Paranoia.

A strange, overwhelming feeling.

A silent killer that erodes every hint of happiness, shrouding it with its veil of darkness. A feeling that slowly kills you from the inside by mustering image upon image of your greatest fear.

In Caroline case, that was undoubtedly the death and destruction that Mikael could wreak upon her and Klaus. The note he'd sent had been explicit enough for her to understand that she'd become a target just as much as Klaus.

Klaus- her new boyfriend.

The association of words still sounded strange and foreign to her own ears, but she knew she would slowly grow accustomed to it. If they had time to explore their new relationship. And that was a huge if, considering Klaus' shocking and horrifying confessions in the cemetery.

Mikael was not a man to be trifled with.

No, he was more like the monsters that one sees in movies or reads about in books all the while thinking that there was no way such darkness inhabited someone's heart. That it was purely creative embellishment on the author's part in order to draw an audience. However, Mikael was the living testimony that sometimes even the most outrageous works of fiction paled in comparison to reality.

Caroline shuddered to even think about what the hateful man could do to her. The images were so gruesome they left a sour taste in her mouth, yet they were all she could think about.

Ever since setting foot in her apartment following the discovery of the note, the blonde had not been able to focus on anything else. Even after Klaus had thoroughly canvased each room in search for an intruder and come up empty, Caroline's uneasiness had not subsided.

Not even the warm body that she was currently pressed against could manage to clear the demons haunting her.

While Klaus appeared to be peacefully sleeping next to her, the woman had experienced vivid versions of her own death. So far she'd gone through being stabbed, shot and disemboweled, but instead of taking a break her sick imagination continued to come up with even more creative scenarios such as being dissolved in acid or devoured by hungry, bloodthirsty hounds.

What made them so much worse was the high chance of one of them becoming real. Who could reassure her that the moment she stepped outside her apartment there wouldn't be someone with a knife or a gun waiting? Who could reassure her that a bomb wasn't waiting at her car?

Nothing seemed preposterous if she took into account Mikael's influence and power.

Still, she had a feeling that her death would not be quick, but rather a spectacle meant to utterly break Klaus.

If he managed by some stroke of luck to survive, would her demise be the final nail in his coffin? Would her loss tip him over the steep ledge that he'd been holding on to?

A whimper escaped her lips at the most likely answer to those questions and she immediately covered her mouth with trembling fingers, trying to stifle the sound and not wake Klaus up.

Her efforts proved to be in vain for his muscles immediately tensed, alert blue orbs scanning the room for any sign of danger. A tired sigh escaped his lips when he found none and Caroline cursed her pitiful self for having interrupted his peaceful slumber. She knew just how much he had needed it.

Suddenly feeling small, weak and downright pathetic, she buried her head in the crook of his neck basking in his musky aroma and willing the world to go away. Wordlessly pleading for him to drop it and go back to sleep.

Of course, there was no chance of that coming to pass as Klaus gently lifted her head, forcing her to look him in the eye.

Hating to feel so vulnerable in front of Klaus of all people, Caroline tried to shake him off, but he did not allow it, slightly tightening his hold on her.

"What's wrong, sweetheart?" his sleep addled voice tore through the thick silence engulfing them.

"Nothing important," she lied. "Just go back to sleep."

Suffice it to say, he did not believe a word coming out of her mouth. "Caroline, please don't lie to me. I want to know what's bothering you so I can help fix it."

"You can't," her voice broke as her vision became blurry.

The woman could feel him stiffening at her words. She knew that this situation was taking just as much of a toll on him as on her.

"Is it Mikael?" Klaus finally asked.

She could easily lie and say that it was. In fact, it seemed like a more appealing alternative to telling Klaus that she was worried about what might happen to him should she die. She knew he would tell her not to worry about him, not in the slightest concerned with his future. But she was. And the saddest part was the she knew he would not understand her.

Mistaking her silence for a positive answer, Klaus spoke," Caroline, I promised that he would not touch you and I intend to stand by my oath, whatever it takes."

While she was sure that he'd believed his words would be reassuring, they instead opened an even greater can of worms. What if Klaus died while trying to protect her? What would she do in that case?

"That's what I'm worried about," she finally decided to voice some of her concerns before they finished gnawing at her insides.

Furrowed eyebrows and narrowed aquamarine eyes revealed just how much her statement had confused Klaus. Clearly, he cared so little for his own wellbeing that he could not even fathom what had her so upset.

Choosing to go about it like ripping off a band aid, Caroline said, "What if you die protecting me?" Now, that she had allowed something past her defenses, the dam broke and mostly everything came pouring out. "What if I have to watch Mikael kill you? What would I do afterwards?"

"You simply go on living."

To say his words shook her to the core would be an understatement, but what had her nearly pulling her hair out was the nonchalance with which he'd uttered them. Like his death was nothing more than a common event: like buying some milk from the store across the street or having your nails done. Like it was something easily forgettable and not very memorable. It awakened a stronger rage in her than even Mikael.

"Yes and how do you propose I do that?" Klaus merely shrugged angering the short-tempered woman even further. "Have you really not realized how much I care for you? Do you even understand what you're asking of me? Damn you, Klaus, you've lived such loss in your life, you're still haunted by it and you have the nerve to tell me to simply go on living? Like you have?"

At the reminder of the other people who'd died for him, Klaus had to avert his gaze for a moment in order to shake off any speck of vulnerability shining through. This was not the time for it. Not when Caroline's fears had a high chance of becoming reality. Risking a look, he was surprised to see the heartbreaking sliver of unshed tears in her glazed over emeralds.

He was the only one to blame for this pain.

He never should have gotten this close to her.

He'd known that he'd only hurt her in the end and he still had not been able to resist her magnetic pull. He still couldn't.

What he could do was ensure that she would have the will to survive even if he wasn't around. It was not something even up for discussion.

"Caroline, you'll do it because you are the strongest person I know, because you never give up in the face of adversity and you push yourself to overcome any challenge life throws your way."

"What if that's no longer enough?"

"Then you'll have to do it for me. You cannot allow my sacrifice to be in vain. If I die, you will live a full, happy life in my honor; you will find love again, travel the world and, most importantly, you will not allow me to become the dark cloud of guilt and regret following you around."

Everything he described was revealing the extent of his feelings for her. It revealed just how much she mattered to him, but it also revealed that he would not hesitate before laying down his life for hers. Even the thought had her barely containing her tears. Not wanting the stoic man to once more witness her weakness she buried her head in his shirt seconds before losing the battle and starting to weep.

"What if I don't have it in me? What if I can't do that?" she eventually croaked out.

"You have to. In fact, I want you to promise me right now that you will do everything I've just said."

Desperately, the blonde shook her head refusing to abide to his request. There was no way in hell that she was making such a promise. Not when she wasn't sure she would ever be able to fulfill it.

"Caroline, please," he murmured, his voice shaking slightly, revealing that she wasn't the only one deeply affected by their discussion. When she continued to keep quiet, he placed two fingers on the bottom of her chin and forced her to look in his eyes.

The unshed tears brimming in Klaus' blue orbs spoke more than any word could about his state. Furthermore, she'd always been able to read the emotions in them and now she could almost feel the hurt while they were pleading for her to agree.

She couldn't let him down. She couldn't allow for an even greater pain to make home in his bruised, beaten heart. Especially not if their time would be so abruptly and unfairly cut short.

"I promise," she finally caved in, resenting those two words and their binding power more than anything in her entire life.

"Thank you," he breathed out a sigh of relief, letting her head plop back down on his shoulder as he lovingly kissed the top of her head.

What Caroline could not understand was how Klaus expected her to simply brush off their time together and go about her life as if they hadn't met. Could anyone who'd felt even half of the love she did ever do that?

As the tips of his fingers softly caressed her skin, Caroline contemplated the question and the only answer she had was that it was impossible. There was no way that anybody in love could do such thing.

As dawn started to crack, the first beams of sun found them in the exact position, neither having been able to go back to sleep. Finally, the woman could not take it anymore.

"Don't you ever dare make me have to fulfill that promise. I will, you know I will, but I swear I will never forgive you for it."

As she tightened her hold on him, Klaus remained quiet.

His silence spoke more than a thousand words ever could. It clearly answered her.

The only problem was that it wasn't an answer she liked.


As days rolled by, Caroline's nerves somewhat settled down as she got herself back into a certain routine. She'd returned to the hospital, reconnected with Bonnie and Elena and her relationship with Klaus was going well. There'd been no sign of Mikael and she'd almost started to dare pray that he'd taken pity on them or, more likely, found a more worthy outlet for his anger.

Suffice it to say, Klaus could not disagree more. In fact, he was going above and beyond with his oath to protect her, becoming downright suffocating. Each morning, he would drive her to the hospital and dutifully be there when her shift ended to pick her up.

He had turned into her shadow, following her everywhere she went.

What was worse, other than work, he'd practically confined them to her apartment. Not even once in two weeks had they gone out to grab a bite to eat, see a movie or even go for a walk.

Realistically, she knew his approach was the right one, but she was close to going crazy. More so because his worries had transpired on to her, preventing her from forgetting about the sword hanging over her head for even a minute. She constantly found herself looking over her shoulder, feeling somebody watching her and even doubting every new person she came into contact with, fearing they were one of Mikael's minions, fearing that they were there to either slaughter or maim her.

The only person who'd managed to slip past her defenses had been Frank, one of the newest hospital additions. He'd come to work there two weeks prior to her return to Mystic Falls with Klaus so Caroline had deduced that it cleared him from any suspicion.

Still, she'd chosen to keep her new friend a secret from her overprotective boyfriend, fearing that it might not go down well for her to be embarking on a new friendship when a powerful criminal was out to get her. She did not want to have an unnecessary fight ruin their momentary state of happiness. Not when it was already so frail, hanging by a thin, thin thread.

Today had been a relatively boring day, in which an emergency appendectomy had been the most exciting thing at the hospital and she was now changed back into her street clothes, ready for another night confined between the stifling walls of her apartment.

Biding goodbye to the nurses and doctors she encountered, Caroline stepped out into the brisk evening air, her eyes immediately landing upon the man waiting for her.

He was leaning against the car, wind messing with his sandy blonde hair, a sincere smile crossing his face at the sight of Caroline. The smiles had become more and more common these days while in her presence, obviously, and it tugged at her heartstrings to know that she was the main reason behind them.

It made every single of her fears and nightmares worth it.

"Hi," she greeted, wasting no time before pulling him in for a soft peck on the lips. That was the way in which they'd greeted each other lately and the only objection Caroline had was that the kisses were too quick, Klaus not wanting to make a show. Just in case there was anybody watching.

She'd accepted it without an issue these last few days, just like she'd accepted their exile from society, understanding that he only wanted to protect her.

Today though, something in her must have broken because she felt frustration start to seep into her bones. These could well be her last days, why did she have to spend them cowardly hiding instead of living her life to the fullest? Why did they have to give in to the fear that Mikael wanted to instill in them?

"Let's go out tonight."

The words had been spoken before she'd had a chance to think them over, but that did not make them any less sincere. On the contrary.

"Please," she added before he could get the opportunity to turn her down. Upon seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she pulled him in for a deeper kiss, knowing that it would somewhat weaken his resolve. "I'll go crazy if we stay one more night cooped up in that apartment."

She could see his determination weakening so she jumped in for the kill.

"If we continue to be prisoners in our own lives, we would be allowing Mikael to defeat us."

With that, she'd effectively managed to win this battle. Exhaling deeply, Klaus shook his head, the corners of his lips tugging upwards. He knew that Caroline could pretty much do whatever she wanted with him, but he also knew, to his defense, that there were few forces that could rival a determined Caroline Forbes.

"So, where are we going?" he asked the moment they'd both gotten into the car.

The blonde pondered for a moment before a smile crossed her face, rendering him weak. Caroline had the ability to light up an entire room with her laugh and, as a bonus, she could also light some of his darkest insides, bypassing all of his walls. Not that there were many of those left.

She'd taken care of bringing them all down.

"How would you feel about seeing a movie? There's a rerun of Beauty and the Beast at the cinema."

"No way," he swiftly responded.

"Come on," emerald puppy-dog eyes turned to him. "It's my favorite Disney story and I haven't had a chance to see the newest movie. Please, Klaus."

Once more he was powerless to say no, rolling his eyes, but turning the car around in the cinema's direction.

"Thank you," Caroline practically squealed, her pure happiness throwing him back in the past with Rebekah.

"It was my sister's favorite story growing up as well," he softly spoke, effectively silencing the blonde. The moments in which he willingly offered parts of himself were so rare that she'd grown to cherish them more than anything. "She had the same reaction whenever I or Elijah would agree to read her the story. Until Finn tore the book to shreds at Mikael's command. Apparently, Rebekah wasn't mature enough for her age and needed a lesson."

"I can't imagine my parents ever doing that to me," she sadly whispered. "This brother of yours, Finn, was he always such a bad person?"

Klaus' hands tightened up on the wheel at the reminder of his older half-brother.

"For as long as I can remember," he finally offered as a response. "He was the eldest son so I guess he always felt the need to live up to that title. Unfortunately, the only way he knew how to do that was by hurting the rest of us, just to impress Mikael. Is he bad to the core? I don't know, but I've never seen him show any positive feelings towards anybody."

Caroline didn't know what to say that wouldn't sound cheesy and cliché so she simply gave his hand a squeeze, conveying that he was no longer alone although his family was so far away and so split up. He had her.

The parking lot of the movie theatre was relatively empty; only four other cars were there and for a brief second, Caroline felt a shiver run down her spine. Instead of climbing out of the vehicle, something inside of her screamed to change her mind and go home.

Of course, true to Forbes fashion, the woman refused to give into her fear, instead clamping down on Klaus' hand, probably grabbing him in a bruising grip as she practically ran to the entrance. At his question, she shrugged off her attitude as due to the cold. Her frozen hands seconded her excuse, although the slightly chilly air had been the last reason behind them.

After they'd bought some popcorn and sodas and taken their seats in the center of the theater, Caroline could feel the pit of uneasiness start of uncoil. It had just been her imagination. Further putting her mind at ease, the only people in the audience were two families with very eager children who, magically, sat down in their chairs, silently enchanted by the 3D images rolling before their eyes.

Halfway through the movie, which she was sure Klaus was enjoying as well even though he would never admit, she reached for some more popcorn, but found none. When Klaus had gone to buy snacks, unease had prevented her from telling him just how starved she was after having skipped lunch at the hospital.

"I'm going to get some more popcorn," she whispered in his ear.

"I'll get it," he immediately offered, almost standing up.

"Don't be silly, it will literally take me 3 minutes to come back. It's not like somebody could kidnap me from the queue. Besides, you look like you are enjoying the movie," she smirked confidently." I'll be right back."

With a kiss on the cheek, she was well on her way to the snack vendor. In no time she'd placed her order, paid for it and received her change. She was already on her way inside, noting that it hadn't even taken 2 minutes when she noted a figure resting on the stairs of the cinema.

He was plopped down, head cradled in his hands, shoulders slightly shaking. Well, whoever it was, it was none of her business. Just as she was about to turn her back, she noted the white hospital robe he was wearing.

Was it one of her colleagues? Were they not feeling well?

Slowly, she inched closer, not stepping out of the safety of the cinema as she squinted to get a better look. Once she did, she recognized the silhouette within seconds. She knew him. He was her friend, not a threat.

Worry replaced weariness as she approached him.

"Frank, are you okay?" she voiced the second she'd opened the door, taking in his messy hair and the dejected look on his face.

"Caroline?" the man incredulously asked. "What are you doing here?"

"That's not important," she brushed off his question, being more concerned with what had him in that state. "What's wrong?"

"It's my mother," he shook his head, clearly affected. "She lives about 50 miles away from here. She's very sick and her doctor just called me to let me know she's in the hospital. I was on my way to see her when my tire exploded. The mechanic is not answering and the man at the cinema told me he can't help me. I have to get to her, Caroline. I have to," his words had become more and more frantic.

Immediately the woman remembered her own dying mother in the hospital and the desperation she'd lived through. Only imagining the she would not have been able to get to her had her breaking out in cold sweat.

"I know Klaus has a spare in his car," she ransacked the pockets of the jacket Klaus had lent her when she'd complained about the cold. "Here they are!" she exclaimed victoriously when her fingers wrapped around the keys. "Come with me."

Leading him to the car, she opened the trunk. "Get it yourself; I'd help you, but I don't want to drop the popcorn."

However, Frank didn't do as she said. He didn't even move from behind her. Instead he remained close to her; so close that she could feel him breathing down her neck. Truthfully, he was scaring her, not that she would ever admit it. She was probably being silly and paranoid yet again.

"Frank?" she tried again. "Come on, I'm missing out on the movie and Klaus is probably getting impatient."

A dry laugh was her answer as the man made no move towards the trunk.

"Imagine how impatient he'll become when you never come back again."

That had not been the voice of the man she'd become friends with. That was a voice that lacked any kind of basic humanity. It was a voice brimming with malice.

Just as a sharp pain erupted from the back of her head, Caroline realized that there had been no Frank. She'd been a fool and fallen straight into Mikael's trap.

I'm so sorry, Klaus.

Darkness engulfed her and in a matter of seconds, she'd been tossed in a black SUV, the only evidence that Caroline Forbes had ever been in the parking lot being the scatted popcorn and the few, small drops of blood on the cold, dirty pavement.


I don't even know how to apologize for the delay, but my life has been downright crazy. I've had to fight for a scholarship and also had to face the prospect of failing 4 exams and juggling a job to deal with tuition fees. I know that is no excuse, but I really tried to get this story updated multiple times, but the words simply weren't coming to me. A massive, massive thank you to anybody who is still ready this story- if there is anybody left- and I hope you liked this chapter and that I did not disappoint entirely. We are coming closer to the ending of this story and the next few chapters will be crazy. Once more, thank you and have a wonderful week!