Another Klamille story. Except this time it's an AU starting from the end of 3x18. Instead of Lucien showing up at her door, it was Klaus ;)
Cami had just came back to her apartment from fighting Aurora and saving Klaus with Hayley. Hayley was the one who made sure he got back to the compound. Cami didn't want to be near Klaus any longer than she already was. It may have had everything to do with the fact that Cami could barely look him in the eye, since that night he killed Cortez.
"Your feelings may not have changed, but mine have. I've been lying to myself, trying to hold on. But the part of me that loved you, the part of me that hoped for your redemption.. that part was human. And it's gone. I'm sorry."
Cami only said those things to stay strong, to prove that she won't settle for less than she deserved. And now that Aurora has been put down, all the things she said to him only makes her feel more guilt for lying. She wonders what would have happened if Klaus had just killed Aurora when he had the chance. Would they finally be together? Would they have to put off any further feelings because of the mess his family is always in? She can't allow herself to think of "what could've been", all she can do now is push ahead and not look back.
Ever since she got back to the apartment, all she could think about was her fight with Aurora. She could've died. Again. But she knew she had to brave, just like Hayley had told her. Especially considering what she was fighting for in that moment.
The blood tears that came from her eyes haunt her, and it hasn't even been that long since it happened. She won't let herself think about this anymore. She'll just grab a good book, and get to reading.
On the way to grabbing a book, she went to open her balcony door in her living room. Since the deed was in her neighbor's name, she didn't have to worry about anyone trespassing. She felt the nice, night breeze, and went to grab a book to read. She will have a peaceful night, she promised herself.
Except that thought was short-lived, seeing as a knock just resounded from her door. Cami was anxious, so she went to grab her bag of dark objects. If there was a vampire at the door, there was no use of her being quiet. They'll just hear her heartbeat. So, she just hoped there was no shakiness in her voice when she said "Who's there?".
"It's Klaus, Camille. Open the door. Please." She heard his voice say. Cami took a deep breath, restraining herself from letting out a sigh of relief. It's no threat to her.
She put her bag down, and walked slowly to the door. Trying to think of what to say when she opened her door.
She unlocked her door. "Well, you actually used the front door this time, and you knocked. Is this really Klaus?" She said, willing herself not to smile. Instinctively hiding behind humor, like she so often tends to do.
He was looking at her door frame, and then looked back at her.
"Oh, right. You can't get in. I could go grab my neighbor and have her invite you in, but you'll have to promise that if you ever come here, you'll use the front door and knock. Like you just did." Cami said sternly.
He opened his mouth to speak. "You have my word." He said almost whispering.
She pushed past him, and went to grab her neighbor Stephanie, whom she compelled. Cami brought her out of her apartment, and compelled her to invite Klaus in.
Cami thanked Stephanie, bid her good night, and let her go back to her apartment. Cami walked into her apartment first, and Klaus followed in. She closed the door behind him.
"Is there a reason you're showing up at my home in the middle of the night?" She said looking at him.
He stared at her, but said nothing. Cami felt as if the room was burning from the uncomfortable silence. She decided to speak again to clear the awkward air.
He finally came out of his silent trance, and blinked away from her eyes.
"Yes, actually. I came to thank you for today. For aiding me in my time of need." He replied.
"No need to thank me, it was really Hayley who did all the work. I just got my butt kicked." She said with humor teasing her tone.
"That's not entirely the truth." He said with that crooked smile of his. "You faced Aurora with such bravery. Though, I didn't expect any less coming from you."
Cami found herself staring at him, before clearing her throat and looking away. She walked passed him and sat on her chair. "Yes, well, I wouldn't let her see any hint of fear on my face. Advice courtesy of Hayley." Cami was proud that she stood her ground against Aurora.
Klaus turned towards her, with his hands crossed behind his back. He sighed, and then looked directly into her eyes. "Camille, I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation you put yourself in. As much as I am grateful for you coming to my rescue, why did you put yourself in danger? I was told that you were the one who held the knowledge that I was captured by Lucien. Why didn't you just ignore it? I was almost certain that after the night I left town, you did not want to be involved with me in any way."
He was looking at her with too much intensity for Cami's liking. With the tone he was using, it was almost as if he was accusing her for something.
She looked away from his eyes and let out a little scoff, crossing her arms in the process. "I'm sorry, did you want me to forget what I saw? Would you have rathered me not say anything, and just let your family worry over your whereabouts? Would you have rathered me not to care at all?!"
Cami didn't realize she was yelling until Klaus's eyes widened just a tad. Cami almost regretted what she said. Almost.
"It's not that I didn't want you to be worried! It's just that you could've easily told my family of what you witnessed and gone home, going about your day. Why would you put yourself in harm's way?" He yelled back, throwing his arms into air, frustrated.
Why was he frustrated? Cami got up from her seat, and looked him directly in the eyes. "Of course nothing is ever simple with you. You could have just said 'thank you' and left! Why did you have to make this whole thing so complicated?!
Klaus walked closer to her, unconsciously. So close that he could feel her breathing.
"Nothing about this is complicated, you just refuse to listen! I don't understand you, Camille. One minute you're telling me that the way you feel about me has altered completely, and the next you're risking your life for me. If anything, you're the one befuddling the state of affairs!"
"Just because I said I didn't love you, doesn't mean I don't care about you, Klaus!" Cami attempted to refrain from screaming in order to prevent disrupting her neighbors, but he was pushing her over the edge. She knew that's why he really came here. To talk to her about that night.
"Well, isn't this just amusing? I'm afraid I have to interrupt your little lovers' quarrel."
Cami and Klaus both turned their heads in alarm towards the front door of Cami's apartment. Cami nearly cursed out loud. She forgot to lock the door when she closed it.