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Happy holidays everyone! Hope all is going well ;) Thought I'd post a chapter as a bit of holiday gift – enjoy!

A big thanks to carasedrin for her constant help ;)

Disclaimer: Don't own TVD.

Chapter 10

Fracture

"You, by the light, is the greatest find. In a world full of wrong, you're the thing that's right."

Liz Forbes sighed heavily as she set her phone down, slightly annoyed at the message one of her deputies had relayed to her, but resigned to it. She was already holding her packed bag as she headed back to the living room where her daughter was waiting for her, sitting in the couch. "Sorry, honey – that was the station; looks like we've had a big theft back home. I have to go back for a few days. I know I was originally going to stay for at least a week but…" She explained apologetically, trailing off, not wanting to admit to the fact that she really had to go.

When she had been a teenager, Caroline would have more than likely reacted badly. But as it was, she simply stood and nodded understandingly, not needing the older woman to say anymore about it. "It's ok, Mom. Really." She reassured, grabbing her mothers' hands and giving them a gentle squeeze.

"I know, I know. But look, I'll still come back in the weekend. I want to spend time with my beautiful, glowing daughter." Liz said, her eyes conveying real regret.

"You mean your extremely round, whale-like daughter." The younger of the two Forbes women tried joking.

"Sweetheart, I wasn't any different when I was carrying you." Liz's laugh sounded somewhat off. Their time together this week had started off great – in fact their relationship was better than ever. But the past few days something seemed to be troubling her mother… Caroline decided to let it go though, figuring Liz would have to say something to her if it was something serious.

"God, I never realized how much work this must have been." She commented instead, allowing her hands to come to a rest over her round stomach.

"Finally, some gratitude. I'll see you next Saturday. Be careful." Liz said, referring to Caroline's plan to go down to Mystic Falls to visit her as she pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. With a last squeeze, the two Forbes women separated and Caroline opened the door to let the other out.

"I will, Mom." She promised, before planting a final kiss on her cheek. "Love you!" She said in farewell.

Liz swallowed harshly, feeling her heart sink slightly in guilt. For a second, but only just a second, she began regretting the phone call she'd made just a few nights previous. But then she reassured herself that it was for the best; that it needed to happen. It was for that reason she was able to smile as she replied.

"Love you too."

"God, you have no idea how much I'm craving your pasta right now." Caroline announced that evening as she head back into her apartment after a long day's shift in the hospital.

Stefan laughed as he followed her in. "I'll get right on it. Just give me a minute." The blonde nodded as he disappeared off in the direction of the bathroom.

She herself just fell back into the couch, struggling to pull off her boots over her stomach. This is going to get even harder very soon, I don't know how I'm going to do it. Finally she managed to yank them off her aching feet. Ah ha! Triumph! With a rueful smile, she allowed herself to lean back into the very soft cushions, taking a rare moment to herself. With her eyes half closed she saw a light on her home phone flickering on its stand and reached over to press the message button.

"You have one missed call." A mechanic voice announced a few seconds later before it changed into a much more familiar voice. "Hey Caroline… it's me, Elena." The blonde immediately sat up straighter, all thoughts of relaxation leaving her as she focused on the message. "Listen, I know it's been a while since we've really, you know, talked. But I miss you… And I heard some strange things about you recently." Here, Elena seemed to hesitate, though a moment later she picked up again, this time more firmly. "Look, just, if you have a chance, call me. I'd like to hear from you."

"Babe, where'd you put the-" Caroline heard another voice in the background interrupt. She sighed, knowing immediately who it was.

"On the phone, Damon!" Elena's voice was slightly muffled as she replied to the elder Salvatore, before suddenly it came through clearer again. "Sorry about that, Care. Call back soon. Bye."

Shaking her head, the blonde leaned down over the phone, not even hesitating as she pressed the delete button. Though she'd gotten over her issues with Elena ages ago, their friendship hadn't really been the same since. In all fairness, however, that was also in part due to the fact that they lived farther apart now as well. They'd simply drifted from each other some. Caroline supposed she could try and keep better contact with her but being so close with Stefan made that hard. She might be over how Elena had treated her, but she still wasn't quite over how she treated her best friend.

Still I should call her. She reached out to me… and I'd rather explain my situation myself than have it twisted around into something it's not. Subconsciously she lifted a hand to lie protectively over her stomach.

Resolving to return the call later, she stood and turned, only to see Stefan standing silently in the doorway. She could tell by the heartbreaking wounded look on his face that he had heard every word of the message.

"Stef… Sorry you had to hear that." She told him sincerely. God, I wish he wasn't stuck in the middle of all this. Even now, years after it happened it still hurts him to be reminded of it.

"No, it's fine. I have to get used to it at some point, right?" He said with false brightness.

She clutched his arm and gave it a comforting squeeze. "Right. Still, it's a sucky situation."

"Maybe, but we've all had it tough." He looked pointedly down at her as he leaned heavily against the back of the couch.

"I don't know…" Caroline hesitated, once again finding herself putting both hands on her belly; she'd been doing that a lot lately. "I feel like, even though the actual pregnancy is getting harder and harder, everything around me is kind of working out…"

At that, Stefan raised a knowing eyebrow, his lips twitching as if fighting a smile. Or a smirk. Damn that boy for knowing me so well.

"And yes part of that is to do with Klaus." She grudgingly admitted a moment later, rolling her eyes.

"I didn't say anything." He spoke with an undeniable air of triumph, getting up from his position against the couch before heading to kitchen.

Caroline huffed, following him at a slower pace. "You really didn't have to. It was all over your face. But anyways, not the point, there was actually something I wanted to talk to you about." She told him as she settled on one of the kitchen stools, watching as he worked around her cabinets with ease. He knows my kitchen better than I do… I should really work on that. Going to need to cook more with a child around.

God, there really are so many things to consider.

"What's that?" Before she could answer, Stefan shook his head in amusement. "Wait, no, let me guess… it's something to do with Klaus." He grinned, setting the saucepan he'd just found on the counter.

"Well… yeah." She felt her cheeks warm. "He, well, he came up to with a bit of a proposal."

"A proposal?" He whirled around on her.

Caroline winced, suddenly realizing how that could be taken. She lifted her hands, fluttering them around as she tried to nervously correct her mistake. "No, no, not a proposal proposal, as in marriage, no, no, that's just… no, not ever…" She winced again as she trailed off awkwardly. Just digging yourself a deeper hole here… She cleared her throat and tried to get back on track. "What I meant is a proposal as in he proposed an idea to me that was definitely not marriage."

Again, Stefan wore that infuriating look of amusement on his face. "So what was this proposal?"

Ok, here we go. Just spit it out and get it over with. Come on. It's just Stefan. If you can't tell your best friend then you're really a wuss. She tried to get the words out but her mouth seemed to stop working. Oh my god! Just say it! It's not even that bad!

Just. Spit. It. Out.

She took a deep, shuddering breath. "Well, basically… he kind of… suggested… we live together."

"Live together? You and Klaus?" Wow, I really didn't think Stefan's voice could go that high, she found herself idly thinking.

"No, me and Kat – of course, it's Klaus and I." She replied sarcastically, arms crossed over her chest. Now that it was out, she found she was back to herself. Huh, maybe it really isn't that big of a deal.

"Wow… That's wow."

Or maybe it is… I've never seen Stefan so… speechless before.

God, what was I thinking? Of course it's a big deal! Moving in with anyone, let alone the father of your child, is a big deal.

Caroline groaned, allowing her face to fall in her hands. "I know right? I don't know what to do."

"You're considering it?" She felt him come sit by her side.

She took a moment, needing to gather her thoughts. Am I considering this? Do I want to move in with him? I don't know… but I do know I wouldn't be in such a panic if I wasn't taking it at least somewhat seriously. "Yes, I think I am." She finally replied, lifting her head to meet Stefan's gaze steadily.

"Care, that's big." He let out a huge puff of air, seeming concerned for her.

"I know, but it's not like I'd permanently move in right away – and in any case I'm going to have to get a new place, I can't raise a child in here." She gestured to her tiny box of an apartment.

Still, he didn't seem convinced, the worry still present all over his face. "I don't know, Care, you barely know the guy."

At that, she shook her head. "I think I know him better than most people." She could feel the truth of her words.

They lapsed into silence, and she waited for Stefan to give it some thought. I seem to be constantly springing big things on him… but I guess that's my life now.

And I wouldn't change it.

"Look, whatever you do, you know I'll be there for you through everything, so just, if you decide to do this, be careful. And if anything, anything goes wrong, come to me, ok?" He ended up telling her. Immediately, Caroline felt a smile tug at her lips and she pulled him into a spontaneous hug, grateful for his presence in her life.

"Ok, I will, I promise."

He nodded against her hair. "Good."

They pulled away from each other and the blonde found she had to swallow back tears. "Wow, Stefan, with that amount of touchy feely-ness I think I made the right choice for godfather." She joked, cutting through the serious air that had enveloped them.

"Funny." He deadpanned.

She just gave him a cheeky grin. "I try. Now where's my pasta?"

Caroline sat quietly on her sofa on her day off, trying to think of something to do. The afternoon sun drifted through her half-drawn curtains as she played around with her phone, lost in thought. After the initial bombshell, she'd actually had a nice relaxing evening with Stefan yesterday… but now she was at a loss for something to do, with him caught up at the hospital. Even Bonnie had to work a shift today and Caroline couldn't really do the things she used to do on her days off. Working out in the gym was a big no-no, not with how far along she was, going out to shop just sounded tiring… Maybe I should go catch a movie? No, I can't go alone… but I don't want to stay here either…

It was a testament to how crazy her life had gotten that she couldn't even handle a single day at home alone anymore.

She sighed, continuing to play with her phone. I suppose I could…? No, don't go there. I still need time to think before I can face him rationally. No, Caroline decided, she was not going to contact Klaus. Nope. Wasn't going to happen.

He's probably busy with work anyways… And he's got his family over. Besides that, we already have plans to have dinner with his family tomorrow...

But maybe I should double-check that, actually…

Before she could stop herself she sent a text to Klaus. We still on with your siblings tomorrow night? She quickly locked her phone, not wanting to stare at it, waiting. It could take him a while to reply she rationalized. Nervously, she tucked some loose hair behind ear and picked up one of the magazines she had lying on her coffee table trying in vain to focus on it.

A few moments later her phone buzzed and Caroline all but jumped at it. She opened his text immediately, knowing that if she hesitated, she'd overthink as she always did. Her eyes scanned the bright green bubble. Of course. I look forward to it, love.

Smiling slightly, she began typing again. Great! Me too – I'm especially looking forward to hearing more of Rebekah's stories ;) She tapped the send button.

This time she barely had to wait for a reply. Having you and my sister get to know one another was not one of my brightest ideas, was it?

Caroline laughed as she read the message again, shaking her head. She really did like Rebekah, despite the initial doubts the other blonde seemed to have about her. It still wasn't completely comfortable between the two women but she supposed they had to give it time. The situation was unprecedented for the both of them, but she thought they had the potential of becoming good friends. There was something about the other woman's tenacity that Caroline liked in a person… And the younger Mikaelson really did have some great stories about her brothers, particularly one of them.

Not any worse than licking a frozen lamppost… She typed in reply, referring to one of the childhood adventures gone wrong that Rebekah had so kindly informed her of.

She is going to be the death of me. She's taken over my entire life since she's been here. Caroline could practically picture his exasperated face, already feeling his disgruntled tone through his words. Family was tiring, and his seemed especially so.

She hesitated a moment, not sure whether or not she should make her next comment. In the end, she decided to just go for it, just to stay off the boredom a little while longer. Well, if it becomes too much for you to handle, my door's always open.

She smiled lightly when she saw his next message. Will take that under consideration.A couple seconds later her phone buzzed again. Have to go now. Meeting. Talk to you soon, sweetheart.

Her soft smile stayed on her face, heart slightly fluttering at his persistence with calling her nicknames. She was also secretly flattered the he'd taken a few moments out of his busy workday to talk to her. She scanned over the messages one last time before shutting the bright phone screen off, her day seeming oddly brighter than it had before.

Today was actually nice, Caroline thought as she stretched out comfortably on the couch, flicking through her TV channels, looking for something good to watch. She'd been able to relax for once, something she hadn't done for a while, what with how hectic her life had become as of late. She'd also begun to make lists of what she still needed to do with the baby on the way, and she'd finally gotten around to reorganizing her wardrobe so as to put all the maternity clothes and stuff at the front, her more skintight outfits way in the back so she wouldn't be reminded of how whale-like she'd become.

And now she was going to have herself a nice, mindless night of TV. Actually, maybe I should get out some of my DVDs, there's nothing good on anyways. She stood up, about to pick a movie, when she heard a knock on her door. Brow creasing, she walked up to it slowly. She had a feeling who it might be, and was proven right when looked through her peephole to find a very familiar someone standing right outside. Klaus. Caroline pulled back abruptly, suddenly keenly aware of her rather sorry state of dress. Sweats and a baggy shirt are great for comfort, but definitely not so great when there's a ridiculously good-looking man standing outside your apartment. She groaned and let her forehead fall against the door. Why me? Still, she sucked it up, running her fingers through her hair a few times in an attempt to look somewhat more presentable and pulled the door open.

"Klaus, hey!" She greeted with a bright smile, trying not to fidget under his appraising gaze. God, he's really got me all… restless.

"You said your door was open?" He asked as he returned her smile, coming to stand even closer to her so that he was practically looming over her. She found her eyes scanning him up and down once, noting that he was still wearing a suit, before they focused firmly on his face. Of course he looks like he just stepped out of some freaking magazine. So unfair. His grin turning into a smirk let her know that he noticed her staring. Caroline felt her cheeks warm but tried not to let it get to her. Which was totally and completely working. Totally. I am completely unaffected, she tried to convince herself.

"Yeah, always. Come on in." She eventually said, moving backwards and away from him. She let out a little sigh of relief when she got some space in between them.

"Great, I wouldn't want this to get cold." Suddenly he pulled out a bag of takeout from behind him.

Caroline immediately brightened. "Oh my God, is that what I think it is?" She asked with what she thought was embarrassing excitement. All thoughts of what she looked like flew from her mind.

Klaus just let out an amused chuckle before handing it over to her.

Caroline quickly opened up the brown bag and scanned its contents. "It is!" She exclaimed. Oh my God, he got me Wang's! For some reason the fact that he got her favorite takeout for her made her ridiculously happy. She decided to blame it on her pregnancy cravings and not the fact that he somehow knew about it. She took a deep breath, enjoying the satisfying scent of the noodles and dumplings that were hidden in the containers. "Mm, you are amazing." She remarked before she could reconsider it.

"So I have been told." Klaus commented in return, following her as she made to go back to her prior perch on the couch.

"And arrogant." She followed up with a raised brow in his direction.

"I've been told that as well."

She rolled her eyes in faux annoyance and settled back in her seat, placing the takeout bag on the coffee table in front of her. She then began moving some things from the sofa to empty the space next her, a silent invitation for him to join her. He did so a moment later, after hanging up his outer coat and suit jacket, leaving him in a white dress shirt and vest. She tried not to let her gaze linger on him as he sat beside her, their legs nearly brushing each other. She couldn't help staring as he pulled the bag towards his side of the table though, watching intently as he rolled his sleeves up, exposing his forearms. He's actually doing the rolled up shirt thing, it's already hard enough to focus with him around. She shook her head slightly, trying to clear her clouded mind.

She thanked Klaus quietly as he passed her some boxes, pulling a few out of the bag for himself as well. Caroline twisted around so she was seated sideways facing him, quickly digging in, letting out a small moan of satisfaction the second she began eating. She saw Klaus' lips tug up in a brief, fond smile before he himself started on his food.

After a long comfortable silence, Caroline set her takeout box in her lap for a moment. "Rebekah was driving you that crazy, huh?" She asked, assuming that's what led him to her door. I did make the offer after all… I just didn't expect him to take it so soon. Not that she was complaining.

Klaus nodded. "I came home tonight to find my dear sister hosting a fashion show of some sort in my parlor." He groused, a disgruntled look in his eyes.

"Oh yeah, she's a designer, right?"

"Yes, though I do wish she could keep it out of my house, but I've never had any sort of control over what she does." He let out a long-suffering sigh. "'Bekah is very much her own person."

Caroline smiled. "I've noticed that. What did Elijah do?"

"I believe he managed to lock himself up in his room."

"Smart man." She laughed, before leaning down to take another bite of her noodles. "God, this is good. Thanks for this." She lifted the box, gesturing to it.

Klaus wore a soft smile, softer than she was used to seeing from him. "It was the least I could do considering I was going to impose myself on you." His eyes held hers for a long moment, burning into her. Caroline found herself leaning closer, lost in them.

As soon as she realized what she was doing, she reared back, clearing her throat. "If you bring Wang's along with you every time, impose away. How'd you even know they're my favorite takeout?"

"Yes, well you mentioned something about them a week or so ago." He replied with nonchalance.

Her eyes widened. "You remembered that?" She asked, the corners of her lips tugging up in a small smile.

"Oh I remember everything about you, love."

She looked down, knowing she was blushing. She tried to get back on track. "So I guess you'll want to avoid the house for a while longer, huh?" Caroline asked as she stood up in the pretense of throwing away some of the empty cartons. In reality she needed some breathing room. He really knows how to get under my skin. And we haven't even mentioned his idea of living together yet… maybe he's waiting for me to bring it up. Well, I doubt that's going to happen today. I need more time to think about it.

"You would assume correctly." Klaus said as he followed her example, helping her clear up.

"Well then, you're welcome to further impose on my movie night." She offered in return as together they made quick work of putting everything away. It was such a domestic task, but they did it with such synchronicity that it made her smile again.

"Certainly tempting – have you picked a film yet?" He asked leaning sideways against the counter, once again closer than normal social etiquette would dictate. But then again, how do you even begin to describe our relationship?

This time she decided not to pull back, instead leaning incrementally closer. "Nope, come on, you can help me." Then abruptly, she turned, grabbing his hand and dragging him to her beloved DVD cabinet. She tried not to think about how his fingers curled around hers, nor about how his hand seemed to linger when she tried to let go. When he finally did, she leaned and opened one of the cabinet doors, revealing a pile of movies for them to sift through.

"Quite the collection you have." Klaus commented as he crouched in front of it, silently helping her settle on the floor next to him when she had some trouble doing so.

"You're a connoisseur of fine art," she poked him playfully in the chest, "I, on the other hand, am a connoisseur of good movies."

He picked up one of the DVDs and held it out in front of her with a raised brow. "The Lion King?" His tone was dripping with sarcasm.

She quickly grabbed it from him, holding it to her chest defensively. "Oh, oh no, you do not mock the Disney collection. The Disney collection is sacred. These are the movies of childhood and fun and, and no worries and just all around amazingness." She explained in an indignant ramble, much to his amusement.

"Ah. Never seen it."

"You've never seen The Lion King? You're kidding!"

Klaus shook his head. "Unfortunately not."

"Well you're definitely right about at least that much." She remarked.

He seemed confused. "Right about what?"

"That it's unfortunate." She retorted before slowly climbing to her feet. He quickly stood up to help her, one arm securely around her waist. She glanced up at him, once again noticing the lack of space between them. "Luckily, you won't be unfortunate for much longer." She quipped as she quickly turned her face away, making her way to the TV. She felt him close behind her, hovering over her as she tried to stick in the DVD in over her increasingly big stomach. "Ugh, do you mind sticking this in? It's your child that's getting in the way." She straightened, unceremoniously handing him the movie.

He laughed, and obliged her. "Of course, love."

"Thanks." She said, before once again sitting herself down in the couch, this time sinking into it as comfortably as she could; she always seemed to be sore these days. God, being pregnant is hard work. Harder than I thought it would be.

Klaus followed her lead, sitting at the other end of the sofa. His eyes scanned over her, noting the way her legs seemed to curl uncomfortably under the coffee table. Without warning, he leaned over, took her calves gently in his hands and deposited her legs in his lap, allowing her to lie more comfortably.

"What-? Why'd you-?" Caroline was dumbfounded, staring at him shock.

Klaus' smirk was wicked. "Wouldn't want my child to get in the way of your comfort." He told her, playing on her words from before in a teasing manner, mischief sparkling in his eyes.

Oh you're a dangerous one, aren't you?

But Caroline knew how to play this game. "Well if you insist." She said with a half-smile, spontaneously curling up closer to him. For once it seemed she had taken him by surprise and she could feel him tense against her for the slightest second before all his tension just seemed to melt away. His arm came around her waist to hold her most securely, hand lying against the side of her swollen stomach. His other arm came to rest by her calves. Silently, she switched the movie on and tried not to be too distracted by Klaus' proximity. Still, she found that even though her entire body was aware of just how close he was, prickles running all down her skin, she also felt more relaxed than she had in while. So she let herself rest against him, her head pillowed on his shoulder, legs hooked diagonally over his, partially on the sofa.

As the movie started to play, she realized that this, the way they were sitting with each other, wasn't exactly how you would be with just a friend. But Klaus is my friend… or is he that and more?

Of course he's more, he's the father of my child.

But even that didn't seem the right descriptor for the two of them. Whatever it actually ended up being, she decided to put it out of her mind for the time being and just enjoy his company.

She tried to focus more on the movie as well but, despite the fact that it had always been one of her favorites, her attention kept being diverted by the very distracting presence that was Klaus. She couldn't help but linger on the way his thumb was gently stroking against her belly, skin to skin where her shirt was riding up… or the gentle rise and fall of his chest, steady beneath her. She snuck a glance up at him, smiling at how he seemed completely engrossed in the movie.

Before she knew it the credits rolled and Klaus was sending her an exasperated look.

"This is the movie I had to watch?" He asked with out of character incredulity. Ah, the wonders of Disney.

"It got better though, didn't it? Less gloomy... Well, eventually." She said, pulling her head off his should so she could meet his gaze more easily. I suppose it does have some dark moments… especially with Mufasa and Simba… God, I just hope my baby never gets left alone like that. I know that they're just cartoon lions but, I don't know… That, just, the idea scares me.

"Eventually? I thought children's movies were supposed to be happy." He groused, adjusting his arm around her but still not moving away, snapping her out of her melancholic thoughts.

She couldn't help the soft grin that begun to play on her lips. For a grown man, your stereotypical bad boy, at least on the outside, he could be rather… adorable. "The good ones start sad and end happy. They're supposed to teach lessons, you know?" She told him knowingly.

"Well, that was a lesson." He continued to grumble. She just shook her head.

"Yeah…" She let out with a small sigh. "Hey Klaus? Do me a favor?" She asked suddenly, a slight hesitation in her words.

He gazed steadily back down at her. "Anything."

"If…" She swallowed heavily, and dropped her eyes from his. "If something happens to me… can you make sure our baby is ok?" Caroline trailed off.

"What brought this on?" Klaus asked, tensing under her.

She shrugged, suddenly nervous, wringing her hands together. Her gaze focused on the swell of her stomach, wondering at the person that her child might be one day. "I don't know, I just got to thinking. I mean, I know we won't be perfect parents but what if something does happen… then I don't want our baby to be alone." She tried to explain, before flicking her eyes up to his again. "And I think you are going to be a good father…" She reached out and took one of his hands in hers, twining their fingers together and resting them atop her belly. "I just want my child to have at least one parent."

He seemed stunned. "Caroline, of course I will be there. When I said I would, I meant it. And should, God forbid, anything happen to you, I will make sure our child is all right. I swear it." Klaus told her with fervency, hand tightening around hers briefly.

"Ok, thanks. I-I just sometimes I think- you know with my dad gone, I know neither of us are invincible, and if something does happen…" She felt her throat clog up embarrassingly, but continued, wanting to show him that she trusted him. "I just don't want my baby to be alone, ever. I don't want he or she, or whoever this kid is going to be, not to know their father… And I know you agreed to let me name Stefan as godfather, but our baby still deserves to know you, no matter what ok? I just, I need to know you know that." She finished in a rush, her face feeling abnormally warm and she was surprised to feel a tear sliding down her cheek.

"Caroline…" He hesitated, and surprised her by leaning his forehead against hers with a small smile. "Thank you." She could tell he meant the words with the utmost sincerity, and that he was grateful to her. That just made more tears flow.

She felt his fingers move away from where they were intertwined with hers to wipe away some of her tears in an intimate display of compassion; this isn't something she would have expected from him a couple of months ago. His fingers glided down her cheek, lingering, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. Their foreheads were still close together, their breath mingling. She watched as Klaus' eyes seemed to rove all over her face, focusing briefly on her lips before moving to meet her gaze again. For a moment, she thought he might close the last few inches of space between them and kiss her. She panicked and immediately turned her head away from him and to the side, bringing the palms of her hands up to her eyes in an effort to stem the last of her tears.

"I don't even know why I'm crying. You must think I'm such a mess." She admitted shakily.

He turned her face back to him, fingers gentle under her chin. "You're no more a mess than I am, love. Though, arguably, I'm worse off than you." He told her, humor sparkling in those fathomless blue eyes of his.

She let out a surprised laugh. "Not that much worse."

"Perhaps." He said in reply.

She shook her head in disagreement, before leaning into him again, causing Klaus to pull her closer, both of his arms wrapping around her more securely. She took a shuddering breath, drained from all the feelings Klaus seemed to bring out in her, and felt him rub soothing circles into her back in response.

Caroline wasn't sure how long they stayed like that and maybe she should have questioned it, questioned what was happening between them. They would have to talk about it eventually, that was without question, both about this and about the possibility of moving in together, but for right now, she allowed him to comfort her. They still had time to figure it out… however, the way it was going for them, she thought the decision was pretty much made.

Eventually, she felt her eyes grow heavy, dark spots beginning to appear in her field of vision. She tried to fight against it but ultimately her exhaustion won out and her eyes slid shut.

Klaus felt Caroline's breaths even out as she fell asleep against him, trusting him completely. He smiled down at her and was content to simply hold her, at least for a little while. Even though he was tempted, he couldn't stay for much longer, not with his siblings waiting for him at home… and staying would only open more roads and possibilities they probably shouldn't pursue, at least not now.

Still, he was amazed at how far they had come. Or rather, he was amazed by Caroline… even though it had started out roughly, she now treated him with almost unfailing kindness, something he had never expected from her. He was grateful for it, grateful that such a good person, a person with so much light in them, was able to see the good in him as well.

It was partially because of this that he wanted her to move in with him for the time being. She brought cheer with her, made his days just that bit brighter when he saw her. Oh, the offer was still hugely made for the good of their child, but would it be so bad if it were also for the good of the parents? Either way, he sincerely hoped she was considering it.

Softly, he allowed himself to trail his fingers down her cheek once more, before deciding it was past time he left. He really shouldn't put if off any longer. As gently as he could, he shifted her legs off of his lap and slid from the couch before smoothly laying her back down on it. Caroline barely stirred under his touch, only curled deeper into the pillows with a soft sigh. Klaus found himself smiling, before he reached out for the blanket on the back of the sofa, which he quickly spread out over her. As he tucked it in around her, it briefly occurred to him that he might be doing something similar when their child was born. He was looking forward to it.

Finally he straightened and grabbed his things. With one last glance at her, he left her apartment, closing the door firmly behind him. He was just grateful it locked automatically from the outside; otherwise he would not have felt comfortable leaving her there asleep.

As soon as he was out of the building, he jumped into his car, speeding down the dark streets of the city to reach his home on the outskirts. The journey seemed to pass by quickly, his mind still focused on the woman he just left behind for the night; Caroline, the mother of his unborn child… his friend.

Despite his distraction, Klaus still noticed the fact that all the lights seemed to be on when he finally reached the driveway to the house. Odd. As he drove through the gate, he immediately saw that there was an unfamiliar car parked by his front door. Who could that be? A foreboding feeling settled in his stomach.

He swiftly parked his own car, and entered the front door to the sound of someone talking in the living room. When he walked through the door leading to it, he was shocked to see not two of his siblings standing there, but three. Rebekah, Elijah and-

"-Kol, what are you doing here?" Klaus instantly demanded, interrupting whatever Rebekah was about to say. His little brother turned to him, wearing the infamous Mikaelson smirk that he so often wore himself, looking entirely too comfortable in his house. He really was the last person he expected to see here.

"What, that's the greeting I get? After almost two years?" Klaus saw straight through Kol's 'wounded' demeanor, knowing that he liked to play games even more than the rest of the family. "Really, dear brother, one would think you didn't care about me. I'm shocked, I'm hurt, I'm-"

"-getting to the point?" Klaus cut him off with a growl. Kol's presence could only mean trouble. "What are you doing here?"

"I can't visit my brother without an ulterior motive?" The younger Mikaelson wore a fake scandalized expression, his hand pressed to his chest.

"No." Klaus answered bluntly, entire body tense, just knowing something was wrong.

"Kol, stop your stalling and answer him. It's not that difficult, even a simpleton like you should be able to accomplish that much." Rebekah scoffed from his side. But even she sounded off, as if her irritation were forced. On closer examination, she looked… shaken. Klaus quickly spared a glance to the silent Elijah, noting that he too seemed troubled, his gaze hard and serious.

"Why all the hostility?" Kol asked loudly, calling attention back to him, a smug grin on his face as he dropped all pretense of being upset.

"I don't know, maybe it's because the last time you showed up unannounced on my doorstep I had to pay nearly six thousand pounds in damages after the wreck you caused." Klaus growled in response, already sick of his little brother's attitude.

"Ah, yes, that was a fun night."

"For you. You left Nik and I to clean up after you as usual." Rebekah inserted, arms crossed over chest defensively.

Kol rolled his eyes and flopped down into one of the nearby sofas. "Come now, let bygones be bygones!" He put his feet up on the table in front of him, hooking his hands behind his head.

Their sister's eyes narrowed as moved forward to loom over him. "Please, Kol, don't take us for fools. All you do is the same stupid stuff over and over again – it will never be bygones with you." She snapped. "Now tell Nik why you're here."

It seemed Kol had reached his limit, back on his feet a mere moment later, getting into Rebekah's space as he threatened her in a low tone. "Take my advice on this, you really don't want to run me off, not with what's about to come."

"Oh please, like you'd ever help us. All you care for is your own pleasure." The blonde hissed back. At this point Klaus felt he was missing something vital. What are they on about?

"Rebekah." Elijah spoke for the first time, his voice heavy as it cut through Kol and Rebekah's bickering. He came to stand by their sides. "I think our brother here may be in the right this time." He said gravely, one hand coming to rest on Kol's shoulder as the younger Mikaelson smirked in triumph.

"You're joking." Rebekah let out, though Klaus noticed once again that it was half-hearted.

"Unfortunately, I am not." Elijah nodded at the door, gesturing to something behind them.

Before Klaus could turn to see what the cause of all the commotion was, he heard a familiar voice, causing his hair to stand on end. Oh no.

"Hello, Niklaus."

He finally turned slowly, wary. "Mother, you're… here." He said cautiously, watching as Esther Mikaelson made her approach.

Her intelligent and cold gaze swept over him, before her expression lifted up into a false smile. "Is that all the greeting I get from my son?" She asked him.

Klaus recovered from his shock, feeling his siblings' gazes on him, waiting for his reaction. He shook his head. "Of course not." He said, before leaning down and pecking his mother's cheek, as was expected of him.

Esther nodded in approval and stepped back from him. She let her eyes wander over the room. "You have a… lovely home, Niklaus." She told him, though he could tell it was more out of obligation than anything else… which brought him to wonder just what she was doing there.

"Yes. Lovely." Another voice spoke from behind her. Klaus immediately froze, his heart hammering in his chest as blood roared in his ears. He felt weak as he watched his mother move to the side to reveal the last person he wanted in his home.

"Father." He managed to let out, feeling his voice break slightly.

Mikael smirked, his gaze icy. "Hello, boy. I hear you've been busy."

So, I realize it's been a while… I'm really sorry about that. I've just started my first year of med school, and my entire family and I just moved country so it's been kind of hectic. I really do apologize! I will warn you though that my next update will likely only be, at it's earliest, at the tail end of January because of exams. Sorry, but there's really nothing I can do about it. However, after that I hope to get updating more frequently again.

Hope everyone's having good holidays! :)

Thank you for reading and let me know what you think!

RW