AN: Thanks for reading, no beta still. And here it is the end of our little story. Thanks for the reviews, the faves, the alerts, etc. Most of all thank you for your time. This chapter is a bit longer. get your popcorn.
Caroline walked back into the empty gallery. The pieces on the wall were different. She walked closer and saw they were brighter, and more colorful. She studied each one and realized they were all of her. She gasped and took a step back. He drew her, he painted her, he wrote an entire album for her. It was overwhelming. She looked around the gallery for him. Instead she found a man in a suit talking on his phone.
Elijah looked over at Caroline. He noticed the green cd case in her hands. Another fan he thought. He put his phone away.
"Klaus is not here. Please leave. This is a private gallery" Elijah said
Caroline could see he was saying something but didn't understand it. She started to sign with her hands and Elijah looked confused.
"He's not here, you have to leave" Elijah said
Caroline was frustrated that no one understood her. She signed again but Elijah didn't understand.
"I'm sorry miss, but I don't understand" Elijah said
Klaus walked out from his studio in the back, covered in paint and saw Caroline with Elijah. He walked over to her and touched her arm. She turned and smiled.
"You came back" Klaus said
"You know her?" Elijah asked
Caroline started to sign again, but Klaus brought his hands up.
"Slow down, wait" Klaus said
Klaus took his phone out and opened up an app that allowed him to type. He typed something into his phone and then handed the phone to her
I don't know how to sign and I don't know your name
Caroline quickly typed in a response and handed it back to him
Caroline. I read the lyrics to your new songs, they're beautiful
You inspired me. You left so quickly I wanted to talk to you
Then learn to sign
Klaus laughed. He quickly typed in his response. The girl had sass.
I'm having a concert tonight, please come
Caroline looked at him hesitantly. He took the phone back and added something else
Your friends can come, you can invite whoever. I just want to see you again
Caroline smiled and nodded. Stefan came into the gallery and was relieved when he saw Caroline. He rushed over to her and grabbed her shoulders.
"Caroline!" Stefan yelled
He started frantically signing to her. And she started signing back.
- Don't leave like that, I was worried - Stefan
- I'm not a kid! I'm ok -
- Why are you here? Who are these people? -
- He's a nice guy -
- There are no nice guys, we're going home, now -
- No! I don't want to, he invited me to a concert -
Stefan glared at Klaus.
"I don't know who you are, or what you're thinking, but she is not going anywhere with you" Stefan said
"We met months ago, at this gallery. My band is playing tonight, I invited her and her friends to come along if she wanted" Klaus said
"She can't hear the music! What would be the point of that?! What are you trying to do?"
"Nothing! I just want to get to know her"
"No one wants to get to know her. Guys who come around her only want one thing. And I'm not going to let you do that to her" Stefan yelled
Caroline grabbed Stefan's arm. She showed him the green cd case again. Stefan looked at it and realized it was Elena's.
- what are you doing with that? - Stefan signed
- look - Caroline signed
Caroline opened the cd and the booklet inside. She showed Stefan the picture of Klaus with the band.
"You're Klaus Mikaelson" Stefan said
"Yes, and my band is playing tonight. You're welcome to come with Caroline" Klaus said
Stefan looked over at Caroline.
- Elena will love you forever - Caroline
- Fine, we'll go, all of us, no sneaking off - Stefan
Klaus and Elijah looked at each other and then back at the Stefan and Caroline.
"We'll go, but I'm not letting her out of my sight" Stefan said
Caroline walked into the massive arena. Elena held onto her hand and smiled. Klaus had left her VIP tickets for her to watch the show in the balcony area. It was usually filled with press, record execs, radio personalities and friends of the band. Caroline felt overwhelmed, but Elena led her through the crowd of people. They showed their VIP passes and walked into the balcony. Caroline looked out at the sea of people in front of the stage. Stefan stood next to Caroline and smiled. He started to sign.
- Are you happy that we're here? - Stefan signed
- Yes, you never let me have any fun - Caroline signed
- I'm fun, besides I don't want you to get hurt -
- I won't. Go spend time with Elena -
- I'm here with you -
The lights went out and the crowd cheered in anticipation. Caroline could feel the energy in the air. She could feel the excitement. She looked over at Elena who started screaming. She felt the drum vibrations and looked at the stage. The lights went on, different colors, flashing, video playing in the background and there he was standing in the center. They started playing and she felt it. She saw the people starting to jump around and form a pit. She watched as Elena sang along and scream.
After the third song, Klaus started to talk to the audience. She couldn't tell what he was saying. And then on the video behind him she saw what he was saying.
To the blonde angel that inspired me. You have no idea what you've done for me. This song is for you
Caroline was surprised that he acknowledged her. She couldn't hear his music and this was one of the few times she wish she could hear. The bass player started to play, and the vibrations from his bass went through everything. Caroline felt it and she saw the music notes on the video. She realized he was trying to show her the song he had written. Elena sang along and noticed Caroline was crying.
"What's wrong?" Elena asked
- He wrote that for me - Caroline signed
Elena wasn't that good at signing but she understood it.
"Awe" Elena said as she put her arm around her
Stefan watched as Caroline swayed with Elena.
The lights went back on and the concert was over. Elena looked over at Caroline. She touched her arm and started to sign.
- Thank you for an amazing night Caroline - Elena
- your welcome - Caroline
Rebekah walked over to the two. She was dressed like a model off the runways.
"Is one of you Caroline?" Rebekah asked
Elena looked over at her.
"She's Caroline" Elena pointed
"Come with me" Rebekah said
"Wait, where are we going?" Elena asked
"Caroline's not going anywhere" Stefan said
"You all can come backstage if you want, Klaus wants to see you after the show" Rebekah said
"You work for Klaus?" Elena asked
"No, I'm his sister, come to fetch the deaf girl" Rebekah said
"Don't call her that" Stefan said
"Whatever, come along. Can't keep the king waiting" Rebekah hissed
Rebekah led them backstage, there was still energy left as everyone walked around. Groupies were walking around, the crew was taking things down. Klaus was dosing himself with a bottle of water. Playing for an hour and half was tiring. He wiped his face with a towel and went to get changed. The door to his dressing room opened and Rebekah walked in with Caroline and Elena, with Stefan behind him
"I brought the girl" Rebekah said bored
Klaus turned around and reached for his shirt. Elena's eyes were glued on his chest. Caroline pinched Elena's arm. Elena jumped a bit.
"I'll be at the hotel" Rebekah said as she left
Klaus pulled a shirt on. He saw Caroline and reached out to take her hands. Elena watched in disbelief.
"I'm glad you came" Klaus said
Elena couldn't believe that Klaus Mikaelson, a rock star was standing in front of her. Klaus reached out to brush some of Caroline's hair out of her face. He reached into his pocket and took out his phone. He started typing something and handed the phone to her.
Did you enjoy the show?
Yes, the lights, the video were amazing
I dedicated that song to you because you inspired it
you didn't have to, you're talented
I want to know more about you, your hopes and dreams
Elena watched as the two typed to each other on the phone. She thought it was cute how they were interacting. Stefan watched from a distance. She walked over to Stefan.
"What's wrong?" Elena asked
"I don't trust him"
"You don't trust any guy"
"Guys only want one thing from her"
"Stefan, that was a long time ago. She's better now. You can't keep protecting her from everything"
"I can, and will"
"She's not your responsibility"
"How can you say that?"
"I'm sorry"
Stefan walked over to Caroline and touched her shoulder.
- We should go - Stefan signed
- I don't want to go yet - Caroline signed
- This isn't a good idea -
- It's never a good idea! I want to stay! -
- Why so he can take advantage of you? He just wants to have sex with you -
- I already had sex with him -
"WHAT?!" Stefan yelled
Caroline stood in front of Klaus and kept signing.
- It happened months ago. He didn't hurt me. I wanted to. He didn't even know I was deaf, and he didn't care -
- we are leaving now -
- No -
- I'm not arguing with you anymore -
- then leave -
- i'm not leaving you here alone with him -
- why because we'll have sex? -
"Elena, keep Caroline company. I want to talk to Klaus" Stefan said
Elena walked over to Caroline and took her hand and led her away. Caroline looked back at Klaus. Elena knew Stefan's temper and wanted to diffuse the situation as fast as possible.
"I don't know what angle you're trying to pull here, but it's going to stop now" Stefan said
"No angle. I just want to know her better" Klaus said
"I know how well you know her. She told me she slept with you already"
"She did?"
"Yes. Stay away from her"
"Why? Are you her boyfriend?"
"No"
"Brother?"
"No, I'm her friend. And she doesn't deserve to played with. She's not a toy"
"No she's not. She's not made of glass either. Why don't you let her make her own choices?"
"Because the last time I did, she got hurt. Because of guys like you thinking you can get away with whatever they want cause she's the deaf girl"
"I don't know who you're talking about. But do not make assumptions about me"
"Find one of your groupies instead. Leave her alone" Stefan said
Stefan grabbed Caroline and dragged her away. She looked back at Klaus. Klaus wanted to go after her but Elena stopped him.
"Wait. Just let him cool off" Elena said
"Why?"
"Because if you ever want to be anywhere near Caroline again you will let him cool off" Elena said
"Who is he to her?"
"He's her friend, her best friend, since they were kids"
"Has she always been-"
"Yes, she was born that way. It took them a while to figure it out. Stefan only wants to protect her. She's been through a lot"
"Are you sure he's not her brother?"
"They're not related. Her mom works all the time, her dad's gone. Stefan is the only person that takes care of her"
"Where does that leave you?"
"In the middle. Stefan feels guilty for what happened. He's fiercely protective of her"
"What happened?"
"She didn't have a lot of friends because no one knew how to sign. She became a teenager and boys started to notice her. And she wanted to be noticed. And then one day, one of Stefan's friends wanted to take her to a dance. She was so excited and happy. She went. She didn't come back when she was suppose to, so we looked for her. The stupid guy took her out to the woods and tried to, he tried to, and she fought him, she hit him with a rock, scratched his face, kneed him in the groin, she got away and ended up walking home. Stefan blamed himself for it."
"And the guy who forced himself on her?"
"Stefan beat him so badly he had to go to the hospital. He thought he could take advantage of a deaf girl"
"I don't want to hurt Caroline. I just want to know her. She's my muse"
"And what are you going to do when she stops inspiring you?"
"She won't"
"She's not a toy, she's a person. She can't hear your music, and you find that a challenge don't you?"
"No, she doesn't know who I am, she doesn't have any prejudice against me. And she's the one who wanted to sleep with me"
"And you let her?"
"I didn't know who she was"
"So you go around sleeping with random girls you meet for the first time?"
"NO! She's special, she's different. She strong and beautiful and she doesn't care that I'm a rock star. She think's I'm a poor starving artist with an empty gallery. At least she used to think that"
Elena shoved the cd case at him. He looked at it.
"Sign it and I'll help you" Elena said
Caroline checked the mailbox as she walked back into the house. She took the stack of letters into the house and sat down at the table. She was tired. Her job at the library re-shelving books was boring but gave her time to read and kept her busy. She was surprised Stefan would let her out of the house. Elena managed to convince him that working at the library was a safe thing. Caroline looked through the mail and saw postcards from different cities. She turned to the back to see who they were from. She smiled. Each one was from Klaus. He sent her a postcard from every city he was in. He tell her how bad the food was, how crazy his band was, how annoying his sister was, and how much he missed her.
A week later a package arrived for her. It was a cell phone. Caroline never had one before, and she was amazed at how sleek it was. Klaus's number was already programmed into it. Normally she wouldn't have accepted such an expensive gift, but it allowed them to talk to each other. They were texting on and off. He would send her pictures of the museum or exhibit he was seeing. She was always on his mind. His tour took him across the states and then into Europe before heading over to South America and then Asia.
Caroline would continue to get the postcards and texts from him. And soon boxes would arrive. At first they were small, and then they got bigger and bigger. First it was macaroons from Paris. They were brightly colored and melted her taste buds. She loved them. Then came chocolates. Then Earl Grey tea in a purple tin and Paddington Bear. Wooden shoes arrived, as well as a giant beer stein. A cuckoo clock, squid ink pasta, a can of haggis. These things kept arriving daily. She was never far from his thoughts. Some items were expensive, and some were just silly. It's as if he was trying to show her the world while she was still home. She opened the latest box from him. Inside was a silk scarf, black with white polka dots on it. She smiled. He remembered she wore it the first time they met.
Stefan looked at the large box that the delivery man somehow got through the door. It was taller than he was. Caroline looked at it wondering what was inside.
- Are you going to open it? - Stefan signed
- with what? - Caroline signed
- he's never going to stop is he?-
- and I already slept with him, so he's not after that again -
- don't ever tell me that again -
Caroline started to open the box and gasped at what was inside. Stefan looked inside and wasn't sure if he was seeing things. He ripped the box open so they could take it out. Inside was a Carnivale costume from Rio. It had bright blue and purple feathers in the back like a peacock, and the bikini bottom and bra top was encrusted with blue crystals. The mannequin wearing it had no head. The head was on the floor wearing a huge headdress with feathers, crystals and pearls. Caroline picked up the headdress and touched the feathers. She saw the small card under the headdress.
It was beautiful in Rio. You would have liked it here. I hope one day you'll let me show you - Klaus
Caroline held the card close to her heart and smiled.
"You know you can't deny it" Elena said
"What?" Stefan asked
"That he's never going to stop. He's never going to give up on her" Elena said
"Are you encouraging this?"
"Look, he's on tour, and he sends her postcards, gifts, texts her every day, that's not someone who just wants one thing"
"So he's a stalker"
"No, he really wants to know her better. He really likes her. Why is that so hard to believe?"
"Because it's her. No one likes her, they just want to hurt her"
"Not everyone is like Tyler. You can't blame yourself for it. She doesn't"
"He was my friend. I should have known better"
"You were 15, she doesn't blame you. So don't blame yourself"
"Klaus going to come for her isn't he?"
"He won't give up. I think he's falling in love with her. He sent her a giant Hello Kitty from Japan that lights up when you hug it"
"That thing is so disturbing"
Caroline walked back home from the library. She felt her phone vibrating inside her pocket. She took it out and it was Klaus. He sent her another picture and he was on the plane this time. He was making funny faces at her and then told her he was heading back to the states. She rushed into her room to continue their conversation.
She told him she was from a small town named Mystic Falls in Virginia. He asked her why she moved. She moved because there was a high school for blind, deaf, and mute kids in the current city she was in. She made friends and flourished there. She was happy. She graduated and then wanted to go to college but she couldn't afford it. And so she worked at the library trying to read as much as she could. She told him that there was a college for her, but apparently her mother made too much and they couldn't offer her a scholarship.
Klaus asked her about Stefan. She teased Klaus, asking if he was jealous. She told him Stefan and him were best friends since they were kids. He learned to sign, so he could talk to her. He went to college while she managed to take one or two classes as that's all she could afford, while working at the library. He asked about her hopes and dreams, what she wanted out of life. She gave him so many answers, but it all came down to one thing. She wanted to be happy. He asked why she always wore dresses. She always wore floral dresses, much like the first time he saw her. She told him, growing up she never felt beautiful and when she wears a dress she feels beautiful, even if she's not. Klaus doesn't believe that she doesn't think she's beautiful. In his eyes she is perfect in every way, because his music doesn't impress her.
The doorbell went off, and Caroline saw the light flashing indicating someone was at the door. She got up to answer it only to find Stefan was already at the door with it open. She saw Klaus standing there.
"No, you can't take her out" Stefan said
"Why not?" Klaus asked
"Because you can't"
"Why don't you ask her then?" Klaus asked
"You think you can just come in with all your presents and gifts and try to take her for the night?" Stefan asked
"It's rude to talk about her when she's here" Klaus said
"Don't. She doesn't want to see you"
Caroline didn't understand what was happening. She started to sign.
- What's going on? - Caroline signed
- Nothing - Stefan signed
- Do you want to come out with me tonight? - Klaus signed
Caroline was shocked to see that he was signing.
"When did you learn that?" Stefan asked
"I had a lot of time on tour" Klaus said
- Come out with me tonight, please" - Klaus signed
- Yes- Caroline signed
- NO! - Stefan signed
- you can't keep me in here forever! I want to go with him - Caroline
"I won't hurt her, if anything she'll hurt me" Klaus said
"Stefan, let her go" Elena said
"Fine, whatever. I'm not here!" Stefan said
Caroline slipped her hand into Klaus's as they walked towards his car. He saw she wearing another floral dress that stopped above her knees. He drove her to his new brownstone in the city. She looked up at the lights in amazement. He led her up the stairs to his house.
- I want to show you something - Klaus signed
Caroline followed him into his music room. There were instruments of every kind there. A large piano, drums, guitars, electric and acoustic. Basses, a xylophone, and some things she wasn't sure what it was. He took her hand and led her to the grand piano. He placed her hands on the piano. She looked up at him curiously.
- This is your song - Klaus signed
Klaus started to play a few keys of the song he wrote for her. She felt the vibration of the notes. She looked inside and saw the strings from the piano vibrating. She reached in and touched it and felt it. Klaus kept playing, and Caroline could feel the difference between each note. She finally understood what her song felt like.
You in the sea, on a decline, breaking the waves...watching the lights go down, letting the cables sleep. Whatever you say it's alright, whatever you do it's all good. Whatever you say it's alright.
Klaus's fingers glided along the keys and Caroline placed her fingers on top of his. She wanted to feel what it was like to play. And Klaus kept playing for her. She smiled and leaned in to kiss him. He had missed this. He missed how she felt, how she tasted. He missed her. He could feel her hands tugging at his shirt. He pulled away from her.
- we should stop - Klaus signed
Caroline grabbed his face and kissed him. She had no intention of stopping. He lifted her up onto the piano. She pulled his shirt up and off him. His hand slid up her thigh, under her dress. Caroline's feet stepped on the keys of the piano. She pushed against the lid of the piano and it slammed itself shut. Klaus was startled at the loud sound. Caroline looked up at him confused. Klaus began kissing her neck again. Her hands reached into his hair. Her breathing hitched and she let out a small moan. Klaus lifted his head and looked at her. This was the first time he had heard her voice. Whatever he was doing she liked it if she responded like that. He leaned down to kiss her. He would explore her body to find out exactly what she liked. He started to notice there was a certain spot on her neck that would cause her to whimper more and a spot on her thigh that if he touched she would grab onto him harder. All these little things he'd learned from her without having to say a word.
Caroline awoke in a bed that wasn't hers. His scent lingered on the sheets which she happily pulled closer. She lifted her head up and looked around. She saw Klaus in the corner sitting on a chair with his acoustic guitar and papers surrounding him. She watched him as he played and started writing things down. She sat up, resting her head on her knees. She knew he was writing another song. He looked up and saw her and smiled.
- good morning - klaus signed
- morning, what are you doing? -
- writing another song for you -
- another one?-
Caroline got off the bed and wrapped the sheet around herself. She walked over to him and stood in front of him.
- play for me? - Caroline signed
Klaus started to play on the guitar. She reached out and touched the body of the guitar feeling the vibrations from the chords.
- sing for me - Caroline signed
Klaus continued to play and started to sing. Her hand reached out and touched his throat. She felt it as he sang. She could tell he was singing.
- It's beautiful - Caroline signed
- You are beautiful. You inspire me -
Caroline took the guitar out of his hands and placed it on the floor. She straddled him in the chair and leaned down to kiss him. Her fingers glided along his jaw feeling his stubble. Klaus's hands began pulling the sheet off her body.
"I don't like this" Stefan said
"You worry too much. She's not 15. She's a grown ass woman who works at the library" Elena said
"Still-"
"She wants to be happy. Just let her be happy"
"But if he hurts her-"
"Then he hurts her and we'll both kick his ass. But she wants this. So let her have it"
"But"
"He really cares about her. He's paying for her to go to college, college that she couldn't afford. This isn't some fling or challenge for him. This is something she really wants. You know she wants this"
"Fine"
Stefan carried the box into Klaus's brownstone. Caroline was looking at the boxes in the living room. Caroline saw Stefan through the reflection of the mirror in the living room. She turned around. Stefan put the box with the other boxes
- If you ever want to come home you can - Stefan signed
- I am home - Caroline signed
- you don't have to do this, you don't have to move out -
- i want to, i can't live with you forever. you and elena should be living together -
- you're always welcome to stay -
- I'm happy here, I'm happy with him -
- Are you sure? -
- I love him -
- You're not little Caroline anymore -
- No I'm not. I'm not that scared girl you found walking along the road with no shoes. I'm going to be ok. Don't worry -
- If he ever hurts you, I will hurt him. Elena too -
- I know, but he won't -
"Talking about me?" Klaus asked
Stefan turned and saw Klaus holding a box of take out.
"Anyone want Indian?" Klaus asked
Caroline clapped her hands and smiled. She already knew what it was by the aroma of it. Klaus introduced her to Indian food recently and she really liked it. Klaus went to the kitchen to set the food down. Caroline followed him in. Stefan watched as the two of them took the food out. Caroline looked happy. She was happy with Klaus. She couldn't hear a note of his music or his voice. But she loved him. And that was enough for Stefan to finally let her go.
- I love Indian food - Caroline signed
- I know you do - Klaus signed
- Do they have the mango drink? -
- Yes I got you two -
- Thank you-
"I love you Caroline" Klaus said
Caroline was looking for the straw to her drink and didn't hear him. His hand reached hers and she stopped what she was doing.
"I love you" Klaus said
He took her hand and placed it over his heart.
"I love you" Klaus said again
- I love you too- Caroline signed
And there you have it. No epic grand wedding or anything, but they're together and that's all that matters. Check out the song by Bush - Letting the Cables Sleep. I really like it. I don't know that much about sign language so don't kill me here. Leave me one last review. Thanks.