Thank you to everyone including my amazing regulars, you know who you are. Special thanks to thexlittlexlisa for your comments, you are a sweetheart.
I received quite a few reviews for chapter 21 which is hardly surprising given the content, I don't mind because everyone has a right to their own opinion. All I can say is I hope those people read chapter 22 and feel better now. Klaus was never going to cheat on Caroline; it was actually more about media manipulation and making judgements before knowing the real story. I also love a good cliff hanger if you hadn't noticed!
My characters are largely based on the show where technically Klaus is bad and Caroline good (even though I don't see it as that black and white.) I like this dynamic and I think it is the reason their chemistry is so electric. I think having different outlooks on life allows them to learn from each other which is a good basis for any relationship.
Phew okay now back to the story. I felt like some fun after all the drama so things are going to be somewhat 'happy' this chapter, keep reading and you'll find out what I mean…
Collision Course: Chapter 23
August 26: Los Angeles, California
"Okay this has gone on far too long people we need to intervene." Elena said in frustration. "This latest debacle was the perfect example of why these two need to be back together."
Elena had been livid with Klaus and what he'd done to Caroline but given her friend had forgiven him she couldn't be too angry anymore. She realised their strong feelings for each other, not to mention their extreme jealousy, was driving them apart resulting in them doing stupid things, the Jessica Sykes affair being the prime example.
Elena had to admit she had never seen Caroline as happy as when she was with Klaus and she was determined to make her friend feel that way again soon, whatever it took.
"You're telling me, I am so sick of seeing Klaus's pathetic sad face." Damon moaned.
"I can't believe Klaus Mikaelson has a sad face." Matt chuckled.
"Niklaus has been terribly moody as well, I've spoken to him a few times this week and he's been a different person each time." Elijah said.
"Well Caroline's spacey attitude isn't any better; I had to repeat myself four times the other day." Katherine complained.
"At least you didn't have to sit through a business meeting with her not answering any of your questions." Stefan growled. "It makes it a little difficult to get any work done."
"I had to yell at Nik on the phone so he'd respond." Rebekah said. "Although on second thought that's just normal."
"I sat through an entire lunch with Caroline and she barely picked at her salad; I mean that girl eats like a horse normally." Bonnie joked.
"I needed girl advice and Niklaus said he had no idea how to help me, I mean what the hell is going on?" Kol asked in disbelief.
"Honestly I have no idea why we're having a teleconference to discuss Caroline and Klaus." Jeremy uttered in confusion.
Elena had called an urgent meeting of the group but given their busy schedules getting them all in the same place at the same time had proven difficult, hence the teleconference.
"Because little brother we're all very busy people with busy lives so this was the only way." Elena chided.
"Well maybe you should all concentrate on those busy lives and let Caroline and Klaus work things out themselves." Jeremy said.
"Ah never going to happen Little Gilbert they are completely hopeless." Damon muttered and they could all tell he was rolling his green eyes.
"So maybe we could get to the point, you know I do have a game in half an hour." Matt sighed impatiently.
"Yeah I'm with Matt, some of us are big time celebrities and have places to be." Kol joked. "So what are we going to do then?"
"I vote we lock them in a room together and don't give them any food or water until they make-up." Rebekah suggested.
"Mmmm I think that might be a little harsh not to mention against the law princess." Katherine snapped.
"Plus I wouldn't want to be poor Klaus trapped in there with a hungry Caroline; she may just eat him alive." Stefan shuddered.
"Okay there's no denying their reputations have taken a battering of late so how about a little publicity mission to force them together and get them back on track." Elijah suggested.
"I do agree with you Elijah but for once I'm really not interested in their publicity." Elena said and there was a collective gasp from the rest of the group. "Hey I'm not that obsessed I just think Caroline's happiness should take priority for once."
"I think Elijah has a point though we make it look like we're trying to repair their reputation but it's really just a cover for us getting them back together." Bonnie said excitedly.
"Operation Damage Control." Damon said and they all fell silent. "Well we need a name for this little plan don't we?"
"Seriously who invited him on this teleconference?" Rebekah asked.
"So you're thinking of sending them to more premieres and award shows and what hope they get together?" Kol asked dubiously.
"I think we can come up with something more original than that between the ten of us, I mean we are all smart and successful people." Katherine said noticing them all go quiet again. "Right?"
"I was invited to open a club recently; I mean there's this new one in Vegas..." Kol suggested.
"No." They all chimed in at once.
"Okay how about another trip abroad that got them together last time didn't it?" Jeremy asked.
"Nah I think they need to be on home soil to really make a go of this." Elena said. "I don't know they need somewhere familiar, somewhere comforting, somewhere happy..."
"Well how about the happiest place on earth then?" Matt joked. They were all quiet for a moment pondering his unusual suggestion.
"What do you mean a strip club?" Kol asked seriously.
"No I think he means San Luis Opisbo in California." Elijah said with authority. "I read all about it in National Geographic."
"Trust the Brits to not understand." Stefan muttered.
"Hey just because my brothers are clueless doesn't mean I am." Rebekah barked. "I've always loved Snow White and the cute grotto in Fantasyland."
"And here I was thinking you'd relate more to her wicked stepmother." Katherine shot back.
"You know Matt that's not a bad idea, surprisingly." Bonnie said a slew of ideas already coming to her. "The media would never expect this and this way they'll have no choice but to be happy given where they are."
"Okay I was actually only joking but happy to be of assistance." Matt laughed.
"I have absolutely no idea how Snow White factors into this little plan but whatever gets them back together works for me." Elijah replied in confusion.
"I have to get going but I'll text you guys the plan." Elena said hurriedly. They all agreed and disconnected.
"Wait so you're saying it's not a strip club?" Kol asked but no one was there to answer his question.
August 27: Los Angeles California
"I know that you've kept a relatively low profile this past week but we really need to get you back out there showing everyone just how happily married you are." The couple gave each other anxious glances worried what Bonnie was about to propose.
"Given the recent media interest in you two we need to act quickly." Elena reiterated.
"I'm so over this publicity crap, I thought we did all this already." Klaus whined in frustration.
"Yeah then you went and ruined all that good work. Need I remind you what a mess you made of everything?" Elena snapped still annoyed he ruined all of their well-made plans.
"So what is this great idea?" Caroline asked without any enthusiasm whatsoever.
"You two are going to the happiest place on earth." Bonnie announced. Klaus's eyes lit up excitedly.
"You mean we're going to the Victoria Secret Fashion Parade?" He asked his eyes as wide as saucers. Caroline whacked him instinctively. "Ouch what was that for?"
"Sorry must be my nervous tick." She shot back with a dirty look.
"What is it with you Brits?" Elena asked obviously puzzled. "Disneyland is the happiest place on earth." Klaus's face fell.
"What with all the screaming kids and angry parents, yeah that sounds really happy Elena."
"You haven't even been there before Klaus." Bonnie said rolling her eyes.
"So you're telling me there aren't screaming kids and angry parents at Disneyland?"
"There's no need to be smart Klaus." Elena muttered. "Look you guys need to fix this now, the media is still sniffing around trying to find any crack in this relationship so they can expose you."
"Trust me they won't stop until they do so you both need to act like the happy couple you are and where better than the happiest place on earth?" Bonnie added.
"Seriously who came up with that name?" Klaus asked. "I think that's just false advertising."
"Hey don't judge until you've been there buddy." Caroline said poking him in the chest. "Why wouldn't you love Disneyland? I mean everything you could ever want is right there."
"What do you mean a whole host of infectious diseases, calorie laden food and don't even get me started on Mickey Mouse."
"Woah leave Mickey Mouse alone!" Elena cried.
"Yeah what's Mickey ever done to you?" Caroline asked curiously.
"He creeps me out I mean what's with that annoying high pitched voice and don't get me started on how god damn happy he is all the time." The three of them looked at him in shock.
"You have some serious problems Klaus, have you ever thought of seeing a psychologist for your mouse issues?" Elena teased.
"Ha ha Elena, have you ever considered seeing someone for your obsessive compulsive issues?" He replied sarcastically as she poked her tongue at him.
"Enough you two." Bonnie shouted trying to calm the children.
"Well Klaus you're already acting like the average age of someone at Disneyland so you should fit right in." Caroline quipped earning a playful nudge from Klaus. She felt her whole body warm from his touch and wished he didn't have that effect on her still.
Ever since the incident Caroline had been determined to move on with her life and start focusing more on her career. She had been so preoccupied with this marriage and publicity tour she had been neglecting her singing. So she had thrown herself into work notching up quite a few hours in the recording studio. If she was being honest it was also a good way of avoiding Klaus.
Although Caroline had technically forgiven Klaus she couldn't forget how upset she'd been after what happened with Jessica. Caroline realised the only way she could avoid feeling that hurt again was to be friends. She had to admit she and Klaus had never been just friends before but the safety of a friendship seemed to ease her fears slightly.
The only problem with this weird friendship was all the intense feelings she still had towards Klaus, including all her of R rated thoughts not to mention the small detail of still being very much in love with him. As a result Caroline had been a mess, her appetite had completely disappeared and she had been somewhat vague and distracted.
Caroline had tried to shake him but was having no luck so far, she hoped that during the final two months of their marriage she'd succeed and then could move on with her life. She just hoped her heart could make the move as well otherwise she was in big trouble.
Klaus had been keeping quite busy himself but when they did cross paths Caroline noticed he was quite moody. He could probably tell she was trying to avoid him but she wasn't sure what else she could do given her feelings were so out of control.
"Fine but surely the media will see through this little stunt." Klaus said knowingly.
"That's why you need to make sure you act very happy and in love. Surely that's part of your acting repertoire?" Elena joked.
"Believe it or not it is." He replied the sarcasm thick in his voice.
"If only you did happy as well as sarcastic." Bonnie teased.
"Is this gang up on Klaus day or something?" He muttered.
August 28: Just outside Anaheim, California
"Seriously who picked this music?" Damon asked looking accusingly at Caroline.
"Why are you looking at me?" She scoffed.
"Well Justin Timberlake certainly wasn't my first choice Blondie."
"It was mine Damon." Elena muttered slapping her boyfriend on the arm.
"Oh well that's okay then."
"Yeah it's okay now that your girlfriend picked it!" Caroline cried throwing her hands up in the air.
"Hey kids can we leave the childish behaviour until we get into the theme park at least?" Jeremy asked. The youngest of the group he was also the most mature.
Caroline looked around not quite sure how she ended up in a limousine going to Disneyland with not only Klaus but Bonnie, Jeremy, Elena and Damon. She was secretly relieved she didn't have to go by herself with Klaus given her strong feelings towards him.
"I thought we agreed never to get in a car with them again?" Klaus asked whispering in her ear causing shivers to reverberate throughout her body. She could smell his aftershave and wanted nothing more than to kiss him. She shook her head trying to remove the thoughts racing through her head.
"Oi I heard that Mikaelson." Elena said narrowing her eyes at him.
"So what's the plan for today?" Caroline coughed nervously trying to change the subject.
"What besides being happy?" Bonnie joked. "By the way that frown better turn itself upside down by the time we arrive Klaus."
"This forced happiness thing is not really working for me."
"Exactly why we are here as your chaperones, god knows what would happen if we left it up to you Niklaus." Klaus rolled his eyes at her use of his full name again.
"I still don't understand how going to Disneyland is going to suddenly improve our publicity."
"Going to Disneyland is completely out of character Caroline which will make the media even more interested." Bonnie said. "Plus it will be a good way to show a different side to you both."
"Does anyone know we're even going to be there?" Klaus asked.
"I may have mentioned this little excursion to a few people in media circles and you know how people in Hollywood love to talk." Elena said mischieviously.
"And if all else fails we've bought in a few other celebrities as reinforcements." Bonnie added mysteriously.
"Angelina Jolie?" Klaus asked excitedly as Caroline hit him again. "Ouch Caroline."
"Sorry must be that nervous tick again."
"This is going to be an absolute circus if you ask me." Klaus muttered.
"Well it is Disneyland Klaus what else do you expect?" Damon laughed.
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"If it isn't the happy couple." Matt said grinning at them; Katherine was by his side wearing her obligatory Mickey Mouse ears. The six of them had entered the park and had already garnered considerable attention as they walked up Main Street USA.
"If it isn't our celebrity buddies." Caroline laughed hugging her friends.
"Seriously is this the best you could do?" Klaus joked slapping Matt playfully on the arm.
"We came all the way from the east coast for this little excursion Mikaelson, you should be grateful." Katherine said accusingly. "I still haven't fully forgiven you for your little adventure the other night, even though I've always hated that bitch."
"Yeah and my text message threat still stands if you mess up again." Matt said hugging Caroline tightly to his broad chest.
"Yeah I know, I've certainly been threatened enough times recently." He said looking over at Elena in particular. "Okay while I've got you all here I would like to say something. I, Klaus Mikaleson, was a complete and utter idiot last week and for that I'm very sorry." He recited solemnly.
"Wow that's like music to my ears; it's only taken you what three months to admit that?" Katherine laughed.
"Yeah well that's what I said." Caroline said. "So now we've gotten that out of the way where to first?"
"Well we're actually waiting on one more celebrity guest." Bonnie said.
"Please don't say Rebekah." Klaus said anxiously.
"Nice to see you too Niklaus." She drawled walking up behind him.
"You hit me the last time I saw you Rebekah, what makes you think I'd be rushing to see you again?"
"Seriously man get over it, you had it coming." Stefan laughed patting him on the back.
"Okay now you've all picked on me let's get this show on the road."
"I want to go to Fantasyland." Rebekah piped up.
"Isn't that all fairies and princesses and stuff?" Klaus asked a look of disdain on his face. "I think we need to go somewhere more manly, how about we head to Tomorrow land and ride Space Mountain?"
"Sounds like someone has been doing their research." Caroline laughed.
"Well if I'm going to be forced into coming here I am determined to at least try and enjoy myself and what better way than a rollercoaster?"
"I want to go on Pirates of the Caribbean." Damon said excitedly like a little child.
"We definitely need to go to Toontown and see Mickey Mouse." Elena said especially for Klaus's benefit.
"Okay this is going to be harder than I thought." Bonnie said. "Let's see, how about the Haunted Mansion?"
They all nodded given its relative popularity and headed to New Orleans Square. They figured they could ride Pirates of the Caribbean afterwards.
Caroline lagged behind secretly scared about the impending ride. She had been on it years ago and it scared her then, she wasn't sure how she was going to cope this time. Most people wouldn't have considered the Haunted Mansion at all scary but Caroline obviously wasn't most people. Klaus noticed her falling behind and stopped so she could catch up to him.
"Is everything okay?" He asked the concern reflected in his eyes. Caroline felt her stomach drop, why did he have to go and be so sweet like that, it wasn't doing anything for her willpower.
"Yeah fine." She said quietly.
"Really because it doesn't seem like it." He said a small grin on his face. "You're not scared are you?"
"No of course not." She scoffed. "I've been in the haunted mansion before, trust me it isn't scary at all." She bluffed trying to sound brave.
"Oh really so ghosts don't scare you?" Klaus asked curiously.
"No, not at all." She said quivering slightly knowing that ghosts scared the hell out of her.
"If you say so." Klaus said unconvinced.
They entered the queuing area through a pair of ornate gates, and found themselves in the mansion's gardens. As they walked past the pet cemetery Caroline shivered involuntarily, the nerves building inside her stomach.
They stepped onto the porch, where they were led into the mansion's foyer by a somber looking butler. As he ushered them into the octagonal portrait gallery Caroline breathed in deeply trying to steal her nerves as the wall panel slid closed. She felt something graze her shoulder and jumped in fright. Klaus laughed heartily as his attempt to scare her succeeded.
"Klaus!" She cried hitting him on the arm. "That's not funny."
"Well I thought it was very funny considering you said you weren't scared love." He laughed as she scowled at him. "I'm sorry I promise I'll be good." He said holding his hands up so she could see them.
The room looked like it was stretching as the portraits on the walls began to elongate, Caroline knew there was no turning back now. Caroline heard a sudden clap of thunder then the lights went out and a bloodcurdling scream rang out. Instinctively she grabbed onto Klaus in fright. She felt her whole body tingle as his arm immediately fastened around her waist pulling her body flush to him. Caroline had never felt so comforted and safe as she did at that exact moment.
After the wall of portraits they were all loaded into doom buggies, Caroline scooted over so that she could be as near to Klaus as possible. They moved throughout the mansion continuing down a corridor lined with doors. The sounds of pounding, screeching cries for help and maniacal laughter could be heard from behind the doors. Caroline buried her face in his shirt not wanting to look at what was next.
After passing through a ghostly birthday party in the ballroom, a séance scene and an attic they reached the ground floor and entered through the gate of the graveyard as ghouls popped up from behind tombstones. Caroline had calmed down considerably by then but she still managed to squeeze herself even closer to Klaus loving the feeling of his arms around her.
After the ghostly tea party they entered the crypt and noticed a hitchhiking ghost in the reflection of the ornately framed mirrors, she jumped in fright hearing Klaus chuckle at her reaction. As they exited their carriages Caroline could hear an evil voice saying "Hurry back... Be sure to bring your death certificate, if you decide to join us. Make final arrangements now. We've been 'dying' to have you."
As they walked out into the daylight Caroline noticed her arm was still firmly tied around his waist. Klaus looked down at her curiously and she coloured obviously embarrassed by her current hold on him. She moved out of his grasp reluctantly feeling almost lost not to have him so close anymore. Caroline knew she really needed to snap out of it.
"Alright love?" He asked a cheeky smile on his face knowing exactly what effect he was having on her. Damn him she thought trying not to blush further. "I thought you weren't scared of ghosts?"
"Yeah yeah." She mumbled unable to argue after acting like a bundle of nerves.
"Unless it was just an excuse of course." He said raising his eyebrows at her.
"An excuse for what?"
"An excuse to get closer to me." He smirked at her. "I can totally understand if it was, I mean it is me we're talking about."
"Just when I think you're getting better that massive ego of yours has to go and rear its ugly head again."
"Oh come on admit it you love my massive ego sweetheart." He teased.
"Well I guess we have become a lot closer these past three months." She admitted thinking it wasn't just his ego she was closer with. As they headed to Pirates of the Caribbean she decided it was best not to be seated anywhere near him, who knows what she'd do this time given the chance.
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"I had my doubts but this is working out better than I ever imagined." Katherine smiled broadly. "I forgot how scared Caroline is on rides."
"I know first the haunted mansion then Space Mountain, I couldn't have planned it better myself. I mean she couldn't keep her hands off him." Bonnie said rubbing her hands together in glee.
"Klaus loved every minute of it too, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face." Matt added.
"Oh yeah, although I think the best moment of the day was when we rode Splash Mountain and her top was completely soaked, I think Klaus thought all his Christmases had come at once." Damon laughed.
"Or how about when she had cotton candy on her face and he wiped it off for her? I think that was the most sexually charged moment of the day." Rebekah said smiling.
"Ew Rebekah, that's just way too much information." Stefan said not wanting to think about his best friend like that.
"Well I have another trick up my sleeve." Elena said mysteriously. They were all seated at the House of Blues in the Downtown Disney District enjoying some food and live music. It had been an enjoyable day and highly successful if you asked their friends.
Klaus was on a phone call and Caroline in the bathroom so they'd taken the opportunity to debrief about their day at the happiest place on earth. They weren't in each other's arms yet but they all knew it was only a matter of time. There was no way two people that attracted to each other could stay apart much longer.
"So what is it?" Jeremy asked his interest peaked.
"Well I'm thinking a serenade is in order." She said cryptically as Caroline and Klaus returned to the table.
"I'm so glad we came here they have some of the best acts at this place." Caroline said excitedly looking around. She loved blues music and this was definitely a treat for her. The song finished and the after a round of applause the crowd went quiet.
"I understand we have a special guest in the house tonight." The announcer said into the microphone, Caroline looked around wondering who he was talking about. "So I would like to take the opportunity to welcome Caroline Forbes to our little establishment." Everyone applauded as the spotlight landed on her. She blushed slightly as she waved to the crowd.
"So Caroline sweetie would you do us the honour of coming up to the stage and singing with the band?" He asked. She felt nervous not expecting the request but secretly excited to sing some blues for a bit of a change. She got up slowly thinking about what she was going to sing. She had something in mind but wasn't entirely sure if she had the courage to sing it.
Caroline walked onto the stage and after conferring with the band took her place at the microphone. She looked into the crowd her eyes falling on Klaus, his crimson lips curving into an encouraging smile. The music began and she closed her eyes momentarily to calm herself.
At last my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Oh yeah yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you
As Caroline immersed herself in the Etta James song she couldn't help but find herself drawn to him again. Klaus was staring at her like he was in a deep trance and she found herself unable to look away his steady gaze almost hypnotizing her as well.
And I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to press my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
She felt a few tears spring to her eyes as she sang. In hindsight she probably shouldn't have chosen such a romantic song with such an obvious meaning but she couldn't turn back now. She could feel his blue eyes tracking her every move making Caroline feel like her insides were on fire.
Oh yeah yeah, and you smile, you smile
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in Heaven
For you are mine at last
Caroline closed her eyes as the music faded and the crowd began to cheer. She could feel hot water on her cheeks and immediately wiped them trying to hide her obvious display of emotion. She always loved that song but it never held as much meaning until that very moment.
No matter how much she tried to move on with her life Caroline knew it was impossible because Klaus was the one and no one was ever going to come close in her heart. She loved him so much but had no idea what the hell she was going to do about it.
"That was just beautiful honey." The announcer said breaking into Caroline's reverie. She smiled at him and looked back into the crowd noticing Klaus wasn't at their table. Her heart sank, maybe her song choice had upset him so much he'd walked out.
"Now I think we all know who you were singing that number for." He said breaking into a huge grin. "Where is that lucky husband of yours?" He asked looking around the room. Caroline panicked thinking how bad it would look that he wasn't there.
She smiled uncomfortably about to make an excuse when she heard some loud cheers from the crowd as Klaus jumped onto the stage. Caroline looked at him in complete shock not sure what he was doing. She didn't have to wait too long as he walked towards her his eyes filled with lust and something else she couldn't fully recognise.
He placed one arm on the small of her back and the other on the back of her head pulling her downwards into a dip position. He smiled briefly at her before planting a firm kiss on her lips; Caroline reacted immediately throwing her arms around his neck.
The crowd went wild clapping and wolf whistling at their very public display of affection. Caroline was completely oblivious immersing herself in his kisses, wishing it would never end. The announcer eventually coughed slightly attempting to break up their kiss. Klaus pulled away reluctantly his eyes looking over her longingly before bringing her back up to a standing position.
Caroline knew her face was flushed, her breathing ragged and her hair slightly disheveled but she didn't care as the lingering sensations from his kiss pulsed through every part of her body. She shook her head slightly to break her out of the trance.
"Now that ladies and gentleman is most definitely a couple in love." The announcer said smiling warmly at them.
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"Well I'm very happy to eat my words and say I was wrong about Disneyland." Klaus said as they walked inside the house.
"Really?" She said her surprise evident.
"No need to sound so shocked Caroline." He laughed. "There is definitely something about that place its so…"
"Happy?"
"Yes very happy but I don't know it's almost magical."
"Wow I never thought Klaus Mikaelson would ever embrace Disneyland not to mention use the term magical." She teased.
"Yeah well don't let that get out; I do have a reputation to protect."
"So you've decided to give poor old Mickey Mouse a chance then?" She asked a cheeky grin etched on her face.
"Well I'm not completely sold but after meeting him today I have to say my opinion is improving." He laughed.
"Well speaking of Mickey I actually got you something." She said timidly handing him a wrapped package in a Disneyland bag. He inhaled sharply obviously touched by her kind gesture. He opened it carefully revealing a pair of personalised Mickey Mouse Ears with his name stitched on the back.
"You knew I'd warm to him didn't you?"
"I had a hunch, I mean everyone does eventually."
"Thank you Caroline." He said quietly. She nodded slowly her gaze downward suddenly embarrassed and not quite sure what to do next.
To say his kiss had knocked her around would be an understatement. She had spent the entire trip home absorbed in her thoughts. Why had he kissed her? Was it for the publicity or was it something more than that? Caroline hoped it was the latter but given everything they'd been through she couldn't be so sure.
Caroline wanted to ask him but she was almost scared to broach the subject. She was so torn by the conflicting feelings swirling violently around her stomach. Caroline decided she wasn't up for that much drama, not tonight anyway. She smiled briefly and walked away towards her room.
"Caroline." He called. She turned around not quite meeting his gaze, scared of what he might see in her eyes. "Why did you pick that song?" She blushed slightly knowing that question may come up. She was still questioning why she sang it given its meaning.
"At Last is one of my all-time favourite songs. I mean you can't sing at a blues club and not sing Etta James, now that would be a crime." She chuckled trying to keep things light. He looked at her carefully obviously sensing her discomfort.
"It has such a strong message; I guess I was just curious if it meant anything to you." He asked quietly. She paused momentarily her throat dry with nerves.
"Yeah I guess it does." She replied her voice raspy.
"Well just so you know it meant a lot to me, more than you'll ever know." Caroline's eyes widened not expecting that response.
"Is that why you kissed me?" She asked finally gathering the courage.
"Of course, why else would I have kissed you?"
"I don't know I thought maybe it was a publicity stunt or something." She mumbled. She noticed his eyes narrow at her comment.
"Since when have I ever cared about publicity?" He asked incredulously. "Every time I've kissed you I meant it." She looked at him shocked.
"You didn't." She scoffed. "I mean outside the Palms in Vegas you barely knew me."
"Trust me Caroline I wanted to kiss you ever since I saw you on that plane and believe it or not I still do."
"Why?"
"Why do you think Caroline? It may have taken me a while to realise but I've only ever wanted to be with you." Caroline felt tears spring to her eyes wishing that his words could alleviate her fears.
"After what Tyler did and everything that happened with you in England and last week it's all just been so hard." She cried. "I'm scared to death of getting hurt again."
"I know I've been an idiot lately and I hurt you so much but I'm willing to do anything to try and make it up to you." He pleaded looking deeply into her eyes.
"I need some time Klaus, please just give me that." She said through bleary eyes. He looked at her sadly but nodded slowly acknowledging her request. "Thanks." She whispered walking back down the hall to the safety of her bedroom.