The Aftermath
by poopaw
(Disclaimer: I do not own TVD.)
It happens when Stefan once again sees her lost in thought.
There's no question on what she's thinking about.
(Or who, but Stefan doesn't push it.)
"I have to tell you something," the former ripper says in defeat.
Sometimes, she wonders why Silas appeared in front of her in the form of him. Or why an emotionless Elena called her out on her relationship with the Original.
But then, she remembers that if her why was answered then drama would come flying - no, scratch that, it would come crashing through the window. And she was trying to live a drama-free life.
Thank you very much.
"Damon was so close to losing it and I just felt like something was going on with you two," Stefan treaded carefully.
"What are you trying to say?"
She is trying very hard not to show any emotion on her face or in her voice.
Stefan called Klaus and he answered. Klaus sent his lackeys to find Katherine and save Elena.
Stefan talked to Klaus.
Stefan was given help.
Stefan was not sent to voicemail.
Stefan was not ignored.
Caroline takes Stefan's phone and dials before she even realizes it.
"Caroline, no!"
Stefan should know better than to attempt to stop Caroline Forbes when she is on a mission.
She finally hears his voice. It wasn't a beep. It wasn't the robotic answering machine. It was his actual voice. She hasn't heard him in so long.
(Close to a year, to be honest. She doesn't know how to feel about that.)
"Stefan, mate, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
She gasps at the lilt in his accent and almost immediately, the other line goes silent. She longs for even the slightest sound of his voice and so she speaks before she can help herself.
"Don't hang up!"
She hears him sigh quietly from the other end. "Caroline."
"Klaus," she breathes out, unable to hide the relief she feels when he doesn't hang up almost instantly. Too bad the relief was temporary.
"I apologize, love, this will never happen again."
She recoils at the tone of his voice. Detached. Unwelcoming. Unwanted. Her ears meet the sound of a cold dial tone and she doesn't know how to react. The heaviness in her chest – was it hurt?
Was she hurt by his rejection?
She wanted him gone. This was what she's always wanted.
Caroline breathes deeply and tells herself this mantra over and over again.
Author's Note: Hi guys! Just wanted you to know that I appreciate all of your kind words, your follows, and your favorites. There will be one more chapter until the last one, so stay tuned. Also, tell me what you think and drop a little review? Thanks!