Edited by myladyelise.
Thanks to Banana71588 for her help.
Re-edited September 4, 2015.
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Caroline twirled in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, her full-skirted dress flaring over her ankles like a bell. When she spun, the crystals in her gown caught the light, casting rainbows on the walls. Stopping, she peered at her hairstyle, making sure it was still in place. To her satisfaction, her curls were still tamed and twisted into a tousled up-do.
Tonight was the culmination of close to a school year's worth of work and the last big event for a senior outside of graduation itself. Aware of her school's track record when it came to dances, hoped this one went smooth. The only snag she foresaw was having Klaus there. While she had no intention of telling anyone he was her date, she needed to find an explanation for dancing with him. That was something she hadn't quite figured out.
"Caroline!" her mother called from the living room. "You're going to be late."
With one last look at herself in the mirror, she walked into the living room where her mom and Klaus waited. He stepped forward and her eyes swept over his tall, muscular figure dressed in an elegant black tuxedo with a white vest and tie. His curls were slightly mussed, like he ran his fingers through them a few times. His eyes didn't look apprehensive at all. They sparkled at her joy. He looked so happy, his smile lighting up his face to reveal his dimples. It was almost enough to set aside her own reservations about the evening.
Her heart fluttered and she yearned for a different set of circumstances. A world where vampires didn't exist, one in which he truly was her boyfriend. Stealing a glance at her mother, she could tell from the heartbreaking glint in Liz's eyes that she thought the very same thing…this wasn't the life or the boyfriend her mother wanted for her, but she, like Caroline, was making the best of things.
"You look beautiful, Caroline." Klaus' voice a warm caress that went right to her soul.
"Yes, she does." Liz smiled.
Klaus stepped in front of carrying carried a gardenia corsage for her wrist and a square black velvet box. Holding out her arm, slipped the flower on her wrist.
"Thank you. It's perfect." She lifted the bloom to inhale deeply of its fresh perfume.
"We need pictures. Don't go anywhere yet. I'm going to go get my camera." Liz headed towards her bedroom to get her camera.
"Seriously mom?" Caroline groaned shooting an embarrassed glance at Klaus. She couldn't believe her mom was actually going to try and get a picture of Klaus. Evil hybrids didn't have their pictures taken, did they? "Do we have to?"
"It's prom," Liz scolded from her room. "Besides, I thought you loved documenting these kinds of things?"
It was true. Caroline was once rabid about getting pictures of everything, all those events and milestones that marked her life. That all changed with her death.
"I have something else for you."
Caroline turned her head at Klaus' shy tone, and found his gaze resting on her. Her insides melted at the intensity of his gaze, her body tingling at the desire she saw there. Forcing her gaze away from his she focused on the black velvet box he opened for her.
The flash of diamonds blinded her. Resting on white satin was the bracelet she threw at him weeks earlier and above it a matching necklace. The chain duplicated the design of the bracelet, only it was thinner and more delicate and hanging from it was a magnificent teardrop diamond.
"Oh," she whispered.
He smiled, a wide smile of delight and pleasure at her reaction. "Turn around, love."
"No, I couldn't possibly."
"Yes, you can," he purred. "While the bracelet might have belonged to another, the necklace was made new. Only for you."
When she didn't turn around he circled behind her. Caroline's legs weakened when his fingertips brushed the errant curls that fell from her hairstyle to tickle the back of her neck. The cold metal slid around her neck, the teardrop diamond falling between her breasts and she shivered. Never before had she wore anything so breathtaking, so extravagant. Something made only for her.
Caroline ran her fingertips over the diamonds. She couldn't possibly accept them. She would, at least for tonight, pretend they were hers and return them tomorrow to him. He pressed his lips to the back of her neck and she swayed on her feet. While the kiss was sweet, his mouth was burned her. She wanted to turn and kiss him back, part his lips and steal his mouth.
Klaus moved to face her and taking the bracelet from the box, he clasped it around her other wrist. Instead of glancing down, she stared into his eyes. She drank in their beauty until she found herself sinking into them.
To her relief, her mother quickly emerged with her digital camera and waving her hand she signaled for them to face her.
"Smile," she commanded.
Caroline fully expected him to protest. Surprising her, he smiled at her, snaking his arm around her and pulling her next to him. Left with no other choice, Caroline smiled for the camera. When the flash went off she wondered where she would be when she looked at this picture twenty, fifty, a hundred years from now. Would she have fond memories of this time or would life have treated her harshly? She didn't dare think of where Klaus would stand in all of this. She couldn't imagine his obsession with her lasting. He would move on from her at some point, once he realized how perfectly boring and ordinary she was. A curtain of sadness fell over her fluttering heart. Klaus sensed it and he released her waist and turned to face her.
"Sweetheart?" Klaus took her hands in his.
Tears come to her eyes at his tender concern for her and she blinked them away. This was her prom, her big day and she was not going to cry. Not over Klaus.
"I'm fine. Just a little overwhelmed."
The lines of tension in his face relaxed and he pressed her hands to his lips, all the while regarding her though gentle eyes. She forced a smile for him. If she didn't he would probably find a way to force the truth out of her and that was a conversation she did not want to have.
"Shall we go then?" Klaus asked, his voice eager like he was excited to get to the dance.
"Have a good time." Liz wrapped her arms around Caroline for a quick hug. Then she turned her sharp gaze to Klaus, her voice becoming stern, "Keep her safe. I will have a couple of officers posted at the school to keep an eye on things and as soon as I have some dinner I will be joining them. Caroline, I need you to be careful."
"We will." Caroline smiled.
Stepping outside in the cool evening air she was startled to find a large black stretch limo waiting. "You rented a limousine?"
"I bought a limousine," Klaus corrected.
"Seriously?" Of course he did. Why bother to rent when one could own? She almost giggled at the poor hybrid that had to track the thing down and buy it. Where exactly did one go to get one?
Klaus took her hand in his. "Isn't that what boyfriends do at prom? Get a limousine?"
"Well, yes…but…"
"But what?" He frowned.
Caroline shook her head. "I never expected you to take this so seriously."
Turning to look at her, he let of her hand and cupped her cheek. "As Rebekah keeps telling me, this is a night every young girl remembers for the rest of her life. I want you to have everything. I want it to be perfect for you."
There it was again, that magical fluttering deep within her chest. "Klaus, you didn't have to."
"Yes, I did. Shall we?" Touching her lower back, he led her towards the waiting limousine.
The black suited chauffeur, Caroline instantly recognized as one of his hybrids, opened the limo door for them. Carefully squishing her full-skirted gown, she climbed in and seated herself on the leather bench seat. Klaus sat next to her. The car door closed and they were alone.
Unsure of what to say, how to act, Caroline attempted to smooth the wrinkles in her gown. Because of the fullness of her skirt, there was no way to sit without it touching Klaus in some way. He didn't seem to mind. When he moved next to her, his hard thigh hit hers and he put his arm around her. Her dress flowed over his leg.
"I see you forced one of your hybrid servants into service tonight." Caroline laughed nervously.
"I'll have you know his name is Eric."
"You know his name?"
Klaus turned to look at her a devilish sparkle in his eyes. "Why so surprised? I believe it was you who told me I needed to stop thinking of them as pawns."
"I did, but I never expected you to listen."
"I always listen to you, love. I may not always agree or do as you wish…but I always listen."
Caroline smiled up at him. She always assumed he dismissed her protests and feelings. Here was proof he listened to her, that he cared what she thought. This new revelation touched her and her heart swelled painfully. So much of her life she was overlooked with nobody listening or taking her seriously. To her shock, out of everyone in the world, it was Klaus who took her at her word. He who was everything she was supposed to hate and despise. Why did he have to keep saying and doing things that made her want to care for him and forget the ugliness that lay between them? Sighing, she forced her gaze from his and looked around the interior of the limousine.
"Is that champagne?" She asked, finally noticing the chilling bottle that sat in a holder.
"Yes. Would you like some? It is from an excellent year. 1927, I believe from a little region near —." When Caroline rolled her eyes he stopped speaking and laughed.
"I would love some," she said once he stopped laughing. In fact, she was dying for a glass. Looking out the window, they were getting closer to the school and her nerves were fraying.
Klaus moved to open the bottle and it popped, the champagne fizzing. Caroline squealed, flipping her dress away from the falling alcohol. Laughing, Klaus poured the liquid into two crystal flutes and handed her one. Not even tasting the bubbly liquid, Caroline drained it in several gulps and handed her glass back for a refill. Klaus arched a brow, but said nothing. He gave her back the glass filled to the brim. The champagne was extremely potent and bubbles fizzed through her all the way to her toes. Sipping more, the liquid warmth spread through her entire body.
"I know I laugh at you, but you do have excellent taste." Caroline drank again from her crystal flute. Finishing the last of the champagne, she handed the glass back to Klaus.
Bowing his head at the compliment, Klaus took the glass back. This time he didn't refill it. He setit back down next to the bottle of champagne.
"Yes, I do," he rasped, settling down next to her on the seat. Leaning in he placed a kiss to her bare shoulder.
She knew he wasn't talking about the alcohol. Not when his lips were tracing patterns on her skin.
"Klaus…" she began, trembling when he slid his fingertips under her diamond necklace to gently pull her closer to him. She turned her head to face him and the passion in his eyes kindled a fire low in her belly.
"Shhhh."
Caroline opened her mouth to speak again, only to have him swoop down and press his lips to hers. She gave in with a sigh, kissing him back. Their mouths fused and her fingers against her own volition twined into the curls at the back of his head, pressing him even deeper into the kiss. She could taste the champagne in his mouth and she drank it in. Surrendering to her desire, she wondered if he stopped kissing surely she would die.
The limousine came to a smooth stop, the purring of the engine silenced when Eric shut the motor off. She pulled her mouth from Klaus', burying her head in the crook of his neck for a minute. Long enough for him to wrap his arms around her. Inhaling his familiar and soothing scent, she took comfort in his embrace, luxuriating in it before facing the stress of prom. She still had no idea how she was going to explain his presence and their dances to Elena, Bonnie…everyone. Part of her wanted to turn around and go right back home. Except, she wasn't Miss Mystic Falls for nothing. She would figure this out.
"Why must we always be cursed with bad timing?" Klaus grumbled when Eric opened the door to the car. With a frustrated sigh, he released her and climbed out of the limousine. She slid over the seat, taking his hand to rise and step out unto the sidewalk of Mystic Fall's High. She noticed at once someone took care of laying out the red carpet that led into the school. Probably Rebekah since she planned on getting there early. She nicely offered to take over much of the prom duties for the night and with Klaus for a watchdog, Caroline was left with little choice. She gave it.
Klaus offered her his arm like a courtly gentleman from the past and she scanned the school grounds to see who was watching. It seemed they arrived late enough that most of the couples already entered the school. Caroline still hesitated to take his arm. She hoped to sneak inside with him through a side door. It seemed he had other ideas. He wanted to arrive together hand in hand like any other couple.
"Love?"
Caroline turned and with one glance she could tell that he was very much aware of her reservations. The smile that once lit up his face was fading with every second she hesitated to take his arm. She was hurting him and the pain this knowledge brought cut deep into her soul. She did the only thing she could do to stop the pain, she smiled and laid her hand on his arm. The shadows left his face, his eyes brightening and blinding her with his happiness. They walked up the red carpet and into the school.
Silver streamers, white Christmas tree lights and rose petals led the way into the gymnasium where the dance was being held. While Caroline had helped lay them out and arrange them with Rebekah earlier that morning, it all looked so much better with the lights dimmed. Caroline paused at the entrance. It all turned out so beautiful it was hard to believe that twenty-four hours ago the room hosted gym classes. On the dance floor, white twinkling lights hung from the ceiling and more were draped in the branches of trees that were loaned to them from the local nursery. It gave the whole dance area an enchanted forest look and feel. In one-corner bouquets of roses rested on white linen tables covered with refreshments and in the other a photographer was taking pictures of couples in front of a silver Cinderella pumpkin coach made courtesy of the art department.
"It all looks wonderful." Klaus leaned down to tell her, his voice rising above the music.
Caroline flashed him a nervous smile while she searched the room for her friends. Elena didn't appear to have noticed her arrival. She was on the dance floor in Stefan's arms. Finding her there, it was easy to locate Damon skulking around at the edge of the dancing couples, his gaze fixed on Elena. Bonnie was also there dancing with someone Caroline didn't recognize. She must have found a date outside of the school population. She hadn't mentioned it. Or Caroline missed the conversation. Which was entirely possible with her everything happening lately.
"Let's get a drink." Caroline headed towards the refreshment table. She wanted to get as far away from her friends as she could.
"Here?"
She gave him an exasperated look at the sarcastic tone in his voice. "I know it isn't champagne from the twenties, but the high school cafeteria does make a decent fruit punch. If we are lucky someone will have spiked it already."
Moving through a small crowd of people she accepted compliments and greeted acquaintances until she reached the refreshment table. Filling a glass cup with the bright red liquid she handed it to Klaus. He stared at it mockingly for a long moment before taking it. Filling a cup for herself, she took a drink when he did.
"So much for your mother's effective police force. They can't even protect the punch from getting spiked," Klaus said dryly.
"I know. The funny thing is it happens every year and they never catch who does it," Caroline giggled. Taking another drink of the sweet substance, she focused on the burning alcohol. Not her racing nerves.
Someone surrounded her in a quick hug and Caroline nearly choked on her drink. "Rebekah?"
"Isn't is all so perfect?" Rebekah grinned. "Someone even tampered with the punch. Prom is just like I imagined it would be."
"I'm glad?"
"Doesn't it all look gorgeous?" Rebekah gave Caroline's shoulder an enthusiastic little squeeze. "No one would believe the mess it all was this morning."
Caroline didn't even want to think about the broken pieces of tree litter everywhere, the hundred boxes of white Christmas tree lights, rolls of streamers and all the other bits that went into decorating. It was amazing what she, Rebekah and the rest of the prom committee pulled off. "It looks amazing. We did good."
When she emphasized the word, "we", Rebekah grinned even more. "We make a good team. This was much better then last year's prom. I bet am sure of it."
"I think you might be right." Caroline smiled back at Rebekah. While last year's prom was nice, she was willing to concede that this year's by far outshone last years. As much as she didn't want to admit it, part of that was due to Rebekah. She went above and beyond with helping out. Not only with her time, but her ideas as well. Having been so distracted with Klaus and then placed under house arrest by him, Caroline didn't know how she would have pulled it off without her.
"Nik. You came." Rebekah stepped over to him and straightened his bow tie. "Doesn't he look handsome?" Her smile turned sly.
"Bekah," Klaus warned.
Rebekah pouted. "Don't you think you should take Caroline out for a spin on the dance floor?"
Klaus tossed a pleased look at his sister, his eyes sparkling. He held his hand out for Caroline to take. "What do you say, love?"
"My brother dances beautifully," Rebekah teased.
Caroline knew he did. She still dreamed of the dance they shared that night on his island. He had a way of dancing with her that made the whole world disappear until it was the two of them, limbs gracefully coming together in slow movements. Never before was dancing such an erotic act for her.
Completely misreading her hesitation, Rebekah spoke touched her shoulder "Go ahead, Caroline. Relax and have fun. I will take care of anything that comes up."
What choice did she have with Klaus holding out his hand, a dimpled smile on his face and Rebekah looking at them like a proud parent? She could barely manage one Original sibling. Two was impossible. She took Klaus' hand and let him walk her to the dance floor.
It was dark there, the only light coming in flashes from the spinning disco ball attached to the ceiling and the twinkling Christmas tree lights. With a small tug on her hand, Klaus spun her into his arms. His fingertips glided down her spine to settle at her lower back. She had no choice but to rest her palms on his shoulders. With a slow glide they moved to the dance music together. Caroline focused steadfastly on his white bow tie, afraid to look him in the face.
"My eyes are further up." Klaus chuckled
"I know that." She didn't look up.
"Look at me, Caroline." While the words were a command, his tone was gentle.
She sighed and lifted her gaze to his face. He stared back at her, his dark blue eyes shadowed with some emotion she didn't want to contemplate.
"Caroline —"
Afraid of what he might say, what she wasn't ready to hear, Caroline pressed a finger to his lips to silence him. At the touch, he kissed her fingertip, suckling the highly sensitive skin into his mouth. When he flicked his tongue against her heated flesh, tingles of lust and desire spread wildly through her body.
"Don't," she practically moaned, pulling her finger from his mouth.
"Let me speak, love."
She shook her head. Whatever he was going to say, right now was not the time for it. Not when they were in public, just couples away from Elena, Stefan, Bonnie and Damon.
Klaus chuckled again. "I just wanted to thank you."
"Thank me?"
"For giving Rebekah the prom she always wanted and for letting me be a part of yours."
"Oh," Caroline breathed, left entirely speechless.
"I know this isn't probably what you planned or who you expected to be with this night," Klaus paused, a muscle in his jaw tensing. Caroline knew he was thought about Tyler. "But, I want you to know that there isn't any other place I would rather be then here with you."
Unable to think of what to say, she focused on how she felt. How his words kindled a fire deep inside of her, one that filled her with warmth and light until she glowed as bright as the sun.
Klaus must have read her mind because he pulled her tighter into his arms and her head fell against his chest. Resting her cheek where his heart once beat she imagined she could hear the rhythmic vibrations while they swayed in time with the music. Closing her eyes, she let her friends, the gym, prom, everything fall away until there was nothing but the two of them together. Time itself stood still and Caroline wanted it to stay that way forever.
The intimate, crooning song gave way to another number and Caroline was surprised to see two pairs of horrified eyes on her.
"Caroline?" Elena asked, a look of shock on her face like she witnessed a drive by shooting.
Standing frozen in Klaus's arms, Caroline tried to come up with something to say. Before she had a chance, Bonnie yanked on her arm. "We need to talk. Bathroom, now!"
At Bonnie's demand, Caroline untangled herself from Klaus's arms. "I don't need to go to the bathroom. Vampires…we don't…"
"Well, I do and you are coming with," Bonnie retorted.
"Caroline," Klaus growled, reaching for her hand. "You don't have to go anywhere."
"I do." She hoping saying that aloud would make it easier to accept. It didn't. She fixed a smile on her face in hopes it would soothe him. "I will be right back."
Klaus looked like he wanted to argue with her and rip some heads off, Wisely he just nodded.
Caroline let Bonnie drag her to the bathroom, Elena in tow. She decided not to say anything until they were out of earshot of most of prom. They entered the ladies restroom and Caroline blinked at the harsh yellow lights.
"Tell me I didn't see you practically humping Klaus on the dance floor!" Bonnie asked, her voice shrill.
"You didn't." Caroline touched Klaus' gift to her, taking courage in touching the delicate necklace.
"Then what do you call it?"
"Dancing, Bonnie. I was dancing with him."
Bonnie opened her mouth to say something further. Elena silenced her with a soft touch on her shoulder.
"What Bonnie means is we are concerned as to why you are dancing with Klaus? Did he do something to you? Hurt you?"
Caroline laughed. She wished he had. That would make this all so much easier.
Elena exchanged worried looks with Bonnie and stepped over to squeeze Caroline's hand. "It's okay. You can tell us."
"Klaus didn't do anything to me. I was only dancing with him."
"That wasn't only dancing." Bonnie peered at Caroline, suspicion in her gaze.
"But why?" Elena's asked brows furrowed together in puzzlement. "Why would you dance with him?"
Why would she dance with him? Caroline wanted to know why too. Why she couldn't keep him at arms length anymore and shut him out. Why she couldn't begin to tell the truth to herself about her feelings for him, let alone her own friends. Unsure of what to answer anymore, what lie she could even tell, she decided on the truth. "He's my date."
Bonnie and Caroline stared at her, their mouths agape as if she drained someone here in the ladies restroom right in front of them. Clearing her throat, Elena stepped over to stare into Caroline's eye's.
"I am not being compelled." Caroline swatted her friend away. "Why do you always do that?"
"You can't blame her for wanting to check." Bonnie frowned, her gaze uncertain. "You seem to have forgotten what Klaus is capable of."
"You think I don't remember?" Caroline protested, her voice verging on wild. "I remember everything he has ever done." What she failed to mention was how the sweet memories of the last few weeks with him were starting to overshadow even the most horrific of his deeds.
Bonnie shook her head, sending her crystal chandelier earrings swinging. "They why are you with him?"
"It is just a dance."
"Not to you. This is prom." Bonnie made air quotes with her fingertips.
Elena looked up at her with her big doe eyes. "This isn't like you, Care."
At her friends use of her nickname, something broke in Caroline. "Don't you think that maybe I am doing this for everyone. For all of you? If I spend time with him, I can distract him and keep all of you safe. For some reason, I don't completely understand, he fancies me. And because of this weakness, he is willing to do about anything to spend time with me and that includes leaving all of you alone."
Bonnie and Elena stared back at her once more, matching shocked expressions on their faces.
"I know, right?" Caroline laughed, the tone harsh. "Who would think the most evil hybrid in the world would fall for me? It's crazy, right?"
Elena threw her arms around Caroline. "It's not crazy at all. You are the kindest, sweetest person I know. How could he not fall for you?"
"So kind and sweet she has attracted our biggest threat." Bonnie gazed at her with a thoughtful look.
"Thanks, Elena." Caroline murmured.
"I don't like this. I don't want you spending time with him to protect us. While, I do appreciate it…no one wants you to sacrifice your life for our safety. "
"I really don't mind." Caroline stepped out of Elena's arms. While she partially told them the truth she didn't need them to know that she actually enjoyed spending time with Klaus. Or that she didn't really have a choice. There was still the little matter of the attack on her life, If she had her way they would never find out. "And if I don't get back out there soon I know Klaus will come in here looking for me."
"From the way he was looking at you he probably would" Elena agreed.
Caroline headed towards the door, only to be stopped by Elena grabbing her hand. "Promise me you will be careful? That you will run to us if he starts getting out of hand?"
She wanted to roll her eyes at her friend's words. She had nothing to fear from Klaus. Her only fear came from her own ability to control her feelings for him when they were alone. "I promise."
Walking out of the restroom, Klaus was there. Every line and ridge in his body tight with tension. At her reassuring smile he relaxed. "Everything settled?"
"As much as it can be." Which she hoped he didn't realize meant that nothing was at all.
"So, no more sneaking around?"
"Something like that."
Klaus held out his hand for her. "Dance with me."
Caroline placed her palm against his, curling her fingers into his. They walked back to the dance floor. She easily fell into his arms. It was like she now belonged there.
"Mind if I cut in?"
Without waiting for an answer, Damon twirled her into his arms.
"Get your hands of her."
Chills ran up and down Caroline's spine at the dangerous growl in Klaus' voice.
"Why? Caroline promised me a dance at her prom. I'm just collecting," Damon said, a look of mischief on his face.
Gold fire leapt in Klaus' eyes and he advanced toward her and Damon like a wild beast ready to erupt into violence at the slightest provocation.
Caroline had only one choice. Damon obviously was itching to cause a scene and aggravate Klaus and she wasn't about to let that happen.
"Klaus, it's fine. I did promise him a dance," she lied, giving Damon her coldest look to which he only grinned.
Klaus looked from her to Damon with irritation. He was displeased he didn't have a reason to torture the other vampire.
Advancing on Damon, Klaus leaned down to whisper something in his ear. Caroline couldn't hear what was said. A threat of some kind because if possible the vampire paled for a moment. Klaus moved to stand right next to them while the danced.
"Would you mind finding someone else to dance with? We don't need an audience." Damon made a shooing gesture with his fingertips at Klaus.
If Damon continued to run his mouth this nigh was going to escalate into violence that she would have to deal with. Caroline stepped on Damon's foot, digging the pointed heel of her shoe into his toes.
"Caroline!" Damon stumbled a bit on his feet before he was able to regain his balance.
Klaus stalked to the edge of the dance floor and Caroline was pleased at the look of devilish glee in his eyes at her actions. His good mood wouldn't last if he continued to stand there staring at them. She searched the room for Rebekah. Finding her in what looked like an animated conversation with several other girls, Caroline was reluctant to set Klaus on her. To her relief, Stefan joined Klaus.
Damon winked at his brother and Caroline would have to be dumb and blind not to realize that they were up to something. She struggled in Damon's arms. He held her fast and pulled her farther into the crowd of dancers.
"They're just going to have a little conversation. Kind of like us." Damon smirked.
"Make it fast then. I have things to do."
Damon ignored her and glanced down at the necklace that hung from Caroline's neck. "Platinum and diamonds? Could that be from the new boyfriend?"
"It's just for a loan for the night," Caroline hated how defensive she sounded. "And he is not my boyfriend."
"With the way you two were cozying up to each other tonight I am going to have argue differently." Damon let go of one of her hands to twirl her around and swinging her once more back into his arms. "Which leads me to having to congratulate you on a job well done. When I asked you to get close to Klaus I never expected you to be so successful. Have you learned anything that we can actually use?"
"No." Caroline gave him her stoniest stare.
Damon shrugged with nonchalant elegance. "Pity."
Caroline glanced out past the crowd to find Klaus staring at her and Damon. Tremors slid over her at the look of rage in the hybrid's eyes. Stefan was talking to him, a serious expression on his face. Klaus didn't seem to be paying any attention to him at all. They way he was looking at her, at Damon, filled her with unease. He looked like he was seconds away from charging unto to the dance floor and mauling the vampire to death. Rebekah seemed to have noticed the small scene because she walked over to Klaus and with a few words she managed to drag him off towards the refreshment table.
"The question now is can you still be trusted to do what is best for Elena?" Damon asked, his voice cruel.
She whipped her head around to face the vampire. "How can you even ask me that?"
"Maybe because you are getting a little to chummy with our Original family. Elena says you and Rebekah are practically like BFF'S." Damon fluttered his eyelashes. "Klaus practically lives with you now and even my dear Liz won't have a bad word said about him. Then there is the whole Vampire Survivor Fund. What is he trying to do? Buy the whole town off?"
"You talked to my mother? About Klaus?"
"How else am I supposed to find out what is going on?" Damon asked with a petulant look on his face. "It's not like I can even get close to you. You do realize he has every hybrid in town guarding you now."
Shaking her head, Caroline thought how best to answer Damon. She could deny knowing about the hybrid army's existence in her life. Except it would make her look like a total airhead. "Klaus gets very protective of the things he considers his."
"Are you his now?"
Caroline flushed with anger at the sneer she heard in Damon's voice. "Of course not."
With an air of suspicion, Damon studied her, looking deeply into her eyes for a long moment. He was trying to convince himself she told the truth. "You wouldn't lie to me would you, Blondie? This is Elena's life at stake here."
"How dare you? I would do anything for Elena!"
"Would you? I'm starting to wonder."
Bristling with anger at the mistrust in his tone, Caroline dug her nails into his shoulders until he flinched. "Seriously? You're questioning my loyalty to Elena?"
"It's hard not to when I find you draped all over him." Damon made a sound of disgust.
"Which I'm doing to help protect Elena," she snapped "Remember?" She was so upset. She couldn't help but wonder who she was more angry at? Damon or herself for the little lies she kept telling herself to stay sane and keep it all together.
Damon narrowed his eyes at her, staring hard at her again. He nodded at last, having made a decision. "I might have managed to get my hands on some more white oak stakes."
Caroline freeze froze in her chest. "How is that possible?"
"Rebekah was sniffing around looking for old records and I put two and two together and now I have a whole collection of them."
"You want to kill Klaus?" Caroline said, unshed tears sticking in the back of her throat.
Damon shook his head. "No, I want you to kill him."
It hurt. Her heart. Oh God, did it hurt.
"It has to be done. He can't keep using Elena like this. Draining a pint every month. This is no life for her. And this hybrid army of his, it needs to be stopped."
He was right. Never had Damon spoken truer words. It couldn't continue like this forever and she would be blind to think otherwise. Klaus would use Elena until the day she died and there were her children and her children's children to think of. But what of Caroline's heart? The pain was practically unbearable. It was as raw as if it had been sliced into hundreds of tiny pieces.
At her silence, Damon moved his palm from her lower back to grasp her hand. "Think of Elena. Her future, her happiness. You're the only one who can get close to him, he will never see it coming."
Caroline was going to choke on the tears she wouldn't allow herself to cry. "I — I can't."
"You can."
Was that a hint of sympathy Caroline saw in his eyes?
Damon squeezed her hand. "She needs you."
Caroline bit her bottom lip so hard she tasted blood. She loved Elena with her whole heart. They were practically sisters. She was there with Caroline through everything, never letting anything stand in the way of their friendship. She couldn't let her lead the life Klaus meant for her. Shutting her eyes tight she thought of him, the deaths he caused since he came to town, the blood dripping from his hands. How many innocents would she save if she took him out? She wouldn't think of his caresses, his kisses, the way he looked at her with love and tenderness. She would especially not think of how much she…
"Don't fail us, Caroline."
She nodded her head. Caroline couldn't even bear to say the words aloud. To speak of the crime she was about to commit.
"I'll get a few stakes to you and you will know when the time was right." For once Damon wasn't Damon. His gaze was solemn, his tone soft. Did he guess her anguish?
Taking a deep breath she didn't need, she let it stick in her lungs until it hurt. She tried to exhale. Shooting pains cut through her chest and she knew she was suffocating. It was another panic attack. She needed to get out of there and away from Damon.
"I need some air," she managed to gasp out. Pulling her hand from his, she moved out of his arms.
Stumbling off the dance floor she heard Damon call after her, "God help you if you betray her."
Making her way out of the gym, she leaned against a row of lockers, taking gulping breaths of air she didn't actually need. Oh, God, she was going to be sick. Shutting her eyes she tried to will her weakness away. Heels clicked on the concrete floor and her eyelids flew open.
"Bonnie. I was just taking a break from all the noise." Caroline was surprised to see that her friend was carrying her purse and she had her coat on. "Are you leaving already?"
"I think it's time."
Caroline furrowed her brow. "It's still early yet."
Bonnie moved closer to her, her long skirts gracefully flowing around her ankles. "He really does love you."
"What?"
"Well, as much as a monster like him can."
"Infatuation and obsession are more his style," Caroline grumbled.
Bonnie leaned against the locker next to Caroline. "He has been luckier then he ever deserved. Such as him was made to walk the ages with the misery of never finding happiness. Always seeking something to fill the hole inside and coming up empty." Her face scrunched up like she tasted something sour. "Not finding love and breaking the curse."
Caroline turned to look Bonnie. There was something strange about her voice. It held an edge Caroline never heard before. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing." Bonnie shook her head. "I'm just tired. I really should head out and say goodbye to Elena. Walk with me?"
"Um sure." The last thing Caroline wanted was to go back to the gym where Klaus awaited her, but she couldn't stay in the hallway forever. The thought of seeing him now, knowing what she was going to have to do, horrified her. She didn't know how she was going to be able to face him, to look him in the eye. She wanted to throw her arms around him and confess everything.
Somehow Caroline managed to move, head back towards the gymnasium.
Air whooshed behind her and Caroline started to turn, her vampire speed kicking it. Pain racked though her. She hurt in her chest. There was so much pain, every part of her was on fire with it. In shock, Caroline looked down at her front. A wood stake stuck out of her, to the left of her heart. It was stabbed right through her back and entirely embedded deep inside her. Blood dripped down the front of her gown, the dark red staining the pure white of her dress. In agony she turned to face her attacker.
"You were supposed to die."
"Bonnie?" Caroline crumpled to her knees.
"No." The smile on Bonnie's face was one Caroline never saw before. It chilled her right to the bone.
Caroline tried to wrench the stake from her body. It was impossible to take out. "Who are you?"
"It doesn't really matter who I am." Bonnie, who was not, Bonnie opened her purse to pull out another stake. "I am sorry that you have to suffer. I meant it to be painless, but you moved too fast."
"Bonnie, stop. This isn't you," Caroline choked out, blood filling her mouth.
"You were never supposed to be born again," the stranger inside Bonnie stated with a rueful tone. "That was never part of the plan. At your loss, Niklaus was supposed to suffer empty and broken forever.
What little blood was left in Caroline drained from her face. It bubbled and leaked from the wound in her chest. Weak like a newborn kitten she had no strength. She had to get away, but her legs just wouldn't move. An image floated by in her mind, hazy and wrapped in a wisp of smoke. She stood surrounded by roses in a garden. Klaus leaned in to kiss her. My True Love Hath My Heart.
"No," Caroline whispered.
Footsteps pounded, roars and screams filling Caroline's ears. Familiar arms encircled her.
"Caroline? Love? Don't leave me now!"
Pressure exploded in her chest and with a popping sound the stake was pulled from her. Blood burst and flowed until it formed a waterfall from her bodice to the hem of her gown. Caroline leaned back into those comfortable arms. Having come home at last, she let her head fall to the darkness.
"Drink, dammit, Caroline."
The smell of heaven, of spicy wine, roses and dances in the rain tickled her nostrils and she obediently opened her mouth. Blood poured inside of her, tantalizing her tongue and taste buds, but it hurt to swallow. So she allowed it to fill her mouth, gently coaxing it down her throat. It filled her, bubbling with warmth through her system like the champagne she drank earlier. With each swallow, her strength returned, her clarity restored. She whimpered when the source of such wonder was pulled away from her mouth.
Opening her eyes, she found herself on the floor in Klaus's lap, his arms tight around her. Multitudes of feet surrounding her and she lifted her gaze to find her friends staring at her. Facing her were alternating looks of shock and horror. She could only imagine what her friends thought to find her like this, to see her eagerly sucking down Klaus' blood.
"Love?" A tender kiss of relief was pressed to the top of her head.
Caroline ignored it to focus on her attacker. "Bonnie?" Caroline croaked, noticing at once the tears streaming down her friend's face. Rebekah held Bonnie's arms captive and bruises were already blossoming on her skin underneath the Original's fingers.
"Don't worry. The witch will be dead by morning," Klaus murmured silkily. The deadly softness in his tone scared Caroline more then if he had ranted and raved.
"I'm so sorry, Caroline. I don't know what happened." Bonnie's voice shook.
Elena stepped forward to glare at Klaus. "Bonnie would never do something like this."
"You will not touch her." Caroline attempted weakly to crawl out of Klaus's arms. He held her fast. "She wasn't herself. There was someone else inside her."
"Who?" Klaus asked Caroline with disbelief.
"I don't know, but you have to believe me. It wasn't her and if you touch her…" Caroline didn't bother to finish the sentence. She knew he would understand her threat. She was so very tired.
Klaus stood up with Caroline in his arms, the hem of her gown trailing to the tops of his black, patent leather shoes. "I am taking Caroline home." He shot Bonnie a malicious look and she cringed in fear. "I will deal with you later."
"Down boy," Damon drawled. "You won't touch her."
"She tried to kill Caroline. You would let her go free after that?" Klaus demanded, his voice ice.
Stefan stepped in front of Bonnie protectively. "You heard her. It wasn't Bonnie."
"You're not taking Caroline anywhere," Elena argued, lifting her chin stubbornly. "She is coming with us."
"She needs more blood." Rebekah tightened her hold on Bonnie.
Caroline did need more blood. While Klaus's blood helped, he hadn't let her drink her fill. She was still ravenous and if she was going to heal she was going to need a lot more. She would prefer them to not witness her eating. It was bad enough they had to see her like this, Klaus' blood staining her lips.
Elena turned her glare on the Original. "We can get her blood bags."
"Nik's blood is more potent and will heal her faster," Rebekah argued.
"No one is taking her from me," Klaus growled, his irises glowing yellow. "Touch her and die."
Stefan laid a gentle hand on Elena's shoulder. "I think it is best we let her go with him. He will take care of her."
"How do we know that? Who knows what he will do to her? Look at her. She is so weak she can barely hold her head up." Elena's voice raised an octave in pitch.
"Why don't you ask Caroline what she wants?" Rebekah asked/
Elena moved towards Caroline, only to be stopped by Stefan. "What do you want, Care? Do you want to go home with him or with us?"
Caroline was so very tired and so very comfortable right where she was. She felt safe and warm, like a small child tucked snugly up in warm blankets on a cold night. Leaving Klaus's arms, not having his blood again was almost unbearable. She opened her mouth to speak only to find it almost impossible to find her voice. With a tired sigh, she let her head fall back against Klaus' chest.
"I think she is perfectly content with Klaus." Stefan put his arm around Elena. "Let him take her home."
Elena shook off Stefan's hold. "If you hurt her, we will come for you."
It was Rebekah's voice Caroline heard last as Klaus carried her through the darkened hallways of the school to where the limousine waited.
"My brother would never hurt a hair on that girl's head."
"Niklaus," Caroline whispered, barely noticing Klaus's sharp intake of breath before she passed out.