Stronger Than Compulsion // Klaroline

29. Everyone Leaves Eventually

Caroline

A loud beeping sound erupts in my ears. Yawning, I open my eyes, turning my alarm off. I look to the left of me to see Klaus, still in his clothes from last night passed out on the bed.

I almost smile, running my hand through his curls. He flinches slightly before accepting it, calming down.

"Shit," I whisper. He was in a bad state. He thinks everyone left him, and that he's alone.

I get out of bed, still in the dress I was in last night. I take some of Rebekah's clothes, knowing she won't mind, walking into the bathroom to clean up.

After a warm shower, I get dressed and sink my fangs into a blood bag, jumping as I feel a hand on my arm.

"Good morning," Klaus rubs at his head, not wanting to show that he still was effected by hangovers. I grab a cup of coffee, adding sugar and milk to it before sipping it down.

"Morning," I reply. I wasn't sure why he was so calm. I mean, we kissed just last night and now I'm leaving...

"When are you leaving?" His voice changes, cracking slightly as he rubs the back of his neck. His voice was raspy and deep, quite alluring from the morning and "just woken up" state, I suppose.

"I was just waiting for you to get up to say goodbye..." Klaus frowns deeply, his eyes full of sadness which I have to look away from.

"Just to make sure- you remember last night, right?" He assures. I immediately blush at his remark.

"Yes. Do you?"

"Very clearly in fact," he raises his eyebrows, waiting for me to respond. I clear my throat, taking another swig of the hot liquid.

"Right, well. I'm going to go wait for my cab if you want to join me," I change the subject, not knowing why. He follows right behind me as I expected, outside into the city.

It was a bit dark out, the city not as crowded as usual. The air was crisp and cool making me tug at my short sleeves. Klaus takes off his coat, putting it on me. I raise my eyebrows.

"Klaus I don't need-"

"Just take it, Caroline. As a little reminder," he says, almost begging for me to take the jacket. It was oversized, the sleeves falling to the ends of my fingertips and the actual coat falling to my butt. I send him a gentle smile.

I want to say something to him- anything. After the kiss last night and what we went through together there should be a whole book of words I want to say. But instead there's nothing. I don't say anything, Klaus doesn't say anything, and soon enough my cab arrives.

"Well..." I sigh, feeling confused. Why was I not saying anything?!

"Have a good time at college, Caroline. I hope you get everything you wished for," Klaus finally settles with his words, and sends me a small smile. The simple statement makes my heart pound. I should be wanting to stay with him. I mean, we kissed after all. That has to mean something, right?

But it doesn't. It was a kiss. Just a little kiss and no matter how badly I want to push college and my friends and my future aside for this one man- I can't. He knows I can't and I know I can't. That's why we made that promise he wouldn't visit me in the first place. We're both in totally different parts of our lives. He can't give up his city for me, and I can't give up college for him. It will all just have to depend on the future.

"Goodbye, Klaus," I open the door, about to get in before turning around on my heel and engulfing him in a hug. He is taken off guard, stumbling for a second before wrapping his own arms around my waist.

I let go first, smiling up at the hybrid. He smiles back, waving as I get in the car. Chances are he wouldn't see me, and I wouldn't see him for a long time. But that's okay. We were on good terms, and that's all I care about.

I wave my hand, and he waves back through the window.

"Where to?" the taxi driver asks.

"Whitmore College, Mystic Falls," I say, the words feeling unfamiliar on my tongue. I don't take my eyes off the man as we drive off. He stands there, tall, but on the inside, broken. Eventually, Klaus is out of sight, and my heart drops a bit from sadness.

I find my hands gripping onto his coat, letting my eyes slip close. The scent of him lingers through my nostrils as I breathe, falling asleep.

Klaus

She's gone. Just like that. She left. Even that kiss and hug and spending weeks with her wasn't enough for my selfish self.

"Fuck!" I yell once inside, throwing my clothes off. I get into the steaming shower, letting the water trickle down my spine. I sit on the ground, the warmth engulfing my body. I am so tired of everything.

Everyone eventually leaves me. That is a fact.

I'm never enough, and now I'm truly alone.

Caroline

"Holy shit, Caroline! I've missed you so much!" Elena squeals, nearly crying, pulling me into a massive hug. I laugh, hugging her back. I missed this so much. Our dorm room, having a schedule, living on our own- there was only one thing missing...

"God, do I have a story to tell you," I sit my best friend down, smiling at her as I begin explaining my journey in New Orleans.

No this is not the last chapter! There is one more (wow!!!) and a sequel as well! :)