Caroline couldn't believe Elena went and stole her prom dress. Her friend was a downright bitch without her emotions.
And as if her week hadn't been bad enough. She felt terrible about sleeping with Klaus and then she felt bad about how she acted toward him despite everything, she felt bad for keeping it a secret from her friends knowing they wouldn't really understand. How could they? She didn't understand it herself. And then even though she and Tyler were broken up she felt like she cheated on him and the fact that it was with Klaus made it worse.
And then there was something weird going on with her, she was feeling sick as of late, nauseous and she even threw up a few times and blood wasn't all that appealing to her as of late like she lost the taste for it and she was getting headaches oddly enough, she thought about talking to her friends about it but with Jeremy dying, Silas, emotionless Elena, the search for the cure and everything else going on she didn't want to add her problems to the list, she was hoping that it would go away that whatever it was going on with her would just stop.
So she had been looking forward to Prom as a distraction from her problems but now she didn't have a dress to wear and she knew she couldn't go last minute shopping because all the good ones were gone which made her consider another option. Klaus. He surely would have something, after all he gave her that beautiful ball gown one. Only problem she hadn't spoken to him since their fight after they slept together but she needed a dress damn it and she wanted to look hot to spite Elena for stealing her dress.
Caroline arrived at the Mikaelson home.
Klaus stood in front of the fireplace staring at the burning flames, hearing Caroline's voice call out to him. He didn't respond not in the mood to get in one of their verbal arguments.
"Klaus? Klaus? Kl-" Caroline entered the room, eyes landing on him. "Hello? Did you not hear me?"
"Of course I heard you, Caroline. I think the whole of Mystic Falls heard you." He said in annoyance, after the dinner with Elijah and Rebekah and himself disagreeing about the cure he was in a rather foul mood. "I'm in no mood for company."
"Well, I'm sorry that you're having personal issues, but I have a real crisis on my hands." Although his personal issues were the last thing on her mind at the moment. "Elena stole my Prom dress!"
Klaus finally turned to face her, listening only to placate her 'cause he could care less about some human high school prom.
"I went to pick it up and the tailor said that somebody else already did. And when I asked who, she said she couldn't remember." Caroline look at him significantly, expecting him to respond but he didn't. "Hello? The vervain is out of the town water supply. She was compelled!"
Klaus unexpectedly felt his bad mood lifting as she talked and found himself laughing unable to help himself.
"It is not funny." Caroline glared at him.
"No, I know, I know." Klaus said, trying not to laugh further but was finding it difficult, smiling amused.
"Then stop laughing!" Caroline told him. "Look, I know that prom isn't important to you, but it's important to me."
Klaus paused, her words catching his attention because she was right it wasn't important to him but if it was important to her... "Well, surely finding another dress is well within your substantial vampire capabilities?"
Frustrated, Caroline turned on the spot. "Oh, but I don't want just another dress." She turned back around facing him again. "I wanna look hot. Like Princess-Grace-of-Monaco-hot." She paused. "I know I have no right to ask this considering how we left things but I would really appreciate it if you could help me out. So... could you please go back into your creepy trophy case of family collectibles and dig me out something of royal caliber?" She smiled at him winningly, hoping, and Klaus smiled back, still amused.
"Alright, just stay here; I'll see what I can find." Klaus told her, walking past her. "Feel free to make yourself comfortable."
Caroline turned watching him leave before taking a seat on the couch, waiting, checking the time on her phone.
She wasn't sure how long it was before Klaus returned with a box, plopping it on the table in the room. "I'm sure this will be to your taste."
Caroline stood walking over, coming to stand beside him lifting the lid to reveal a gorgeous white dress that was indeed something of royal caliber. "It's beautiful." She murmured, looking over to find him watching her intently. "Thank you." She told him.
"You're welcome." He told her.
She closed the lid. "I know it's none of my business but what had you in such a bad mood?" She asked, turning to face him.
Klaus was surprised that she bothered asking, seeming as she seemed more concerned about her prom problem when she first showed up. He hesitated before answering. "My siblings and I are at a disagreement."
"Family can be hard to deal with." Caroline said. "But I hope you can come to a compromise, family's not something to take for granted."
"I'll take that into consideration." Klaus told her, surprised by her words, if he didn't know better he would say she just opened up a little to him.
Caroline nodded then turned to leave again but then stopped with an irritable sigh at herself at how they left things nagged at her, the guilt she felt for how she reacted afterwards. She turned back around. "Look about that night..." She began.
"We don't need to talk about it." Klaus cut her off, not wanting to get in another argument when it seemed they were in a good place again.
"Maybe you don't but I have something to say." Caroline said.
"I'm sure you do." Replied Klaus wryly, turning away from her. "More insults to throw at me."
"You see, that's the thing." Caroline said. "I had no right to say what I did."
At her eyes Klaus turned back to her, waiting, surprised by her admission.
"That night I did something, I didn't think I would do, and not because I'm not attracted to you or that I don't feel something for you but because of who you are, what my friends, my mother would think." Caroline told him. "But that's no excuse for the things I said, it wasn't like I said no, I was a willing participant that night and I shouldn't have put all the blame on you."
Klaus stared at her, surprised by her words and he felt the rift between them getting smaller by the admission.
"I'm sorry." Caroline told him sincerely, before turning once again to leave.
"Caroline." Klaus called after her.
Caroline paused, looking back at him over her shoulder.
"I hope tonight is everything you dreamed it would be." He told her.
Caroline smiled softly at him and he smiled back before she turned and left, Klaus watched her leave with a genuine smile.
Prom was not what Caroline thought it would be, it didn't live up to her expectations. And if it weren't for Stefan she was sure she would have made quite the spectacle by attacking Elena. Quite frankly if Elena didn't get her humanity back on soon Caroline wasn't sure how much longer she'll be able to restrain herself from doing something to the emotionless brunette. After sharing a dance with Stefan she decided to head out early to the after party that would be held at Tyler's.
Despite telling Caroline he would take into consideration about compromising with his family he made matters worse with not only Rebekah but also with Elijah. His brother's words echoed in his head.
It is such a hollow little life you lead, Niklaus.
And with those words in his head, he wanted something, someone to prove him wrong. His mind immediately going to Caroline.
Caroline carried groceries bags into the house. She set them down but when she turned she was surprised to see Tyler standing there in a suit and holding a bouquet of flowers. "Tyler."
"I don't think you've ever looked more beautiful." Tyler complimented her.
"Oh my god. Tyler." She rushed to him, hugging him, kissing him briefly. "Oh, you can't be here. Klaus-"
"Can't get in." Tyler interrupted. "Matt owns this place now. He had to invite me inside."
Despite that Caroline was still worried. "If Klaus finds out-"
"He won't." Tyler interrupted again. "You didn't really think I was gonna miss prom, did you?" Caroline laughed and Tyler laughed with her and then held up the flowers. "Here these are for you. Caroline Forbes, may I please have this dance?"
Caroline nodded happily.
After giving Silas the information he wanted, Klaus found himself at the school prom only the girl he came looking for wasn't there, instead he had an encounter with his sister and once again made things worse.
Afterwards he left to where he believed Caroline would be.
While she was happy at first to see Tyler, dancing with him, him being there, it didn't last because as she danced with him, she remembered how she slept with Klaus, who killed Tyler's mother who didn't know they slept together and even though her and Tyler were broken up she still felt terrible about it.
So after gathering up the courage she stopped their dance taking a step back. "Tyler, I...I have something to tell you and you're not going to like it."
"What is it?" Tyler said in concern. "What's the matter?"
"I did something, something bad." She admitted.
"What?" Tyler asked, confused. "What did you do?"
Caroline opened and closed her mouth, trying to get the words out but failing. "Klaus." She finally said.
"What about him?" Tyler asked eyes narrowing.
"I-" Caroline struggled.
"You what, Caroline?" Tyler pressed, tone hardening.
Caroline took a deep breath. "I slept with Klaus." The stricken look on Tyler's face only made her feel worse.
"You what?" He growled.
"I'm sorry." Caroline said immediately. "I am so sorry, Tyler."
"You're sorry!" Tyler scoffed, shaking his head in disgust, turning and walking out.
Caroline followed after him quickly. "Tyler, please, just let me explain." She followed him out on the porch.
"Explain what?!" Tyler whirled around angrily. "You cheated on me with Klaus of all people."
"We were broken up." Caroline defended.
Unknowingly to them they had an audience of the man currently being discussed. Klaus wanted nothing more than to tear Tyler apart, make good on his promise to kill him but it was Caroline's night and he didn't want to ruin it for her, but by the looks of it, it already was. He was a little surprised that she had come clean about them but then again he shouldn't have been because Caroline was one of the most honest people he knew.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Tyler demanded angrily. "He killed my mom, Caroline!"
"Tyler," Caroline stepped forward.
"Stay back!" Tyler warned.
"Tyler, please." Taking another step but suddenly found herself being slammed into the house wall.
"I said stay back!" He growled, eyes gold, fangs bared, growling.
Caroline gasped eyes wide. "Tyler-" but she was cut off as his hand wrapped around her throat and he yanked her forward, only to slam her into the wall again.
"Shut up!" He roared throwing his head back, overcome by his rage, ready to sweep in for the lethal bite.
But just as he swooped in angled for her neck, he was ripped away from her, being tossed to the floor. "Get your hands off of her." Klaus growled flashing over to him and gripping him by the neck hoisting him in the air. "I should kill you now."
"Klaus, no!" Caroline exclaimed, pushing of the wall.
Tyler glared defiantly at Klaus. "Finally got what you wanted, congratulations."
"You have no idea what I want." Klaus snapped, tightening his grip to where Tyler was struggling. "I should rip your heart out and be done with it."
"Klaus!" Caroline yelled. "Don't!"
"Even now when you just tried to kill her she pleads for your life." Klaus sneered. "You don't deserve it!" His tone was menacing and he pulled his hand back ready to plunge it into his chest.
Caroline rushed forward grabbing his hand in hers, not straining it but holding it. "Klaus, don't." She pleaded.
Klaus turned to look at her, saw her eyes shining, the desperate look and felt himself faltering.
"Please." Caroline pleaded. "If any of what you feel for me is genuine, let him go." When Klaus only stared at her she added. "Please, I'm asking you to not kill him."
Klaus slowly loosened his hand she held and Caroline wrapped her hand around his, pleading silently, he turned back to Tyler releasing his grip and dropping him. "Leave. Now." He growled.
Tyler got to his feet glaring at both of them before flashing off.
Klaus reigned in his anger before turning to her. "Are you alright?" He asked not bothering to hide his concern.
Caroline nodded. "Yeah." She let out a shaky breath. "Just a little shaken."
Klaus reached out rubbing his arms up and down her arms soothingly. "It's okay, you're alright." He said trying to offer her comfort.
"Thanks to you." She said, gratefully.
And Klaus felt his chest tighten as she looked at him in gratitude, he was so used to her looking at him with distrust and suspicion, revulsion even sometimes but never gratitude and he wanted more of it. "What were you thinking angering a hybrid line that, you could have been killed."
"I-I just wanted to be honest with him." Caroline said. "I didn't want to have to lie. I knew he'd be angry but I never thought he would attack me." A stray tear escaped her eye and she reached a hand up to wipe it away but he beat her to it.
He cupped her cheek, wiping it away with his thumb. "Sometimes when we're angry we do things we wouldn't otherwise, things we later come to regret."
Caroline nodded, gently pulling his hand from her cheek but giving it a squeeze so he wouldn't think she was rejecting his attempt to comfort her. "Thank you." She told him, releasing his hand, both his hands falling to his sides, she glanced back at the house no longer wanting to be there.
And as if sensing her thoughts, Klaus said. "Do you still intend to stay or will you be returning home for the evening?"
"Home." She answered after a moment. "I'm not really in a party mood."
"Well, at least allow me to escort you home." Klaus offered.
"That's not necessary." Caroline told him.
And Klaus marveled that there was no bite in her words. "I insist." He said with his best charming smile.
Caroline could see he wasn't going to take no for an answer. "Alright, just let me set everything up it won't take long." And then she walked back into Tyler's home and with vamp speed was done in less than fifteen minutes. She walked back out and found Klaus waiting, he nodded at her, offering her his arm and she took it as they walked to her car in the driveway, he opened her door for her before rounding back to the passenger side and climbing in.
She tried again. "You know you don't have to."
"It's not that easy to get rid of me." He cut her off and then grinned. "You should know that by now."
"I do know that." Caroline said, putting them into gear and starting down the dirt road, she felt Klaus's eyes on her and glanced over at him, meeting his gaze for a moment before returning her eyes to the road, trying to ignore the way he always stared at her with such intensity that had she'd been human her heart would have been pounding in her chest, as it was it felt like it was doing so despite being a vampire.
When they arrived at her house she parked in the driveway turning the car off, she reached for the door but found Klaus had already gotten out of the car and was opening it for her, extending a helping hand.
She gave him a small smile before accepting and the surprised but pleased look appear on his face, she climbed from the car, problem was they now stood very close together that she could practically feel the heat from his body, taking a step back from him he closed the door before offering his arm again.
"Intent on walking me right to my door?" She asked, slightly teasing.
"And seeing you inside." Klaus told her with a smile.
She shook her head, rolling her eyes good-naturedly before taking his arm, he walked up the path to her house and on to her porch. "Well, thank you for seeing me home but I think I can take it from here." She released his arm.
He nodded with a smile, Caroline had turned heading for the door but paused at his voice. "Caroline?"
She looked back at him, waiting.
"I'm sorry tonight didn't turn out the way you want it to." He told her sincerely. "I know how important it was to you and believe it or not I wanted to give you your dream night."
Caroline paused considering his words before turning back around to face him. "You didn't get your dance?" Caroline said and at his confused look she added knowingly. "That's why you were there, wasn't it?"
Klaus laughed under his breath. "Yes, it was. I quite enjoy our dances."
Caroline smiled softly. "I think I have one more dance left in me, if you still want that dance."
Klaus stepped forward with a smile. "Then I would be honored."
"Are you sure?" She asked, though she was sure he wouldn't turn a dance down. "There's no music." She pointed out.
"Doesn't matter." Klaus said, taking her hand and tugging her gently to him. "I don't need music to dance with you." He said, taking her other hand placing it on his shoulder then wrapping his arm around her waist, and began swaying them in a slow dance with ease. "I wasn't sure I would ever get to dance with you, without you being well you."
Caroline laughed. "Is that your way of saying without me being a bitch?"
"Hostile." Klaus corrected.
"Em-hmm." Caroline smiled. "I think I can cut you some slack just this once."
"Just this once." Klaus smiled. "We'll have to work on increasing that."
Caroline despite herself smiled and they fell silent as they danced closely.
It was several moments later when she stepped back from their dance ending it. "I should get inside."
Klaus nodded not saying anything.
"Tonight was important to me." She told him.
"I know." He said.
"Tonight might not have been perfect." Caroline said, stepping forward. "But it was special and a lot of that had to do with you." She leaned forward brushing a kiss across his cheek before pulling back to see Klaus staring at her intensely and a little surprised. "Thank you." She told him, and then turned walking to her door and pulling it open.
"Caroline." Klaus said and she paused in the doorway waiting. "I was glad to be a part of your special night despite the circumstances."
Caroline only smiled with a nod.
"Goodnight Caroline." Klaus told her.
"Goodnight Klaus." She returned the sentiment smiling softly before going inside and closing the door quietly behind her.
Klaus stared at the closed door for a moment before a slow smile spread across his face and then he flashed away.
A/N: Leave a review if you like. Thanks for reading.