Luna Pov
...
I sighed, turning around in the bed. I just couldn't get comfortable. I had problems sleeping because, for one, I was cold, and two, Klaus was far away from me. There were only a few feet between us. Maybe I was being overdramatic, it just didn't feel right to be so far away...He was sleeping on the couch. Everyone else had a room with the opposite sex well except for Kol and Davina, Hayley and Elijah, and Damon and Cami, but that was by choice. I barely even slept in the car ride over here. Everyone was so tired that we could barely decide who was sleeping in what room. Since there were not a lot of rooms like at the compound, we would have to double up; Marcel and Josh, Davina and Kol, Stefan and Ansel, Damon and Cami, Hayley and Elijah, and then me and Klaus. Rebekah had her own room, and so did Hope. I was confused when Klaus said he was going to take the couch. Maybe I had said too much earlier. Maybe, I had said something wrong or done something stupid.
This wouldn't have been the first time we have slept in the same bed together. It was just hard sleeping in the same room with him knowing I could have said or done something wrong. And that killed me on the inside. I would prefer for someone to slowly rip my heart out, then say or do something wrong in front of him.
Especially, since our 'date' thing was tomorrow. I didn't know what else to call it because it wasn't just a day out, and it wasn't just dinner. Everything was more when it involved Klaus.
With him, a simple day turned perfect. Even if someone was trying to kill me, as long as I was with him everything would be okay. I didn't need a hero, I could fend perfectly well for myself, Klaus knew this. He had told me once that he didn't want me to have to fight for myself. Knowing that he would defend me made me feel special, even exceptional. A bad day, without Klaus, became worse. He kept me together. It was like I was a piece of material, and he was the stitches that held me together. And when I fell apart, he was there to fix me again. I couldn't understand what made me feel better when I saw him, or when he held me. I was so attached to him and his family...Despite being away, I didn't regret my feelings towards any of them...even though the pain had been excruciating...
Not everyone knew his favorite places to visit, not even his siblings. No one knew his favorite color, I knew this was a fact because everyone thought it was either blue, green, or black. No one could think of his favorite song. I knew he told me things he didn't share with anyone else, just like I told him things that I didn't share with anyone but him.
One of his favorite places in the world to visit is Pamukkale, a town in western Turkey. The Antique Pool was his favorite thing about the town. The Antique Pool, with its mineral-rich thermal waters, was most famous for its submerged Roman columns. An earthquake had caused it. There was beauty in destruction. Another one of his top three was Athens, the capital city of Greece. The way he described the remarkable foods, the history-filled museums, the unique architecture, and structure of the temples, the sandy beaches, the street art. It was like I had really been there with him. The last of his top three is the Amazon Rainforest. He had said that despite the rain and hot temperatures, every minute had been worth it. There were thousands of different species of trees, some towered, the diversity of species, including animals. That's what he loved about it. I had seen paintings from all three places. They were all equally stunning in their own way. The paintings were masterpieces in my opinion. He would deny it, saying that it was nothing. I just couldn't help but gush over them. I could feel emotion when I looked at them. He was sopassionateabout painting, I think that's why I loved to watch him create. There were these times when we stayed up all night. He was painting, and I would watch as he turned blank canvases into something. It didn't matter if it was a tree, an animal, blood spatter, a white wall, the ocean, or a sunset. Anything he created with a paintbrush in his hands, and colors on his palette, dark or bright, was something special.
When I found out what his favorite color was, we had been on the roof of the compound. He had pointed it out to me with a little smirk on his face. I didn't need him to tell me that it had been a week since he genuinely smiled, I just knew. We had come up to watch the sunset instead of having dinner. It had been a week since we could spend more than ten minutes together. The witches had been planning something against Marcel. He had spent most of those seven days out of the compound. I remember that he took my hand, and led me away as Hayley complained. I remember how he held my hand even when we reached our destination, I remember what the air felt like on my skin, I remember when the wind blew hair in my face, and he laughed, we laughed, I remembereveryword we exchanged.
"Alright love, I told you mine, now tell me yours. It's only fair."
"I've already told you. I love all colors. I don't have a favorite."
"I don't buy it."
"Why not?"
"Because this is the fourth time you have worn purple this week."
"How do you remember things like that?"
"I have a good memory."
The day I found out his favorite song, he had been taking me to lunch in his car, back then we had still been at the plantation house.
"Hybrid Theory?" He asked after glancing down at the cd case.
"Yeah, it's one of my favorite albums. Nickleback, Guns N' Roses, ACDC, Paramore, and Nirvana, are great it's just that one Linkin Park album appeals to me more than the others."
"If you had to choose one song to listen to forever from that album, what would it be?"
I hummed lightly, thinking.
"Papercut."
He nodded approvingly, "Nice choice."
"You've heard it?"
"Love, I've been around for over a thousand years."
I nodded, I seemed to forget that he had lived all those years ago. It felt like he had known me all along. "What is your favorite album of theirs?"
"Minutes to Midnight."
I cautiously took out the cd and put it back in its case. After seconds of searching, I found the album near the top.
"What are you doing, love?"
"I've had my time," was my reply before I put the cd in. The car was suddenly filled with, "Wake" the first song of the album.
"It's what I've done, isn't it? That's your favorite song, it has to be," I said, remembering the song lyrics.
Put to rest what you thought of me
While I clean this slate
With the hands of uncertainty
So let mercy come and wash away
What I've done
Those lines of the song captured how Klaus felt. He was trying to make things up with his sibling, Rebekah, and Elijah. Hayley had said that he hadn't been a saint. I had my opinion about that, but I could see that he was trying. He's told me himself that he isn't proud of what he's done in the past. He's told me that he is going to try and improve himself.
Klaus' smile was contagious, I found myself smiling along with him. "How did you know?"
"Call it a hunch."
"I hold leave out all the rest on the same level as what I've done."
I nodded, causing him to look over at me, still smiling. "I suspected as much."
"We are so alike, you and I."
"You don't hate how alike we are, do you?"
"No, of course, not. In fact, I'm glad that we are so alike. It is a relief to have someone understand me, someone, I can confide in..."
Warmness swelled inside my chest at his words. "I'm glad I can be that person for you."
It was all surreal. Reminiscing over our time together.
I turned around again, trying to get comfortable. I sighed and got up, taking a drink from my glass of water. I emptied it in no time.
I laid back down and looked at the clock, it was around 3:00 a.m. If I was ever going to get sleep, the best time would be now. Before, I had to worry about my hair, make-up, and if I had dressed up too much. And what to say and what not to say. And what to do and what to not do...
...
Klaus Pov
...
Throughout the hours of the night, I had woken up, uncomfortable.
The couch wasn't the problem.
All those months she had been away caused me to have a mood of hopelessness. The day she came back, we were sleeping in the same bed again. One night in her room, and the other, in my own. It had beenheaven, compared to all the nights in bed I had spent alone. All the nights I had spent without her...All the days I had spent without her had been the complete opposite,hell. Complete with the torment and flames.
Icravedher warmth. Some other's body heat wouldn't be enough. Some other women sleeping in my bed beside me wouldn't be enough; there was a difference, a substantial one, they wouldn't feel the same, their body heat wouldn't compare to hers, it wouldn't be as soft, they wouldn't smell the same. They wouldn't leave that sweet scent on my pillows and sheets the way she always did. When I woke up in the middle of the night or the morning, their shape wouldn't be as delicate and appealing as hers was. Luna was insecure. I had no idea as to why this was. I thought she was bloody perfect. I wanted to tell her...I just didn't know how to without sounding completely mental.
I could distinctly hear her heart beating, but Iyearnedto be closer. Her heart's beat is the tune that had been stuck in my head for months upon end. The refined melody would forever be ingrained, into my mind.
Ineededto hold her, to know that she was real. She felt like a dream, thebest,dream.
Luna seemed too good to be true. Yes, she was beautiful, absolutely remarkable on the outside. What was most underlooked, about her was that she was remarkable on the inside as well. What others didn't realize was that she was highly intelligent. Not only with plans, strategizing, and problem-solving, but with other things as well. They were too busy trying to sneak a peek down her shirt, or they were staring longingly at her back to be interested in anything else. I was not blind. I saw the full hourglass figure that she tried to hide with baggy shirts and oversized jeans. She wouldn't wear any low-cut shirts often despite having a natural full bust that women would kill for, and if she did, she always had a jacket around to hug around her body; her legs were shapely and long, her stomach was flat and taut, her bottom was as shapely, as the rest of her. Her hair was long and luscious. It didn't matter if it was straightened or she just got out of the shower. Her green and gray eyes were striking against her skin, they were blanketed with thick, dark, and long eyelashes. I often found myself wondering how they didn't get caught up every time she blinked. Her lips were full, pink, and plump. I sometimes lost my concentration whenever she would part them. Her smile was beautiful enough to light up a whole room. Her clear warm carmel skin was another thing that for lack of words captivated, the people around her, me included. I think part of the reason she was so insecure is that she didn't look like those around her. She didn't have blue or brown eyes or pale skin. She wasn't a size 2. That's what I loved most about her looks. Yes, there might have been dozens, maybe even hundreds of girls named Luna, out there, but they wouldn't look anything likemyLuna.
Most didn't appreciate her other notable attributes the way I did. She was constantly, objectified as nothing more than something pretty to look at. That was their mistake for not realizing that she was so much more...That was their loss...
It's why I grew jealous, it's why I grew so angry and possessive whenever they tried to approach her.
Without anyone's knowledge, not even Elijah's, I may have let myself slip on a few occasions. There was this one time when I was taking her out to dinner. She and Hayley had gotten into it recently over me. It had been the third time this week. I wanted to bring up her spirits. The restaurant we were at had been a nice, quaint little spot at the end of a street. It was crowded though I noticed that night she didn't pay attention to this fact as she vented to me. Usually, I was the one to vent. It was nice being the listener every so often for her I was the listener all the time. Though, I was always the best listener when it came to Luna. She was dressed, casually; wearing a loose black camisole top, a pair of dark jeans, white converse, and a cyan cardigan wrapped around her shoulders. Her hair was straightened half up and half down. She wasn't wearing a drop of makeup not that she needed any. We were talking about painting, a subject we both enjoyed. I had been teaching her what I knew, but she had the do and then learn, state of mind when painting. Even her mistakes were perfect to me. She had been twirling around her spaghetti with her fork, smiling as she described a scene in her head that she wanted to paint. I was so, tuned in to her, I hadn't noticed the two men that had crept up behind her. Their eyes graced briefly over her face before they lingered elsewhere. Anger, no, that wasn't right, hot fury rose in my chest. I nearly choked on the intensity of it. If it wasn't for Luna, sitting across from me, their heads would have been removed the moment they looked down her shirt. Instead, I git my teeth watching as they tried to invite her to a party they were supposedly throwing. Luna didn't react like I had expected her to. She denied their invitation, and when they insisted, she said words and phrases I knew Hayley would have gotten on her about, maybe even Elijah. With her being a natural sarcastic, and her hanging out with Damon this side of her was bound to come out. And what a beautiful scene it was. That eased my fury, but only slightly. Luna then continued as if nothing had happened. She had a kind heart, but push her too far, and she might disembody you, just one of the many things I loved about her unique personality. The two men hadn't left, I was wearier because of this fact. They weren't alone, either. A group of five more men, between the ages of twenty and twenty-five, were there. And they were all looking at her, hungrily. As if she was a rack of lamb. Luna's phone vibrated, and she sighed ignoring it. I stood up and walked over behind her chair before I knew what I was doing. I kissed her cheek, and she turned, "Where are you going?"
"I just have somethings to take care of. Don't worry love, I will return shortly."
That day seven men died. Their deaths were swift and clean. I couldn't afford to play around with them as much as the beast inside of me wanted to.
The faster I could return to her, the better.
A couple of weeks later, their faces appeared on the local news, missing. No one suspected the truth. This hadn't been the first incident.
I had gotten it under control.
Now the staring was manageable to a point, I still found myself slipping, but once they laid a hand on her or touched a hair on her head, it was over, their time was done. It all depended on my mood that was always a factor.
I wanted to keep her from being used. She didn't deserve to be manipulated. I wouldn'tallowher to be treated that way.
Since the first two days of knowing her, it became obvious that she was too good for me, too good, for my family. I knew I didn't deserve her, her time, or herunwaveringloyalty.
Maybe I wasn't any better than those other men who tried to approach her. Though the difference was that they had a one-track mind, I didn't.
I knew what they wanted, I also knew that they weren't going to get it.
Ten minutes went by, and I finally gave up. I gave in. I wasn't going back to sleep, not when she was several feet away from me.
I frowned, hearing whimpering.
It was coming from Luna.
Concerned, I didn't hesitate to approach her.
The sheets and blankets were off of her body. Beads of sweat were on her chest and forehead. I noticed this as she had started twitching. The sounds didn't stop, they grew louder. Her breathing, as well as her heartbeat, had quickened. Her trembling body was now curled, into a fetal position as she held her hands over her ears, now full-on screaming.
It hurt me to hear those awful sounds coming from her. Hearing her in pain must have snapped something inside of me, because I had walked closer to her side of the bed, gently saying her name while rubbing her back before I could register what I was doing.
The last thing I wanted to do was shake her, she was already shaking enough.
"What is going on?" Elijah asked, worriedly, as he entered the room. I knew it was only a matter of time before people started coming into our room. As expected, Elijah was the first.
"I'm not sure. I think it's a nightmare."
My brother opened his mouth to say something but stopped when Luna started crying. The screaming had ceased, but what came after wasn't any better.
I gently pulled her up, she was now awake. Tears streaming down her cheeks, hitting the sheets.
Elijah rubbed her upper back, and I brushed the pieces of hair that were stuck to her cheeks due to tears and sweat on her face. With his free hand, Elijah handed me a handkerchief. In minutes it was soaked and now useless. The tears just kept coming, like a rain that never ends.
"Luna...Love..."
"What is it?" Elijah asked. Luna remained shuddering as her tears silently fell.
"Y-you l-left. You a-all left m-me."
I didn't know what to say. Hearing her voice filled with so much distress hurt.
Itphysicallyhurt me. It felt as if something was poking my heart with a metal rod. Driving it deeper every time she cried out.
"Luna, I know that these past few months have been hard on you. I am to blame."
She sniffled, turning fully to look at Elijah. "What do you mean?"
"Over the long course of my life, I have come to believe that we are bound to those whom we share blood. And while we may not choose our family, that bond can be our greatest strength, or our deepest regret. This unfortunate truth has haunted me for as long as I can recall. A year ago, you changed that belief. I now realize that family is more than blood."
"That's why you did it. To protect me."
Elijah nodded at her words, sitting down on the bed beside her. I remained standing, deciding it would be best if I stayed out of it. There had been a slight rift in their relationship since Elijah followed up on my promise. It was not his fault, but my own. He was taking the blame so I wouldn't have to. Luna deserved the truth, and I would deliver it later on. However, for now, it was best that she remained in the dark about the real reason why.
"If anything were to happen to you, our family would never recover."
"You would move on," Luna muttered, looking down again.
"No, you overestimate us. Whether you see it or not, you are the glue that holds our family together. You keep us united, you keep us from fighting. Because of everything you do, we would do the impossible to make you safe again. Even if that meant taking the drastic measures as I did all those months ago. I hope you don't take this wrong when I say that I am not sorry for what I did."
"Elijah-" I intervened, not knowing where this was headed.
He briefly turned his head towards me before turning back to Luna. "No. I mean it."
"I'm not sorry. I have no intention of apologizing for my actions," he continued despite my glare.
"I was doing what I thought was the right thing, I haven't changed my mind, and I won't. I never wished to harm you, but it had to be done. However, I will, apologize for the pain you experienced during your time away. I promise you that particular situation won't happen again, not if I can help it. Family do not abandon one another. You are my family."
Luna had stopped crying, and her heart and breathing were not as erratic as before.
It was silent, and Luna remained just the same. Her face pale, her cheeks hollow, her breath shaky, and her eyes glassy. Elijah swiftly stood, moving to the door.
"Elijah."
He paused, watching as she crossed the room. Once she reached him, she embraced him.
Jealousy didn't arise in my chest. I now knew that their relationship purely platonic, sibling-like. Elijah had said that Luna was like a sister to him, months ago she had told me Elijah was like a brother to her. She never said that to me, I wondered if that meant anything or not.
His shoulders slumped, and he was no longer so tense. He was relieved by her hug.
She pulled away, her hands holding his.
"It's okay, I understand. If a situation ever arose like, that I probably would have done the same thing. Sometimes you have to do the wrong thing for the right reason."
Elijah smiled and pulled her in for another hug. "Get some sleep, goodnight, Luna."
Then he was gone, leaving me alone, with Luna.
Her cheeks were still pale and damp, but she looked better than before. Much better. I crossed the distance between us in a few steps. She automatically hugged me back.
"Will you stay with me for the rest of the night?"
I buried my face in her neck. Reveling her warmth and in her aroma. I didn't want to sleep alone, she didn't either.
There was a simple solution.
I needed to stop trying to stay away. I couldn't keep myself from her. I was stupid to try to. I would only bring both myself and her more misery. "I will, and every night after that if it's what you want."
She pulled away slightly, her body still close to mine. "It matters what you want to. So, if you don't want to-"
I cut her off, sticking my hand under her chin, gently forcing her to look up at me. I wanted her to be looking in my eyes when I said this, so she would know I wasn't lying. I watched as blood rushed to her face. A lovely color it was...her blush...how lovely a feeling it brought me to know that I was the cause...
"No. I do want to."
"I try so hard," her voice wavered as she closed her eyes before opening them again. Tears gathered in her heavy dark lashes. "Not to come off as clingy, I really do," she exhaled shakily, and her tears began to fall. "But when you were gone, i-it was hell for me. I couldn't eat, I got sick, I couldn't sleep, I had nightmares. I don't ever want to go through that again."
She inhaled deeply, her voice wavered again, "I-I can't go through that again, I just c-can't take it."
I pulled her head to my chest, the metal rod came out again, poking my heart as she wrapped her arms around me and cried. This time was much worse, it somehow hurt more. Her cries and shaking body eventually slowed before coming to a stop. It was good for her to let it out. All of that sadness inside her didn't make anything easier.
"Love?" I asked, and she pulled away slightly. This time, looking me in the eyes.
"You are not clingy. I should have been there for you it's my fault."
She shook her head, closing her eyes as my thumbs wiped away the remnants of her tears.
"No, Klaus. I won't let you blame yourself."
"I left you."
"Technically, I left you."
"Technical or not, I put you through that pain, and I am truly sorry. Elijah wouldn't tell me where you were. If he had, I would have come for you without a second thought, in a heartbeat."
"It's probably a good thing that you didn't. You could have gotten in trouble."
"I don't give a damn about getting into trouble. Icareabout you, seeing you, spending time with you. Things weren't easy for me when you were gone either. I've never been so miserable. If you don't believe me ask Elijah or even Kol..."
"No," she paused and placed her hands on either side of my face. I just realized that I hadn't moved my hands. The position we were in was intimate. It's something I hadn't done with anyone else. "I believe you."
I put my head against hers.
It had been so long since we last did this. It felt more comforting and relieving than it did before.
"I don't know what the future holds, but I promise to stay with you."
"Klaus-"
"No. I will do whatever it takes to make you feel safe again. I meant what I said. I'll stay with you as long as you want me to."
Her breath fanned across my face as she exhaled shakily. "I'll always want you to stay."
"Do you still want to go out with me tomorrow?"
"You know me so well Klaus, what do you think?"
I smirked, "That you'll always want to go out with me." She laughed, "You are always right when it comes to me."
I laughed at what she had said. This worked in my favor. "Since you said I was always right, then you should have no problem with me suggesting that we go ahead and get some rest."
Her reaction was not what I was expecting. She took her hands off my face and took my hands off hers. She started to walk backward. I just started to realize that she was only in a long sleeve t-shirt.
She got into her side of the bed, and I got into mine. Of course, that didn't last but a couple of seconds.
We were soon almost nose to nose, our bodies entangled. Her face was relaxed. I knew it wouldn't be long before she fell asleep.
"Is this okay?"
I frowned, opening my eyes to find her staring back at me. "What do you mean?"
"Us, being like this."
"I don't know about you, love, but doing something as simple as this, with you is truly pleasureful."
"So, you don't feel that it's weird?"
"No," I muttered softly, bringing my lips to her cheek. I let them linger.
She breathed out, sounding relieved, "Good. I thought that you would think-"
I cut her off by putting my lips against her forehead.
Her breathing became erratic, and her heart stuttered, interesting. Her breathing and heartbeat had been normal before.
My hands that were on her waist had suddenly found themselves brushing her hair back. The same reaction took place. Maybe, I was hearing things or just tired.
"Goodnight, love."
"Goodnight, Klaus."
I didn't go to sleep right away. I waited patiently. Listening as Luna's breathing and heartbeat became even. I waited another half hour or so in case she had a nightmare, but she lay still.
This is what I had been missing. She is what I had been needing my whole life.
In months this was the first time I had fallen to sleep with a smile on my face.
...
Kol Pov
...
I resisted the urge to laugh when I saw my brother's face.
He and Luna were curled up together. Her arms on his back, his on her waist. Embracing, each other. Their faces were only mere inches apart.
What amused me about his face was that he was smiling, smirking wasn't the right term.
My brother was smiling in his sleep. I knew it had something to do with Luna. His good moods always had something to do with her. She controlled so much of his life, not in a negative way either. She changed him for the better. I knew that because of her, he was more than willing to divulge us in his plans. He never used to, in fact, he never seemed to show that he cared for his family until her arrival. I couldn't be more thankful for the girl in his hold.
I didn't mind. She was my best friend, he was my brother. It was a win-win for me.
What would help is if my brother wasn't so blind. The one was lying in front of him, in his embrace.
He needed towakeup.
I loved Davina dearly, with everything in me; the bad, the good, all of it. If she didn't exist, I would snatch Luna up in an instant. She was ethereal, a goddess. If my brother couldn't see that then he would force my hand. My lovely witch and I had planned out many scenarios, but everyone would know that it wasn't real. I've contemplated calling up a few old friends. I was hesitant, I might not have those friends even after and if the plan succeeded. I knew how my brother could be, especially with Luna.
I looked down at my phone and decided that I would give him ten more minutes before he had to walk downstairs, where he would have a teenage blonde vampire to deal with.
She wanted to speak to my brother about what I didn't know.
A part of me wished for Luna and Caroline to meet. I wanted to see my brother's face then. I doubted there would even be a hint of a smile or a smirk then.
I carefully and quietly sauntered towards my brother. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to wake him up. Luckily, as it turned out, I didn't have to. There was a loud gasp, and before I knew it some unidentified, force had thrown me halfway through a wall.
Luna must have woken up and seen me over Klaus.
That's why she reacted the way she did. I noticed that she didn't move her hand like she usually did. Her powers were growing, which was good and all but did it have to hurt so bloody much.
"Oh my, Kol, are you okay?" Luna asked, getting out of bed. Her hands were over her mouth as she came over to me.
I understood her shock. My body was after, all halfway inside of a wall. Klaus still had his smile on his face. He was amused, not even bothering to hide his delight at my current situation.
"Have you learned your lesson, brother? Watching people sleep, it was bound to happen..."
Luna turned to my brother, a perplexed expression was on her face. I appreciated the fact that she was concerned about my wellbeing. "Klaus, what do you mean watching people sleep?"
"He was watching up sleep...Why?" She asked, turning to me.
"How did you know I was watching you?" I asked, looking at my brother. He laughed, "I was awake the moment you opened that door."
"We should help him down," Luna said, looking at Klaus, who sighed, "I will help him down, you stay back."
Luna stepped back and watched as Klaus pulled me out of the wall. Concern was written all over her features.
She walked forward, brushing the plaster off of my hair and skin. Her kindness was certainly outshining my older brother's. Maybe, he should take some pointers for her instead of laughing at me. Then again, I couldn't necessarily blame him. I would be doing the same thing, except for maybe being less reserved.
"Did you learn your lesson?" She asked, lightly laughing afterward. "It wasn't that funny," I said, and she laughed even harder. It had been too long since I heard her laugh like that. I needed to do things like this more often if it brought her this much joy.
"Oh, but it was brother. That look on your face is something I will never forget."
Then they started laughing again. Oh yes, haha, I was thrown so hard into a wall that I got my body stuck halfway in it haha.
"Caroline is downstairs."
I watched as my brother's smile slipped from his face, and his laugh came to a stop. "Kol, let's not joke about such things."
"I'm serious," I said, holding my hands up in a defensive position.
"Who is Caroline?" Luna asked, and I noticed that for some reason, she was tense. Interesting.
"Niklaus' former lover."
Luna's eyebrows shot up, and she shifted on her feet, looking down. "She is not my former lover. The only reason I talked to her in the first place was to get information. It was all an act, a lie," he emphasized, glaring at me.
What he spoke was the truth, but the look in Luna's eyes was, hurt. I wondered as good as he knew her if he could see it as I could.
"Well, what does she want?" Luna asked, still looking, not looking in my brother's direction.
"A talk. At least that's what she said."
"Tell her I am busy today," Klaus said, reaching down to hold Luna's hand when she pulled away.
Uh oh, I hadn't meant to cause any harm.
"Luna?" My brother asked worriedly.
"I have to go," were the last words she said as she turned to leave. I watched with genuine pity as my brother walked after her. "Is something wrong?"
"No, I-uh feel a little sick, and since Caroline is here, I guess you and I are not going anywhere anytime soon."
She turned to leave, but Klaus grabbed her arm, stopping her. "Just because Caroline is here doesn't mean our day is over."
Luna looked down and winced. "It's okay, Klaus, and our day isn't over as long as you don't want it to be. I know that you are busy, and I appreciate that you tried to set time aside for me. Is it okay if we wait until tonight? Sorry, it's just I'm not feeling well."
"Whatever works for you works for me, love."
My brother reached out and put his hand against her forehead, frowning as he did. "You are burning up."
She gave him a hug. It was shorter than usual. Something was wrong, though I wasn't entirely sure it was all my fault.
"I'm sorry, I-I have to go," were the last words she said before running down the hallway, poor Jewel.
I wanted to disappear when he turned around. I didn't like seeing my older brother this sad, this defeated. His shoulders were slumped, as he sat back down on the bed, on Luna's side.
"I won't judge you if you smell her pillow. She has always smelled good."
"Kol, if you are going to joke, then you can get out."
"I'm sorry," I said, and I truly meant it. Whether he could tell or not, I didn't know. He wasn't paying much attention to me.
"Something tells me she is still pining after you."
He finally looked up at me, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't care. It doesn't change how I feel, even if she is pining for me."
"Does Luna have anything to do with that?"
"As I have said before many times. Everything between her and I wasn't genuine. At least I wasn't being honest. My intentions weren't pure, I used her to get what I wanted."
"And you have no intention of doing that to my best friend?"
He didn't answer at first. His mouth twitched before he started speaking, "If she truly is your best friend, then you should have no problem answering this simple question."
"Go on..."
"How does Luna prefer her steak?"
I rolled my eyes, this was the question. "Ask a different one."
"No, Kol, I won't. If you want me to believe that she is your best friend, that you top me, then you should have no trouble answering it."
I shifted, uneasy. I had no idea how Luna preferred her steak. Whenever we went out to eat, with Davina or not, pizza, chinese, or ice cream was always on the menu.
Then it occurred to me. Maybe, Nik didn't know either.
"I don't know, brother. How does the lovely Jewel prefer her steak?"
The smirk didn't leave his face as he swiftly answered my question, standing up, "She prefers her steak to be pan-seared, medium-rare, with sauteed mushrooms on top. On the side, some steamed asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes, though light on the garlic. She prefers club soda to drink, and occasionally, her second pick is a sweet tea with no ice. For dessert usually, she will have a slice of cheesecake, and sometimes she will have a coffee creme burlee."
I couldn't hide how surprised I was. Of course, he would know how she preferred her steak. He knew exactly how she liked most things if not everything. Not everyone agreed with me, but I was betting that Luna was harboring feelings for my brother almost as bad as he was.
The signs were there and let's face it love is blind and deaf for one. And for another, you tell certain friends things that you wouldn't tell others.
My phone vibrated, and I looked down to see Luna had texted me.
Hey, can you take me to town, there are some things I need to talk to you about. If your busy then I'll understand. Either way, please don't tell Klaus I asked this of you.
My heart ached. I wanted to hug her through the phone. If only it were possible.
I replied.
Sure, Jewel, I am happy to provide whatever you need, what else are friends for?
I sent a quick text to Davina explaining why I was in town. Looking for some herbs to rid Luna's sudden sickness. The perfect cover story, she didn't seem to be feeling that well so it wasn't necessarily a lie.
"You know what brother, we'll have to finish this conversation later..."
...
We were halfway into town, and not a word, had been said. Luna's nails were digging into the seat the whole time, her head was back, and she looked to be gritting her teeth.
"Are you alright?" I asked, looking away from the road.
"No," she shakily breathed out.
"Stop the car."
I did as she asked, pulling over to the side of the road. Before I even came to a full stop, she was already out of the car, throwing up behind some bush.
I winced, hating to see and hear her in so much pain. I held back her hair and rubbed her back. I was used to doing this for Davina whenever we would go out and party a little too hard. I was willing to do the same for my best friend...
...
Now that we were back in the car, she seemed better, less pale, and more lively. Though she still looked tired.
I mulled over the list of symptoms in my head.
Fatigue, sickness, dizziness. What could those things mean? Luna did have her fair share of enemies, could one of them have reached her. I doubted it, though it was a possibility. Luna had a very strong mind. It would take a lot to break through.
"Luna."
She hummed, turning her head in my direction.
"Have you participated in any strenuous activity lately?" I hated to think of pregnancy, but after Hope, my lovely niece, there was a likely chance of that happening to her as well. She frowned, now seeming confused. "What do you mean?"
There was no use trying to say it in code.
"Sex."
She opened her mouth but then closed it. I promptly chastised myself after everything was Stefan and the whole Genevieve situation. I can't believe I had thought in that way, that I had even gone that direction. "Sorry, it's just I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with you."
"Thanks, and no, it's been months."
I came to a stop at one of the quaint shops, satisfied that we were in town. Confused at her answer.
"Were you seeing someone?"
"No. He was a friend, a close friend. I don't know why I did it. Though Lance did remind me of your brother, not by looks..."
"What happened?"
She huffed, her hands twisting around in her lap. "The morning after we decided to stay friends, we were better off that way. We never spoke of it, and it wasn't brought up again. It wasn't weird or anything like that. There were no awkward moments. We were walking, and he dropped one of his books. He told me to go ahead, that he would be right behind me."
I waited, patiently for her to continue. Her eyes were now glassy and a steely gray, the green gone.
"He was hit. By a car. It all happened so fast, there was so much blood..." She closed her eyes tightly and looked down.
"I'm sorry, Luna."
She shook her head slowly, "No, it's not your fault. I just needed someone to talk to."
"And I am here to listen. Anything you say will be confidential with me."
...
"Did Klaus or anyone get suspicious when you left?"
We were in a herbal shop, a crowded one. Everyone was too wrapped up in themselves to be nosy.
"No, I texted my lovely girlfriend and told her that I had come to town to find some herbs for you to cure your sudden sickness."
She nodded, "Thank you again. Kol, I can't tell you how appreciative I am."
I smiled as I hugged her outside the shop. I was glad I was able to be there for her. I had missed our time together.
"Kol, there's something I have to tell you."
"What is it?" I asked, worriedly when she looked down and bit her lip. "Not a lot of people know this. And when I say not a lot, I mean two."
I rubbed my hands together, excited that I was going to be the third person to know whatever this something was. Her secrecy only made me more curious.
She exhaled before looking up at me. "I have feelings for Klaus."
I frowned, "Of course, you have feelings for my brother, and they must be good with all the time you spend with him. I wouldn't be able to handle it."
Luna shook her head, her hair moving because of the sudden motion and the wind.
"No, Kol, I-I like him, like him."
"Oh," a wide smile started to spread on my face, and I couldn't stop it. So, I had been right. Luna didindeed,harbor feelings for my brother. Oh, how it felt good to be right. There was no denying that he had feelings for her, and she was saying that she had feelings for him...Why were they so blind?
"I just don't know what to do, Kol. I had to tell someone else it's driving me crazy. After everything, after being away from him, my feelings are stronger than ever. When you came in talking about that girl downstairs I just got-"
"Jealous," I said when she struggled with finding a word.
"If jealousy is a hot flaring sick feeling, then yeah. I got jealous. I am jealous. Ever since he saved me, I have been drawn to him. Not because of his looks or anything along those lines. There was something in the way he moved, something in the way he talked. There this need, this pull of some sorts. I wanted to know him. I defended him when Hayley and Elijah stood against him. They were wrong, yes, but it felt natural to defend him. He heals me. I don't mean physically. He makes everything, breathable; all the pain, the hurt, the anxiety, the fear, and the doubt as well as the darkness. He makes it all bearable. I don't understand why. I never have. I don't understand the things he makes me feel,the wayhe makes me feel. And I am utterly terrified of losing him."
"Don't worry about Caroline. He never had feelings for her."
I clenched my jaw, wanting desperately to tell her some of Klaus' rambles when he had been drunk. He had been an open book, and he wasn't shy about his feelings. I couldn't do that to him, as much as I wanted to reassure my friend, it wouldn't be right of me to do so. Being good had its perks and its downsides.
Her shoulders weren't as slumped down as before. "You look better."
"Talking to someone helps, now I don't feel like the load is so heavy."
"If you intend to go out with my brother, tonight I have some suggestions..."
...
Caroline Pov
...
It had been a couple of months since I had seen Bonnie. Stefan and Damon were here at this house. Something told me they didn't know about Elena's death. Things had been bad when Jeremy died, even worse when Stefan left. I tried to be a good friend, I hadn't been good enough to stop her from taking her own life.
I would tell Stefan and Damon later. Right now, I was worried about Bonnie. I had tried to find her on my own, and I failed.
Klaus Mikealson was a powerful being that's been around for nearly two thousand years. I was sure he had some witch's number that would happily track Bonnie down as a favor. Then I would be on my merry way.
"Caroline."
I jumped. I would never get used to him sneaking up on me.
"Klaus," I nodded, acknowledging him. Relieved that I didn't have to wait any longer.
"Why are you here?"
Okay, so he didn't seem to be in the mood for chit-chat.
"I was wondering if you knew any witches that could help with my problem."
He raised a brow and folded his arms across his chest. "Problem?"
"Yeah, Bonnie's missing. Has been for months. I came here hoping you could help me. After using me for information, I think you owe me. Especially, after everything, you said, all the lies. Let's not forget about you using me."
He laughed, but there wasn't any amusement in his eyes. "What makes you think I am interested in making amends with you?"
Of course, he was going to be difficult.
"It's the season of giving. I was hoping you would be more merrier than you usually are."
"Luckily for you, I happen to be in a giving mood. Let me see what I can do..."
I was thankful he had agreed to help me. Though I didn't know why...
...
I tensed seeing Kol walk in with a girl, this must be the witch Klaus was talking about.
If anyone could help me, she could, his exact words. He seemed to have a lot of faith in this one witch.
She hadn't been what I was expecting. Her skin reminded me of Bonnie's. Warm and brown, for some reason, it made me think of carmel. Her brows were softly arched. Her eyes were mostly green, but I could see some gray in their depths. Her cheekbones were high, her lips full. Now that I thought about it, she reminded me of Hayley from a certain angle. Her hair was long and curly down and around her shoulders. I immediately felt self-conscious of my own looks. Even though we were both wearing jeans, she looked so much better in them.
"You must be Caroline, I'm Luna," she said, holding out her hand. I didn't have the ability to speak. Her voice had this silvery quality, a clear, almost musical tone to it. I had never heard anything like it and found that it was pleasing. I shook her hand, feeling intimidated. There was something about her that seemed almost commanding or compelling. I wasn't exactly certain, but it hadn't been five minutes, and I was already envying her.
"Do you have something that is of some form of importance to Bonnie? Since blood and DNA are out of the question."
I shook my head, cursing. I hadn't thought of that. "No, I uh didn't think of that."
"There are ways to find someone without using DNA or a specific personal object."
"There are other ways?" I asked, surprised. I thought those were the only ways to find someone.
"There is always another way. Why don't we take a walk outside? Maybe the days leading up to her disappearance might have some significance." I nodded, feeling compelled to do whatever she asked. There was an energy about her, that was charming.
As I headed towards the exit, I looked back to see Kol saying something to Klaus, who turned and glared.
...
"She wasn't acting odd at all? Any of the things she said or did. Sorry if I am being persistent, it's just with all the switched bodies and trapped consciousness going on here of late, I figured it wouldn't be the strangest thing if it happened to your friend."
"I mean I suppose both of us were acting weird, one of our closest friends had just died, and before that my mother."
"I'm sorry for your loss." I nodded and swallowed a lump in my throat. A day didn't go by that I didn't miss my mother. "Was she acting like a completely different person?"
"No, but she was acting secretive. She had gotten some mail, and I walked in the kitchen, and papers were spread out on the counter. She freaked out and scrambled to hide the papers."
"Did you see anything on the papers?"
I found it easy to talk to Luna. Everything just came flowing back, it was like I was replaying what happened in my head as we spoke. I think it had something to do with that voice of hers.
"Yes. It was mostly latin, but there was this symbol..." I trailed off as I reached into my purse and pulled out a slip of paper. I had drawn the symbol over and over again. I figured it would be smart to bring it with me.
As soon as Luna touched the paper, she seized up and gasped.
Before I could ask what was wrong, she snapped out of it. "I think your friend might be closer than we originally thought."
"How close?"
"She's almost here, and she has someone called Kathrine with her."
...
"How do you know this?"
"I'll explain later, right now, we need to get to Klaus," she said as she jogged to the compound. I stood silently by as Luna explained to Kol, Klaus, and now Elijah what had happened or rather, what she had learned.
"Do you have any idea what this could mean?" Luna asked, passing my slip of paper around.
"No, though it could be a rune or sacred marking of some sort..." Kol said as he viewed the paper from different angles. "Well, whatever it is makes me uneasy."
"I agree with you and that, love," Klaus murmured, hovering over Luna's shoulder. I was surprised to see that he had a hand on her back, not exactly in the middle but lower. She had her eyes closed and looked to be stressed. As he whispered something in her ear, I saw her relax.
After seeing what just happened between them I had questions.
Lots of questions. That moment between them was cute. The moment they just shared was a moment I wanted to have with someone special, maybe even the one.
I wanted to know more about her. She must be special if she got him to comfort her, because I never could. Then again, it was all a lie. A part of me was grateful that it hadn't been real.
...
Cami Pov
...
"What's the problem, Hayley?" I asked there was definitely something wrong, I didn't need a psychologist degree to tell me that.
She sighed, patting a spot next to the couch in her and Elijah's room. I had been walking by when she waved me down.
"Hey, I needed to ask your advice on something?" I tensed, sitting next to her, hoping it was not the arranged marriage/binding ritual. She had told me the other day and asked me to think about it.
"Sure."
"The marriage ritual did you think about it?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"No offense, I just think it's a horrible idea." Hayley slumped down at my words. "You asked my opinion."
"Why?" Hayley asked in a frustrated tone.
"I have never believed in arranged anything. What your asking of not only yourself but Luna is unrealistic. You and I both know you have feelings for Elijah. Why would you even consider marrying Jackson?"
"Marrying Jackson would come with a lot of benefits. Advantages that we could use."
"Marriage shouldn't be used to get something out of someone else. It wouldn't be right."
"It would be mutually beneficial for everyone, including Hope."
"And what if Luna doesn't want to go along with this?"
"I'll convince her."
Before I could say my replay to that statement, Luna came in, her face riddled with worry.
"We have a problem."
...
"Kathrine's back?" Hayley asked as she continued to interrupt Klaus, who was trying to speak with Luna.
I didn't need a degree to tell that they were both annoyed at this. Hayley had tried to dissuade the both of them from spending time together, it hadn't worked before, and it sure wasn't going to work now. Luna wasn't hesitant to speak her mind. She became very defensive of Klaus and wasn't afraid to show it.
Rebekah and Ansel had left with Hope. They weren't going to go and board a plane unless it was necessary.
"Hey, would you mind leaving until I deal with Kathrine," Damon said, grabbing my waist and turning me around to face him.
I smiled, putting my hands on his chest. "Nice try, but I think I'll be fine here with you."
Damon sighed before kissing me I frowned, surprised. "What was that about?"
"Oh, that. That was a pre-apology for what I'm about to do."
I looked at him, confused as he leaned in closer. I wasn't on vervain, oh crap...I could be compelled...
"I need you to go to our bedroom and lock the door. Don't let anyone in unless it's me."
A deadened feeling washed over me before I could object...
...
Luna Pov
...
"You realize that she is going to be super pissed once your compulsion wears off," Kol voiced, causing Damon to sigh.
"I didn't know what else I could do to protect her."
Kol, Damon, and Davina went back and forth about what he had done to Cami. I began to notice that everyone was in their own groups. True Klaus and I were the smallest, but I didn't mind, and I didn't think he did either. Caroline was talking with Stefan. At first, I had been jealous. Jealous of her past with Klaus. I wasn't anymore, not after meeting and conversing with her. Talking to Kol had helped, a lot. Klaus and I had a bond that he wouldn't have with anyone else. As he had said,"Jewel, you are unlike anything my brother has come across in all his years. You both share this link, this unbreakable bond. If you think that he is going to give you up for some girl that he lied to in order to get information, then you are crazy. I don't think my brother has ever been so miserable missing someone, and that someone is you."He would ever find another like me. Knowing that put me at ease.
"If you could compel me-"
"No." I frowned, I hadn't even finished. "Why?"
"I would be taking away your free will. That is the last thing I want to do."
"If this Kathrine is as dangerous as everyone says why aren't you trying to convince me to go and hide?"
He put his hand on my shoulder, smirking slightly, as we locked eyes. "Because I know someone more dangerous without even intending to be."
"I hope you're not talking about me."
"Love, you put my brother halfway through a wall without even striving to do so. I think it's safe to say that you are a force to be reckoned with."
I opened my mouth to reply when there was a knock at the door. "I would have thought that they would have been a tad bit more inconspicuous," Damon said sauntering towards the door.
"Wait, maybe that isn't the best idea," I said, moving to stop him from opening the front door. I was worried about what could possibly be on the other side.
The knocking started again.
"Listen, princess, that door isn't going to open itself."
I rolled my eyes, "Shut up and move, please."
With concentration and careful precision, I managed to not only unlock the door but open it. Surely if I could throw an original vampire into a wall, then I could open a door. It wasn't as easy as it looked.
As soon as I did, a wooden stake was thrown into the air. In response, I held out my hand, stopping it midair.
On the other side of the doorway stood both Kathrine and Bonnie, the two I had seen from my premonition.
"Telekinesis is one of the powers. Ester was right," Kathrine spoke, looking at Bonnie, who nodded in response, mumbling under her breath, "I guess she passed the test."
"Luna, you need to come with us."
Klaus stepped forward, but I put a hand on his chest, stopping him. "Why?"
"Bonnie, maybe it's time you give a history lesson. Only if they let us in, of course."
"A history lesson on what?" I asked wearily, waiting for a response. Kathrine sighed, "Your family."
...
Rather than inviting Kathrine in, we decided to go outside.
We as in; Caroline, Stefan, me, and Klaus. Hayley wasn't too happy, and neither was Damon, but I wanted to know what was going on. I hated being in the dark.
"You come from a distinct line of witches, an important one. You are one of the last ones."
"What does my mother have to do with any of this?" Klaus asked. Since we came out here, I noticed that he hadn't removed his hand from my back. It was comforting.
"Ester wants to protect Luna."
"I don't believe you."
"Why do you think it's farfetched? Luna, what do you think?"
I sighed, feeling everybody's eyes on me. Ester hadn't seemed like a threat. She warned me but never really brought harm. I was forced to bring her back, and in doing, so I brought someone else along with her unintentionally.
"Honestly, I don't know what to think. But I can't just leave with people I don't know or trust."
"The man who murdered your parents is out there, waiting. Ester can help you hide," Bonnie said, breaking off from conversing with Caroline and Stefan.
"I don't want to hide."
The gunfire sounded then, and Klaus pushed me to the ground, his body over mine.
...
In the end, Kathrine and Bonnie died, and Klaus took a bullet for me. I say bullet, I mean five. I felt that their deaths were my fault, no matter how many times someone assured me that it wasn't.
Hayley said that Klaus and I's thing was canceled, Damon agreed, of course.
So naturally, with the help of Caroline and Rebekah, I was going to sneak out. Klaus had asked if I wanted to still go even after everything, my answer remained the same. The look on his face had been more than worth it.
I used Kol's advice from this morning and searched for something red. Surprising both Caroline and Rebekah. Even though we just met, I think one day we were going to be great friends.
The deep red sweater dress wasn't snug or loose. The v neck wasn't too low, and it was soft. It stopped at just above the middle of my thighs. The leggings I paired with it were black. My black boots stopped just below my knees. I had a pair of long ivory socks that stopped above the knee. My jacket was black and thin but warm. My straightened hair was in a loose braid, pieces were framing my face. My make up was simple. Like Caroline had said, "simple but powerful." My lips were a nude pink, dark eyeliner was under the bottom lid of both my eyes. I was satisfied but worried about what he would think.
If I was pretty enough...
My phone vibrated, and Rebekah smiled, "Is that him?"
I shrugged, trying to hide my excitement as I checked my phone. As it turned out, it was him.
Are you ready, love?
I waited before I replied with a simple,yes.
"Oh my god."
Rebekah's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She and Caroline were by the open window with the curtain pulled back.
"Oh," I whispered, understanding the shock. Klaus was outside, below the window standing. Beside him was a horse.
This didn't seem real. My phone vibrated again, and I pulled it back out to see that I had another text from Klaus.
"I need you to jump."
I looked down at him before replying. Nervousness making its presence known."Okay."
"I'll catch you."
"I know."
Rebekah and Caroline hugged me whispering, words of encouragement.
The window was big enough that it had a window seat. Getting stuck wasn't my worry, falling was, even though I knew he would catch me.
Here goes nothing...
The anticipation was nothing compared to the real thing. My heart raced in my chest, and every nerve came alive in the cold air.
I opened my eyes, knowing it was over, when I felt his warm strong arms holding me up.
He gently set me down, smirking slightly, "I told you I would catch you."
"I believed you, I was just worried that I would somehow mess things up."
Klaus chuckled as he led me in front of the horse.
"This is Danger."
"Danger?" I asked, surveying the dark coloration. "Where in the world-"
"How about you let me worry about that, hm."
I nodded, tentatively sticking my hand out, losing courage as the horse neighed. I jumped, back scared. He laughed softly taking my hand in his own. I was glad that he was behind me, I could feel the blush coat my cheeks. I held my breath as he pressed my hand and his to Danger's muzzle.
I smiled and looked back at him to see that his expression mirrored mine.
"This is amazing."
Klaus pulled me away, telling me how exactly to mount Danger. It wasn't easy, but Klaus had his hands there incase I somehow managed to injure myself.
He got behind me expertly, of course. His hands were around my body, holding the reins with me. I was nervous at first, but I knew that if anything went wrong, he would take charge.
"Where are we going?"
"That's a surprise. Though I will tell you that I did my research, and I will say that hot chocolate is involved."
I gasped, and he laughed. This was amazing, riding Danger, having Klaus behind me. Hot chocolate was probably one of my favorite drinks, even though I've only had it four times. Klaus knew this, and the fact that he remembered made me want to melt. The way he remembered the smallest things was something I appreciated greatly.
"I love you."
Danger stopped in his tracks, and I knew it was because of Klaus. He pulled me back by my lower waist, my breath hitched.
My body was turned and leaning against his, our faces were only a few inches apart. He put his lips against my jaw. "As I love you. I've been looking forward to this all day."
I smiled as he brushed a hand across my cheek. I turned back around and put my hands back around the reins. Danger started moving again, and Klaus' arms were like a cage around me but in a good way.
I didn't want this night to end.
...
To be continued...
...
Please vote and comment, tell me how you felt about this chapter.Should Caroline stay for a little while? What would you like to happen on Klaus' and Luna's "date"?
