griefdawned

[griefdawned]

there was something about the blond stranger strolling before her that felt familair. caroline couldn't quite put her finger on it. it was as if she knew this person, yet she was certain she had not ever seen her before. somehow she had mindlessly been following her before she suddenly turned around to share her dislike for being followed. " well i wasn't to begin with. i just happened to be needing to go there. "

It was late afternoon by the time Lizzie had left the coffee shop, a drink the size of a small child in hand full of caffeine she would surely be downing within the next ten minutes as she made her way towards home. Hearing the footsteps fall into sync mere steps behind her, she waited a few minutes of being followed as she turned down another street. "Did I miss the memo about a surprise walking companion, or are you just really into invading my personal space on this fine afternoon?" she quipped, turning on her heels to face whoever had followed her.

[griefdawned]

" i agree. knowing our luck, chances are we won't be having any. " it was good seeing jeremy unharmed and well. caroline had no doubt he could defend himself either way. the amount of people who were dying around her seemed to be getting higher and higher each day. way quicker then anyone should in a lifetime. " how have you been? "

"You know , after a full moon, we should hope for a few days of peace." He turned to them, chuckling softly to himself. He knew it was far from the truth, for towns such as Beacon Hills, peace was rarely on the agenda. In fact, he was readily waiting to hear of what destruction the previous evening caused. He was under no illusions that casualties had not been found, at the hands of wolves and vampires, no one was safe. @griefdawned

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the full moon always came with its many dangers. the poor victims of humans who had been either bitten and turning or getting slaughter by the predator. while caroline should fear these days, she had other things to occupy herself with. " it always is. " caroline drew out a long breath before glaring at the stranger. " what happened near you ?? "

"I heard the full moon was eventful, though -- why am I surprised?" He knew most full moons compromised of wrongdoing, the supernatural taking their chances to hurt many of the unknown, his family included. He had no words for the fatalities, knowing there would be more to come in a town such as this. He had no faith in the residents, knowing his family were nearby also caused him further dread.

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it was quite unexpected how the evening was fairing out for the both of them. two souls who met at the right time of the night to help each other through the hardship they hadn't been able to share to others or confess to themselves. caroline could easily detect the sincerity of his kindness. the need for companionship, even from a stranger had been highly appreciated. " it does, certainly when you hadn't been looking for it and found it with sheer luck. " whether it was faith or luck, she counted her blessing for having him there for her, even if it were only for this cold lonely night. he undoubtedly helped her out more then she could imagine. " i am sorry to hear your past hasn't been what you had hoped it to be. my father decided to leave our family as well, perhaps later on in life yet he did make the decision to leave us for her had been living a lie his entire life. while i cannot hold it against him, it still hurts no matter which reason. i can only feel sympathetic to your situation. please do know, it was never you who drove them to any of their actions. they entirely did it for their own selfish reasons. there is always a choice in the end. " even when that decision was going to leave a path of destruction in it's wake.

Sam listened attentively to Caroline's words, feeling a sense of connection and understanding between them that was both unexpected and comforting. He couldn't help but agree with what she was saying, especially about moving on while keeping the memories alive. It was a delicate balance that many people struggled with, but perhaps having someone who had experienced something similar would make it easier. "You're absolutely right," Sam replied with a soft smile. "Sometimes life throws us curveballs, and we have to adapt. It's not easy, but it's the only way forward. And having someone who can truly empathize with what you've been through makes a world of difference." Sam appreciated Caroline's willingness to listen and share, knowing that it could be a healing experience for both of them. She nodded in response to her offer. "I lost my mother when I was young, and dad was never really around" she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "So I understand what you mean about the memories tied to a place. But I've also learned that it's the people who truly matter, and the memories we create together, that carry us through." He paused for a moment, then added, "Thank you for being here and listening. It means more than you know."

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caroline had not dared speaking the truth out loud, the reality being to hard to face. telling the truth to klaus however made her feel relieved and like a weight lifted from her chest. perhaps it was the first step towards healing from the heartache. while the words were spoken, caroline did not dare to look klaus in the eyes any longer. it had been a secret carried only to burden herself and no one else. in the past she more commonly would have made her own problem a problem for everyone else as well. time truly did made her mature and reconsider who she was helping with it. still, the pain and grief should be shouldered by those who she trusted and loved. it wasn't until klaus took her hand to provide her with comfort that she would look up once more, allowing a single tear to slip down her flushed cheek. " thank you ... " she breathed the words with sincerity. " it has been hard keeping up a strong face in the eyes of my children whilst i am grieving on the inside. i haven't been able to talk to anyone about this and i shouldn't burden you with these problems. you probably have many of your own. " knowing klaus and his history, there was also a reason he had been in a sour mood. " thank you for saying these kind words though. i truly needed to hear them. you are truly a good friend. " she would gently rest her head upon his shoulder, relishing in the physical contact she had been missing these days.

he truly did feel for the young vampire before him. he never wanted caroline to come to any harm in her life, he cared deeply for her. he always had and he always would care for her. to hear that tyler broke her heart and then stefan did the same passing the day they got married, klaus could only give her a soft smile of understanding. he knew what it was like to lose someone you loved for he had lost tatia before he could ask for her hand. "caroline," his voice was soft as he leaned further against the table, reaching over to grasp her hand gently, "you are a terrific mother and your girls are lucky to have you. don't think for a second that you have to be perfect all the time because i know for a fact that i've never been perfect and yet for some reason hope still loves me." clearing his throat he tilted his head slightly and sighed, "i'm sorry that you lost him so quick after getting the happiness you deserved you do truly have my condolences there. stefan had always been a dear friend and to lose him," shaking his head klaus took in a deep breath, "but you're still here and you're still going. you're doing what you can for your girls and that is all anyone can ever ask for."

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it seemed faith had brought them together during a time of difficulties. it wasn't often two strangers would find each other with a story that could rival their own. it could bring a companionship and sense of ease that only someone who had gone through the same giref could understand. little did caroline know how many they both had suffered through. " i have never thought i would leave my hometown the way i needed to. i believe no one would ever expect such events to happen. but we will need to move on and keep the memories we once had alive in our minds and heart. " sharing only a single piece of her story already felt like it released some of the burden. " that it can most certainly be. you only share what you wish to share and when you are ready, i am willing to listen. " it felt like the thing she had really needed in this moment. someone who didn't know her entire story and could see it from a different perspective then her own. " i have lost many loved ones in my life, more then most would. which makes it more difficult to loose the place where all those memories of those people are tied to. "

Sam listened attentively as Caroline shared a bit of her own story, and he could sense the weight of her experiences. He could empathize with the need for a fresh start and the challenges that came with it. "I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your home and the difficult circumstances you've been through," Sam replied with a compassionate tone. "It's never easy to leave behind what's familiar and face the unknown." He appreciated her offer to listen without judgment, and he nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Caroline. I might take you up on that offer someday," he said sincerely. "Sometimes, talking to someone who understands can be incredibly therapeutic." Sam felt a connection with her, knowing that they both carried their own burdens and were trying to find a sense of peace in this new town. He hoped that they could continue to support each other through their respective journeys.

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while elijah had a point, caroline didn't quite care for the possible threat or consequences of her actions. there wasn't quite many things left to live for in her life after all she had lost. it were only her daughters that made her shoulder the burdens instead of crumbling. " i am aware, i just ... cannot quite care enough. i should though. "

elijah looked at the woman in front him, letting a small smile form on his face knowing the other, more so as the one that his brother had always shown appreciation for. he heard her "good to see you as well ms. forbes" he cleared his throat and looked around them "you really shouldn't be out here."

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caroline should have been wiser and avoided the event of a full moon, certainly when a bite of a werewolf could possibly kill her. still, the melancholy of recent event made her somewhat careless about matters of the dead. taking a stroll at the height of the event brought a serenity she hadn't predicted. it seemed she wasn't the only one who had the same ideas. " i cannot agree more. it is good to see you elijah. "

Elijah had decided to go on his walk as he had the past couple days he was here, even though he knew that the blue full moon was happening and what could be happening that night, but he wasn't going to back down if someone decided to attack him. Elijah was walking when around more and was enjoying not having many people around him for the moment, he let put a small breath as he looked around " just have to love the quietness?"

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hearing a story similar to her own brought a sense of ease and comfort. while she undoubtedly wasn't the only person going trough a lot, it was hard to meet others in similar situations. while she only knew the tip of the iceberg, she could feel his words were loaded with a truth he was not going to share with a stranger easily. " i can understand that feeling and the need to move on with a fresh new start. you could say my story is comparable. unfortunately the new start wasn't a decision i made freely. my home town was burned down. and prior to that a lot has happened that i am still trying to process. hopefully this town can bring a bit more peace. " loosing your town and your husband in the same day wasn't something you get past easily. " if you do ever wish to talk, do know i am willing to listen without any judgement. "

Sam took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "Well, Beacon Hills seemed like a quiet place to start over, you know? I've had my fair share of... not-so-quiet experiences in the past," he said with a slight chuckle. "Needed a fresh start, away from the chaos." He glanced around the town, the memories of his supernatural encounters still fresh in his mind. "Guess I was hoping for some normalcy for a change. But from what I've seen so far, it's anything but normal around here. How about you? What's your story?"

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the tension slowly started to ease from her body when klaus finally found the patience to take this conversation more seriously instead of a game of who has it worse. caroline decided now was the time to return to the bar and take her seat again. the sigh that left her mouth was already an indication it wasn't going to be pretty. " it isn't that type of problem. the truth is, after tyler died i married stefan and he died the same day we said i do. not quite the marriage i envisioned. i am a mess and haven't been the mother i wished i could be for my daughters. they deserve more then i can give. " it didn't feel quite right sharing this with klaus, but then again her asked and she could never lie to him.

As much as he wanted to continue to rile her up he truly didn't have the energy to do so. He was a mess and his mind was going insane. There were many things he had to deal with and sort out and it was only a matter of time before things became serious again. "Well I guess that all depends," pausing he leaned against the table and took another sip of his drink before toying with the glass, "are you going to tell me what has you in a foul mood? Maybe if your reason is good enough I can go and be a gentleman and rip their heart out for you just so you can stomp on it for fun," he offered with a small glint of humour in his eye.

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the desire to yell, scream or even rip his head off became almost unbearable when he riled her up. he somehow knew how to push her buttons and get the worst reaction out of her. in the past she had found a way to control those emotions and found a way to calm and comfort him. today just wasn't the day after all the dead she had to deal with. in the end caroline would always be alone. still, for reasons unknown to her she stil cared for klaus, even when it would be the last thing she would admit to him. her shoulders would heave, lowering when a deep sigh left her mouth. " fine, fine. you are right. you may be in a foul mood over that. but would you allow me to have my foul mood as well ?? " she would peak over her shoulder to him, hoping he would else she was definitely going out of that door.

"And there she is," he called to her retreating back as a grin spread across his face. He still wasn't in the best mood but he always did enjoy a riled up Caroline, whenever she got feisty and angry a spark seemed to light up within her. Perhaps it was the way her brows tugged together in that small frown or the way her nose scrunched up slightly. Perhaps it was there the way her chest heaved when she got frustrated or maybe how her voice took on such an edge, but Klaus enjoyed it nonetheless. "My level of caring isn't all that high right now, love," they hybrid added on, "though I would think after what you heard I deserve to be in a bit of a foul mood don't you?"

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it would only be a quick stroll, giving her plenty of time to get to know sam better. " what brought you here to beacon hills sam? i hope your story is a better one then mine. " although she had no desire sharing her sad story just yet, her curiosity to his story was making her ask the question.

Sam chuckled at Caroline's response. "You've got a point there," he agreed. "Sometimes it's all about the effects rather than the taste." He took her offered arm and followed her lead as she pointed the way. "Two blocks away sounds perfect," he replied with a grin. "Lead the way, Caroline."

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caroline should have known better then to even start believing klaus could ever be a person she could discus anything related to grief or emotions. the fact that it was always a game of who has it worse with him was something she should have predicted. the more he talked, the more she became aware it was useless starting this conversation. " of course you wouldn't because you don't even have feelings to begin with. go have fun with your pity party. it is not like any cares these days. not even your own damn family. " she slammed the glass on the counter before standing up. " i thought that if i showed you that i cared for you, you would have done the same. but it was wishful thinking. have a sad pathetic life. " she turned on her heels to leave the bar.

As breathtaking and addicting as she was, Caroline was truly testing his limit of control right then and there. He could feel his foot tapping the ground lightly as his leg began to shake in irritation. "Oh how sad that is for you, let me guess some boy came along and broke your heart again? Tell me was it Tyler again or someone new this time? Can't say I'd be surprised." He knew he was being harsh and an asshole but like he had already told her he wasn't in the mood. "Until you've been locked away with very little blood to keep you from decaying and not being able to see or hold your daughter for five years while being subjected to the worst terrors that you could imagine only then you can come to me and start whining about your broken heart."

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caroline knew how temperamental klaus could be, certainly when he felt like he had been wronged in any way. the way he blurred those words as an attempt to push her away told her more then he was letting on. he didn't know what happened to her and therefore wanted to push her away. she was going to allow him to do just that. " if you want the truth or not, my life is in shambles and for once could you just shove your self pity somewhere where the sun doesn't shine and let me have my moment of pain and suffering. whatever you have gone through this time ... i honestly doubt it is worse then what i have gone through. so shut up and drink. " she raised her glass before downing it at once.

She was always the stubborn one, there was no denying that, so there was no surprise when she decided to sit down and join him. He would have left but he was quite comfortable where he was in that moment not to mention he didn't really have a place to go yet. He had yet to locate his family even though he would be tempted to dagger them all if given the chance for a moment but that was a different problem. "Or how about you run along back to your little friends and continue to live in your perfect little world," he shot back. Why was he being an ass? He truly had no idea but his foul mood was not brightening.

[griefdawned]

it had been quite some time since caroline had last seen klaus. it therefore shouldn't have come as a surprise he was in a sour mood. even when it came to seeing her. she was even wondering whether he knew about her and stefan and what happened after. it wasn't something she was in the mood for discussing. she choose to go the different route althogether. " i am not in the mood either so how about we just keep quiet and drink our drink. two birds, one stone. "

He was seething on the inside, no one had tried to come and truly look for him. No one had tracked him down and helped him get out. His family asked about him according to Marcel but none had actually done anything. What was loyalty? Not his family that's for sure. He had been nursing a drink in the back of the pub when a familiar scent crossed his nose, without even looking up at her Klaus shook his head. "Now's not really a good time love," @griefdawned

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caroline felt more the obliged to lead the men around, feeling quite hospitable and in need of some distraction from her own life. why not spend the evening with a stranger who to her fortune did not know the grief or suffering she was going through. " my kind of drink too. we shouldn't always be too fussed with taste. sometimes it is the other properties that help. " offering her arm to lead, she pointed in the direction they were going to. " it is just two blocks away from here. "

Sam couldn't help but chuckle at Caroline's response. It seemed they were on the same page when it came to the need for a strong drink. "Sounds like my kind of place. Strong drinks are definitely the way to go sometimes, even if they don't taste the best." He appreciated her recommendation and the insider knowledge about where to get the best deals in town. "Lead the way, Caroline. I could use a good drink and some company."He followed her with a sense of anticipation, looking forward to some much-needed relaxation and conversation.

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it still felt like an absolute dream. both tyler and stefan had returned from the dead and there wasn't a single explanation that made sense to her. it was all surreal and it therefore felt like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. but somehow luck might be on her side for a change and she was going to take her pie and eat it. and once more there was a surprise waiting on her in the form of a blonde vampire. " oh my god. lexi ! " @vampyredefender