This child of mine
Chapter 4: Falling to pieces
Disclaimer: The characters and other things from The Vampire Diaries don't belong to me. Credit goes to the rightful owners
A/N: Sorry took a while with this one...but anyway here it is and I hope you enjoy reading this! :)
"Absolutely not." Klaus said shaking his head as Jeremy detailed to them what Bonnie was saying. "I am not allowing my son to be taken anywhere, especially across the veil to that other side. Have you all lost your minds?"
"Look, he won't be there long." Jeremy reasoned. "Just long enough for Bonnie to do the spell."
"What part of 'no' do you not understand, boy?" Klaus said leaning close to Jeremy with a menacing look.
Damon placed a hand on Klaus' shoulder firmly and pulled him back, "Easy there. Don't forget little Gilbert isn't the one after your son. It's your own mother."
Klaus glared at Damon's hand until he pulled it away, palm up in mock apology. "There is no need to remind me about the dysfunctions of my family unless you would like to rehash how you and your brother keep falling for the same girl."
"This isn't getting us anywhere," Elena said placing a hand on Damon to keep him from provoking Klaus. "Can you two just put aside your egos for a second and actually be useful? Or have you forgotten that Klaus dead equals all of us in his bloodline will follow?"
"Fine." Damon said. "But all bets are off if he brings up my taste in women."
Elena rolled her eyes and looked pointedly at Klaus, who merely shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Bonnie can't work the spell to bind Esther unless Sam is with her." Jeremy said. "He'll be safe with her. Besides, it gives us time to hunt down the person Esther is working with on this side, without you worrying about who will babysit Sam. Rebekah, Stefan and Katherine still haven't gotten anywhere near finding Matt and Elijah."
"Hypothetically, let's say that I go along with this plan, how sure are you that your ghost girlfriend will give my son back?" Klaus said with narrowed eyes. "I have a hundred enemies on that side and I'm fairly certain Bonnie Bennett is one of them. Oh, I know she'll save me to save the lot of you but that doesn't mean she won't take advantage of the opportunity to hurt me."
Jeremy glared at Klaus, "Don't ever speak about Bonnie like she's anything like you. You don't know her."
"No," Klaus said, "I think you're the one who missed a lot when you were dead. Your one great love...Bonnie? Well, to catch you up, she worked with Silas and helped set up twelve witches that her friend Caroline killed to save her. Now tell me if she isn't as terrible as I am? What makes you think I should entrust my son to someone like that?"
"We all have blood on our hands. You have more than most." Caroline interrupted finally, standing up to meet Klaus head on. "But we're going to wipe all of that clean and trust each other, for the sake of someone who is innocent in all of this. Put aside your paranoia and be that powerful vampire we all hate because that guy always wins. Sam needs his dad, the hybrid who takes insane risks and is always one step ahead of the game."
Klaus' eyes were dark and stormy as he looked at Caroline. "If he were your son and I was still the man you found so repulsive years ago, would you even consider letting me even get a glimpse of him if he was the only thing standing in the way of something I wanted?"
Caroline took a step closer to him and looked him straight in the eyes. "I would do everything I could to save him and if that's what it took…yes, I'd do it. Klaus, Sam doesn't need to be my son for me to want to save him. I agree— it sucks that to keep him safe we have to put him in danger. It doesn't make sense. But it's our best bet at ending this."
"And if we fail?" Klaus asked in a low voice, fighting hard to keep his composure. "He will die."
"Klaus," Caroline said gently as she placed a hand on his arm and another on her chest, "Hand over my heart, I promise you I will do everything to keep that from happening or die trying. You know why? Because I still believe there is a part of you that is human. Because I still catch myself wishing I could forget all the horrible things you've done. Because I've finally seen you capable of real, honest to goodness, love for someone other than yourself. Because I still think…I still want to try and save you."
Caroline sighed and shook her head, "You wanted to be my friend? Then this is what it means to be one of them. I fight for you and those you love but you have to let me help you. Even if it means trusting me when it looks like I'll push you over a cliff."
Klaus closed his eyes briefly, his jaw clenched tight as he answered, "Don't make me regret I brought him to your doorstep."
"Hey," Caroline said with a small smile, "You were the one who asked me to protect him."
"But did you have to bring in your Mystic Falls Decade Dance committee?" Klaus said shaking his head. "They can't even organize an event without something going wrong."
Caroline glared at him, "That was all on you, mister. Now be polite and say thank you that they're here to help."
"They're saving their own asses!" Klaus said with a laugh, controlling it when Caroline crossed her arms and leveled him with a look. "Alright. I am grateful that I am not alone in this. That is the best I can do, love."
Caroline sighed in mock frustration to hide the small smile that danced on the corners of her lips.
Damon rolled his eyes and turned to Jeremy, "Did you get to ask your long-distance girlfriend exactly how this plays out? I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm on board with all the blind trust among friends but it won't hurt to know what plan she has over there while we wait in giddy anticipation over on our side."
"Just before dawn, Bonnie will be able to lift the veil long enough to get Sam," Jeremy started, "Then she will draw power from Sam and bind Esther to the darkest parts of the other side, a place where there is no way out."
"Draw power?" Elena asked.
"Blood." Klaus said darkly. "It always comes back to that."
"She won't need to take much since she's not trying to kill anyone…she just wants to bind Esther." Jeremy explained. "It's not any different from medical tests that he's going to go through as a human."
"Then how do we get him back?" Caroline asked, placing a hand on Klaus' arm once again to keep him from doing anything to anyone.
"We wait for dawn again." Jeremy said.
"Daddy?" Sam stood at the foot of the stairs as he looked tentatively at the group of adults huddled by the living room.
Damon whistled, clapping Klaus on the back as he walked away, "I don't envy you the conversation with the kid about what's going to happen next. You have around four hours before dawn…make it count."
Klaus walked towards Sam and picked him up as everyone dispersed, leaving father and son alone.
"Why is everyone so upset?" Sam asked as he sat on his father's lap on the couch facing the fireplace.
"Well," Klaus said slowly, "I can't speak for them but I'm upset because I'm about to do something I don't want…something that scares me."
"Why?" Sam said, worried as he turned around to face his father.
"Sam," Klaus said trying to lighten his tone as he spoke, wishing his son would not be able to tell how hard he was fighting his emotions, "You are a very special boy. You are curious, intelligent, charming and kind. Exactly all the things I am not. You are made for greatness, son. But because of who I am, people want to keep you from that future. But I'm going to try and make sure they don't succeed."
Sam nodded seemingly able to understand completely. He looked at Klaus, alert and completely absorbed with his father's words.
"I need to send you away…just for a short while." Klaus added quickly. "See, I can't do it alone so there's someone who will help us. Bonnie. She's…nice. You'll go with her for just a day so you two can save the day. How does that sound?"
"Will it hurt?" Sam asked, his eyes wide with fear.
"A little, maybe." Klaus said honestly. "But you're a brave boy. You will be just fine."
"I'm scared." Sam said honestly as he hugged his father. "What if she doesn't like me?"
"She will love you, Sammy." Caroline said from the entry to the living room. "Sorry. I literally couldn't help but overhear."
Klaus turned around in his seat, eyebrows raised, "I'm sure even without your hearing abilities you would have found a way to eavesdrop."
Caroline rolled her eyes and ignored him, choosing instead to focus on Sam. "Bonnie is my friend. She's a good person, Sammy. She's going to help us."
"Is she nice like you?" Sam asked seriously.
Caroline sat down next to them, took the boy's feet and placed them on her lap. "Of course! She's one of my best friends. I've known her since I was little like you. She's always been there for me."
"Will she play with me?" Sam asked.
"I don't see why she won't." Caroline said with a smile.
"Can't you and Daddy come with me?" Sam asked looking at each of them.
"I'm sorry, Sam." Klaus said. "It's just you this time. But I promise when you get back, we'll go on a vacation…just you and me."
Sam turned to Caroline, "You'll come too, right?"
Klaus looked at Caroline with an unreadable expression, waiting for her response as well.
"I think," Caroline started slowly, "you should spend time with your dad…just the two of you. But maybe I'll come visit you in New Orleans. Sound good?"
Sam nodded, "I'll show you my tree house and all my drawings…and my toys!"
Klaus smiled at Caroline, mouthing a thank you to her. Caroline just shrugged and smiled back.
"Why don't you get some sleep before Bonnie gets here?" Klaus said kissing the top of his son's head.
"Can I sleep here? I like it better with you here." Sam said.
Klaus nodded and held his son as he sat on the couch. Caroline made a move to stand up but Sam's hand shot out quickly.
"Don't go. Please?" Sam said his eyes already drifting to a close. "Just for tonight."
Caroline smiled at Sam, placing his feet on her lap again, "Okay."
Klaus hummed softly, a lullaby that Caroline wasn't familiar with. They both watched Sam as he fell asleep, his chest rising and falling slowly.
"You don't have to stay." Klaus said softly after some time. "He's sound asleep. He won't notice you're gone."
"I want to be here." Caroline said looking sideways at Klaus, a tired smile on her lips. "No offense but I can't figure out how Sam is so sweet when you're his father. You take the grand prize for daddy issues around here and yet…you seem like you're doing a hell of a job with Sam."
"None taken," Klaus said with a smile of his own, "Well, I actually was quite the reluctant father before he was born. I moved from disbelief to thinking he could be a very valuable pawn. Then he was born, opened his eyes and I…I just saw what kind of life I wanted him to have. All I want is to give him everything I never had with my own family. He's my fresh start, the second chance I didn't know I was waiting for."
"And what of your life when he grows up and has his own?" Caroline asked.
Klaus smiled. "I haven't given up on you, if that's what you're asking."
Caroline's mouth fell open and she stuttered trying to reply but Klaus laughed and cut her off.
"In the end," Klaus said, "It's still going to be you and me. I won't have it any other way. I just need time to figure out how all the pieces of my life fit in now that there's Sam. I'm going to make you fall in love with me someday, Caroline. Count on it. But I guess it's just not today."
"I wonder if your son also inherited your 'confidence'." Caroline said with one eyebrow raised.
"It's my best trait." Klaus said deadpan.
"Really?" Caroline said matching his tone. "You must be so proud."
"Yes, of course." Klaus said unable to keep from smiling. "I can do this all night but you should get some rest."
"You know, for someone who says, repeatedly I might add, he's going to make me fall for him, be his friend, blah, blah, blah…you're doing a bang up job of pushing me away tonight." Caroline said facing him, tilting her head.
Klaus merely stared at the fire, "For someone who has wanted nothing to do with me for the longest time, you're doing one hell of a job staying in my life."
He smiled but didn't turn to face Caroline even if he knew her eyes were still on him. "I don't want you to see me weak, Caroline. Right now, I'm trying very hard not to just run out of here with Sam. But you're right. This might be our best shot to put an end to this so I won't need to live a life with my son on the run. So I'm asking you to leave because I keep hoping that if I convince you to go, between the two of us we might just be able to hide Sam forever. Now will you go?"
"No," Caroline said placing a hand over his and leaning her head on his shoulder. "I may not love you and maybe I never will…maybe you'll never be what I need…but as much as I hate to admit it, you've earned my respect…and my trust. I am your friend now. So I'm staying here. Let it all out, Klaus. I'll be here to make sure you don't do anything stupid."
Klaus smiled and let his head rest on top of hers. They stayed that way until the darkest hour before dawn.
"It's time." Elena said quietly from the hallway followed by Damon. "Jeremy is talking to Bonnie. She's here. Time to wake up Sam."
Caroline gave Klaus an encouraging smile as he slowly shook the sleeping boy.
"Sam?" Klaus said gently. "Time to wake up, son."
Sam blinked slowly and rubbed his eyes, looking around at everyone in the room. "Is that Bonnie?"
Klaus looked up in alarm, following the direction of Sam's outstretched hand.
There was nothing.
"Where Sam?" Klaus said standing up but still holding Sam close to him.
"Right there." Sam said insistently.
Caroline stood up beside Klaus but took half a step forward to block Sam from view. "There's nothing there, Sammy."
Sam frowned in frustration. "The blonde lady! She's right there!"
The second time Klaus looked at the corner he finally saw who Sam was looking at—Esther.
She smiled sweetly, too sweetly, at Sam. "Come, my boy. It's time to go."
Klaus' eyes began to glow, as his fangs slowly descended, "You are not welcome here."
"That is no way to talk to your mother, Niklaus." Esther said calmly. "Give me the boy."
"You stopped being my mother when you set out to kill me and my siblings." Klaus spat out.
"He said you are not welcome here." Bonnie said as she appeared beside Elena, her attention fully on Esther. "Leave."
Esther's lips were drawn in a thin line as she looked at Klaus then at Bonnie. "I did not want it to come to this. I did not wish for your son to see so much violence but you have given me no choice."
The second Esther's hand shot out, her spell radiating from her outstretched palm, Klaus' world slowed and all sound fell away. He watched as Bonnie tried to fight with her own magic but she was blasted back. He felt his grip forced open and his son lifted from his grasp by an invisible hand. He watched as Caroline tried to pull Sam to her but was also thrown backwards. It felt like hours as Klaus watched Sam was placed in Esther's arms.
"Say goodbye, Sam." Esther said as she smiled at Klaus, triumph in her eyes right before she vanished along with Sam. Bonnie disappeared from the room in the same instant, leaving them on the other side of the veil.
Klaus fell to his knees, unable to speak, his eyes wide with horror. From the corner of his mind he saw Elena's shocked expression, Damon's angry stare at the spot where Esther stood and Jeremy blinking rapidly unsure of what happened. Klaus felt Caroline come closer, stand next to him. He knew she was talking to him but he did not want to listen.
"We'll get him back." Caroline said firmly.
"He's dead." Klaus said, numb as he knelt there on the floor. "My son is dead."
"No," Caroline said, with quiet desperation, "He's… We'll get him back, Klaus."
Klaus looked up and glared at her, "My traitorous mother took my son to a place I cannot follow. Even if he still breathes right now, he's as good as dead. It is only a matter of time. My only consolation is that I will follow soon after…and so will all of you. We deserve this fate because we failed Sam."
"No," Caroline insisted, "Bonnie can… We can… We will find a way."
"Stop. Just stop talking." Klaus said through gritted teeth, all hope draining away from him. "Your plan failed. I failed my son."
Klaus kept repeating those words to himself, his knees still on the ground, unable to find the will to stand. His vision blurred with tears that he wished was blood. He wanted to see red. He wanted to kill and not stop until the pain was all gone.
Klaus felt Caroline pull him towards her until his head rested on her stomach as she stood beside him. He closed his eyes and let the tears fall.
Caroline cried with him. She held him tight. After some time she also knelt on the floor, keeping him locked in her embrace.
"I don't know what to say." Caroline whispered, unsure. She wasn't prepared to see Klaus fall apart. She never realized that up to that point she never thought he was capable of not being so tough.
She felt Klaus take a deep breath as he tried to steady himself. "You said I wanted to be your friend. Right now, I just want to not love you anymore…so I can hate you. So I can have someone to blame. So that the blood of the people I kill because of all this pain will be on your hands."
"We're going to find Sam, even if we have to tear down that veil ourselves."
Caroline said fiercely. "I'm not letting you go."
"You should." Klaus said in a hollow voice. "Everything I touch gets destroyed. "
"No." Caroline said pulling back to look at him in the eyes, placing her hands on either side of his face. "Sam needs you. Get it together. He's not dead until I see...He's not dead. So, get up and we are going to fix this."
Klaus looked at her, his eyes completely blank as he broke free of her grasp and stood up without a word.
"Klaus!" Caroline called out as Klaus started to walk away.
He stopped but did not turn around. "It was a mistake to trust all of you and this is the price I have to pay. It's done. It's the last mistake I will make with you."
"Klaus, don't." Caroline said as Damon blocked Klaus' path.
Without warning, Klaus snapped Damon's neck and calmly stepped over his body.
"Don't follow me." Klaus said as he walked out the door.
Caroline moved and was in front of him before he stepped onto the pavement.
"What, are you going to snap my neck too?" Caroline said angrily.
Klaus clenched his jaw tightly, "Do not test me, Caroline."
"Well, I am." Caroline said stepping closer to him, her eyes blazing, "You do not walk away from this. You are not allowed to give up on Sam or on me. You've come too far…so close to good…you can't give up. Not now."
Klaus laughed, the sound full of venom, "You really think I won't hurt you?"
"You already have!" Caroline exploded, throwing her hands in the air. "Seeing you like this… It's killing me but you know what really gets to me? It's that if you walk away right now we lose all hope of saving Sam. You can't do it on your own especially if you don't even believe it can be done."
"What do you want from me, Caroline?" Klaus yelled.
"I don't know!" Caroline said in frustration. "I just know that…you have to stay. We will figure this out…but you have to stay."
Klaus opened his mouth to speak but he couldn't keep from shaking long enough to say anything. He closed his eyes briefly before closing the gap between them and placing his arms around Caroline.
"I've got you." Caroline whispered. "And I'm not letting go."