A/N: OH. MY. GOD! You guys are simply amazing! I was literally blown away by the amount of reviews I received for the last chapter. Never have I ever got a response like that to anything I did. I love your positive vibes so, so much! You have absolutely no idea how happy you made me or how big of a smile you put on my face! Thank you!
However, I believe that there are some things that might need clearing up:
First of all, no one has ever killed an original until this point, which means that all of them are oblivious to the consequences! They will, of course, find out in time.
Second, Elijah didn't stay in contact with his family to focus on the task at hand and to make sure no one would find out about Caroline. With all the supernaturals in New Orleans, you can never be too sure that your conversation remains private.
Third, Klaus has been through a tough time in the last couple of months. A time he used to think about things that matter and reminisce his past behaviour. He is trying hard to be better. Not only for Caroline's sake, but for the sake of his siblings, too. I am open to critique about his behaviour if you feel it is too OOC. Please feel free to let me know, because I might realise you are right.
So, there are several reasons for this chapter's delay. Two being that I caught the flu a few weeks ago. To top that I had a tenosynovitis (I googled the word and hope it means the right thing) in my thumb. Plus, I'm still working two jobs while struggling with uni. Please bear with me through the long waits!
On the bright side: The chapters are longer than the ones of Lone Came The Devil. Hope you enjoy that!
Enough talking. Enjoy! :)
Chances
Chapter Two: You Have No Idea
I feel a little nauseous and my hands are shaking
I guess that means you're close by
My throat is getting dry and my heart is racing
I haven't been by your side
In a minute, but I think about it sometimes
Even though I know it's not so distant
Oh, no, I still wanna reminisce it
What a Time - Julia Michaels ft. Niall Horan
"Can't you just stay here?" His little brother's eyes were almost pleading. Klaus swallowed hard. He had expected that making amends with Henrik would be hard, but the little boy was too forgiving for his own good, he thought. Klaus had barely finished his explanation as Henrik told him that he wasn't mad. 'Just happy to know you're fine.', he had said. Klaus knew he didn't deserve his little brother's forgiveness, not after what he had done, how he had left him.
"You know I can't, Henrik. Not without putting all of you in more danger than you already are." Klaus answered sadly.
"Let them come, I have gotten so good with magic! I will protect you." Henrik said confidently.
"You will do no such thing. I want you to stay here, where you are safe while I go handle the situation." Klaus replied pointedly.
"Actually" Kol cut in "not a bad idea." Klaus glared at Kol. "No, really. Think about it! They have no clue whatsoever about Henrik. And he does have a point. He is powerful for his age."
"We are not putting our little brother on the front line, Kol! A few months of training does not make him a fully trained warlock. Moreover, they have witches on their side, too. Powerful witches with experience. I am perfectly capable of fighting my own battles." Klaus insisted.
"I am with Nik on this one. Henrik is far too young to be fighting along our side. And yes, I said our side, Nik. If you think we will sit here and watch you go into this alone, you're daft. You're an idiot and I'm still mad at you, but you're still my brother." Rebekah said.
"I have other plans for you." Klaus answered ominously. "I'll be back in a second."
Rebekah raised her brow as Klaus flashed out of the room.
"I want to help, Bekah!" Henrik insisted.
"Henrik, we just got you back. There is no way I will let you put yourself at risk. Just trust us to handle the situation." Rebekah replied softly.
Henrik pouted but remained silent. Kol nudged his side and winked. "Stop it, Kol!" Rebekah snarled, not oblivious to what Kol had meant to insinuate with that little gesture.
"Kindly pull that stick out of your behind, Bekah. You start to sound like Elijah." Kol replied with a groan.
"And here I thought you had finally matured." Klaus said, entering the room again.
Rebekah and Kol saw the objects Klaus had retrieved and stiffened immediately.
"I'm warning you, Niklaus. Do not even think about it!" Kol got up to his feet, positioning himself in front of Rebekah protectively.
"I'm glad to see that the matured version of yourself popped up again, Kol. That makes everything so much easier."
Klaus smirked as he tightened his grip on the daggers.
"I don't care, Bonnie!" Caroline huffed.
"Why don't I believe you?" Bonnie asked, eyebrow raised.
"You should be asking that yourself." Caroline snapped.
"Oh, come on. Can't you just leave this one to Rebekah?" Bonnie teased.
"I already did, didn't I? Of course, that was before she decided to ditch the committee at the first meeting!" Caroline ranted.
"See, you care. I know that you were waiting to plan prom since first grade, but Rebekah is right. You should focus on your pregnancy." Bonnie said.
"Yeah, I know" Caroline sighed, defeated. "But why didn't she join them today? I mean, she said she'd run the committee, so I'd have to deal with less stress. Her not showing to the meetings is stressing me so much more!"
"One meeting. And I think it's not so much about Rebekah missing a meeting but more about you being the control freak you are." Bonnie pointed out.
"Whatever." Caroline shrugged.
"You could always go and check on them. I mean, they didn't exactly tell us why they were missing today. Even if Henrik got sick, I don't see how that would force both of them to stay at home." Bonnie suggested.
"Oh my god, you're right! We should definitely make sure they're all right!" Caroline agreed a little worried. She hadn't thought about it like that. But Bonnie had a point. What could've happened that made both originals stay at home?
"Keep me posted, then. I have another period to attend. I don't see why I should miss out on my education just because they decided to ditch school today." Bonnie said.
"Wait, there is a chance of someone hurting the originals and you will let me go all by myself?" Caroline gasped.
"Oh, come on, Care. It's not like any threat could have come to Mystic Falls. Remember the barrier?" Bonnie sighed.
"Oh, right. So maybe Rebekah and Kol just got into a fight. Which means I should probably go there now and calm them down." Caroline thought out loud.
"Right. Remember to keep me posted!" Bonnie said over her shoulder.
Shortly after, Caroline entered the mansion in search for the originals. Voices were coming from the living room, but they seemed rather calm, nothing like what they sounded like when they fought. Caroline quickly moved through the house to check out what they were doing, ready to give Rebekah a piece of her mind about missing the committee meeting today.
The scene Caroline walked into, however, was nothing she had expected. Henrik was sitting on the sofa, observing the three people in front of him. Rebekah and Kol stood next to each other. What had Caroline shocked however was the man who currently had his back to her. He might not be facing her, but Caroline didn't need him to. She had spent quite some time in the past admiring this exact back. His short blonde curls were just another thing that gave him away. Her mouth went dry and her heart felt like it may jump straight out of her chest. That's when she realised that he was holding something silver in his hand. The sight of the weapons made Caroline pale and her brain stopped working for a few seconds. Her body however was highly alert and before she even realised it, Caroline had closed the distance between them and was now standing inches away from him, fist raised.
Klaus turned just in time for her to hit his face with as much force as she could muster. His head turned by the force of her hit, his body not moving an inch.
"Caroline!" The other Mikalesons shouted, shock showing on their faces.
Klaus turned his head slowly, but instead of the anger she expected, his eyes shimmered with enough guilt to make Caroline halt. She had definitely got him good, his nose bleeding but already healing.
His eyes wandered over her body, stopping at her swollen stomach. Lips slightly parted, a look of awe on his face. The look in his eyes made Caroline shiver, anxiety taking over her. Not only had she just hit Klaus, but also revealed her secret without even saying a word. Her body all the explanation one would need to understand.
"Please excuse me for a second, love. I have to wrap things up with my siblings." He finally said. His voice making Caroline's heart beat faster, though she wasn't sure whether it was from panic or something else.
Klaus was about to turn around again but Caroline stopped him with another hit to his shoulder.
"No! I will not let you hurt them!" Caroline insisted, unsure of where her bravery came from. Or was it stupidity? She didn't know. Attacking Klaus might be both; stupid and brave in equal measure.
Before she could blink, Klaus had her wrist in his hands. He held her tight without using to much of his strength, making sure she wouldn't lash out again and Caroline feared that she had crossed the line once and for all. His grip might not hurt, but that could change in the blink of an eye, Caroline knew. There was no way Klaus would let this go unpunished. But once again, he surprised her.
"I'd appreciate it if you would cut down on the violence for now. I assure you, I do not intend to hurt them." The lack of anger in his demeanour confused Caroline. How could he still be so calm?
"It's okay, Care." Rebekah reassured her.
Once again Klaus turned around, after letting go of her wrists, this time without being stopped by Caroline.
"As I was saying, I entrust you with these. Make sure to keep them safe." Klaus addressed his siblings.
Kol reached out, grabbing the daggers from Klaus' hands, still overwhelmed by the fact that Klaus was finally giving them up.
"You better not expect them back someday." Kol said.
"There will be no need for them if you prove yourselves capable with living without the attitude you have shown me over the centuries." Klaus answered.
"Thank you, Nik." Rebekah smiled, happy that she was finally free of the fear of being daggered and thrown into a coffin for decades.
"We will continue this conversation later. I may have already handed these over, but there is still one thing I want you to do for me in exchange for those. But don't fret, my favour will include your safety above all else." Klaus added almost kindly.
Kol and Rebekah nodded, while Klaus turned around.
"Now, love, I believe we're in dire need of a chat."
Caroline was confused to say the least. Not only did she hit Klaus while he remained perfectly calm, but he had just handed his siblings the one thing he had always used to control them. The man in front of her looked and sounded exactly like Klaus but his actions were the exact opposite.
"Actually, I came here to check up on my friends. Now that I know they are not ripping each others heads off, I'll be on my way." Caroline finally found her voice and turned around, eager to get the hell away from him. She was nearly at the front door when he flashed in front of her, making her stop in her tracks.
"Aren't you the least bit curious as to why I'm here, love?" Klaus asked.
"Nope. And by the way, don't call me love." She snapped.
"Hear me out. Please." Klaus pleaded.
"Why would I want to hear you out after everything you have done? After what you have said during our conversation on the phone?" Caroline felt anger overcoming her. His words were still hunting her until this day.
"I had my reasons for what I said. Im so-" He was cut off.
"No. You don't even get to apologise. You don't mean it anyway, so why bother? Just save it for someone who actually cares about a single thing you say!" She almost yelled.
"Nik, leave her. This conversation is obviously straining for her." Rebekah put her hand on Klaus' shoulder.
"Come on, darling, I'll take you home." Rebekah looked at Caroline.
"Thanks, but I think I need to be alone for a while." Caroline then left.
"I think she might be mad." Kol chipped in from behind him.
"Don't make me regret giving you the daggers, Kol." Klaus snarled.
"Give her time, Nik. This is a lot for her to take in." Rebekah tried to calm him down.
"How am I supposed to explain myself when she won't hear me out?" Klaus complained.
"It's her decision. Just like it was your decision to leave us the way you did." Rebekah said.
"Yeah, you kinda brought this on you yourself." Kol agreed.
Klaus groaned, annoyed that his siblings were right. Annoyed that Caroline wouldn't even talk to him.
"Why don't we give her some time to calm down while you tell us more about this favour you want in exchange for our freedom." Kol suggested.
Caroline was a panting mess when she closed the door to her room. This was real, she thought. He had actually come back. Obviously, his siblings had forgiven him if the fact that they were not a bloodied mess when she arrived was anything to go by. He had even given them the daggers. If Caroline wasn't so unbelievably mad at him, she might be inclined to acknowledge these positive changes in him. But she was mad and not a fool. Klaus always had an agenda. There was no way he had given the weapons up just like that. 'There is still one thing I want you to do for me in exchange for those'. That's what he had said. But it was not Klaus-like to give up something before he had received whatever it was he was supposed to get in return first. This could mean that he was telling the truth about his wish for their safety.
And just like that, Caroline was spiralling in lot of what-ifs and possible explanations for his past behaviour. Something she had sworn she wouldn't do again. There was no need to justify his actions when they were nothing but calculated and evil. Even if there was a reason behind his disappearance, the things he had done before leaving were all him. His choice. Therefore, he had to deal with the consequences. One of them being her refusal to hear him out.
Caroline groaned. So much for finally starting to get over him. She had thought she was making progress and of course, he had to show up out of the blue. She had always shrugged it off when her friends asked her how she was coping with his absence like it was no big deal. Little did they know that she kept the drawing and a printed version of their picture in her drawer. Even less did they know that for months, she would always look at these two items before going to bed, wishing he had never left her. She knew that most people would call her behaviour pathetic, but that was her way of dealing with another harsh rejection. Plus, she had never thought that he would actually come back. Not after everything he had said to her and his siblings.
Deciding that drowning in self-pity was not worth it, she decided to take a nap. That would allow her body to at least calm down from the overflow of emotions. Rebekah was right, the confrontation had strained her. The numerous emotions she was feeling after that were draining her. There was nothing better than a nap to recharge before coming up with a plan. And maybe her mom would be home once she awoke. Honestly, her mother was the only one she wanted to talk to right now. The only one that could make her see sense through all this emotional mess.
Blinding lights greeted her once she awoke, making her shut her eyes again, not ready to face another day. Sleepily, she turned around in the soft sheets.
"Good morning, love." An accented voice greeted her.
"Not yet." Caroline replied, nonplussed by the fact that she wasn't alone in her bed.
"I can change that." He replied, getting closer and embracing her.
"Just five more minutes, please." Caroline pleaded.
She didn't get to hear the reply as a cry echoed through the room.
"Urgh!" Caroline voiced her objection to the noise.
"It's fine, my love, I'll get up." A soft kiss was placed on her head before the man disappeared from the bed.
Caroline snuggled deeper into the blankets, relieved that she hadn't had to get up. The cries soon died down and Caroline smiled.
Her relief was short-lived however as the man returned.
"Will you look at that? Mommy is still sleeping." The man said, confusing Caroline. Her brain was suddenly grasping the fact that she was alone when she fell asleep.
A soft giggle alerted Caroline farther. She sat up, looking in the direction the sounds came from. Her eyes widened, her mouth hanging open. Klaus stood next to the bed holding a toddler in his arms. To add pleasure to pain, Klaus was currently wearing only what looked like his pyjama bottoms, his torso completely exposed.
"Looks like we woke her up." Klaus said, looking at the child who, in return, smiled brightly at him.
Klaus sat down on the bed next to her and leaned in to give her a quick kiss. Caroline was too confused to even react to the fact that she had sworn not to fall for him again. The softness of his lips on the other hand were realised by her brain.
"What are you doing?" She finally asked.
"Well, I got our little trouble-maker ready for the day. I thought I'd dress too before cooking breakfast. I didn't mean to disturb you, my love." Klaus replied apologetic.
"Okay, since when am I your love?" Caroline said between clenched teeth.
Klaus chuckled. "I know you're not a morning person, but acting like we never married because I accidentally woke you from your dreams is a bit harsh, don't you think?"
It took a few seconds for Caroline to process what he had said. "What?" She shrieked.
Klaus' eyes grew wide in surprise. "Ok, I can take a hint. Looks like daddy will be cooking breakfast without changing." He addressed the baby again and walked out of the room.
This must be a joke, Caroline thought. There was no way this was real. Maybe Klaus was pulling some weird mind trick with her to make her more lenient to listen to him. Or this was a simple dream. Not like Caroline didn't have dreams like this one before. Actually, more like on a regular basis.
Ok, Caroline thought, focus. You have to wake up! But nothing happened.
"All right!" Caroline groaned and got out of bed.
Not even bothering to change, she went after Klaus. The house was unfamiliar but nice anyway, Caroline decided.
Once she found the kitchen, her heart skipped a beat as she saw Klaus interact with what she supposed was their child. He seemed happy and unguarded. A very rare look on the paranoid hybrid. It suited him, she had to admit.
"I see you decided to skip changing out of your sleeping attire as well." Klaus pointed out.
"I saw no point in changing." Caroline shrugged. She'd wake up soon anyway so why bother.
Klaus smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Coffee is ready."
Caroline nodded and strolled over to grab herself a cup. However, Klaus was blocking her way. Caroline raised a brow in question and he smiled. Genuinely and dimples in foll glory. Then, he grabbed her waist to pull her closer.
He looked down at her before engaging her in a passionate kiss. Caroline swore she could get lost in the feel of his lips on her.
Her eyes snapped open and she quickly checked her bed. She was back in her room and alone. Releasing a heavy sigh, Caroline chose to ignore the tugging feeling in her chest. The dream had been intense but so wonderful. It was everything she had hoped for before Klaus had left. But most importantly, it wasn't real. Klaus was an asshole. That was a fact that wouldn't be changing. Like, ever.
Then, she picked up sounds from the kitchen. Figuring that her mom must have got home while she was sleeping, Caroline got out of bed. She was nervous to find out what her mother would say about the day she had had. His return. Of course, Caroline wouldn't tell her about the dream. She never told anyone about the dreams.
Once out of her room, Caroline could make out various smells. Sometimes, her mother cooked (horribly!), but mostly it had been take-out or food Caroline had cooked. It didn't smell like take-out and Caroline was slightly impressed that this time her mother succeeded in making the food smell good at least.
"What are you cooking? It smells delicious!" Caroline said as she entered.
"Simple home-made mushed potatoes on the side with chicken stuffed with mozzarella cheese. I hope it's to your taste, sweetheart." For the second time that day, Caroline ran into Klaus expectantly.
"Why are you in my house?" Caroline asked carefully.
"I came because I wanted to talk to you. I didn't want to wake you, so I decided to make you and your mother dinner instead." Klaus explained.
"Seriously?" Exasperation was clearly in her voice. He had broken into the Sheriff's house, watched her daughter sleep and cooked them dinner. If it wasn't for the fact that she was really annoyed at this point, Caroline would laugh.
"Well, I had no chance to take care of you and our baby until now. I figured it was about time." Klaus defended his actions.
"Did I miss something? Because I certainly didn't ask for you to 'take care' of me!" Caroline complained.
"That's true. You didn't ask. You also failed to inform me in any kind of your pregnancy and my impending fatherhood to give me a chance to decide whether I want to be involved." Klaus pointed out.
"You made that decision yourself when you left!" Caroline replied.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, actually. I may have made the decision to leave, but it was for your safety." Klaus took the food from the stove and picked up a plate. Caroline felt like she had entered a parallel universe. Klaus moved around her kitchen like it was the most natural thing ever, preparing a meal for her. Maybe she was still asleep after all?
"Here." Klaus put the plate down on the table, indicating for her to have a seat.
"You have impeccable timing, love." He smiled.
"I told you to stop calling me that." Caroline snapped. "And don't get the wrong impression. I'm really hungry. So me eating the food you cooked does not mean I actually care about anything you have to say. And it certainly doesn't mean that I want you to take care of me. Understood?"
Klaus bowed his head slightly in understanding.
Caroline glared at him one more time before taking a seat and tugging in. She had to admit that it was as good as it smelled. Not that she'd give him the satisfaction of pointing that out.
"Do you like it?" Klaus asked hopefully.
"It's okay, I guess." Caroline shrugged.
Klaus looked disappointed but Caroline ignored the look on his face. He didn't deserve her praise. Hell, he didn't even deserve her attention to be honest.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to explain." Klaus started the conversation again.
"Actually, I do." Fake smile plastered on her face.
"You should at least listen to me. I have to leave in the morning." Klaus said.
"Wow. You blame me for not involving you and now that you know, you only stay for a day? You do realise that this kinda proves my point, right?" Caroline pointed out, not bothering to hide her anger.
"If you'd let me explain, you'd know that it's not from lack of desire to be with you and our child." Klaus answered.
"Let me guess: it's for our safety." Caroline rolled her eyes. Nope, that wouldn't change her mind. He was Klaus Mikaelson, for heaven's sake! The invincible hybrid. No threat could be big enough to make him run from what he truly wants.
"This is serious, Caroline." Klaus insisted.
"Whatever. Why don't you do all of us a favour and go back to your stupid kingdom?" Caroline challenged.
"Enough!" Klaus growled, his patience wavering. "Why won't you let me talk to you?"
"Because you have no idea what I had to endure when you were gone! My best friend hates me because I'm carrying the child of the man that put her and so many others through so much pain. The entire town looks at me like I'm the dirt under their shoes. I'm having a magical baby while you play King in that stupid Kingdom of yours, not bothering who you hurt in the process. Because even through all the pain I felt because of you, I have caught myself wishing that, somehow, I would be able to forgive you for everything you have done. Because you have no idea how hard it is to get over the father of your unborn child." Caroline got so lost in her rant that she didn't realise what she had said until it was too late. Her eyes were wide in shock.
Klaus' eyes mirrored various emotions, making him look so vulnerable.
"But you can't. You can't forgive me." It wasn't a question. His voice sounded broken, somehow.
Caroline's eyes filled with tears. Slightly, she shook her head, not trusting her voice any more.
Klaus looked up and swallowed hard. If Caroline didn't know better, she'd think that he was fighting off tears.
"I asked Rebekah and Kol for a favour. The barrier will be lifted for a few moments in two days. That gives you enough time to pack your things. My siblings will take you somewhere safe. No one will be able to find you. Not even me." Klaus explained and Caroline realised that this must be the favour he had asked for in exchange for the daggers.
"I know you don't want to hear it. But I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused you. Maybe you'll find it in yourself to believe me that I only had your well-being on my mind. One day, maybe in a century or two, you'll be able to forgive me." With that, Klaus stood and walked out of her house, leaving Caroline alone with her tears. She was seriously not over him and it was killing her.