A/N Hello, Everyone! I am rewriting the chapters in this story because I want them to be more clear. I'll post them as I edit them. Enjoy!

Caroline adjusted the straps of her purse as she walked to her car. Her class just ended and she was ready to head home. She put her books on top of the Volkswagen beetle when her phone started ringing.

Caroline groaned and fished the phone out of her back pocket. She narrowed her eyes at the device as an unknown number flashed across her screen.

"This is Caroline."

"Hey Caroline, it's Marcel."

She smiled. "Hey, Marcel." She adjusted to hold the phone with her shoulder and got her keys. "What's up?" she asked and unlocked her car.

"Not much. How's your night going?"

"Good," she chuckled, grabbing her books and tossing them in the passenger seat.

She sat in the driver's seat, "Marcel as much as I enjoy the unexpected phone call, what's going on?"

She heard him sigh and already knew what this call was about or rather who it was about. She exhaled. "Where is he?"

"The bar."

She nodded, putting her keys in the ignition.

"I'll be right there."

Caroline hung up her phone and started her car. She quickly connected her phone and pulled out of the school parking lot, making her way downtown.

Caroline groaned as she pulled up to the Mikaelson brother's bar "Hybrid." It was always busy on a Saturday night in Chicago. She wasn't in the mood to deal with a crowd of people.

"Why can't you go get drunk at home like a normal person," she grumbled as she pulled her car into space at the end of the block.

Caroline has known the Mikaelson family since she was a teenager. She met the youngest Mikaelson, Henrik, when she was a freshman in High School. They ended up becoming best friends, which was a shock for everyone. In the beginning, Caroline loathed Henrik because they were both competing to be the best. When they eventually got grouped together on a project, Caroline realized that Henrik was a nice guy and had no problem calling out her bullshit. They soon became inseparable.

Her girlfriends, Elena and Bonnie, would often tease Caroline that they were more than just friends, but they weren't. Caroline loved Henrik but she was never in love with him. That affection, unfortunately, landed on a someone she least expected.

Caroline wrapped her scarf around her neck and got out of her car. It was still cold outside and the light winter breeze was biting at her cheeks. She shivered and quickly made her way toward the bar.

She paused by the entrance, glancing in to see a crazy number of people packed inside. She groaned and quickly walked toward the alley. She walked down and smiled at the bouncer standing by the employee entrance.

"Hey, Jesse."

The tall body builder of a man smiled at Caroline warmly.

"Caroline," he said. "What are you doing here?"

She arched an eyebrow. He laughed and just nodded. Jesse moved to the side and opened the door for her.

"Good luck."

She smiled. "Thanks."

Caroline sighed as the warmth hit face while she walked through the kitchen. She waved at the chef and moved her way toward the bar. When she reached the floor, she started scanning the room and spotted the guy she was here for. She sighed and made her way toward him.

Caroline started maneuvering her way through a lot of people and stopped at the stage. She smiled when she saw Marcel setting up for his next set. She waved at him. He smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. He mouthed a quick thank you. Caroline shrugged and continued the end of the bar.

"Hey man," she heard a guy shout. "What do you think you're doing," Caroline sighed. "Great," she groaned as she pushed past the final people to get to him.

"She's taken!"

Caroline's eyes narrowed at the guy currently shouting at Klaus. She looked at Klaus and saw him chuckle. Amusement clear on his face.

"Well, she's obviously found something better," Klaus retorted, smirking. He moved and put his arm around a red head in the seat next to him.

Caroline saw the frat guy's face turn into a snarl as he stepped up to Klaus. He grabbed Klaus's shirt forcefully and tried to yank him out of the bar stool. She shook her head at how stupid the situation was. She moved between them and tried to push them apart.

"HEY!" She yelled at the frat guy, shoving at his chest.

"That's enough," she growled. "You're both drunk and I suggest you just get the hell out of here with your girlfriend."

Caroline could see the questioning look on the guy's face, which resulted in him just laughing. Before she could stop it, he shoved her out of the way, which resulted in her tripping over. Before she realized what happen, Klaus launches himself at the frat guy and start punching.

"KLAUS!" she yelled. She got up and moved to pull him off but he didn't budge.

"Klaus, stop," she screamed and continued to pull at him. She saw the fury in on his face and it was starting to scare her. Both the men were now wrestling on the floor in a brawl as the patrons around them watched.

She stood up and looked around frantically. She spotted Jesse and started waving him over. When he and the other bouncers finally showed up they pulled Klaus off.

Caroline stood there, as the bouncer moved to get the guy out of the pub. She sighed and turned her attention to Klaus. She could see him his chest moving up and down in harsh breaths, his eyes were unfocused and he had a cut on his lip.

She sighed reached out for him. She pushed his hair out of his face and cupped his face with her hands.

"Klaus," she said softly, trying to bring him back. "What are you doing?"

Klaus looked up at Caroline, his breathing slowing. He put his hand over hers and squeezed. "Caroline," he said, clearing his throat. He moved her hands off his face and wiped the blood from his mouth.

"When did you get here?" he joked with a chuckle.

Caroline shook her head. "Oh, Klaus."

He smirked and turned back toward the bar. He reached over and got a napkin and pressed it against his lip. He sat back on the stool and looked at her, a small smiled on his face. "When did you stop calling me Nik?"

Caroline rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest. "I'm not dealing with Nik right now," she paused, looking at him. "This is Klaus."

Klaus chuckled and slammed the rest of his scotch. Caroline sighed as she watched the redhead who caused this mess wrap her arms around Klaus.

"That was amazing," she purred seductively.

"Yes," Caroline said sarcastically. "It's soo amazing seeing two grown men fight," She mocked, shaking her head at the woman.

Caroline's voice turned cold as she stared at the red head. "if you don't mind honey, we're busy."

The redhead looked like she got caught doing something she shouldn't and stood up straight. She was confused and looked at Klaus, her eyes narrowing. "You said you weren't seeing anyone?"

Klaus chuckled. He stood up put his arm around Caroline. "I'm not, but Care Bear here is not someone you want to piss off." Klaus looked at her and smiled. He patted her on the shoulder. "She's like a mean little sister," he said the red head."

Caroline frowned at him, not only because Henrik was the only one who called her Care Bear, but he was just being a complete ass.

She shook her head and pushed Klaus' arm off her. She looked back at the girl. Her voice sharp. "Trust me, sweetheart," she stepped toward her. "Unless you want to be another notch on his bedpost, you're better off chasing after the frat guy."

"Humph," was all the girl said before she stormed off.

"Aww come on Caroline," Klaus groaned. He sat back down and poured himself another drink. "She could've been the one," he mocked. He finally balanced enough to pour his drink and was about to sip it when Caroline snatched it out of his hand. She slid it down the bar.

"On the house," she told the guy in the seat next to her. She looked back at Klaus, shaking her head. He was barely able to sit upright.

"Come on, Nik," She sighed and pulled him out of the stool. She could tell that the adrenaline wore off and the alcohol was in full effect. When they started to walk, he was already starting to stagger.

She groaned because Klaus was not coordinating with her, and she was about to just leave him on the stool to go get help. "Come on Klaus," she said, holding his chest with one hand.

"Looks like you could use some help," Caroline looked up and saw Marcel smiling at her. She smiled at him. "Yes," she sighed in relief. Marcel chuckled and moved to the other side of Klaus.

Marcel was a very handsome man, and that combination with his singing made it no surprise that every girl in here wanted a piece of him.

"Thanks, Marcel," she smiled at him.

"Of course," he said warmly. She nodded and they both walked toward the door.

"Marcel, mate," Klaus all but shouted at him. His speech slurred. "I think she's mad at me," he tried whispering to him.

Marcel laughed, gripping on to Klaus' shoulder. "That doesn't seem to stop her from coming out here to get your drunk ass."

Klaus chuckled turned his head to Caroline. He smiled, "what are you doing here anyway Ro?"

They finally made it outside and Caroline leaned Klaus against her car.

"What does it look like I'm doing," she grumbled. Caroline never understood why Klaus gave her that nickname, but it was something he always called her since they met.

Klaus tried to walk away but Caroline pushed him back against the beetle, her hand pushing against his chest, "You're no young anywhere but home."

He laughed and looked at her, "Come on. The nights still young."

"Psssh," she said. "You're done."

Klaus looked at Marcel, a smiled on his face and pointed at Caroline. "Can you believe her?"

Marcel chuckled and leaned next to Klaus, "She's watching your ass dude. She could've easily just left you here. Let everyone realize the owner of this fine establishment is a bastard of a drunk."

Klaus just groaned and leaned against the car.

"Exactly," Caroline said, digging in her pocket for her keys. "Someone needs to get you home before you decide to drink yourself out of business."

Klaus chuckled, leaning his head back on the car. "I don't understand why you care."

"Yeah," she sighed, opening her door. "Me either."

"You got him," she asked Marcel. He nodded. She moved to open the passenger door and turned back to Klaus. She slid him along the car and helped him into the seat. She closed the door and let out a long breath.

She pushed the hair out of her face. She looked at Marcel and gave him a small smile. "Thanks for the call Marcel."

He shrugged, "No problem." He smiled and leaned on the car next to Caroline. "I'm just glad he has someone who can handle his bullshit."

Caroline laughed sarcastically, shaking her head. She looked down at the snow covering her boot. "He has his family," she sighed. "But, for some unknown reason, I'm the only one he tolerates enough to let in."

Marcel nodded, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets. "Yeah, Rebekah comes by occasionally, looking for him, but Klaus never makes time for her."

She nodded, looking at Klaus through the window. "His siblings all look at me for answers, but I don't know what to tell them," she sighed. "Klaus hasn't been the same for a while, I get it, I really do. I haven't been the same either, but I don't understand why he feels he is alone in this. Why he is choosing to push people away."

He shrugged, and stood up. He walked in front of Caroline. "I can't answer that for you, but Caroline," he said softly. "Those are his demons to work out. He just needs a little guidance."

Caroline looked at Marcel. She nodded a pushed herself off her car. "Well," she sighed. "I better get him home."

Marcel smiled. He gave Caroline a hug and kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, and be careful," he pulled back and smiled at her. "If you ever need anything. Call me. You have my number now." He squeezed her shoulder and turned to walk back to the bar.

She took in a deep breath and she made her way to the driver's seat. When she got in, she noticed Klaus had his seat back and an arm over his eyes. She stared at him for a second and then started her car.

Caroline pulled up to the old brick house. Klaus was sleeping when she parked. She turned off the car and got out. She walked around and opened the passenger door.

"Klaus," she said lightly and nudged him with her hand. He groaned and mumbled fuck off. She glared at him in annoyance and turned around. She leaned down and picked up a handful of snow. She smiled and threw it at him. The sound of it hitting his face caused her to giggle.

Klaus shot up in the passenger seat at the cold contact. "Bloody Hell!" he shouted, dusting off the snow. Caroline stood by the door with her hand over her mouth trying not to laugh.

Klaus rubbed his eyes and yawned. He finally looked up and saw Caroline. She was glaring at him now. "That wasn't very nice Caroline," he said, his voice tired and slurred. He got out of her car, but to Caroline, it was more of a stumble. He finally stood up straight and closed his door.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "I don't even understand how you went into that deep of a sleep." She looked at him and shrugged. "It was only a 5-minute drive."

He laughed, rubbing a hand over his mouth. "Yeah, well, scotch always helps me sleep."

She shook her head trying not to laugh at the stupid smile on his face, "Can you handle it from here Nik?"

Klaus nodded at her and smiled. "Yes, ma'am." He chuckled at the glare she was giving him for calling her ma'am. He started to skip up his steps, still smiling at her.

"Just because I'm drunk doesn't mean I'm not a functional drunk." He backed into his door, a loud thump, which made Caroline chuckle.

"Get some sleep Nik," she said and turned back toward her car. When she got to the driver side she looked up to see Klaus still trying to open his door. She shook her head. "Don't think of going anywhere. We have to be at Elijah's for brunch tomorrow."

Klaus groaned, leaning his head against his door. "Why." He jiggled his keys again and the door finally opened, he fell inside.

"Are you ok!"

He got up and leaned against his door. He smiled down at Caroline. "I'm fine."

She rolled her eyes, sighing in relief. "Just be ready in the morning."

Klaus crossed his arms. He was looking down at Caroline, curiously. Wondering why this girl, a girl his brother just brought home, was trying to take care of him. "I don't understand why I have to be at this brunch tomorrow."

"Shut up Nik," she countered, pulling her car door open. She looked up at him, and the smile was gone from his face.

She shook her head. "A year Nik. That is the last time you saw your family," she said softly. "Whether you like it or not, you're going."

Klaus just shook his head, and that pissed her off. "You think I like that I have to take your stubborn ass all the way to Mystic Falls?"

"Then, why are you?"

Caroline shook her head and leaned to get into her car. "I don't do it for you, Klaus." She slammed her door closed and drove off.

Klaus felt his buzz wearing down. He stood at the door and just watched the blue bug disappear down the road. He sighed and slammed his front door shut.

Caroline always knew how to infuriate him, and he didn't understand how she did that. She had a way of getting under his skin every time they saw each other. She groaned and plopped down on his couch.

He yawned and took his phone out of his pocket when a napkin came out with it. He looked at it and smirked. He dialed the number scrolled on it.

"Hey, this is Klaus."

Caroline pulled up to Klaus' house at 8 a.m. The sun was out today but the wind chill was causing the temperature to drop. She dialed his number but it went to his voicemail. She sighed and shut off her car.

Caroline pulled her jacket tightly around her body as she walked up to the front door. She pulled the keys out of her pocket and let herself in. The heels of her shoe clicking on the wood floor. She was happy that it was at least warm in the house. She looked around and frowned at the mess scattered in the living room. She looked at the foot of the stairs and saw a pair of heels.

She shook her head and started walking up the stairs. "Nik," she shouted in the hallway. "You better be decent damn." She stepped up to his door and knocked on it. When he still didn't answer, she opened the door and walked in. Of course, she thought and turned around.

"Nik," she said harshly.

Klaus rolled over in bed and opened his eyes to see Caroline. He just smirked because there was still a naked red head resting on his chest. He heard Caroline as soon as her heels clicked on the wooden floor. He thought she'd just ditch the plans, but of course, she didn't. This wasn't the first time she's caught him with a woman.

"Ro," he said softly. "You know it's polite to knock."

He smiled at the way her hair moved as she shook her head. She was wearing a black pea coat and the heels he heard were black pumps.

"I know you heard me, Klaus," she growled. "Get your ass out of bed. You have ten minutes, get dressed and meet me in the car." Caroline just walked out of the room and slammed the door.

Klaus chuckled and moved the red head off his chest. She got up and glared at him

"I thought you weren't seeing anyone," she hissed. She kneeled and picked up her black dress and slipped it on.

Klaus sat up on his bed and ran his hands through his hair. He looked at the door and smiled. Caroline has walked into this situation more than once. He noticed that it didn't faze her anymore. He just shook his head and turned his attention back to the woman by his bed. She was staring at him like she was waiting for an answer. He looked at her confused.

"What?"

She glared at him, pushing her hair out of her face. "You said you weren't seeing anyone?" she snapped.

"I'm not," he replied, getting out of bed. He was still naked but he walked up to his dresser and started to rummage through his clothes. His back was turned to the woman. "But, you've got to go."

"What," she said, anger clear in her tone.

Klaus glanced at her over his shoulder and saw her standing defensively by the bay windows. The sun peeking in through the curtains. He sighed. "Look, last night was …" he paused, grabbing a pair of boxer briefs, jeans and socks. He slipped the underwear on and threw the socks on the bed. He looked up at her. She was standing at the foot of the bed now.

"Last night was what?" she growled, moving her hands to her hips.

"Oh, it was fun," he smiled, sliding on a pair of jeans. He moved toward his closet and grabbed a long sleeve black shirt. He slipped it over his head and looked at her again. He smiled. "Thanks for coming over."

He sat at the edge of his bed, slid his socks on and a pair of black boots. He started to run his hands through his hair to fix it, but quickly abandoned the idea. He released a long breath and stood up.

He walked into the bathroom, did his business and brushed his teeth. When Klaus walked out of his bathroom he headed for his door when the red head stepped in front of him. She was scowling at him.

"Klaus," she snarled.

He sighed and put his hands on her shoulder. "Look," He paused because he couldn't remember her name. "Uhh…" he looked at her in the hopes of her telling him.

"Oh my god, you don't even remember by name."

Klaus could see the venom brewing in her eyes. She wanted to hit him. He laughed it off. "Look. I'm sorry. I had a lot to drink last night and your number stumbled out of my pocket." He reached around her and opened his door.

He started to move her out. "You can't act like you wanted more than what you got last night." They were moving down the stairs now.

The girl shook her head, running a hand through her hair as she moved with Klaus. "What the fuck Klaus, you called me."

Klaus stood with her at the bottom of the stairs. He looked around his living room and noticed the mess. That must've made Caroline angry. He and the girl started there, knocking over several things before moving upstairs.

He saw his coat hanging on the chair, and hers was on the floor. He walked over and picked them up. When he turned around he saw her slipping on her red heels. He could still see the anger in her eyes, but she wasn't fighting him on getting her out of here.

Usually, he had time to sweet talk the women out of his house, but with Caroline waiting outside he knew he wasn't going to be able to do that. So, he settled for being honest. This was just a once night stand, and he wanted nothing more.

He walked up to her and helped her into her coat.

"Klaus," she tried to talk but Klaus was already moving her toward the door.

He opened it and she walked out. He locked up and looked the girl over. He reached for his wallet. "Do you need cab money?"

"Oh my god," she shouted and stomped down the stairs.

Klaus shrugged and put his wallet back in his pocket. He felt around his jacket and smiled when he felt his sunglasses. He pulled them out and put them on. His head was pounding slightly, the corner of his lip was slightly bruised, but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. A few pain relievers and a nice cup of coffee and he'd be fine.

He walked down his steps and straight toward the buggy parked by the curb. He saw the outline of Caroline in the driver's seat. He chuckled and opened the door.

Klaus leaned down and smiled. "Hello, love."

Caroline was holding the wheel. She just glanced at Klaus, rolling her eyes. "Get in. We're running late."

Klaus sat in the passenger's seat and buckled in. As soon as he was comfortable, Caroline sped off toward the freeway. Klaus sighed and leaned his chair back. Driving out to Elijah's house would take them about an hour, and he wanted to sleep most of the way. Klaus' parents died a year ago in a plane crash, and most of his siblings moved back to Mystic Falls after that.

The Mikaelson home is in Mystic Falls, and it is somewhere Klaus didn't enjoy going. He moved out of his family home right after high school. All the Mikaelson brothers moved to Chicago, except for Finn. He went to New York.

Klaus loved having his brothers in Chicago. They were a tight group for a while, and his parents were more civil toward Klaus when they were all together. His parents came from a long line of money and status. They expected a lot of all their children.

Klaus never cared for the money or the privilege that came with the Mikaelson name. He didn't want any of it, and that infuriated his father. Mikael would often yell at him that he was an ungrateful bastard, and it wasn't until Klaus was a teenager that he understood why he said that to him.

When he found out that he was the result of his mother's affair, and that he was in fact not Mikael's son, he was proud. He wanted nothing to do with that man. He barely wanted anything to do with his mother. She was just as bitter toward Klaus as Mikael. Often comparing her son's rather than valuing all their differences. Her favorite was Finn, then Henrik.

So, when Klaus left, he left all of it. The money, the name and his parents. He opened the bar in downtown Chicago by himself. His parents never chose to acknowledge the success Klaus found for himself, without their help. When they visited his brothers in Chicago they refused to visit the Hybrid. His brothers often defended his decisions, especially Henrik. Henrik was always trying to make peace between Klaus and his parents, but he never got any.

Klaus paid for the bar by selling his artwork. He still hopes to own a gallery one day. He started painting at a young age and fell in love with art since he could properly stroke a paint brush. When he told his parents that's what he wanted to do, rather than become a lawyer or any other profession they wanted. They refused to support him. Telling him they would only support law school or something worthy of their time.

Klaus understood that all his parents cared about were the status the Mikaelson name has as a founding family of Mystic Falls. That is why he worked so hard to get out, without their influence.

Even though Klaus left, his parents still left him a trust fund, and it activated when he turned 25, but he never touched it. He told his parents several times to distribute it among his siblings or donate it to charity. They called him ridiculous and refused.

Klaus heard for years, "why can't you be more like…" It seemed to be his parent's favorite sentence. To them, he never lived up to brothers. Elijah is a surgeon, Finn is one of the top real estate lawyers in New York City and Kol is close to earning his master's degree in accounting. He was proud of his brothers and happy for their success, but he was also successful.

Hybrid started turning a profit six months after it opened its doors. The bar is packed, and the reservation log is always full, even with the limited amount of seating tables they had. Klaus was proud of that. He has a great, hard working staff that help him make Hybrid great. He was happy, and in the end, none of what his parents said to him mattered.

Klaus knew it would be easier if they approved, but he also knew he could be happy without it because the only approval he valued was Henrik's.

His baby brother was the one sibling Klaus cherished most. They did everything together. Henrik looked up to Klaus, and he never took that for granted. He always made it his mission to make sure his young brother was happy. He missed being able to make his brother happy.

It's been two years since Henrik died, and every day, Klaus blames himself. It was after Henrik died that he started to pull away from his siblings. He saw them less and less because he didn't like knowing that he took their kid brother from them even though they never blamed him for it. The only people that blamed him were his parents.

When Klaus found out his parents died last year, he didn't know what to feel. He could hear the pain in his sister's voice when she told him, and the remorse in his brother's tone's when they talked at the funeral. But Klaus, he was just numb.

The Mikaelson siblings were a tight bunch. They were all different, and occasionally drove each other mad, but in the end, they were family. When Klaus started to pull away from them after Henrik's death, they didn't like it. They texted him constantly, and they would often just show up at the bar when they were in Chicago.

He knew they cared, but he just needed space. His parents made it clear the day of Henrik's funeral they wanted nothing to do with him. Mikael spat in his face and yelled that it should've been Klaus in the ground.

He thought so too. Klaus wished countless times that Henrik lived, and he'd trade places with his little brother in a heartbeat. His siblings never made him feel that way, but Klaus chose to keep his distance. The guilt of Henrik's death was something he wanted to bare alone.

But him wanting space didn't seem to sit well with his family, which is why Caroline has been somewhat of his keeper for the past two years. The reason why he tolerates her is because he knows that he wasn't the only one who lost someone close that day. Caroline was Henrik's girl. If anyone had a broken heart as much as he did, it was her.

The first-time Klaus met Caroline was when he was a senior in High School. She and Henrik were working in the dining room on some project. They were both just starting High School. Henrik just turned 15, and he assumed she was about the same age. They surprised him when he got home that day. Henrik explained that it was just for school, and Klaus never thought anything of it. Then, she never left.

Klaus would have never guessed that Caroline was Henrik's type. She was very controlling for starters and has that "take no shit" type of attitude, but she also had the tendency to doubt herself. Klaus noticed on more than one occasion she would act like she's not worth the trouble, but Henrik always told her otherwise. I guess that's what made them such a great pair.

Henrik and Caroline contently told their family that they were just friends, and it was nothing more than that. No one believed them. They spent so much time together and it was hard to think that two teenagers hanging out as much as they did weren't dating.

Now, a decade later, Klaus is in a car with a blond who has witnessed everything his family had to offer. A woman who witnessed the good and the bad sides of his parents. A woman who loved Henrik as deeply as anyone. And she's also the woman taking him to his older brothers for brunch. Taking him to a house he hasn't stepped in for over a year.

"Here."

Klaus peeked open his eye to see Caroline holding something over him.

"They're Advil," she said softly. "It should help with that thumping in your head."

Klaus pulled his seat upright and took the pills from Caroline's hands.

"Thanks, Ro."

She nodded and handed him a bottle of water. He gladly took it and quickly tossed the pills into his mouth, gulping down half the bottle.

"You're 27 and you're drinking like you just turned 21," Caroline said, glancing at him to Klaus rubbing at his temples.

Klaus just chuckled.

"There is nothing wrong with having a good time sweetheart," he sighed and looked at Caroline. "You should try it sometime."

He pushed his chair back a bit.

"You're 25, yet you act like you're a grandma."

Caroline just shook her head.

"I have loads of fun Klaus."

He laughed, leaning his chair back further.

"Of course you do Caroline. Of course, you do."

She glared at him for a second before flipping on her radio. The volume was loud and the booming went straight to Klaus' head. The sound of pop music filled the car, and Caroline started to sing.

Klaus groaned, and she smiled at him in triumph, but her phone started ringing, cutting off the music. Caroline looked at her phone on the dash and groaned. She debated not answering it but she knew he'd just call again.

She tapped the Bluetooth off and held the phone to her ear.

"Tyler."

Klaus opened his eyes and watched Caroline.

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Tyler I am driving right now, and I don't feel like talking about this right now. I told you I would let you know. Just wait to hear from me. Bye."

Caroline sighed and hung up the phone. She perched it back up on her dash and just stared at the road in front of her.

Klaus arched an eyebrow. He could see she was clearly irritated.

"Who's Tyler?"

She glanced him, shook her head and turned her focus back on the road.

"You've met Tyler."

Klaus raised his eyebrows. He doesn't recall a Tyler. She piqued his interest, so Klause brought the seat back up and looked at her.

"I don't remember a boyfriend named Tyler," Klaus said with a smirk. "I know there were Henrik and Stefan."

"Henrik and I were just friends," she groaned.

Klaus chuckled and smiled at her.

"Fine," he stated. "I don't think I've met a Tyler."

She just looked at him.

"Think," she mocked. When Klaus gave no hint of recognition to Tyler's name. She sighed. "His last name is Lockwood."

She felt like groaning when a huge grin spread across his face because he now knows who she is talking about.

"You're dating the Lockwood boy?"

Caroline looked at Klaus, her eyebrows furrowed.

"No, but my mother has it in her head that I should."

Klaus laughed, and Caroline told him to shut up, but he didn't stop laughing. Caroline couldn't help it, she started to chuckle.

Klaus looked at her, a smile on his face.

"Your mother knows that you loath him, right?"

Caroline nodded.

"She doesn't care. She's up for reelection this year."

Klaus just chuckled, shaking his head. He leaned back in his seat.

"So did you go on a date with him?"

He looked at her and could see her cringing. He smiled widely.

"You did, didn't you?"

She looked and him, guilt evident on her face. She nodded.

Klaus laughed, and Caroline leaned over to smack him in the leg.

"Shut up! It was just for coffee and it was more to get my mother off my back.

"Oh, I would've loved to have seen how Henrik reacted to this."

Caroline giggled and looked at Klaus, a warm smile on her face.

"I'm pretty sure he would've had me institutionalized."

She looked back at the road.

"For good reason," she sighed. "It was such a bad date."

Klaus smiled. This bit of news perked up his mood, and the thumping in his head was gone. "How so," he asked.

She glanced at Klaus. She felt warmth fill her stomach. All annoyance she felt toward him this morning was gone because Klaus rarely mentioned Henrik in general conversation, and she was happy he did. Even though he was entertained at her expense. Caroline just smiled.

"I'll tell you Nik," she said, holding up a hand toward him. "But, you don't get to judge me Mikaelson."

Klaus used his left hand and crossed his heart. "I promise."

She chuckled. "Good."

The drive was moving a lot faster as Caroline started to talk to Klaus about her coffee date with Tyler. She told him all about how Tyler loved talking about himself and his family. He often would bring up his mother's re-election campaign, telling her that he was helping her as an intern with the hopes of joining her staff when he graduates. He wasn't interested in what Caroline was doing with her life, and it finally ended, he tried kissing her. Caroline thought that was ridiculous because they were just having coffee and she had to quickly turn her face so his lips landed on her cheek.

Klaus shook his head and laughed. He remembered the Lockwood boy as this spoiled brat. Lockwood is another foundering family of Mystic Falls, so there family's mingled. Klaus never liked the family. They were very entitled, and Tyler loved that power.

"What a wanker."

Caroline nodded. "He is still the same self-entitled ass he was when we were kids," she chuckled. "I told him that my mother may want us to date, but I don't have time."

Klaus nodded. "Seems like he didn't get the picture."

Caroline turned the car up the street leading to the Mikaelson manor. "He's only calling me because my mother keeps encouraging him." She shook her head. "It'll pass."

Klaus smiled at her and looked back out the window as she pulled up to the manor.

Caroline parked the car and turned it off. She looked at Klaus and he was staring at the house like he got punched in the stomach. She nudged him with her shoulder.

"Come on," she said softly. "It's just your family." She smiled brightly at him and got out of the car.

Klaus took a deep breath and got out of the car. He loved his siblings, but he just wanted to be left alone for a while. After Henrik died, Klaus felt it would be best to distance himself from his family. He wasn't the one that deserved the affection they were offering. Not after he killed Henrik.

Klaus stood by the car, looking at the house for a minute.

"Hey," Caroline said softly.

He looked at her, she was smiling. Caroline wrapped her arm around his and walked them up the steps. Before he could change his mind, she knocked on the door.

"Niklaus."

Klaus smiled at his older brother and nodded. He could see the shock on Elijah's face, but also the smile. Elijah reached for him and pulled him into a hug. Klaus returned it. "I'm glad you're here," Elijah pulled back and Klaus nodded.

Elijah looked at Caroline and smiled.

"Caroline," he said warmly.

She waved, smiling. "Hey 'lijah."

He pulled her into a hug talked by her ear. "Thank you for getting him here." He squeezed her and let go. She nodded.

Elijah stepped to the side, opening the door wider. "Come in."

They walked through the foyer and into the living area where Klaus noticed Rebekah and Kol sitting, holding a drink. He took a deep breath and made his way toward them.

"Nik," Rebekah said happily. She stood up from the couch and rushed to hug him. Kol stood up and smiled.

"Look what the cat dragged in," Kol smirked, lifting his glass to Klaus. "Good to see you brother."

Klaus nodded, still hugging Rebekah. He pulled back and smiled at her. Rebekah looked behind him and smiled. She quickly pushed him out of the way to get to Caroline. He chuckled.

"Care!"

Caroline smiled as Rebekah wrapped her in a hug. "Hey, Bekah."

Rebekah pulled back. "It's so good to see you," She looped their arms. "Let's get you a drink."

"Great."

Caroline walked with Rebekah toward the bar, but Kol scooped her up in his arms started twirling her around.

"Hey blondie!" he said happily, "long time no see."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around him. "Put me down, Kol."

Klaus took a seat in a chair by the fireplace, watching his siblings interact with Caroline. He smiled. His family loved Caroline. She is part of the pack.

"Niklaus."

Elijah stepped up to the chair and handed him a tumbler full of bourbon.

Klaus took it and downed the whole thing in one swig. "Thanks." He handed Elijah the empty glass.

Elijah looked at it. He shook his head and turned toward his other siblings. "Now that everyone is here. Shall we move to the dining room, everything is ready."

Everyone walked into the dining room. It was loud with chatter, and Caroline smiled at the spread of food on the table.

Klaus pulled out Caroline's chair for her before he took his seat next to her. If there was anything that all the Mikaelson brothers had in common, it was opening/closing doors or pulling out chairs. She didn't have brothers and no other men in her life did that until she met the Mikaelson brothers. It always made her smile.

"So," Caroline said happily, placing her napkin across her lap. She leaned on the table and looked at Rebekah. "How's your semester going?"

Rebekah groaned, putting her napkin in her lap. She looked at Caroline. "I can't wait for it to be over," she shook her head. "My professors are absolute shit."

"Bekah."

She looked at Elijah and waved him off. "They are, and I glad this is my final year."

She chuckled. "What about you?"

Caroline smiled as she picked some fruit off a tray.

"Busy," she sighed. "I'm in my last year so I'm just trying to balance everything out."

Caroline shrugged looking at everyone around the table. She hasn't been in the same room as all the Mikaelson's for over a year. It was nice to see them together. This is how they should always be. Caroline didn't have siblings, but from what she's seen growing up with Henrik, they're stronger as a pack. She looked at Klaus and he was talking with Kol. He seemed happy.

"So how are things going at Hunters?" Elijah asked.

Caroline looked at him and smiled. "Great. The projects are amazing and I'm developing a few of my own.

Elijah smiled. "Excellent."

Everyone fell into polite conversation and talking about what they've been up to for the past couple of month. Klaus sat there and listened. He enjoyed here about what his family has been up to. The crazy stories of Kol's school life, and Rebekah frantically trying to organize for the founding father's event. Elijah even seemed to be in a good place. Apparently, he's started dating, and nobody has met this Katherine yet.

Klaus was biting into an omelet when Elijah started speaking.

"Niklaus, tell us what you've been doing?" Elijah smiled at him. "We haven't seen you for a while."

Klaus stopped eating and looked up. His siblings were staring at him. He put his fork down because they weren't going to let him continue without saying something.

"Just managing the Hybrid," Klaus said. He cleared his throat. "I'm looking to open up a second location in the next couple of months. I've already been searching around for a place to set up."

Klaus smiled, picking up a grape from his plate. He popped it into his mouth. He was proud that his business was doing so well and looked forward to scouting out the second location.

"That's fantastic," Elijah said with a smile. "How are your plans coming? Is everything going to be covered?

Elijah put his utensils down and looked at Klaus. "You know if you need help you still have your trust fund."

Klaus' smiled fell as soon as his brother mentioned his trust fund. He knew Elijah was going to question what his next move was, but he didn't expect this. Klaus narrowed his eyes at Elijah and sat back.

"I never needed it before and I don't need it now," he said firmly. "You lot can have that money if you want it."

Klaus shook his head and picked up his drink. He downed the bourbon in one gulp.

"Niklaus, I didn't mean to offend you," Elijah said.

"Really," he shot back, leaning on his table staring at him. "Then what did you mean, brother."

Caroline looked at them both. She could see Klaus' fury in his gaze. It made her frown because when she looked at Elijah, he seemed concerned. She touched Klaus' arm, and he leaned back in his seat. Shaking his head.

"That's enough," Rebekah stated. She pointed at Elijah and Klaus. "We haven't been in the same room together in at least a year."

She narrowed her eyes at them. "We can be civil for one god damn meal."

Caroline sat there, watching. She could see the frustration building. Rebekah looked hurt, and she had every right to be. She loved her brothers and being the only sister. She often had to deal with their stubbornness they had.

"This family has experienced enough lost," Rebekah breathed, leaning back in her chair. "I don't understand why we can't just be a family."

Rebekah sighed, folding her arms across her chest. She looked at Klaus with remorse. "Nik you have no idea how much I've missed you," she said softly. "I've tried to see you multiple times at the bar but you're either too busy or rush me out the door."

"I get it," she paused and leaned on the table to look at him "But we all loved Henrik."

Klaus sat there, listening to his sister drone on about how they understood his hurt, and then Elijah joined in. Tell him that he shouldn't push them away and should accept help occasionally. Klaus started to clench his fists when they moved on to Henrik.

"It wasn't your fault Nik," Rebekah pleaded. "Henrik wouldn't want you live this way," Her voice was started to choke up. "Mom and dad wouldn't want you to live this way.

Klaus had enough and he slammed his fist on the table, causing everyone to flinch. Caroline closed her eyes because she knew what was coming.

"Don't tell me what Henrik would want," Klaus yelled, pushing his chair back forcefully. He looked at each of his siblings, fury evident on his face.

"I was driving," he growled. "You have no right to tell me how to live my life."

He moved back from the table. Klaus' body was tense with anger.

"None of you," he said through gritted teeth, pointing at his siblings. "Loved Henrik the way I did."

Klaus' breathing was coming in fast as he looked from face to face. "None of you love me the way he did, especially Ester and Mikael." His voice was harsh now.

"So don't try to tell me that it's my fault." He looked at all of them. "Henrik is in the ground because of me."

Klaus released a breath and walked off.

"Nik," his siblings called, but he was gone.

Caroline sighed, finally opening her eyes. She looked around the table and saw the hurt and frustration evident on his family's face.

She stood up, smiling softly at them. "Don't give up one him."

They all looked at her. She just shrugged. "The Mikaelson's are stubborn, but if there is one thing I've learned being here," she smiled. "You're stronger together."

They all smiled at her, and Caroline just nodded. "Thanks for brunch, and please come see me when you're in Chicago." Caroline hugged each of them and headed toward the front door.

Caroline got outside and saw Klaus pacing by the car, clenching and unclenching his fists. She watched him for a second. She could see the anger and frustration. She just shook her head and unlocked her door. He got in without saying a word.

Caroline slid into the driver's seat and they started their drive back to Chicago. She felt a lump in her throat when she looked in the mirror to see Klaus' siblings standing by the door. She sighed, and switched on the radio.

The drive back to Chicago could be classified as the most uncomfortable and long drive of Caroline's life. When she finally parked in front of Klaus' house, she heard him sigh in relief. Before he could get out she locked the doors.

Klaus turned to her, looking at her in confusion. Before he could say anything, she slapped him. The sound echoed in the small buggy.

"What the fuck Caroline," He growled. His hand holding his cheek as he glared at her.

She shook her head, holding up her hand to shut him up. She took a deep breath to calm down. She looked at him.

"You don't ever," she spoke in a hard tone. "I mean ever. Get to talk about Henrik like that around me again, you selfish bastard," she said through gritted teeth.

She poked his chest with her index finger. "You are not the only one who lost him, Klaus," her voice was rising. "You were not the only one who loved him," she nearly screamed. She could feel the tears building up in her eyes as she looked at him.

She released and breath and leaned back in her seat. "Henrik was my best friend, and I'll never get him back."

Klaus watched Caroline and could see she was on the verge of tears.

"He'd hate that you're pushing away your siblings, and blaming yourself for the accident," she sighed. "Hell, I'm started to hate you."

She turned to Klaus. "The next time you decide to feel sorry for yourself or you have some urge to claim that Henrik is the only one who loves you. Don't. Because you're full of shit."

Klaus sat there. He didn't know what to say. Caroline's never snapped at him like this before, and he didn't like that she looked so hurt. When he didn't respond, Caroline just shook her head and unlocked the doors.

"Get out," she stated. "I can't do this with you."

Caroline's body was tense and she was exhausted. She stared straight ahead and spoke. "This is the last time you'll see me, Klaus. I can't watch you self-destruct."

She broke and looked at him. Tears were in her eyes. "It's too painful."

Klaus stared at her. She can't be serious, he thought, but then the tear run down her cheek. He sighed and opened his car door. Once he was out, Caroline drove off. Klaus stood on the curb and watched the blue buggy disappear, taking the blonde with it.