A small bandage on her temple effortlessly covered up by curly locks. It would barely leave a scar. Alas, the only visible physical evidence that could give away the events which had transpired two days ago.

Clothes masked the bigger injuries that still hurt at brusque movements. And let's not forget about the smile that concealed the wounds sustained by her psyche. Nightmares had troubled her throughout the night. Even at the safety of daylight, Caroline kept feeling like somebody was waiting to pounce on her as soon as she left the hospital.

A feat which would occur shortly. Release papers signed and a box of painkillers tucked inside her purse, Caroline grabbed her phone, intending to call Klaus to ask him about their departure to Mystic Falls when she realized she didn't even have his number. Along with that, came the startling awareness that they barely knew a thing, save for their names, about each other. Sure, he was familiar with her bad fortune in love and she had learned that he was not on speaking terms with his family, but that was it.

Quite the boyfriend and girlfriend, weren't they?

The lack of personal knowledge was a minor flaw in her stupendous plan that would have to be remedied. As soon as possible, preferably before they made fools of themselves.

For now, all she had to do was wait for Klaus to make his appearance. If he hadn't changed his mind.

Thankfully, the seed of doubt was only allowed to grow for a few minutes, since said man stepped into her hospital room right as her thoughts were continuously vying in his direction. Like he'd read her mind.

"Hello, Caroline," he ascertained her condition, appearing satisfied to find her so much better. On the outside. "Are you ready to go?"

Boy, wasn't that the question? Gnawing on her lip, she contemplated on the answer. She was yearning to leave New Orleans, the city in which the streets made her blood run cold, but was she longing to go back to her hometown? No, the reunion with friends and family was dreaded, at best and the wedding would be an abhorrent trial.

Still, they would both be stoically endured by the woman who never backed down.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

The man appeared about to question her resolve, but changed his mind at the last moment. Instead, he inquired about her belongings, informing her that their flight left in three hours.

"Everything I brought with me is back at the hotel," she bit her lip. "I can go, collect them and meet you at the airport."

Truthfully, horror filled her mind at doing both of those things. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, the prospect of venturing alone into the streets of New Orleans was not a welcoming thought. But then, she and Klaus were not really together, they were not even friends yet and she could not continue to impose on him. Saving her life and agreeing to accompany her was more than enough. Whatever the reason was.

"That's nonsense," he quickly shut down her proposal. "You don't own a car and have no knowledge of how to get around in this city. It would be a lot faster and practical if I accompanied you."

"Thank you, but I really do not wish to bother you any further than must be."

"Caroline," he warningly said her name. Enough for her to back off and accept his offer, especially because it alleviated her unspoken concerns.

Sticking to his nature, Klaus remained guarded after she provided him with the name of the hotel. Silence engulfed the car, not even the radio daring to cut it and the woman found herself risking furtive glances at the driver. He was more relaxed than yesterday, but just as reserved and private. So different from the man who'd made a quick appearance at the bar: the one, who joked, laughed and teased, only to vanish with the speed of light.

Had she any doubts before, now everything was crystal clear- there was no friendship between them, he didn't trust her enough for that. What connected them was an agreement that would dissipate once the wedding was over with. Both would go their separate ways, never to meet again.

Not wishing to make the situation even more awkward by prolonging the quietness, she asked, "Do you mind if I turn the radio on?"

"Go ahead."

After his permission, music started to rasp out through unused loudspeakers. Shifting from channel to channel, the blonde appeared satisfied when a soft rock ballad came on.

Too much love will kill you.

An old Queen song whose meaning, mixed with her situation made for a hilarious combination that earned a few stray giggles, managing to attract a few scrutinizing looks from Klaus. He was checking to make sure his companion had not abandoned her sanity at the hospital.

This only amused Caroline further, lighting up her mood for the rest of the mute car ride.

Packing up the little luggage she had scattered all over the hotel room, the young woman had to stop a few times to catch her breath. Apparently, the fatigue hadn't passed and neither had the pain in her back which became sharp and stinging whenever she bent or turned around.

Not a funny experience, but she managed without asking for help. It made her proud that she maintained her prized independence in front of the man who'd seen her at her weakest.

Another fastidious, time-consuming process was proven to be checking-in. A process that took a lot less than usual due to the queue being way shorter than ever before. When they stepped into the plane, the confusion as to why was swept aside.

First class tickets. That was what Klaus had bought for them.

"This way, Ma'am," a polite woman with a stylish red, long bob haircut led them to their seats. Brown, soft leather and a small TV positioned in front of her. The chair was large enough to sleep in; compared to the cramped ones she was used to. Not that she was poor, on the contrary, but this was a level of luxury she did not afford. "Can I bring you anything to drink?"

This unusual, attentive behavior made Caroline flush. The woman wasn't much younger than her, yet addressing her reverently, like one would a member of aristocracy, politician or celebrity. Caroline was none.

"A cup of black tea, if you have any," she chose a beverage that would not interact with her painkillers. Not that she planned to take them unless the pain became unbearable.

"Of course, what about you, sir?"

"A glass of whiskey, please," he decidedly ordered. The stewardess did not appear surprised at somebody strong drinking this early in the afternoon. Merely nodding, not an ounce of judgment present, she went to fetch their drinks so Caroline chose to follow her example and ignore her companion's unhealthy habit.

"You didn't have to do this," Caroline declared once they were alone.

Puzzlement graced steel-grey eyes. "What do you mean?"

"This," she gestured to the plane. "First class tickets, paying for them, even driving me to the hotel. It's me who should be covering the expenses of this trip. In fact, as soon as we land, I'll pay you back."

The prideful look she gave him was quite amusing to the man. Had she known him better, Caroline would understand that such offer was pointless. Not like he was missing the money, anyway.

"You will do no such thing. It would be entirely unnecessary," she opened her mouth to argue. "And before you say anything else, I will refuse your it regardless of your arguments."

"God, you are infuriatingly stubborn," she raised her voice. "Are you some kind of closeted millionaire or something?" Narrowed green orbs focused on him, but she could not hide the small upward curve of her lips.

"Something," he mysteriously responded earning a theatrical eye-roll on her account.

"Fine," she pretended to continue to be angry. "But I warn you, this is the last thing you'll pay for me on this trip."

Klaus merely smirked, fully aware that nobody could tell him what to do and that there was no way he would allow Caroline to pay for him. Nevertheless, he would permit her to continue to believe in that illusion until the plane landed.

It was clear that the fiery woman had more to add to the conversation, but the flight attendant interrupted it by fetching them their orders. A steaming cup of black liquid was placed in front of Caroline along with some honey and milk. Ignoring both, she sipped the soothing herbal mix, smiling at the perfect aroma.

Klaus was surprised, to say the least. Apparently all you had to do in order to improve Caroline's mood was offer her tea. If only he'd known that earlier, it would have saved them some heated discussions.

"I've been thinking of something," Caroline declared after the plane was finally up in the air, soaring above immaculate, puffy clouds.

"Well, that's a surprise," he mumbled, slightly annoyed by the woman's habit to over-analyze every single detail and then hassle him with her findings.

"Don't mock me! This is serious."

He could bet that it wasn't half as serious as the matters plaguing his mind, life or death issues, yet there was no other way but to humor her. One did not just simply say no to Caroline Forbes. He was starting to come to terms with that small fact.

"I'm all ears, Caroline," blue eyes widened slightly to give the impression of someone deeply affected by what was coming his way.

She took a deep breath to gather patience to deal with the man clearly laughing at her in his head. "We are landing in Mystic Falls, where we'll be pretending to be madly in love, in two hours and we don't know a thing about each other."

That was a fair point, he had to admit, but Klaus did not fancy the implications that held. There was no way that he was discussing his life with her. He'd divulged enough already in the hospital. More than anyone who hadn't been a part in some of those fateful events had ever learned from him.

"We know enough to deceive your friends," he tried to make her quit the subject.

Mission impossible because Caroline never quit. It just wasn't in her blood, he'd come to learn. She just pushed forward against all adversity and somehow, he didn't doubt that triumph was usually what she reaped. Not this time, though.

"That's absurd. I don't even have your phone number," she exclaimed earning some dirty looks from the elder woman on her left whose attempt to sleep had failed pitifully.

"That will be taken care of the second this plane touches ground."

Klaus had been wishing in vain that his promise would be enough to calm her nerves for the moment. The woman just went right on. "Klaus, don't be ridiculous. I'm not asking you to tell me your whole life story, but right now, Stefan probably knows you better than I do!"

The mention of his former friend was like a punch to the face for Klaus. Although, to be fair, what Caroline had said was true. Stefan was a variable he'd all but forgotten about in his rush to get out of New Orleans. In front of him, his act would have to be perfect or they would be discovered, because all of his small tells had been previously revealed. On the other front though, Klaus was sure that unless extraordinary circumstances rose, his past was safe. At least the part that involved Stefan. It would hurt his image nearly as much as Klaus's if it ever came out.

"Stefan," he spat out the name. Where there'd once been friendship, now only something resembling hate remained. "Might know some things better than you, but I am sure that he will not be bringing them into discussion."

"Klaus," Caroline angry at refusal to communicate interrupted. "He warned me to stay away from you. Damon did too, before you can tell me it's about your falling out."

He sighed. "They were probably right and you should have listened. In that scenario, we would both be in different places right now." It hadn't been meant as a recrimination, but it had sounded like one regardless. However accusing his words had been, they held significant truth to them because if she hadn't clawed her way into his life, he would be drinking it away at Rousseau's and she would probably be wallowing in self-pity at her failed engagement, trying to wiggle out of going to Stefan's wedding without showing cowardice.

"Why did they say that? Why did you guys even fight?"

Dangerous questions with even more dangerous answers. But he had to give her something, she deserved it.

"My family. They were warning you against my family. Just like that cop wanted to do in the hospital." A small part of the truth was out.

"Your family?" she bewildered repeated after him. "What's wrong with your family?"

"They are not all good people," he exhaled, definite not to go into further detail. "And if you should, by some unfortunate stroke come across the Mikaelson name, you should heed the Salvatore's warning and run in the opposite direction."

"Well, there's one Mikaelson that I can promise I'm not running away from anytime soon."

Bad mistake, he wanted to tell her. Trusting even him could be fatal to an innocent woman like Caroline. Even if not physically, it might snuff out her spark, replace all of the good inside her heart with darkness. For some unknown reason, he remained silent.

When it became clear that he was not delving any deeper into the subject, she chose to change it. There were many other things to clear up concerning their fake relationships, things that made dwelling on his past redundant. Answers that would have to match to questions all couples faced. "Then how about how we met?"

Thankful to have escaped the subject of his family, Klaus was still confused by the woman's apparent dilemma. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean," he asked for clarifications.

"I'm talking about how we came to become a couple. It's not like I can tell them that I waltzed into New Orleans in search of a fake boyfriend that could push all of Stefan's buttons. We need something believable," a dreamy look appeared. "Something romantic that will make our relationship infinitely better than mine with Stefan ever was."

"I'm sure you will do a great job at inventing such a story. Whatever you come up with, I will support. The one advice I would give is to stick to the truth as much as possible. Becoming entangled in too many lies at a time could become exceedingly difficult and one of us is bound to slip eventually."

Once again, he was right, but he had still found a way to put the brunt of the work on her shoulders. Nonetheless, she was capable of inventing an outstanding love story; those romance books read in high-school were coming in useful after all.

After minutes of careful consideration, throughout Klaus appeared so lost inside his mind that he might as well had been building the schematics of a rocket, Caroline exclaimed, "That's it! I have it," startling half of the plane.

"I and the rest of the plane are dying to hear it," he feigned interest as best as he possibly could, masquerading his true feelings with sarcasm, but his mind kept drifting down gloomy avenues. A possibly somber future in which the ghosts of his past returned didn't help in the slightest.

Caroline was ready to call him out, but something held her back. Maybe it was the fact that he was trying for her, maybe it was the brokenness she'd glimpsed for a second or maybe Melanie's words- I respect him- were finally starting to make sense to her. So she delved into the concocted romance.

"After Stefan's," she still flinched at the words," affair with Valerie, I decided to travel, see cities I'd always longed for, but never had the time. One of them was New Orleans where I'd been staying for a few days when, due to some of my infamous bad luck, I got attacked by a psychopath. You're the one who saved me and accompanied me to the hospital for a check-up."

So far, almost everything was true, the embroidery of event beginning now.

"I took you out for a thank-you drink and that was how it all started. You showed me the beauties the city hid," her eyes glazed over, pure desire visible within them. "Cirque du Soleil was our first real date, you took me because I'd told you of my dream to see a trapeze act. That's when we first kissed."

More dates followed, in each and every single one Caroline putting a little piece of her heart. She was so passionate, soft feelings dominating her, yet she wore a steel armor that made her resilient, prepared to face and conquer life and its obstacles.

How Stefan could have cheated and let this woman go went beyond his powers of comprehension.

"So what do you think?" his opinion was finally requested. As if he could embellish and further such a cheesy, romantic tale.

"It's sweet enough to make me or pretty much anyone I know nauseous," he lightly teased. "It will do perfectly."

The corners of her eyes wrinkled, lips curling up in the biggest smile she'd ever given him. The one thing that shadowed the moment was the bandage on her temple, revealed because she'd put her hair up in a ponytail. A strong reminder of what had brought them together, of how Lucien had hurt her because of him and the dangers still lurking around.

Caroline must have spotted his orbs drifting to the side because her hand unconsciously reached for that place. Self-consciousness took over happiness, erasing the full-blown grin from the woman's face. "The doctor said that it won't leave a big scar," she felt compelled to defend her external beauty, fingers going to release the blonde locks.

A deft grip stopped her. "Don't. I wasn't thinking about the scar in the way you believe."

Avoiding eye contact, she mumbled, "I would understand if you did. You didn't like me when I looked my best, why would you now? It's okay, seriously, don't worry about it," she went for the hairband again, meeting the same obstacle.

An unknown force was pushing Klaus to reassure her, it being chalked up to remorse over Lucien hurting her because of him. Insecurity was not a becoming look on her. "The way you look had nothing to do with how I treated you," he forced his tongue to continue to articulate words to erase whatever woe was plaguing Caroline. "I think you would still be beautiful covered in dozens of scars because the source isn't the external façade, but the human being you are on the inside."

That was how the nicest words he'd said in a long time left his mouth, rattling both of them. They just stood there, his cold hand pressing against her own, emerald eyes melting into sapphire ones. Both longed to say more, disclose another piece of themselves, but neither dared.

Like all good things, the moment had to come to an end. The second they took control of their limbs, they pulled back, as burned.

Clearing her throat, Caroline spoke first. "The boyfriend Klaus might actually be the best I've ever had. I can't wait to see the faces of my friends when I tell them this," she tried to put it down to him getting into character.

"Well, you can tell them that he truly meant it," he easily knocked the air out of her lungs. Was he really pretending to be her boyfriend? Was this some sort of test-run? Or was it what he really meant?

After deliberation, she chose to believe the first two options because the latter sent her on a tailspin. No longer had she reached an agreement with her inner, which appeared hell-bent on choosing the last answer, that the pilot announced their landing.

The two buckled up, choosing to put to rest the conversation and mentally prepare for what was coming their way. It would be no walk in the park. They'd reached Mystic Falls, the place where their lie really began.

The most dreaded thing to both of them was, ironically, meeting Stefan. They were so engrossed in steadying their nerves, anger and wish for vengeance in Klaus's case, that neither noticed a small detail.

The ponytail still reigned, forgotten at the top of her head.


Compromise.

A word that neither Caroline nor Klaus were acquainted with.

Therefore, the moment they set foot out of the cramped airport, another argument started between them. This time, it was about where the man would spend his days in Mystic Fall. Caroline was vying to get him to stay at her place, like a normal boyfriend would, while Klaus was the advocate for a hotel room he'd already booked.

"Klaus!" she effectively shut up the annoying man. "What kind of boyfriend spends his time in a hotel when his girlfriend has a perfectly suitable two-bedroom apartment? This would be the kind of detail everyone noticed and ended up ruining our plan."

To the man's utter irritation there was no counterargument that would make sense, so he had to agree to stay with the blonde. Decisions like these were not to his liking. He was getting closer and closer to the woman, something he could not afford. On the other side, in two weeks he would be gone and Caroline would never hear from him again.

For her own protection.

Now, though, he was in Mystic Falls, he'd agreed to be her boyfriend and, in a town like this, everything became common knowledge among its residents. So his role had to be taken seriously, he comprehended that.

In the time he'd taken to clear his thoughts, the blonde had hailed a cab. Stepping into the shoes of her lover, he grabbed hold of the luggage and deposited it in the trunk, ignoring her protests. Being together was a two way street and both would have to abide by the unspoken rules society imposed on a couple.

Including him paying wherever they went. And helping this exaggeratingly independent with even the smallest feats. He smirked; this might turn up quite entertaining.

Finally, they arrived at their destination. A newly built, elegant building with glass doors and a small, private park, where a handful of kids were carelessly playing. Having fulfilled his obligation to pay for the cab under Caroline's deadly glare, he once again grabbed their suitcases and motioned for the woman to lead the way.

The elevator ride was exceedingly short for the blonde who was unwillingly remembered of the last time she'd been here.

Stefan had been living with her.

She had been about to get married.

The mahogany door in front of her appeared an obstacle impossible to surmount. It hurt to be back here. More than she cared to admit. A distraction presented itself in the form of a beautiful, ivory box bound together with a dirty white satin ribbon. Deep down, she knew what it was and it sent a pang to her heart. Steadying her trembling hands, she picked up the package, forced the key into the lock and entered.

No music was the first thing she noticed.

Eerie silence extended before them. All the lights were off, but she could see her purse, still where she'd left it that day. Footsteps guided her to her bedroom. The place was pristine. Perfectly pressed sheets, spotless carpet and no clothes but her own in the closet.

In a few words: no trace of Stefan or his fiancée.

Dropping the box to the bed, Caroline finally turned to the man who'd been quiet throughout her exploration. As if he understood her pain and respected it.

Plastering a smile to her face, she spoke, "Let me show you the guest bedroom."

He wordlessly agreed, following her. In spite of that, his lingering glance at the white box did not go unnoticed on the woman. However, he didn't push her for answers to satisfy her curiosity.

Like she'd tried to do in the hospital and plane.

In that moment it was decided that if he wished to share more of his life, she'd listen, but otherwise, his past was his business and no one else's. Screw Stefan and everyone else, if it hurt him as much as it did her to relieve those moments, she wouldn't force.

Now she understood how he must have felt. His mastery of self-control was outstanding since he hadn't gone off on her.

"This is it," she opened the door to a smaller room. The stale air made her cringe so she rushed to open a window, but Klaus did not complain in the slightest. "The bathroom is the door on the left, immediately after my bedroom and we'll be sharing it. The kitchen is right next to the living room although I doubt you'll find much in it," she shrugged apologetically. "Make yourself at home."

"I will," he assured and she had no doubt that he would do just that,

"I'm going to visit my mother later today, in case you want to come," his jaw clenched, so she quickly added," It's totally fine if you don't. The idea merely seemed like a good one to add credibility to our relationship."

Caroline believed that the notion of meeting her mother infuriated him when the truth was that he simply did not wish to drag more people than absolutely necessary into his life. It was a truth he could not speak without further explanations that he was not ready to give.

"I'll let you know," he responded eventually.

"Sure." The bright beam she conjured was clearly faked, like the one from before, but he chose not to call her out on it. This place must have been a painful reminder of Stefan's wrongdoings.

On that tone, she left him to get settled.

Having made it back to her room, her entire attention was drawn to the polarizing, immaculate square on her sheets. Tentatively, Caroline opened it. The content, though predictable, knocked the air out of her lungs.

Her wedding dress.

The gown she'd spent months searching for. A strapless, princess, long dress with a train dragging behind, crystals sewn into the fabric, forming an intricate pattern resembling an infinite. It had been meant to symbolize their eternal love, but now all it did was spur tears.

Unable to help it, she took it out, the soft material melting into her hand, positioned it over her body and looked in the mirror.

It was everything she'd dreamt of. And it was gone. Completely out of her reach.

Having your hopes crushed was horrible, but having to relieve it was proving to be crippling. If only a dress could do this, what effects would the wedding have on her?

Wrestling for control was a losing battle, muffled sobs uncontrollable as she collapsed to a heap on the floor in front of the looking glass, hugging the garment to her chest.

She must have lied there for a pretty long time, she could feel the wounds at her back protesting against the position, but she did not want to stand up just yet.

That meant facing the world. A world in which she'd come face to face with her mother, her friends, Stefan and, worst of all, Valerie, the woman who was busy living her dream.

So she remained there, silent tears continuing to roll down her cheeks.


In the other room, Klaus had arranged his clothes and was contemplating his choices: accompany Caroline or stay at home.

Neither sounded too appealing.

Common sense dictated that meeting all of her acquaintances was unavoidable eventually so he might as well cross one of the important names off that list.

Having made up his mind, he went to give her the news, but his knocking met no answer. He tried again, louder, calling out her name, but still nothing.

Disastrous night still fresh in his mind, an image of Caroline bleeding and unable to answer him appeared. An image he dared not ignore.

With that thought, he entered her room. Scanning the small space, he was surprised to find her down on her knees. Immediately, his eyes went to search for any intruders, but found none. And there was no valid reason for her to be on the ground.

On further inspection, he noticed her tiny frame was ferociously shaking and deduced that she was crying.

Approaching her tentatively, he finally saw the dress in her arms and knew it was the reason for her sour mood. What was not clear to him was how to proceed.

Should he leave her alone with her pain, give her time to process? Or was he supposed to comfort her? The second course of action sent him back in time. When he had actually been the one providing comfort to a young child. The memory still made goose bumps appear all over his skin. Back then, he'd been better at such acts, but the passage of time had made him colder, unable of the same levels of empathy.

No, it would be better to just leave her to straighten herself out.

With that in mind, small backwards steps were leading him back into the hallway, when a small voice stopped him.

"I remember how excited I was when I had finally found the perfect dress," Caroline continued to unblinkingly look in the mirror. Klaus hadn't expected her to be aware of his presence. "I couldn't wait to show it to Stefan, but he couldn't speak to me then, claimed he was busy. I wonder, was he with her? They must have had a great laugh at the expense of poor, clueless Caroline. Planning a wedding that was never going to happen, a wedding built on lies."

Slowly advancing, he paused when he was right beside her and dropped to his knees so they could be eye level. The reasons why he did not just ignore her and walk away, like he would anyone else, were lost on him. Just like the ones behind his following comforting sentences.

"Caroline, don't dwell on them. They're not worth your pain and tears." He knew them to be empty words. Hell, he'd been told the exact same things and ignored them, but maybe Caroline didn't have to. In her case, it would get better. Not like him, who would have to bear the weight of being the one responsible for those dearest to him dying. She was one of the few innocent, good people of the world who got hurt undeservingly.

"I know that. Deep down I really do, but I can't help but think that maybe I'm the one who drove Stefan away. If I hadn't been so engrossed in my work, if I had paid more attention to him, been a better girlfriend. Maybe he wouldn't have needed anyone else."

That knocked the air out of his lungs. How could she blame herself for Stefan's despicable deeds?

"Caroline, look at me," pools of emerald glistening with unshed tears turned to him. "You can't go around blaming yourself for his mistakes. I know Stefan, probably better than even you do," his throat constricted at the last time they'd been face to face and what had followed between them. "You were too good for him in the first place."

Wide orbs and gaping mouth faced him. If there was one thing she hadn't expected was this from Klaus. Actual kindness and regard to her suffering. The things he said of Stefan intrigued her, but she'd vowed not to press him, so she bit her tongue and nodded.

"Perhaps," she acquiesced," But that doesn't make it hurt any less."

"Time will," he laced his voice with a conviction he lacked. Truth be told, he'd been expecting the healing for years and it still hadn't graced him with its presence.

"I hope so," pink lips formed a minute smile. Inhaling, her hands uncurled from the material and went to her face, effectively wiping the tracks of her tears. "I've had enough weeping for now. Why did you come, because I'm sure you weren't searching for a bubbling mess in need of comforting?"

Immediately, the man caught on to the deviation of subject and embraced it.

"I was here to let you know that I've decided to accompany you to your mother."

Forest-green eyes lighted up at the news. Maybe she truly wouldn't have to face everyone alone. Maybe Klaus could actually offer some support, after all. "Thank you," and the gratitude wasn't reserved only for him going with her, but rather for everything he'd done so far.

He seemed to grasp that undertone because he nodded back at her. The lack of words, to Caroline's surprise, made a lot of sense – he was not a man of many words, but rather one of action- and that was fine.

"I'm going to clean up a bit, so I don't look like a disaster. My mother would see right through it," she stood up, allowing the garment to drop to the floor.

"I'll wait for you in the living room," Klaus gave her the space she hadn't asked for aloud and promptly exited.

The blonde was left alone, eyes still drawn to the wedding dress. Hesitating, she pondered throwing it out, but something held her back. She wasn't ready for that. It was a piece of her past she couldn't let go of.

Yet.

Soon she would, though.

Placing it back in the box, she stuffed it under the bed, away from sight. It wouldn't cause that much raw pain that way. Then, she headed to the bathroom, redid her makeup, ensured she was presentable for Liz Forbes and, along with Klaus, left the apartment.

"Listen," she began while starting the car. "My mom might be a little…overbearing, but it comes from a good place."

"I'll be fine," he smirked at her warning.

"You probably won't have to deal with her attention for too long, though," at his raised eyebrow she continued." She and I need to have words about why she believed it was ok to tell Stefan where I was, so he could send me his wedding invitation." At first, she'd perceived that a betrayal. Now, the anger caused by that had been slowly extinguished by other cares, but she still needed to know.

Smugness gave way to shock. Obviously, her mother wasn't winning any Parent of The Year Award in the near future.

A typical, small town house appeared right in front of where Caroline pulled up. The front garden was neatly trimmed, well-taken care of, a rocking chair reigning over the porch. Flashes of a younger, carefree Caroline running around and spending hours in that chair, perhaps reading or studying invaded his mind.

What was wrong with him? What had this young woman do to him to captivate his attention to such an extent, he had no idea. The one thing he was sure of was that he couldn't allow it to go any further.

For her sake.

Nervously straightening invisible wrinkles in her blouse, Caroline determinedly walked to the front door and knocked. A petite blonde with short, cropped hair greeted them, sky eyes enlarged at the sight of the younger version of herself standing before her. It was clear who she was, the resemblance between them uncanny.

"Caroline," she breathlessly whispered and thrust forward, into his presumed girlfriend's arms.

"Mom," emotion filled to the brim the noun and it poured into the hug. So big was the sentimental load that Klaus felt like he was intruding on it.

"I'm so happy you're back," the older woman pulled away and studied Caroline from head to toe. "You look good." And she did. So well that no one would've guessed that an hour ago, she'd been sobbing brokenly.

The elder Forbes finally glanced at him. Caroline noticed and cleared her throat, remembering the notion of polite introductions. "Mom, this is Klaus Mikaelson, my boyfriend. Klaus, meet Liz Forbes, my mother."

For a brief moment, Klaus believed he saw Liz's orbs narrow at his last name, but it was so quickly gone, replaced by a warm smile, that Klaus thought he must have imagined it. Paranoia brought on by fear of his family's dark legacy. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Forbes," his dutiful boyfriend voice took over and he could swear he hear Caroline softly snort at his respectfulness.

"Call me Liz," she strongly shook his hand. It was clear to Klaus that Liz Forbes was not a woman to be trifled with. Like mother, like daughter. "Please, come in."

An elegant living room, brimmed with bloomed potted plants and pictures of Caroline strewed over every wall greeted them. Dark- maroon wooden furniture clashed with beige walls, creating an air of luxuriousness and spaciousness. Good taste ran in the family.

"Have a seat," Liz invited. "I'll go make us some coffee. That way I can get to know more about the man who conquered my daughter's heart."

"There's no need for that, Mom," Caroline dismissed the offer and saved him from an interrogation. "We won't be staying very long. I only came to tell you I've returned to Mystic Falls and for some clarifications."

There was still some animosity in her voice, although Klaus was sure it hadn't been intended. Liz caught on to it because she lowered herself into the nearest chair.

"Why did you tell Stefan where I was?"

With that, the million dollar question was out. Judging by her shocked expression, Liz hadn't been expecting that. "You left without telling your friends anything, Caroline. You didn't see them like I did. They were worried sick about you," she tried to justify herself.

In return Caroline snorted. "Worried?!" her voice rose several octaves. "Mom, I didn't tell them for a reason. It wasn't just the whim of a spoiled girl, like some believe me to be," her mother appeared to wish to interrupt, but wasn't given the chance. "I caught my fiancée in bed with another woman, in my own house!"

Shock mixed with anguish, rendering Liz speechless. That detail had been successfully left out of every conversation she'd had with her daughter's friends.

"Caroline," she began when coherence returned. "I…I thought hearing from them would do you good, help put you back on your feet."

The long haired blonde shook her head, laughing incredulously. "Do me good? Mom, they sent me their freaking wedding invitation!"

The surprise on Liz's face made it evident that she hadn't been made privy to that. "I didn't know," she looked down. "I'm so sorry, Caroline. Never do I want to cause you pain."

Hurt shone brightly on her face, as did regret. Truth had been spoken by Liz and Caroline relented. She hadn't wanted to bring pain to her mother, the thought couldn't have been further away from her.

"You don't need to apologize, Mom," the comforting tone made Caroline grow more in his perception. "In fact, the dreaded invitation did bring a good change. It pulled me out of my slump. It brought me to Klaus."

Out of the blue, two sets of eyes turned to him. Under their scrutiny Klaus felt strangely exposed, but he masked it perfectly, with a charming grin. Speaking felt like too much of an intrusion on their moment. Something that neither would appreciate too much, he was sure.

"Then thank you," Liz addressed Klaus. "For being there for my daughter when I couldn't be."

Genuine gratitude shone brightly as Liz stood up, reducing the distance between them. When she started swaying on her feet. With superhuman reflexes, Klaus managed to reach her, wrapping his arms around her, in an effort to steady her.

"Mom, are you alright?" an alarmed Caroline yelled, immediately at his side.

Liz closed her eyes, shook her head approvingly and breathed deeply a few times. When she looked at them again, clarity had returned and she slowly disentangled herself from Klaus's grip. Still, the man remained attentive in case she lost her footing again.

"Yes, honey, just tired from work."

Caroline narrowed her eyes, studying her mother, worry obvious in every move. "Are you sure?" the doctor instincts were kicking in and telling her that maybe a check-up was needed, if only to be on the safe side.

"Caroline, don't worry. Once I've slept the night shift off, I'll be as good as new."

Reassuring as Liz might be, Caroline didn't appear entirely convinced, but knowing her mother as well as she did, she didn't press any further.

"You call me if you feel unwell again, ok?"

"Of course," Liz guaranteed and there was nothing Caroline could do about it. Stubbornness also ran in the family.

"Well, we'll leave you to rest, Mom," Caroline bid goodbye ignoring her mother's invitation to stay so she could make them something to eat. "I'll stop by early tomorrow morning to see how you fare."

Her mother rolled her eyes and mumbled something about the consequences of having a surgeon as a doctor, earning a feigned annoyed glare from Caroline. Her concern hadn't been wiped yet, but she forced herself not be become hypochondriac over her mom. Tiredness could do that to the human body and it was not a cause for worry.

However bickering the two women were, they were family, Klaus noted as they hugged. He'd never had that with his parents nor with most of his siblings and a small part of him, back when he'd been a child, had longed for this kind of unconditional love.

It had only truly come once, many years ago and had been yanked too soon from him.

"Now," Caroline declared once they were back in the car. "I'm starving. How would you feel about dinner?"

"It would be great," he responded.

"Sure thing, my perfect, fake boyfriend," she laughed loudly. "You were awesome. For a second I was actually starting to believe that you care for me."

It wasn't all an act, he wanted to say. By some twist of fate, he actually gave a damn about what happened to the annoying woman, but that was not a truth that would ever escape him lips. "I'm an outstanding actor," he stated instead, effectively nullifying every single second of their interaction.

Deep inside, Caroline felt a sharp jab in her heart with those words. Of course, he could care less about her. She would be delusional to think otherwise, but his behavior was conflicting. Words claimed time and time again he did not care, but actions said the opposite. In the end, she settled for believing what left his mouth.

It was easier in the long run, ensuring that she did not get hurt by believing in a fantasy.

"Good for us, right? No one will see through our act this way." she covered the unexplainable sadness with feigned happiness. "We're here," she announced as she pulled up in the parking lot of the Mystic Grill. "Mystic Falls' finest restaurant."

Klaus was quite skeptical of the place, judging from its outside exterior, but followed her inside nevertheless. As expected, it was unimpressive, but an appetizing smell did greet them. Quite the improvement from the cheap takeout and frozen food he'd been living on for the past months.

Something strange occurred though. Instead of leading them to a table, Caroline was stuck in place, an audible gasp reaching his ears. "What's wro…" he'd begun to ask, but his eyes followed her line of view. Everything made sense immediately.

What would be the odds? This woman certainly didn't have any good luck and his had run out a long time ago.

Stefan Salvatore was near the bar, laughing with a few people, his eyes softening when they landed on a skinny woman with dirty-blonde hair. Oblivious to the two pairs of prying eyes, he pulled her in and passionately kissed her, hands roaming over her back until they stopped in her hair.

Any doubt evaporated. Unless Stefan had been turned into Casanova and had wooed somebody else, that was Valerie Tulle. And upon pulling away, they'd spotted Klaus and Caroline.

The dreaded meeting was going to happen a lot sooner than expected.

Even worse, neither Caroline nor Klaus felt prepared for the emotional impact such an encounter yielded.