Author's Note: Klanna and Marlie it is! Thank you guys! I love it!

Chapter Thirty Nine: Too Much

"I admit, I made a few mistakes babe,

We were so caught up in love

We didn't have a chance to come up for air…

Where does the time go?

Where did our minds go?

We had too much time, too much us

So we fought like tomorrow was promised

Too much, too much, too much…"

Ooo0ooO

(Charlie's POV)

My sister was withering away before my eyes, like a sad rose. She had no life, no sparkle in her eyes. She didn't eat, she didn't sleep. When she did, she would have nightmares until I woke her up.

She spent the past few days lying on the hotel couch, staring blankly at the wall. The only words I could get out of her were "yes" and "no"…but even then that was in a quiet, broken whisper.

I frowned at her prone figure. She seemed like a hollowed shell of her former self, the girl who was happy and glowing just days ago.

What the hell did the bastard do to her this time? I thought darkly.

"Anna?" No response. Her gray eyes stayed focused on the ceiling.

"Annabelle," I said with more force. Finally, her head lolled in my direction. She blinked, as if realizing I was just there.

"Charlie?" she whispered.

Thank God.

"Do you want something to eat?" I asked, worried. I could tell she had already lost weight. She shook her head, looking away. She turned slowly on her side so her back was to me.

"I just want to sleep," she murmured softly. I ran a hand through my hair. I never felt so helpless then I was at this moment.

Standing, I grabbed a jacket. I walked over to Anna and ran a gentle hand down her hair. She stiffened and I stopped, frowning.

"Don't," she breathed. "Don't touch me." I felt another surge of anger, which I suppressed for my sister's sake.

"I'm going to get something to eat. I'll bring you something," I said in a strained voice. Anna didn't acknowledge that she heard me.

When I returned, I opened the door to see Annabelle thrashing around on the couch. Her eyes were screwed shut in a pained expression as she screamed out.

"No!" she shrieked. "Klaus!" I dropped the food to rush over to my sister. I grabbed her shoulders and shook her.

"Anna, Anna!" I cried. Her eyes snapped open, rolling around, a wild blur of gray and gold.

"Klaus!" she exclaimed. I tightened my grip on her.

"Anna!" I said sharply. She blinked rapidly then her gaze focused on me, realization shadowing her face.

"I was…" she trailed off, her face ashen. I stared at her and she lowered her eyes, biting her lip.

"Bad?" I asked softly. She flinched at the word. I reached over to rest a hand on her shoulder. Anna glanced up at me through her lashes, her expression torn.

"You need to talk about it some time, you know," I told her. Anna sat up and pushed a hand through her hair.

"Can I shower and eat first?" she asked timidly. I blinked then smiled.

"Of course."

Ooo0ooO

(Annabelle's POV)

I knew Charlie was worried about me. His anxiety had permeated the air over the past few days. I felt his stares, I sensed his hesitations.

Sighing, I stuck my head under the hot water. Tilting my head back, I washed my hair slowly. I thought about the nightmares I had been having. They were all the same, set on repeat in my head.

I was standing by the river alone. The wind was cold, so cold. The sky was a dull gray and the sun was nowhere to be seen.

I felt a shiver trail down my spine as I looked around. Something was wrong. This wasn't right.

"Finn?" I called out. My voice echoed.

"Kol?" Echoes answered me.

"Klaus?" I tried.

Then there was a loud, deep, utterly painful howl that erupted from the trees, making me jump. Everything inside me snarled in fear and shock. The howling continued, making tremors rack my body.

I started running in the direction of the howls without a second thought.

When I burst into a clearing, I saw Klaus- in his wolf form- howling up at the bleak sky. It was tragically beautiful, a lone gray wolf amongst the broken black trees, a shadow within shadows.

"Klaus?" I stepped forward slowly, feeling uncertain.

The howls broke off to deep whimpers. The wolf's body shook with the cries and I noticed how thin he was- every bone was obvious beneath his fur.

"Klaus?" I asked again, stepping in front of him.

Finally, his gold eyes looked up into mine. I gasped. They were flat, dull, with no sparkle of life inside them. They stared into mine and I swore I saw the emptiness inside his very soul.

Then slowly, oh so slowly, his lips curled back to reveal the double set of fangs. They dripped with saliva as his mouth opened to release a chilling snarl.

My eyes widened as I stepped away from the wolf. It mimicked my movement, stalking forward slowly.

Its eyes- being lifeless only moments before- now blazed evilly. I watched in horror as they melted from gold into black. I flinched when I recognized that look on his face.

The last time he had that look on his face, he had killed twelve Hybrids without a second thought. He had given into the darkness he truly believed owned him. But now… I didn't think anything could bring him back.

"Klaus," I pleaded, fear blooming in my chest.

The wolf ignored my urgent whisper and only growled again, moving closer. Its ears went back to lie against his skull as its face bunched in a horrible, terrifying snarl.

"No, no, no," I chanted, backing away faster. "Please, Klaus, it's me. It's me!"

My screams were drowned out by one last snarl as the wolf lunged for my throat.

I shivered, realizing the water had gotten cold. A knock sounded from the door.

"Anna? You okay in there?" Charlie asked, his voice slightly muffled. I sighed.

"Yes," I responded. "Be out in a minute."

When I left the bathroom, Charlie was sitting on the bed with his back against the headboard. I nearly laughed when I saw the impromptu picnic he had set up over the comforter. The smell of burgers and fries made my stomach growl.

I climbed into the bed, tying my wet hair back before picking up a few fries to munch on.

"So," Charlie began, giving me a pointed look. I rolled my eyes at a weak attempt to seem better than I was. I picked up the greasy burger and bit in.

"So," I continued. "My dreams."

Ooo0ooO

(Charlie's POV)

I listened to Anna tell me everything with a mixture of horror, anger and concern. She ate her food slowly, which brought me some relief.

When she was done talking, she focused her worried gray gaze on me. I released a long breath and crumpled up my wrapper. I ran a hand through my hair.

"Wow," I said, shaking my head. Then I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" I demanded. Anna's eyes went sad.

"We didn't even think about it," she murmured, looking away.

"Not once?" I asked gently. She shook her head slowly.

"We were too wrapped up in our own world to look at the smaller, more important details. I just…" Anna looked back at me. "I just want someone to tell me it will be okay, even though I know it's a lie."

"You know I won't tell you that, right?" I asked, arching a brow. "Life sucks, Anna, but you can't run away from this." Her eyes hardened.

"He ran away," she growled. She stood and began to pace.

"Whenever it gets tough, he runs. I know, I know, I ran once so I'm hardly one to talk. But doesn't he see how much I need him? I need him to stand by my side and face this shitty ass life and this shitty ass problem instead of tucking out tails between our legs and running away." I failed at smothering a grin.

"No pun intended?" I quipped. Anna stopped and stared at me before scoffing, which turned to laughter.

"Shut up, Charles, this is serious," she scolded once she stopped giggling. I rolled my eyes.

"Find the jerk, kick his ass a little then talk about it," I said simply. Anna flashed me a crooked smile.

"I will," she stated firmly before sitting back on the bed. "After you tell me what happened to you and Meredith."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I muttered, looking away. I felt Anna's burning glare and winced.

"I fucked up, okay? I said some things I wish I could take back but now I'm pretty sure she never wants to see me again." Anna sighed and tsked.

"Charlie, you really need to control your temper," she said. I scoffed.

"Says you!" I exclaimed, flicking her forehead. Anna crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out.

"Okay, let's make a deal," Anna said. "I'll go find Klaus and talk to him, if you go find Meredith and talk to her."

"Deal," I said. Anna grinned and we shook hands.

Ooo0ooO

(Klaus's POV)

I spent a few days alone, wandering through the woods. After I had found myself miles away from home, I couldn't find the courage to return. I knew I would have to eventually but for now, I lost myself in the dense West Virginia forest.

Every night away from Annabelle was pure torture. The nightmares were worsening and becoming more frequent, so I stopped sleeping. I felt like I was on edge, a rubber band right before it snapped.

My arm was aching, burning from the marks of the soul bond. I knew it was because I was so far away from Annabelle. The pain echoed throughout my body. I felt my soul crying out for her touch to reassure its restlessness.

"Bloody hell," I muttered, rubbing my fingers over my eyes.

Finally, I gave in and returned home. The journey took me an entire day travelling as a wolf. I didn't bother with flashing, since I didn't want to draw attention to myself.

When I reached the familiar woods surrounding Mystic Falls, I felt the burning intensify, causing my arm to glow a little. I ignored it- tried to ignore it- as I made my way through the darkening trees towards my home.

I entered the mansion and the silence was nearly unbearable. I didn't bother with any lights until I went upstairs to shower and change.

When I stepped out of my bathroom, I cocked my head to the side. The quiet strands of music flowed through the air, calling to me.

Flashing downstairs, I froze.

Under the pale moonlight, Annabelle sat at my piano and played a weepy tune. The melody rose and fell like hope and tears, filling the room with its sadness. She continued playing without acknowledging my presence, her eyes lowered and shadowed. All I could see from the shadows was the curve of her lips, touched with melancholy. Then she began singing.

"I admit I'm still watching the days go by,

And sleeping alone is starting to break me down

It's cold and I should have known…"

Her voice rose with passion as her pale fingers spilled over the ebony and ivory keys.

"I need a reason to feel

Like everything was meant to be let go

Take it slow

'Cause I can't be on my own…"

Then finally, her gray eyes looked over at me, soft and cloudy.

"So we fought like tomorrow was promised…"

When the music faded away, Anna folded her hands on her lap, her eyes patiently gazing at me.

"This seems familiar," I finally murmured. Anna smiled but it was still sad. I felt a strong urge to snatch her into my arms and never let her go.

"It always ends up like this," she agreed softly. To my surprise, she rose and walked over to me. She wrapped her arms around me and rested her cheek against my chest. I placed my arms around her gently at first, then more strongly, burying my face into her hair.

"I missed you," she whispered. I felt my shoulders slump at her quiet words.

"And I you," I replied. Annabelle pulled away to look up at me. I brushed a stray curl off of her soft cheek.

"I knew you were back," she admitted, looking up at me through her lashes. "I sensed it." I smiled.

"So you decided to break in and play my piano?" I teased. Anna just smiled.

"I feel like it's our piano now," she stated. I chuckled and out my arms around her waist, resting my chin on top of her head.

"Where were you?" Anna asked after a few minutes of quiet.

"A couple hundred miles away," I answered. She pulled away again to look at me with surprise.

"Why so far?" I sighed and pulled her hand so she would follow me to the other room. I left her in front of the couch while I started a fire in the fireplace.

Anna sat on the couch and pulled her feet up against her, watching me patiently. I moved to sit beside her and pulled her legs over my lap, encouraging her to move closer. I put my arm around her shoulder and she leaned her head against the curve of my neck.

"It was a mistake," I sighed.

"What?"

"Running away."

Anna was quiet for a moment. She traced the mark on my arm with her nails.

"Yes," she said finally. "But I've run away too." I pressed my lips to her hair.

"We really need to stop," I stated. I felt Anna's slight nod. I took a deep breath before I continued talking.

"I went far away so I wouldn't run into any distractions. I wanted to clear my head and think clearly- but in the end, it was perfectly horrid. Being so far away from you…was not as simple as I thought it'd be. I felt like I was torn in two and my other half was longing for you." I paused to trace the length of her legs with my hand.

"When I first realized we would not have our forever, I panicked. I imagined you growing old then dying and that thought tore me apart completely. I meant it when I said I cannot live without you. But I will never age and you will… and I cannot bring myself to even think of…" I closed my eyes.

"Forever," Anna said simply. "Or for all time." I felt her shift and I opened my eyes. She stared at me with silver-gray eyes.

"I choose this," she continued. She rested a hand over my heart. "I choose us. From the moment I saw you in my dreams, from the moment I fell in love with you, I knew there was no else I wanted to spend my forever with. No matter what life throws at us, no matter what obstacles we might face, I will stay with you." Anna cupped my face.

"I'm not asking you to do anything right now. I'm just asking you to promise me that when the time comes, you'll be the one to turn me."

"Turn you?" I asked with trepidation. Anna's eye softened.

"I'm already a werewolf," she whispered. "You can change me into a Hybrid." I stared at her with wide eyes. She stroked my cheeks soothingly.

"There's no other way and I will not live without you," she said- finishing with a low growl.

"But I'd have to kill you," I mouthed. Anna's gaze with unfathomable.

"I'd take a couple hours of death if that means being with you forever," she murmured. I rested my forehead against hers.

"It's going to be hard," she said softly. "And we don't have to change anything now. I just want you to promise me this one thing." I opened my eyes to look into hers.

"I promise."

Ooo0ooO

(Annabelle's POV)

I sighed quietly with relief. Klaus's eyes blazed into mine fiercely.

"I promise," he repeated in a quieter tone.

"I trust you," I said, taking his hand to lay it against my cheek. I kissed his palm.

Later, we laid in bed together. I was in one of his shirts with my head on his shoulder. His fingers absently played with my hair, twirling the curls around and around.

Music was on in the background from the small stereo I had set up on the dresser. The song was quiet and beautiful and I wondered what it was called.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Klaus asked quietly. I smiled and looked up at him. His eyes are dark, like the ocean at midnight.

"I was just thinking about how pretty this song is," I admitted, smiling shyly. Klaus smiled in return.

"It's one of mine," he said. I gaped at him and he chuckled.

"I'm not famous, sweetheart; I tend to keep my hidden talents well, hidden."

"But it's so beautiful," I said softly. He smirked slightly.

"What, someone dark as me can't compose beautiful music?" I rolled my eyes at him.

"That's not what I meant and you know it." Klaus chuckled against and kissed my forehead.

"Go to sleep, little wolf," he commanded gently. I leaned up and pressed my lips firmly to his.

"I love you," I whispered. Klaus traced my cheek with his knuckles.

"I love you too."

Ooo0ooO

(Klaus's POV)

In the middle of the night, I woke up. I blinked, realizing I had actually been sleeping and not suffering through another nightmare. Annabelle slept quietly by my side, her hand curled besides her as she rested on her back. Her face was turned towards me, as if she had been watching me, with her lips parted slightly. Her long lashes brushed her cheeks and her chest rose and fell with every breath evenly.

I loved watching her sleep, even before I knew her. She looked so peaceful, so much so that you yourself felt at peace lying beside her.

I knew the inevitable was ahead of us. I ignored my urge to cringe at the thought of turning Annabelle into a Hybrid…but somewhere in my heart, I knew I wouldn't be able to watch her age and die. If I let that happen, it would be a suicide sentence for myself.

I wondered if I should ask Elijah his opinion on this. When I was younger, I often sought advice from my older brother. He was always logical, practical and cool headed, unlike myself and Kol.

I looked down at Annabelle. I wondered what Elijah would think of her. I knew by our shared dreams that my other brother would have approved of her greatly, if they were still alive. I frowned a little at the sharp pain in my chest from that thought.

I guess I would have to wait and see what would unfold when Elijah returned to Mystic Falls.

Ooo0ooO

(Charlie's POV)

When Anna left the hotel room, I set out to find Meredith. I checked her apartment and the Grill and she wasn't at either place. So I headed over to the hospital.

I found her in the middle of her shift, working busily. Her hair was tied back and she wore no makeup. Her face looked tired and drawn, her eyes shadowed. I felt an ache in my heart.

When she spotted me, she froze, holding a clipboard. Her eyes darkened.

"What are you doing here, Charlie?" she asked tiredly.

"I want to apologize," I began but she swiftly interrupted me.

"Look, I appreciate that you came here to say sorry, but I've got patients to attend to." I stepped forward, determined.

"I was an asshole," I stated, ignoring the heads turning at my loud voice and word choice.

"I said things I didn't mean and you have every right to want to kick my ass. If I was more of a punk ass bitch, I'd probably let you. But I'm not. I'm here to say I'm sorry, I really am and I need you, Meredith." She stared at me.

"I need you," I said in a softer tone. "Because in the short time I've known you, I have fallen in love with you. I love your determination, your strength, you intelligence, your wit. I love sleeping by your side and waking up with you in the morning. I love your laugh and the way your eyes sparkle, I love how your smile can light up the world in ways the sun never could. I love everything about you. Please forgive me."

Everyone was now staring. Nurses sat frozen at their desks, patients walking or wheeling by gawked openly at both of us. But my eyes were only on Meredith, who was staring at me like I had grown two heads.

"Charlie," she whispered.

Suddenly, she was in my arms, pressing her lips to mine as her arms wrapped around my neck. I smiled against her lips and wrapped my arms around her waist to pick her up.

The hospital exploded with cheers and applause. When Meredith pulled away, she was blushing and smiling shyly. When she heard and saw the commotion, she blushed more. I kissed her again and shot a triumphant grin to the crowd.

"Now that's how to win a lady!" an old man shouted. I laughed as Meredith pressed her face inot my neck.

"I love you too," she said finally. I held her close, breathing her in as I smiled like an idiot.

Ooo0ooO

Author's Note: I know this chapter is shorter than the others have been but it's mainly to set up for the next one—Elijah's return! Are you ready?!

Let me know what you thought of this chapter!