wanted more. Opening her mouth, she crushed her lips onto his, clinging to him like a lifejacket.

Klaus moaned or was it a growl? He couldn't be sure, all that he was certain of was the feel of her soft lips under his. She was delicious. Her soft body contoured to his with perfection. Her lips completed the puzzle of his lips.

His hands pressed into her back, pushing her closer, but still careful not to scare her.

Caroline trembled in his arms, but it wasn't fear. It was something else. Something new and beginning to blossom. Her lips moved from his, trailing over the scruff cheek as his own followed the trail to the bottom of her ear.

She laughed, holding him close. It was better than she thought it was going to be. Holding nothing back, she leaned back and caught his gaze. "Klaus," she breathed, stroking his hair.

Passion surged through him, but the loving gaze tempered the fire inside. He lifted his brow, waiting for her to continue.

She bit her bottom lip and smiled, tenderly. "I..."

He smirked, licking his lips. "I know, love, me too," he confessed, sensing her struggle to say the actual words.

She laughed and despite the pain of yesterday, today was filled with hope and love. Holding onto him, she melted into his embrace, free now of the pain from keeping her feelings locked inside. Now, they were free and returned. Her heart leaped in her chest.

Accepting his passionate kiss once more, she pushed the darkness aside once more. Tomorrow, they would face the consequences of Timothy's release. Today, Caroline and Klaus would only bask in the confession of their new love and hope it would survive.

~XXX~

"Here."

She smiled, accepting the glass of water from his hand. "You never asked about my bag."

Klaus chuckled, settling on the sofa beside her. "I figured you came to spend the night."

She blushed, sipping from the cool glass. "I did, but not in the way you are thinking."

"I wasn't thinking anything, love."

She laughed. "Right."

He shrugged. "I wasn't. I was thinking you wanted to feel safe, nothing more."

"I do feel safe," she admitted, laying her head on his shoulder. "I wasn't sure if you would accept my feelings. I mean, it may seem a bit. I don't know. Rushed?"

His hand rested on hers, taking the glass from her hand, setting it aside. He turned, threading his fingers through hers while the other hand cupped her face. "Caroline, our relationship has been anything but rushed."

She giggled, nodding. "We've only gotten to know each other for four months now, it seems a bit rushed."

He hummed, stroking her cheek, tenderly. "I know how I feel, Caroline, but I'm willing to go at your pace."

She licked her lips. "You are?"

He nodded. "You are the first woman I have cared about this deeply in a long time. I don't want to screw it up by pushing you into something you don't want or are not ready for. I don't want to scare you."

"Klaus, you could never scare me."

"I don't want to take that chance. I don't want to lose you."

She read between the lines of his confession and smiled, tenderly. Leaning forward, her lips brushed his. Their mouths opened together, moving in sync until they pulled away only resting their foreheads on each other.

"Are you truly okay?" he asked, after moments passed in tender air.

She sighed. "As I can be," she answered, snuggling closer to his side. "Since Timothy's admittance to the hospital, I had this nightmare. He would somehow escape or be released and come after me," she confessed, feeling safe in his presence. "That's why I wasn't surprised when you told me about Camille's part."

"You thought it was your nightmare come to life."

"Yes."

He understood the power of nightmares. He sensed them every time he closed his eyes, especially after Mikael's departure. He kept seeing Mikael return and punish him for carrying on. Punish him and his mother once again.

"It must have seemed like I blamed you when I walked out yesterday," she admitted, resting her left hand on his arm.

"I knew you needed time to think."

"I did, but you have to know I didn't blame you."

He smiled, kissing the top of her head, loving the moments with her. Moments he was free to share now. "I know."

"Bonnie knew."

"Knew what?"

"She knew all that I could focus on yesterday was you," she confessed with a laugh. "She said that it showed how much the darkness around me about Timothy had weakened because of you."

"Oh, love, I can't take the credit," he countered, shifting until they were face to face. "You conquered the darkness by admitting me into your life you took the first step. When you confessed everything, you took another. Being with me, here. Now," he paused, licking his lips. "It shows me how strong you really are and how much you have overcome. So, don't give me the credit. Give it to yourself."

She smiled, eyes burning with unshed tears. "You gave me the push, Klaus. If you hadn't taken the step to prove that you were something different, I wouldn't have made it this far."

He sighed, holding her hands in his with a strength she adored. "Caroline."

"I mean it, Klaus. If you hadn't suggested starting over or even after you said what you said, I wouldn't have had the strength to change some things in my life. So, yes, I'm giving you credit for helping me find my light again."

He searched her eyes, seeing the truth in her statement flashing through her gaze. What was he going to do? He had never done anything like this before. Never had anyone believe that he was something more. This woman in front of him made him out to be a prince of sorts, but he was still a beast.

A beast, tampered by love.

"If I hadn't said what I said, we would not be here," he began, listening to his heart. "And I wouldn't have changed into the man I am now, nor have a good relationship with my siblings, nor have found the most important person in my life."

She shook her head. "You are such a charmer," she whispered, happily.

"I was never a charmer, Caroline, not until you."

She smiled, brightly, leaning forward. Her lips brushed over his, lightly, before she settled into his arms, content. "I'm so glad we are not alone anymore."

He hummed, securing her in his embrace. "Me too, love, me too."

Please be kind!

I know! I know! I've been away for two months! Gah! I hate that, but I have good reasons. Which I will not go into. LOL! No need to bore you! hahaha

I have posted, if you look on my profile, a poll asking which Klaroline story would you like me to focus on when this story is completed. I'm shooting for mid-October for this to be done. So, check out the poll and give a vote, so far "Knight of War" and, I believe, "Family Undercover" are in the lead, so give a vote!

Here is a preview of the next chapter!

She lifted her face like a water lily reaching for the sun and smiled as his lips brushed over hers. "Good morning," she whispered when they separated.

"Is it morning?" he asked, moving to the coffee pot. "I wasn't sure."

She laughed. "It is and breakfast is almost ready."

He hummed. "You didn't have to cook, love."

She shrugged. "I wanted to, besides it's kind of a thank you for not turning me out last night."

"I could never turn you out."

"Well, you never know," she teased, bringing a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon to the table.

He shook his head, approaching her from behind and gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to his chest. "I would never."

She placed her hands over his and smiled. "Okay, you would never."

"Thank you," he replied, kissing the back of her head. "By the way, you look beautiful this morning."

She scoffed, glancing down at her t-shirt and capris with fuzzy slippers. "I look horrible."

"Not in my eyes," he whispered.

She shivered at his husky tone. "Flatterer."

Hope you enjoyed it! I'm working on the next chapter entitled: Slowly

Until Next Time...