Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing. Only the story is mine.

Note: Previously, in "In the Lion's Den," Caroline, while doing the research for her next book, wonders just how old the Mikaelson family really is. Klaus explains the truth to her, after which they share an unexpected and passionate kiss.

Hey, guys! I got an idea for this next chapter and thought I'd share. No spoilers, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

ON WITH THE INSANITY!

After the Kiss…

Klaus walked into the study and shut the door behind him, heading to the desk and sitting down, running his fingers through his hair. He was thinking about the scene with Caroline and wondered just what possessed him to kiss her the way he did. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy, which he did, but he still wondered why he would do it after dropping the bomb about himself and the rest of the Mikaelson family. Granted, she was curious about it after reading the records Rebekah had given her, and she would've found out eventually, but kissing her when she didn't ask to be kissed made him feel like an idiot.

What the bloody hell were you thinking, Niklaus?, his thoughts screamed at him. While it's true you've been attracted to Caroline since you rescued her in the alley, but you went too fast, and it's likely that she probably won't let you kiss her again, even if she claimed to have liked it.

He was then jostled out of his thoughts by a knock on his door. Quickly, he got up from his desk and went toward it. When he got there, he said, "Who is it?"

"It's Elijah."

Letting out a sigh of relief, the hybrid opened the door and saw his brother standing there. Before the older man could say anything, he pulled him into the room and shut the door. Elijah scowled curiously at Klaus' actions and tilted his head, wondering just what the bloody hell had gotten into him all of a sudden.

Finally, he said, "Niklaus, what has gotten into you? You're acting like you don't want anyone to see you. Mind telling me just what happened?"

Klaus hesitated for a moment, searching for an explanation to give to his older brother. He knew that he couldn't keep this from him, and that he couldn't lie to him, because he'd sense it immediately. There was only one way he could get out of this and that was to tell the truth and see what kind of advice Elijah could give him.

"It has to do with our guest."

"You mean Miss Forbes?" said Elijah. "What about her?"

"She was looking through the family records that Rebekah had given her, you know, to help her research her next book," said Klaus. "Anyway, she and I have a chat about it, during which she asks just how old our family really is, since the records go back as far as the medieval period."

Elijah nodded. "And what did you tell her?"

"I told her the truth," said Klaus. "I explained about the affair Mother had with her werewolf lover, and that she turned us into vampires with her magic." He sighed. "Then, after that, the most unexpected thing happened. I...I kissed her." When he got no response from Elijah, he added, "Did you not hear me, brother? I said I kissed Caroline."

"I heard you, Niklaus," said Elijah. "I apologize for not speaking, I was planning my reply. In regard to that kiss you shared with Miss Forbes, I can't say that I'm not surprised that you did, because you were obviously quite taken with her from the moment you saved her from certain death in the alley last evening."

"As true as that is, I shouldn't have done what I did," said Klaus. "I meant to do it at the appropriate time, and now that I've done it prematurely, I doubt she'll let me kiss her again, though it looked as though she enjoyed it." He then saw a smile on his brother's face. "What?"

"It's just that your situation reminds me of when Amelia and I were courting," said Elijah. "The first time we kissed, it was the most magical experience of my existence, and that's saying something, given the fact that Amelia is a witch. Long story short, I also felt a bit guilty afterward, thinking that since I had done so without her permission, she'd never allow me to kiss her again. And you want to know what happened?"

"No, but I suppose you're going to tell me anyway."

"She did allow me to kiss her again, and it took whatever guilt I was feeling away," said Elijah. "Niklaus, I know that you feel like you've ruined any chance of winning Caroline's affection, but trust me, in time, things will get better."

Klaus nodded. "I hope you're right, brother."

"Niklaus, how long have we known each other? You know that I would never steer you wrong," said Elijah. "This is a very rare opportunity you've been given, Niklaus, an opportunity that doesn't come around every century."

Elsewhere…

Caroline was finding it difficult to concentrate on her writing, the memory of the kiss still fresh on her mind. Great, just what she didn't need. It was bad enough that she had a case of writer's block before leaving her home town, but to receive a very unexpected kiss from the man that was letting her stay with him? She had no idea had to describe that she felt about it.

I know I'm definitely going to blame Klaus for the delay in getting this thing published. Granted, he's a great kisser and everything, but honestly, he's going to drive me to distraction.

"Someone looks like they're stumped about something."

Caroline was then startled out of her reverie by a voice behind her and turned around to see Amelia standing there, little Evelyn cradled in her arms. She smiled at her, relieved that she had another woman to confide in aside from Rebekah.

"Stumped is putting it mildly," she replied. "Amelia, you wouldn't believe what happened to me earlier."

Amelia nodded, kissing Evelyn on her forehead and rocking her. "Care to tell me about it?"

"Well, you know those family records Rebekah gave me to research my book?" said Caroline. "I was reading them and seeing as they dated back to the medieval period, which made me curious as to how old the family is. Anyway, Klaus came in and I asked him. He then tells me that he was the product of an affair his mother had with a werewolf, and then she turned her children into vampires with a spell."

"What happened afterward?"

"He grabs my arm and I tell him to let me go," said Caroline. "But, instead of letting me go, he pulls me closer to him and kisses me." She sighed. "Needless to say, I'm very confused, and I don't know how to feel about what happened between us. I barely know him and yet, there's something about him that I can't resist."

Amelia smiled. "I think I know what's going on here. You're attracted to Klaus."

"Attracted to Klaus? Me?"

"Yes, and I can definitely empathize with you," said Amelia. "I felt the same way about Elijah when he and I began courting. Despite our differences, one of which being a big age gap, I found myself hopelessly drawn to him, like a moth to a flame."

"Yes, but, that was you," said Caroline. "I know nothing about Klaus, other than the fact that he's a vampire/werewolf hybrid that has walked this earth for centuries."

Amelia shifted Evelyn in her arms and then placed a hand on Caroline's shoulder. "Well, the best thing would be to get to know him. That's what Elijah and I did, and our love is stronger than any magic. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about here."

Caroline bit her lip. She knew Amelia was right, and yet, she was still conflicted. However, something told her that she couldn't hesitate.

"All right, Amelia, I'll take your advice."

Amelia smiled again and kissed Caroline's forehead. "You won't regret it, I promise."

Note: I'll end Chapter 5 here before I repeat myself. Stay tuned for more!

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