I was feeling a little sad after watching the Originals last night so thought writing another chapter might cheer me up. Thanks for all your reviews and ideas so far and please keep them coming : )

Also I know I said this was going to be five chapters but I've never written anything short in my life! So it will be longer, I'm just not sure how much yet.

Chapter 3: The Ugly Truth

Birmingham, Alabama

"We're on the seventh floor." Klaus said as Caroline pushed the button and the elevator doors closed.

The group had been driving for six hours and were all exhausted so had made the decision to stay overnight in Alabama and drive the remaining five hours to New Orleans in the morning. Klaus had wanted to push on but Stefan and Matt were going crazy having to put up with Katherine and Rebekah and their petty arguments in the back seat. He actually felt sorry for them knowing what it was like so had agreed to stop for the night.

"We're staying on the same floor?" She asked curiously.

"Same floor, same room." He said mumbling the last part. Her head snapped around obviously catching those few words.

"Excuse me?"

"Well they only had one room left so there's really no choice but to share."

"You realise I'm not buying that lame excuse given your ability to compel people." She said rolling her eyes.

"Okay you got me." He smirked. "It's a little hard to protect someone when they're in a different room."

"I hardly think I'm in grave danger in the middle of this big hotel in Alabama."

"You never know who might be loitering around the corner love." He grinned as the elevator beeped indicating their arrival on level seven.

They walked to the end of the hallway and Klaus unlocked door 733. Caroline took in her surroundings noticing the room was clean, bright and spacious unlike the night before then her eyes fell on the large bed in the corner.

"So not only does protection involve sharing the same room now it also includes sleeping in the same king sized bed?"

"Seriously I had no idea." He chuckled earning a dirty look from his roommate. "Come on the bed is huge and there's more than enough room for both of us."

"I think I'm going to stay with Katherine or Rebekah." She murmured the thought of being in such close proximity to him for an entire night making her increasingly nervous.

"Ouch." He groaned. "I have to say the fact you're choosing my annoying sister over me hurts."

"Okay you're right I might need to see if I can bunk in with Stefan." She said noticing the dark shadow cross his face immediately feeling bad for coming across as insensitive. "We're just friends Klaus." He nodded happy she felt the need to justify their status to him.

"Besties right?" He joked using her terminology and making her giggle. "Look I promise to be the perfect gentleman and I'll even sleep on the floor if you want." She looked at him like she was carefully pondering his offer.

"Okay." She responded after a prolonged silence. "I hope for your sake the floor isn't as hard as it looks." Klaus shook his head not expecting her to actually make him do that.

"Great." He muttered thinking about all stupid things he did for love. "How about a night cap at the hotel bar, I think I'm going to need all the help I can to sleep if I'll be on the floor tonight."

"No I'm okay think I'll just have a soak in the tub and relax after all the drama." She said thinking what a long twenty-four hours it had been. "And don't even think about following me in here." Caroline shut the door behind her and he could still hear her melodic laugh.

Klaus headed out the door bound for the bar knowing that he needed a drink for an entirely different reason. He needed some liquid courage. As much as he was dreading it Klaus thought tonight was probably a good opportunity to break his unfortunate baby news to Caroline. He figured telling her when they arrived in New Orleans was probably cutting it fine and he had no intention of trying to do that in the car with Elijah. Although there was probably less chance of her trying to kill him with his brother present.

"Whiskey neat." He said gesturing to the bar tender.

"Make that two." Stefan said sitting down beside him. "I didn't think I'd see you more than two feet away from Caroline."

"Well she's in the bath right now and apparently I'm not welcome."

"You know I was pretty angry when Caroline called and told me about your little kidnapping incident at Whitmore." He said shaking his head.

"Well the whole kidnapping part wouldn't have been necessary had she come along peacefully."

"Well we both know that isn't Caroline's style." Stefan laughed thinking how feisty she was. "Anyway after having a long time to think about it while trying to block out your sister's incessant yammering I decided that I don't want to kill you, well not at the present moment."

"That's very thoughtful of you Stefan but we both know that wouldn't be possible anyway."

"Yes and have I mentioned how annoying I find that particular trait?" He muttered. "I realised we're not that different because we both want what's best for Caroline."

"Well that's certainly true." He concurred. "I was surprised how close you had become in my absence."

"I think we bonded over our mutually pathetic love lives."

"I heard that sorry excuse for a hybrid ended things with her." He growled still enraged by the news she'd relayed to him the night before.

"Yeah she was pretty cut up about it and I tried to console her as best I could but the memory loss didn't really help things."

"I wished I'd known." He mumbled thinking he should have been the one to comfort her and not been miles away in New Orleans.

"What so you could go crazy and kill Tyler? I don't think ending his life would be the best way to win over Caroline do you?"

"Well he definitely deserves it." He murmured recalling the distraught look on her face when she told him he'd broken things off.

"You're telling me." Stefan said. "I probably would have killed him myself if I had my memory intact. Now he's left town I may never get the chance which is unfortunate." They both laughed at their mutual protectiveness towards her.

"This feels just like old times." Klaus mused. "First Chicago then Mystic Falls and now…."

"New Orleans." Stefan said finishing his sentence. "Speaking of the Big Easy why don't you tell me a bit more about this Marcel character?"

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"How did I know I'd find you up here?" Elijah said finding Katherine alone and floating leisurely in the impressive rooftop pool.

"It's times like this I wish you didn't know me so well." She muttered. "Can you please just leave me alone?"

"No I can't do that Katerina." He sighed her constant rejection wearing him down a little more every time. "We need to talk."

"So because you want to talk now I'm supposed to just drop everything?"

"No but given we're going to be spending a lot more time together don't you think we should at least try and sort through some of these deep-seated issues?" He said sounding suspiciously like a shrink.

"If I wanted to be psycho analysed trust me I wouldn't be coming to you for advice. Look there's nothing to say Elijah." She groaned pulling herself from the pool, standing up and wringing out her long dark hair. Elijah felt himself stir unable to look away she was that exquisite.

"You're, um, only wearing underwear." He stammered running his eyes over her black lace bra and matching panties, her smooth olive skin beaded with tiny water droplets. He averted his gaze desperately trying to calm his arousal.

"Well I didn't really have time to pack my swimsuit." She shot back referring to their late night visit to Caroline's dorm room. Elijah continued to look downward causing a smile to tug at her lips. It was nice to know even after all these months she still had that effect on him.

Katherine used his silence to walk over to the sun lounger and pick up her towel wrapping it around her tightly figuring she'd punished him long enough. She felt a wave of dizziness overcome her briefly and sat down quickly so as not to make a scene. Her symptoms had only continued over the past few days and Katherine had no idea what she was going to do. Being kidnapped from Whitmore had foiled her plans to get Dr Maxwell to cure her.

"What can I do to acquit myself Katerina?" He asked earnestly his eyes trained on her.

"Honestly I have no idea Elijah." She said throwing her hands up in the air in frustration. "I thought what we had was special to you."

"It was special, it still is." He murmured.

"If that's what you thought then why was it so easy for you to pick up and leave me like that?"

"I did it for my family Katerina, you know that."

"You mean Klaus? Last time I checked he's not going to win the brother of the year title anytime soon, so excuse me if I don't understand your logic. I mean what is so important in New Orleans?"

Elijah froze knowing that if he was going to tell her everything he'd have to mention Hayley and the baby. That was one conversation he really didn't feel like having right now.

"Well there's Marcel obviously, not to mention the witches."

"I find it hard to believe that you ran all that way for some vengeful guy with a chip on his shoulder and a bunch of witches."

"I don't know what you mean." He said feebly trying to bide his time and come up with something more believable.

"Whatever faith I had in you was shattered the day you left town Elijah." She cried. "So if you are so determined to acquit yourself I think telling me the truth might be a good way to start building some of that trust back."

Katherine looked at him waiting for a response then gingerly stood up and walked away realising it wasn't forthcoming. He watched her retreating back torn about what to do. His brother's confidence was important but if he wanted his Katerina back he knew he needed to be honest with her.

"Hayley is having my brother's baby." He murmured watching her stop suddenly no doubt in absolute shock from the revelation.

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"Room Service." A female voice called out knocking on his hotel room door. Matt walked over to the door confused given he hadn't ordered anything. He opened the door only to find Rebekah on the other side a cheeky smile on her lips.

"I've always wanted to say that." She chuckled looking over his broad chest that was peeking out tantalisingly from under his half unbuttoned shirt. She had certainly missed him and their fun times in Europe over the summer.

"What do you want?" He groaned, "I've just spent six hours in a car listening to you argue with Katherine, I think I deserve a well-earned break."

"Yes six hours and you barely said two words to me." She replied walking into his room and making herself comfortable on his bed.

"Sorry princess but you were too busy having many words with Katherine if you recall."

"That is the worst excuse I've ever heard." She moaned. "We spent the most amazing summer together but you act like it never happened."

"Didn't we say what happens on the trip stays there?"

"Well yes." She faltered thinking that was his stupid rule, not hers. "I didn't expect you to completely ignore me though."

"I'm not ignoring you. Seriously Rebekah there are more important things in life to me than boosting your self-confidence, so can you please just go?" He pleaded.

Rebekah stood up shocked by his unusual outburst. When she saw him walk into that shop in Charlotte she had never felt so nervous and excited at the same time but now she wasn't so sure what to make of things between them. About to leave she noticed his blue eyes filling with tears. She couldn't leave him like this even if he was being extremely difficult.

"What happened Matt?" She asked walking over to him sensing something terrible happened.

"Bonnie died." He whispered. Rebekah looked at him in shock not expecting to hear the Bennett witch had passed away. "She brought Jeremy back from the dead but they took her life in return."

Rebekah couldn't stand seeing him so upset and enveloped him in a hug desperate to provide some comfort. She was surprised to feel his arms encircle her waist and closed her eyes remembering just how good he felt.

She never wanted to leave Mystic Falls and that was all due to her burgeoning feelings for the human. Arriving in New Orleans all those months ago had done nothing but dredge up the past and Rebekah found herself surprised she ever thought she could love someone so manipulative as Marcel.

After meeting Matt and then their glorious summer together she realised he was ten million times the person Marcel would ever be. The saddest part about it was he didn't reciprocate her feelings and that hurt.

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"Ahh!" Caroline cried in shock coming face to face with Klaus dressed in only her skimpy bath towel. His eyes roamed over her toned body and creamy porcelain skin liking what he saw. "Klaus you could have at least warned me you were back."

"Sorry love won't happen again." He grinned watching her make a fast retreat into the bathroom to change her clothes. "I ran into Stefan downstairs, you know he's not as annoying as I thought."

"That's unusually kind of you."

"Yes it is but don't tell anyone, I mean I have an evil villainous reputation to protect."

She finally emerged in the cute pyjama shorts and singlet he'd seen her wearing at Whitmore. She could feel him devouring each and every curve and crossed her arms over her chest to hide her taut nipples that were straining against the thin fabric of her top. He smirked knowing exactly what effect he was having.

"I'm going to bed." She mumbled diving under the covers for protection. Klaus decided she had the right idea and began to remove his clothing. "Woah what do you think you're doing?"

"It's something people like to call undressing Caroline you might have heard of it, it's usually done before going to bed." He said rolling his eyes.

"Yes but you're still going to have some clothes on right?" She asked cautiously.

"What are you afraid you won't be able to keep your hands off me love?" He smiled devilishly making her groan loudly.

"I'm surprised your massive ego can fit in the room with us." Klaus laughed shaking his head and continuing to undress. He had planned on keeping the majority of his clothes on but just for that he decided it would be much more fun to tease Caroline. Once he'd stripped down to his boxer shorts and a fitted white singlet he walked over to the bed noticing her mouth agape.

"You might want to keep your mouth shut you never know what you might accidentally swallow." She closed her mouth instantly a blush creeping over her face at being caught out. She threw some pillows and a blanket at him, switched off the lamp and turned away determined not to let Klaus get under her skin. After a few minutes he spoke.

"There's something I need to tell you Caroline." He said into the darkness. She turned back over slightly intrigued by his comment and the serious tone in his voice. "There's something else, or um someone else in New Orleans." Caroline felt a wave of nausea take over, did he mean there was another woman?

"It's not what you think." He said sitting upright obviously reading her mind. "It's Hayley."

"As in the she wolf?" She groaned hoping that she'd finally rid herself of that vixen.

"Yes." He said trying to gather the courage to continue. "As it turns out she's pregnant." Caroline immediately turned the light back on wanting to get the full story including reading his tell-tale facial expressions.

"She's what?"

"Pregnant you know with child." He said sarcastically making her roll her eyes.

"So how does that concern you and what is she even doing in New Orleans?"

"Well the thing is the baby is um..."

"Spit it out."

"It's um mine." He said lowering his gaze not wanting to see her reaction. Caroline immediately jumped out of bed and began to pace around the room like a caged animal.

"It's um yours?" She shot back. "I know you have questionable taste but ugh I can't believe you would even go there. So what this all happened since you've been in New Orleans?" Klaus paused knowing the answer wasn't going to go down too well.

"Before actually, in Mystic Falls." Having to say those words were killing him inside.

"In Mystic Falls?" She cried her eyes wild as she continued to pace. "It's really nice to know that while you were making all of these grand declarations to me you were also busy impregnating her."

"It was only once, and it didn't mean anything." He said sheepishly.

"Oh so that's supposed to make it all better is it?" She chided. "Anyway I think that one time was enough to create a baby, which by the way isn't even possible. I mean you're a vampire. Are you sure she just hasn't been sleeping around, that wouldn't surprise me at all."

"I'm a hybrid and unfortunately it can happen apparently." He muttered lamenting the fact.

"Great." She moaned finally coming to a standstill. "I really should have known that you'd turn out to be just a typical guy, always thinking with that other part of your anatomy."

"Hey I resent that, last time I checked you were too busy rebuffing my advances because of Tyler. I have no idea why you're getting so upset, unless you actually like me." He cried standing up and starting to get angry.

"I'm not getting upset and I so don't like you."

"Oh so you call this little irrational episode of yours normal?"

"This may come as a shock to you Klaus but not everything revolves around your arse." She said raising her eyebrows at him. "If you must know it's about her." His face softened hating that Hayley had hurt her so much.

"Yeah well that's hardly surprising given your history."

"She has this way of manipulating people to get what she wants and for some reason that has always involved going after what I want."

"Are you trying to say in that convoluted Caroline Forbes way that you want me?" He asked curiously.

"I think given you're the one in trouble here teasing me is not going to win you any brownie points."

"Sorry." He murmured sincerely. "I know this must be tough for you to hear."

"You're telling me." She muttered. "Maybe it's best I don't come to New Orleans what with this latest development."

"No Caroline I need to protect you." He said decisively. "That's non-negotiable I'm afraid and if you try to run I'll just find you again."

"Great you, me, Hayley and a baby sounds like the title of a really bad film." She said flopping back onto the bed. "I'll come because obviously I have no choice but don't expect me to be fine with this." The room fell into darkness as she turned off the light once again, a sign their conversation was over.

As if this baby news wasn't bad enough she couldn't help but think back to when it all occurred and that if he liked her that much why would he sleep with her of all people? She pulled the pillow over her head attempting to quash the various thoughts and scenarios rolling around her head knowing she wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon.

A few hours later Caroline woke to the low sounds of his voice. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and peered over the side of the bed noticing him thrashing around and mumbling something incoherent. He was obviously having some kind of nightmare but Caroline wasn't sure what to do. Maybe a nightmare was the karma he deserved after his previous actions. He started yelling now, the urgent sound of her name rallying her into action and onto the floor beside him without a second thought.

"Shhhh it's okay." She soothed rubbing his forehead which was beaded with sweat.

"Caroline." He cried out again giving her chills. "Don't go, you can't leave."

"I'm right here Klaus, I'm not going anywhere." Seeing the agony he was in Caroline immediately placed her hands on his chest and attempted to rouse him from his nightmare. His eyes slowly fluttered open and he looked around for a minute obviously trying to gain his bearings.

"Caroline?"

"Yes it's me; you were just having a nightmare." She said wishing she didn't feel so much for him; it would be a lot easier to hate him right now.

"I'm sorry." He murmured his voice breaking.

"For what exactly?" She asked. "Interrupting my sleep or for impregnating the she wolf?"

"Both."

"Well unfortunately that doesn't make me feel any better Klaus." She said crawling back into bed. As angry as she was right now the thought of his nightmare worried her greatly. She'd probably regret it but she spoke before she could stop herself.

"Get in." She said patting the bed next to her. "But no touching and I'm putting these pillows between us so no funny business." Even in the darkness Caroline could see him smile as he slid between the sheets and lay beside her.

"So do you think you could see yourself forgiving me at some point?" He asked curiously.

"I have no idea right now I'm still trying to get the disturbing picture of you and Hayley out of my mind." She shuddered. "I need to know that I can trust you Klaus and that doesn't just happen overnight, it takes a while to build." She turned over trying to get some sleep while Klaus lay there wide awake thinking about what she'd said.