AN: I know, I ended it last chapt, but felt inspired by something so I decided to add to it. Yes this chapt is longer, but whatever. I hope you're amused, I hope you like it. No beta. See you at the bottom.
2 years later
There are days where Klaus watches Caroline read near the window, where he can't believe that she's real, that she loves him. She actually loves him, not the rockstar, not the celebrity, not the tortured musician who couldn't write an album for 3 years. She loves him, all his flaws, his temper and his messy habits. He wonders how he was so lucky to even find her.
Then there are days where Caroline watches him. She watches him sit by the piano playing keys she can't hear, writing down music she can't listen to. She watches him play the same keys over and over again, and wonders what they sound like. It isn't until a few days later that Klaus has gone out to the gallery that Caroline is alone. She walks over to the piano and plays a single key. She can't hear anything but she can feel it. And so she remembers the sequence that Klaus was playing in. She repeats it on the keys not sure if it's right. But she feels it, she feels the vibrations in the piano. And she wonders what goes through Klaus's head when he writes music. She repeats the sequence over and over again, wondering if it ever changes, if the vibrations ever change.
Klaus returns home, but hears someone playing the piano. He wonders who it could be. He enters the house and sees Caroline sitting at the piano, playing the same keys over and over again. He's surprised. He flicks the lights on and off, signaling to her that he's returned. She looks up, flustered and embarrassed.
-I didn't know you were back so early - Caroline signed
-No, don't stop - Klaus signed
- It's stupid, I have to get to class -
- No, I didn't know you wanted to play -
- I don't, I just watch you do it all the time, I was just curious that's all-
- You learned how to do this by watching me?-
- yes-
- I can teach you if you want -
- No it's fine, I should go -
- you don't have feel embarrassed -
- I'm late for class -
Caroline left the room quickly and grabbed her bag. She had been going to college for the past 2 years and loved it. Stefan and Elena would visit every so often. She went to class and came back to find Klaus sitting at the piano.
-Come here- Klaus signed
Caroline dropped her bag off and walked over to him. He moved over for her to sit on the bench.
-I'm going to teach you how to play- Klaus signed
-No, you don't have to-
-You don't want to learn? Am I that bad of a teacher?-
-No it's just that I wanted to know what it felt like to play. What it feels like to create something-
Klaus took her hand and placed them on the keys. His hand was on top of hers. He pressed his fingers down on hers, and they began to play the song he was working on. Klaus watched her excitement as she played. He leaned into her neck and kissed it. She pulled away.
-stop distracting me- Caroline signed
-I can't help it.
Klaus's arm pulled her closer and lifted her up onto the piano. This piano had seen many things from them, and was still sturdy and standing.
Caroline awoke in her bed, surrounded by a warm blanket. She looked around and saw that Klaus wasn't there. She saw the bathroom door open and Klaus was coming out from the shower. She saw his lips moving as if he were talking.
"No Elijah, I bloody hell refuse to go to those things. They're a complete waste of time. Why would I want to go there in the first place?" Klaus said
"It's not just any award show. You must attend" Elijah responded through the speakerphone
"I released an album, went on a world tour, made everyone at the record company happy, what else do they want from me?"
"Just go to the award show, you haven't made an appearance in quite some time"
"I'm happy living my life"
"Yes, your gallery. Look just go to this event and I won't bother you for the rest of the year"
"Until you want me to release another album"
"About that-"
"Gotta run" Klaus hung upon him and walked over to Caroline
Caroline smiled at Klaus who stood in front of her in nothing but a towel. She reached forward and pulled the towel and threw it to the floor. Klaus smirked and jumped into the bed with her and grabbed her. Caroline giggled and Klaus kissed her.
Elena and Caroline walked into the dress shop. Caroline was excited to buy a new dress to go to an awards show. Elena was excited that Caroline got to go to an awards show that she would watch on tv. They went through the racks and tried on several dresses before settling on one.
-Klaus won't know what hit him- Elena signed
Caroline just smiled as she turned around to look at herself in the dress. She never would have bought anything like this before, but she decided that she would dress up more for Klaus.
Klaus had gotten dressed in a suit and fidgeted with his tie. He looked over and saw Caroline zipping herself into the dress. His jaw dropped when he saw how tight it was. It was a grey blue bandage dress with black accents and they were accenting her breasts. Caroline adjusted the dress and looked at herself in the mirror. She could saw Klaus staring at her so she turned around.
-You're not leaving dressed like that- Klaus signed
-Why not?-
-because I'll have to fight every man that stares at you, and we'll never make it to the awards show-
Caroline laughed and walked over to him. She fixed his tie and gave him a quick kiss on the lips
-I wore this for you-
-then you can take it off for me right now-
-Klaus!-
-You're tempting me with that dress. It will be so hard to get through this awards show with you in that dress-
-Good thing you're a big boy then-
There was loud yelling and clamoring, then blinding flashes as Klaus and Caroline walked out of their car. Klaus led her down the red carpet and the photographers swarmed around taking his pictures. They wondered who the blonde next to him was. They were yelling and screaming for him to look at them, but Klaus merely held Caroline close to him as they made their way down. Several reporters tried to get his attention, but he ignored them. Caroline had never been on the red carpet and was excited to be there. She could feel the energy in the air. She held onto Klaus's arm as they walked towards the door.
They made it to their seats and the show began. The host was talking and Caroline didn't know what was going on.
-He's just talking nonsense, you're not missing out on anything, trust me. I wish I couldn't hear him right now- Klaus signed
Caroline leaned closer to him and put her head on his shoulder.
There were performances, lights, and lasers and dancers and Caroline watched happily. She couldn't hear anything but tried to understand what was happening. She then realized the camera was on Klaus who was looking somewhat annoyed. She leaned towards him wondering what was happening. She saw people were applauding and Klaus was getting up. She didn't understand why. People were trying to shake his hands and he turned back to her. He pulled her closer and kissed her, leaving her breathless. She stood there a second and watched him walk up to the stage. She sat down when she realized everyone else did. Klaus took the award in his hands and walked up to the microphone.
"Thank you for this award" Klaus said
He looked out at the sea of people who were all quietly listening to him. His eyes fell on Caroline who sat there wondering why he was up on stage. He handed the award back to the girl who was presenting.
"Hold this for a bit love" Klaus said
He turned back to the crowd and looked at Caroline, his Caroline.
-Thank you for this award. I don't know why you've given it to me but thank you. My last album took a few years mostly because I was lacking inspiration. I found it one day in a blonde girl who wasn't impressed by who I was. All those love songs I've written they were because of you Caroline. Every day I fall in love with you more if that were possible. I'll keep making music if you keep loving me - Klaus said as he signed
Everyone looked over to Caroline. She wiped away the few stray tears that escaped her eyes.
-I love you - Caroline signed
Klaus smiled as he was being ushered off the stage. He was moved backstage where the press was. He was bombarded with questions, most which he didn't want to answer
"Who is that girl? Is she really your inspiration?"
"Are you two married? Living together? What's her name?"
"When is your next album coming out?
"Since when did you learn how to sign?"
Klaus ignored most of the questions and heard the last one.
"I learned to sign when I met her. It wasn't terribly hard, but you had to be dedicated. It is like learning another language except it's with your hands" Klaus answered
"Do you have a thing for blondes?"
"She looks a lot like your ex girlfriend"
"Will that duet you and your ex did ever be released?"
"Next question" Klaus said
"Is she the reason why you haven't released another album?"
"Will you take her on tour with you?"
"Will you ever go on tour with your ex?"
"I'm done here" Klaus said
He took his award with him and walked off. He returned to his seat and Caroline kissed him on his cheek.
-You didn't tell me you were going to win- Caroline signed
-I didn't know I was going to-
-You didn't tell me why we were here-
-It's boring anyways-
-Congratulations on winning-
-I don't need an award to tell me how wonderful my music is. I have you-
The next day Klaus ignored the calls and texts from Elijah and went out with Caroline instead. They went out to a local cafe and sat outside, drinking tea and hot chocolate. Klaus took out a small electronic keyboard and set it in front of Caroline.
-you can practice here- Klaus said
-but people will hear-
-I'll just set the volume low. Besides you can practice and I can people watch-
Caroline smiled and started to play the same keys she had remembered Klaus playing on the piano.
-there is a pace or rhythm to it. Here like this -
Klaus began tapping on the table much like a metronome. Caroline realized what he was trying to tell her and began to play the same keys again but this time in sync with his drumming on the table.
-very good love-
Two girls saw Klaus sitting at the cafe and approached him. They were his fans and asked for a picture which he obliged. The two girls looked at Caroline strangely. They were sizing her up.
"They say she's deaf" the first girl said
"Then why is he with her? It's not like she can appreciate the music" the other girl said
"It's not like she can hear us anyway. She looked so trashy last night"
"I know right"
"She can't hear you, but I can! Now leave before I regret ever speaking to you!" Klaus yelled
The two girls hurried off. Klaus looked back at Caroline who drank her hot chocolate wondering why Klaus was getting so worked up.
Elena rang the doorbell to the house. The lights flashed and Caroline went to answer it. She saw Elena and Stefan standing there. She smiled and welcomed them in. Stefan hugged her and looked for Klaus.
"I don't bloody care what they say. They're vultures and gossip worse than old ladies! I don't want to do any interviews and I will not force her to either!" Klaus yelled into the phone
"The social media backlash of your reaction to those fans today says otherwise. You've caused a media storm. Everyone wants to know about her. And the way you treated your fans-" Elijah said
"They were being rude to her! I will not stand for that! Ever!"
"Yes of course, but it seems there is a huge backlash from it. Your fans are less than pleased with Caroline being deaf. They are saying terrible things"
"They can all go to hell for all I care!"
"Then you need to deal with it"
"No! I will not make her do this! Find another way!"
"Be reasonable"
"NO! I will not put the woman I love on display like that, to be questioned and ridiculed! I will not do it!"
Klaus turned around and saw Stefan standing there.
"I'll call you back" Klaus said hanging up
"You do remember saying if you ever hurt her that Elena and I would kick the crap out of you" Stefan said
"I haven't done anything" Klaus said
"You put her out there. Everyone wants to know about the deaf girl now" Stefan said
"I wasn't ashamed of her! I don't want her in the middle of this media circus!"
"Then you better protect her"
Elena watched as Caroline told her about the awards ceremony and how happy she was.
-Maybe I'm on tv! Let's see- Caroline signed as she turned on the tv
-No! You don't want to do that-" Elena signed grabbing the remote
Caroline froze when she saw herself on the screen next to Klaus. She then saw the news reporter talk about Klaus's ex girlfriend and put her picture next to hers. The closed captioning was on so she could read what was being said. The reporter then went to read tweets people were saying about her. Caroline started to cry. Elena turned the tv off and tried to comfort her.
-Don't listen to them, they're just jealous, insanely jealous that you're with him and they're not- Elena signed
-why do they hate me?-
-they're stupid, don't cry over this, they're not worth it-
Klaus came out when he heard the crying and saw Caroline.
-what happened? - Klaus signed
"She turned on the tv. She saw all the mean things they said about her. Fix it" Elena said
Klaus ended up taking Caroline to a tropical island for a week to get away from everyone. He really didn't care what anyone thought about his relationship with her. Elijah was insisting that he do an interview to quell the social media backlash. Klaus realized that he would have to just to tell his fans that they were being rude and that kind of behavior was unacceptable. Hence why he stayed off social media.
He heard Caroline laughing as she splashed in the water. He looked over and saw her running into the water in her bikini. Her fair skin had never seen the beach. He had spent the earlier part of the day meticulously rubbing sunblock onto every part of her skin. He ran into the water after her and grabbed onto her.
And for a week they were blissfully happy on their tropical island. Hidden away from the world, they fell more in love with each other if that were possible. Klaus could see the freckling that was appearing on Caroline's nose. He could see that her skin tanned and her hair was lighter.
-I wish we could stay here forever- Caroline signed
-We can always come back-
-Thank you for everything-
Caroline walked towards her next class when she noticed girls were staring at her. She brushed it off and went to class. After class she headed home and noticed people looking at her. She started to feel uncomfortable and rushed home. She found Klaus dressed and ready to leave.
-Where are you going?- Caroline signed
-I have to give an interview, it shouldn't take too long. I'll pick up dinner-
-But I was hoping to spend the afternoon with you-
-I'm sorry, it's just this one thing and I'll be here for you-
Klaus kissed her on the cheek and left. Caroline sighed and sat down at the piano. She played the same keys over and over again and then slammed her fingers down on all of them in frustration. She went upstairs to take a bath and relax.
Klaus hated being under the hot lights. He sat there while they primped him and adjusted his clothes and microphone. The reporter walked in and he groaned inwardly. Of course Elijah would do this to him. A wave of brown curls was all he saw and then she stood in front of him.
"Nice of you to join us Klaus" Katherine said
"Katherine"
"Imagine my surprise when Elijah called me"
"Are you really surprised when my brother calls you?"
"Not really, but I mean professionally. So where is she?"
"She's not here"
"why not?"
"Because I want to keep her out of this. She doesn't want this, any of this"
"She should have thought of that before she started dating you, if that's even possible"
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"I mean you are you, you're an asshole most of the time. maybe it's a good thing she can't hear you"
"shut up! Don't talk about her like that!"
"Oh save it for the camera"
"Elijah promised me that you wouldn't edit this or manipulate this in any way"
"Oh I don't have to, everyone is ready to just gobble it all up right now"
"She's not a freak, she's a girl that just wants a normal life"
"Camera's on! Get out of the shot!" Katherine yelled before turning on her smile, "I'm Katherine Pierce here with music's hottest rockstar right now Klaus Mikaelson, who just won the Grammy for Artist of the year. There's been a lot of buzz around your acceptance speech or signing of it. Care to elaborate?"
Klaus looked at Katherine, wanting to strangle her but knowing he couldn't. The girl knew how to work it.
"Look when I'm up on stage, I'm performing, I'm giving it my all, my everything. But when I'm off that stage, I'm me, I'm a person, a person who wants to have a private life. I stay off social media because it's not for me. It really isn't. I'm out living my life and if fans see me on the street and want to say hi fine by me. They want an autograph fine. A picture fine. But that's it, that's where I draw the line. I've seen the stuff my so called fans have posted about my girlfriend. Yes I said girlfriend. Someone who is very near and dear to me. And all those mean and spiteful things that they've said, I don't want any of them near me. I don't want them as fans if that's the kind of people they are. My music is for everyone but not people who are filled with so much hate. She is my girlfriend and I love her. She makes me happy and that's all there is to it. I won't elaborate or talk about her anymore. She deserves a private life and so do I. And if you can't respect that then leave, don't buy my music, don't come see me play, don't do anything and leave me the hell alone" Klaus said
Elena turned off the tv and looked over at Stefan.
"God, he just puts his foot in his mouth all the time doesn't he?" Stefan said
"That's why Caroline keeps him in line" Elena said
"But he really loves her, he doesn't care if she costs him his fans"
"They're so disgustingly in love with each other"
Caroline came back from class to find Klaus by the piano with Indian food. Except the piano had no legs and was laying on the floor.
-What did you do?- Caroling signed
-Made a few improvements - Klaus signed
-But your piano-
-it still plays. Come here-
Caroline sat down next to Klaus who had arranged the Indian food on the piano. He reached for her hand and placed it on the keys. Caroline hesitantly played one key and felt the vibration of it on the floor. She looked up at him surprised.
-this is what it should feel like- Klaus signed as he started play
Caroline felt the vibrations from his song and pushed him onto the floor. Her lips were on his, devouring him as his hands reached her shoulders trying to push her off slightly. Caroline shook her head as Klaus was pointing to the food. She pushed Klaus back onto the floor and kissed him again.
The sun's rays peaked through the windows as Klaus slept peacefully with Caroline in his arms. The shrill from his phone awoke him and he tried to ignore it. He knew it was Elijah by the ringtone and reached over to answer it.
"Brother" Klaus answered
"Your interview less than desired. You have managed to upset your fans further" Elijah said
"Well I can't please everyone now can I?"
"It's also created a bit of awareness for the deaf community. So much that they are speaking out and wish to speak to Caroline"
"No, leave her out of this"
"This could be good for her"
"I will not have her involved in this circus. I did what you wanted, now leave us alone"
Klaus hung up and put his phone back on the nightstand. He went back to sleep with Caroline in his arms.
Klaus heard wrenching and other strange sounds and woke up. He saw that Caroline wasn't in bed and sat up. He saw her in the bathroom, her head by the toilet. He jumped up and ran in. He saw that she was throwing up something. He pulled her hair back and rubbed her back soothingly.
-was it the sushi?- Klaus signed
Caroline nodded as she threw up again.
Caroline came back from class and saw Klaus sitting by the piano with Indian food. He looked up at her and smiled. She dropped her bag and walked towards him. The smell of the Indian food hit her and suddenly she felt nauseous. She stopped and took a step back.
-I'm going to wash my hands- Caroline signed
When she returned from the bathroom Klaus was waiting for her, while playing a new song he had written on the piano. Caroline sat down next to him, watching him. He stopped and handed her a container of food. Caroline put it back on the piano.
-It's your favorite- Klaus signed
-I know, I just want something else right now-
A knowing smirk appeared on Klaus's face as he leaned in to kiss her.
With the semester over, Klaus had surprised Caroline with another trip to a warm tropical island. She was packing her bag when she saw the dress she had worn to the award show. She picked it up and smiled. She started to put it on when she realized she couldn't get it on. Had she gained weight? She pulled the dress off her and looked at herself in the mirror. She poked her stomach and saw that she did gain weight. She started to cry and she couldn't stop. She was sobbing when Klaus found her sitting in her underwear.
-What's wrong?- Klaus signed
-I'm fat-
-You're not fat, you're beautiful, so beautiful-
Caroline cried even more. She didn't know what was wrong with her. Klaus picked her up and placed her on the bed, pulling the blankets over her. He didn't know what to say or do to make her feel better. He ended up calling Elena for help. Elena showed up not long after with ice cream, and a fruit salad. Klaus let her in and Elena went into their room. Caroline was asleep and Elena placed the fruit salad next to her. Caroline awoke abruptly and ran to the bathroom and threw up again. Elena rubbed her back and Caroline kept throwing up.
Caroline sat on the bed drinking tea while Elena ate the ice cream.
-Are you feeling better?- Elena signed
-yeah the tea helps. Plus Klaus is good at making tea-
-I'm sure that's not all he's good at-
Caroline blushed and looked back down at her tea cup.
-It's ok Caroline, there's nothing to be embarrassed about-
Klaus was working in his studio, painting when he heard something. He went out to investigate. He saw the light from the refrigerator door and walked quietly towards it. He saw a pair of dainty feet and then saw a hand place a carton of milk on the counter. He walked around and saw Caroline still in her underwear trying to open a jar of pickles. He turned on the light to the kitchen and Caroline looked up.
-hungry?- Klaus signed
- a little- Caroline signed
- Are you sure you want to eat this? Your stomach has been sensitive lately-
-I'm fine. If you're not going to help me then I'll eat something else-
Klaus took the jar of pickles and opened it. Caroline stuck her finger inside the jar and pulled out a pickle and devoured it.
Elena stopped by again to check up on Caroline's mood. Klaus was writing another song again, feeling inspired again. Elena watched as Caroline was packing again. She looked at the toiletries she packed and went back into the bathroom. She saw the box of pads and tampons hidden away in the cabinet. She saw that it was full and took it out to Caroline.
-don't you need these?- Elena signed
-No, I don't need them. I'm not due for….-
-what's wrong?-
-I don't remember the last time!-
-Ok calm down. We'll get a test and that will be it-
-TEST?-
-look I'll get you a test, there's no need to freak out over nothing. So you're late. It happens-
-Has it happened to you?-
-No, but everyone is different, just relax, breathe ok? I'll be back-
-This can't be happening!- Caroline signed
-take another one!- Elena signed
-I did! I used all of them!-
-Oh, you have to tell Klaus-
-I can't tell him!-
-Why not!?-
-He'll hate me-
-No he won't, you don't know what he'll say, just tell him. He has a right to know-
-I'm afraid-
-He loves you, there's nothing to be afraid of-
Klaus was painting his latest work. Caroline walked into the studio and saw what he was painting and she gasped. It was her, sprawled out on top of the piano, looking at the viewer seductively. It was indecent the way Klaus painted her. Klaus heard her gasp and turned around. She saw more of the painting. She was naked except for the small fabric that slid across her body. Her breasts were almost exposed.
-Do you not like it?- Klaus signed putting his brush down
-You can't paint me like this-
-Like what? Beautiful? Sexy? Delicious?-
-I need to talk to you about something-
Klaus walked over to her and saw her eyes were red and somewhat puffy.
-You've been crying- Klaus signed
-I've been doing a lot of things. Please don't be mad with me-
-There's nothing you could say that would make me mad at you-
-I didn't want to ruin anything, please believe me-
-What is it? You're starting to scare me-
-I'm pregnant-
Klaus stood there shocked unable to move, or say anything.
-Say something- Caroline signed
Klaus merely blinked a few times and looked at her with a blank expression on his face.
"Say that again, you're what?" Klaus said
Caroline shoved the pregnancy test into his hands and he looked down. He looked down at the plastic stick and saw it was a plus sign. The plus sign was mocking him, taunting him.
"You're pregnant. And this has pee on it!" Klaus dropped it to the floor, "There's pee on that!" Klaus pointed
-What are you saying?!- Caroling signed
-There's pee on that! What did you give that me to?- Klaus signed
-You weren't listening! I just told you I was pregnant-
-You didn't have to give me that! There's pee on it!-
-You're such a baby!-
"Baby, we're having a baby" Klaus said in disbelief
Klaus pulled her into his arms and held her close. His hand slipped down to her stomach and Caroline pulled away slightly.
-Do you want it?- Caroline signed
-Of course! Why wouldn't I?-
-You're not mad?-
-No, why would I be mad?-
-You never said you wanted kids-
-I don't say a lot of things but I still want them. A baby! You have no idea how happy you've made me!-
Caroline started to cry.
-Are you unhappy?- Klaus signed
-I'm afraid-
-Of what?-
-That it'll be like me-
-Blonde? Beautiful?-
-No, deaf-
-It doesn't matter as long as it's healthy-
-It does matter! You're a musician! Your child should be able to hear the music you play. It should be able to know how brilliant their father is, it should be normal-
-I love you Caroline, nothing changes that. And this baby, I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, if it's deaf or not. We made something together, something amazing-
-What if it's crying and I can't hear it? I can't take care of it! What is something happens because I can't hear it calling for help?!-
-Calm down-
-No! I can't hear it cry! What if it hurts itself?! I wouldn't know! I'd be a terrible mother, my baby would be hurt and I'd be sitting around. What kind of mother would I be?-
-A wonderful one! You'd love him or her! I know you, you have a good heart, a big heart, and you'll be the best mother out there. It doesn't matter if you're deaf, it never mattered. I'm here with you and I'm not going anywhere. I want this baby, I want us as a family-
-I just wanted to be normal-
-Normal is so overrated-
I know, I just left it like that. But you know me I leave stuff open ended. Anyways hope you were amused.