21. Stay

Klaus never had problems with twitchy fingers. Actually, not that he was the one to brag, but many ladies have enjoyed the magic that his fingers could do. But … He definitely had problems with his fingers tonight. That is why he was fumbling around his goddamn tie for the last ten minutes. The blasted thing just didn't want to stay in place. He hoped this wasn't some kind of omen, not that he believed in those of course. But many things he claimed he didn't believe in started happening in his life lately. His professional dream was coming true, he would finally have the chance to show the world he was more than a teen celebrity gone bad, that he was capable of more than throwing up drunk on Hollywood Boulevard. And then there was Caroline … The little tornado that came into his life by surprise and made everything … different … better … strange … He had never felt so protective of a woman, well except his sister of course, he had never felt such powerful urge to save someone. From himself … Because it became all so clear to him that night when she came home drunk from her bachelorette party. The look in her eyes, the vulnerability there, it was Caroline Forbes, always falling for the lost souls, thinking she could fix them, seeing him for more than he really was. He needed to protect her, from her own fairytale delusional fantasies, and mostly from himself. That is why they were mostly avoiding each other after that night. She was busy planning tonight's party, and he was busy with the movie. But she had never left his mind, not really, but it was easier to pretend she did when it was out of sight out of mind … Tonight … That would be pretty much impossible. Since it was their wedding party. So he could only hope the damn tie wasn't a bad omen, because tonight had to go smoothly for the public, but he had no idea how it was supposed go for the two of them.

" Damn tie … " Klaus took the damn thing of his neck and threw it across his room.

"Need any help with that brother?"

" Bekah. My angel. Come and help your poor brother out. I swear they make these things only to torture man."

" And yet you look so handsome with them on … It's the same thing with us and heels … Or make up … Or waxing our whole bodies … So don't you tell me about torture. Being a woman is a torture, at least it would be if we weren't so gorgeous, and intelligent, and superior to you in every way possible." Rebekah was heating up in one of her feminist discussions with herself. She took the tie of the floor, and started adjusting it, not looking him in the eyes. He could see she was also troubled with something, or someone …

" I have to tell you something Nik …"

God he hated sentences that started off that way.

" I'm going to be an uncle?" he blurted out.

" What? Nooo … Nik, get your filthy brain out of the gutter please."

" Oh yes, because you and Matt have been just holding hands, right?" he was teasing his baby sister and it felt good, it felt good having her in his life, he thought to himself.

"I don't feel comfortable discussing my sex life with my brother, thank you very much. But yes, what I have to tell you … It does involve Matt …" she paused for dramatic effect.

"He has asked me to move in with him."

Silence spread all over the room.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Bekah was the one that broke it.

" Well, what did you answer him?"

Rebekah turned away from him, and took a deep breath.

" I told him I needed time to think about it."

She turned back to him.

"But the more I think about it … The more I think I actually have nothing to think about. I even tried to put it on paper; I guess Caroline's neurotic personality is rubbing off on me..."

Klaus smiled at the mention of Caroline's neurotic personality, it was such a funny yet sweet side of his one of a kind wife.

"You know what I did with that stupid paper? I burned the hell out of it. I don't need some pros and cons to tell me have I feel. I'm done. I'm so done being this broken and scared. Done. I have a great guy that loves me for who I am, yes, he actually told me that. And I love him … I'm still scared, and broken, and fucked up, but I want to give him the benefit of a doubt that he is strong enough, that his love is strong enough, to handle it. So I'm going to tell him yes, let's try to build our life together. Maybe it won't work, maybe it will suck, maybe it will turn out we aren't right for each other after all … But that maybe isn't stopping me anymore, because maybe it will be glorious and all I ever wanted. I'm risking it, and it feels good Nik. It feels like I'm finally starting to live my life. You should try to do the same brother."

" Bekah … I'm glad for you, although I'm going to miss you around here, I think you've made the right decision. Matt is a good guy, and I genuinely believe he'll lift heaven and hell to make your spoiled little ass happy. But let's not make this about me …"

"Ok. Fine. Let's never make it about you." she clenched her teeth angrily, and adjusted his tie just a tad too tight.

"Ouch, are you trying to choke me to death?"

"I don't know, would that bring you to your senses finally?" Rebekah loosened the tie, but didn't stop scolding him.

"You know, she's one of a kind. I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong. I know you're thinking you're not right for each other, but I seriously can't imagine anyone else more right for you than her. You work. God knows why or how, but you do. When you have a good thing going on you shouldn't question it, you should just feel blessed it happened and try to hold on to it."

She looked at him seriously. "And not try to push it away."

"Rebekah …" he said tiredly.

"There is so much you don't know, and couldn't understand."

She smiled, but it wasn't exactly a happy smile.

"Oh my dear, dear brother. I don't think that I'm the one being clueless here."

"Here. All done. You look as handsome as ever. "she suddenly changed the subject.

"Stefan should be here any second with the limo to take us to the party. Are you ready?" he accepted the change of subject gladly.

"Actually Matt is picking me up, we're going with his car. So you have some bonding time with your "fake" best man. Maybe he can knock some sense into that thick head of yours. I'll see you at the party, hope it's a good one. And Nik … No matter what, I love you, I just want you to be happy. With whomever you choose to be happy I'll support you, but in my heart, I have to tell you, Caroline is always going to be my only sister in law. A real one, not a fake one." was the last thing his baby sister said before leaving him standing alone in the middle of the room. His tie might have been fixed now, but his heart was more confused than ever.

"Hey you there. Wow, don't you look handsome. It makes me want to steal you away. How soon do you think you can get a divorce so you and I can get hitched instead?"

"I don't know Stefan. Don't you think it would be a bit of a cliché? The groom running off with the best man? I think we're better than that."

Stefan shrugged his shoulders. "I guess you're right. Oh well … I guess I'll leave you to Caroline then, and continue pining over you in my sorrowful silence."

"You poor, poor man, how will you ever get over me?"

" I don't know Klaus." Stefan said barely holding in a laugh.

"But it does give me comfort that if I can't have you, at least you're with Caroline. She would definitely be my second choice for you, right after me of course."

"Of course." Klaus said seriously, and poured them two glasses of champagne as the limo began moving towards tonight's big event.

"So groom to be, are you nervous?"

"Are you serious? You do know it's not an actual wedding? It's just a party honouring a fake wedding that happened three months ago. It's not a big deal." Klaus took a large sip of the champagne feeling Stefan's invasive eyes on him.

"Aha … Fake you say …"

"Well you know the story Stefan; don't make me repeat it …"

" I won't, I won't … Hey, if you say it's fake then it's fake. I just find it all so amusing … "

"What exactly? Two drunken people hitting a chapel in Vegas? Not exactly the most original story in the world."

"Maybe not. But you two certainly are original. One of a kind I'd even dare to say. Don't forget I have known both of you for a very, very long time my dear Skip, and your dear Scott.

Call me a hopeless romantic …"

"Oh God, I don't even want to know where this is headed …" Klaus put his head into his hand in despair, hoping they would arrive to the place of the party sooner rather then later.

" Oh hush … You know you do … I have never told you this, because you were so busy hating each other, you almost fooled me as well, but no … Even in your: "oh he's such a lowlife, and oh she's such a stuck up princess" days, I felt something between you two. This strange vibe let's call it, this energy you can't fake. I couldn't put my finger on it then, but I can now … You two were just meant to end up together."

"Stefan … I know you're a big old fairy inside but come oooon … This is too much even for you. Meant to end up together? You know I don't buy that kind of bullshit …"

Some would think Stefan would get offended with Klaus's outburst, but the thing was, Stefan knew Klaus for a long time now, and he could smell his fear a mile away. It broke his heart to see his friend fight so hard against something that could make him so happy. If only he would finally begin to see he did deserved happiness like the rest of them, if only he could see himself for more than he thought he was.

"Fine, I'm a big old fairy wrapped in cotton candy, never said I wasn't. But when I'm right I'm right. You could make her happy, you do know that? You could be happy together. She's a strong woman, our little Care bear had grown up. You wouldn't break her this time; she is strong enough to stand by your side and to love a complicated man such as yourself."

Klaus just stared in front of him, into the distance, with darkness in his eyes, and his soul. It was hard to believe in Stefan's words, he wanted to, he wanted to so much, but looking at his life so far, he knew it was just an illusion. An illusion that would break in a second, when one would least expected it to, and it would bring him down, and the worst thing, he'd probably bring Caroline down with him.

"I thought you were her best friend Stefan. So you should know better. You should take care of her better. You should know I'd only ruin her, maybe not tonight, maybe not tomorrow, or even this year, but one day … One day I would do something to screw up and it would kill that beautiful light of hers we love so much. I can't do that …"

"You'll ruin her sooner if you keep on doing this. She loves you Klaus, you must know that, you must feel that … Or is it obvious to everyone but to you? Are you that clueless?"

" No." Klaus said silently, not wanting to look at Stefan because he was afraid he might actually shed a tear. He hadn't cried in years, last time being, when his mother died … He didn't cry when Mikael died, he didn't waste any water for that bastard that created him, and passed his despicable genes to him.

"She thinks that she loves me. That's the difference. But she loves a man that doesn't exist. She loves the image of me that she has created in her beautiful little head. The fairy tale story that will never come true."

"Do you really think she's that stupid and shallow? Give her some credit Klaus …" Stefan said, now almost mad at his clueless friend.

"You're wrong. I don't think she's stupid and shallow, I think she's innocent and sweet and pure. And I want all those things for her; I want the fairy tale ending. I'm just not the right man to give it to her. I've made a mistake Stefan, I admit it. A stupid mistake. But I'm going to fix it. You'll see. It will all be good after tonight."

Klaus's word made Stefan shiver; he saw Klaus was determined to do something stupid. Stefan wanted to stop him, but he didn't know how, when Klaus went into his dark place, there was no stopping him. He was still, his worst enemy.

"Wow Caroline … You know emotional is not really my thing, but … Oh Lord, I think I'm going to cry." Katherine came into room staring at Caroline. She was standing in her old room in her father's house wearing a beige gown that almost looked like an actual wedding dress. Her hair was up, and she had a small flower in it. She truly looked like a blushing bride. But how did she feel inside? Like things were coming towards its end, not the beginning. She tried the hide the sadness from her eyes, because tonight was about happiness, and celebration, and love … At least on paper, and for the media. It was once again a show, and she the actress. Although … This time around … It won't be such a stretch to play the role of a woman in love, since she really was madly in love. With someone that didn't feel the same way. But she wouldn't be the victim this time. Oh no … That wasn't an option. She might have been foolish enough to fall for the wrong guy once more, but this time she would be smart enough to leave before it breaks her. She was determined in that. This time she was going to take care of herself and protect her heart.

"So, I assume this means you approve of the dress? You don't think it's too much?" Caroline asked Katherine sincerely.

" Are you kidding? It's your party doll face, you have to shine and sizzle like a beautiful bride that you are. The dress is perfect, sweet, and elegant, and gentle, just like you." Katherine came to her and brushed a strand of hair from her face gently.

"There is just one tiny detail missing honey."

"What?" Caroline asked not having a clue what Katherine was talking about.

"Your beautiful smile? A sincere one?"

"Well, I can go for a smile … A sincere one? Not sure if I can promise you that." Caroline answered honestly, and she could see the worry on Katherine's face, even Katherine didn't have jokes lined up in situations like these.

"When are you leaving for New York?" Caroline changed the subject quickly.

"I don't know. In two days? I should go as soon as I can; the best thing would be right away, tomorrow, I stayed this long only because of your party. The party time and the travelling time is officially over, now comes the hard part, sitting down and actually writing the God damn PhD. "

"Oh come on, you know you love it. The travelling, the research, your field of expertise… Wow, I can't believe you're going to get your PhD in ecology. You're such a smart ass, I wish you'd finally let people see the real you, and stop making everyone believe you're a rich spoiled trust fund kid. "

"But what would be the fun in that? I like when people think I'm just a shallow party girl, it's much easier to manipulate with them then." Katherine gave her a wink.

"Except you Care. You always saw the real me. All those times I tried to push you away, but you never let go. Not to get emotional again, but I am going to miss you. You and Klaus could come visit me in New York if the movie hysteria doesn't keep you too busy. Maybe have sex on the Statue of Liberty, with the rate you two crazy kids are going …"

"Actually …" Caroline turned to Katherine and looked at her seriously.

" I had some other plans. I was actually thinking I needed a time out, from everything. So if you'll have me, I thought I'd tag along for some time being. Keep you company?"

Katherine looked truly shocked; she did not see this one coming.

" Ooook … I mean, you know you're always welcome, but … I know this is a strange advice coming from me, of all people, but don't run away Care. If you are bothered with something, stay and change it, if you want something …" Katherine made a meaningful pause.

" … stay and fight for it …"

"Maybe I'm done being the one doing all the fighting. For once maybe I'd just like someone to fight for me. Is that too much to ask?"

Katherine hugged her and said. " I'm sorry, you're right, you're totally right. So, do you want to talk about what's going on with you and Klaus? The real version this time? Some ass kicking I need to be doing? "

Caroline had admitted her true feelings to herself, but it was still hard to utter it out loud, to share it with anyone, like if sharing it would make it indefinitely real.

"Maybe later, ok? Now is not the time. I have a party to go to, remember?"

"Oh please ... The bride has the right to keep everyone waiting … It's a given. So spill …"

And Caroline was just about to … Tell her everything, how she somewhere in the process of pretending to be in love with Klaus actually fell in love with him, that she loved him so much it was almost causing her physical pain, that she had never wanted anyone as much as she wanted him, that she tried not to think about it, but every time she closed her eyes she involuntarily started imagining how their life together could look like. And that she liked what she saw, actually, it was all she ever wanted, truly and deeply and honestly. She was just about to do that tremendous step of letting those words out, when her father suddenly came into the room.

"May I come in?"

" Sure Mr. B. Don't worry, we were just finishing up here and getting ready to come downstairs. We're almost good to go. Doesn't she look like million bucks?"

Bill Forbes looked at his daughter with such gentleness in his eyes it almost made Caroline cry. This is what she had wanted … All her life …

"Can you give us a second Katherine? I'd like to speak to my daughter in private, if you don't mind."

"No, of course not. You talk. I'll be downstairs gorging on the appetisers, so you take your time."

" Soooo pretty." Katherine took once last look at Caroline and squealed like a little girl.

"Ok, I'm going … I'm going …"

And she was gone; there were just her father and herself left now.

"You do look gorgeous." he said simply, but it almost made her blush, she wasn't used to receiving compliments from her dad.

"Oh, thank you. But it's not a big deal. Not really. I mean, you saw me in a wedding dress before, and look how that turned out. This is just a dress."

"Have I ever told you your mother got married in just a dress?"

Caroline's heart raced at the mention of her mom. Oh, how she wished she could be here now. Holding her hand, giving her advice on what to do …

"No, I don't think you did … And I don't think I ever saw pictures of your wedding."

"No. Because there aren't any pictures. It's a story your mom and I never told. Do you want to hear it?"

"Of course. I'd love to hear it." Caroline said passionately and sat down next to her father.

"I fell in love with your mother the moment I saw her, I know people say that, but for me, it was true. I still can't believe I was so lucky that she gave me the hour of the day. When we decided to get married, her parents weren't so overjoyed with our plan. They thought that she was too young, that she had so much more to do, and honestly, I think they always thought I wasn't good enough for her. Hell, even I thought so, but was too selfish to let her go. So we just decided to get married one day. I put on a clean shirt and a pair of jeans; she put on her yellow dress. Remember the one she always wore when we went on picnics together?"

Caroline said nothing, feeling a lump for in her throat, she didn't remember, she was too young to remember. Oh but she'd give half of her life to have one more picnic with her mom wearing that yellow dress her father mentioned.

"Anyways, we just went into the city hall and got married. And came home and told her parents. They were furious; they told her they never wanted to speak to her again. And they didn't … Until you were born …"

"You never told me this, I had no idea …" Caroline said silently.

"Because your mother didn't want you to know. She didn't want for you to ever hold a grudge against your grandparents. She forgave them … Nobody knew how to forgive like your mother, she always tried to find the good in people … But I don't think even she would forgive me for the way I've treated you Caroline. You have to believe I always wanted only the best for you, but somewhere along the way I forgot to ask you what you thought was the best for you. And yes, somewhere along the way I became your manager, and stopped being your father … I can only hope it's not too late, and that you'll let me take on that role again. I know you're grown up and probably don't need …"

Caroline took his hand with tears in her eyes, this is not going to be good for her flawless make-up, but they say it's normal for blushing brides to cry, right?

"Daddy, a girl always needs her father."

He took her in his arms and she could feel tears on her back. His tears …

"You are so much like her. So good and kind and compassionate … She would have been so proud of you. And she'd probably give anything to be by your side today, and to see you this beautiful. I know I said some harsh things about Klaus … But I was only trying to protect you, in my own clumsy way. But if he really makes you happy … Then I'll accept him and be happy for you."

" Oh dad …" Caroline didn't know how to respond to that, she had waited to hear these words all her life, but her father had no idea this marriage was fake, and that Klaus wasn't her prince charming after all. She'd have to explain to him eventually, but not now, she didn't want to ruin this moment, because she'd truly treasure it for life. It was a real father/ daughter moment, and it was far better than any other that she had to play in her movies. It was her moment. And if nothing else she'd always be grateful to Klaus and to this strange situation she got herself in for in a way giving her her father back.

Her father wiped off his tears and suddenly became all serious.

" I think it's high time we get going. You know I always taught you …"

" … getting on time is a sign of respect and a good upbringing." she finished his sentence and started giggling. He might have been a changed man, but some habits die hard.

"Ok, let me just fix my make up and we're good to go." Caroline tried to show her father a happy face, not a stressed one. She started putting some lip gloss when she suddenly stopped and closed her eyes, holding the tears.

"I wish I could be like you mom. I wish I could find someone who would love me as much as dad loved you. Maybe … One day … I won't stop believing in love. Even when everything falls down and crumbles. I'll never stop believing."

Katherine and her father were already in the limo when she came downstairs. She went after them and took one last deep breath before stepping inside of the car. Today she'd give the performance of her life, and tomorrow … who knows were she'd be … but at least she'd always have love in her heart. She looked at the sky and winked at the brightest star shining there. "I get that from you mom." she thought proudly, and blew an imaginary kiss to her.

"I get that from you."

The Eldridge Mansion had served as the setting for a dozen movies and television

shows, but the show being held there tonight was called "The Mikaelson's welcome you", or at least that was written at the entrance of this beautiful villa where the party took place. The Mikaelson's … Mister and his little Misses, as one could put it, but unfortunately for that someone Niklaus Mikaelson was no Mister, not Mister Charming nor Prince Charming, just a man who knew he got himself too deep this time and for the sake of everyone he needed out. He needed to put on a show tonight, but as from tomorrow … No more games, no more pretence, and no bloody lies, because if you pretend and if you lie too much you get so caught up in it you lose touch with reality. And in his humble opinion this is exactly what happened to his fake bride. She wasn't really in love with him, she just thought she was due to all the acting they have being doing, and she forgot that their emotions weren't real. I mean, how could they be? Who could ever love such a flawed creature such as himself? But tonight …It was one more night of glitz and glamour on their Hollywood repertoire. The famous guests laughed as they emerged from their limos, Bentleys, and Porsches dressed in their fancy gowns and tuxes. Them, alongside with the media, this time being invited to the party, came to see what they have been denied all those years ago. The came to see the happy ending between Skip and Scoot that was never aired on TV. They were the fairytale story in Hollywood, from haters to lovers, E special. Too bad that once more what lies beneath in Hollywood was so different, or was it? I mean even Klaus had to admit he was far from hating the little Caroline Forbes. He actually cared about her, deeply, he even considered her … Not just one of the kindest and sweetest people he had ever met, but he considered her, his best friend. So you see it was his solemn duty to save her, from himself … He waved to Rebekah that had already arrived with Matt, and saw Katherine approaching, looking kind of pissed.

"Hello there Mikaelson. Quite the party, isn't it? It actually reminds me of the ones Tyler used to host in his and Caroline's home …" she gave him a look, a very nasty one.

"Oh come on Kat, at least you have been always known for your honesty that can cut a person in half. So don't hold back on my account, if you have something to tell me …"

" And why on Earth would I? Why when you have nothing in common with that little pussy that broke my best friend's heart in half? Why when I know you're way smarter than that, and that you know how fucking special Caroline is. And how lucky you are to have someone like her take your side, and be there for you, and you are not so stupid to take advantage of that. Or do anything to hurt her …"

Klaus was quiet for a while. Not knowing what to say to Katherine. Because he wasn't stupid, that was a fact, and he wasn't naïve, he knew no matter what he did, no matter how honest his intentions would be, someone would get hurt. So he said the most honest thing he could think of …

"I'd never hurt her intentionally."

Katherine just raised her head high without even looking at him.

"That is exactly what I was afraid of." She said quietly and walked away from him, taking the stairs to the floor above where he knew Caroline was. This show was just about to beginning … And he had never felt more broken inside for what he was about to do.

" May I have your attention please?" he heard Stefan's voice coming from the top of the stairs.

" In the name of the bride and groom, as their best man, well in every way possible of course…" he winked at the audience and everyone started laughing.

" .. I'd like to welcome you to this glorious party with a dash of old Hollywood glamour. Just the way Caroline Forbes and Niklaus Mikaelson are, ever since the era of Skip and Scooter, they are vintage. Only getting better, and may I say hotter, with the years. And now … Now these two silly kids can say they have it all, because they have FINALLY found their way back to each other. So … Without further a due I present to you the magnificently beautiful Miss Caroline Forbes."

People started clapping and cheering, as everyone, including him, waited for Caroline to appear on the top of the stairs and come down, into his arms. Such a fairytale it was … He was trying to be sarcastic not to think that in a way it was, a magnificent night, and she was … Omg … She was breathtaking … He had never used that term to describe a woman, he thought it was too cheesy and pathetic, but what other word could he use to describe how Caroline looked tonight. She looked like she ran naked through a crystal chandelier. The gown formed a slim column of sparkling ice that molded beautifully to body until it reached her knees, where it flared gently to the floor. Her hair was perfect too, blonde soft curls pinned back, with a few left free to dip around her face. This is what the audience waited all those seasons to see, the transformation from a homeless little girl to a beautiful, elegant woman. His woman … A thought went through his brain, but seeing her smile, holding onto her father, seeing her this happy, he knew she was living in an illusion that didn't exist, and such a big part of him wanted to live there with her, to be happy with her … But the other part of him, the dark twisted one, knew that was such a fairytale wish that could never sustain in reality. After some of the clapping had died down Caroline and her father began descending the staircase. This was his cue. He unglued his feet and climbed the stairs, stopping three

steps below her. He extended his hand to her and she gladly took it, smiling ever so beautifully to him, although all of this was only make belief it almost made his palms sweat and his heart race a million an hour. Just from a simple hand touch. Her father kissed Caroline on the cheek, nodded at Klaus, and then stepped aside for the happy bride and groom to walk together to the main stage. They faced a ballroom brimming with smiles and good

cheer, although half the guests were undoubtedly placing bets on how long the marriage

would last. If they only knew … But, honestly, it wouldn't make a difference, nothing would anymore … And the worst part of all of it is, Klaus still wasn't sure if this marriage was the best thing that has ever happened to him, or the worst …

Caroline decided to take a deep breath and just enjoy this magical night. To enjoy this Hollywood fairy tale that was bestowed upon her. To enjoy her magical sparkling dress, to enjoy her father standing by her side, truly this time, to enjoy having all of her wonderful friends here, everything felt right … Only the man standing beside her was wrong … Although he didn't feel wrong at all, that was the heartbreaking part, she didn't want to think about tonight. Not tonight … Not while he was taking her to the dance floor where they were about to dance to their "first song" picked by Stefan of course, so she had no idea what to expect. Anything from "I will always love you" to "Y.M.C.A." was possible. But when she heard the beginning of the melody being played out she knew exactly what song he had picked out, and she got the message her friend was trying to send her.

" All along it was a fever

A cold sweat hot-headed believer

I threw my hands in the air I said show me something

He said, if you dare come a little closer."

Klaus was an excellent dancer, and she melted right into his arms, like she belonged there. And the sense of his arm on her naked back made her skin burn, now more than ever, since she knew this was as close as they would ever be. He leaned closer and whispered into her ear: "You look ravishing tonight sweetheart." Even after all this years, even after living with him and listening to his voice for the last three months, she still couldn't believe the impact a simple voice could have on another human being. But his voice … was pure ecstasy …

"Thank you. You cleaned up nice as well. Aren't we a pair of royal calibre?"

"Just giving the audience what they want sweetheart. It is what we're good at; it is what we were born to do. "

"Round and around and around and around we go

Ohhh now tell me now tell me now tell me now you know."

"Don't you ever think we are more than that? That we could be more?" she looked deep into his eyes, trying to find something there. Trying to find the truth, if such a thing existed.

"Not really sure how to feel about it

Something in the way you move

Makes me feel like I can't live without you

It takes me all the way

I want you to stay …"

But he ended their eye contact quickly, twirling her on the dance floor, but this time holding her even tighter and closer to him. Like he was unsure … If he wanted to hold on, or to let go … She wasn't sure what his mind was thinking, but his body was sending out a clear message … Stay … She wanted to say something, but she couldn't find the words. This would have been the perfect moment to speak out, to tell him how she felt about him … But she … She chickened out, she was too afraid of being rejected again. She was just, too afraid. There was so much on the line. Her pride, her life, her heart … But all those things she could lose didn't even come close to the things she could get, things she wanted all her life. A THING … Love … Because although she was half way through the door, in reality, more than anything, she wanted to stay.

"Ohhh the reason I hold on

Ohhh cause I need this hole gone

Funny you're the broken one but I'm the only one who needed saving

Cause when you never see the lights it's hard to know which one of us is caving"

"Stefan is such a dirty little scoundrel for choosing this song."

"Yeah, he likes toying with emotions; he's like a puppeteer master doing his thing, pulling the strings, and waiting for a reaction."

"Lucky for us it has no effect on us whatsoever. So the joke's on him …"

"I couldn't agree more. It's just a song. A song like any other…" Caroline lied through her teeth, coming close to her fake husband one last time and breathing in his familiar scent. She closed her eyes and tried to convince herself she'd get over him with time, I mean she got over Tyler, right? Why would this be any different? Except it was … When she closed her eyes and went to her "happy place" it wasn't in Tyler house, or his arms. It was in Klaus's room, in his bed, watching old movies and having pillow fights while feeding each other popcorn. It was being herself, and she had never felt more as her true self than with him. Losing all of it, letting it go, it would rip her apart, but staying with a man that didn't love her, it would hurt her even more. But just until this "insignificant" song ended she closed her eyes, breathed in his familiar scent, and imagined she could … stay …

"Not really sure how to feel about it

Something in the way you move

Makes me feel like I can't live without you

It takes me all the way

I want you to stay, stay

I want you to stay, ohhh …"

But the song did come to its end eventually. They danced a few more, and then they separated to attend their guests and give numerous interviews claiming their undeniable love to the Hollywood press and anyone concern.

" Bonnie … I'm so glad to see you. Jeremy … Omg, it's been forever Mister Rock God. It's so nice to finally see you."

"You too Care. This is one heck of a party. Although not sure about the music …"

"Oh shut up silly. He's just mad there's no Metallica in the background." Bonnie was teasing her husband but Caroline could see the love in her eyes and the pure adoration she felt. They had the best Hollywood marriage ever, and they were a force to be reckoned with, and everything they have accomplished they have done it together. Now that was a love you don't get to see every day.

"Well stick around Jer … Who knows what will happen after midnight when this party really gets going. I just hope I don't turn into a pumpkin."

" You'd be the prettiest pumpkin in the world then. Jeremy, could you please get me some more punch?"

"Ok, ok … I know when I'm not wanted, and when I'm invading girl time. One punch and one getting out of your hair coming right up babe." Jeremy kissed Bonnie gently and left them alone.

" Bonnie …" Caroline said carefully.

" I know you want to talk about the other night but … Some other time, ok? This is a party …"

" I just wanted to ask how you've been."

" Great, perfect, never better." Caroline answered but her voice started to tremble.

"Come, let's get some fresh air, ok?" she took Caroline by the hand and escorted her to the balcony. Luckily nobody noticed they went out so they had a moment alone.

" Bonnie, can I ask you something? How did you know Jeremy was, well you know, it? How did you know he was the one you wanted to spend your life with? That he was someone worth fighting for?"

"Well … As you know we did have a bumpy start. First the whole Vicky thing … And then him forming his band in high school and starting to play across the US. I wasn't sure we'd make it. Until one night … My senior prom. We have been together for a while then, but he had a show, I don't know Detroit or wherever that night, so he couldn't come with me. And I thought I was ok with that but I was sad, I kept looking at our picture together and felt crappy as hell. So I decided to ditch prom and go home. But when I stepped outside, he was there. My Jeremy … I swear at first I thought I was hallucinating. So I asked him if it was really him. And you know what he said? He told me he missed his gig and came home to be my date, because he couldn't imagine being anywhere else in the world but by my side. And in that moment I knew. No matter where he went, and what he did, or what I did, we'd always find our way back to each other, because that is where we both wanted to be. If it is meant to be, it will happen, although … "Bonnie looked at Caroline knowingly …

" In some cases maybe you should push some things along? Can't relay only on faith, she's a busy girl. Sometimes … You have to take matters into your own hands …"

And it that moment, like it was faith, Klaus appeared at the balcony.

"Sorry to interrupt you girls, but we should cut the cake my bride. The guests are waiting for that magical moment …" he was being his sarcastic self.

Bonnie went inside, but although the cake was waiting Klaus and Caroline stayed on the balcony. Standing at the edge, facing the city lights, and not each other. So many things were unsaid, but they were more than obvious. And funny as it is they finally decided to address them at the same time.

" Caroline …" " Klaus …" they smiled at each other.

" You first …"

"No, go ahead. What did you want to say?" Caroline asked her husband while her heart was pounding inside her chest.

"I just wanted to comment on this night. I mean, it's so ridiculous, people actually believing in all of this, what suckers …"

Ok, this is not what Caroline wanted to hear …

"Why? Is believing in love such a ridiculous concept to you?

"Ok come on Care bear, I know you're a hopeless romantic but … Love? It's just an illusion, a thing we say to ourselves that we feel so we can sleep better at night. People our too damn selfish to really love. I know I am." he looked at her straight in the eyes this time trying to tell her something, trying to tell her loud and clear her emotions were, what exactly? Ridiculous?

So she just turned away from him, trying not to cry. She would never give him that satisfaction. She couldn't make him feel the same things as she did, he couldn't force him to love her, but for him to stand here and tell her what she should or shouldn't feel for him … Now that felt like a real slap in the face.

"Don't do that Caroline; don't act like I just killed your puppy. Don't get me wrong, I care about you, but your need to turn everything into love just so you can justify to yourself that you're having amazing sex with someone you don't love is silly. We have built a great relationship here; there is no need to spoil it."

"You know what Klaus? You are absolutely right. Thank you for finally curing me of my ridiculous obsession with love. Now, excuse me, I need to fix my make- up before we go out to play the happy couple again."

But Caroline didn't go to the bathroom to fix her make up. She went to the back entrance and then called a taxi from the back alley. She turned off her mobile phone and every other gadget she had on her. She instructed the driver of the taxi to wait for her while she went inside of Klaus's house to gather some of her things. Just the essentials, the rest would be sent for. She was just about to leave when she saw something glistening on her finger … Her ring …She took it off and wrote a note to Klaus, and left it on his bed …

Klaus got home just after midnight. The party kind of died down after the bride had vanished. He told everyone she wasn't feeling so good, and speculation of her pregnancy right away started, as it was custom in Hollywood. He kept on calling her, but she didn't answer … He assumed she was sulking somewhere, but she'd get over it. It was harsh, but she needed to hear what he had to say. It would save her eventually, even if she did despise him at the moment. He only did the right thing for her. Showed her how broken he was, and that she couldn't fix him, no one could. She'd come around … And they would stay friends, she'd find someone, fall in love, and be happy, and he … He'd be happy knowing he'd let her go. Yes, this all sounded good in his mind, but his heart … Why did it break then when he got home and found her note next to her wedding ring?

"Don't look for me. Leave me alone." was all that was written in Caroline's handwriting. He sat on the bed and took her ring into his hand and started playing with it. A single tear fell from his eyes onto the piece of paper carrying a very determined message. She was gone. He had pushed her away, just as he wanted. Just as he wanted … He was too of a stubborn man to admit that more than anything in the world he actually wanted her to STAY … But his heart did … But now it was too late … He had once more ruined the very thing he loved the most … She didn't stay … She was gone … He loved her … But it was too little … and too late …

Hey you guys, I'M BACK ;). Sorry you had to wait so long, some personal issues got in the way so I had no time to write but now ... How the hell am I supposed to thank you for your support ... OVER 500 REVIEWS ... Never dreamed that could actually be possible ... So thank you, for being so kind to comment, to share your thoughts with me ... You're amazing and the reason I'm still writing although I'm super busy with everything else ...

A few more chapters to go ... And I'm sorry, I'm a horrible person, I kept you waiting for so long and then I give you a sad chapter ... BUT IT HAD TO BE DONE ... Klaus needed this wake up call to see what he was losing ... Don't worry, nothing is over yet ... My stories always have a happy ending ... Still, I hope you find pieces of this chapter that you will like, like the sweet Klaus/ Rebekah or sweet Caroline her dad moment ... Or the Stay moment I so wished it would happen in the show ... And since it didn't I put it in my story ;). And I put a bit of Beremy in it, because that scene in the last episode when Bonnie was looking at that picture and Jeremy appeared (although I knew it wasn't really him) was the most touching moment for me, and I had to mention it here, in my own twist of course. So, since I haven't been writing and anxiously waiting for reviews for a long time, I hope you'll be generous as ever and give me your honest feedback on this one ;). LOVE YOU ALL, AND CAN'T WAIT TO READ YOUR COMMENTS :)))

P.S. The dress that Caroline is wearing in this chapter, I imagined it being the dress she wore at the prom, just so you know ;)