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Assistant: Title: The Vessel ~ A Klaroline Fanfic~
        Author: QueenSerenna QueenSerenna 
        Chapter: 16/27 
        Summary: Caroline Forbes never imagined she'd become part of Klaus Mikaelson's ruthless quest for revenge and legacy-until she accidentally carries his heir. Now forced to live under the same roof as the dangerously charming hybrid, Caroline finds herself battling not only Klaus' temper but also his magnetic charm. What begins with conflict slowly evolves into something neither of them can ignore.
        Contents: Chapter 16: Home
    

    


  

  
  
    
    Klaus entered the living room with his usual air of casual authority, his sharp eyes immediately locking onto the scene before him. Caroline stood near the fireplace, laughing softly at something Stefan had said, the sound light and melodic, though it grated on him now.She was dressed in a fitted blue dress that perfectly accentuated her figure, the kind of elegance that always drew his eye. But what drew his gaze even more was the necklace she wore—his necklace, a detail that stirred something possessive deep within him.Stefan and Caroline were laughing—soft, comfortable laughter, the kind that didn’t belong to two people who had just met but to those who shared a history. Klaus’ expression didn’t falter, though. Instead, he let a slow smirk crawl onto his face, the kind that masked the bitterness beneath.“Well, well,” Klaus drawled, stepping further into the room, his voice dripping with a playful tone. “A charming reunion, I see.” He leaned against the doorway with deliberate ease, crossing his arms as his piercing gaze flitted between Stefan and Caroline. “I hope I’m not interrupting… anything important.”Stefan glanced up, catching the subtle undercurrent in Klaus’ words, though he remained calm. He offered Klaus a half-smile, always the composed one when it came to their little exchanges.“Just catching up, Klaus. Caroline was telling me about some of her more entertaining adventures she’s had in this house.” His tone was even, though there was a subtle edge beneath his words, a hint of challenge that Klaus immediately recognized.“Oh, I’m sure she has plenty of those,” Klaus replied, pushing off the doorway and stepping further into the room. His gaze slid to Caroline, taking in the way she smiled so easily at Stefan, a smile that had been more elusive with him. The blue of her dress reminded him of calm waters—yet standing there, so close to Stefan, it felt like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.“So, Stefan,” Klaus began casually, though the mockery in his voice was unmistakable. “How have you been, old friend? All good with Elena, I assume?" His smirk deepened, knowing full well that their breakup was still fresh. The question wasn’t born of curiosity but designed to wound.Stefan chuckled, though the sound was hollow, carrying its own edge of mockery. “Oh, she’s doing fine,” he replied, tilting his head slightly, his sarcastic smile matching Klaus’ smug demeanor.“You know, considering she can make her own choices. Even if those choices don’t include me.” His tone sharpened just enough to carry a subtle message, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he looked at Klaus. "I may be hurt, but I’m not the kind of man who needs to lock Elena away just to feel like she belongs to me."Klaus’ jaw tightened just a fraction, though his ever-present smirk remained firmly in place, as though glued there by sheer force of will. The flicker of irritation in his eyes was fleeting, barely perceptible, but to anyone paying close attention, it betrayed his otherwise composed demeanor.“Well, now that you and Elena are through, I suppose you’ve got your sights set on someone else, haven’t you, Stefan?” he said, his voice as smooth and honeyed as ever, though thick with sarcasm. “You always do manage to find someone to occupy your time.”There was an undercurrent to his words, subtle but sharp, a trace of something he refused to let fully surface. His gaze shifted for the briefest moment, landing on Caroline with a pointed intensity, heavy with unspoken meaning, before flicking back to Stefan."Well," Stefan said, turning his attention back to Caroline, "we’d better get going. Wouldn’t want to be late." The words were casual, but his real intent was clear—he didn’t want to prolong the conversation with Klaus any further.Caroline, sensing the tension in the room,  glanced between the two men, her sharp intuition picking up on the unspoken challenge hanging in the air. She didn’t want to fan the flames—things had already shifted enough, and this wasn’t the time to let it escalate further.Taking a steadying breath, Caroline reached out, her touch light but purposeful as she laid a hand on Stefan’s arm. “Stefan,” she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle note of insistence as she looked up at him. “Why don’t you go on ahead? I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”Her words were calm, but her gaze was meaningful, a silent plea for him to let it go. She could feel Klaus watching her, and almost instinctively, she withdrew her hand from Stefan’s arm, the movement swift as though retreating from an invisible flame.Stefan glanced at her, reading her intentions. He gave a slight nod, ever the gentleman when it came to backing down from unnecessary conflict. “Sure,” he replied, his tone light but understanding. “I’ll wait for you outside.” He shot Klaus a neutral glance before turning and heading out of the room, leaving Klaus and Caroline alone.Caroline held Klaus’ gaze, her eyes steady despite the tension thrumming in the air. She could sense the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior, the restrained fury barely concealed by his composed demeanor. His lips parted, and for a moment, it seemed like he was about to speak, but before he could utter a word, she raised her hand, the movement swift and dismissive, cutting him off mid-thought.“I know, I know, I’ll be back in two hours,” she interjected quickly, her tone light but laced with a subtle urgency that suggested she wanted to talk about something else.“But there’s something else I want to tell you,” she added, her voice softening slightly, as she walked towards him. She stopped right in front of him, and as her gaze held his, the corners of her lips turned into a warm smile that melted any of the lingering tension in Klaus' body.Before he could respond, Caroline surprised him by taking his hand and placing it firmly against her stomach. His eyes widened in astonishment, the world around them fading away as he focused on the warmth radiating from her. He could feel something moving beneath his palm.The smile across Caroline’s face grew bigger, bright and utterly infectious. “I started feeling her when I was getting ready,” she continued, her voice softening even further. “I think she’s excited for the party.” The joy in her eyes shone brighter than ever, a reflection of the life growing within her.Klaus watched her, captivated, his usual sharp demeanor softening as her words settled over him. His heart swelled, an unfamiliar but welcome warmth spreading through his chest. Unable to resist, he chuckled, the sound low and genuine.“She’s definitely taken more after me than you,” she teased playfully, her smile widening as she leaned in slightly, her lighthearted tone breaking through the quiet intimacy of the moment. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she tilted her head, clearly enjoying herself. “Do you think you can handle two of us?” Caroline continued, the playful challenge in her voice laced with affection.The corner of Klaus’ mouth twitched into a smirk. He met her gaze head-on, a glint of playfulness flashing in his eyes as he replied without missing a beat. “I’ve faced some of the most powerful enemies over the centuries,” he replied, his tone light yet brimming with confident charm. His smirk deepened as he held her gaze, his words laced with subtle humor. “But I must admit, handling two of you might prove to be quite a handful.”Caroline couldn’t help but chuckle, her laughter soft and melodic as she leaned into the playful banter. “And she’s also moving all the time! I think she’s got a lot of energy already,” she added, her hand coming to rest gently on her stomach.Klaus raised an eyebrow, his smirk turning more pronounced as he leaned back slightly, feigning exaggerated reaction. “Ah, great. Another thing she inherited from you,” he teased, his tone playful yet carrying a note of fondness that softened the words. His gaze lingered on her, the affection in his eyes unmistakable, though he hid it behind his teasing remark.They both giggled, their shared laughter filling the space between them.  For a moment, it was as if nothing else existed, but then, Caroline’s smile faltered ever so slightly, the reality of the moment creeping back into her mind. Her gaze shifted briefly, as though remembering where she was supposed to be.“I really have to go,” she said reluctantly, her voice softer now, tinged with regret. “Stefan’s waiting for me.”***As Caroline arrived at the party, the atmosphere buzzed with laughter and music, a vibrant energy that washed over her like a wave. The party was set against the backdrop of a starry night, with twinkling fairy lights strung throughout the yard, casting a warm, inviting glow, and she couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement.“Caroline!” Elena’s voice rang out first, her smile wide and warm as she pulled her into a quick, affectionate hug. Bonnie wasn’t far behind, her expression just as bright, though surprised at Caroline's presence there.“Did the evil man let you out?” Bonnie asked, her tone dry as she raised an eyebrow, clearly referring to Klaus. The question was delivered with a tone of humor, but the sharpness in her voice wasn’t entirely hidden.Caroline chuckled awkwardly, her laughter more a reflex than genuine amusement. She hadn’t told them anything about Silas or the other unsettling events unfolding in Klaus’ house. She wasn’t ready for their reactions—or their questions.“He’s not so bad,” she found herself saying before she could stop the words. The moment they left her mouth, Bonnie’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief and Elena gave her a look of pure incredulity. Her friends immediately assumed she was being sarcastic, and Bonnie let out a soft scoff, shaking her head.“Did Klaus compel you to say that?” Bonnie smirked, shaking her head. Caroline forced another laugh, masking the tension building inside her, but a flicker of unease passed through her. The truth of her situation was far too complicated to explain.“Did you escape?” Elena continued, her tone shifting from lighthearted to genuinely concerned. The laughter faded from her face, replaced by the furrowed brows of worry as she studied Caroline.Caroline shook her head, forcing a reassuring smile as she waved off their concerns. “No, Klaus knows I’m here. It’s alright, guys. Don’t worry about him,” she said firmly, her tone a touch sharper than she intended. “I’m not his prisoner.”But as the words left her lips, Elena snorted softly, crossing her arms. "Right, because letting you out for a party makes it all better. Like it will make us forget he's the devil in person."For some reason, the remark struck a nerve with Caroline. Her smile wavered, her patience fraying at the edges. But she tried to kept it in check, not wanting to reveal just how much the comment stung. “Let’s just talk about something else,” Caroline said, forcing a bright smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.She tried to keep her tone light, brushing off the tension that had crept into the conversation. Elena and Bonnie exchanged a quick glance, both assuming her desire to change the subject stemmed from her disdain for Klaus. To them, it made sense—why would she want to waste time talking about someone who had caused so much trouble for all of them?But Caroline’s reasons ran deeper, though she’d never admit it out loud.  She didn’t like hearing people talk about him like that.  She couldn’t explain it, not to them and maybe not even to herself. So instead, she pushed the conversation away, clinging to the cheerful facade she’d mastered so well.“How about we dance?” Bonnie suggested, her tone light and encouraging as she gestured toward the crowded dance floor. Caroline jumped at the suggestion, nodding quickly.“Absolutely,” she replied, her smile brightening with relief. It was the perfect escape—dancing meant no more talking, no more questions, and no more chance of the conversation circling back to Klaus.The music pulsed around them, its rhythm infectious as Caroline, Elena, and Bonnie joined the crowd on the dance floor. For a moment, Caroline allowed herself to relax, the tension melting away as she twirled and let the music take over. Bonnie leaned in, grinning as she said something over the pounding bass, and Caroline laughed, nodding in agreement, grateful for the simple distraction of their shared joy.This lasted a little while, but pregnancy had drained her energy more than she anticipated, and soon enough, Caroline found herself in need of a break. With a warm smile, she assured Elena and Bonnie that she was perfectly fine, encouraging them to continue dancing and enjoying the lively atmosphere, and she left to found some place to sit for a bit.As Caroline settled into a quieter corner of the party, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. The lively music and laughter faded into the background as she scanned the room and spotted her mom standing near the refreshment table. Her heart leaped at the sight.“Mom!” Caroline called, rushing over with a beaming smile.Liz turned at the sound of her daughter’s voice, her eyes widening in delight and a touch of disbelief. “Caroline! You’re back?!” she exclaimed, the warmth in her tone matching the joy in her expression. “I thought you were traveling around the world!”Caroline hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face as she remembered Rebekah’s compulsion, which had convinced her mother that Caroline was off exploring the globe after graduating from college just a few months ago.Liz Forbes had been led to believe her daughter was living a dream, experiencing breathtaking adventures far away. The weight of the deception settled heavily on Caroline’s heart, even as she smiled, knowing she couldn’t reveal the truth just yet. “Uh, yeah, I… I decided to come visit,” she said, forcing a casual tone. “I missed you too much.”Liz’s face lit up with joy as she enveloped Caroline in a warm, almost overwhelming embrace, holding on just a little longer than usual as if to make up for the time they’d been apart. “So, how’s traveling the world? Everything you hoped for?” she asked, her tone brimming with curiosity and pride, as if imagining all the incredible adventures her daughter must have had.“Yeah, it was amazing,” Caroline replied, forcing her brightest smile as her heart raced. She willed herself to sound convincing, even though the weight of the truth threatened to drag her down. “I saw so many beautiful places, but it feels good to be back home.” Her voice softened slightly at the last words, and for a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to relish the comfort of being with her mom again.Liz’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her gaze scanning Caroline’s face as if trying to memorize every detail. “So, are you back for good? Where are you staying?” she asked, the hope in her voice unmistakable, almost childlike in its purity.“I’m just back for tonight,” she admitted, her voice wavering as she tried to keep her composure. “I couldn’t miss the celebrations, but I have to catch a plane to Paris in a few hours.” She offered a faint smile, but it was laced with sadness, her heart breaking a little at the disappointment that flickered in her mom’s expression, no matter how hard Liz tried to hide it.Liz’s face lit up with enthusiasm as she reminisced. “I remember how you used to talk about Paris when you were just a little girl. You had your heart set on seeing the Eiffel Tower and sipping hot chocolate in quaint cafés. I’m so glad you’re finally making that dream a reality!” She beamed, her pride evident in every word, and Caroline couldn’t help but feel a rush of warmth at her mother’s excitement.But as Liz spoke, Caroline suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, the garden beginning to spin ever so slightly. She blinked, trying to shake off the sensation, but it only intensified, leaving her momentarily unsteady.A feeling of unease settled in her stomach, making it hard to focus on her mother’s voice. Caroline fought to maintain her composure, but she could feel the edges of her vision blurring, the festive lights around them swirling like stars, as she clung to the edge of the table for support.Caroline fought to keep her composure, not wanting to worry her mom. But just as she took a steadying breath, a sharp sting suddenly pierced her stomach, as if a knife had been plunged into her. Panic flickered in her eyes, and without thinking, she pulled her mother into a tight embrace. “Mom, you need to leave. Just go home and don’t worry about me,” she compelled, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.Liz’s eyes softened, a hint of confusion crossing her features, but she nodded slowly, the compulsion taking effect. “Okay, sweetheart, I’ll go,” she replied, concern etched on her face as she stepped back.As Caroline watched her mother walk away, her heart ached, but she knew she had to focus on finding Stefan. The feeling in her stomach intensified, and a wave of nausea rolled over her, making it harder to stand upright.Finally spotting Stefan near the dance floor, Caroline hurried toward him, her heart racing and a sense of urgency propelling her forward. She could barely keep her feet steady, the dizziness and nausea swirling inside her like a storm. Caroline clutched her stomach, her hand trembling as another wave of sharp pain coursed through her. Her breathing was uneven, shallow gasps escaping her lips as she looked up at Stefan, desperation written all over her face. “Stefan, I need your help,” she said, her voice laced with panic, her eyes wide and filled with fear.She stumbled slightly, leaning against a nearby wall for support as the pain intensified. “Something’s wrong. I don’t know what’s happening, but I don’t feel very well. We have to leave now.” Her words came out in a rush, barely holding back the tears that threatened to fall.Stefan turned to her, his brow furrowing with concern as he took in her pale complexion and trembling hands. “What do you mean something’s wrong?” he asked, his voice steady but filled with worry. “Are you feeling sick? Did you eat something bad?” He stepped closer, his instincts kicking in as he assessed the situation, ready to take action.Caroline shook her head, struggling to articulate the chaos swirling inside her. “I can’t explain it, but it feels like something is—like I’m being pulled in two directions at once. It started off as just a dizziness, but now it’s like there’s this pressure in my stomach, and it’s getting worse.” She glanced around the room, the festive atmosphere contrasting sharply with her growing unease. “I don’t know how much longer I can stand here.”“Okay, let’s get you out of here,” Stefan said, his voice firm as he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We can head to the Salvatore house; you still have an hour left to stay out, and we can figure this out there.”But before Caroline could respond, a wave of panic surged through her, sharp and overwhelming, making her stomach tighten further. Her breath hitched as the thought of being anywhere but where she truly wanted to be struck her. She shook her head vigorously, her blonde curls bouncing with the motion.“No, take me home,” she insisted, her voice carrying a firmness that surprised even her, though it was edged with a trace of vulnerability. The word ‘home’ came out with a quiet finality, its meaning unmistakable—she was referring to the Mikaelson residence.The urgency in her voice left no room for debate, and Stefan hesitated only a moment before nodding, recognizing that arguing would be pointless. Something deep within her compelled her toward that familiar place. She couldn’t tell if her instinct to seek out Klaus stemmed from the promise she’d made to call him if something went wrong, or if it was something deeper—an unshakable, subconscious belief that he would be the only one who could help her right now.'
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