Sorry for the delay, this chapter was a bit of a pain to write. It's much shorter than last chapter, which I apologize for. Hope you enjoy! Thank you for all your kind reviews and helpful suggestions. :)
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She finds the days passing in a blur, the cities melding into one large metropolis, becoming lost in cultures and language. The excitement of that first week since Klaus entered her life again assuages; weeks pass with no threats to Caroline's life, with no emotional outbursts fueled by Klaus's actions. Their boiling reduces to a simmer, Caroline possessed by gratitude and willingness, Klaus exercising extreme caution. She remembers that she will always be safe with him. She wonders when she will no longer rely on someone to feel safe. She fears she never will.
Caroline decides she feels empty.
Indebted to a man (no, not a man; a monster, a devil; her savior, her protector) she wants nothing more than to hate. Someone she can't hate, because he makes it so damn hard. She feeds off his attention, his advances. Caroline's that lonely only child again, with a father who left her and a mother who worked too much. Caroline wants nothing more than to feel special, and how can she, living in the shadow of her beautiful best friend, who charms without intention, leaves hearts yearning with only a smile. Klaus looks at her as if the stars themselves shine in her eyes, as if the sun rises only when she smiles. And she recognizes it and she wants nothing more than for him to take off those rose-colored glasses and scoff at her plainness and leave her in some rainy European town so she can crawl back home and bury her head in the sand again and forget about all his gifts and smiles and compliments. But he won't leave her because she's beautiful and strong and full of light and she won't leave him because he's her ticket and her gateway and her tour guide. She'll tell herself that over and over again and forget about any feelings that may or may not have welled up in her when he saved her in Dublin because he's Klaus, he's Klaus, he is Klaus.
Emptiness is easier than confusion. She doesn't even have to shut her humanity off to feel it, it comes so naturally. She puts her blinders on and focuses on the now because that's all she's got. They call it the past for a reason and looking to the future is enough to leave her reeling because, ideally, she's got a long one ahead of her. Focus on the food in France, she tells herself, the music in Austria. The history of Germany, the rolling hills of Scotland. Take it all in, the first exposure, the first taste of the world that will forever linger in her mind as she crawls over it for centuries. And if Klaus has a charming thing to say she'll smile and roll her eyes and maybe with a click of her tongue give a snappy comeback or maybe with a curve of her mouth accept his comment with a blush and never forget that he is Klaus. Ideally she adjusts and doesn't mind the hours travelling, enjoying the scenery and conversations. Ideally she settles and doesn't comment on the blood on his collar when he returns after a few hours disappearance. Ideally she falls asleep alone with a sigh, staring out a window into the streets of whatever land they find themselves in that night, and she doesn't dream of being covered in blood or Klaus leering at her as he sinks his fangs into a faceless victim's throat.
But something's off of course and Caroline refuses to place it because she just wants to feel normal again, she just wants a flow again, and if that flow she finds is with Klaus then she'll take it because it's easier that way, right? Her only offer, one that can be met with ease, an offer that requires only her willingness. It's easier than seeking out anything else, an escape, if an escape is truly what she wants. But as Klaus guides her around ancient cities established hundreds of years ago, keeping a protective hand on her back, she wonders why she can't be doing this alone, when she became so weak and reliant, and she stops herself because those are thoughts that will lead to action and Caroline fears nothing more than the actions that could follow from that.
And besides. She's safe with Klaus.
They find themselves at a café in Paris. The sun shines high in the sky, only a little after noon, and Caroline sips on a coffee while Klaus reads a newspaper. Their waiter returns with the check and comments about something in French. Klaus replies fluently, his accent perfection as though he was a born and bred Parisian.
"How many languages do you know?" Caroline asks, genuinely curious. His answer doesn't surprise her.
"Hundreds. Language is a subject that remains a constant contributor of knowledge. I could spend decades and still never master every language on Earth." Klaus folds his newspaper up, looking off.
"I'd love to learn French," Caroline replies simply.
"And you can. Along with German, Russian, Chinese." There's a twinkle in his eye as he looks at her. "Speaking of which, how does Berlin sound for tomorrow?"
"Berlin sounds good."
Their trip has no guidance, a nonsensical venture that is a luxury to their kind. They would have breakfast in Scotland, dinner in Italy. Klaus was always the one to decide their next location, as though inspiration would strike him out of the blue, his instincts taking her across an entire continent in a matter of hours.
Caroline clutches at a glass of red wine, sipping on it tentatively. Her meal is only half eaten but she's distracted. They are in Florence this time, eating at (Caroline couldn't help but smile) an authentic Italian bistro. A handful of other customers chat with one another in the seating area outside. She is looking west and gives a sigh.
"It's beautiful, don't you think?"
Klaus follows her eyes. The sunset is in its later stages, the sky stained a rich red with a warm orange. The black of night is starting to creep in, a few stars daring to twinkle through the blanket of fiery colors. Clouds hover on the horizon, darkened and highlighted, soft and glowing.
He purses his lips, taking in the sight. "It's a shame how accustomed I've grown to something that was once as breathtaking as a sunset like that," Klaus comments, raising his eyebrow. He continues to stare, a contemplative look coming over him.
"You're right; that is a shame." Caroline quirks an eyebrow at him. "What are you thinking about?"
Klaus flashes a grin. "Just a thought. Something a sight more beautiful than that," he gestures to the setting sun. "And something I haven't seen in a few decades."
"What?" She asks.
But he doesn't tell her because that's half the fun. They arrive in Northern Norway as the sun is rising and pass out, because what's a day wasted to a vampire after all? He wakes her up with a mug of coffee under her nose, a smile and a promise on his lips. They hike as night falls, the snow thick with a layer of ice. Caroline opens her mouth to complain just as vibrant colors streak across the black sky and she can almost cry it's so beautiful. This must be the genuine beauty Klaus had told her about.
"I thought I'd die without seeing the Northern Lights," she breaths, mouth gaping open. The pictures, the movies, they didn't do the scene justice. Greens, blues, maybe the hint of purple, stream across the sky.
"Many people do." Klaus lies down on the snow, looking straight up. He pats the ground next to him and Caroline joins him, wide eyed and smiling.
The world is silent and cold and beautiful, only the sounds of their breathing breaking the quiet. Caroline's going to be covered in snow, her hair ruined by the wet, but such trivial thoughts don't bother crossing her mind because as far as she's concerned this moment is perfect. A perfect moment, shared with Klaus. Caroline wonders if she ever thought it could happen, but of course she didn't; she was always too guarded, he was always too threatening.
"You can see anything you want, Caroline. All of your dreams, they can be made reality," Klaus sighs. She glances at him and the lights electrify his blue eyes. He looks back at her.
"Thank you," Caroline blinks, looks away, taking in the sight again. "For showing me this."
"Beauty for beauty."
They stay until the lights fade away, until any words that could be said flee Caroline's mind. They leave for warmer climates in the morning.
Klaus grows impatient with a location just as Caroline becomes accustomed. He seems antsy to take her anywhere, everywhere. It's as though he's making up for lost time, a decade she spent fighting, when he wanted nothing more than to show her what the world has to offer. In some ways she loves the spontaneity of it all, but she wonders if maybe Klaus is worried; worried that she'll leave him, as she had been so ready to do in London. She almost likes this power she has over him, but then she remembers the fighting, the unspoken insistence that she wasn't going anywhere. Dublin wasn't a suggestion, it was an order. Her fear of never being able to go it alone is foolish; what if he never even let her try?
The beaches of Dubai are hot and humid, the water a crystal clear blue and the sands white. Caroline floats on her back, the sun warm and welcomed, twirling the ring that saves her from burning on her finger. She swims in with a wave, trekking back to the umbrella Klaus sits under. Sunglasses sit on the tip of his nose, his head bent as he busily finishes a sketch. Caroline lies down on her towel next to him, examining the drawing.
"Who's that?" The girl in the sketch is beautiful. She possesses an exotic look to her, all dark, curly hair, catlike eyes and full, smirking lips. Klaus sighs and rips the drawing from his sketchbook, crumbling it into a ball.
"A pointless venture," he says by way of reply. "I can't seem to remember her face clearly."
"Stop being vague." Caroline snatches the paper from him, folding it back out. "So she's a real person?"
"Samira." Klaus stares at the drawing. "A friend." His tone is unsure. Caroline looks up at him with a raised eyebrow. "I created her in, oh, the 12th century I believe? She's in Egypt; at least, that's where I left her."
"And you can't remember what she looks like?" Caroline takes his sketchpad. Failed, scribbled out attempts fill the previous pages. "When's the last time you saw her?"
"Oh…1843?" Klaus knits his eyebrow, looking up. "It's been quite some time."
"Why are you trying to remember her face?"
"I thought maybe I'd give her a visit. In some ways you remind me a lot of Samira." Klaus smirks. "Impatient, strong willed, lovely." Caroline purses her lips. "Come now, don't get jealous, love," he laughs. Caroline rolls her eyes, handing back the sketchpad.
"I can't decide if I'm offended or flattered." Caroline stretches out of her towel. "I think I'll go with offended and ignore you the rest of the day. I'm guessing we'll leave for Egypt soon, then?"
"Oh, don't tell me I've become predictable. That just won't do." Despite that, they leave Dubai three days later. Klaus rolls his eyes as Caroline smirks.
The city of Cairo is busy and vast, littered with modern architecture, advanced and sleek, while pyramids loom on the horizon. The sun is beginning to set as Klaus and Caroline roam the streets, exploring bazaars and restaurants. The years since Klaus has last been in the city do not seem to hinder him, as he always finds just who to ask about Samira's whereabouts. He speaks in hushed tones to the Egyptians, whose eyes flick between him and Caroline. She wonders if everyone they meet is a vampire, frightened and intimidated by the Original, wary of her for keeping his company.
Caroline's become distracted by a stall selling colorful scarves, carefully picking through the thin fabric as Klaus stares down the alleyway, tapping at his chin. She pulls out a purple one, cross-stitched with blue fabric and a pattern of orchids around the ends, sewn in white thread. Caroline holds it up to Klaus. "What do you think?"
Klaus's eyes flick to the scarf for a second and he shakes his head, analyzing the selection for only a moment before pulling out a different scarf. "I think red is more your color." He couldn't sound more bored.
Caroline takes the scarf he picked, handing the purple one back to the vendor who gives a smile. She examines the red scarf, accented in yellow with roses embroidered in it, stems snaking around the entirety of it. Of course he has better taste than her. She makes her purchase and she and Klaus continue on down the alley.
"If you're bored of shopping we can do something else," she says, giving a small shrug.
"Certainly not. You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?" He asks, giving her a sideways glance.
"Oh yeah, of course, but I mean, you seem…distracted."
"Samira's proving to be rather elusive," Klaus admits, giving a small sigh.
"Well, you are her maker. I guess she learned from the best." Caroline eyes some jewelry and comes to a stop again, fiddling with a display of necklaces.
"I can't help but feel she's avoiding me." Klaus plucks a necklace from the selection and brings it around Caroline's neck. She lets him, straining to see the pendant that hangs from it. It's a simple silver oval with a floral carving in black etched into it. Simple, elegant. Caroline decides Rebekah is to blame for his good taste.
"Well did you piss her off in 1843?" Caroline asks, passing the vendor a few bills for the necklace.
"I seem to anger her every time we encounter each other. Sound familiar?" Klaus grins and Caroline gives him a pointed look.
"Then I'm sure it's always merited."
Night falls a few hours later, Klaus becoming increasingly agitated. He keeps a smile on for Caroline though, but she's wary of him; the displeased look on his face leaves her worried, scared he might act out, so unaccustomed to not getting his way. They have dinner at an incredibly high class restaurant obviously meant for the enjoyment of tourists, the waiters all fluent in English. Klaus is throwing back his fourth gin and tonic when Caroline finally says something.
"Maybe she isn't here anymore," she suggests gently.
"Impossible," Klaus snaps, eyeing his empty glass. Their waiter perks up and makes his way to them. Caroline waves him away with a tight smile, Klaus oblivious.
"How so?"
Klaus sighs heavily as if Caroline is missing something obvious. "Because Cairo is where she belongs."
"I'm going to need some explanation, Klaus," Caroline replies, her tone equally annoyed.
He stares back at her a moment, thoughts and words rolling around in his mind. "Samira was created for a very specific purpose." Caroline says nothing, giving him an impatient look. Klaus breathes another sigh. "I need another drink."
"No, you don't," She snaps, snatching his glass from his hand. Klaus gives her a pointed look and she passes him her glass of water. He rolls his eyes and gives up.
"With constantly being pursued by my father, I liked to keep informants in all corners of the world," He begins, taking a drink from the water. "It was easier to keep track of where he might be, to know if he was close."
"Go on," Caroline insists.
"Well, Samira was created to be an informant. I liked to keep one in all of the big cities of the world," Klaus taps his chin, looking off. "And I couldn't have them leaving their posts."
"You compelled her to stay," Caroline states.
"Yes, I compelled her to stay. Thus, why our meetings often end unpleasantly."
"She wants to leave," Who could blame her, Caroline wonders. 800 years in the same city, watching year after year, decade after decade, as society changes, unable to ever explore the world, see how it changed, too. Only ever hearing stories of other lands. She thinks about what life would be like in Mystic Falls for eight centuries. It's not an appealing thought at all.
"She does, and I would gladly remove the compulsion now if I could only find her," Klaus rubs his eyes.
"But then she has to be here," Caroline says hopefully.
"Indeed she does. Which is why she has to be avoiding me."
Their thoughts wander from one another, Caroline still wrapping her head around Klaus's compulsion of Samira. It seems such a terrible concept, being trapped for so long. Klaus never truly died, his being always active, alive, even when living through a different body, so the compulsion must have never broken. And even if it had been, would Samira have known, would she have even dared to try and leave, would she even think to?
They check into an expensive hotel, separate rooms as usual. Klaus, drunk and moody, retires early, and Caroline is left alone with her thoughts. The moon is a sliver in the sky when Caroline finally crawls into bed, the city quiet in the late hours of the night. As she drifts off to sleep, she hopes that tomorrow they find Samira, if not to free her then to at least relieve Klaus of his agitation. His drawings swim back to her mind, of the enigma with dark, wild hair, with clear, catlike eyes.
It's still dark with Caroline wakes up with one hand around her neck, another over her mouth. Green eyes glow from the darkened face that hovers just in front of Caroline's, a curl of black hair hanging between them.
"It's about time Klaus showed up with a weakness," The girl's voice is clear and dripping with venom. "You must be Caroline. It's lovely to meet you; you might have already guessed, but I'm Samira."
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I think I ended with a classic Vampire Diaries cliffhanger. Next chapter shouldn't be too much of a wait!
Reviews are my life's blood in case you didn't know. Heh. Thanks for reading!
-Reels