Thanks for all the love last chapter, I like hearing your comments so keep them coming. Believe it or not I'm back with another chapter, yes really! Please don't get used to it though. I've been bed-ridden and sick with a virus and had nothing to do the last week but write! I wish I could just do this all day and night and not have to work for a living : )
Chapter 9: Political Persuasion
"If I'd known you were going to be this bad I would have stayed in bed." Klaus joked running a circle around Stefan and shooting a two pointer.
"I forgot how bloody cheerful you are in the morning." Stefan scowled. "Someone certainly woke up on the right side of the bed."
"I did have a restful sleep I suppose."
"It just seems like such a change since I saw you at the Capitol yesterday ready to kill Caroline with your bare hands."
"I wasn't that bad." He scoffed earning a look from Stefan. "Fine she just has this way of pushing my buttons."
"Clearly." He joked. "Although you don't seem to mind it at all." Klaus smiled unable to hold it in any longer. After the ball Klaus had lost all hope of them working things out. He had never imagined that one text message could have such an effect on him.
He'd been angry obviously, not to mention moody, unrelenting and slightly possessed as Lexi put it the next day. Even if someone upset him Klaus would refuse to show it outwardly, let alone take it out on the people around him, but Caroline was different. She had hurt him and he had no idea how to handle it.
Finding her article the following day had tipped him over the edge. He'd managed to refrain from texting, emailing, phoning or storming the Post offices again but when he'd seen Caroline on his turf he'd been unable to stop himself.
Klaus knew it was stupid to blame her for leaking the story, he knew Graham had threatened to go to the media anyway and given how discreet he'd been on the phone there's now way she would've put it together. He just wanted to hurt her like she'd hurt him and his accusations had the required effect. Strangely enough though it didn't make him feel any better.
Receiving her drunken message later that night had been a blessing of sorts. It proved to him that, even in her state, she had feelings for him and he couldn't help but confront her. Although things hadn't gone to plan Klaus knew he was wearing her down, albeit slowly. He had to admit Caroline was extremely cute when she was drunk, not to mention highly entertaining, which had been an added bonus.
Well until she had to go and start stripping in front of him. Klaus had to control every urge inside him to not pick her up, throw her onto the bed and ravish her all night. It took every last shred of his willpower to close his eyes so she didn't think he was taking advantage of the situation. It didn't help that what he had briefly seen was emblazoned on his brain tormenting his every moment since.
"I thought we were here to play basketball." He said breaking out of his Caroline trance. "I mean someone promised me a competitive match but so far it's looking pretty one sided."
"I also conveniently forgot what a smartarse you are." He groaned sitting down on the concrete in defeat. Stefan and Klaus were at playing at Rose Park in Georgetown and at this early hour it was practically empty.
"Nobody likes a poor loser Stefan." He laughed shooting a three pointer and joining him on the ground. "What's got into you? I mean you were never as good as me but I seem to recall you being a little better than that sorry display."
"Something has been worrying me since the ball if you must know." Stefan said nervous about what he was going to say.
"Really? Let me guess you got turned down a few too many times." He joked. "There are plenty more fish in the sea mate."
"I resent that." He cried. "No if you must know it involves Rebekah." Klaus immediately felt bad for his friend knowing he still wasn't over her and that the ball must have dredged up a lot of unresolved feelings.
"I'm sorry Stefan." He apologised. "After everything you guys went through it must have been tough seeing her again."
"I'm a big boy Klaus, that wasn't the problem." He shot back defensively. "It has to do with her husband."
"Alexander?"
"Yes Alexander." He mumbled hating the sound of his name. "He saw us talking and just went crazy."
"Yes unfortunately Alexander has a slight temper, especially after a few drinks." He drawled thinking how much he disliked the guy.
"So you know he's unstable?"
"I'm not sure I'd say unstable but he's definitely very protective of Rebekah."
"Klaus this is much more than petty jealousy." He cried. "Did you ever think that maybe he…"
"He what?" He asked suddenly interested. "Just tell me Stefan."
"That maybe he's violent towards Rebekah?"
"Where did you get that from?" He asked his eyes widening. "Did she say something to you the other night?"
"No not as such." He murmured. "It was just the way he spoke to her and the fear in her eyes. It almost reminded me of…."
"Mikael." He whispered. "I've certainly noticed how unhappy she is but I think his bark is definitely worst than his bite."
"Really?" He asked incredulously. "Are you sure about that?" Klaus stood up the anxiety beginning to swirl around violently in his stomach. Had he missed something?
"We've tried to get her to leave him numerous times and she says that she's fine." He cried. "I never thought…"
"It isn't your fault man." Stefan said standing up to meet his gaze. "If Alexander is hitting her she's obviously too scared to leave him so pretends everything is okay for your benefit."
"Why didn't I see this?" He growled in frustration. "After everything that happened with Mikael I should have know,"
"I think you're just too close." He said trying to soothe his fears. "Rebekah has always been a good actress Klaus and can make anyone believe what she wants."
"That doesn't make me feel any better." He shouted. "Did you notice anything else?"
"She tried to place her hand on his at one point and he slapped it away." He said closing his eyes at the bad memory.
"That bastard, he's dead!" Klaus cried stalking off.
"Stop Klaus." He screamed. "We have no real proof, you can't just rush over there like this."
"So what do you suggest I do Stefan?" He asked. "My stupidity has already allowed this thing to go on and I can't sit by and let it keep happening."
"By rushing over there in this state you'll just anger Alexander and you know who'll be on the receiving end of his punishment. " He gulped. They were both silent the visual too much to bear.
"Klaus you need to speak to Rebekah alone and ask her straight out what's happening." He implored. "Hopefully she'll open up to you, I mean you two have always been close."
"We were close." He murmured. "What makes you think she'll tell me after all this time?"
"We can only hope."
"Thanks man." He said smiling slightly. "I can always count on you to protect my sister even after all this time."
"I'd do the same thing for anyone."
"Maybe but when it comes to my sister I know she's safe with you,"
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"Rebekah this is the fifth time I've called." He yelled into the phone. "Call me back we need to talk." He disconnected feeling completely out of control.
He had a feeling she was ignoring his calls on purpose and he was too afraid to turn up at her house given Alexander was probably there. Klaus could have kicked himself for being so blind, he knew Alexander wasn't the nicest person but he never imagined the extent of his temper.
His poor sister had dealt with nothing but abuse in her life, emotional abuse from their father and now something possibly worse from her husband. It was like history was repeating itself all over again. He balled his hands up into fists thinking how much his father had approved of Alexander. No wonder they were pretty much one in the same man.
Klaus hit the nearest wall feeling his anger spiralling out of control. All he wanted to do was hurt Alexander just like he'd been hurting his sister. He sat down on the nearest bench his head in his hands knowing he had to calm down before he did something he'd regret. He looked at his phone again willing it to ring but knowing it wouldn't. He dialled Rebekah's number listening to her recorded message again. Considering he'd already left four messages he hung up defeatedly.
He looked at his watch noticing the time and realising he had a date to keep even if he didn't feel much like it.
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Klaus knocked for about the tenth time on the red door. He had a feeling someone else was trying to avoid him. He had no intention of giving in so continued to knock.
She eventually opened the door peeking out from above the sliver latch. The redness in her eyes spoke volumes about how she was feeling at that moment.
"Why don't you look so happy to see me?" He grinned. "Come on love didn't you see my note?" Even though she seemed hostile Klaus couldn't deny that seeing Caroline cheered him up slightly.
"I thought you were joking." She grumbled.
"I told you before I mean everything I say."
"You realise I'm highly hung over, don't you?" She growled. "Which means nauseous, irritable and extremely sensitive to light. I hardly think that I'm in the mood to go anywhere with you."
"Oh I don't know I think that just makes you more of a challenge, and you know how much I love one of those."
"Yes I suppose I do." She drawled. "Fine enter at your own peril." She unlatched the door and let him inside.
He looked down noticing she was hugging a fluffy white robe around her but couldn't mistake the blue nightie peeking out that had been haunting his dreams. She shut the door allowing the robe to open slightly. On closer inspection Klaus could make out her taut nipples straining through the sheer fabric, she'd obviously lost her underwear since he'd seen her last. He looked away trying to contain his arousal.
"Well if you insist on taking me out in this state I should probably change." She said walking towards her bedroom. "Where exactly are you planning on taking me?"
"Something casual is fine." He replied. "Although it's cold out so you're going to need your coat."
"Gee thanks mum." She joked "You really must be desperate wanting to take out someone that's hung over."
"Yes well desperate times and all that…" He chuckled. Klaus walked over to the sideboard taking in all the photos of Caroline and Katherine making stupid faces to the camera unable to stop himself from laughing.
When she fell asleep he went into nurse mode locating a bucket, some pain killers and filling a glass with water to leave by her bed just in case. His eyes wandered over to the drawer she had mentioned. Klaus tried to contain his curiosity but in the end he was unable to resist.
The drawer was about half way open when he spied the familiar picture. A big smile broke out on his face knowing that she considered his sketch one of her most treasured belongings. Klaus shut the drawer immediately realising he'd seen enough. Klaus looked over at her sleeping peacefully and knew he needed to see her again so had left her a note saying he'd pick her up the next day.
He thought back to his talk with Stefan and given everything he'd heard that morning it probably wasn't the best timing but Klaus always kept his promises.
She emerged sometime later looking gorgeous as usual. She wore dark skinny denim jeans, tan ballet flats and a cream jumper. She had piled her wavy hair up into a ponytail and he noticed her face was make-up free. He stood there looking at her for what seemed like hours unable to speak. She looked at him then down at herself self-consciously.
"I'm sorry." She mumbled. "It's the best I can do with a hangover."
"You look beautiful.' He murmured without hesitation.
"Okay." She replied trying to contain the blush that was spreading across her cheeks. "Let's get this over and done with."
"Has anyone ever told you how charming you are love?"
"Constantly." She muttered shutting the door behind them and putting on her obligatory sunglasses to ward off the invading light. "So where are you taking me?"
'Well it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you that now would it?" He replied mysteriously. They got into his black range rover and drove away watching as the scenery passed them.
"So where was Katherine this morning?" He asked curiously. "Don't tell me my brother has some actual charm buried under that suit."
"They're just friends apparently." She said unconvinced. "She came in not long after me last night, I swear she can have so much alcohol and it does absolutely nothing. She's out running as we speak."
"Unlike her room mate."
"Rub it in why don't you." She said rolling her eyes. "I can't help that I'm a light weight."
"That's an understatement love."
"Hey I'm never that bad someone just had the nerve to make me angry and so I needed to de-stress"
"I'm confused, I thought you made me mad first?"
"Yes then you had the nerve to retaliate." She shot back. "Anyway where are you taking me?"
"You're not very patient are you Caroline?"
"No apparently it's not one of my best traits." She muttered. "You did bring a bucket right?" She asked suddenly looking around nervously.
"Oh no." He cried madly searching for some place to stop the car so she could be sick.
"I was just joking." She laughed at his panicked face.
"That's so not funny." He growled his eyes now firmly focused on the road.
"Really because I thought it was hilarious." She teased. "That's what you get for keeping secrets from me."
"Well I was going to give you a hint but now I'm not telling you anything."
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"Wow." She murmured as they looked over the large green expanse in front of them. "I can't believe I've never been to Arlington National Cemetery before." Klaus looked at the white grave stones dotted over the undulating grounds realising it had been far too long since he last visited.
"Well I'm glad I could bring you here then."
"I have to say a cemetery is a rather unusual choice for a date." Caroline said still taken by the view in front of her.
"Is this a date?" He asked curiously watching Caroline blush profusely. "I wasn't sure what it was, you know given all your hostility before."
"Well I am hung over." She grumbled. "Why don't we just call this an outing?"
"Okay an outing it is." He mumbled slightly disappointed by her correction. "Come on let me give you the grand tour."
"I thought that's what they had guides for?" She asked a smile tugging on her lips. "I mean I wouldn't want you to give me the wrong information or anything."
"Ouch." He said hitting his chest like she'd upset him. "I've been on a few tours of this place and I'll have you know that I've picked up a few things."
"Really? Well I'm all ears." They toured the grounds looking at the white marked graves of all the fallen servicemen and women. Arlington never failed to evoke so much emotion and even on his umpteenth visit Klaus still felt so moved. Klaus shared the things he'd heard at numerous graves, stories of bravery, heartbreak and even young love lost. He noticed tears gathering in Caroline's eyes and wanted nothing more than to comfort her. Given this was just an outing he thought better of it.
"I can't believe I'm at the Eternal Flame." She said in disbelief. The John F Kennedy Memorial was one of the main attractions at Arlington. "I've always wanted to see this."
"I thought you might." He smiled. "You know President Kennedy wasn't supposed to be buried here. He actually visited this site in 1963 and admired the peaceful atmosphere so it was fitting he was laid to rest here instead."
"Well he was right." She murmured looking around at the site that was perched on the hillside below Arlington House and looked directly over at the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
"It was actually his wife Jacqueline Kennedy who insisted on an eternal flame to mark this spot."
"I never knew his two deceased children were buried here as well." She said looking at their names by the former President's side.
"Apparently President Kennedy wanted to be buried with his family just like President Lincoln had."
"How do you know all of this?" She asked curiously. "It's like you're an encyclopaedia or something."
"I told you I've been on a few tours." He said slightly embarrassed. "Plus I may have a photographic memory so historical facts tend to just stick in here whether I like it or not." He pointed to his head.
"Of course you have a photographic memory." She said. "I mean is there nothing you can't do?"
"Honestly I can't cook to save myself." He laughed. "Elijah tried but apparently I'm a lost cause."
"Well that's what take-out is for." She joked. "If you ask Katherine I'm also terrible but I'm pretty damn good at ordering in."
"Something we have in common finally." He said. "Now come on back to the tour."
"Why does it suddenly feel like I'm on a school field trip and the teacher is telling me off for talking too much?"
"Well it's not like we're on a date or anything so today is more about the educational benefits." He teased steering her away and towards Bobby Kennedy's gravesite.
They finally made it to the top of the Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, which never failed to give Klaus goose bumps.
"The memorial honours three unknown soldiers from both World Wars and the Korean War that were buried without being identified. There was also a soldier from the Vietnam War here but he was identified in 1994." He informed her while they waited for the ceremony to bell rang out and a hushed anticipation fell over the crowd. The soldiers on guard emerged to begin the ceremony.
"The Changing of the Guard happens every half hour during summer but at the moment it's on the hour." He said. "If you notice the guard doesn't wear any rank insignia on his uniform out of respect for the unknown soldiers just in case they outrank him."
Klaus had seen the ceremony numerous times and as a result found himself watching Caroline's reaction instead. She was totally immersed in the ritual and he couldn't help but smile that he was the one to show her this.
After the ceremony that walked back slowly towards the exit and down the hill weaving their way amongst the graves, making up stories about who lay buried there.
"Thank you for bringing me here Klaus." She said shyly. "It definitely puts things into perspective."
"Oh you mean that grouchy reception you gave me at your house earlier." He said raising his eyebrows.
"Yes you have this amazing way of guilt tripping me." She joked. "First the sleep out and now Arlington."
"Well I try." He teased nudging her playfully.
"There are so many people who've had to deal with so much and it's far too easy to take every day things for granted."
"Yeah that's for sure." Klaus said her words meaning so much to him today. He pulled out his phone impatiently noticing yet again he had no missed calls from Rebekah.
"You've been checking that thing all afternoon." She noticed. "Are you waiting for your girlfriend to call?"
"Yes one of the many." He teased. "No I'm just waiting for a call from a certain sister which doesn''t seem to be forthcoming."
"Really?" She asked curiously. "You've never really told me much about her."
"Not too much to say." He said quietly. "She's bossy not to mention constantly meddling in my love life."
"Ah I remember now, the Valentine's date." She said smiling at the memory of their first meeting.
"Yes and she still hasn't let me live that one down." He muttered. "Although she does have her good moments I suppose. Rebekah can be extremely loyal and fiercely protective of her big brothers."
"Sounds like she'd have to be pretty bossy to put up with all of you." She laughed. "I heard she and Stefan met up again at the ball, that can't have been easy."
"No it wasn't." He sighed thinking about their talk earlier. "He's worried about Rebekah though."
"What did he say to you?" She asked curiously. Klaus had a feeling she might have known more than she was letting on but couldn't be bothered getting into it. If anything it was easier he didn't have to start over.
"He's, um, worried that her husband might hurt her." He whispered hating having to say the words aloud because it made them that much more real.
"Do you think he might?"
"I don't know." He cried throwing his hands up in the air. "Do you think if I did I would have let her stay with him all this time?"
"Of course not." She soothed. "If someone wants to keep something hidden they will do everything in their power to make that happen."
"Yeah well if I'd been focusing more on her than my stupid Senate run then maybe she wouldn't be in this situation." Caroline turned towards him, placed her hands on his shoulders and looked deeply into his eyes.
"This is not your fault." She said. "You have to stop blaming yourself and focus on what's important right now, which is your sister." Klaus searched her blue eyes amazed by her ability to calm him down. He eventually nodded knowing she was right.
"Well I've tried calling her and left numerous urgent messages." He rambled. "I'm not sure what else I can do except for going over there and beating the hell out of Alexander."
"By the sounds of it between your father and Alexander your sister has been surrounded by enough angry men." She said her gaze still focused on him. "You don't want to be another one do you?"
"Of course not." He spluttered. "I'm angry at him not Rebekah." He seethed sitting on the grass in frustration and throwing his phone down next to him. Caroline sat down facing him and instinctively placed her hands in his.
"Yes that's evident but she doesn't need you barrelling in there and acting just as crazy as them."
"So what do you think I should do then?"
"You need to take a softer approach if you want Rebekah to confide in you." She implored. "You need to be better than them."
He looked at her closely thinking about what she was saying and how much sense it made. Of course Rebekah wasn't going to confide in him while he was leaving angry messages on her phone.
"Maybe you could try calling again and this time be less angry and more caring." She said picking up his phone that he'd discarded on the ground and passing it to him.
Klaus took the phone and dialled the familiar number not surprised when it went to voice mail. Caroline smiled at him encouragingly.
"Rebekah it's me again. I really want to catch up with you, I'll even let you question me extensively about my love life." He smiled looking at Caroline. "Call me." Klaus disconnected looking to Caroline for her thoughts.
"Much better." She smiled. "You never know it might actually work."
"Thanks Caroline."
"For what?" She asked curiously.
"For calming me down and making me see just how crazy I was being."
"I'm more than happy to tell you how crazy you're being." She joked.
Klaus noticed a stray piece of her hair in her eyes and instinctively moved it away and their eyes locked. Klaus cupped her cheek and leaned in closer his lips dangerously close to hers. She remained frozen to the spot unable to move away if she tried. He smiled at her knowing the moment he'd been waiting for all day had finally come.
Klaus felt his phone buzz indicating a new text message. He reluctantly checked the screen but was happy to see it was from Rebekah. She always did have impeccable timing. "Sorry." He coughed nervously then read it aloud.
"Seeing as you don't seem to be giving up anytime soon meet me at 5 at Le Bon. I'm preparing those questions about your love life as we speak."
Klaus chuckled thinking how even with everything she'd been dealing with his sister always had a great sense of humour. "I think that means I'm going to have to cut this outing short." He said sending her an apologetic glance.
"I'll forgive you just this once." She smiled pulling him up with her, Klaus could feel his whole arm tingle from her touch. He knew Caroline Forbes was going to be the death of him.
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"I never knew you to be so persistent Niklaus." She drawled as he approached her table. "I mean five messages and eight missed calls."
"Yes well you are a hard woman to catch obviously." He said sitting down across from her at the table. "How are you?"
"I'm fine although your sudden interest in my well being is putting me off slightly."
"Hey I care." He cried.
"Of course you do Nik." She replied suddenly finding her menu very interesting. "Now what are we having?"
"So how is everything going with you and Alexander?" He started trying to break the ice gently.
"Let me guess you've been speaking to Stefan about the altercation at the ball and now you're all concerned about me." She said never one to beat around the bush.
'Well he was quite upset by what he saw."
"What did he see?" She asked. "You and I both know Alexander is the jealous type especially after a few drinks."
"Yes but it didn't give him the right to treat you that way."
"You're imaging things and you can tell Stefan the same thing." She muttered still gazing fixatedly on her menu.
"Oh really why can't you look at me then?" He asked curiously. She looked up immediately never one to refuse a challenge. "You can't blame us for being worried little sister."
"Well even though it's misguided I do appreciate your concern." She said. "Now about this love life?"
"No you can't just change the subject like that." He said growing increasingly impatient by her denials. "Does Alexander hit you?" He cried in desperation. She hesitated for a moment and Klaus swore he saw a dark shadow cross her face.
"No of course not Niklaus, keep your voice down." She hissed looking around the room. "I don't know where you got an absurd idea like that." She snapped.
"Well Stefan seems to think…"
"Stefan seems to think an awful lot considering he barely knows Alexander and hasn't been in our lives for a very long time."
"He's just looking out for you Rebekah, like he always does." He noticed a slight smile on her lips.
"Well it's none of his business."
"When it comes to you Rebekah he can't help himself, surely you know that by now."
"I'm surprised given how father treated him." She murmured.
"He's a lot tougher than you think."
"Yes well he wasn't holding back the other night, he's still very angry not just at father but me too, not that I blame him of course."
"He's hurt Rebekah but for some reason he still cares about you so much, doesn't that tell you something?"
"It says he needs to move on." She said quietly. "I mean I have with Alexander."
"Yes and look how well that has worked out for you Rebekah." He said pointedly. "You can tell me anything you know that right?"
"I know but I have nothing to tell you Nik." She reiterated. "The subject is closed and if you continue with this line of questioning I'll leave." Klaus knew better than to mess with his sister. "Now back to your love life, how is your journalist friend?"
Klaus rolled his eyes knowing the only person more stubborn than him was his sister and she wasn't budging. He really should have known she wouldn't break so easily. Either they did have it wrong or needed to employ some new tactics to draw out the information. Klaus wracked his brain for an alternative plan of attack smiling slightly realising he might just have the solution.
"Good."
"Okay you said I could question you extensively and just so you know one word answers aren't going to cut it Niklaus." She sighed. "What's happening between you two?"
"We're friends." He replied shortly earning an annoyed look from his sibling. "We are, well at the moment."
"So what's stopping you then?" She asked leaning closer obviously enjoying this intimate insight into her brother's love life.
"Her conscience mainly." He said. "She's worried how a relationship might negatively impact on our careers."
"She's worried about the conflict of interest." She murmured. "Well it's good to know she isn't going into this lightly."
"I'm glad someone thinks that's a good thing." He muttered impatiently. "Yes we'd have to be more discreet but we're both professionals and can still do our jobs."
"Have you told her that?"
"Yes Rebekah numerous times." He said frustrated. "I'm not sure what else I can do."
"You're not going to just give up are you?" She asked. "I mean I thought you were more persistent than that."
"I have no intention of giving up." He smiled thinking about their amazing day together.
"I'm glad to hear it." She smiled although Klaus could sense some sadness behind it. "Now if we could just get Kol and Elijah sorted everything would be perfect."
Klaus rolled his eyes thinking about which poor brother she'd turn her attention to next, if he did manage to win Caroline over. He just hoped that would be the case.
