A/N *dodges book* Sorry I've been gone for so long...do you hate me? I hope not to much because here is the new chapter.
Matt unlocked Caroline's apartment door and walked toward her bedroom. He opened her closet taking out some of Caroline's clothes to pack in a bag. Matt also went into Caroline's office to pick up some of her work stuff before he made his way out.
Matt walked up to the elevator, pushed the button and waited. He smiled when the door binged opened and he saw Klaus.
"Matt," Klaus smiled walking off the elevator holding out his hand to shake his. "How've you been mate?"
"I've been good just busy since I started my job at the Lockwood firm," Matt smiled shaking Klaus' hand they haven't seen each other since the night at Envy.
Klaus nodded as he noticed the bag he was carrying, "She's not back is she?"
Matt shook his head no, "she's staying with me."
Klaus sighed, "Can I ask why?" he shrugged because it's been almost two weeks since he's seen Caroline or even spoken to her. "I'm just concerned she hasn't been returning my phone calls or texts." Klaus found himself working none stop with Lexi and Rose in town as they prepped for Chicago but he still thought of Caroline when he got home.
Matt nodded because he understood that Klaus was worried, hell he was worried about Caroline to but she told him not to tell Klaus anything because she wanted to do it herself when the time was right.
"I wish I could Klaus but I will tell you this," Matt tapped his shoulder, "She's ok and just be patient she'll come around."
Klaus didn't know what else to do but nod, he was thankful that Lexi showed up last Friday, she was coming over tonight to stay with him or a few days since Kol has spent a lot of time at Bonnies or Elijah's.
"Understood, she has my number." Klaus smiled at Matt. "Have a good evening Matt, I still hope we can have drinks again some time."
"Yeah that would be great," Matt walked into the elevator hitting the lobby button.
Klaus walked into his apartment heading to his bedroom a little frustrated but he couldn't really do anything if she didn't want to see him or talk to him so he just left it. Klaus opened his phone because he got a text from Lexi saying she was on her way up. Klaus smiled because it was always nice to see her, he walked into his closet to change because he had plans for them tonight.
Caroline just hung up the phone smiling as she pulled out Matt's apartment key from her purse. She just got off the phone with Ian and he was happy to tell her that she was set up for an interview with Mike Ness tonight at the show. It would be brief but she was in glee because since she was a teenager her dream has been to speak with that man and now it's finally here.
After everything that has been happening for the past weeks Caroline felt she needed a break and a Social Distortion concert was just the thing, even though it was technically work. Caroline loved the perks of being a journalist it made her fall in love with her job over and over again, kind of reminding her why she left Mystic Falls.
Her stomach nodded thinking about Mystic Falls after that phone call she considered changing her number, but Matt only suggested she get the number blocked because she would've had to start from stretch with her press contacts if she changed her number now.
Caroline shook her head as she headed to Matty's room for her bathroom bag so she could take a shower. Matt had a small one bedroom apartment near Berkeley Law School, and it was quite a drive from Caroline's apartment but she never minded. This apartment was the place to be when all of them were in school together because Matt was the first to actually move out of the dorms.
Caroline finished in the shower walking out of the bathroom in her robe to see Matt sitting on the couch watching TV.
"Hey when did you get back," Caroline smiled as she walked around the couch to sit next to him.
"Hmm like 10 minutes ago, I put your bag on the bed," Matt smiled.
"Thanks Matt," Caroline stood up and walked to the bedroom.
"You know," Matt said standing up from the couch to follow Caroline.
"What?" she took the towel off her head sitting on the bed to finish drying her hair
"I saw your neighbor."
Caroline's movement almost stopped, "oh." She started drying her hair again as Matt leaned against the door frame shaking his head. "What?"
"Oh," he said pushing himself off the frame. "I finally see Klaus and all you have to say is oh."
Caroline shrugged she felt bad for ignoring Klaus but the way she ran out wasn't something she really felt like explaining at least not until she figured out how to handle the situation because even with her blocking all unknown numbers voice mails were still left.
"I know but I can't see him right now, not with all this going on," Caroline sighed putting the towel on the floor.
Matt sat down by Caroline grabbing her hand, "Care, Klaus is concerned about you and after you described his reaction to Tyler grabbing your arm I think he'd be pretty safe to consult in."
Caroline looked at the floor nodding, "that may be true but this is a part of Mystic Falls I really didn't want to catch up with me."
Matt rubbed her back, "I know Care but you can't just ignore it and hide out with me."
Carline sighed she hated it when Matt was right, "fine I'll go home after the Social Distortion show tonight."
Matt hugged Caroline he wasn't trying to be mean but he wanted her to be happy and Klaus was what seemed to make her happy. "It's been over 7 years Caroling, and you've come a long way since Trevor, don't let him get under your skin now Care." Matt pulled away smiling as Caroline nodded.
"You're right," she sighed wiping a tear away. "Tonight is going to be amazing I finally get to fulfill a musical dream." Caroline stood up. "I get to interview my original sick boy," she smirked as Matt chuckled.
"I wish I could join you but I have a case brief to finish by tomorrow if I intend on riding co-chair with Mason on this upcoming case," Matt sighed, the whole punk scene wasn't his thing he was more classic rock like CCR, AC/DC and oh did he love some Zeppelin, but Care did have good taste in music and Social Distortion was a band he became fond of thanks to her.
Caroline pouted looking at Matt, "Stupid law school job, I can't wait until you're finally a legitimate lawyer so we can go back to doing fun stuff."
Matt chuckled watching Caroline go through the bag he packed, "Yeah well we're adults now Care. Just because I'm in still in my college apartment doesn't mean we party like it's 1999."
Caroline started laughing shaking her head as she pulled out a pair of black skinny jeans, her Social Distortion shirt she's had since she first saw them when she was 16, it was faded and the logo was cracking but she didn't care, and her converse shoes. She held the outfit out in front of her for Matt to see and he nodded in approval.
Matt stood up and kissed Caroline on the head, "I'm going to get to work."
Caroline smiled as she watched Matt walk out of the room. Caroline picked up her phone and considered calling Klaus, but thought talking to him in person would be better. Tonight was about Social Distortion.
Klaus answered his door and smiled when he saw his friend grinning, "Lex." He pulled her in for a hug.
Lexi pulled away, "are you ready to go Nik, I hope you have something awesome planned for tonight because I've been in San Francisco for a week and do not understand why you left London." She smirked as Klaus stepped out of his apartment locking his door.
Klaus chuckled because he still thought of London as home and he planned on returning there when Rebekah was finally finished with school, "Yes Lex."
Lexi chuckled, "good I hope alcohol is involved."
Klaus looped her arm with his nodding, "Of course you can't enjoy a show at the Warfield without having a drink." He smirked when he saw Lexi light up.
"You're taking me to a concert," she grinned as Klaus pushed the elevator button.
"Indeed love and I'm not going to tell you who."
"Ugh that's not fair Nik what if I hate the band," she rolled her eyes at him as they stepped into the elevator.
Klaus put his hand on his chest mocking being hurt, "I am offended when have I ever taken you to a bad concert."
Lexi nodded it was true she may have been bruised at a few and Klaus had different taste from hers but his show selections never failed to entertain her, "you got a point."
Klaus smiled, he originally bought these tickets for him and Caroline when he found out they'd be coming but since she wasn't answering his phone calls he figured a night out with his best mate would be good for him.
"Caroline I'm glad you made it," Ian smiled as he walked up to her giving her a hug. "Are you excited?"
Caroline was beaming, "excited is an understatement Ian, you have no idea how much this means to me." She smiled adjusting her black blazer, "Thank you so much for this. I needed it."
Ian smiled, "of course. Now let me introduce you." Ian put his hand on the small of her back as they walked backstage of the Warfield.
Caroline felt extremely nervous this man was one of her idols. She felt her palms get sweaty and her heartbeat pick up as Ian led her through the side curtains. She grinned seeing the bands in the back with their equipment talking and drinking. She loved the music scene in San Francisco it was a whole story on its own.
Caroline felt her heart stop when she saw Mike Ness lounging on the couch with an acoustic guitar talking with their opening bands guitarist. He was wearing his get up, black dickeys, white suspenders and a tucked in dark blue button up shirt with the top buttons open showing off his white tank top underneath. His hair was slicked back and topped with a hat. Caroline knew he was old enough to be his dad but she has loved this man since she was 16 and seeing him in his get up was making her inner fan girl scream.
She noticed that she stopped in her tracks when Ian lightly squeezed her side to keep her moving. She took a deep breath as they approached them.
"Mike," Ian said at ease making Caroline smile when Mike Ness turned his attention to her and Ian. "This is Caroline Forbes, the entertainment editor with the San Francisco Chronicle."
"Ahhh yes, Ian has told me about you," he stood up from the couch holding the guitar with his left hand. "Mike Ness," he held out his hand for Caroline to shake it.
She smiled as she took his hand, "Can I just say it's an honor to meet you." She was doing her best to contain the inner fan girl from coming while shaking his hand.
He smiled, "Thank you, please have a seat, I understand you'd like an interview."
Caroline smiled, "Really?"
He sat back down, "Of course it's been years since I've talked to the Chronicle."
She chuckled opening her purse to take out her voice recorder as she took a seat, "ok I thought we were doing this after the show but I'm ready if you are."
Ian smiled at how happy Caroline looked, "I'm going to make sure the stage is set so the opening acts can start. Caroline I'll come get you afterwards so you can enjoy the show."
Caroline was still smiling and just nodded before she turned her attention back to Mike Ness.
Ian chuckled at her reaction as he walked away to let them talk.
Klaus helped Lexi out of the cab and smiled when he saw her mouth drop at the name glowing in front of her.
"Ahhhh Social Distortion, I didn't know they were in town," Lexi jumped a little in excitement because the last time she saw Social Distortion was with Klaus just after Elijah recruited her. She had just dropped out of college in Boston at the time, but it was a decision she never regretted. Social Distortion was dear to her because it was when she and Klaus developed a good friendship. She was thankful she decided to dress a little low key for her and Klaus' outing. "Why didn't you tell me," she smacks Klaus arm.
Klaus chuckled, "I didn't exactly know you were going to be in town when the show was announced." Klaus looped Lexi's arm into his as they walked up the steps of the theater. Klaus was wearing a dark grey long sleeve vest over his faded Social Distortion shirt and a pair of Black jeans with black boots.
"This is going to be awesome," she beamed as Klaus handed the guy their tickets.
"Women on the right, men on the left," the security guard said scanning there tickets.
Lexi opened her purse or them to inspect as Klaus was patted down. As soon as they finished Klaus and Lexi went to the balcony to get a drink at the bar before they made their way down to the stage.
Ian walked backstage and saw Caroline laughing, "Hey."
Caroline turned her attention to Ian containing her laughter, after her interview she started asking Mike Ness questions about life in the early years on punk. He started telling her stories from that era, some of them crazy and some of them funny. She was having a blast just sitting there next to the person she's idolized for so long, "Hey Ian."
"Are you ready? I set up a viewing spot for us on the balcony and then when Social Distortion comes on we can make our way down by the stage," Ian smiled as he held out his hand to help her up.
Caroline smiled she didn't want to leave just yet but she understood that the bands had to get ready to perform, "Great." She took Ian's hand as he helped her up and turned her attention back to Mike. She held out her hand smiling.
"It was an honor to meet you Mr. Ness, you have no idea how much this meant to me."
He chuckled standing up waving his hand, "Call me Mike, and it was nice to meet you Caroline I hope you enjoy the show." He pulled her into a quick hug.
Caroline was beaming and she shook her head in compliance.
Ian smiled as he shook Mike's hand, "Thanks again Mike."
"No problem."
Ian faced Caroline, "let's head to the balcony shall we?"
Caroline smiled as she waved bye to the band members and stepped in front of Ian.
Ian put his hand at the small of her back as he led her toward the balcony, "I hope you don't mind were on the top right hand corner for the opening acts."
Caroline was still going over everything that just happened in her head, causing her to ignore Ian. She was so happy that she finally met Mike Ness and had a normal conversation with him none the less. The smile on her face wasn't fading anytime soon.
"Hellooo," Ian smiled waving his hand in front of her.
Caroline shook her head, "hmmm what?"
Ian chuckled, "our seats are on the right hand side of the balcony, and I hope you don't mind."
"Oh no that's fine," she waved her hand in the air, "we're only going to be up there until Social D comes on." She grinned as her and Ian made their way up the stairs.
Caroline and Ian took their seat. It was packed on the balcony with people up against the rails in seats or on the seats in the back. They had the right corner and it had a nice view of the stage.
"Do you want a drink?"
Caroline put her purse by her feet taking out her wallet, "I'll get it." she stood up smiling, "what would you like?"
"No I can get it Caroline."
Caroline waved her hand in front of him, "don't be silly after that interview you got me I owe you a drink." She smiled walking toward the bar even though she couldn't drink because she was on duty but she did want some water.
Caroline walked up to the small bar in the back with people piled around it ordering drinks and sitting on the bar stools so she waited off to the side. Caroline leaned over the bar to wave the bartender down when she was pushed.
"Hey," she said annoyed pushing herself off the bar to see a tall blond standing behind her.
"I'm sorry, this buffoon," she shouted to the guy behind her, "thought he'd get a laugh by pinching my ass. I didn't mean to bump into you sweetie."
Caroline looked at the guy behind her to see him rubbing his cheek, she giggled, "It's not a problem it seems you gave him something to remember you by."
She laughed nodding, "Yes well wankers like him are a dime a dozen back home," she looked at him rolling her eyes before turning back to Caroline. "I'm Lexi."
"Caroline," Caroline smiled shaking Lexi's hand before stepping aside for her to stand next to her.
"Let me buy you a drink Caroline?" Lexi smiled putting her purse on the bar.
"Oh thank you Lexi but I'm actually working, I'm up here getting a friend of mine a drink."
Lexi chuckled, "who works during a Social Distortion concert?"
Caroline shrugged smiling, "a reporter."
"You're a reporter?" Lexi beamed.
Caroline nodded.
"Nice," she smiled.
The bartender finally walked up to Caroline and Lexi.
"What can I get you," she said annoyed.
"I'll take a blue moon and a bottle of water," Caroline smiled.
"Alright, and you?"
"Bourbon and a Tequila Sunrise," Lexi looked down at her wallet and pulled out her credit card. "Put it all on my tab."
The bartender grabbed the card and turned around.
"No Lexi you don't have to do that, I can pay for drinks," Caroline said looking at Lexi.
"Don't be ridiculous, the least I can do is pay for your drinks," Lexi smiled. "Plus I'm not really paying for it my mate is." She chuckled.
Caroline laughed, "Well thank them for me."
"Alright ladies here are you're drinks," the bartender said placing them in front of the girls. "Your card is on tab just come back up if you want anything else."
Caroline smiled as she grabbed her drinks, "Thank you Lexi."
Lexi shrugged holding her drinks, "it's not a problem."
"Well I better get back to my friend," Caroline said as she turned away from the bar.
"Of course, it was nice to meet you Caroline," Lexi nodded as they walked away from the bar.
"Nice to meet you to Lexi," Caroline smiled before turning around to head back to Ian.
Lexi stood there before shouting, "Caroline, wait up." She quickly walked up to Caroline.
Caroline stopped looking at Lexi, "What's up."
"Why don't you and your friend join me and my mate," Lexi smiled because she liked Caroline and wouldn't mind hanging out a little more, it's been a long week in San Francisco and the only company she's had since Klaus was so busy was Rebekah and Rose and those weren't the best company for Lexi being that she works with the guys a lot so her sense of humor was a little different from there's. "It'll be fun."
Caroline didn't see why not, there was enough space around her and Ian for them to join. "I don't see a problem with that. I'm sitting over in the corner," Caroline pointed. "It's private seating, but just come over and join us."
Lexi smiled, "Great I'll be over in 10."
Caroline smile, "Great I'll be there."
Klaus eyes scanned across all the people standing in front of the stage wondering where he and Lexi would get through to the front as soon as the opening acts were finished. He leaned forward to get a better look over the balcony when he felt a tap on his shoulder.
Klaus looked up smiling as Lexi handed him his drink, "thanks sweetheart."
"Get up."
Klaus scrunched his eyebrows in confusion at her as he sipped his drink, "What why?"
"I made a new friend at the bar and were going to sit with them," Lexi smiled with her drink straw between her teeth.
Klaus rolled his eyes, "Oh come on Lex what happen to it just being us? You can tease some poor bloke later."
Lexi sighed, "For starters it's not a guy and Nik get your ass out of that chair before I drag you out of it."
He chuckled staring at the glare Lexi was giving him, "fine no need to get violent." Klaus stood up with his drink in hand smiling, "lead the way." He motioned toward the heard of people behind them.
As soon as they stepped away from their seats they were taken, Klaus sighed as he followed Lexi through the crowd to the corner of the balcony.
Caroline sat there smiling as her and Ian talked about their favorite Social Distortion album, she was still glowing from her interview and couldn't wait for them to get on stage.
Caroline looked up when she saw someone waving in her peripheral and smiled, "Hey Lexi." She stood up, "Please come sit with us."
Caroline felt her heart jump in her throat when she saw Klaus following behind her.
"Caroline," she smiled hugging her as Caroline stood stiffly staring at Klaus. "This is my friend Nik." Lexi motioned to Klaus smiling. "Nik this is Caroline."
Klaus stepped up to her smiling before his eyes landed on Ian and his hand on Caroline's back. Klaus was never really a jealous man but when he saw his hand he was he felt a sudden rage go through him, "Caroline I had to be honest I wasn't expecting you to be the friend Lexi made at the bar."
"Wait you know her," Lexi asked smiling looking between the two. "Wait is she the Caroline?" Lexi looked at Klaus lifting her eyebrows.
Caroline just stood there looking between the two as she saw Klaus nod yes to Lexi.
"Wow this is crazy," she chuckled turning her attention back to Caroline. "Well I guess it's nice to officially meet you Caroline. Nik has told me so much about you."
Caroline nodded, "Thank you Lexi I wish I could say the same," she turned and picked up her purse. "If you'll excuse me I need to go to the ladies room." She turned to Ian and smiled, "be right back." Ian nodded as he his hand rested on the small of her back, "are you ok."
"I'm fine, I'll be right back," Caroline smiled.
"Ok," Ian looked at her confused but not complaining.
Caroline stepped up to Klaus and Lexi, "Excuse me, I'll be right back but please make yourself comfortable." Caroline stepped around Klaus and walked toward the stairs of the balcony.
Lexi smacked his arm, "well go."
Klaus didn't need another push as he rushed after her.
"Caroline wait," he called at the top of the steps.
Caroline stopped midway down the stairs sighing. She wanted nothing more than to see Klaus but not like this. Not unexpected again to where she would surely have to explain herself.
"Yes," she turned toward him with her best smile.
Klaus stopped in front of her not really knowing what to say, "We need to stop meeting like this sweetheart," he smiled hoping to lighten the mood, "But I think it's only fair for you to explain this to me."
Caroline sighed looking down at her feet, "I know." She ran her hand through her hair. Now that Klaus was in front of her she couldn't really avoid it. "Klaus can we please do this later, I'm working and I just wanted to enjoy the night. I know I owe you an explanation for me being gone and I want to tell you, but just not now." Caroline looked up at Klaus hoping he understood.
Klaus shrugged if she didn't want to tell him he couldn't force her, "Alright love."
Caroline smiled as she wrapped her arms around him for a hug, "thank you."
Klaus smiled as his hands went around her waist, "I should've known you weren't going to miss tonight's show."
Caroline chuckled as she pulled away from Klaus, "You're never going to believe what happen."
Klaus smiled at how quickly Caroline can cheer up, "What?"
She grinned as her fingers interlaced on the back of Klaus' neck, "I got to interview Mike Ness."
Klaus nodded, "Was it everything you thought it would be?"
"So much more," Caroline smiled. "It was amazing."
Klaus smiled because he didn't realize how much he missed her and with her standing in front of him explaining her story is best he's felt in days. His hands held her close to him as she rambled on about her interview. He chuckled every time she leaned back to use hand gestures to emphasis a point.
"I missed you darling," Klaus smiled as her words stopped after he told her.
She smiled as her hands went back around Klaus' neck, "I missed you too." Caroline leaned in and kissed Klaus, smiling when his grip tightened around her waist before he deepened the kiss.
Klaus tasted honey all over again as Caroline lips moved in motion with his, he ran his tongue across her bottom lip and with no hesitation Caroline opened her mouth letting him in as their tongues danced.
Caroline let her fingers play with the tips of Klaus' hair as his hand pushed against her back, but Klaus' bliss was interrupted when Caroline stopped kissing him.
Caroline broke their kiss when she heard someone clear their throat. She looked up to see Ian and Lexi standing a few steps above them. Lexi was smiling but Ian looked like he got hit in the gut.
Caroline smiled shyly before she stepped away from Klaus, but he kept his hand around her waist.
"Um sorry," she didn't know what else to say.
Ian nodded, "I'm going to head backstage, make sure everything is running smoothly." He brushed past Klaus his shoulder lightly hitting him.
Klaus chuckled shaking his head before he looked at Caroline and saw her face fall.
"Ian," she called but he didn't look back. "Shit." She looked at Klaus.
"Go ahead love," Klaus let her go.
She smiled and kissed him on the cheek as she walked down the stairs toward Ian. Caroline felt she at least owed him an explanation because she didn't exactly push him away.
Klaus looked up and saw Lexi still smiling, "what?"
Lexi shrugged, "I didn't say anything," she smiled before crossing her arms.
Klaus shook his head and he walked up the steps to Lexi, "drink?"
"Yes, a shot is in order after seeing my best mate practically dry humping my new friend."
Klaus laughed as he looped Lexi's arm with his, "I'll make it a double." They walked back up the stairs to the bar.
"Ian!" Caroline yelled as she maneuvered through the crowd to catch up to Ian. The opening acts were in full swing and the floor was getting more crowded by the second. "Ian wait." She was finally in his reach and grabbed his arm.
Ian sighed as he turned around and saw Caroline, "You don't need to explain Caroline."
Caroline stood in front of him, "Can we go somewhere a little quieter to talk."
Ian looked at her shaking his head, "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Ian, please."
He sighed as he stepped aside motioning for her to step in front of him. Ian led them out to the alley by the Warfield, the same way they went out when The Strokes were in concert.
Caroline smiled as the light breeze hit her face as she stepped out the side door.
Ian shut the door and stepped in front of her, "ok it's a little quieter."
Caroline sighed, "Look I know that wasn't the best situation and I do apologize. I know that you thought we would be more then friends, and trust me I flirted back and you are a great guy. If it was any other situation I'd think we would've been more than friends, but after the crazy weeks I've had after my last boyfriend I'm afraid we just wouldn't work."
Ian nodded, he admitted seeing Caroline making out with Klaus wasn't ideal but what could he do, "thank you for apologizing and admitting that this wasn't all just one sided. I like you Caroline, a lot. Right now I think it would be best for us to keep our relationship strictly professional."
Caroline was hoping he wouldn't say that, "come on Ian we became good friends we still can be."
"Yeah I know, and one day we will be, but right now I think space would be best," Ian shrugged. "You can come on stage when Social Distortion performs, but I think I'll talk to you again when the next show comes around. Don't let the Warfield Theatre drop off the Chronicles radar." Ian smiled as Caroline stood there only nodding. He stepped up to Caroline and gave her a quick hug, "until next time Miss. Forbes." He turned around and walked back in through the side door.
Caroline stood there for a while leaning against the building wall, she liked Ian but more in the way she liked Ben or Matt. She honestly thought that was the road their friendship was headed. He didn't give her butterflies by just looking at her the way Klaus did. She didn't mean for her flirting to give him the wrong expectations, after Tyler it was just nice to make new friends.
Caroline ran her hands through her hair and adjusted her blazer before walking back into the theatre. As she passed the backstage area she saw Ian speaking with the roadies as they prepped for the final opening act. She gave him a small smile when he glanced her way for a second before she walked toward the stage. She decided it was best to get her fan interviews now with the people leaned up against the railing as the final opening act set up.
It took 20 minutes for the act to set up and it was enough time for her to get 3 fan interviews, which was good enough for her story. Caroline put her notebook and pen back in her purse as the lights went dim. She smiled as the fans started screaming and the band members walked on stage, she pushed her hair behind her ears as she headed back to the balcony.
Caroline walked up the steps and saw Lexi and Klaus sitting at the bar laughing. She walked up to them smiling.
"Hey love, drink?" Klaus held up his glass of bourbon as he got out of his seat for her.
Caroline shook her head yes, "Sure I just finished working and I could use one," she took the glass from Klaus and slammed the rest of the Bourbon. She exhaled as the liquid burned her throat.
"Geez I thought Klaus was the only one that drank Bourbon like that," Lexi chuckled as she sipped her martini.
Caroline put the glass on the bar chuckling as she looked at Lexi, "bourbon isn't too bad."
Lexi smiled staring at Caroline, she liked her so far but this was her best mate she was talking about. After that Tatia girl Lexi wanted to make sure Caroline wasn't playing with Klaus.
"So how long have you Klaus been dating?" Lexi smiled as Klaus kicked her.
Caroline chuckled as her eyes widened, "Wow get right to the point."
Lexi shrugged, "I'm just curious I knew nothing about you until this past week."
Caroline nodded but she didn't know how to answer that question because she didn't really know if she and Klaus were dating. Sure they made out a few times but that's it.
"That's funny because he's never mentioned a best friend and he's already met like three of mine," Caroline chuckled hoping to change the subject. Happy it worked when Lexi glared at Klaus.
"You never told her about me," Lexi narrowed her eyes at Klaus.
"Your name hasn't quite come up in conversation," Klaus shrugged. "Plus you hardly come to visit."
Lexi smacked him, "ass."
Klaus chuckled, "Well now that you're both here. Caroline this is Lexi my best mate from London," he smiled patting Lexi on the shoulder. "And Lexi this Caroline, the girl I've been telling you about."
Lexi smiled, "that's better," she laughed. "Anyway, Caroline tell me about yourself. I know you're a reporter, how long."
Caroline nodded, "Yes I work for the San Francisco Chronicle as an assistant editor, and I've been there for about two years now, but I've been in the journalism field professional since I was 23. What about you?"
Lexi nodded, "You're jobs a lot more exciting than mine," Lexi smirked at Klaus as she rested her elbow on the bar. "I'm a software developer in London. I'm kind of a whiz with computers." Lexi smiled as Klaus just shook his head smiling as he took a drink from his glass.
"Wow that's really impressive Lexi," Caroline smiled as he started to wave the bartender down.
"Thank you," Lexi smiled.
"How can I help you?" the bartender asked.
"Hi can I get a jack and coke," Caroline smiled as she took her wallet out of her purse.
"Alright, and the drinks are on tab," the bartender pointed to Lexi.
Caroline smiled at as she put her wallet back, "Thanks."
Lexi waved her hand, "No problem, so when was the first time you saw Social Distortion?"
Caroline smiled because it was one of the best nights of her teenager years, "I was 16 when I first saw them, I took off from home for two days to see them in New York one weekend," Caroline chuckled remembering how pissed her mom was, "It was worth the tongue lashing my mother gave when I finally got home."
Caroline smiled thinking back to when she and Trevor drove to New York to see them play when she was 16, Trevor was 17 and his bike made it there and back with no problem. Her stomach started to knot when she thought of what else Trevor did, so she reached for her drink and took a long sip before looking back at Lexi. "What about you?"
"When I was in college, they defiantly know how to put on a show," Lexi smiled trying to keep her story as vague as possible.
"What about you Klaus," Caroline smiled as the bartender placed her jack and coke in front of her.
"I was actually 16 as well. I snuck out of my parents' house the night they were in London, and had one of the best nights of my life." Klaus smiled because he still had the scars on his back from the beating that Mikael gave him for taking off that night but he didn't care he would do it again.
Caroline smiled, "Well here's to a night we won't forget," she held up her glass as Klaus and Lexi clinked against it.
They all sat around the bar talking. Caroline asked Lexi if she's gone shopping yet and ended up planning a shopping date for Sunday. Klaus thought it was ridiculous to spend an entire day dedicated to shopping because shopping was shopping no matter where you are. His statement caused Lexi to laugh because his wardrobe was more expensive then hers.
The bar got more crowded once the opening act was coming to a close, and after the few rounds they had caused Caroline to get a little braver. Klaus was standing next to Caroline talking to Lexi and before she knew it she slid her hand into his, and he responded by slightly squeezing hers. Caroline smiled when she saw him glance down at her to smile as he continued talking to Lexi about the best place to get a drink in London.
"You've been gone to long you don't know what you're talking about anymore," Lexi stated waving her hand in the air before she took a drink.
Klaus laughed, "I grew up in London I hardly think a former yank can tell me where the best pub is."
Caroline sat there looking between the two smiling because they fought just the way she and Matt did, it was amusing to see this side of Klaus.
"Pffft," was all Lexi said in response as she slammed her drink.
Klaus smiled in triumph as he put his empty tumbler on the bar.
Lexis eyes lingered down to them holding hands and she smiled because it's been a long time since she's seen Klaus this happy. He may have had Tatia but for some reason Lexi thought this happiness was different, more real, "Well do you two love birds want to head down to the stage so we can get a good place to stand."
Caroline almost choked on her drink when Lexi said love, "Ummm sure, but I'll need to meet up with you two in the pit after I snap a few photos of the band from the railing." Caroline stood up from the bar.
Lexi nodded, "that's going to be a challenge but sounds like a plan," she smiled before putting her purse around her shoulder.
Caroline let go of Klaus hand as she reached into her purse for her camera, "It shouldn't take to long, just the first three songs and then I'll get to you two somehow."
Klaus smiled, "I can wait for you if you'd like."
"Don't be silly it's Social Distortion," Caroline smiled, "I'll meet you up front."
Klaus chuckled, "alright."
All three of them walked down to the floor, Caroline gave Klaus a kiss on the cheek before walking toward the front stage. Klaus smiled as he and Lexi maneuvered through the crowd and was able to get a good spot in the center about four people from the front.
Klaus looked around before the lights went out and saw Caroline by the speakers waiting to take photos.
The crowd's cheers grew louder as the feedback from a guitar echoed through the theater and each band member of Social Distortion came on stage before Mike Ness stepped out holding his Gold Gibson guitar with Orange County plaster across it in old English and an angry red road runner head underneath it smoking a cigar.
Klaus felt the bass from the amps as the blood in his veins started pumping. He hasn't seen Social Distortion in years, but it still felt like the first time.
The strums of the opening song "Prison Bound," made Caroline jump in joy as she screamed toward the stage holding her camera out by the front railing. She needed to take a few quick photos before she enjoyed the show and fought her way through the crowd to stand with Klaus and Lexi. Ian said it was ok for her to be on stage but Caroline always loved the pit.
Caroline screamed when she heard Mike Ness start singing.
Well, I'm goin' to a place where the tough guys go
And come out even tougher.
A place where a man don't show his feelings
A place where a man don't cry
Well they say I'm being punished
And they say I can be reformed
But someday I'll return.
Did they really think that
This time it would work.
You knew all along it wouldn't
Caroline was swaying side to side as the song continued as she took pictures throughout the song. She looked down at her camera going through the pictures notcing she had enough for her story. She put her camera back in her purse and made her way around to get the pit.
Caroline screamed when she heard Prison bound come to an end and the strumming for "Don't Drag Me Down," started up. She waited in the back until a small mosh pit broke out and then she ran across it to get closer to the stage. She saw she was three people away from the front and with the crow swaying back and forth it was hard for her to see where Lexi and Klaus were. Caroline cheered when she heard Mike Nesses voice echo over the crowds voices.
Children are taught to hate
Parents just couldn't wait
Some are rich and some are poor
Others will just suffer more
Have you ever been ashamed
And felt society try to keep you down, I begin to watch things change
And see them turn around
Turn around
They'll try to keep you down
Turn around
Turn around
Don't drag me down
Caroline felt the crowd pick up as people started jumping and a mosh pit carried on behind her. She herself started jumping as soon as the chorus started and stiffened when she felt someone wrap their hands around her waist, she turned around ready to smack someone when she saw Klaus smiling at her. She smiled and gave him a quick peck on the lips before turning her attention back to the stage.
Tyler never liked going to concerts with Caroline or even getting in the pit with her. He preferred to let her go alone or stay on the balcony while she went down to the stage herself. Caroline loved to get up front it wasn't just for the great bands but it was just the overall concert experience. The way she wrote up her concert stories is by including a lot of description on top of her quote because she wanted people who didn't get to go to actually feel like they went. So she made it her job to give them an actually concert experience.
Caroline cheered as the crowd roared for Social Distortion; she smiled when she heard Klaus cheering as well and his hand rested around her waist. They stayed up front for the entire show, dancing and singing to their favorite songs.
It's been over an hour and the night was coming to an end but Caroline screamed at the top of her lungs when she heard the rhythm of her favorite Social Distortion song ring through the speakers. At every concert she's ever been to for Social Distortion they've never played this song and now it was happening.
She turned to Klaus smiling, "dance with me" she yelled.
Klaus smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist as Social Distortion played "Angels Wings."
You say you're down on your luck
Hey baby, it's a long, long way up
Hold back now, hold back your fears
You say you're really down and out
And you feel like there's no way out now
Let go now let go of your tears some more.
Klaus gripped Caroline's waist as they swayed with the crowd to the sounds of the guitar lingering in the air.
How many times have you asked yourself
Is this the hand of fate that I've been dealt
You're so disillusioned this can't be real
And you can't stand now the way you feel
Caroline smiled because even though the floor was packed, Klaus made it feel like it was just the two of them. They barely had elbow space but she felt as if they were dancing in an empty ballroom.
I don't care about what they say
I won't live or die that way
Tired of figuring out things on my own
Angel's wings won't you carry me home
Caroline rested her head on Klaus shoulder as she started to sing the chours, "and when you're down on your luck hey baby, it's a long, long way up hold back now, hold back your fears and when you're really down and out and you feel like there's no way out onw let go now let fo of your rears some more."
Klaus smiled lifting her head and giving her a kiss as the song continued playing. Caroline wrapped her hands around his neck and deepened the kiss this time taking control as she let her tongue slip into his mouth. Her favorite song became background noise as she felt Klaus moan in her mouth, she smiled nibbling on his lip before breaking the kiss.
Klaus sighed as he rested his forehead against hers because they didn't get to bask in that grace for long as the crowd got more intense as Social Distortion picked up the pace with "Telling Them." Caroline chuckled as their bodies were clashed against people jumping around them, and she smiled at Klaus before she turned back toward the stage to enjoy the rest of the show.
Caroline was smiling from ear to ear as her and Klaus walked away from the front stage. Her hair was messy, ears were ringing, makeup was a little smeared and her body would defiantly feel this show in the morning, but it was one of the best nights of her life.
"Wasn't that amazing?" She all but shouted as she looped her arm with Klaus'.
Klaus chuckled, "Indeed." He was now holding his vest because his shirt was sweaty. They lost Lexi in the craziness of things, but Klaus knew she was ok.
Caroline stopped Klaus by the balcony stairs, "I'm gonna go to the bathroom really quick, I'll be right back." She smiled.
Klaus nodded, "I'll wait here."
Caroline walked around the corner by the stairs and headed to the ladies room.
She ran her fingers through her hair to straighten out the tangles and used a paper towel to fix her make up. She looked herself over in the mirror and smiled as she dug in her purse for her lip gloss. Caroline smiled at herself as she walked out of the bathroom.
"It's nice to see you Care."
Caroline froze at the calm deep voice that spoke behind her. She felt her heart rate quicken as her grip around her purse tightened.
"I guess I should consider this dumb luck finding you at a Social Distortion concert," the voice purred as Caroline's body tensed feeling the heat of his breath as he stood behind her. "Then again I expected nothing less."
Trevor moved his hand up to touch Caroline's neck when he was hit with her bag. Caroline put all her force into that hit as she ran toward the balcony stairs.
Trevor didn't move he just smirked, "I'll see you soon," he said to himself as he took the handkerchief out of his suit pocket to wipe away the blood, smiling as he walked toward the exit.
Caroline turned the corner and bumped into Klaus by the stairs.
"Whoa love, what's wrong?" He asked as he watched her look around franticly.
Caroline was taking deep breaths to calm her nerves when she saw Trevor didn't follow her, she felt her throat start to close and tears weal up in her eyes. She looked up at Klaus and saw the concerned look in his eyes; she wrapped her arms around him for a hug.
Klaus held her tight as his hand rubbed her back, "you're ok Caroline. You're safe." He pulled her back to look at her, "now tell me what happen?"
Caroline took a deep breath, "he found me."
Klaus looked at her confused as he wiped away the tears that fell, "who found you?"
"My husband," she whispered.
Klaus shook his head hoping he didn't hear here correctly, "I'm sorry sweetheart I didn't catch that."
Caroline looked down and pulled out of Klaus' grip, "my husband." She repeated as she glanced up to look at Klaus.
Klaus furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at Caroline. He felt as if he was hit in the stomach, the knots he felt were starting to turn to anger.
"Are you joking?"
Caroline shook her head no. She didn't want to make eye contact with Klaus so he turned her back on him, "that's why I haven't been around for almost two weeks. He found me."
"What do you mean he found you?" Klaus asked as he walked in front of Caroline so she would have to look at him.
She took a deep breath closing her eyes hoping to explain this only once, "Remember I told you that we can be damaged together."
"Hmm mmm," was all Klaus managed to say as he waited for her to explain.
"Well I wasn't only referring to what Tyler did to me," Caroline wrapped her arms around her because she hated thinking of her final years of high school, she thought there love was real and how he treated her was the best thing she would get. "What Tyler did is actually rainbows and sunshine in comparison."
"Excuse me," a security guard walked up to Klaus and Caroline. "The theater is closing you'll have to leave now."
Caroline nodded as she walked past Klaus toward the exit.
Klaus walked in step with Caroline as she stopped at the end of the block. "I'll get us a cab." Klaus saw Caroline nod as she stood on the street corner. He turned around walking a few feet away before he took out his cellphone to text Lexi.
Can you stay with Rebekah tonight?
Klaus looked up from his phone and saw a cab coming down the street. He whistled and waved his hand as the cab headed toward him.
He turned around, "Caroline."
She looked up with her hands in her pockets and purse hanging from her arm. She saw Klaus holding open the door as she made her way into the cab.
Klaus felt his phone vibrate and checked it.
Fine, I'll call you tomorrow. Tell Caroline I said good night.
Klaus was happy Lexi understood as he got in the cab.
The ride back to the apartment complex was silent both Klaus and Caroline stuck within their own thoughts.
Caroline got out of the cab before Klaus could help her out and headed straight to the building. Klaus quickly paid the driver before he moved to catch up with her.
Klaus caught up to Caroline in the elevator as they made their way up to their apartments. As soon as the doors open Caroline stepped out stopping in the hallway to look at Klaus, "Your apartment or mine?"
"Wherever you're comfortable," Klaus said as he stood next to her.
Caroline took a breath and walked to her apartment getting the keys from her purse. She hasn't been home in almost two weeks, and as soon as she walked through her front door she felt a little sense of relief seeing it was the same as she left.
"Have a seat," Caroline motioned toward the living room. "I'm going to open a bottle of wine if we're going to have this conversation."
Klaus nodded as he walked up to the sofa sitting down. He watched her move around in the kitchen he glanced at his phone quickly to see it was already past midnight.
She opened her fridge and pulled out her favorite red wine, Roscato, before grabbing two wine glasses out of the cupboard. Her stomach was starting to knot because this conversation was about to happen. She's only told three people this story and that was Matt, Elena and Bonnie. Bonnie was the only one who saw what Trevor was capable of. She didn't even tell Tyler and they were together for five years, so why was she about to tell Klaus?
Caroline poured the wine and walked into living room handing Klaus his glass as he sat on the sofa before she took a seat in the chair next to it. She took a long sip of wine to build up her courage to begin this conversation.
"You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to sweetheart," Klaus said as he stood up from the sofa to move a little closer to where she was sitting.
Caroline smiled, "I know but you've seen me react this way twice already," she took a breath, "and Matt said it wouldn't be such a bad idea to actually tell you." Caroline took another drink of her wine to get the lump out of her throat.
"Trevor Wright," Caroline stated simply as she lower the wine glass from her lips. "He's my ex-husband."
Klaus nodded as he took a large gulp from his wine, "when were you married?"
Caroline laughed sarcastically as she placed her glass on the table, "18 and we stayed together as a married couple for almost 10 months until I left for San Francisco." Caroline moved forward leaning on her elbows. "But we were legally married for 2 years until the divorce was finally settled."
"I met him when I was 14, we started out like any couple, dating, flirting," Caroline sighed, "he was my first love, and best friend," she laughed little, "he called me Care Vicious because of our love for Sid and Nancy, but I guess when you think you know someone you don't really know them at all."
Caroline reached for her wine glass and slammed the rest of it, "Young love it really is a beautiful thing and that is what I thought I had, and I thought Trevor was my person. That one person you know you want to wake up with every morning. So when the first slap came I didn't think anything of it because he apologized right and what's a relationship without forgiveness, right." Caroline chuckled lightly looking down.
"Anyway like the smart girl I am I forgot about it believing that he would never do it again," Caroline stood up with her empty wine glass, "But I was wrong because it seemed to only get worse," she said as she starting walking back to the kitchen, "in fact the kick off to abuse happen the first time I got to see Social Distortion." Caroline put her glass on the table refilling it to the brim.
"Trevor was the one who took me to New York when I was 16, and that concert was his birthday present to me." Caroline took a drink of wine throwing the empty bottle in the trash as she walked back into the living room.
Klaus sat on the sofa watching her, listening because it was the best thing he could do right now even though his knuckles were turning white from his clinched fists.
Caroline sat back down in the chair holding her wine glass, "The show was amazing and it was easily turning into the best night of my life, but that glory was short when a guy started flirting with me while I was waiting outside the theatre for Trevor."
"He thought I was the one flirting and honestly thought I liked that the jerk started putting his hands all over me," Caroline scrunched her nose remembering how violated she felt. "Trevor saw this dude put his hand on my ass but missed the part where I slapped him." She paused to take a drink of her wine. "After I hit him I walked to the bike and saw Trevor putting on his helmet. I walked up to him yelling why he didn't come get me but was met with an open hand."
"He hit me so hard it knocked me on the floor," Caroline licked her lips remembering how she tasted blood after he hit her. "I had a bruise on the right side of my face for the next week. I manage to pull off the 'I got it in the mosh pit' story. My mom wasn't too happy about that."
"After that the bruises started to become more hidden, some on the stomach, ribs and arms," Caroline shrugged taking another drink of her wine. "I guess love makes you do crazy things and keeps you in crazy situations if you let it and the love me and Trevor had was the realist thing I had in my life at the time. With my parents divorced and my dad with a new daughter I just wanted that sense of belonging, and Trevor honestly treated me like I was his world when he wasn't angry, so I married him when I turned 18."
Caroline laughed a little as she brought the wine glass back to her lips, "Bonnie was my witness to sign the marriage certificate and his best friend Adam signed for him. We spent our honeymoon locked up in an apartment his parents bought for him downtown, and I moved in a week after."
"My mom tried to stop me and she almost did, but I was free to make my own decisions. Plus Trevor wasn't a bad guy to anyone in town because of where he came from, but my mom never knew what Trevor did and she still doesn't know, no one knew," Caroline sighed as she placed her wine glass on the table in front of her.
"When I started applying for college in January with graduation in May I applied for the local college and Berkeley. I didn't actually think I was going to get in I sent that application as more of wishful thinking then reality," Caroline shrugged. "But when my acceptance letter came in the mail after graduation I cried because it meant I was worth more than what that small town was offering me."
"I got word I was going to Berkeley in June, and Trevor's stopped when we got married. So as a way to surprise him I set up a romantic dinner for when he got home from work," Caroline ran her hands through her hair as she leaned back in her chair.
"Trevor's family was one of the founding families of our little town and he worked with the city council right after high school thanks to his family. He was a rebel all through high school but in the end he ended up in the family business. When he came home that night he was in a good mood, we had a nice dinner and it felt like our first date," Caroline sighed, "But it was also the night he almost killed me."
Klaus clenched his fist so hard he broke Caroline's wine glass, "what?"
Caroline saw the glass and stood up stepped toward Klaus and took the glass out of his hand, "Yeah he almost killed me after I told him I got accepted into a great university that would move us to place where we could actually be someone," she walked into the kitchen and threw the glass in the trash getting a napkin before she went to sit by Klaus. "I didn't say what college it was because he didn't give me a chance because after I told him it would move us he flipped out."
Caroline opened Klaus' hand took out the little bit of glass stuck in his palm as she wiped it with a napkin, "He started yelling at me calling me selfish for wanting to leave such a good thing. I tried calming him down but he smacked my hands away before he hit me telling me that I wanted to leave him to find someone better." She put the napkin on the table as she looked at Klaus hand one more time before he put her hands between his.
"After he hit me I hit the table and knocked over some dishes when I hit the floor," Caroline swallowed the lump in her throat. "As he stood over me yelling I tried crawling away, but he didn't let me he kicked me in the ribs twice before he got on top of me and started choking me telling me that if he couldn't have me no one could." Caroline's hand instantly went to her throat as she rubbed her neck.
"The only way I got him off me was when I stabbed his side with the broken plate. That slowed him down enough for me to get out of the apartment, but he caught up with me as soon as I got down the stairs. He hit me in back of the head and I hit the pavement hard," Caroline took a deep breath.
"He started walking toward me telling me to get back in the apartment, but I felt if I did go back in there I would certainly be dead by morning. So I did what I could with the little strength I had, when he kneeled down to help me up I kicked him in the face and stood up and ran. I ran and never looked back," Caroline was shaking a little because she hated thinking of that night.
"I honestly thought I was going to die and it was my own fault this time for believing that what we had was love. I was a stupid girl to think that this man loved me," Caroline said as her voice started to crack with tears sliding down her cheeks. "And now he found me, he's in the same city as me."
Klaus' body was tense but he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Caroline cried in his arms as Klaus rubbed her back, "He'll die before he touches you Caroline, I promise."
Caroline smiled as her head rested on Klaus' chest, "now you know why I ran off. He left me a voicemail and I just didn't know what to do so I went to Matt." She pulled herself out of Klaus grasp and wiped the tears away from her eyes. "He said he wished I told him I was in San Francisco so we could've met up a long time ago. I don't even know how he got my number or how long he's been in town."
Klaus put his hand on Caroline shoulder to calm her down, "Listen to me Caroline he will never get as close as he got to you tonight ever again," he grabbed her hands. "I promise."
Caroline smiled, "you must think I'm crazy." She laughed pushing her hair behind her ears.
"Why's that love?"
"For marrying a guy like that, letting him do those things to me," Caroline shrugged because after she ran off from Mystic Falls it took her a while to adjust to her new life in San Francisco, but thanks to Matt and Elena she was able to after she met them. They helped her through by just being her friend and understanding whenever she got scared at loud noises or people yelling. When she finally told them why she was so paranoid all the time that is when Elena told her she just got out of a violent relationship with her boyfriend to.
Klaus sighed as he held her hands, "for starters there is no excuse for what that wanker did to you. No man should hit a woman and those who do should be beaten with a bat," Klaus' statement caused Caroline to chuckle. "And I don't think you're crazy or stupid for staying because you're here now stronger than ever." Klaus smiled as he wiped the tear from her cheek. "None of it was your fault, you were the victim."
Caroline nodded as her eyes locked with Klaus', "Thank you."
"I've said this more than once love, you're easily one of the most interesting women I've ever met," Klaus smiled. "Your history proves there is a fire that burns inside you."
Caroline rolled her eyes sighing, "Hmmmm not a very strong one."
Klaus scuffed, "darling you just told me you smacked some punker for grabbing your ass, stabbed your ex-husband with a broken plate and kicked him in the face, sounds pretty strong to me."
Caroline chuckled as she shrugged her shoulder, "Maybe."
Klaus smiled as he pulled Caroline to lean on him as they sat on her couch. Caroline wrapped her arm around his waist feeling as if a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. She finally told Klaus and he handled it better than she expected.
Caroline felt good, she turned head toward Klaus and smiled, "I like you."
Klaus chuckled, "I like you to sweetheart," he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips, "a lot" he mumbled against her lips smiling when he felt her push her lips back against his.
A/N Did that curb your anger a little, i hope so. Please tell me what you think in a review i love reading them because it helps me stay motivated to write this story. Again i'm sorry for my long absence it's just life has been getting in the way. I apologize for any grammar errors in this story and if at all it doesn't make any sense. I don't want to confuse you, please let me know if your confused. I will get the next chapter out soon, hopefully...