"Oh that was uncalled for!" Tyler yelled at the television.

"We're right here, Tyler. We can hear you shouting," Caroline scolded as she placed the garlic bread on the cookie sheet. Elena was sitting at the dining room table close to her, keeping Caroline company while she prepared the stuffed shells. Stefan and Tyler were watching some game that was on. Quite frankly, Caroline could have cared less about what was on T.V. She didn't follow sports, and she didn't think she would anytime soon. Neither would Elena, which is why she was staying with Caroline currently.

"Change it to something less violent," Elena suggested to the boys. Tyler looked at her with a confused expression.

"Less violent? We aren't chicks."

"It's so shocking you're single, Tyler," Caroline said sarcastically, rolling her eyes at his comment.

"Shush," he replied lamely, crossing his arms as he did.

"How much longer until dinner, Care?" Stefan asked from beside Tyler.

"I have to cook these in the oven, and then it's all prepared."

She could see Stefan nod from the living room as she placed the bread in the oven. Caroline walked over to sit next to Elena and continue drinking her wine.

"I'm starving," Caroline moaned.

"We all are. I'm exhausted after that shift today. I don't know why it seemed longer than usual."

"Because you missed me so much," she said smugly. Elena just snorted.

"Yea, I'm sure that's it."

"Love you too." She smiled at Elena and gave her a wink before taking another sip of her drink.

"You know I love you. It was just a long day. We can't all get up at one," she said, smirking as she spoke.

"Well, I'm making up for it.

The oven began to beep and she quickly got up to get the bread out before it burnt. It was much like toast. A second too long and everything went to hell. She got them out, making sure the pieces were crunchy, but not in a bad way.

"Food's ready!"

Suddenly, it was like a stampede into the kitchen. Stefan and Tyler came rushing in and grabbed a chair to sit in, their backs upright as they looked to her with eager eyes. The food smelled delicious, the different spices mixing in the air with the sauce. She put three of the stuffed jumbo shells on four plates, followed by a slice of bread. Their tongues seemed to water as she brought the plates over and placed one in front of them. Tyler immediately dug in, not bothering to wait for the others. Stefan, like the gentleman he was, waited for the girls to have a plate, and for Caroline to take a seat with them.

"Thanks for waiting, Stefan," Caroline said gently, truly appreciative of the small gesture. He smiled and began eating as soon as she motioned for him to.

"You didn't tell me we were supposed to wait," Tyler said with a full mouth.

"It's just polite, Tyler. That's all." It's not like Caroline had expected it, but that didn't make it any less sweet.

"Sorry," he said dejectedly.

"Just eat," she said playfully, showing that she obviously wasn't mad at him for not waiting. He smiled instantly and resumed where he had left off on his plate.

"So, Stefan," Elena started, "how is the writing coming along?"

"It's alright I suppose. I'm dealing with a bit of writer's block. I don't know what to put down on paper. I have a million different things going through my head, but I can't decide on something to actually begin with."

"What are the ideas you have so far?" Caroline asked, taking a bite of her stuffed shell. Oh god that was good.

"A good horror story to be honest. The usual, clichéd kind of horror story too. Scary children, flickering lights, you know, the works. I've had an idea for a romance, but it's nothing that hasn't been done before."

"Write about us," Tyler suggested, "we've had some crazy adventures I'm sure you could spin something from."

"I've thought of writing something that had to deal with friends and family, but I don't know."

"I think that's a great idea," Elena said, placing a hand on Stefan's arm.

"Really?"

"Yea! We make for an interesting story on some occasions."

"Even when we watch movies, and eat in our sweat pants so we can inhale more food?" He asked teasingly. Everyone laughed.

"That wouldn't be something people would want to read, even if it's entertaining for the four of us. We have other fun times that you could use," Elena said.

"Like that time at the mall on Saint Patty's day?" Tyler asked, a sly grin on his face. Caroline couldn't help but blush at the mention of that embarrassing day.

"Oh my god. Yea, that would definitely be one," she said quietly. Using it for his book was the farthest thing from what she wanted, but this was Stefan she was talking about. If he needed to use an embarrassing anecdote to get his story going, then why in the world would she stand in his way?

"Thanks guys. I'll keep your suggestions in mind. When I finally get in the mood to get back to the grind, I'll see if I can create a story from everything. Now, what about you Elena? How is school going? Heard anything from Aunt Jenna and Jeremy?"

"School is good. Still working on that degree in accounting. Let me tell you…not fun," Elena sighed, then continued, "As for Jenna and Jeremy, they're doing fine. The last time I talked to them, Jeremy was anxious to start his senior year of high school. He keeps growing up too fast."

"Look who sounds like an old woman now," Stefan said.

"Oh hush. He's getting older. It's weird watching it happen from New York instead of back in Mystic Falls. All I get are pictures and text messages sometimes. Growing up is overrated."

"I wouldn't say that," Tyler said, getting up and going for a refill on the shells.

"Whys that?" she wondered.

"I pick up way more chicks out of high school than I did during."

"So deep," Caroline said sarcastically. Elena and Stefan chuckled as Tyler just shook his head and sat back down after piling his plate high.

"I want to go back sometime. I miss everyone."

"Know what? I'll go with you," Caroline said cheerfully.

"Me too. I bet it could be a fun trip," Stefan mused.

"I'll have to pass on that one. Mystic Falls sounds boring as hell right now," Tyler said.

"Not all the time, you know that. I like going back. Besides, I miss my mom," Caroline said sadly.

"How is she doing?" Elena asked. All of them knew that her mom had been kind of lonely since Caroline had left for college, especially since Caroline's dad had passed away when she was a freshman in high school. Her mom had been having a difficult time dealing, but she had insisted Caroline go off to college and do what she dreamed of doing. At the time it had been to get as far away from Mystic Falls as possible. Leaving her mom hadn't been something she wanted to do though.

"She's hanging in there. I know she feels alone sometimes. Last time I went to visit, I felt like she was really depressed, but I didn't know how to make her feel better. She kept telling me that I needed to get back here and live my life. I get texts from her now and again telling me how she's doing. All she says is that she's keeping herself busy by working, which worries me as much as everything else. It's a mess."

"We'll be sure to get her an old fashioned gift from the gift shop here in New York before going back. I'm sure she'll appreciate the thought," Stefan said. Caroline smiled at the idea. Her mother did like snow globes.

"I think she'd love that, Stefan," Caroline said, grateful that he had the brains to remember the fact mothers liked gifts. A sudden twinge of guilt hit her as she realized he probably thought about it all of the time. What kind of gifts he would get his mother if she were still here. His consideration suddenly seemed ten times sweeter.

"Enough about my mom. Tyler, how has the military been treating you?"

"Rigorous physical activity, practically no sleep, and demanding officers," he listed, stuffing in the last bite of his food before pushing the plate away from him. "But I enjoy it. This is the right path for me."

"I'm happy you found you're calling." Caroline didn't understand why Tyler never liked talking about his time away from home. She wasn't asking him to divulge a government secret; she just wanted to know what he saw over there, what kind of work he did. Alas, he would never share anything with the group. Caroline worried he was doing illegal stuff or something, but he was with the military! Like his fellow soldiers or commanding officers would let him do something stupid.

"Mason says the navy is treating him well. Says he misses your pretty face," Tyler added.

"To bad I don't miss him," she said bitingly, "He always hits on me, Tyler!"

"I know, the guy can be a douche," Tyler shrugged, knowing the tendencies his cousin had most times.

"Agreed. Changing topics…how are your parents?"

"Good as usual. Both are supportive of my military career, and the fact that it pays for school. I haven't talked to them in a while since I just got back not long ago, but our relationship is as good as it has been."

"I'm happy to hear that. I miss them," Caroline said honestly. His parents were the kindest people, and they had supported Tyler in all of his ventures throughout school, no matter what they were. Whether it was football or chess club, they were there for him.

"I bet they miss you too." She smiled and looked at everyone's plate, realizing that all of them had finished.

"Is this party ready to move to the living room?" Caroline asked. Everyone answered with a yes, and got up to leave. Caroline stopped Tyler and motioned to the dishes on the table. He gave her a horrified look.

"Me?"

"Do I look like I do dishes?" She said, raising an eyebrow at him before walking into the living room with her wine glass. Caroline could feel the glare on her back that Tyler was currently giving her. She just smiled smugly.

"You owe me for this."

"I made dinner, I owe nothing," she said briskly as she plopped down on the couch beside of Elena. The three watched as Tyler took to the dishes, all of them thoroughly entertained at the display. He may be a soldier for their country, but he was still their Tyler. As their Tyler, he was perfectly capable of doing the dishes.


Two hours later, the four of them had finished watching Thor and were getting ready to call it a night. It was beginning to rain outside and they wanted to get home before the roads got too slippery. Elena gave Caroline a tight squeeze after getting her stuff.

"Thanks for the meal, Care. It was delicious."

"No problem, sweetie. I had fun with you guys tonight."

"Me too. I'll see you tomorrow for yoga?"

"Duh," was Caroline's only response. Elena smiled and waved one last goodbye before walking out. Stefan was close behind, giving her a goodbye hug too.

"Dinner really was great. You're in the wrong profession. Be a chef, not a yoga instructor."

"The thought is appealing, but I think I'd rather stick to yoga." Stefan shrugged, waving goodbye and jogging to catch up to Elena. Tyler leaned against one of the walls and was looking at her.

"What?" she asked, curious as to why in the hell he was just staring at her.

"Nothing, I just worry about you," he said softly. Caroline shook her head and went over to give him a longer hug than she had given the rest of them, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I promise you I'm not lonely. I would have joined some internet dating site by now if I was," she joked. Tyler chuckled and put his arms around her.

"I know, I know. You're an independent girl and can take care of yourself. Doesn't mean I can't still worry about you."

"I'm glad you care, but really, don't worry so much about me. You'll see me tomorrow and we'll goof off like we normally do. So see? I'm not lonely. I have you, and Elena, and Stefan to keep me company."

"Yea, I guess you're right. I just worry about you being by yourself, especially at night."

"Tyler! I'm alright," she tried to get through to him, backing away enough to put her hands on either side of his face.

"I get it, I get it, stop being a worry wart."

"Exactly. Now, get home before the roads get too bad. Last thing I want is for you to get in a car wreck because you spent too much time making sure I had enough company."

"Going," he said, giving her a kiss on the forehead, and then walking to the door. "If you ever need anything, just call."

"I will. Promise." Caroline smiled and gave him one last wave before he shut the door behind him. She walked over to double check that it was locked, and then went over to her couch. The Netflix screen seemed to stare at her as she sat there.

Not everything she had told Tyler had been a lie. She was a big girl, and she knew she could take care of herself. However, she was lonely. It had crossed her mind a hundred times every night. All she wanted was someone to curl up next to and converse with. Maybe do a little of the sexy time with…or a lot…but mostly just someone to be with. Caroline wouldn't call herself desperate, but was it really that hard for her to get a date? Or was she just not trying hard enough? She could talk to guys and flirt with them, but no matter how hard she tried, she was just never the one. Caroline wasn't the girl that any guy wanted to go home too. Elena appeared to share her insecurities about being sad excuses for girls, but that wasn't something she wanted to let her friend know.

Sure, she was different, but was that so bad? Both her and Elena were a catch, and she knew that. Deep down, she really did. It was just hard to see sometimes when all she had to do at this time was read, watch a movie, or go to bed. To live such a solitary lifestyle was not easy.

Caroline sighed and got up to walk around. Had things really been reduced to pacing? Going to bed seemed like the best idea. It wasn't that late, and she wasn't that tired, but…well…okay bed was a stupid idea. She furrowed her brows and pranced around her apartment, searching for something to placate her until she was actually tired. Caroline wasn't hungry, nor was she in the mood to sit through another movie. There wasn't anything on the Internet for her. YouTube didn't seem like much fun, and all her social media sites had become kind of boring lately. She walked over to her bed and face-planted on the sheets.

"This is miserable," she moaned into the covers.

Very unexpectedly, Caroline heard a loud thud come from her ceiling…closely followed by some violent yelling.

Her eyes widened in dread as she got up from her bed hastily and went to her door, making sure it was, indeed, locked. She then scrambled over to the window that led out to the fire escape and made sure it was locked. After those were secured, she locked the rest of her windows. Her heart was racing a thousand miles per hour as the screams intensified. More crashes and bangs could be heard, as something seemed to hit the wall or the floor. Where in the hell was a baseball bat when she needed one?

Caroline couldn't quite identify who was yelling, or what they were yelling. It did sound like a man though. Realization clicked somewhere in her head as she thought about the man who had moved in earlier that day. Was that him who was making that noise? Were him and his girlfriend getting into some domestic violence shit?

The longer Caroline listened, the less she thought his girlfriend was up there with him. The shouting was definitely all male, no female voices anywhere. Of course, no one else was stupid enough to live in this ancient building. There weren't that many rooms available to the public, and for the longest time, she had been the only inhabitant of it after hours. Now, she was stuck with some crazed man who kept shouting and throwing objects. Having Tyler around at times like this would be very helpful.

Caroline began shaking just a little, unsure of what was going on. The landlord lived in a different part of town. Even he didn't feel comfortable near the apartment building. What was it about this place that just drove people away? Right now, the only answer to that question was the shouting coming from upstairs.

She couldn't become terrified by this unfortunate situation. If the man wanted to yell and throw things, fine. As long as he staid in his room, what should she care? She had her iPod; she could listen to that while he threw his little tantrum. Caroline scurried over to where it was laying on her bookshelf, and quickly got into her bed and under the covers. The shouting continued, and she hesitated before putting her ear buds in.

What if he was in trouble? Did he need help dealing with someone? No, that was a bad idea. Caroline could not get involved with whatever was going on up there, no matter what. As she slowly put in her buds to listen to her iPod on full blast, she couldn't help but feel a little bit curious. What in the hell was going on up there?


A/N: Someone asked me if this was inspired by Joseph's movie Warhouse, and while I had it in mind when writing this, the movie's plot will have nothing to do with this story. I believe the closest thing between the movie and this fic is that Klaus was a marine, like JoMo is in the movie. Other than that, there won't be supernatural creatures to fight or anything. As for the psychological aspect of things, I'm not sure. I'll leave you to decide that.

Also, a big thank you for the reviews, favs, and follows I got. I check constantly to see if anyone's left me some love. It makes my day =) With that being said, please review and tell me what you think! Hopefully, you guys will like the next chapter. We delve a little into Klaus's past ;)