The New Evil

Don't Leave Me Again

The newly wed couple went on their honeymoon the next day, a trip planned by Klaus, who already booked then a private island in France.

Cami booked tickets back to Savannah when she returned home after the wedding. Will returning made her remember why she had left New Orleans in the first place, and once Lilly and Aiden heard about what happened, they listened to her and began packing their bags. Cami didn't tell anyone until the next day, which was when they were going to leave. She had said her goodbyes to everyone, keeping the conversations short so no one would be able to convince her to stay. To her luck, everyone had let her go after she promised that she'd try to keep more in contact with all of them. Hope had been particularly upset, but Cami was able to reassure her, saying she'd call her every day.

Derec, Serena, and the other teenagers had also booked their tickets, and they left along with Cami and her kids. Caroline was more upset than the others since her and Derec had just started to enjoy eachothers company, but the two had already established that they'd call and text whenever they could. The group had enjoyed their trip and they found the wedding as beautiful as everyone else, but they were looking forward to going back home.

Klaus didn't take the news of Cami leaving again well. He was tempted to ask her to stay, but he reminded himself that he had no right to ask. After all, he was only a fake friend, right?

A week later

Savannah

The streets of Savannah were quiet, the evening air cool against Cami's skin as she made her way home. She had had a long day at her office since a client of hers had insisted on talking to her. Cami would have denied the request, but something about the client's tone told her that she had to take the session.

Cami was glad she took it, but a part of her hated how long the session had lasted since it was now a few minutes after midnight and the cold breeze, even as a vampire, made her feel uncomfortable. The night was silent until the sound of Cami's ringtone broke the quiet atmosphere. She glanced down at the caller ID and smiled as she picked up the phone.

"Caroline, hey. How are you?"-C

Cami and Caroline had become closer over the past couple of days, and Cami had Derec to thank for it. Caroline loved to call Cami with updates or if she needed help with something. Cami didn't seem to mind, though. They were friends, and it was what friends do. Caroline would tell her how everything was back at New Orleans since they hadn't left yet while Cami would update her on how Savannah was.

"I'm good. Sorry, did I wake you? I know you have a tight schedule."-CF

"No, I'm actually on my way home. I took a last-minute session."-C

"Cami, you need to get some sleep. These last-minute sessions aren't good for you."-CF

"I'll be fine, Caroline. Thanks for the concern. Anyway, why are you calling me so late? Shouldn't you be asleep?"-C

"We had a late night bonfire thing. I don't know what they're called, but Rebekah really likes them. Also, I called you because Klaus is missing and he has been for a few hours."-CF

Cami felt slightly concerned, but she knew that Klaus could handle himself, and she was sure he'd be back soon.
"I'm sure he's just handling something. It's Klaus. He'll be back."-C

"You're right. He does this loads. It's a problem at this point."-CF

Cami laughed as she continued walking. She would normally take her car, but something about walking today felt liberating to her.

"Anyway, I think I'm going to call it a night. Love you!"-CF

"Love you too."-C

The phone call ended, and Cami slipped the phone back in her pocket as she turned the corner. Her heart stopped for a second when she spotted a figure waiting for her.

And it was only when the figure stepped closer that Cami allowed herself to feel safe. Her heart skipped a beat as the figure stepped into the dim light of a streetlamp, his presence shocking her.

"Klaus."-C
Her voice came out as a low whisper as if she were afraid to speak too loud.

His eyes met hers, a mixture of intensity and vulnerability in his gaze.
"Camille."-K
He said softly, stepping closer.

"What are you doing here?."-C
Cami said, her voice shaking slightly.

"I needed to see you."-K
Klaus replied, a beautiful smile gracing his face as he admired Cami's facial features. He did it shamelessly, making Cami attempt to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

She forced a small laugh, trying to lighten the tension.
"There's such thing as FaceTime, you know? It's the 21st century."-C

Klaus replicated her small laugh, keeping the smile on his face.
"I'd much rather see you in person."-K

Cami felt her breath quicken. Klaus had always had an effect on her, but recently, all she could do was think about him. In the office, at home, even while playing with her daughters, he remained a constant in her mind. And now that he was in front of her again, her heart physically hurt to not be able to say what she wanted.

"Why? Why come all this way?"-C

"Because Camille, I can't live like this. You may be able to, but I can't do it anymore."-K

"What do you mean?"-C
Once again, Cami's voice was barely audible, and her heart was beating faster.

"On the night of the wedding, I asked you if it was all fake because I couldn't comprehend the thought of every moment I spent with you in the past month being nothing but an illusion."-K

Cami's breath hitched as she looked into his eyes, seeing the depth of his emotions laid bare.

Klaus continued, his voice filled with raw emotion.
"These past few days, I've tried to focus on my duties in New Orleans, but every moment away from you has been agony. I've relived every second we spent together, every conversation, every touch, and every glance. I see your face when I close my eyes, hear your laughter echoing in the quiet moments. You're everywhere, Camille, and nowhere at the same time, and it's driving me mad."-K

Cami felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, her heart aching with every word he spoke.

Klaus took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers.
"You brought light into my life, a light I didn't think I deserved or could ever have again. Your kindness, your strength, your unwavering belief in the good within me-it's changed me. I don't want to go back to a life without that light. Without you."-K

Cami's voice trembled as she finally spoke.
"Klaus, I-"-C

But Klaus wasn't done yet.
"When we were together, I felt something I hadn't felt in centuries: hope. You make me want to be better, not just for you, but for myself. And I realized that pretending I could live without you is a lie. I can't, and I don't want to."-K

He stepped even closer, his hands gently cupping her face, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt. "Camille, I love you. I love you with a depth and intensity that scares me. But more than that, I need you. I need you by my side, as my partner, my confidante, my love. Please tell me it wasn't all fake. Tell me there's still a chance for us."-K

Tears streamed down Cami's face as she whispered.
"It wasn't fake, Klaus, and my feelings aren't either. I love you too. I always have, and I always will."-C

A look of pure relief and joy washed over Klaus's face as he pulled her into his arms, holding her as if he never wanted to let go. Their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and passionate, filled with the feelings they had both locked up for the better part of a year.

When they finally pulled apart, Klaus rested his forehead on hers.
"Please don't leave me again."-K

"I won't. I'm right here."-C
Cami kissed him again, this time softly as if she worried it'd be their last moment together.

The two stood there for a few minutes, bathed in the soft glow of the streetlight, simply taking each other in. They smiled, laughed, and shared a quiet moment of pure happiness, knowing that they were exactly where they were meant to be. In that fleeting moment, everything felt right in the world, and as they gazed into each other's eyes, they promised themselves that they'd never let the other go again.