Disclaimer: I do not own TVD or any of its characters.
A/N: Aaaaand I'm back! Sorry for the delay! Thanks again to everyone who reviewed, it means so much :) And I hope you're ready for Neurotic!Caroline because there's a lot of her in this chapter!
-xxx-
Klaus didn't come looking for her after her outburst, and she was incredibly grateful. She needed time to think. Not just about Klaus's sudden infatuation with her, but also about the insecurities she'd had as a human that just decided to make a reappearance.
She remembered her conversation with Bonnie last year when Stefan blew her off for Elena. How come the guys that I want never want me?I'm inappropriate, I always say the wrong thing...and Elena always says the right thing. She doesn't even try, and he just picks her. She's always the one that everyone picks for everything. And I try so hard, and I'm never the one.
Every time anyone had shown interest in her, she recalled that exchange. Matt, Tyler, and now, as much as she hated to admit it, Klaus. She had been territorial with Matt. He still wasn't over Elena, and she knew she would always be second-best to him no matter what. Tyler was a breath of fresh air. She was his first choice, even though he knew Elena and was her friend. That small fact made it harder for her to swallow all her insecurities and just let herself be with him. She loved him, of course, but after spending her whole life in second place, it would take a while before she could fully accept his love for her, and only her.
Caroline sighed. Then there was Klaus. She would never, under any circumstances, be with him, but that didn't mean she couldn't entertain the idea. She wondered how he would be with her. After spending a thousand years without caring for anyone (that she knew about, anyway), she figured there were two possibilities. He would either be so out of practice that he wouldn't know what to do, or he would pour centuries of built-up passion into the relationship, which could be overwhelming. One thing she knew for certain was that Elena would never be a threat.
Caroline shook her head to clear her thoughts. This was wrong. The words Klaus and relationship should not be in the same sentence. And why does Elena have this much power over her love life? Why was she even jealous of Elena in the first place? If she really thought about it, Elena was dealt a worse hand than Caroline, what with being the doppleganger and losing nearly everyone she loves.
Caroline heaved another sigh as she padded towards the bathroom for a much-needed shower.
-xxx-
Klaus had just picked up his sketchbook when he heard the water from the shower start to run upstairs. He had contemplated checking on Caroline but decided against it. He knew she needed space to think. After all, she had just spent the day smiling and chatting with someone she considered her enemy.
Klaus set the sketchbook beside him to go grab a drink from the liquor cabinet before deciding he needed a real drink. He knew Caroline wouldn't notice if he slipped out, so he quietly exited the room and used the stairs at vampire speed to get out of the building more quickly.
He strolled casually down the sidewalk, eyeing the crowd for his victim. He finally found the perfect one hanging outside a pub. She had long brown hair that fell in carefully styled waves and reached just past her shoulders.
Klaus approached her, a small smile on his features. "Waiting for someone?" he asked politely.
The woman returned his smile warmly. "Yes, but he probably won't be here anytime soon." Her eyes darted toward the door of the pub. She was expecting him to invite her inside, maybe offer her a drink.
Klaus glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention before he leaned forward, locking her gaze in his. "Follow me, and stay silent," he compelled.
He lead her around to the back, where she looked up at him expectantly as he grabbed her shoulders and moved his lips to her neck. She followed his orders and stayed silent as he slowly drained her of blood, dropping her body to the ground carelessly when he was finished.
He stared at her lifeless blue eyes and couldn't help but think of Caroline and what she would think if she saw him here. Oh, well, he thought. What she doesn't know won't hurt her.
-xxx-
Caroline wandered into the living area, feeling refreshed after showering and putting on a fresh change of clothes. She found Klaus sitting on one of the couches working in his sketchpad, exactly as he had been doing that morning. She ignored him, heading towards the kitchen and searching the fridge for a blood bag.
Klaus watched her as she poured the contents of the blood bag into a glass and raised it to her lips. She was looking anywhere but at him. It drove him crazy when she did that.
Caroline finished off her drink and proceeded to make a hasty retreat to her room, but Klaus's voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Are you really going to pretend like I don't exist, love?"
Caroline whirled around, crossing her arms over her chest. "What would you prefer I do?"
"I would prefer to spend time with you. I quite enjoy your company." He gestured to the empty spot beside him on the black leather couch.
"Well, I prefer to be alone," she retorted, spinning around and taking another step toward the stairs. Before she had time to react, Klaus flashed in front of her, grabbing her by the shoulders so she wouldn't run into him.
"We were having such a great time earlier. What happened?" He searched her face with concern, hoping he would find whatever was bothering her on it.
Caroline averted her eyes, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. "I realized that we shouldn't have been having a great time," she answered honestly.
"Why not?" he challenged her.
She threw her hands up exasperatedly. "Because, Klaus! You are the death and destruction of my entire town! We're enemies! We hate each other!"
"I don't hate you," he countered.
"Well, you should!" she scolded him. "It would make everything so much easier." She pouted childishly.
"I'm sorry if I'm making things difficult for you, love, but I don't see how hating you would make it it any easier." He gently grasped her chin and pulled her gaze up to meet his.
Caroline resisted the urge to slap his hand away and gave him the best glare she could muster. "Let me go," she spat through clenched teeth.
Klaus dropped his hand and moved closer to her. She stepped away, but her back eventually hit the wall. He continued to walk toward her, placing his hands on the wall beside her head, entrapping her. "Take a chance, Caroline."
She glared at him indignantly, but she slowly felt her resolve begin the crumble.
"I dare you," he whispered, much too close now.
Caroline could feel his chest against hers and was very aware of his ruby lips moving much closer than she could allow. He paused when his mouth was just centimeters from hers. He studied her sparkling blue eyes for a sign that he should continue. Caroline used this opportunity to duck under his arm and race to her room as fast as she could before she did something stupid like turn around and actually kiss him.
She slammed the door and pressed her back against it, her breathing ragged. Her mind was going a mile a minute and she cursed under her breath. This man should not be able to affect me like this, she scolded herself internally.
She listened for his footsteps, expecting him to follow her. When she didn't hear any, she plopped down on her bed and covered her face with her hands in shame. She knew if she had waited a second longer, he would've kissed her. What's worse is, she would've let him.
It's just stockholm syndrome, she reassured herself, but she wasn't convinced. She wished more than anything that she was back in Mystic Falls with Tyler, where her feelings were a lot clearer.
Tyler! Caroline shot up, her hand flying to her forehead with a loud smack. He's the real reason why she couldn't feel anything for Klaus. Not just because he's Klaus, but because she wasn't even available in the first place!
Wait, feel something for Klaus? She did not just think that. She had clearly lost her mind. Caroline Forbes, you need to get it together!
Caroline swung her legs over the side of the bed and jumped down. She began to pace the room, thrumming her fingers against the side of her leg. No, no, no, no, no, she repeated in her head.
She was startled by the sound of the door downstairs being slammed shut. Suddenly feeling a little claustrophobic, Caroline skipped down the stairs and out onto the balcony, breathing in the fresh air. She didn't know where Klaus had gone, and she didn't care. She was just glad to be alone.
"What am I doing?" she whispered to herself. She folded her arms on top of the railing and rested her head on them, wondering if her friends had even bothered trying to find her. She knew Bonnie and Elena must be out of their minds worried, but everyone else was probably more concerned with a certain blonde Original that had taken up residence in Mystic Falls as well as ripper-Stefan whose humanity switch was currently turned off. She didn't blame them. Damon knew Caroline could take care of herself, which he would definitely be reassuring Elena of.
Caroline didn't know how long she stayed on the balcony for, but by the time she slipped back inside, the sun was setting and Klaus was still nowhere to be found. She was planning on going back to her room and turning in early, but something on the dining table caught her eye.
There was a vase of sunflowers sitting there along with a piece of stationary. She inched towards it cautiously, as if it might attack her. She could help the small smile on her face, however, as she saw the flowers up close. He remembered her telling him that sunflowers were her favorite. How sweet, she thought fondly before wiping the smile off her face and groaning inwardly. Don't fall for it! Don't let him get to you, she told herself as she picked up the piece of stationary and turned it over to read his perfect calligraphy.
I'm sorry I was so forward earlier. Let me make it up to you. Meet me in the lobby at eight.
-Klaus
Caroline scoffed and rolled her eyes, slapping the paper down on the table before storming off. Did he really think she was going to subject herself to more of his stupid, romantic tricks? Couldn't he take a hint?
She paused when her foot hit the first step, her eyes darting back to the flowers on the table. He won't take a hint because this is what he likes. He doesn't like you, said a voice in the back of Caroline's mind. He just likes the chase.
"Fine," Caroline muttered as she stomped upstairs. If he wanted a chase, he wasn't going to get it. She would not humor him. If she stops playing hard-to-get, he'll get tired of her. It's as simple as that.
Caroline was stressing out as she refreshed her makeup and perfected her curls. What if she was playing right into his hands? What if he didn't get bored with her? What if she was wrong about him only liking the chase, and not just her? She filed all these worries away for later and used all her energy to worry about what to wear. He never specified where he was taking her, so she was at a complete loss when it came to what would be considered appropriate attire.
She decided to go with a royal blue sundress and nude flats, packing a cardigan in her purse in case she needed to make it a little dressier.
"What am I doing?" she whispered for what seemed like the billionth time today.
Caroline tilted her head towards the ceiling and let out a loud sigh before smoothing her dress, checking her makeup one last time, and scooting out the door. Once she was on the elevator, she started panicking. It's too late now, she thought with dread.
The elevator reached the ground floor, and Caroline stepped out into the lobby slowly, having an internal debate with herself.
There's nothing he can do to make me like him. He's a monster.
But he was so sweet today, and he saved my life.
No. I'm in love with Tyler.
Am I, really? Because most of our interactions are physical. At least when we were friends we could carry a conversation without jumping each other's bones every five minutes.
Oh my gosh. No. I am in love with Tyler. I love Tyler.
Caroline closed her eyes tightly, trying to block out the annoying inner voices. Ugh, she was going crazy!
When she opened them, she saw Klaus stalking towards her, his mouth stretched into a grin. "Hello, love. I'm glad you decided to join me," he said in his charming accent.
No! Not charming! Evil! Evil accent!
"Well, there's still so much of London I haven't seen and I was getting cabin fever," she quipped. Stop playing hard-to-get, she scolded herself. She managed to smile a little despite her mixed emotions. "Where have you been?" she asked.
"I wanted to give you some space. And I had a few things to take care of," he replied easily.
Like killing innocent people? She thought bitterly. "Hm," was all she said.
Klaus held out his arm and she took it, letting him lead her to wherever he was taking her.
-xxx-
He took her to Le Gavroche. Of course he took her to some really fancy, really expensive place that she couldn't hope to pronounce correctly! And not only that, but he had compelled the waitstaff to close down the restaurant so it would be just the two of them.
"Seriously?" she exclaimed, her eyebrows raising in shock.
Klaus beamed at her, satisfied with her reaction. He pulled out a chair for her and waited until she was seated before taking the seat across from her.
"You don't think this is a little extreme?" Caroline asked.
Klaus smirked. "Not at all."
Caroline chuckled, staring down at the menu. "So is this what you've been doing for the past hour?"
"For the most part, yes."
A server came over to start them off with some wine. Caroline sipped at hers delicately while perusing the menu choices. Klaus never took his eyes off her, which didn't escape her notice.
"Has anyone ever told you that staring is impolite?" she teased, simpering at him.
"Has anyone ever told you that you're too beautiful not to stare?" he shot back.
Caroline smiled, but her face fell when she realized that no, no one had ever told her that. Until now. She went back to reading the menu.
"Okay, I give up!" she said after a few more minutes. "This menu makes no sense. Just order what you think I'll like."
Klaus laughed at her disgruntled expression before calling the server over. "Bring us the Tarte Tatin de Légumes, Arc en Ciel de Purée and the Homard Sauté et son Jus à la Citronelle et Coco," he ordered fluently. The server nodded and hurried away.
"I should've known you spoke French too." Caroline chuckled, shaking her head slightly.
"Well, I did live in France for a century or two back in the day." He returned her smile.
Caroline leaned forward in interest, folding her hands on the table in front of her. "Where else have you lived?" she asked curiously.
"Everywhere. France, Italy, here..." he trailed off.
"Which was your favorite?"
Klaus admired how her bright blue eyes were sparkling with inquisitiveness. "I don't have a favorite. I can't become too attached to one place, otherwise it'll be harder to move when the time comes."
Caroline nodded in understanding. "So is that what I'll have to do now that I'm a vampire? Because I've taken French in school, and there is no way I'll be fluent enough to live there."
Klaus chuckled, but answered her seriously. "You can live wherever you want. You don't have to leave America if you don't want to."
"But I'll have to leave Mystic Falls at some point." It wasn't a question.
Klaus saw the sadness in her eyes and yearned to reach out to her and take her hand in his, but he knew that would be overstepping his boundaries. Still, he could offer some words of comfort. "It's not as bad as it seems."
The server reappeared with their orders, and Caroline's eyes widened at the plate of roasted vegetable tarte tatin being placed in front of her. "Oh, wow. How expensive was this?" she joked.
"It's free," Klaus replied in the same joking tone.
Caroline glared at him, not feeling so playful anymore. "You're going to lose these poor people their jobs," she accused.
Klaus was caught off guard by her sudden change in attitude. "Why should that be any of my concern?"
"Because it'll be your fault! You're taking away their free will." She was raising her voice now, but she didn't care.
Klaus returned her glare. "This is how I've done things for the past ten centuries. I'm not going to change for—"
Caroline cut him off, throwing her napkin on the table and standing, prepared to leave. "For some stupid, shallow, useless blonde," she finished for him. "Believe me, I've heard it all before." She could feel hot tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She walked away briskly, not making it very far before Klaus grabbed her hand to stop her.
"I was going to say, I'm not changing for someone who won't even bother giving me a chance. You're the one who jumped to conclusions, sweetheart." Klaus took in her expression, which had softened slightly, but she still held the hurt look in her eyes. "What do you mean, you've heard it all before?"
Caroline sighed. "You don't want to know."
"I do want to know. I want to know everything about you, Caroline Forbes."
Caroline secretly admired the way he said her name. She sat back down in her seat, picking up her fork and poking at her food absentmindedly. "Do you know what happened between me and Damon last year when I was a human?"
"I know you two were together, but I don't know all the gory details."
Caroline began recounting her horrible encounters with the elder Salvatore. "Long story short, he used me for sex and entertainment. I was his plaything. His toy human. He would feed off of me and erase my memories. Needless to say, he wasn't very nice to me, and he said things that almost hurt more than the abuse. The worst part was, I didn't have any say in it. So you can see why compulsion is a soft spot for me." She shrugged nonchalantly.
Klaus was silent for a few moments. "I'll kill him," he offered.
Caroline laughed. "No, you don't have to do that. He was just going through some things at the time, but he's good now."
"That's no excuse," Klaus countered.
"It's not. But he won't do it again. Elena brings out the good in him. She's made him a better person." Even as she said this, Caroline couldn't help but hope she would get an apology out of Damon someday, although she'll probably have to be on her deathbed for that to happen.
"I keep a credit card on me just in case," Klaus said after several minutes of thoughtful silence. "I won't compel them."
Caroline smiled at him. "Thank you."
"And I'm sorry," Klaus said suddenly, pulling Caroline up short. She raised her eyebrows at him. "For compelling you to stay in the room," he answered her unspoken question.
Caroline guessed that it took a lot for him to actually apologize. It was probably the first time he'd done it in centuries. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "Thank you," she said again.
Maybe giving him a chance wasn't such a horrible thing after all.
-xxx-
A/N: Reviews are GREATLY appreciated! Thank you for reading :)