Chapter 5

Klaus had watched Caroline until she had disappeared from his line of sight, all the while a smile on his face. She was intriguing, something new in his eternal life. No-one rarely held his attention long enough for him to be interested in them. Granted, this may be to him killing people off before they actually had a chance, but seeing this young vampire so conflicted about what she was, yet self-confident, made him question if he would have actually let such a curiosity die on that night if she had refused his blood.

He hardly encountered anyone, especially a baby vampire who knew what he was capable of, willing to stand up against him and rival his views with theirs. While this was undoubtedly irritating due to his short temper it was… refreshing.

Klaus knew this wasn't the last time he would talk with Caroline Forbes. And for the first time in a very long while this caused Klaus to feel keen, perhaps even eager, awaiting the company of another.

Moving to go and negotiate with Stefan once more, this time certain he would have to resort to violence to display his power, he found himself lingering where she had been sitting moments before.

He came to the conclusion that he definitely preferred when she was occupying the space with her golden locks, vibrant blue eyes and fiery temper that had brought life to the usually solemn and gloomy atmosphere that plagued around him. She had implied she wasn't easily impressed and he was never one to leave a challenge. He'd just have to try harder then, wouldn't he?

"Klaus," one of his recent hybrids he had acquired appeared in the room, "shall I get rid of that insolent vampire for you?" She asked in a sickly sweet tone, obviously seeking approval from her master, "She looks weak, it'll be easy."

In seconds he had grabbed her by the neck and lifted her from the ground.

"Touch her and I'll be forced to rip your heart out from your chest." He threatened, feigning regret, "I would like to avoid such messy business, as would you I'm sure." He moved a stray hair from her face, smiling when she flinched and gave a weak consent.

Klaus dropped her now shaking body carelessly.

"Leave the killing to me, my love. I'm far more efficient at it."

Caroline had tried her best not to vampire speed the hell out of there after her one-liner, she really did. But as soon as she was past the threshold she found herself picking up her pace instantly, especially when she saw one of Klaus's lackey's giving her the evils from one of the many windows. Not that she was scared of course; she made sure she gave the hybrid follower her best glare back.

She hadn't waited around for one of Klaus's teasing and irritating charming comments she knew would follow, but she was pretty sure she had heard him laughing -which was even more infuriating!

She rounded the corner, fully intent on returning home (screw school, she didn't think learning a historical fact about the foundation of Mystic Falls was all that important right now) and having a nice hot chocolate to reward herself for surviving this day so far, when she was briskly grabbed around the waist and pulled quickly to a more secluded part of the street.

Caroline's first thought was that Klaus had actually reconsidered how merciful he was today. "Sorry sweetheart, I am after all a psychopath and unfortunately need to kill at least once a day!" But knowing the hybrid would have just finished her off earlier and not bothered to waste time following her she clenched her fists, ready to take on someone who hopefully was not an all-powerful Original. Whoever it was had picked the wrong time to mess with her. Spinning around in a blurring speed she faced her assailant seconds away from breaking their jaw –

And she saw the face of Damon Salvatore, smugly looking down at her with his trademark grin.

– so she made sure to put extra force into her punch.

It didn't exactly have the desired outcome she had hoped, but he had been pushed back a few steps and judging by the way he was now holding his mouth she assumed it had hurt quite a bit.

"What the hell Blondie?" Damon exclaimed, looking very much like he wanted to return the favour.

"What, you've never heard of a greeting before? A simple 'hey Caroline, how have you been?' would have been fine you jerk!" She growled, "I thought you were Klaus!"

"Ouch. I'd like to think I'm handsomer." Damon's expression turned serious. "Speaking of that immortal ass…." He started in a tone that Caroline knew she was going to be lectured, "want to explain why you happened to be on an early morning visit round his house? Don't tell me I missed out on the tea and biscuits."

She snorted. "Don't be silly." Deciding to get a little payback she added, "You missed out on the innocent humans for breakfast."

Damon's expression was so priceless she couldn't help giggling. Realizing he had been outwitted Damon said sharply, "This isn't the time for jokes, especially ones that are so believable since you spent such a long time in there. Has Klaus got a new follower now?"

She was outraged by his accusation. "Don't be ridiculous! How dare you even suggest such a thing?"

That seemed to placate him and he leaned back, suddenly looking very tired. "Well you can never be too careful these days."

Caroline instantly knew he was thinking of Stefan and his latest craziness. She moved on to a less touchy subject.

"So you followed me here and then waited outdoors? I'm not sure if I should be flattered or creeped out." She put a hand on her hip and paused, putting on a thoughtful expression, "Oh wait. It's you, of course I'm creeped out!"

"Haha – hilarious," Damon looked anything but that, "Now how about we get back to the whole point of this conversation so we can get out of each other's hair and back on our merry way."

Caroline certainly wasn't going to argue with that and nodded.

"I just happened to be passing by when I saw you strut your way into the devils den –"

"And you waited outside and eavesdropped?" she interrupted, highly entertained by the fact Damon couldn't just do as he pleased and was limited to spying in the bushes.

"Not exactly," he reluctantly admitted, "Klaus seems to have witchified his new place. I couldn't hear a word."

Caroline found she was oddly relieved at that; not that she had anything to hide.

"So it rests on you for the explanation Blondie." He finished, attempting to be casual, but was keen to know how the hell this blonde bombshell had managed to leave unscathed.

Caroline wasn't really sure where to start as she didn't have a clue what happened with Klaus herself. She was pretty certain "Oh I just went round for a little Q&A, no biggie! I also mentioned his family and called him a psycho!" wouldn't be the best explanation.

Realizing Damon was getting impatient she simplified it to, "I went for Tyler's sake."

Damon groaned. "Of course you did. How about next time you, oh I don't know, actually bother to think through the consequences of what crazy action you decide to do?"

That caused a grin to appear on her face. "You do know how absurd that sounds coming from you? Would you like me to go through all the crazy things you've done? I'm sure I can think of a few you've done for Elena…" She said in a sing song voice.

He rolled his eyes at the jab. "I'm allowed to. I'm more experienced. Speaking of Elena she's going to be out of town for a while, that witchy friend of yours too."

She wasn't expecting that.

"Why? Are they okay? Has somethi-" She started panicking.

"No reason. Yes. And no." He swiftly answered, "If you want the details call them yourself."

Turning around to do just that she was surprised when Damon said in an uncharacteristically caring tone, "Stay away from him Caroline. Klaus is a monster."

She stopped in her tracks and without facing him gently replied, "Weren't you also a monster before you met Elena?"

She had no idea what possessed her to say such a thing, it's not like she was sticking up for Klaus. Not in a million years.

Caroline quickly left before she could see or hear his response.

It was only after did Damon realise she had gotten away without giving him any information.

Caroline had called her friends shortly after, getting all the details. She was mad at her friends for not letting her in on their latest move of the whole 'Eliminate Klaus' plan, but it was understandable as they probably assumed she would still be resting after being in a fatal condition.

At the mention of Bonnie's mother she couldn't help think of her own parents, more specifically how the last time she saw her father had gone.

"You're a vampire, sweetheart. I don't think you'll ever be okay again."

She found it harder to disagree with her dad as each day passed. So when she got home and entered the living room to see not only Tyler, looking very uncomfortable, but also her dad she almost believed she had conjured him from her thoughts.

"Dad?" She never thought she would see him this soon, especially in this town, after what had happened on his last visit.

"Hi Caroline." He replied, smiling pleasantly.

Tyler took that moment to stand up and move closer to her. "I'm here to apologise for earlier. I let Klaus get to me," Tyler started to explain, "he said.."

"I know what he said." She interrupted, still not looking away from her father as if he might vanish if she did.

"You do?" He asked highly confused, "How?" Noticing all her attention was on Bill he began to explain his sudden appearance, "I got your mum to call him. I thought since he can resist compulsion," Tyler shrugged, "…maybe he can teach me to resist a sire bond."

She could see it in his eyes he had already started to hope. She however wasn't going to, knowing it would only result in more pain if it was proved impossible and they couldn't free him.

"Can you help him?"

"I'm going to try." Her father answered.

Caroline had a feeling she wouldn't be getting that hot chocolate she promised herself earlier anytime soon.