Hey guys! So, yes I suck for not getting this up last week, but it's really hard to work 50+hours a week for about 4 weeks without a day off. Don't work two jobs, folks.

ANYWAYS. Sorry about that and the cliffhanger. Hopefully this will make up for it :). Or make you yell at me again, idk. My boyfriend is coming into town this week, so no more updates until at least next Monday. I know! I'm sorry, I haven't seen him since July though!

Enjoy!

"Tyler?"

Caroline blinked her eyes rapidly, thoroughly shocked to see her ex-fiancé sheepishly smiling on her doorstep.

"Hey, Care," he started uneasily, looking as awkward as she felt.

"What are you doing here?" she bit out, not bothering to play with niceties.

He sighed. "Can I come in?"

"No. Why are you here?"

"Caroline, please," he tried, instilling his use of puppy dog eyes that used to work on her.

Not anymore.

"I need to talk to you."

She scoffed. "I highly doubt I'm going to care about anything you say."

Tyler rolled his eyes, igniting the annoyance in her.

"I want to talk about what happened," he continued.

"And I wanted a fiancé who proposed because he actually wanted to marry me," Caroline said snidely. "We can't always get what we want." She finished, tossing her curls over her shoulder.

Going to shut the door, she nearly growled when he stuck his foot out to stop it.

"That's not fair, and you know it," Tyler said irritably. "You wanted out of that relationship more than I did."

Caroline narrowed her eyes at him. "Maybe I did, but unlike you, I at least tried to make things work."

Her snappy comment seemed to hit the nail on the head, and Tyler's shoulders slumped. He sighed, running a hand down his face and meekly looked back up at her.

"You're right."

"Of course I am," Caroline replied haughtily.

Tyler chuckled sardonically, leaning up against her door way. She pursed her lips, looking over his shoulder to check for Klaus behind him. She wanted to avoid that awkward meeting, which wouldn't go over well with either of them.

"Can I please come in?" Tyler asked, his brown eyes soft.

She let out a huge breath, absently playing with a curl around her finger. Eying him suspiciously, she rolled her eyes before admitting defeat.

"Fine, but only for a few minutes," she agreed, stepping aside to let him in. "Then you have to go."

He grinned, walking past her into the living room. Caroline frowned, suddenly surprised to find that his smile no longer had any effect whatsoever on her. His smile used to send butterflies fluttering up and down in her stomach, her heart instantly tripling at it. She always thought she'd always have a soft, warm spot for him.

But now she felt completely indifferent. Nothing.

"So, what did you need to talk to me about?" she asked, shutting the door behind her.

He looked at her, nervously twiddling his thumbs. His usually immaculate suit was rumpled, extremely uncommon with him. He had bags under his eyes, and frown lines seemingly etched across his forehead.

"I just, really wanted to apologize to you," he began.

She rolled her eyes. "You have, like a million of times. It doesn't change anything, Tyler."

"I know, I know," he mumbled, bypassing her and walking into her living room.

"By all means, make yourself comfortable," she grumbled sarcastically under her breath.

She walked into the living room, dropping on the couch as she studied him. Tyler still looked incredibly uneasy, pacing her floor.

"What the hell is the matter with you?" she asked, crinkling her forehead as she watched him pace.

"I just-" he sighed, sliding down into her armchair. "I feel so bad that I hurt you Caroline."

She stayed quiet, watching Tyler's attempt at stammering out yet, another apology.

"You were one of the best things that ever happened to me," he continued, smiling shyly at her.

She lifted the corner of her mouth at his compliment, slightly mollified. Nodding her head, she agreed.

No one could ever accuse Caroline Forbes of not loving herself.

"And I didn't treat you right. I ignored you, made you wait too long to get engaged, worked too much, and didn't put in the effort that you deserved."

Caroline sighed, feeling the piece of her heart that had grown hard and cynical towards him soften a little.

"We loved each other once upon a time," he continued. "And that's not some way you treat someone that you love."

He finished, blinking down at her earnestly. She was reminded of a younger Tyler, the one that she had fallen in love with all those years ago. The boyish twinkle in his eyes that used to send her reeling on a daily basis.

All she felt towards him now was...nothing.

She was free.

Finally.

"I'm just...sorry. It was a terrible way to treat someone. Especially someone as awesome as you are, Care," he apologized, empathy etched in his face as he sat down next to her. "You deserved better."

"You're right, I did," she started. "But so did you."

He wrinkled his forehead at her, confused.

"What do you mean?"

She opened her mouth to talk, jumping as a knock at her door pulled her away from her thoughts.

Klaus.

"Oh my God," she muttered.

"What?" Tyler asked, tilting his head at her.

"E-excuse me," she stammered, getting up to answer the door. "Stay right here."

Caroline stumbled over to the door, positive her knees were knocking together. That was most likely Klaus, coming over for the date that she planned. Her heart was thumping in her chest, palms, sweaty as she tried to think of what to tell him. Him seeing Tyler was bound to be extremely awkward, and it's not like Tyler knew what was going on between her and Klaus.

But this visit with Tyler did point out one important thing to her.

She didn't want to be with him, at all.

She wanted Klaus, every single, annoying, arrogant, loving, adoring part of him.

But she really did need to finish her conversation with Tyler. As much as she didn't want to, she owed it to herself, to him, and to their five year relationship. She desperately needed the closure, to be free to be with Klaus.

She flung open the door, a bright smile pasted on her face.

Klaus was standing in her doorway, looking devastatingly handsome in a plain back henley with jeans. He had her takeout bag in his hand, his signature smirk plastered on his face, and she wanted nothing more than to kiss that look right off his face.

"Hello Caroline."

"Klaus, hey," she smiled shyly, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

Only six seconds in and she'd reduced to a girly pile of mush.

"I ran into the delivery man in the lobby and decided I'd pick it up," he smiled, wagging the bag in front of her. "I could smell your lasagna down the street."

She flushed, taking the bag from him. He made a motion to walk through the door before she moved quickly in front of him. He frowned, tried to move again, his face bemused as she thwarted his attempts again.

"Caroline?"

She chuckled nervously, clutching the bag of takeout to her chest.

"Can we reschedule?"

His eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Not for another day, but for a few hours," she continued hastily. "I need to finish something first."

Klaus' face creased in concern. "Need my help with anything, love?"

Her heart soared at the pet name.

"No," she chuckled nervously. "Here, give me the bag and I'll go keep it warm and I'll call you to come over later?"

He looked hesitant, but nodded. She felt super guilty for withholding the truth from him, but it wasn't something quick to explain. After Tyler left, she would call him to come over and tell him everything.

Then he would understand.

He had to, because she was 99.9% sure that any heartbreak from Klaus would hurt ten times more than any other guy.

He went to hand her the bag and-

"Caroline?"

Tyler's voice piped up behind her. Her heart sank and she winced guiltily. Klaus' face hardened and he looked behind her.

"Lockwood."

"Klaus, right?" Tyler came up behind her, leaning against the doorway.

Caroline wanted die on the spot.

Or throw up.

By the look on Klaus' face, he wanted to do the same. He threw her a sharp glance, his eyes filled with confusion and hurt. Her heart sank at the look on his face, hating herself for causing that kind of emotion on his face.

Opening her mouth to speak, Caroline found herself at a loss for words.

"K-Klaus-"

"Excuse me," he interrupted. "I was just leaving."

He turned to go, causing a wave of panic to rush over her.

"No you weren't!" she spit out, reaching for his arm.

She turned around, shoved the takeout bag in Tyler's hands and gripped Klaus' arm firmly as she pulled him into the entryway.

"Tyler, can you give us a few minutes?" she asked, pointedly looking at him.

The man in question looked between Klaus and Caroline in confusion, realization dawning on his features at the panicked look on her face and the murderous one on his.

"Sure," he nodded, grimly smiling at Klaus.

He nodded at them, turning around and walking off towards the kitchen. Klaus' jaw was set, and a vein was throbbing in his neck, a sure sign of agitation. Caroline slid her hands down his arm, threading their fingers together. His hand clenched around hers, almost painfully.

"Can I explain before you overreact?" she muttered, peering at him through her lashes.

"Please," he bit out, his eyes darting over her shoulder at Tyler's retreating back.

"He just showed up," she explained, squeezing his hand comfortingly. "I didn't invite him over, nor do I really want him here."

"Then why is he still here?" Klaus sighed, dropping her hand and running his over his face.

"He needed to apologize again," she said simply. "And I needed him to."

Klaus studied her for a moment, his lips pursed together as he continued to frown at her. She felt naked under his gaze, like every bit of emotion that she felt was on display. It was equally thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

"Please, don't get mad. I was going to finish talking to him, call you, and then tell you," she whispered, taking her hand and caressing his jaw.

His eyes shut briefly at her touch, but his face refused to relax.

"I should go," he muttered.

"What? No," Caroline protested, a heavy weight settling in her stomach at his words. "I'll get rid of him."

Klaus shook his head, refusing to meet her pleading gaze.

"No, not for me," he said softly. "I need to leave."

"Klaus," she began, hating the way her voice broke on his name.

When did she start crying?

"I want you here," she said. "I want you here more than him."

Klaus smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I know."

"Don't leave," she pleaded, taking his hand in her small ones.

Klaus wet his lips, looking down at their intertwined hands. He sighed before lifting her hand to his lips, brushing a kiss across it.

"It's okay, I understand," he said quietly. "You have history."

"That's over and done with," she wheedled, clutching his hand to her chest. "We have a future."

The corners of his lips upturned in a small smile, yet, it still felt off to her. She bit the bullet and leaned up, pressing her lips to Klaus' in what she hoped was an assuring kiss. His lips melded over hers, pressing back just as firmly. When he pulled away, a small smile was blooming across her face.

"You're my future," she whispered. "I promise."

He nodded, looking over her shoulder. "I think he's waiting."

Caroline sighed. Clearly, she wasn't getting completely through to him.

"Can you come by later?"

Klaus looked hesitant, pressing his lips together firmly. "I don't think I should."

Her heart sank to her stomach, and her eyes began to glass over with tears. His face screwed up in a look of panic and he immediately bent his face down to her level.

"Don't cry sweetheart," he whispered, chasing a tear with his thumb.

She shook her head, willing herself to stop crying. It was stupid really, crying over a silly boy and another silly boy that she didn't love anymore.

But she did love Klaus.

So much.

"I want you," she confessed, a lone tear streaking down her face.

Klaus' face softened, and he leaned in to press a kiss to her forehead.

"And I, you," he whispered. "But I need to go."

She nodded numbly, feeling cold as he released her. He smiled grimly at her, and turned around to leave. The sound of the door closing shut nearly broke her heart in two, and she choked back a few tears.

Why did she let him leave?

"Caroline?"

She whirled around, wiping at her eyes as she faced Tyler. His eyes widened at the sight of her tear-streaked face, and he immediately moved over next to her.

"Are you okay?"

She shrugged, shaking her head. "Jury is still out."

Tyler let out a chuckle, wrapping a friendly arm around her shoulder. "Boy troubles?"

She glared at him, surprised by his lax nature. She had dated Tyler long enough to know that he did have a particularly nasty streak of jealousy when it came to her and others guys, especially when it came to Caroline being friends with guys.

Poor Jesse never saw that punch coming.

"Since when are you all gung-ho and friendly about me and another guy?" she asked warily.

Tyler shrugged, pulling her over into her kitchen.

He made a face at the takeout bag.

"Yuck, he didn't even bring your favorite food."

She ducked her head. "Actually Italian is my favorite kind of food."

Tyler looked at her questioningly and then back at the bag. He snorted, shaking his head.

"I was a shit boyfriend, wasn't I?"

"Jury is still out," Caroline repeated with a teary laugh, wiping under her eyes.

Klaus knew her favorite food, the way she took her coffee, her writing style, her everything.

It just made her want him more.

She settled on a stool against her counter, reaching for her lasagna. She opened it, ignoring Tyler's inquisitive stare as she began picking at her food with a plastic fork.

"So, Klaus," Tyler began, Caroline shaking her head before he could even start poking holes in that topic.

"Let's not," she murmured.

"I met someone," Tyler cut in, and Caroline dropped her bite of lasagna on the counter.

"What?"

"I me-"

"Yeah, I heard," Caroline interrupted, shaking her head.

Tyler was watching her, his brown eyes looking at her carefully. She didn't feel warm under his stare, like she did with Klaus. She thought that if she ever heard that Tyler moved on, her life would feel like it was over, that she would once again be reduced to being second choice.

But she didn't.

All she wanted to do was run out that door and find Klaus.

"Who is it?" she asked, picking up her fork.

Tyler cleared his throat, and smiled shyly. "It's actually Elena Salvatore."

Caroline dropped her fork again, nearly choking on her food. "The woman from the case."

He nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, uh, she dumped the other brother not too after we broke up, and we started talking, and things just happened."

Caroline bit her tongue, refusing to comment on the wish washy nature that the Salvatore woman seemed to have when it came to men. She should be happy for Tyler, and in a way, she was.

"I'm glad you're happy Tyler," she smiled, his expression reflecting hers.

"I am," he said, grinning. "And I want you to be too."

Caroline scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I'm fine, Tyler."

He rolled his eyes back at her. "Caroline, I saw that look in your eyes when Klaus left."

She shrugged, stuffing a bite of lasagna in his face.

"You love him."

Once again, Tyler continued to drop surprise truth bombs on her while she was eating. She started coughing, him whacking her gently on the back. He placed a glass of water in front of her and she drank it down, nearly gasping for breath when she finished it.

"I have the worst timing," he quipped.

She glared at him. "You think?"

He just grinned back at her. Caroline just picked up her fork, stabbing her food as she contemplated Tyler's words.

"You're avoiding the subject," he continued, and she narrowed her eyes at him.

"I'm not avoiding," she complained. "I'm refusing to talk about it."

"Because you love him."

She groaned, throwing her fork down. "Stop saying that."

"Caroline," Tyler sighed. "I know you more than most people. That crushed look you had on your face when he left? You're scared of losing him."

"I don't even have him," she groaned, dropping her head down to the table.

Tyler chuckled, placing a comforting hand on her back. "You've had him for years."

Caroline scoffed.

"Please, I listened to you complain about him for years, then would catch the glares he sent my way whenever he visited the office with his brother."

She looked to the side, meeting Tyler's amused look with a glare. He just grinned impishly at her, stealing a bite of her lasagna. She wacked his hand away, and laughed at his mock-offended glare.

"You know, you're not a bad friend, Lockwood," Caroline sighed. "Even if you're a terrible boyfriend."

Tyler nodded, eyes wide. "I can't even deny it."

Caroline laughed, returning to her food.

Closure was a funny thing.

Caroline always thought that closure would be going through all the pain from the broken relationship again, to find out that it would never work out. But, this kind of closure is the best. Being able to talk, laugh, be friends who can give each other advice with no hard feelings.

Perhaps she'll never fully forgive Tyler for what he did, but she sure as hell would always be grateful for his friendship.

Klaus flew into his sister's apartment, startling her, Enzo, and Kol in the kitchen.

"What the hell!" Rebekah screeched, her spatula going flying.

He ignored her, sitting down at the table and glaring at it like it personally offended him.

The three other patrons exchanged concerned looks, Kol sliding into a chair next to him.

"Lady troubles Nik?"

Klaus snarled at him, his hand clenching around the edge of the table, white knuckling the delicate wood.

Rebekah tutted, smacking his hand with her spatula. "You break my table, I'll break your face."

Klaus rolled his eyes, still refusing to talk. Enzo narrowed his eyes at him, pursing his lips contemplating.

"Love, can you give us the room?"

"It's my kitchen!" Rebekah bellowed.

"Please, my dear," he sent her a soft look.

She sighed, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "You're lucky you are cute."

"Every day," he cheekily smiled

She rolled her eyes, but left the three guys alone.

"Caroline?" Kol asked knowingly.

Klaus just growled under his breath, continuing to look at the table.

"I think someone is in love," Enzo remarked.

"You take that back," Klaus snarled.

"Ah, you've touched a nerve!" Kol grinned, his dark eyes twinkling in amusement.

He glared at his younger brother, refusing to comment to Enzo's silly remark.

"And I hear no denial," his friend said.

Klaus rolled his eyes, letting out a huge breath. He could feel his emotions roll off his body. Anger, annoyance, confusion, and guilt. He knew that leaving Caroline's would put him in a foul mood, but staying wasn't an option. Seeing her cry sucker punched his stomach, but seeing Tyler in her apartment was like having his heart ripped out.

It was best to try to not feel.

Which lead to not caring.

"I don't love people," Klaus bit out.

"So, you don't love your family?" Kol asked. "Thanks Nik."

His brother's tone was sarcastic, and the wry grin on his face was even more annoying.

"You know what I mean."

"Oh, we do." Enzo answered shrugging. "Our Klaus-y is in love."

"In love!" Rebekah shrieked, coming back into her kitchen.

Klaus groaned, dropping his head to the table with a thud.

"With that blonde from the club?" Rebekah asked Enzo.

The dark-haired man nodded with a grin.

"I knew it!" she continued, sitting down next to Klaus. He shrank away from her attempt at patting him on the back and glared at her.

"You are the first man I've ever met that was personally offended at being in love," Rebekah remarked, shaking her head.

"Love isn't an option," Klaus murmured, looking away from his family's concerned expressions.

"What makes you say that?" his sister asked, exchanging confused looks with her boyfriend.

"Because," he said firmly.

"Because of Ansel?" Kol asked bluntly.

He sucked in a low breath, but refused to answer.

"Nik-" Rebekah started, her blue eyes soft with emotion.

"Let's not."

"Let's," Kol said firmly, shooting his brother a serious look.

"Nik, you know he attacked you because he was drunk. Not because he didn't love you," Rebekah murmured softly. "He was mad at Mikael. He was always mad at Mikael."

Enzo watched the family talk to them, having been filled in on the past a long time ago.

"Didn't matter in the long run," Klaus said shortly.

"Yes it did," Kol rolled his eyes. "Just because you were caught between them both, doesn't mean you're like either one of them."

"You can love," Rebekah continued.

Klaus caught Enzo's eye, noticing the knowing look in his friend's eye. Clearing his throat, he sat back in his chair and fiddled with his hands.

"Her ex-fiancé was at her apartment just now," he changed the subject, his way of avoiding the silly proclaims of love.

Klaus didn't love. It's not an option.

"What a trollop," Rebekah wrinkled her nose.

"Easy sister dear, " Kol corrected her. "That's our future sister in law you're speaking about."

"I will box your ears," Klaus threatened, glaring at his younger brother.

Enzo snorted, shaking his head. "What happened, mate?"

"I came over for dinner, and she was trying to nearly push me out of the apartment, and Tyler came out of the living room," Klaus explained, ignoring how foolish he found himself feeling.

"And?"

"And she told me to stay, that she would get rid of him-"

"Typical," Rebekah snorted.

"That he came over to apologize again for the way he acted during their relationship, and that she needed to hear it," Klaus continued. "Then told me that she wanted me to be her future."

"Wait, this is the Caroline that was engaged right?" Rebekah asked.

"She was?" Kol asked.

"Keep up, mate," Enzo cracked.

"How long were they together?"

"Five years," Klaus mumbled.

Enzo let out a low whistle. "That's a long time to be with someone."

He nodded numbly, shaking off Rebekah's comforting hand.

"Maybe she needs time," his sister said lowly.

Klaus licked his dry lips, looking up at his younger sister.

"What do you mean?"

The blonde rolled her eyes, but shrugged. "Five years is a long time with someone. And, it's obvious to me that she was crazy about you at the club that night-"

"And at the office," Kol chimed in.

Rebekah looked at Klaus quizzically. He rolled his eyes, brushing off her concern with a wave of the hand.

"Don't worry about it."

"It's obvious you care for her," Enzo remarked. "And that she likes you just as much back."

"But, maybe she needs some time," Rebekah finished, looking at her boyfriend. "Time to heal, to be with you. Completely."

Klaus listened to her, his heart sinking. As much as he hated to admit it, and he did, both of them were right. It wasn't fair to her, asking her to pick him now. It wasn't fair to him, asking her to be with him before she was completely ready.

"You're right," Klaus muttered.

"Of course I am," Rebekah stated smoothly.

He rolled his eyes. "Mind not mentioning this emasculating conversation to Henrik or Elijah?"

"Oh, I've been transcribing this the entire time," Kol piped up, wiggling his phone at him.

He made a lurch for his brother, causing his sister to shriek.

"Don't you dare spill blood on my kitchen table!"

Tyler left not too long after dinner, stating that he had to get over to Elena's. He had parted with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, both of them starting to warm up to the idea of being friends. Hanging out with Tyler had been an eye-opener for Caroline, reiterating the fact that she was fully, completely, and totally over him.

There was only room for one guy in her life, and his name was Klaus.

Speaking of Klaus...

Caroline sighed, playing with her phone in her hands. She'd tried calling him twice, both calls going to voicemail. She didn't want to think that he was purposely avoiding her, but wouldn't put it past him.

She knew how awkward it must have looked, seeing Tyler in her apartment, seemingly waiting for a romantic Italian dinner that was actually intended for her and Klaus. She couldn't blame him for getting upset, but wanted to do everything, anything, that she could to explain it to him.

But.

He needs time.

If there was anything Caroline knew about Klaus, is that he needs time. He has a tendency to overreact, internalize things, and lash out when the feelings get too real.

She'd explain everything at work tomorrow and he would understand.

He had to.

Sooooo, what did we think? What do we feel about the Klaroline confrontation with Tyler thrown in? About Tylena? The conversation between the Mikaelsons and Enzo (I love Rebenzo so much)? What do you think it going to happen next chapter? Only two more to go :(

Until Next Time

Kaitlyn