Here I am with another chapter! Finally managed to get this finish and upload it. Sorry about the delay.
Terrible Love
Chapter 8: Wanting More
"What are you talking about? What do you mean nothing happened?"
"I mean nothing happened, Hayley," Camille sighed into the phone. "We had this entire day together and it was so wonderful but... Ugh!"
"Well did he try anything?"
"No! Not one thing!"
"Did you try something?"
"I definitely sent signals his way. I mean I wore his shirt and we- we slept in the same bed for Christ sake! I tried pressing against him and nothing. Maybe I'm just not his type."
"Are we completely sure he's not... you know? Gay?"
This only made Camille sigh even louder.
"Geez Cami, and I thought I had love issues. Look don't worry we'll get together one of these days and completely swear off men for good."
"I'll clear my schedule."
Little did they know Klaus was having his own girl talk.
"It was all set; everything was bloody perfect and... Damn it all to hell!"
"What the hell is wrong with you Niklaus why didn't you sleep with her?" Lucien asked while Klaus paced around in the dental room.
"She was there, I had her! But then it hits me. What happens now? Am I supposed to marry her? Does she drop everything she's doing and move in with me in New Orleans? Do I drop everything and move back here?"
"Whoa where's all this seriousness coming from? You were about to do what you never could have back in high school. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Can't you see Lucien? I can't simply sleep with Camille and be done with it. We have history. We- We're... We're friends!" He finished in frustration while hitting a fist against the wall. "It's high school all over again!"
Lucien eyed his friend sympathetically. He really did feel for him. There were only a select few whom knew of Klaus feelings for Camille during high school and he was one of them; he was sure Marcel knew as well.
"I never intended for it to go in this direction. I should have never come here Lucien."
And Lucien knew he didn't mean his workspace. "If you ask me, my two cents, is that you'll make this worse by leaving now."
Klaus scowled at him. "And what would you have me do? Huh?"
"Talking with her would be a start."
Klaus sunk into one of the chairs in the room, clearly not looking forward to that idea.
"Look my shift is about to end. If you want I can accompany you."
Klaus lifted his gaze from the floor to Lucien. "You would do that?"
"Why wouldn't I? It was you who introduced me to Freya so this is no bother for me."
"Fair enough." Klaus replied with a rare smile.
They drove up to her uncle's house that still lived in the same house. The one with the red roof, he mused.
"Niklaus? Is that you?" Kieran said upon opening the door. "My goodness what a surprise! And you've brought company?"
"Don't tell me you've forgotten this face?" Lucien said slightly offended. "Although I suppose due to being older I graduated ahead of Niklaus and Camille. I'm Lucien. Lucien Castle."
"Aah yes, now I remember you. The one who was obsessed with that crazy red head."
"You told him?" Lucien frowned at Niklaus.
"Don't look at me. I didn't say anything to him about that. It was most certainly Camille not that it was far from the truth—" Klaus shook his head lightly. "But we are going way off course here. Not that it isn't good to see you but, where can I find Camille?"
"It always was about Camille with you I see that hasn't changed," Kieran chuckled. "She's working."
"Thank you." Was all Klaus said before dragging Lucien back to the car.
Lucien began the trek to the bar. "Have you thought about what you're going to say? Actually I think the better question is do you even know what to say?"
"I don't. But I feel that once I see her I'll know exactly what to say."
"Never took you for the romantic type. I suppose you learn something new everyday."
The familiar bar came into view and Klaus quickly hopped off and let Lucien worry about the parking. With a speed he didn't know he had he made it inside the bar.
"Niklaus!"
It was a feminine voice. Just not the one he'd been waiting for.
"How are you love?" Aurora said and jumped up to embrace him. "Let's go do something. The night at the ball was so uneventful."
Was that the understatement of the year.
"I'm afraid I'm busy right now," He replied while scanning the bar for a certain blond. "Why don't you go elsewhere for entertainment?"
"Niklaus there you are!" Lucien called out as he made his way to him. "You know I don't appreciate you leaving me at the parking lot like that. And after I decide on helping you with Camille out of the kindest of my heart."
Aurora narrowed her eyes dangerously. "That is the second time I hear that name."
Lucien finally noticed she was there. "Huh? Oh hello Aurora. Lovely to see you."
Klaus shot Lucien a glare.
"Who is this Camille? Tell me!"
"She's..." Klaus trailed off mid-explanation when his eyes landed on her. "...Beautiful."
"Beg your pardon?"
"Lucien will explain."
Lucien looked at him like he'd gone crazy. "Niklaus there's a limit to my—" Before he could finish Klaus had shoved Aurora onto him and ushered him out the bar. He sighed as Aurora began nagging at him for answers.
That distraction was all Klaus needed to reach Camille and make his move. "Camille?"
She turned and her smile died instantly when she saw him. "What do you want Klaus?"
"You're upset?"
"What gave you that impression?" She sarcastically repeated a line he'd used. "I'm working right now."
He had no idea why she was upset with him? Because it was truly unfair. He had done nothing wrong. And that's all he's done with her, nothing. Unless that was what she was upset about? He grabbed her wrist to stop her from leaving. "I need to speak with you."
"Can't you see I'm working?" She retorted, pulling her hand away roughly. "What is this back and forth with you Klaus? Why are you messing with my head? Is this some sort of game?"
Him messing with her head? All the pent up anger he'd locked away ever since walking out of her life began seeping out. "So now it is I who's messing with your head? You've been doing that to me for as long as I'd known you Camille."
"Unbelievable, you're mad because I wouldn't sleep with you in high school? Grow up Klaus!"
He laughed bitterly. "Hah, Camille you really are quite the woman. You're passing judgement on me while you're upset because I wouldn't sleep with you yesterday. Seems like a case of pot calling kettle black if you were to ask me."
"Is that what it all boils down to? Some sick revenge? You hurt me like I hurt you? Well you've done it, you've got your revenge."
"This doesn't even compare to what I endured with you. And you know what? I don't need this. I'm not your doormat anymore Camille."
"Go on then, walk on out like you did before! It sure as hell fixes all your problems doesn't it?"
"No, no, I'm not walking out. I'm leaving. Leaving to the great life I have back in New Orleans."
"Good! Only this time do us both a favor and stay out of my life!"
Pretty soon the security -as well as everyone else- had noticed the commotion and he was thrown out the bar. He'd caught one last glance at her and he didn't know how to respond. He was rendered speechless.
It was the face of someone heartbroken.
... ... …. …. ... ... ... …. …. ... ... ... ….
"Now, when you said you'd know what to tell Camille when you saw her I did not expect for it to go like that." Lucien commented while driving Klaus back home.
Klaus was silent beside him on the passenger seat, staring blankly out the window.
"When Niklaus comes back to town he comes back to town. Wouldn't you say?" This time he spoke with some humor. Still his friend remained somewhere else.
It wasn't until they made it home did he speak.
"Lucien," Klaus murmured as he unlocked the door.
"Yes?"
"I appreciate your help."
The next he knew the door had slammed shut. Lucien stood still in brief surprise. Niklaus being grateful? To him? This was definitely bigger than he'd thought. Quickly he scrolled through his contacts and began dialing. "Freya? Love, I need your help."
Klaus had stumbled past the kitchen and bumped into Kol who didn't notice he was not in any mood for his antics.
"Well if isn't hopeless Nik, how goes it? Still trying and failing in charming Cami?"
Klaus slammed him against the wall. "I've put up with your garbage all week but let me tell you that I no longer need to. Tell me brother, has it ever occurred to you once in your simple mind about how your little girlfriend is going to be off to college soon while you rot here letting time slip you by? You consistently call me hopeless but it's you who's hopeless. Why don't you grow up already Kol? You are not a damn child anymore! Sort your life out and stop worrying about mine!"
He left not caring whether Kol listened or not. Nor did he care that he wasn't there anymore when he passed again with his luggage.
Rebekah knocked on Klaus door. "Nik? You there? I've got some muffins from the bakery."
She was a bit spooked by how oddly empty the house was. Even Kol wasn't home! Of course there were reasons to go with most of the absences: Freya had called and said she'd be with Lucien; her parents were out with Henrik; Elijah and Finn headed out for some drinks; while she didn't know where Kol went and it was looking like her favorite brother wasn't home either.
She knocked again but still no response. "Nik, I'm coming inside so I hope you're decent." With one turn the door opened and she frowned when it was empty. Great. That meant she was literally alone in this gigantic house.
Come to think of it she didn't see Klaus' car at the driveway. She figured he was probably attempting to woo Camille more. Poor guy.
And as her feet echoed through the hallways while she made her way to the kitchen she began thinking it was about time they bought a dog, a family dog.
The sound of the front door slamming close had her shrieking in fear. Quickly she grabbed a butcher's knife and stumbled to the foyer, her mind playing all the scenarios of every scary movie she'd watch in the middle of the night with Kol.
And speaking of her rebellious older brother.
"Can you slam the door any harder? Do you have any idea how frightened I was? I thought we were getting robbed."
"Whatever," He shrugged and walked passed her.
"Where's Nik?"
"Hell if I know. He can piss off out of here for all I care. Ungrateful twat."
Rebekah grabbed his arm. "What's wrong? Did he say something to you?"
"The bastard goes on and gives me some dribble that I'm not getting into with you Bekah. And after all I've done to help him too. This is why I don't bother."
"I'm sure he didn't mean it." Rebekah murmured before the front door opened again. "Freya, I thought you were with Lucien?"
"I was but— Rebekah, why do you have a knife?" She asked upon seeing the weapon and then her eyes wandered to Kol. "When you told me you wanted to kill Kol on occasions I didn't think you were serious."
Rebekah sighed. "It's- It's a long story."
"Where's Niklaus? Is he home?"
"No. His car isn't here either. He's probably with Camille." Rebekah replied.
"About that... I have something I want to tell you."
"Good, I've got muffins in the kitchen. Let's talk."
"Go on and enjoy, I've got no time for Niklaus' crap or your little girl talk." Kol sneered.
"He's mad at Nik apparently." Rebekah answered Freya's unasked question.
"I know why he's upset Kol," Freya stated and reached out to grab Kol's wrist. "That's what I wanted to talk about. Your sisters need you now."
"That's always what it is," He retorted, pulling away from her grip. "Always asking for my help and like a fool I always accept. Well I've got news for you I'm not doing this anymore." He gestured back and forth between them with his hand. "You lot are on your own."
"Kol, Kol!" Freya called out but he disappeared upstairs.
Rebekah lowered her head sadly. "I've never seen him this upset."
"It's Niklaus. He must've said something that he didn't mean. Lucien tells me that he got into this really big fight with Camille at the bar."
"So that's what it's about. Do you have any idea where Niklaus could be?"
"No, he's not answering his phone either. This argument is really weighing down hard on him. It's not funny anymore Rebekah. I think Niklaus is really in love with her."
"I had a feeling. Wait," Rebekah paused to think before her eyebrows knitted in worry. "Shit."
"Where are you going?" Freya asked while Rebekah had dashed upstairs. She followed her until she reached Niklaus' room. "What is it?"
"He's gone. He's gone Freya. His luggage isn't here."
"Damn it. Let's go Rebekah, we're heading to the airport. Hopefully we can meet him halfway. Problem or not we're not letting Niklaus skip out on family week."
Rebekah nodded. "Let's go! It's up to us girls to put this family back together."
Finn opened the door to their home and almost immediately raised a brow. "Is it me or this house eerily quiet?"
Elijah peered inside. "It appears so. Perhaps no one is home yet."
"Kitchen lights are on," Finn added when they'd gone further inside. He took one of the muffins on the table for himself before passing one to Elijah. "Never realized how truly spacious this house could be."
"Time for a dog you reckon?"
"It sounds nice but I'm scared to think what chaos it'd bring. It's too far a stretch to assume Kol would take care of it and I doubt Rebekah would be excited to pick up turd."
"You're right." Elijah chuckled. "I'm off to get some rest. Goodnight brother."
"Goodnight Elijah."
Finn took the rest of the muffins -he'd just blame it on Kol should anyone ask- with him and decided on getting some sleep. Right as he made it to the stairs he noticed the lights of the backyard were on. "Huh?"
Outside was Kol sitting by the steps and staring at the sky seemingly lost in thought.
This was new.
"And here I thought I'd never see the day," He spoke getting Kol's attention. "You thinking? What a sight."
"Fuck off," Kol spat and looked away. "I'm not in the mood so whatever it is save it."
Finn sighed before taking a seat beside him.
"What are you doing?"
"Look Kol, you irritate me to no end," He silenced Kol by lifting a finger. "Let me finish. You annoy me most of the time I visit home and even before when I used to live here. But, sibling squabble is temporary while family is forever. Whether you or I like it or not I am still your older brother."
Kol eyed him wearily not sure if he should speak his mind or not. "Do I have your word that whatever I tell you will stay between you and I?"
"You have my word."
Kol was silent briefly before opting on talking. "I'm scared Finn."
Finn was taken back. "Scared?"
"It's pathetic but... yeah. I'm not sure what my future will be like or if I even have one. Niklaus really gave me something to think about earlier. I've been mocking him about his personal life but it's mine that looks bleak. He said my future is hopeless and to be honest it isn't the first time I've thought about it. You see Davina will eventually be going to college and she might not want to stick around Mystic Falls. I can't follow if she chooses to explore outside universities. Hell I can barely keep up now."
"You really like this girl don't you? Otherwise a potential departure wouldn't be afflicting you like this."
"I do."
"Kol, listen to me, Niklaus was wrong to say those things to you. And so was I. My comments no doubt fueled this feeling of yours even more. It isn't too late for you brother. You're still so young and you've got a high school diploma; something I'm sure even you didn't believe you'd get."
Kol chuckled. "Hah, guess not." He lifted his gaze back to the sky solemnly. "I'm not sure what it is I can do."
"What is it that you like doing brother?"
Kol pondered this momentarily. "Well, playing video games. I'm also really good with computers."
"That you are," Finn agreed as he recalled when he'd fixed Rebekah's laptop at one point. "You're more than good at it. In fact, I dare say you could make something out of it."
"You- You really think that?"
"Yes. Deep down there was always a part of me that believed in you. We would always bicker so I never really knew how I could say it. The only language we ever spoke in was insults. Back when we were playing paintball I challenged you to shoot me and you didn't. It sounds ridiculous but you made me really happy." Finn explained before standing up. "Stay here. I have something for you."
Kol nodded and occupied himself with eating some of the muffins Finn had left behind. What a strange day it was turning into. Finn actually giving him advice?
Finn reappeared with a small bag. "I was going to give you this before I left back home but I think it'd be more appropriate now. It's probably too late and I'm sure you've outgrown it but I think I owed you it."
Kol took the bag and his eyes widened upon seeing what was in it. "Is this a limited edition Gameboy Advance? How did you find it?"
"Originally there were five of those models shipped out including yours. It turns out that one of the other owners of it is a big fan of my novel. It was really easy after that."
"Why... Why would you go out your way to get me this?"
"Because we're brothers Kol. Always and forever."
Always and forever. The words stuck in Kol's head like an obnoxious post-it note. Finn was right. Family was forever. And families don't turn their back on one another. Klaus needed him. It's what Freya had been trying to tell him.
"Finn, thank you brother." Kol stated.
"You're welcome."
"I have something I need to do so I'll be out. But..." Kol scratched his head lightly. "Look not that I didn't appreciate this talk but uh, is it possible for things not to completely change between us? What I'm trying to say is that I really enjoy our banter and I'd hate for that to change in favor of sappy things like this."
Finn laughed. "That's fine. I rather enjoy our banter too."
Kol darted passed the kitchen and opened the door to leave. He came face to face with Aurora causing him to shout. "The bloody hell is wrong with you? Are you trying to send me into cardiac arrest!?"
She didn't speak but when she did, her voice was ice cold. "Where is Niklaus, Kol?"
He gulped in fear.
Author's Notes
The ladies need to fix the mess the boys have created now. And will also try and smooth other things over in the process is stuck with Aurora again.