ETERNAL DANCE OF LOVE

by Recklessnesspersonified

She had been running from her misfortune all her life now she was in NOLA finding a way to realize her dreams until she met him who became the centrum of her thoughts The first time he saw her he was bewitched,the first time he saw her dance he wanted to possess her,the first time they danced together he felt a connection he couldn't deny.Will they find their way 2 each other?AU/AH

13. Goodbye My Love

A/N:

Hello I am back with another chapter I hope you all like it. Thank you everybody who followed faved and reviewed.

YAAYY I NOW HAVE 122 reviews.

A special shout out for Venus88 and TwilightHybrid who have stuck with my story for so long. Thank you so much guys.

And also Caritobear for supporting me on tumblr. Thank you lovely.

CHAPTER 13

GOODBYE MY LOVE

Bonnie Bennett rushed towards the cafe like a child rushing towards the ice cream truck. Her backpack slung over shoulder and dressed in a purple tutu and fawn colored leotards, she went straight over to where Kat was sitting at "their" table. Dumping her backpack at the table she practically squealed, "Omg omg omg. The best thing happened. People from American Ballet company selected me. Kat I'm stoked. Like you have no idea how stoked I am."

Kat chucked at her visible enthusiasm and replied,"I can see Bon. And congrats. I'm truly happy for you."

"And guess what I'll be moving to New York."

"Wow. Really? So have you talked to Kol?"

"Kat! You said this on purpose right? You knew I just found out now. How could I have told him just yet. You couldn't let me have my moment of happiness before having to worry about this." Bonnie asked with exasperation and Katherine winked at her and replied,"You know me I'm what's printed next to awesome in the dictionary."

"There are no pictures in a standard dictionary. You ruiner of fun and love!"

"Hey that makes me ROFL, sweet! " Kat remarked with a cheeky expression.

Bonnie glared at her and added,"I knew I should have talked to Care first. She at least would have been happy for me and not put this worry in my head about talking to Kol."

"Hey I'm happy for you." Kat added and Bonnie snickered and added,"Yeah but she would have been more into it like jump up and down with joy."

"You know you are right she has always been Miss sunshine and ever since she's started dating Mr anger is my middle name she is like a unicorn hopped up on rainbows and twinkling stars." Kat remarked lovingly and then added," You want Care right now? I can be Care." Then started imitating Caroline making her voice more cheerful, "OH my god Bon I am so happy for you, this is the best news ever. I knew you'd get it you are the best ballerina ever. And don't listen to Kat. I'm sure Kol will understand and you know what love always has a way."

Bonnie laughed and added, "OH that's so Care. She even said that to me when me and Kol were having a few issues. Sometimes I can't believe what a wonderful person she is. I mean she's been through so much and she still has such a generous heart."

"Yeah. And to think I almost lost her friendship by being a peepeehead."

Bonnie laughed and asked,"Peepeehead?"

"Yep. Elena called the other day and told me Giuseppe had learnt a bad word and I couldn't feel prouder.I wish I was there so I could be one of those uber cool hipster aunts' kids tell stories of to their friends. But guess she didn't want me to go along with her."

"Hey. But she calls you and talks to you."

"She called me after I called and that too seven months after she left."

"Kat I feel like you're proud aunt right now. I mean you reached out first. It's such a positive change."

"Ughhh. What is with you and psychoanalysis? Do you even psychoanalyze when you and Kol have sex? Oh Kol I think you hit my erogenous zone number 3 because you're the third child and have this thing called third child syndrome where the guy tries to give her woman three orgasms just to make up for his lack of self confidence." Katherine snarked and Bonnie reached over to hit her but Katherine didn't stop and added,"And also your kissing technique has something to do with the fact that you think mouth can be a very useful tool for helping the humanity."

"How's mouth serviceable for humanity?" Bonnie asked with an exaggerated sigh.

"Duh. Mouth to mouth in CPR and also a lot of other interesting things but I guess I was wrong about his successful erogenous zone twatting your twat."

"Kat stop or I swear I'm gonna kill you."

"Pfft. Death threats are so ten years ago."

"Anywho where's Caroline? I haven't seen her today. She even missed one of her classes." asked Bonnie

"Uhh. I thought she stayed at your place last night."

"No she went over to Klaus's."

"That explains it. I never thought I'd see a Kwamy Klaus. At first I had my reservations but I've seen him with her, he looks at her like a cokey with withdrawal would look at coke."

Bonnie laughed at her analogy and shaking her head replied,"You need a stupid jar."

"Uhh okay. But Bon I don't think jars are stupid jars are just jars. And thank you for this utterly stupid and random act of concern but I restocked my jars a few months ago so I have nothing more I want in my life."

"Oh would you just zip the lip woman. I mean like a swear jar you need a stupid jar. Every time you say something stupid you put a dollar in it and we get to be rich off the moronic crap you spew out of your mouth incessantly." Bonnie remarked.

"You do realize how stupid all of this sounds. Woaw! You have a stupid jar don't you." Kat started laughing at when the smug expression was wiped off of Bonnie's face and Bonnie replied,"No! I don't."

When Kat looked at her pointedly she added,"Fine. I don't have a stupid jar but Kol's got this thing whenever I start my psychobabble at him he gets to make love to me."

"I knew it you get shrinky on him. Send my respects to him he's a genius. And you're such a bitch. I bet you start psycho shit with him all the time so you get laid. But it's such a cool idea "shrinky sex jar", I'm officially a fan."

"Thank you I guess. Hey isn't that Klaus?"Bonnie asked and Kat followed Bonnie's gaze and saw Klaus standing at the cafes door talking to Rebekah.

"If he's here where's our blondhoe?" Kat asked.

"Let's go ask him." Bonnie said.

"Yeah sure."

Then both of them got up, grabbed their things and walked towards Rebekah but before they could reach Rebekah and Klaus, he left. Bonnie and Kat then went to Rebekah.

"Hi Rebekah have you seen Caroline today?" Bonnie asked.

"No.I'm sorry. I have not. In fact I haven't been in touch with her past few days because I lost my phone and all my contacts with it."

"Does Klaus know where she is? We haven't seen her since yesterday." Bonnie asked again

"No. He was asking me the same thing."

"You're telling us that you don't know where she is and nor does Klaus? This is worrying me. I'm going to try her phone." Kat said and started dialing her number.

"I'll try too." Bonnie added.

"It's going straight to voicemail."Kat remarked.

And both Bonnie and Rebekah looked at her with worry lines on their faces.

"Did Klaus tell you anything? I mean did she get into a fight with him or something?" Kat asked Rebekah and she answered,"No. Give me her number I'll try too. "

"This is useless. She's not answering. Something is wrong." Kat remarked.

"Hey. Don't worry maybe she's pissed off at Klaus . Or maybe she went back to the apartment. I think we should go to my apartment and check if she is there."

"Yeah. Let's go." Kat remarked.

Before they could leave Rebekah added," I'll come with you."

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Klaus had never felt such fright and alarm before every waking moment, every passing breath was a torment. He didn't want to believe that Caroline wasn't okay. Even if the thought, that something adverse might have happened, crossed his mind fleetingly it shook him to his core. But he couldn't shake this repugnant voice, this nagging fear that something was gravely wrong. He called Marcel because he knew he could count on him for anything, for both life and death.

"Marcel! Where are you?"

"At the quarter. Why?"

"Caroline's missing. I woke up and she wasn't there. I thought she might have gone to the Academy but no one has seen her there. It's almost been five hours. It's not like her."

"You don't think… "

Before Marcel could complete his sentence Klaus growled, "Don't. Don't even say that. She's fine. She's probably just peeved at me for something. I can't….. " Then he sighed and added, "I'm sorry man I can't even think that. Ask the guys to look for her. I'll send you her number track it. I'll call Kol too."

"It's okay man. I'll do it and let you know if I'm able to track her." Marcel replied and turned off the phone.

Klaus hung up the phone and threw it forcefully in the passenger seat in the front. The sense of trepidation and anger escalating. He couldn't afford to lose her. She was his life, the only reason to live. Before her his life was nothing more than a blur, a constant reminder of him being… unworthy and undeserving. But now with her in life he felt his life had a meaning. He wouldn't be able to survive if… no nothing was going to happen to her.

He knew who was accountable for her disappearance so he drove as fast as he could with one destination in mind.

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(Later that night)

Caroline woke up with a headache. Adjusting her eyes to the light she got up. She saw a figure standing in front of the familiar bedroom window and with a smile she muttered,"Hey."

Klaus immediately turned around when he heard her voice, the sound he had been dying to hear the whole day. He rushed to her and snatched her in his arms with such force that she was sure had broken a few of her ribs. But she didn't complain because she loved when he was possessive and ardent like this. It made her feel wanted and special. And also because she could feel his restlessness and dissatisfaction.

He moved back and without a word kissed her hard. When she started responding by kissing him holding onto his neck, he toned down his ardor and tenderly held her face.

Moving away but still keeping her in his arms he asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?"

"You looked so adorable sleeping I felt bad waking you up."

Klaus wanted to scold her and say "next time you won't leave without telling me" but he knew he couldn't. In fact he shouldn't even have brought her here. He should have stayed away from her as he had been warned. But how could he let her go without knowing she was absolutely fine. When he had finally found her few hours ago after letting her friends know that she was fit as a fiddle, he had brought her here.

Seeing her unconscious had struck such dense disquiet and worriment inside him he felt he might break. Now she was in his arms, healthy and with a precious smile on her face, and to think he might have lost all of this….her.

Klaus made himself get up and put an adequate distance between them. Turning away he said, "I'll drop you off at Bonnie's. With the preparation for the event and your classes you need proper rest."

The distance he had put between them suddenly started feeling like miles. Caroline couldn't quite put her finger on it but something was definitely amiss. Getting off the bed she went over to him and hugged him from behind. "It's okay. I don't need rest. I'll stay here."

Klaus didn't want to let go but he knew he had to if he wanted to see her enchanting face and that fetching smile alive.

These few last precious moments with her he wanted to savor them, feel her arms around him one last time so he clung to her for a while. Unknowingly leaning into her replied,"The doctor said you're not resting properly. And.."

"Doctor?"

"Yes. You fainted at the cafe. Thankfully there was a doctor at the cafe who made sure you were okay by the time I found you. Don't you remember?"

"I do remember the fainting part but I don't remember anyone tending to me. But surely it's no big deal is it?"

"No it's not. But it seems I'm not letting you get much sleep at night and with the whole dance event, exhaustion is getting to you. We need to step back from this for awhile." Klaus struggled with his last sentence.

Caroline couldn't believe her ears, the arms that had been cincturing his waist let go of their own volition. All of a sudden she could feel her heart thudding in her throat. He was practically breaking up with her and was so serene and calm about it. How could he be a picture of aplomb while breaking up.

Tightly holding on to her emotions she turned him around and asked in an aching whisper,"Are you breaking up with me?"

He saw the stricken expression on her face and wanted to do anything to take back his words but he couldn't not if he wanted to keep her safe.

Taking one tortured deep breath he said," It's just your career and health are more important than what's between us right now…

"I can't believe this. What's between us? I thought it was love. And I just fainted Klaus I'm not dying of brain tumor or something." She hollered. Then moving closer she held his face in her hands and said, "Perhaps my fainting spell scared you and if you think a bunch of sleepless nights are the reason you need to step back then it's absurd Klaus. Tell me what's going on?"

Then she touched her forehead to his and added,"Please tell me."

Her proximity, her scent, her hands everything was too much of a temptation but he resisted with all his might. Shaking her hands away he moved towards the bedroom door and replied,"Nothing is wrong."

"Then why are you doing this?"

"Because right now it's the right thing to do."

"Klaus you are not making any sense. What is going on?"

"Nothing is going on. I'm telling you at the moment it'd be more advantageous for you to stay at Bonnie's for a few days."

"And then what?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know or you don't want to tell?"

He had known she would never give up on him. He knew she was far too good for him but he had to do this. He hadn't wanted to hurt her but he had to now for her safety and happiness. So he hardened himself and replied, "Fine. You want to know. I'll tell you. All of this is great but it also smothers me. I just think we should take a breather from each other."

As soon as the words were out he felt as if the dismay and anguish on her face had killed him, he wished it would really kill him before he had to see that on her face.

Caroline felt a deep stab in her heart. Knowing that her presence was smothering him when his was a source of absolute joy for her, practically was soul wrenching. When tears threatened to spill she turned towards the nightstand and took a few minutes in picking up her bag. Wiping them away so he couldn't see them, she turned around and with a fake smile she said, "I never wanted to be one of those clingy women you know." When he just continued to stare at her with an unreadable expression on his face she added, "Guess this is my cue to leave. I'll… Goodbye Klaus"

"I'll drop you off." Klaus said.

"No. It's not necessary anymore." Caroline replied and the word "anymore" caused him more pain than a thousand knifes would have.

"Caroline, just because we…. this is happening. I mean it's almost midnight it's not safe for you to go out alone."

Ironic how he was worried about her preservation when he had just devastated her mere moments ago.

Although she was in love with him but she still had her self respect.

"I can take care of myself."

Instantly angry he gripped her elbow and grumbled, "You don't want to debate with me on this. I'm dropping you off and that's final. "

"I said it's not necessary anymore. I'll leave on my own… " Caroline snatched away her elbow and replied with a hitch in her voice she couldn't hold back. Then turning away she ran out of his apartment.

Klaus followed her and saw her hail a cab. He called out for her a few times but she didn't look back although she wasn't much far away. Klaus saw her get into the cab. He followed her cab all the way to Bonnie's apartment without her being aware of it.

She ran out of his apartment before her tears started spilling. Once inside the cab she let her tears fall. She didn't hold them back like she had been furiously attempting to in front of Klaus. He had called after her a few times but she couldn't stop and turn back to him when she knew he was done with her. And what did she have to turn back to. She was still dazed and befuddled at what had just happened. One moment he was crushing her to him like his life depended on it and the next he had just crushed her heart, their love. Hurt was like a giant thorn in her heart. She fisted one hand on her heart as if it would help but it didn't. The only cure for this hurt was actually the cause of it in the first place.

The taxi halted she once fumbled with her purse and then paid him. Getting out she rushed inside and reaching Bonnie's apartment she shut the door and collapsed against it.

Once Klaus saw her get inside only then did he turn back. Turning away from her was most painful and agonising feat. It felt as if his heart was saturated with anguish and the pain of it seemed to reverberate throughout his broken soul and body. His heart screamed at him to go get its rhythm back, his soul craving its essence back but he could without it but not with the fact that he was reason that some harm had come to her. He got inside his car and punched hard at the steering wheel a few times when he remembered the tears he saw in her pure eyes.

Self-loathing was a gigantic mass inside him clamouring with the hurt and anguish. He had just lost the one thing he had vowed he wouldn't, the one person he had vowed he would protect but he failed because Mikeal was right he was nothing more than a failure, an abomination to those whom he loved.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"Hey Care. Omigod what happened?" Kat remarked when she entered Caroline's bedroom in Bonnie's apartment.

A half an hour ago Caroline had called her and asked her to come over because she needed her. Kat couldn't have been happier knowing they were finally back to being the friends they once were but now when she entered the room and saw Care crying she rushed over to her friend's side.

"What happened? Care? " Kat shook Caroline who was sitting on her bed curled up staring into space with tears rolling down her eyes.

She looked at Kat and at once fell into her arms who in turn hugged her and asked, "Please tell me what's wrong sweetie. You're scaring me. And where's Bonnie?"

Pulling back Caroline wiped her tears once and said, "We broke up. He broke up with me."

"What? Why?" Kat asked outraged. She wanted to ask how could anyone hurt the most loyal and precious person in the world but she couldn't because she herself had hurt Caroline.

"I don't know what happened. He tells me when he found I was unconscious and that I'm not taking care of myself." More tears fell and she wiped them again and added, "When I told him I'm fine and need him to tell me what's actually going on he says he wants to step back from this thing.. between us. I'm so confused and it hurts. It's hurts more than hell."

Kat hugged her again and murmured, "It's going to be okay."

"No it's not. How can it be when it hurts this much?"

Katherine was filled with rage at that asshole for hurting her friend but she knew it wasn't going to help her friend. The only thing she could do was just be there for her.

"I know. But things will get better trust me." she added and held her friend.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

(THE NEXT MORNING)

Klaus didn't sleep last night. Every time he closed his eyes he saw Caroline's tear stricken and anguished face and he hurt all over again knowing he was responsible for putting that look on her face and tears in her eyes.

Throwing away the canvas, on which he was fruitlessly trying to vent out his helplessness through painting, he moved out of his studio.

Taking out his cellphone he called the devil with whom he had made a deal for his beloved's safety he said, " It's me Klaus. I did what you wanted. Now ask your men to back off and stop following her."

Then he hung up his phone and threw it away at the wall.

Every bloody thing reminded him of how ill he had treated her, the one whom he promised to love and cherish forever.

::::;;; ::;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

Bonnie, Kat and Caroline were sitting at the table in Bonnie's kitchen silently having breakfast.

Bonnie and Kat were eating and Caroline was just picking at her food still contemplating why and how things had again taken a one eighty degree turn. One moment he was kissing her like she was his oxygen and the next he was telling her he wanted to take a breather. When tears threatened again and she felt Bonnie rub her back and Kat place a hand on her hand she forced herself to be stronger.

"I'm sorry Care I couldn't be here last night."

"It's okay Bon. I'm fine."

"He doesn't deserve you in the first place. He let you go because he is not compassionate and mature enough to appreciate you." Kat said attempting to make her friend feel better.

"You're wrong Kat. He does. He's been through so much and still he has an ocean of love inside him… He… " Caroline took a deep breath and wiping her eyes with the back of her hand added, "He once had this big boat decorated for me just so he could apologize. I just don't know what went wrong. He said I needed to think about my health and my career and when I didn't agree he told me I was smothering him. It has to be a lie right? Or am I really that overbearing and controlling. I mean we were okay last night. Ever since that episode at the cafe... " Kat interrupted Caroline and asked, "What exactly had happened at the cafe?"

"Nothing I just fainted."

"You fainted? " both Bonnie and Kat asked.

"Yeah. I thought you guys knew. "

"No. You were late for the classes so we got worried and called your cellphone but you weren't answering. So we went to look for you and like an hour later Klaus calls us and tells us that you had gone to the cafe to get breakfast and now you were with him and that you were not feeling well but it was nothing to worry about it was just a little fatigue. We just assumed you know that you guys were…" Kat said

"Oh. So Klaus called you?"

"No he called Rebekah. She was with us. Are you better now?" Bonnie asked.

"I'm fine Bon thanks."

"Care. Are you telling us the truth? Is there something else going on? " Kat asked.

"What's that supposed to mean? " Caroline asked outraged.

"Don't get mad. I mean are you sure that's the only reason he broke up with you. I think you maybe pregnant."

"What? Are you insane Kat? I'm not pregnant. We've been using protection ever since we.. There's no way I'm pregnant. You think that we broke up cuz I'm pregnant and I told him and he freaked out? Where do you come up with such stuff Kat? "

"Geez sorry. I just thought… uff what I mean was you fainting and Klaus breaking up. I'm sorry I just put two and two together. Just forget I said that. I'm a dumb hole ignore me."

"It's okay. I get it you're trying to piece together what happened. And you guys don't have to stay with me I know you have classes. I'll be fine."

"If you think we'll leave you when you need us the most then you're mistaken."

"I appreciate it. I really do but I just need some alone time. I… " Caroline said and this time she couldn't control her tears, they fell and she let them.

"Oh Care. "

"Care. " Bonnie and Kat remarked when they saw her crying.

"Please.. " She pleaded for them to understand that she needed solitude.

"Fine, we're leaving but you call us as soon as you need something okay?" Bonnie said and Caroline too sentimental to answer just nodded.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Bonnie and Katherine entered the main hallways. Still concerned about their friend walking side by side they were brainstorming for ways to make Caroline happy and had finally decided they'll do a sleepover because according to Bonnie girly sleepovers were the ultimate cure.

"Ughh. Are you sure? I mean girly sleepovers? "

"I'm telling you it works wonders. We'll watch movies, paint each other's toenails… "

"You'll paint my toenails, throw in a pedi and I'm game girly." Katherine interrupted.

"Fine. But we're doing this for Care. I still can't believe that buttcrack broke her heart. I've seen him around her it's like he breathes her but I guess I was wrong."

"Buttcrack? Did you just call Klaus a buttcrack?" Kat asked laughing.

"What? He is a certified buttcrack. He broke my best friends heart. " Bonnie replied.

"I meant you need to work on your insults Bon." Kat remarked with an eye roll.

"I'm so sorry I forgot to read Kat's handbook of insult and slander." Bonnie replied sarcastically.

They were still talking and passing through the main hallways when a husky male voice called out Katherine's name. Both Bonnie and Kat turned around and saw Galen Vaughn, who would have been Kat's partner for the event if she hadn't withdrawn, standing a few feet away from them talking to Elijah.

"Hey how do you know Vaughn?" Bonnie inquired.

"Ummm. He was supposed to be my partner for the event before I withdrew."

"What? He agreed to be your partner? " Bonnie asked stunned.

"Yeah but why are you staring at me creepily?"

"Because he is a like the best ballerino of this Academy, very high strung and very high profile. He never associates with ordinary people."

"Are you saying I'm ordinary? " Kat asked feigning offense.

"Clearly you're not cuz His high strung-ness accepted your request to be your partner. How did you find about him?"

"Joe recommended him. In fact she talked to him and he said yes. We even practised a few times together."

"Wow. He's coming over. I think I'll leave because he's looking at you and wants to talk to you."

"Mmm. Oooh. " Kat made a few sounds when she saw him walk over to where she was standing.

"What? Bonnie asked.

"Nothing I was just imagining him in tights and may I say I'm ready to get a load of that package. " Kat replied and winked at Bonnie.

"Pervert." Bonnie replied and walked away.

"You definitely need to read my handbook! " Katherine turned around and yelled after Bonnie who turned around once, gave Kat the middle finger and hurried away.

When she turned back she almost collided with Galen.

"I'd also love to read your handbook." he remarked in that rich accent of his and she replied with coy smile, "Well I'm sorry it's not for everyone."

"Oh yeah. What do I have to do to get that special privilege then?"

"Hmm. That depends."

"On what?"

"On what you're willing to do for it."

"Is that so? Will my asking you out on a date

do? "

At his statement she laughed out loud and answered, "Well aren't you a clever one. I like your style Vaughn."

"I like you Petrova. So is that a yes for the date? "

"Yes. It is." She replied feeling giddy.

"Good I'll pick you up at eight tomorrow then."

He then leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Anyone else wouldn't have dared with the exception of a certain Mikealson. Men were either afraid of Katherine or were in awe of her beauty and sassy personality. So when Galen had kissed her cheek Katherine felt more bewildered than attracted.

He turned around to leave but Katherine stopped him by calling out, "But where are we going?"

"People say surprise is the spice of life." he remarked and sauntered away before she could correct him.

When he left she saw she and Elijah were the only two people standing in the hallway. The smile on her face that had bloomed due to her banter slash flirtation with Galen disappeared when she saw Elijah's ominous expression. She didn't know what to make of it so she turned around, paused for a few seconds as if half expecting him to stop her but he didn't and she left.

Elijah was eaten up with jealousy, which was extremely a sporadic emotion for him with the exception of whenever or wherever Katerina was involved. A minute ago he was having a pressing conversation with Galen when he noticed Katerina strolling through the hallway with Bonnie. And then Galen out of the blue asked him about her if she were available. He knew he should have told Vaughn she wasn't even if it was a lie he should have told him she was taken at least then he wouldn't be feeling this intense sense of jealousy and ire. He badly wanted to punch Galen which was outrageous because Elijah wasn't a violent person by nature and preferred to settle conflict through dialogue or manipulation whichever worked. But now this acute acquired wrath was warring with his nature.

Ever since he had become aware of the fact that their fall out was the aftermath of a minor misunderstanding which could have been averted if only he had trusted her, he had been contemplating about how to win her back. It wasn't that he believed her capable of infidelity rather it was his own uncertainties about himself, about a woman loving and wanting him for who he was, hence when he saw her with Stefan he was quick to jump to conclusions.

He had hoped to win back her affections but now she was moving on and he couldn't bear it.

No, he would get her back, even if he has to do anything. They belonged together and he won't let his mistake cost him, her, Elijah vowed to himself as he saw her walk away.

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Caroline entered the Academy still feeling crestfallen and heart broken. She didn't want to come to the Academy but had made a sort of a promise and commitment to Valerie Tulle when she had accepted the sponsorship hence she couldn't shirk that responsibility.

The event was in four days. She wasn't sure of anything anymore considering the way the events of last twenty-four hours had turned out. She didn't know what would happen next, but still she moved in the direction of the auditorium where Valerie was waiting for her. She had called Caroline and asked her to come because she wanted to see for herself that if Klaus and her were well prepared or not. Well Valerie would soon know astoundment wouldn't she because Caroline doubted that Klaus would show up in the first place much less do the whole routine for her. Just thinking about him reminded her of the callous way he had pushed her out of his life. Or maybe that's how all break ups are supposed to be, what did she know, she had ended up "smothering" him. A fierce stab of pain pierced through her again. Is that how all this was supposed to end? Was this the fate of their love? What was she supposed to do now get over him and move on? How false and shallow it felt, how melliflous it all sounded when she thought about what her friends kept telling her that "She would eventually move on". It all ringed untrue when they told her that "it would get better". She knew herself that's why she knew why all of it sounded wrong. She knew Klaus was her one true love, one great love the one you could never move on from but it was a source of unparalleled pity how she didn't mean enough to him.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; ::::::::::::::

When she entered the auditorium she saw Valerie was already there but heart leapt in her mouth when she saw Klaus was too. She hadn't expected him to show up but he was there listening to Valerie talk. As if he felt her presence or perhaps he saw her his eyes landed on hers as soon as she crossed the threshold.

The pull of him was so potent, still after everything he had said, that she hesitated before she walked over to where Valerie was standing on the stage with him.

If thinking about him caused her an ample amount of misery and inquietitude than seeing him was worse. She felt all of her emotions overwhelming her at once, she ached as if someone had just ripped out her heart. She knew if she continued to look at him she would probably start shedding tears again like some hapless fool so she looked away and approached Valerie.

Klaus felt her as soon as she reached the open door of the auditorium. He could do nothing but gaze at her beatific face. He kept staring at her not able to look away, her pure blue eyes, her pink lips her pert nose each and every alluring feature of her magnetic face was engraved on his mind yet he couldn't look away. He needed to see her, he craved to hear her melodious voice that's why when Valerie had called he had jumped at the opportunity to come. He didn't care if it was an absolute torture to be able to look at her and not be able to hold her if he could just spend a few treasured moments with her. But seeing the haunted look on her face and the dark circles under her bewitching eyes he could do nothing but abhor himself more than he already did for being responsible for the heartache he had caused her. He wanted to reach out, trace his knuckles on her cheek, which he knew was petal soft, as he had done countless times before but he knew he couldn't if he wanted to see her safe. He wanted to hold her, kiss away her grief and tell her that she could never smother him and that it was all a lie, a lie to ensure her safety but he couldn't.

She looked away and Klaus felt his heart constrict painfully.

Valerie interrupted their thoughts and said, "Oh good. Caroline you are here. Now I called both of you here because I want to see the routine you two have prepared for the event. I know you may feel like I'm being nosy or something but trust me I've been a part of many major league dance competitions and I believe that you guys can benefit from my experience. So let the dance begin." she said the last sentence with a clap. Then she moved to switch on the music.

Caroline just stood rooted to her place not knowing how to begin. She stole one glance at Klaus who was still staring at her. Then he made the first move and twirled her into his arms. The emotions she was reigning in suddenly felt as if they would burst out. Being in his arms again was heavenly but the thought that it was just an obligation for him gave origin to another unadulterated agony inside her.

Klaus expertly moved her into his arms. Feeling at peace with himself once again. Having her so close and being able to take was pure torment but it was a tribulation he welcomed because it was the only thing he was left with. As they glided through their routine she continued to avoid his gaze. She must hate him the thought was a sick ball inside him, torturing him with every dreadful second.

Halfway through the routine Valerie interrupted them, "Hey. What's going on? I don't see the usual emotion. And Caroline why aren't you looking at him? I want it chilli hot and all I'm getting is lukewarm. Think about what I just said and do it again."

When Valerie moved back to take her seat Klaus grabbed her elbow and said, " Caroline whatever happened between us you don't have to feel… "

"Stop it. Stop okay. You don't have to worry about me anymore. And if you're worried that I might ruin this for you I won't. Don't fret I'll see this to the end."

"That's not what I meant.. "

"Please don't just. We need to get this over with." Caroline interrupted him and began dancing this time with more fervor than the last time. She won't have him thinking that she is not professional enough and might sabotage this opportunity for him. Nor will she have him pity her. It would hurt even more if he pitied her. She would show him that she could do this without breaking down or letting her own emotions trickle down into her performance.

Dolor was now mixed with choler. She thought that he was bothered about an unessential dance event. The only reason he wanted to be a part of this circus was her. He had wanted her to have an opportunity to further her career and she was accusing him that he was fretting she might sabotage this for him.

Feeling ungracious he jerked her into his arms. He could see she was befuddled at his instantaneous change of attitude. But she didn't cower in fact accepted the unannounced challenge with a lift of her chin and subtly pushed him back.

The whole dance routine changed from a playful one as they had planned earlier to a routine where it felt like two opponents were at a cold war. Every time he pulled her into his arms he let her know that there was nothing she could do about it.

No matter how many times she pushed him away he could pull her back in just because he could.

Caroline wanted to kill him. She knew he was enjoying this now. Well two can play that game she thought and intentionally stepped on his foot lightly to let him know. The subtle game of push and pull was enough but this was a bit too much.

Klaus's ire skyrocketed he grabbed her and kissed her hard fully intending to let out his frustration with her. But the moment he touched her lips with his he forgot about his anger and frustration with her. The feel of her soft lips was something he had been missing, craving for. He began savoring the texture and flavor of her lips, caressing his tongue with hers. For a few fulfilling and pleasurable moments he felt her respond, kiss him back and that ignited his passion like a wildfire. Then she pushed him back confusion and wrath etched over her magnificent face. Before she could say something Valerie started applauding and remarked, "That was amazing. I liked the whole angry lovers concept and that ending with that kiss, I absolutely loved it. Great idea guys. See you tomorrow."

"I'm glad you liked it. " Caroline remarked and rushed out of the auditorium.

Caroline was irate how could he kiss her after breaking up with her. He hadn't thought he could be so hardheaded and unfeeling as to treat her like this. She was walking hurriedly when Klaus called after her, "Caroline wait."

"Caroline." He shouted again as he came closer.

She halted and turned around yelling, "What? What do you want?"

"Look I apologize for whatever happened back there. "

"Shut up just shut up. How could you treat me like that? You have to know how I feel right now and still you did that. "

"I said I'm sorry for taking liberties I wasn't thinking, love….. it just happened. "

"You don't get to call me that you understand. Why would you think? Infact why would you thinķ about how all of this affects me. You didn't think because you don't care.. "

He reached over and almost caged her in his arms and replied, "Don't presume to tell me I don't care. Because I do. I more than just care. "

"Then why? " Caroline could only ask why all other words failed her with the way he was looking at her. She could see that he was suffering almost as much as she was. She could see the sorrow on his face. She touched a hesitant hand to his face and felt as if he almost leaned into her touch.

"Don't ask me why. But I'm sorry for everything Caroline and I hope that we could be… "

"Friends? " Caroline asked moving out of his arms. Then laughing lightly as if she was laughing at herself she said, "Friends it is then. Goodbye my friend. " and for all practical purposes she ran away.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

"So you went to the Academy after Valerie called you and Klaus wants to be your "friend". " Katherine remarked making air quotes at the word friend while Bonnie was painting Kat's toenails. "Careful Bon. You'll mess up. I don't want my toenails to be mad at me."

Bonnie rolled her eyes and repeated, "Well keep up your diva attitude and it wouldn't be just your toenails."

While Bonnie and Kat were sitting on the bed in Bonnie's apartment, Caroline was reclining on the sofa from where she remarked, "Yes. And I feel more miserable than ever."

"I'm sorry Care. " Bonnie said putting the nail paint on the nightstand and coming to sit beside her.

"You know I know that you guys are right I should focus on the event and not worry about Klaus but all of this hurt is so huge and it's like a constant stabbing pain." Caroline replied taking a deep breath and wiping a away at her tears.

"Hey it is going to get better. I promise. " Kat joined her too.

"I'm sorry you guys I'm ruining our slumber party talking about Klaus. I should just stop whining and not think about that… "

"Buttcrack. " Bonnie said and at Caroline's puzzled expression she added, "That's our official insult for him."

"Yeah Bon's idea, originally I wanted to go for something more classy like vermin shit or sewer rat but I'm warming up to buttcrack."

Caroline laughed with tears still rolling down her face and said, "I like it . I love you guys so much both of you. "

"So I'm going on a date with Galen tomorrow"

"What?" Bonnie and Caroline asked in unison and Katherine proceeded to tell them about her encounter with Galen Vaughn.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Katherine was dressed in a black strapless dress with a bit of cleavage, not exactly a bit but to hell with it she looked "fantabulously gorgeous". Letting her corkscrew raven curls loose she painted her lips blood red and wore red pencil heels. Tonight she was going to have fun and forget all about Eli.. no she wasn't even gonna say his name he is going to be like that guy in Harry potter whose name, the kids weren't allowed to say. From today her ex would be a faceless nameless guy she contemplated.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"You're not serious." Katherine paused to say and then laughed again.

"Trust me I very much am." Galen replied with a warm smile.

You're telling me that you once managed to get your ballet tights torn all the way up to your butt in the middle of a ballet in Andre's Hall in front of a hundred people. Oh this has got to go in one of those Most Epic Fail videos and that too at number one." Kat remarked and again gave a laugh.

"Are you making fun of my misery? And it was more than a hundred people, there were five hundred people."

"Hey I said you'd go at the top in that.. "

"Fails video. No thank you. I'm happy with what I have. " Galen replied.

"I'm sorry I just couldn't stop laughing cuz I kept picturing it in my head. "Kat said a bit seriously.

"You don't have to apologize it felt good to see you smile and laugh so heartily." Galen replied and held her hand over the table where they sitting. He had brought her to a fancy restaurant for dinner and they were sitting at a secluded table for two.

Katherine let him hold her hand for a few moments and then with a smile said, "Excuse me I have to go to the ladies room." She said and went towards the ladies room. After fixing up her lipstick she left the bathroom to get back to her table but she was then stopped by Elijah who blocked her path. She looked at him amazement coloring her face. "What are you doing here?"

Elijah regarded her with something akin to tenderness and indignation. She was looking wondrous and breathtaking and he felt as if his eyes felt glued to every titillating inch of her glorious body but he couldn't quite tether the ire he experienced at the thought of her dressing up to be here with someone else. He had watched her laugh at that buffoons jokes and had even seen him take her hand which profoundly aggravated her. He wanted to physically wound Galen when he had casually held her hand.

But he was here to fix everything. He didn't bother to answer her question just backed her into the wall and all of sudden seized her and kissed her luscious lips.

A jolt of shock mixed with lust shot through Katherine. He kissed her like he wanted to devour all of her. She felt all her feelings rushing back, overwhelming her filling her with a sense of contentment. Not knowing any other response holding onto his neck she started kissing him back. As soon as she started responding Elijah pulled her closer to him, groaning when he felt her breasts crush against his chest.

Katherine felt as if she was drowning in a intoxicating heady pleasure. It was so familiar yet so novel.

Elijah couldn't quite control himself forgetting all manners foregoing the fact that he was in a public place although they were in a secluded corridor which led to the main restaurant hall but still he couldn't hold himself back from savoring her. It had been way too long he had held her like this.

A moment later or perhaps an eternity later he felt her pulling back. She pushed him away realizing that how pathetic she may have seemed to him. The moment she pushed him away she saw Galen standing behind them and from the look on his handsome face she gathered that he must have witnessed their kiss. Galen stopped for a minute and then walked away Katherine tried to run past Elijah to follow Galen but Elijah caught her arm and she cried out, "What is wrong with you? You did this on purpose right? Let go of my arm this instant. "

"Katerina let him go because I believe you and I both are privy to the fact that this date with Galen is just a facade."

Snatching her arm away she replied, "It's not a facade. Whatever I've thought of you I didn't think you'd stoop so low as to.. "

"Pardon me. As to what? "

"As to try to sabotage my chances with a guy just because it bristles your ego."

"My ego has nothing whatsoever to do with this, with us. "

She gave out a bitter laugh and responded, "With us? Really? We haven't been an us for a long time Elijah and they're isn't going to be an us just to satisfy your bruised ego."

"I hate to reiterate but it's not about my ego Katerina. I truly regret not trusting you and I want to make it up to you. "

"This is even more epic so it's about guilt and you feeling pity for me, how gracious of you."

"I'm sorry if I've not been able to get my point across clearly but it's not about guilt and pity either. It's about me still having feelings for you." When Katherine snickered hinting that she didn't believe him he rushed on feeling panic and impatience and this time he brought her closer holding onto both her arms, "Katerina please look at me. I'm not lying I'm still in love with you. And that day when I saw you with Stefan I was going to request you to live in with me. It has never been about me believing ill of you but it's been my own insecurities. I didn't think I deserved someone so magnificent and caring like you. I.. "

Katherine felt her heart in her throat at his confession but her had been severely lacerated in the past by him to put her faith in him again. She moved back even farther and replied, "This is not fair. You don't get to come here, just kiss me and expect things to go back the way they were. I will not let you treat me like this. I deserve more than just a second rate confession in front of a freaking bathroom and that too because you've decided you love me after seeing me move on. Just answer this for me if I hadn't demanded answers from you would you have ever shown up here and said the things you said to me today. Which shows you don't love me enough to fight for me and for once in my life I need to be appreciated, loved and fought for so I'm gonna move on and I suggest you do the same. " Saying her piece Katherine walked past him but Elijah called out again, "Katerina. I won't move on. I will never move on and this is my declaration for fighting for you."

"Fine let's see how soon you give up." Katherine replied and flipping her back she left.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The three days before the actual Event were the longest and most tormenting three days of Caroline's life.

Valerie insisted on Caroline and Klaus rehearsing again and again until the former was satisfied with their routine.

Every time he touched her, lifted her in his arms Caroline felt herself dying a little and Klaus, she didn't know how or what he felt. With the exception of the day he kissed her he never let her see what he felt. It was as if he had moved on and it aggrieved her all the more. They didn't talk and when they did it was just the usual niceties that often strangers shared.

Whenever he said hello or just the courteous hi it devastated her knowing that just a few days ago they were passionately in love and how radically things had altered in a matter of days.

Klaus had always been adept at concealing his emotions. For him it took all of his supreme will and effort to be around her and not take what he was dying without. He wanted to end this torment but he couldn't be selfish with her as much as he wanted to.

These dance practices with her were the only time he got to spend with her and he looked forward to this sweet torture daily.

He had to stay away from him or else he would lose her forever.

Caroline thought he was over her because she was unaware of longing glances of Klaus. She didn't know that he looked forward to their practice sessions. How cruel the time and fate was both suffered unable to alleviate the others pain.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;;::::::::::::::::::::::::::

(THE MORNING OF THE EVENT)

The doorbell rang and Caroline went to open it. She was a little surprised to see Rebekah with a rectangular box in her hand.

"Hello. I come bearing gifts. " She said. Caroline responded with a hello and Rebekah followed her into the living room.

She set the box on the centre table and remarked, "So are you nervous about the event tonight?"

Caroline sighed and replied, "Kind of. So how's everything with you? You haven't been at the Academy much. "

"Actually I was out of city last week. There are just some things here that I wanted to avoid. So I hear that you and Nik came up with an awesome routine. People are actually betting on you guys to win. I'm so excited for you."

"Yeah. Thank you. "

"Caroline is everything okay?" asked after seeing Caroline's deflated expression.

"Yes. Everything's fine. "

"Look if it's something Nik did don't hold it against him. He's always been a hothead but trust me he loves you very much and I'm guessing that's why he sent this dress for you as a peace offering. It's the most beautiful dress ever. And I'm sure he is already regretting fighting with you or whatever he did to upset you."

"Wait. Reverse. Klaus sent a dress for me? And you think we just had a minor argument? Rebekah we're not together anymore. It's been a week since we broke up."

"Care if it's something he did please give him another chance. I'm sure you won't regret… "

"Rebekah I didn't break up with him. He did. "

"Wait how is that possible? He has a shrine of you in his studio Caroline. I don't believe this. Care.. "

"I know it made zero sense to me but that's just what he wants.. no actually he wants us to be friends and doesn't want me ruin this event for him." Caroline replied with tears brimming in her eyes. She harshly brushed them away feeling cheesed off at herself for being so weak. Rebekah came over to sit beside Caroline on the sofa.

"I'm so sorry to hear that Caroline. I really am. What reason did he give you?"

"He said I'm smothering him and he wants to take a break from this thing between us."

"So you've decided to give him space without demanding answers? You're giving up on him just like that? "

"You know what Rebekah I'm sick of your stupid pep talks. Who asked you to play the referee? This is not a misunderstanding like last time. He clearly asked me to get out of his life and you think I should stick around. I'm a person with self respect and not a damn barnacle." Caroline spat out getting up.

"Nobody asked me but I care about you both. But you're right I shouldn't interfere and let both of your stubborn proud damn asses suffer." saying that Rebekah got up to leave but Caroline called out in a much softer tone, "It's not about pride or me being stubborn. I asked him twice and both times he didn't tell me and turned me away. I don't think I can handle rejection a third time." tears pooled in her eyes and through her blurry vision she saw Rebekah come and hug her. Then moving back she remarked, "I'm sorry Caroline. Nik's been through a world of pain and that doesn't exempt the way he treated you. But please listen to me give your relationship another chance. Fight for your love. Most of us find our one true great love only once."

Caroline moved towards the box placed on the table, taking off the lid she traced one hand over the beaded silver and blue dress and remarked," Klaus and I were once out in the Mall for some supplies and I saw this dress in the window. I said something about wanting a dress like this for the event but it was crazy expensive and we left. Rebekah he knows what I want, he understands what I need and yet he wants me to leave. And you're saying I should fight for our love? I can not fight for something he doesn't want at least not anymore. "

"That's the bullshit of all bullshits. Do you really think he doesn't want you anymore? He sent a dress for you Caroline. Nik has never been big with words so he tries to make it up with grand gifts and stuff. Trust me it's his way of saying sorry. So dress like a siren tonight and get him back."

Caroline giggled filled with hope and asked, "Help me pick out my shoes for tonight?"

Rebekah smiled in return and added, " Ofcourse."

Rebekah followed Caroline. She had an inkling why Nik had broken up with Caroline, it probably had something to do with Mikeal but she didn't wanna say anything to Caroline before getting a confirmation from Nik.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,?,,,,,,,,,,,

To say that Bonnie Bennett had a really bad day would be the understatement of the century. She had not expected Kol to act unreasonable about her selection. Maybe it was her fault that she had told him a week later and also after she had already booked her flight to New York but he was being very illogical about her decision. He had even asked her to choose between dance or him. He had said he would support her no matter what and taking him at his word she had expected him to actually do so but now he was acting irrationally Bonnie thought as she entered the backstage area to go to one of dressing rooms where Caroline was getting ready.

She entered the room and saw Rebekah and Kat bickering over what hairstyle would be best for Caroline.

Caroline's waist length hair parted in the middle with Rebekah tugging on one side and Kat tugging on the other and Caroline unsuccessfully trying to shut both of them up. "I'm telling you a French knot and then a loose bun at the top of her head." Rebekah exclaimed.

"No let me just curl them, pin them on each side." Kat remarked with Caroline saying, "Guys, guys? "

Bonnie slammed the door taking out her anger about Kol's behaviour on it and yelled, "For God's sake let her hair go or she won't have any hair for you morons to fight over."

Rebekah and Kat surprisingly immediately let go of Caroline's hair and Rebekah asked, "What crawled up your arse? Bennett."

" Your brother." seeing Kat about to say something she pointed at her and proceeded, "And I don't want to hear a filthy innuendo out of your mouth."

"Fine." Kat replied with a pout.

"And Caroline for fucks sake do your own hairdo between these two fashionistas you'll end up having a hairstyle like Arnold."

"Okay. Are you okay?" Caroline asked turning towards Bonnie.

"I'm not. But we can talk about it later you're up next in twenty minutes and I'm here to wish you luck. " Bonnie said calming down a bit and hugging Caroline.

"Thanks Bon."

"You're welcome."

Caroline then pinned her hair at the back and let her hair loose. Kat who was sitting on one of the chairs got up and helped her. Rebekah took Caroline's dress out of the box and handed it to her.

Caroline went behind the screen placed on one end of the room.

Rebekah then turned towards Katherine and said, "I'm sorry Katherine for the way I've behaved with you in the past. I heard everything about you and Elijah and I felt really guilty about the way I treated you. I was a bitch… "

"A giant bitch. " Kat interjected.

"Okay a giant bitch to you. But I'm..

" A giant mean bitch." Kat interjected again.

Rebekah smiled much too sweetly and added, " A giant mean bitch but I want to tell you that… "

"A giant mean spoiled bitch.. "

"Hey! I'm trying to apologize sincerely and if you don't want me to I'll leave." Rebekah said fully intending to turn around.

"I get why you were such a bitch to me. You did it out of loyalty for your brother however misplaced it may have been."

Rebekah extended her hand for her to shake and Katherine did.

"And I want to say I wholeheartedly approve and support Elijah's recent courting of you."

"Tell your brother that a dozen stupid roses aren't equivalent to courtship for me."

"Then what is?"

"He asked you to feel me up about this right? Man is he a sneaky bastard."

"Kind of. But now that we've made up consider me on your side."

"I'm not buying that."

They continued talking while Bonnie was sitting on the couch lost in thought when Caroline emerged from behind the screen after adorning her dress.

They all turned towards and remarked all at once, "Care you look beautiful."

"Thanks guys."

Then one of the event guys peeked through the door and said, "Miss Caroline Forbes you and your partner are up next."

"Okay I'm coming."

Rebekah hugged Caroline and said, "Best of Luck. I'll go and inform Nik. Don't give up without a last attempt."

Caroline muttered a thank you and Rebekah left.

Then both Bonnie and Katherine wished her luck and left.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"Are you out of your mind? Was this your awesome plan?" Hayley muttered as she saw Cami mess up with the water storage valves that supplied the auditorium where the Selection Event was underway.

"Look I know Klaus dumped that bitch and I heard that he dumped her because he wants to focus on his career. And if I ruin this event he'll get crazy mad at her, maybe yell at her in front of everybody or something."

"It's not gonna happen Cami. Klaus literally worships the floor she walks on. He's like a wolf howling at the moon with Caroline being the moon. So I'm telling you are wasting your time."

"Even if he won't get mad at her it'll still ruin their performance." Camille replied turning towards Hayley after being done messing up the valves.

As soon as she did a spray of water started pouring on the stage in the auditorium. The shouts and shrieks coming from the auditorium were easily heard up to the storage room which was situated immediately above the auditorium. Satisfied with their work they then ran away before anyone caught them.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Klaus and Caroline ascended the stage from the opposite sides like they had planned. The music started playing when they reached the center.

Klaus was looking absolutely fanciable and suave in his white dress shirt with a blue cravat and black pants.

For a moment she took pride in his appearance until she remembered he wasn't hers anymore. Steeling herself to touch him, feel his sturdy heavenly embrace around her she moved towards the center of the stage.

Klaus drank in her appearance. She was looking magnificent and otherworldly. In her blue and grey dress the one he had gifted she was looking like a creature from heaven. Mesmerized he approached her.

When they met in the middle a shower of water started falling on them from above. Caroline got worried and the shouts and hollers coming from the audience weren't helping her already frayed nerves.

Klaus saw the apprehension and worry on her face and instantly snatched her in his arms and then leading on executed the first step. Caroline understood what he was trying to do. She followed his lead in the first step but when she saw his arrogant smirk as if saying I saved you she shoved him away much like the routine they had planned earlier.

They went through the whole routine unaware of the audience, dancing in a bubble shielded from the outside world.

Every time he held her this time she felt it was new. As if he was inflamed at himself for wanting her but still was being tender. He grabbed her again this time with much more flourish and she subtly pushed him away telling him she won't yield until it was equal terms but as if she didn't want to leave his arms. For a moment entranced by him she let him sway her with a music but the next moment she remembered and shoved him away.

The whole dance routine was looking purely magical with water falling on them both ensorcelled by the other.

The water falling on the stage gave their performance an added unique touch. Every time Klaus ran towards her or she towards him the water splashed around them making it look all the more exquisite and uniquely charming.

She stepped on his foot again but this time when he kissed her she melted into the kiss and he dipped her back while kissing her.

The roaring applause brought them back. Pulling back they held hands and bowed to the audience before getting off of the stage.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

There were still a few performances to go before the announcement of the winners. Caroline was looking for Klaus. After the performance he had just vanished. When she had gotten off the stage her friends and few group mates had cornered her to congratulate her and even Valerie had praised her although Caroline had expected Valerie to get incensed at the malfunction that happened during their performance but astonishingly she was quite pleased.

He was still there when Valerie was excitedly gushing about their dance routine. Caroline had just went to the bathroom for a few minutes to freshen up and upon returning Klaus was nowhere to be seen.

She was wandering backstage looking for him and even asked a few people around if they had seen him.

She was still surveying the backstage area when she saw him standing in a corner talking on his phone. She took a deep breath to steady herself before approaching him. Standing a few feet behind him she called out his name, "Klaus?"

Klaus heard the familiar voice and hanging up his phone he turned out to gaze at his vision in blue. Her hair were still wet with a few droplets of water interlaced in her hair like dew on sunshine.

He had taken off his cravat and rolled up his sleeves which made him look even more handsome and dangerously sexy.

He just continued to stare at her which was making her feel extremely self conscious but she knew she had to say what she had come to say.

"I.. thank you for the dress. Rebekah said it was probably a peace offering from you." she said feeling a little shaky.

"You're welcome lo.. Caroline. " He stopped himself from calling her love and instead called her by her name.

Caroline felt guilty when he immediately corrected himself.

"So is it true?" Caroline asked.

"What's true?"

"Is this dress your way of apologizing?"

"Yes. I'm sorry." seeing a sliver of hope on her face he felt like a monster for crushing it in the next breath. "But we can not be together."

"Why? And I'm smothering you is not a good enough reason for me. I need to know the real reason. I keep going back thinking maybe I did something or said something but I can't figure it out. One moment we were okay we were happy and the next you turn me away with a flimsy reason of me crowding you." Then moving closer she took a risk and held his face in her hands and murmured, "Klaus please tell me. Let us figure it out together. "

Her ability to love and forgive never failed to stagger him. He wanted to lean forward and kiss her. Tell her everything and hold onto the temptation of together and never let go but his heart and soul could never be selfish with her.

Fighting his emotions he lied, "There is nothing to figure out Caroline."

She jolted back as if he had struck her.

"Do you know how I feel? "

"Caroline please don't."

"No I'm not going to spare you this humiliation not after you've so heartlessly decided to end this. I feel like it was just a dream like it was never true. As if I was hallucinating those past few weeks."

"Don't. All of it was more real than the time itself." He responded hating himself even more.

"Was it? So what exactly were those past few weeks? Was it an affair? Was I just a fling? Did I just imagine you telling me you loved me? " Caroline asked feeling her heart sinking with ever tortured moment.

Frustrated he ran his hands through his hair. The only right answer to this was the one he couldn't give her and the second option was the one that would devastate them both.

"No. But I've moved on." Klaus replied turning away from her. He couldn't lie to her while he was looking at her dismayed and perturbed face.

Caroline felt more livid than hurt in that brief moment. She furiously turned him around and yelled, "Look at me when you say that. I want to hear you say that to my face."

Klaus swallowed past the lump in his throat and repeated, "I've moved on."

Tears aching to fall but stubbornly she held them back. Taking off her bracelet the one he had given her the first time he had made love to her she threw it at him and spat, " Fine. Then let me move on too. I told you I didn't need your gifts I just needed you love and trust and since I don't have that I have no use for your gifts either."

To his utter amazement he saw her unzip her dress and try to take it off too but he caged her in his arms easily thwarting off her struggles to get out of his arms he zipped her dress back again. Still holding her close he snatched her arm and began fastening the bracelet she had thrown at him.

"Caroline don't be foolish." he bit out as he was struggling to put it on her arm.

"Let go off me." she growled.

"I won't until you wear it again." Klaus replied.

Shoving him back with full force she cried out, "I won't wear any of this. Because it means nothing to me anymore do you hear me. From this day forward Klaus Mikealson you mean nothing to me. You didn't love me enough to honor your promise of forever but it's going to be a forever the other way. I want you to get out of my life and let go of me forever. "

Fear and panic had Klaus in a chokehold he felt paralyzed. In a daze he saw her take off the bracelet and the dress once again. She was wearing a light blue slip and white stockings beneath her frock. He moved a step closer but she moved back and throwing away her gifts she said, "I'm going to honor our forever. At least one of us has to make this ending epic don't you think?" Then she ran away and Klaus felt as if his life was suddenly devoid of light.

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She didn't wait for the winners to be announced and ran straight to her dressing room. After putting on a shirt and jeans while tears continued to fall she left the Academy and went straight to Bonnie's. She took out all of her clothes and belongings and stuffing them in a bag she went over to the Boarding House.

Some of her stuff was still in her old room at the Boarding House. Rapidly she was taking out all of her clothes and shoes when a diary fell out of her old back pack. She picked it up and remembered it was diary her aunt had given her when she had asked her to leave. She leafed through the last entry her aunt had made and read it.

"Caroline. Lina my baby. I hope this entry finds you in the best of health and spirits. I have to let you go this time. It's been years of endless torment and I can't live with myself for being the one responsible for all of it. John came in today with a few other men boasting about how he would hand you over to those men and earn a fair share of money. When I resisted him he shoved me back and started ranting at how I've always been a fool. Nothing more than a desperate foolish woman because I was the reason he managed to track us every time. But trust me baby it was all unknowingly done. Whenever I ran out of funds I used a little money from the account your dad had set up for you and that's how he was able to find us. I'm really truly sorry my child. And this is why I have to let you go this time. This diary also has the address to your mother's house in Mystic Falls. She left it in your name. Go there and talk to Logan Fell he'll protect you from that monster. I told him everything he will help you get a restraining order and with other legalities of your property. Lina you have to go and protect your mother's legacy, her house and you have to protect yourself. And don't feel guilty for leaving me alone. I love you so much."

Caroline hugged that diary and mourned the loss of her aunt. Letting all of her bottled up emotions go she burst out into heart wrenching violent sobs.

She was crying for everything she had loved and lost, for every hardship and physical pain she had endured over the past twenty years of her life.

Her aunt's love for her was so selfless yet she had doubted her. Hating herself for every moment of doubt and insecurity she weeped. Her tears falling like they would never stop.

Today was the worst day of her life she found her aunt's love only to lose her all over again. And she had lost the love of her life the one person who will forever be stuck in her heart.

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Katherine found Caroline sitting on the floor, beside the bed with a diary clutched to her heart, and sobbing. She rushed to her side, pushing away the bag half filled with clothes lying beside her and asked, "Caroline honey what happened?"

"She loved me Kat that's why she let me go. She kicked me out of her life because that's the only thing she could do for my safety and I hated her for letting me go. I hated her.. " Caroline whimpered as she hugged Katherine.

"It's going to be okay."

"Please just hold onto me. I'm.. " Caroline said but couldn't complete her sentence however Katherine understood her. Holding onto her friend she ran a soothing hand over her back.

A few minutes later Caroline's weeping stopped. She pulled away from Kat. Katherine politely inquired, "What's going on honey? Tell me. I'm here for you."

And Caroline proceeded on to tell her everything starting from how her aunt had been protecting her from her uncle John Gilbert leading to what had happened with Klaus at the Academy and how she had found the diary.

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Mikeal was pouring himself a celebratory drink standing in the main living room of his mansion when one of his men announced John's arrival.

John sashayed into the mansion garbed in a fancy suit which he had bought from the money Mikeal had given him. But that suit didn't take away the hollowed out filthy look and demonic gleam from his eyes.

John was mad at Mikeal for letting Caroline go. He had wanted to teach that bitch a lesson and Mikeal had handed her back to his bastard son in exchange for some pathetic emotional deal.

"How could you let her go just like that? I have done everything you asked me. I didn't hold it against you when one of your men tried to kill me. You promised me you'd hand her over to me."

"Sit down John." Mikeal replied calmly.

"No I won't. I want answers first. You had no right.. "

In a flash Mikeal turned and held John by his throat choking the breath out of him. "I told you to sit down mate. Now will you sit down?" Mikeal asked and John struggling for his breath nodded vigorously.

"Good boy. Tell me who questions me or you?"

"You.. you. " John choked out.

"Why? Tell me."

"You're.. the.. Boss."

"Nice dog." Mikeal replied and shoved John in the nearby sofa.

"I tried to kill you because Klaus's pets knew about you and they would've gotten everything out of you including my illegal business interests."

At John's offended expression he added, "Don't look so wounded. We both know you're not one of the loyal one's. But I was impressed when you killed my guy instead of getting killed. Then I decided to give a chance and protect you hence I got your id planted on my guy and when Marcel found his corpse he told Klaus you were already dead. So you don't get to ask questions. You get to lick my boot because that's who you really are a sick dog I saved off from a street."

John curbed his ire and responded, "I'm sorry Boss. But don't you think if I had tortured and killed her your bastard who seems to be attached to my niece would've suffered more."

"Oh John. Why so obsessed with torture? Were you abused as a child?" Mikeal asked.

A pained look appeared on John's face and Mikeal added, "Poor John. Even through all of that misguided and unfortunate life you haven't learnt the meaning of true suffering have you? A man suffers the most when the woman he loves chooses someone or something other than him. True suffering is watching the one you love abhor you every day of your life. And that's the fate I've sentenced Klaus to. He has to live knowing the girl of his dreams loathes him with every breath."

"But I don't think it's enough. I.. "

"It's enough now. Klaus won't be able to handle it. He'll self destruct and that will keep Klaus from meddling into my affairs. And as soon as he gets back up I'll push him down again because your niece is the perfect weapon against him."

"I understand but that bitch doesn't deserve to live. She… "

"What do you have against a young girl who's barely twenty years old? I imagine your younger daughter must be of the same age. Would you want a similar fate for her or you don't care about your daughters at all? "

When Mikeal mentioned that John had a younger daughter John got up from the sofa and asked, "What younger daughter? Me and Isobel had only one daughter before she ran away from me. And we gave her up to Jason and Miranda to raise."

"I know Elena. Sweet girl. She's married has a kid with some guy. But surely your wife must have mentioned a second daughter Katerina. Does the name ring any bells?"

"No." he lied although he knew who the girl he was talking about. She was her niece's best friend.

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"Did you just say John Gilbert?"

"Yes. He is my father's adopted brother. Actually my grandfather adopted both Gilbert boys before he died. My grandpa and Mr Gilbert were close and they were neighbors in Mystic Falls Virginia. He loved his sons like his own. That's all aunt Jenna ever told me. Why?"

"Caroline what I'm about to tell you might change what you think about me but I can't lie to you about something this huge." Kat replied.

"Kat. What is it?"

Kat gathered up all her courage and responded, "I'm John Gilbert's daughter. Me and my sister. We're his daughters."

"What?" Caroline asked and moved away from Katherine. Then added, "You're telling me the guy who is responsible for every hardship in my life is actually your father. But you said your father was a wasted drunk you ran away from after your mother died."

"That was my step father. Caroline I'm so sorry.. I.. "

"Don't. Just leave. I don't want to talk to you right now. Just leave."

"Okay." Katherine whispered and left the room.

No sooner was she in the hall when she heard the door to Caroline's room slam shut.

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The next day Caroline woke up, got ready and packed up all her stuff. She had gotten a call from Valerie last night informing her that she and Klaus had won but it actually felt like they had lost in the biggest gamble of life.

What the hell was wrong with the universe. She had gotten all the shocking truths of her life in one night.

Her aunt had always loved her.

Klaus had moved on.

Last but not the least her best friend was actually the daughter of her rapist uncle.

How was she supposed to cope with all of this in one night. In fact she hadn't been able to sleep at all.

But she had reached to two very significant conclusions last night first whatever John had done Katherine wasn't to blame for it. It wasn't her fault that he was her father.

And second there was nothing for her here anymore. It was time to decamp and head onto where she should have gone as her aunt had advised.

Going out she knocked Katherine's door. She knew Kat was still in because it was still seven am.

At her second knock Kat opened and was surprised to see Caroline.

"Care I'm.. "

"Before you say anything can I come in?"

"Yes. Yes. Of course."

Entering Kat's room Caroline said, "It was really nonsensical of me to blame you for your father's misdeeds and transgressions."

"Care. It wasn't I understand where you were coming from. Trust me I would have behaved much worse."

Caroline just gave a small smile and took out an envelope from the pocket of her jeans and handed it over to Kat.

"Please take this. I know it's not much but I'll pay the rest of it later."

Katherine mistook it for Caroline ending their friendship again."I'm not taking this. Please Care you're making me feel small returning this to me again. I understand you don't want to associate with me anymore but… "

"Who said that I don't wanna be friends with you anymore?"

"What? So you're not ending this?"

"No you idiot."

"So it's safe to hug you." Kat asked.

"Yes."

"Oh thank God." and Kat hugged her and then wiping tears from her eyes she moved back.

"I'm only giving you this money because I'm moving to Mystic Falls and this is just a token of appreciation from my side."

"Don't you dare pull an Elena on me. And what is so great about this damn Mystic Falls that everyfreakingbody has to move there."

"I read my aunts diary. My mother's birth home is in Mystic Falls and the rest of my mother's assets. I need to figure out what I want to do with my life. I need to take charge of my own life and I have to start it from where it all began. Where I was born."

"I'm all for it but what about your semester here. Your semester here still has a week left."

"I know I'm going to go talk to Elijah about giving me degree a week early. You know the last week is nothing more than formality and paper work."

"Why are you so sure he'll agree?"

"Because I'll tell him Valerie asked me to join her in Chicago as a paid intern/mentor and wouldn't it be a great honor if a student of MBDA was a mentor at AADC."

Kat laughed and replied, "I can already see him getting AADC signs on his eyes the way cartoons get dollar signs on their eyes. Wait but Valerie did ask you right?"

"Yep two months from now. But he doesn't have to know that. I have to go to the Academy to get my degree."

"Hey but you would be back in time for Bonnie's flight right?"

"Of course." Caroline answered with a smile and left.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

By the time Caroline was done with all the paper work regarding her semester and also the cash prize she had won last night it was already evening.

She had gotten a fifty thousand dollars and the other half went to Klaus who was nowhere to be seen since last night. Elijah had not so subtly asked her if she knew where he was and she had responded with a curt no.

But now after leaving the Academy she couldn't help but be concerned about his whereabouts.

She had initially thought about calling Rebekah but decided against it and sent a text to her informing her but Rebekah already knew and told her they were looking for him.

Caroline wanted to make sure if he was okay even wanted to help Rebekah but how could she go against a promise she had made to him hence she turned her car towards Bonnie's apartment.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"Bye Bon I'll miss you so much." Care hugged Bonnie.

"So Kol and you didn't make up? " Kat asked

"Trust you to ruin someone's day with your crap." Bonnie replied and then added, "I left him like a dozen messages and calls even but he is not answering. I even texted him that I had a flight today but he didn't respond."

"I'm sorry Bon." Kat and Care said in unison.

"Don't be. True love finds it's way right? If he truly loved me he'd get that this is my dream and I have to do this." Bonnie said wiping away a lone tear.

" Yes.I can't believe I'm saying this but I'll miss you my pshych machine." Kat hugged her.

"I'll miss you too Pervertrova."

Kat laughed wholeheartedly at that.

"So cousins? I wish was your cousin too."

"Yes we are and we wish the same. And we're going to Mystic Falls together." Kat replied and Caroline looked at her surprised. Then Kat mouthed off we'll talk about this later.

"Wow. Best of luck and thanks guys for dropping me off. Grams wanted to come but seeing you two dropping me at the airport she decided to stay back. I wouldn't have been able to say goodbye to her here." Bonnie remarked and picking up her stuff left before the last call for boarding was announced.

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Kat moved out her bags and placed them next to Caroline's the hall.

"Kat this is unnecessary. You don't have to move away with me just because you feel guilt or pity."

"Caroline I told you it's not about guilt. Well scratch that it is I feel so guilty that I want to spend the rest of my life I your servitude."

"I'm not joking."

"Me packing up my bags isn't a joke either."

"Pfftt. What about Elijah?"

"What about Klaus?"

"He doesn't want me anymore. What's your excuse?"

"He didn't want me enough in the first place. And if he really loves me true love will find it's way. Isn't that the motto of this year? " Kat replied.

"Fine but if you regret it later. It'll be too late."

"Are you kidding me? I get to see Giuseppe and get to harass Damon. It's practically a dream come true."

They then picked up their bags and went outside to place them in the taxi. They came back again for the rest of their luggage when a panting Kol burst through the door. Fighting for breath he asked, "Where's…. Where's Bon Bonnie?"

"She must be in New York by now. We left her at the airport hours ago." Caroline replied.

"What?"

"Yes Panting Kol. Her flight left hours ago." kat remarked.

"Then what's this? " He asked.

"Uhh." Kat looked at Caroline who replied, "We're leaving the city for good."

"What?" Kol asked and Caroline replied, "Yes."

He looked at them and then turned away hurriedly.

"Hey where are you going? " Katherine shouted.

"Where else New York." He shouted back.

"At least one of us is going to get a happy ending I hope." Caroline remarked and with Katherine in tow sat in the taxi and drove off.

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Rebekah's apartment bell rang and she opened the door to Enzo carrying a drunk and injured Klaus inside.

He sat him on the couch and she asked, "Where'd you find him?"

"In an alley behind the quarter cursing strangers and challenging them to take him on. He's completely bladdered."

"I'm not that drunk get off of me you pile of horse crap." Klaus slurred and then hissed as Rebekah placed one cold pack on his swollen right eye and another on his bleeding lip.

"Apparently oriented enough to hurl insults at me." Enzo remarked and leaned back on the side sofa.

"What is this all about Nik? Are you out of your mind?" Rebekah asked as she tended his wounds. There were more bruises on his arms and face. He winced again as she began checking for any broken ribs.

Pushing away Rebekah's hand he got up but swayed once as he was still a bit drunk.

"Nik? Where are you going?"

"Where I please little sister."

"Stop. This is about Caroline isn't it? You broke up with her because Mikeal is threatening you right? " she asked hoping to get through to him.

At Rebekah's words Klaus stopped. He turned around and with a distressed face he said, "I'd even give my life to protect her. Do you have any idea that the three fucking hours I couldn't find her were the longest hours of my life. And to live with the thought of something happening to her because of me it was no short of dying a painful death. I'd rather live without her than have her in my life and something dreadful happen to her. I'd rather see her abhor me every damn day of my life than not being able to see her face at all."

"But Nik she's leaving town forever."

"What are you saying Rebekah? "

"Kol texted me an hour ago. I couldn't find you and. "

Before Rebekah could finish her sentence Klaus hurried away.

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Sitting in the bus Katherine and Caroline both looked at the city one last time.

Caroline had been debating with herself all evening not to give into the temptation but then finally gave up and texted Rebekah.

"Is he okay?"

Rebekah texted back the next instant.

"Yes."

"But. Where are you? "

Guess Caroline couldn't honor her promise of forever either but she was going to from now on so she switched off her cellphone and threw it out of the window.

Kat asked, "Hey what was that?"

"New beginning. New everything."

And the bus drove off.

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