Through the Darkness

Chapter 21: A Blast From The Past

"Wait, you mean that's 'Ripper' Stefan?" Cami asked, slightly shocked.

Klaus replied, "The one and only. His mother pales in comparison, really. She was a Ripper as well."

Cami swallowed as she remembered the horrific stories Klaus told her of Stefan's murderous rampages. "Eww. Gross images in my head. What about her?"

"A fleeting infatuation, nothing more."

She turned to Klaus, her eyes big with amusement. "That's her, isn't it? The pretty blond that banned you from your hometown!" She tried her best not to laugh, but a few chuckles came out nonetheless.

Feigning seriousness, Klaus responded sharply, "I'll have you know that I allowed her to seduce me in the woods when I made that promise. The poor girl was simply starving for my attention. I, being the kind soul that I am, took pity on her."

Still trying not to laugh, Cami replied, "Oh, she got you good. The all-powerful Klaus Mikaelson manipulated by a teenager!"

Klaus shot her a deadly look, a hint of playfulness hidden behind his expression. "Are you quite finished Sweetheart or shall I go back to the hotel without you?"

Cami cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, Honey."

"Oh, now you refer to me as Honey? My humiliation is finally complete." He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

She grabbed hold of his upper arm and kissed his cheek. "I love messing with you."

"You are lucky that I am madly in love with you. Others have died for far less crimes against me."

"Ok, ok. I get your point. Don't remind me."

Klaus gave her a final glance, then quickly kissed her cheek before the ceremony began. As she watched, Cami's imagination led her to a future date where it was her standing in Amanda's place, except she would have preferred a much smaller, more private wedding. As much as she wanted Klaus to someday propose, she knew that there would be obstacles. She was human and he was immortal. Eventually, they would have to resolve that, or decide to go their separate ways. The thought began to depress her, so she shifted her focus back to Klaus, who had his hand placed on hers during the entire ceremony. She smiled and could feel the love through that simple connection between them.

During the reception, which took place in the same venue, Caroline and Stefan kept their distance, occasionally looking their way. Even in the receiving line, as Cami visited briefly with Amanda, they intentionally stayed back. Then, the bride and groom shared their first dance. When everyone was invited to join, Cami grabbed Klaus's hand and dragged him to the dance floor. As Cami began to dance with Klaus, she kept eyeing Caroline, who was dancing with Stefan. She would dart her attention every time she saw Cami look her way. "If I didn't know any better," Cami whispered, "I would say that your little girlfriend over there is very interested in what you are doing right now. She keeps giving me the evil eye."

Klaus smirked. "Well, I'd hardly call her a girlfriend, Love. Now, Anastasia from 1575 – she was a girlfriend. Then there was Emily from 1680. Oh, and I musn't forget about Sophia from 1868..."

"Klaus!" Cami interrupted. He looked at her, raising an eyebrow, feigning innocence and still smirking. "Just shut up and kiss me!"

His smirk turned into an amused grin. "Then, there was Camille..." He captured her lips in a fiery and passionate kiss, lifting her off the ground and twirling her once. In the midst of their joy, they both turned to find Stefan and Caroline standing nearby, waiting to speak to them. Klaus put her down and they smiled politely.

"Hello, Klaus. Long time, no see," Stefan extended his hand and Klaus shook it.

"Stefan. Always a pleasure," he returned politely. "Allow me to introduce Miss Camille O'Connell." Stefan charmingly kissed Cami's hand in an old-fashioned greeting.