18. Truth or dare?

Eventually Caroline did manage to go to sleep. Except, sleep was a relative term … She was tortured by crazy nightmares of going to a movie premiere while suddenly appearing naked on the red carpet, while Hayley was standing in the front row laughing at her. I don't think you need to be Sigmund freaking Freud to conclude what that dream meant. The only thing she wanted was to go back to sleep and spent the day there. She tried with her hand to feel the place beside her without turning around. It was empty. Klaus was already up. Probably pouring himself another glass of … ice tea … Stupid liar. She hoped he'd get super fat from all the sugar he was putting in his body. It would be the perfect revenge for a liar like him, plus he would no longer be crazy attractive, and she wouldn't have to feel guilty that every time she saw him she just wanted to rip his shirt off to enjoy the magnificent view. Damn her scumbag brain not wanting to stop thinking about his muscles, or his tattoos, or his perfect ass, or … A noise coming from the door distracted her … He was back … Good, a morning quickie could maker this day a bit more bearable.

"What's with all the noise? I like my man hot and sexy but also silent, remember that? "she said to him not lifting her head off the pillow.

" Caroline?" she heard a female voice behind her. It definitely wasn't Klaus's voice. It actually sounded like … Hayley?

She jumped out of bed, forgetting she was naked underneath. She quickly wrapped the satin black sheet, Klaus's favourite, around her body. She was sleep deprived, no make-up, her hair was a mess, and there she was, standing in front of a woman that once again looked like she just came from a Maxim photo shoot. Damn, she just couldn't catch a break. But, wait a second … What the hell was this bitch even doing in her room at nine o'clock in the freaking morning? Caroline sure as hell didn't remember sending her a text and asking her to come and hang out in her bed. Klaus would just love that scene … The thought of his dirty sense of humour came to mind, and almost made her laugh out loud. She had learned to appreciate it during the last few weeks. One the other hand, she did not appreciate evil blood sluts starring at her while she was clutching a sheet to her naked body.

" I'm sorry Caroline. Didn't know you were still asleep. It's nine o'clock; I just assumed you'd be up by now."

Yeah, like that explained why she was in her bedroom in the first place.

"Whatever … Don't care why you're here, but please get the hell out."

" Caroline, I know this is a bit strange, but I really do believe you need this conversation."

"Wrong. Dead wrong actually. I don't need, nor want anything. I don't want to have a stupid, pointless, meaningless conversation with either of you. It won't help me. The only thing that would help me is to see your skanky, cheap ass thrown out of this house. ASAP. But since I can't have that for the time being, I'll settle with ignoring you and pretending you don't exist. Now get out."

"I'm sorry you're so hostile, but we're stuck together for the time being. I just thought clearing some air would do us all good."

" Hayley … No offence sweetie … I'm sure you have a lot of nice qualities, spreading you legs wide being one of them, but thinking? Not your strongest one. You should just stick to what you're good at. Stealing husbands and stuff like that …"

Caroline couldn't believe she actually said that. Like out loud. Her naked body was shacking under that satin sheet, but it felt good. It felt liberating, not being the victim for once. Not bowing her head down in front of people that didn't even deserve to breathe the same air she did, let alone to be treated as better than her. Hayley wasn't better than her. She finally realized that. She was just different, and Tyler went for it. It wasn't her fault, and it was never about her, it was about the two of them. The blood slut and the cheater. Speaking of him …

He came through the door obviously hearing the show and deciding to join.

"Hayley? What are you doing here?"

" I was hoping I could talk to Caroline, calmly. But she apparently has other ideas." the rage was boiling in her eyes. She was so used to everyone kissing her feet, and getting her way. But maybe she had finally found her true match. Not in the pathetic Tyler Lockwood that followed her around like a love sick puppy in heat, but in Caroline Forbes, a woman that had lived through all the Hollywood bullshit, public loves and divorces, humiliation and tears, and still managed to stand tall, and proud. But the love sick puppy wasn't, I mean still, taking a hint, he was so pathetically determined to clear their names and make them all BFF's.

" Caroline, just give Hayley a chance …"

He really was as dumb as they came. What did she ever see in him?

"Tyler, I already gave her my husband. My apologies for that Hayley …"

Now both Tyler and Hayley were clenching their fists and jaws in anger, so mad she refused to be another pawn in their twisted little game.

" Ooooh, kinky. Do I get to play too?" she heard Klaus's voice coming from the door.

" Honey, could you be so kind and throw them out of our bedroom? I'd do it myself, but as you can see …" she pointed to the sheet wrapped around her.

" Oh the love of my life … I thought you'd never ask." she could see the evil smirk on Klaus's lips, and it made her genuinely smile. It felt good when he was around. She didn't feel like she had to fight all of her battles alone. It was strange, and probably delusional, but she felt like a part of a team.

" Just stop." Hayley held out her arm.

" I just came here to have a nice conversation with Caroline. I know she's a good person. I just want to apologise for hurting her. But … We can help each other heal."

" Oh, saint Hayley, how generous of you … You truly are an angel of mercy." Klaus's eyes suddenly became a bit darker.

"I'm sure her forgiveness would make you feel a lot better. Especially if you could run off to the press, and tell the world how all is good now, am I right love?"

" Don't attack Hayley." Tyler suddenly stood in front of Klaus in a macho way, trying to prove he was the alpha male or something. But Klaus just smirked at that, looking at him like he was a cockroach in need of squashing, like he was nothing. He might have been the Hollywood screw up, but Klaus had confidence that couldn't be faked, you had to be born with it. And let me tell you, it was hot.

" We could do some much good together Caroline. Go to Haiti together, or to Africa, I'm going next week to bring some medical supplies … You could came with us … We should show the world that women are more sensible than men."

" I'm not sensible. It's hard to stay sensible when a whore steals your husband in front of the whole world, than lies to the press about you … So sorry if I'm not on board with this altruistic ménage a trios you're suggesting. I'm more into wringing your neck and letting you bleed out to death. How altruistic does that sound to you?"

" I told Tyler you were too self centred to even think about …"

"Ok, that's it … Nobody comes into my bedroom and insults my wife, especially not a woman not even worthy of licking her shoes. Save your princess of mercy act for the press doll face, nobody is buying it here. You two clowns are out of here, and I mean now. Go have breakfast or something … But Caroline is busy … See, we're just about to have mind blowing morning sex that will make your eyes pop and your ears bleed, and we don't appreciate the company, at least not yours. Right sweetheart?"

" I'm putting the sheet down as we speak." Caroline let the sheet drop, and Hayley couldn't drag Tyler fast enough from there.

" Omg, I can't believe I just did that." Caroline said standing naked in front of Klaus. She didn't even care anymore, it just felt natural.

"All hail to the queen Caroline. You were amazing sweetheart, just the way I wanted to see you. Not whining how that little fake primadona was better than you, but showing her why you're so much better than her.

"You really think that? Or are you just saying what I want to hear, as usual?"

"What?"

" Do you really think I'm better than her, or is this just another lie of yours, like … Hm, let me think … You telling me you have a alcohol problem, when the only problem you apparently have is to pick which ice tea flavour is your favourite?" Caroline was happy he stood by her in her little showdown with Hayley, but that didn't mean she forgot his lie and the way he was deceiving her about his drinking problem from the very start.

"Peach. Definitely peach."

"You're an asshole." Caroline wrapped the sheet back to her body and went towards the bathroom to get ready for a very interesting breakfast. She wasn't hiding from anyone anymore. Caroline versus Hayley, one to nothing. But Caroline versus Klaus in all the things he was hiding from her? God only knew what the score was there. And it made her sad. They could never have a real relationship, not even the friendship kind, if he continued being untruthful to her. And she didn't want to admit it … But it was there … The sense of loss and emptiness she felt deep in her stomach, when thinking he wouldn't be part of her life anymore, and that soon … They would once more go back to being strangers …

Caroline finally got dressed and went down stairs to meet and greet the "happy" crowd crashing in Klaus's house at the moment. Her life was a freaking circus, but if you excluded Tyler and Hayley, she actually liked having everyone around. It felt kind of homey. And deep down, Caroline Forbes was a true to heart homey kind of girl. She just hadn't found a permanent home yet, a place her heart could settle, hopefully with someone that would want to settle and be homey with her. Her thoughts stupidly went to Klaus, and she shook them off right away, that was never going to happen, not in a million years, and not even then.

"Morning dad. Did you sleep well?"

" As well as I could, knowing … This was going on …" Bill Forbes was waving his hands in frustration, as Caroline learned more than once in her life, he hated not having everything under control.

"It's ok dad. It will be over soon. And in the meantime … You can hang out with your favourite son in low. And you do know I don't mean Klaus." Caroline didn't want to be so bitchy, but I guess she was still a bit crazy after the showdown with Tyler and Hayley, and too much adrenaline was rushing through her veins.

" What are you talking about Caroline?"

"Nothing. Sorry. Crazy morning. Forget I said anything."

" No. I won't forget it. You said you wanted us to talk more. To communicate. So talk."

" Well I know you always liked Tyler. You thought he was the perfect son in law, and the perfect man for me. I was sometimes even jealous of your relationship, stupid, I know. But that's the way I felt. I also felt like I was the one that let you down when he left, like you looked at me and thought … It was my fault for not being able to hold on to your perfect replacement son." Wow, Caroline couldn't believe she actually said all of those things, out loud, but once she started … It was like an emotional filter broke inside of her, and there was no stopping her anymore.

" Oh Caroline … I don't even know where to start. I was always nice to Tyler because you loved him, and I thought he made you happy. But truth me to told, I was never completely convinced he was the right guy for you."

" What? Are you serious? Why didn't you tell me anything?"

"And why would I? He was your choice; I wasn't getting involved in it. But this time … It's different this time. I can't just sit back and watch you do the same mistake with Klaus."

" Dad … I'll stop you right there. Klaus is my husband, and he hasn't done anything to hurt me yet, so just try to give him the benefit of the doubt. Please? He's nothing like Tyler."

" No … He's even worse. Tyler was a fake. He fed off you – your sense of humour, your kindness, your ability to connect with people. He was a leach. Klaus is far more dangerous. He's smart, and calculative, and he's also charming, he's victims don't see it coming."

" Dad please … You make him sound like some kind of predator. Can't you believe he actually cares about me?"

"I'm not sure he knows how to care. For anyone but himself."

"You're wrong. He cares about Rebekah, and Stefan … And about his career and projects … and …" Caroline stopped and uttered something she had no idea if it was even remotely true, but her heart really wanted it to be, even if her brain couldn't admit it yet.

" … and her cares about me. Thank you, dad, for genuinely being concern. But I got this one. I'm not girly little Caroline anymore."

Her father was just about to say something when Katherine stormed into the living room.

"Guys come into the dining room. You have to see this." So they followed her to find … A table full of more baked goods than Caroline had ever seen in her whole life.

" Where did this come from?"

" Maybe the nice bakery fairies made it?" Katherine took a bite of one of the doughnuts.

" Oooomg, this is heaven. It's so totally worth the calories, come to momma you chocolaty goodness."

" No fairies actually, sorry to disappoint." Meredith walked into the dining room and took one blueberry muffin from the table.

"I ordered all of this from my favourite bakery. I hope you don't mind. We can't go anywhere, but there is no rule against ordering things, so … It's just a small token of my appreciation for that lovely dinner you hosted yesterday."

"What do they put in those muffins? Lovely dinner? Were we at the same table? In the same house even?"

" What? I had fun. I'm usually invited only to boring Hollywood formal gatherings where everyone talks about business and business, and have I mentioned business? Don't get me wrong, I love my job, and I'm damn good at it … But sometimes I just want to be the girl next door, the neighbour who comes over for dinner. Yesterday … was refreshing …"

Oops, Caroline felt so bad, thinking about hers and Klaus's hidden agenda with Meredith. And Klaus was wrong. She wasn't a shark, deep down she was just like the rest of them, searching for her place to belong.

" Well, I'm happy you had fun Meredith."

" Had? Why did I hear had? Like past tense?" Kat finally released the doughnuts, and wrapped her arm around Caroline.

"Ladies the fun is just beginning. We have to make our own fun. And I happen to know where are host it keeping his fine liquor."

"Kat, it is 10 o'clock in the morning. Not sure about the doughnuts and vodka combination."

"Don't be silly Care. Everyone knows everything goes good with vodka. Am I right Mer?"

" Not sure what to say to that actually."

" No one ever does when it comes to her. Katherine, I'm seriously going to suspect you have a drinking problem."

" And I'm going to suspect you have a "being a prude" problem. But fine … Forget the vodka for the time being, but we have to do something to make this day interesting. Here girls, grab a doughnut and let us toast with it. To making this day count."

"Have you been watching Titanic again?"

"Don't be silly, I don't like that sappy bullshit. That's your favourite film, not mine. But girls … Are you with me, or not?"

Caroline and Meredith had no choice really, they raised their chocolate doughnuts: " To making this day count."

" And how are we going to make it count? Kat? You look very evil … What do you have in mind?"

"Me? Evil? Why I'm shocked you'd even consider it Caroline Marie Forbes. I'm the epiphany of an angel on Earth; if my wings were any bigger I wouldn't be able to go through that door. You'll see my intentions are perfectly innocent … I just want … all of us to get to know each other better …"

" That sounds nice." Meredith said.

" Wait … I have the feeling she's not telling us everything … Are you, you little minx?"

" It the most awesome game ever … and it's called …"

She stormed into the living room where most Stefan, Klaus, Rebekah and Matt were sitting on the couch hanging out and watching TV, while Tyler and Hayley were just entering the room.

"You guys, hear ye hear ye! We're playing truth or dare."

" No, were are not. Sorry Kat, but I'm not about to start world word three here. The house is too pretty to be blown into pieces." Stefan was trying to be the voice of reason for once.

" Oh come on … Don't tell me you're all such scaredy- cats, haven't you ever heard that the truth will set you free?"

" I love that game, I've found myself more than once in quite interesting situations. But it's played with booze, and lots of it. Not in the morning on an empty stomach. Let's try to last the day without killing each other and play it in the evening, if we're still stuck here." Rebekah was looking to compromise.

"Fine, but I'll hold you to that. Don't think I'll forget. You owe me some entertainment for being stuck here with a bunch of fuddy daddies not willing to get drunk over breakfast. Mikaelson …" she looked at Klaus. "You disappoint me."

"He's a new man." Caroline said carrying boxes with baked goods into the living room.

" In case you were wondering … The glass he's always carrying around … It's ice tea." Caroline gave him the evil eye, not even remotely sorry she spilled his little secret. He was an idiot thinking that pretending to be an alcohol lover would make him look, what exactly? Cooler? Not in Meredith's eyes for sure … Men … They never fully grow up …

"Thank you honey for clearing that out. Always looking out for me …"

"Of course sweetie, you're the love of my life after all, I have to take care of you, and we have to be honest with our friends as we are always honest to one another." a hint of sarcasm couldn't be hidden from her voice. She was so pissed at him for constantly pretending to be something he wasn't, so pissed she actually needed that breakfast drink.

But they waited with the drinks … Breakfast past … And so did lunch, this time Caroline was the one that ordered, not having enough supplies, or will power not to put rat's poison in it, to cook herself. Dinner came … In the meantime, each to his own, so to speak … On their phones, iPods, blackberries or laptops. Ignoring, ignoring, ignoring … No news on the quarantine just yet. The tension was insane … But not enough for Katherine Pierce; she was the queen of tension and drama. And she hadn't given up on her plan.

" You guys…" she came into the living room carrying a bottle of tequila, a bottle of vodka and a bottle of whiskey.

" I want you to meet my three new best friends. This is Pedro, this is Vlad and this is Johnny."

" Do you really think it's a good idea to hang out with your new best friends? Things could get explosive." Matt wasn't really into dangerous things, or situation that could get out of hand.

"That's the whole point silly. Now come, sit in a circle. And let's spin the bottle. Truth or dare children, truth or dare …"

" I think Hayley and I should go to the room, and leave you to have your fun." Tyler was running away like the chicken he was. Running away was becoming his trade mark.

"Oh come on, don't be such a wussy Lockwood. Stay. Maybe tell us some truth for change."

He was about to leave the room, when Hayley grabbed his hand.

"Actually, I want to play." She sat on the couch into the circle. Obviously trying to show she wasn't afraid of anything. So Caroline had no choice but to sit into the circle as well, although she still wasn't sure if this game was a good idea or the most horrid one ever. Tyler sat next to Hayley. Figures. Klaus sat next to Rebekah and Matt, opposite her. Meredith sat next to her, while Katherine sat on the other side. Stefan sat next to Klaus. Her father … Politely apologised himself and left the room, pretending he had some urgent emails to write and send, but actually really not wanting to hear and be involved in this. Not that she could blame him. The game was called truth or dare, but Caroline was preparing herself for lies. She looked at Klaus. And wished … just to know … When he was being honest, and when he was using his acting skills to deceive everyone, even himself, she thought sadly.

" Ok, since these are my friends, and since I'm the one that thought of this brilliant, mind- blowing game, I'm the one that's going to start." Katherine took a sip of tequila and spinned the bottle. It pointed toward Stefan.

" Stefan honey … Truth or dare?"

" The truth of course. I'm an open book."

"Ok … I know … If you weren't gay, and had to sleep with one female person in this room, who would it be?"

"Ok, I see we're starting with sex right away. Hm … Well, you ladies are all gorgeous and I'd be honoured to sleep with any of you, but … I pick … Meredith …"

"What?" Meredith's jaw dropped.

" What can I say, I'm into hot powerful people. If I wasn't gay, Meredith would totally be my type. My turn." Stefan took a sip of whiskey and spinned the bottle. It turned towards … Caroline … Everyone started laughing …

" My princess, truth or dare?"

"Oh what the hell, the truth. But give me that damn tequila first."

"I'm sorry to be this naughty, but I want to know. On the scale of one to ten how good is Klaus in bed?"

Everyone started cheering, and Caroline was staring at Klaus. To tell the truth, or to lie?

"Honestly? You want the truth? He's an eleven. Every woman should at least once in her life have a lover like him. Hell, I think I'll start renting him if the money ever dries out."

"Well thank you wife. Right back at you." Klaus winked at her, and Caroline felt the familiar heat rush through her body. For a second they were just staring at each other, like no one else in the room existed.

"Come on you lovebirds, you're holding up the game. Caroline?" Rebakah was getting impatient to have her turn. So Caroline spinned the bottle and pointed towards … Omg … Hayley … Everyone went quiet …

"Truth or dare?" Caroline heard herself utter but it was like the voice came from afar.

"The truth." I guess it was the night of truths.

"Did you enjoy sleeping with somebody else's husband knowing it would cause that person pain?"

Hayley didn't look back, not for a second, and everybody waited for her response.

"Of course. I always get what I want." And she finally showed her true colours. No more, oh I never wanted to hurt you … But it … Didn't mean anything to Caroline anymore, why? Because in that moment she FINALLY realized she was better than her, that she had nothing on her, and that if Tyler was stupid enough to fall for such a person, it was Tyler's fault, on his fault alone. Hayley took a big sip of vodka and spinned the bottle. It pointed towards Klaus.

" Truth or dare?"

"Well who am I to spoil this spilling your soul fest, hit me with the truth."

"How do you truly feel about Caroline?"

He looked at her with such intensity that Caroline felt her skin burn.

" I think she's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I think she's more than I deserve, but still I'm so grateful to have her in my life. I have never known anyone like her. Anyone so crazy messed up, but yet so perfect. When I'm with her, I want to be a better man. She makes me a better man. I don't want to ever lose that feeling." Caroline closed her eyes for a second and could feel herself shiver. His words … Were the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. The most beautiful lie … Yes, she knew he was lying, but only for a second, only in front of this people here, she wanted to pretend someone could actually feel that for her.

"Ok, enough of this sappy bullshit. Let's play." Klaus spinned the bottle, but avoiding Pedro, Vlad and Johnny. It pointed towards Katherine.

" Kat, truth or dare?"

"Well, I don't feel sappy. I feel daring. So hit me with your best dare Mikaelson. And it better be a good one."

" Ok, you want a good one … In the behalf of all men, okay, Stefan excluded. I want you to pick one girl and kiss her on the mouth for 15 seconds."

"Nik!" Rebekah screamed "You're so disgusting."

" No, no … He's just fun. I love it. I just have no idea who to choose."

" Well since Klaus dared me to. I think it's only proper to kiss his wife. Caroline come here."

Caroline was pretending to be shocked as hell, but the truth was … They played this tequila game before, and they already kissed, so this wasn't a big deal, but she loved that everyone was so sure it was.

"Wait, let me find my camera." Stefan was looking for his mobile phone.

" No pictures. Whatever happens or is said in this room stays in this rooms. It's the first rule of this game. Now shut up and let me kiss the hell out of Caroline. Honey, after this kiss you'll forget all about Klaus."

Katherine practically grabbed Caroline and started kissing her. Caroline had to try real hard not to giggle. She was happy her father went to send the emails; this would be too much for him. 15 second and a lot of cheering were up.

" Wow, my … Klaus, who?" Caroline was kidding.

" Hey … Don't make me come over there and show you Klaus who …"

" It's your own fault Mikaelson, you made the dare. Be careful what you wish for." Katherine winked at Caroline, and they all started laughing like crazy.

"Okay, enough lesbian display for now. Moving on. My turn again."

Katherine spinned the bottle and it pointed to … Tyler …

" OMG, my favourite person in the whole wide world. What's it gonna be Lockwood. Truth or dare?"

" Dare." Tyler said proudly, trying to make it sound like a macho thing, not a pathetic attempt of not having to tell the truth. At least Hayley had some guts, he had nothing.

" Okay, you want to play it that way, we'll play. I dare you … to apologise to Caroline for being such a pathetic little creep and cheating on her and publicly humiliating her and breaking her heart. Be man enough to admit what kind of a lowlife you truly are."

Tyler turned red. The game suddenly wasn't fun anymore.

"Katherine it's fine …" she tried to calm her friend, but loved her so much at the same time for having her back like that.

"I don't have to put up with this anymore. I'm going upstairs. Hayley, are you coming with me?" he looked at her with determination and she had no choice but to get up and go with, although it was more than obvious she wanted to stay. She had no shame, so this truly was just a fun game to her, like ruining Caroline's marriage was. But it wasn't her fault … She just saw a weak man, and took advantage of him. Some day … Maybe even really soon, she'd find another victim, and Tyler won't know what hit him. It is called karma, Caroline thought, and shrugged her shoulders. Not her problem anymore.

" Well, wasn't that entertaining? If you can't stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen. That's what my mama always says. Party poopers. So, what are we going to do now?" Kat wasn't throwing in the towel just yet.

"I think it is best we grab a snack and go on our merry way. I'm gay, but even I had enough drama for today." Stefan was ready to call it a night.

"Nonsense. Vlad, Pedro and Johnny would disagree … It's never a good idea to leave the bottles half drank, it is considered bad luck."

"Katherine you're so full of shit." Rebakah was poking her.

" Noooo, I'm not, I've heard it in Peru and …"

" I actually agree with her." Caroline surprised them all by speaking.

"It's a waste for us to part our ways now … Anyways, I know what we can do. Honey?" she turned to Klaus.

"Tell us about your new project. Tell us about the Tree House."

Klaus looked shocked at first, but he took her hint. Meredith was here, she was relaxed and homey, and it was the perfect timing to charm the shit out of her, as Caroline would put it. So he started talking … With so much passion it made Caroline's heart tingle. If only he was this passionate about other things … Like … I don't know … Love for example? He told them the back story, how he imagined the film turning out, what he wanted to do with the characters … And everyone listened in awe, even our very own Katherine Pierce.

"Wow, Mikaelson, you truly are a smooth talker. I'd love to read that script."

"Well hopefully you'll soon get the chance to see the film. If I manage to get it filmed …" he looked at Meredith.

"Maybe we should read the script, just for the fun of it." Meredith suggested.

" I think it's a great idea Meredith. It could be so much fun to role play. I'll get it right away." Caroline ran to his office before he could say anything to stop her. Nothing could stop her when she put her mind to something, and he admired that about her so much, not that he'd ever admit that to her out loud. She would be back with the script any second and than … It would be the ultimate audition for him … The ultimate test to show Meredith he was good enough to make it, to show Caroline he could play the leading role, to show himself he was more than everyone thought. Than his father thought, came creeping in his brain … But … Did she stage the perfect audition for him, or for herself? She wanted the role of Hannah; she also wanted to prove so badly she was cut for more than she was usually given. Of course, she was doing this for herself. He saw exactly how she hoped this would play out. A ballsy plan it was, but I guess his wife did decide to play in the big league. And although a part of him ,a selfish part, wanted it to be all for him, he was actually glad she wasn't such a pushover anymore, and that she was learning to put herself first. If Klaus had learned anything in his messed up and crazed up life it was – no one will take care of you, if you don't take care of yourself first. People were greedy and mean, and just looking for your weaknesses to enjoy seeing you on the bottom. There was no point into giving in to such trivial things like kindness and goodness, or God forbid love. If you did, sooner or later, it would come back and bite you in the ass.

" Ok, here's the script. Can I play the casting director? Pretty please?"

Figures, so he was right, she was doing all of this for her sake. Well good for her, Klaus was trying to be happy about it, but deep down it made him want to start hanging out with his good old pal Johnny.

" Ok … Klaus you'll read Danny of course. Stefan you can read Klaus's dying father. Matt you can be Ken, the abusive cousin. Rebekah you can read his wife. And here Kat … Call your inner child and read the role of Arizona, their five year old daughter. "

It was time to cast Hannah. It was more than obvious who she was going to give the role to. Herself. Nice move Miss Forbes. Very smooth indeed. But as much as Klaus thought he ever knew anything about Caroline Forbes, it all came tumbling down the second that she … Handed the script to Meredith and said: "Here. You never get to have any fun. You read Hannah."

" Me? But I'm not an actress." Meredith was confused, but no one was more confused than Klaus. What was she doing?

" That's ok. This is only for fun. Remember? Try out your acting chops. Who knows, maybe you're the next Katherine Hepburn in making. And I'll get all the credit for discovering such a raw talented."

"What about you? What will you read?"

" I'm the casting director remember? I'm the boss here; I'll just sit here, look at you, and enjoy the show."

She smiled her brightest smile, and Klaus felt like someone punched him in the stomach, real hard, although he was pretty sure that would have hurt less than this. She was giving him the audition he wanted, instead of taking it for herself. She wanted to keep the spotlight solely on him. He could feel starting to sweat. She was so fucking stupid. And here he thought she finally learned she needed to start looking out for herself. But no … She was once again flying around, sprinkling her fairy dust all over. He'd never make such sacrifice for her, or for anyone for that matter. But here she was, in his life, sitting on that couch, looking at him and smiling, being a team player, being part of his team. And making him feel all of the things he was trying to block for years … "No one cares about you boy." It was slowly fading away. Because she was sitting there, rooting for him, being what she always was. A bright light to his endless darkness …

They started reading the script. It was just as Klaus imagined it. As if they were transferred into another world, it was magical. The story was breathtaking. And everyone, even those like Matt who couldn't act to save their life, were giving it all, drawing emotions from the darkest places within them. After an hour or so, nobody was keeping track, they came to the last page. Silence fell over the living room. They were all still overwhelmed with the story. Katherine was the one that broke the silence: "Damn Klaus, does anybody know you can, like, actually act?"

" It was brilliant." Stefan added.

" See? I told you for years you've been wasting your talented on bullshit roles."

But he barely looked at any of them, not even Meredith, although he was dying to know what she thought of it all. He looked at Caroline; her review meant the most to him.

"It gave me shivers. You know this character on a personal level, and it shows. I sold you short." she admitted honestly.

"You're not the only one." Meredith was being honest as well.

"Okay, Klaus? Is there any place where we can talk in private?"

"Of course, my office?" he took Meredith hand, and they walked out.

But not before he caught Caroline's gaze and uttered a simple thank you. She just smiled with that perfect smile of her, suddenly all the other smiles he ever received faded in comparison with hers, and she just uttered – we're a team, you're welcome.

Everyone kind of went their own way after that. After a half an hour Klaus stormed into his bedroom to find Caroline lying on the bed. Klaus dive-bombed into bed, yanking the covers away and kissed her until she was delirious.

" I take the meeting went well? And now you're … showing your gratitude?"

" I am. Thank you Caroline." he looked at her intensely, and brushed the hair of her face.

" I mean it. Meredith will talk to Saracen Production, and she has agreed to produce the film. It nearly a done deal. It's so amazing; I'm almost scared to believe in it."

" Don't be …" She was playing with his soft curls and he loved the way her fingers felt on him.

" Good things happen sometimes … Embrace it … Enjoy it …"

"They rarely happen to me. But you changed my luck Caroline Forbes, you're my lucky charm."

"Whoa, hold it right there mister … That's a lot of pressure to put on a person. Maybe we should slow down a bit …" she was teasing him, and yes he was in the mood for it. In the mood indeed.

"Oh, so you want it slow now? I can do slow …" he kissed her earlobe, and she started twitching beneath him. He loved the way he knew all her soft spots by now, and loved that he could use them to torture her. She never pretended like most women, she wasn't downsizing it, or screaming her lungs out if she didn't feel like it. Like in everything else, in sex, she was herself. And she was gorgeous.

"Is this your way of showing me your gratitude?"

"Of course. I don't like to have loose ends." he striped her t-shirt and was admiring the view.

" I love your breasts." he started massaging them without taking of her bra.

" Oh really, and here I thought your opinion was they were not my best feature?" she was teasing him, reminding him of that night in Vegas, and their conversation in the elevator. The night that changed both of their lives … In more ways than one …

" I talk too much. Please, let me show you I can put my mouth to better use."

" Oh, oh, ok …" she was panting as he lower himself and removed her panties.

He dug his tongue into her core, enjoying every little part of her.

" I … Oh … I'll have to get you some more auditions if this is going to be my reward every time." She was trying to speak, but words came out in moans. Especially when he placed two fingers inside of her, his fingers and tongue doing his magic.

" Ok … Whoa … This is too much … but … I …" she was panting and throwing her head around the pillow.

"Want something else love?" he asked, while removing his pants and boxer, showing her he was fully ready to be inside of her. And I mean fully …

" Yes … That … Inside of me … Now …"

"You're all into one words today. But very well. I have to show you my gratitude in the best way possible. Tell me if it's enough."

He spread her legs, and entered her from behind. She grabbed the bars of the bed to keep herself steady. He wanted to hear her scream his name; he wanted to make her come as never before. He wanted … to express in sex, what he couldn't express in words. For those few minutes that he was inside of her delicate and tight core they were one, and when they came together, he wrapped her body around hers, not letting go.

They had fallen asleep that way, since Hayley and Tyler were still occupying her room; he had the pleasure of having her in his bed all night. If you asked Klaus a few months ago if he would want a girl, any girl, hogging the covers, I think you know what his answer would have been. But he actually liked the feeling of having her near, listening to her breathing and following her heartbeats. With time they became synchronized, and he had fallen asleep and began dreaming. It was the strangest dream. He and Caroline were sitting in a middle of a meadow, having a picnic; they were laughing and making out. Oh, it was one of those dreams, well, don't mind if I enjoy this one, Klaus thought. Suddenly, in a matter of seconds, the sky turned completely dark and the rain began pounding heavily on the ground. Caroline started coughing; it looked like she was choking. He was trying to help her, reach her, but she was distancing away. "Help me." She whispered while turning pale. But he still couldn't move. Than he suddenly saw a dark figure behind him, it was his father.

" Leave her. Don't touch her. You'll only ruin her. Do you think she can handle your darkness? You're going to kill all of her light. Leave her be." he screamed and the scream was tearing his lungs out. Suddenly he woke up, covered in sweat. She was there, still sleeping soundly, she was alive. It was all just a bad dream. Just a meaningless, stupid dream. But … It took him hours to go back to sleep again. She could be the light to his darkness, he thought. But he could also be the darkness that would end her light and her.

" I'm not good for you Caroline." he whispered into that same darkness that he believed took his soul a long time ago.

" I could try to be the better man for you, the man that you deserve, but I would fail. I don't have it in me. Whatever road you take, truth or dare, the fact is I'm no good."

Only into the darkness he could utter the last sentence that he did, while his heart was bleeding he said: "Please, whatever you do, just don't ever fall in love with me."

Oh you guys ... I have some many emotions I think I could write another story down here ... First of all, WOW, again, such wonderful response to the last chapter made me sooooo happy ... THANK YOU FOR BEING SO KIND TO ME :)))... And I can only hope I didn't disappoint with this one ... I tried so hard not to, but it wasn't an easy chapter to write, because it has so many layers - Caroline/ Hayley, I know all of you were probably dying to see this, since that horrid last episode of TVD ...

It has the truth or dare episode in it, hope you liked that one, I had so much fun writing it :). And the ending is a bit dark but that's Klaus for you, they are getting close and his getting afraid of dealing with his feelings ... So who knows what his next move will be, hope you'll stick to this story and find out ;). I'm taking a small hiatuos, sorry, but my spring break are starting, I'm having some days off, so I'll go home, and I have to/ want to spend some time with the people I love most ... But don't worry, I'll be back to this story, before you even have time to miss me, but PLEASE LEAVE ME YOUR REVIEWS, they always make me write faster, even when I say I have other things to do and I have to be disciplined and put this aside :p ... It never works really :D

I also wanted to mention one other thing, not having to do with this story, but with a very dear person to me ... She's also a fanfiction writer, and a wonderful and sweet person ... And apparently she's been receiving some horrible response to her story ( and it's one of the best stories EEEVER) and I just can't believe someone would be so mean and trash other's people work, for no apparent reason ... Constructive criticism are always welcomed, but to be hateful towards someone is not ... I'm so grateful to have such wonderful readers and reviewers that always have nice and kind and sweet things to say to me ... so give yourself a high five, and do not forget to keep being nice to each other ;). LOVE YOU SO MUCH (especially you my special fanfiction friend ;).