Chapter 26:
Disclaimer: I own nothing
This chapter is mainly Klaroline-based.
"Are you excited to finally meet the rest of your family today?"
Caroline cooed down into the bassinets. Henry and Charlotte were brought into a private room at the hospital for the rest of the family to meet the them. It wasn't standard procedure but since Enzo and Stefan were both emotionally attached to the twinzies, they made an exception.
It actually kinda paid off having two friends that were both doctors at the hospital she figured, smiling down at Henry who was as usual wide awake staring straight at her and her little Charlotte who was still sound asleep.
Caroline was overjoyed that her kiddies would meet the rest of their family today. More so, of the fact that with Enzo giving the go ahead to the meet and greet, it meant that the twins were one step closer to finally going home.
"Knock knock" Katherine peered her head inside and almost immediately the rest of the Mikealson clan came hounding through the door one, one after the other carrying all sorts of things.
Caroline shook her head trying to repress a chuckle.
And soon enough, both twins were fully awake and the family pestered Caroline and Klaus about who got to hold who first. Well more Kol and Rebekah than anyone really.
"I'll leave you guys to it." Stefan says but everyone seems so taken with the twins no one even notices his departure. He chuckles to that as he gives Elena a quick kiss before leaving to do his rounds.
"So have you finally decided on names?" Bonnie asked and everyone turned to look at the new parents eagerly awaiting a response
Klaus smiled
"Caroline has decided on Charlotte and.. Henry."
"Henry." Elijah said and everyone in the room took a moment
Rebekah smiled knowingly to herself, already having known Caroline's choice
Kol who had not allowed himself to think of his younger brother in a long time, wiped a tear away
Bonnie took a while before registering what the significance of the name was.
"Henry is a good name." Katherine said.
"Indeed." Elijah said, his voice cracking ever so slightly before he recovered "Thank You Caroline"
"There's no need to thank me Elijah.. Even though I never got a chance to meet the little guy, I know how much you all loved him." Caroline's gaze found Klaus' "And I know that if I had, I would've loved him just as much as I do all of you."
"If there's one thing you Mikealsons' have taught me, It's that the love of a family is infinite and has no boundaries. Its not about blood, its about loyalty and love. Its not a weakness, but the greatest strength to have. And that is what I want for my kids." She smiled looking back at the twins
"Welcome little ones, I'm your Uncle Kol and in about sixteen years when your parents become your worst nightmare, you and I are going to be glued to the hip." Kol states peering over Rebekah's shoulder
Rebekah moves in to hand Henry over to Kol so she could take Charlotte.
"Okay.. Bekah wait until I'm sitting down. I have never held anything that was alive and this small." He says and the family laughs
"No pressure little brother but if you drop him, I will rip out your throat." Klaus groans coming to sit next to Caroline on the bed
Rebekah is standing with Henry and Kol sits down. He asks how he should hold him and Klaus tells him to relax and hold him like a football tucked in his arms.
"Oh, I can do that."
Rebekah hands him off and Caroline swears it's the cutest thing she's ever seen. The minute Henry is placed in Kol's arms he opens his little eyes and and looks right up into them
"Look love, his staring at his ugly uncle." Klaus jokes alongside Caroline but Kol doesn't even seem to care because he is mesmerized.
"Hey little dude, your amazing. I love you little man. We are going to have so much fun together." He kisses his forehead
The attachment that Kol had instantly developed toward Henry did not come as a shock to the family. They knew all too well how much Kol wanted a nephew. Being utterly convinced that Kat's doctor had mistaken Emily's penis on the ultrasound was proof enough.
"Wow I can't believe this." Kat chuckles as does everyone else who finds it pretty darn cute and incredibly weird for Kol to act so loving and sweet. Well everyone besides Bonnie of course.
They all knew that despite his mischief, Kol was a major softy at heart. He was completely taken with little Henry and it seemed that Henry couldn't take his eyes off Kol either.
Kol takes the little hand out of the blanket and looks at his small fingers, he kisses the baby's hands and he grips Kol's finger hard.
"What a grip his got hey." Kol smiles looking at the parents and then back at Henry "Damn, look at his fingernails. That is crazy, how do you clip those things?"
Leave it to Kol to ask the strangest questions.
And after much reluctance, he finally lets Henry go handing him to Bonnie and takes a hold of Charlotte.
He is enamored with his niece and nephew, commenting about every aspect of them.
"Her skin is so soft. Man she is cute isn't she? Good thing she looks like Caroline."
"Don't get any ideas Kol." Bonnie adds. Kat laughs at the scene before her and comes over to give Caroline a hug.
"Was it horrible?" Obviously referring to the birth/cesarean. Albeit it being weeks ago, Caroline was still on the mend.
"It wasn't fun, but it was totally worth it." Caroline shrugs while Kat holds her hand
"Aren't you going to hold them?"
"Duh. You know they saved the best Aunt for last.. Now come to Auntie Kat." Katherine cooed taking her nephew first
"They're perfect Niklaus. Just perfect. You have your own perfect little family." Elijah smiled holding his niece close while Katherine held Henry
"Where's their adorable little cousin?"
"I wasn't sure how long we were going to be here so Greta is babysitting." Kat explained
"But don't worry. We'll meet her really soon. Yeah, yes we will." Katherine cooed in a cute little voice peering down at the baby
Elena's phone went off breaking the moment
"Oh sorry." Elena said and looking at her phone. "I gotta go. You okay?"
"I'm fine." Caroline assured her
"Okay. Love you.. and you two." She cooed over the twins before walking off in a rush.
Caroline pulled Katherine closer and more away from the hearing range of the others before asking "Where is she going in such a hurry?"
"She is ovulating." Katherine replied "My little sister is about to surprise Stefan in his office."
"Elena's trying to get pregnant?" Caroline asked shocked, but soft enough that it stayed between the two of them. Mindful of the other people in the room
"Yep." Katherine said and then her eyes went wide. "Oh shit, I wasn't suppose to say anything. If she tells you, act surprised okay?"
"If she tells me?" Caroline snickered. "Wow that's great. Good for them, Stefan must be thrilled."
"Yeah.. he doesn't really know about it yet." Kat mumbled lowly as she walked back to Elijah and the rest of the gang leaving a stunned Caroline behind her.
Caroline was about to pull her back for an explanation when she mouthed 'We'll talk later.'
Caroline Forbes awoke that very morning with an immediate sense of joyous anticipation
Her children were home and most importantly they were healthy.
The mere fact that she could hold them whenever she wanted to, kiss them whenever she wanted to heck even change diapers.. The feeling was indescribable.
Never minded by the fact that she barely woken up properly, she tiptoed down the passage towards her old bedroom that now would slowly but surely be re-vamped into the twin's nursery.
There were definitely mixed emotions about the nursery.
For starters she wasn't all enthused about Bonnie wanting to re-decorate the entire room to suit the twins. It just felt like by doing that it would make this 'temporary living arrangement' into a full blown permanent arrangement.
And on the other hand it also made sense that the room be re-decorated because when she eventually did move back out, the twins would also be spending time with Klaus so they would need a room here.
"Good morning Caroline."
She jumped back startled. Oh yes... Klaus still lived here
"Klaus." She nodded as he brushed past her.
"Are they awake?"
"I've just changed them. I think they just need to be fed now." He replied
"Okay.. er thanks." she shrugged awkwardly
"They're my kids too Caroline. There is no need to thank me." It still annoyed him that she sometimes gave him too much scope as if he were taking care of someone else's kids, only then did understand Caroline's reluctance when he remembered all that he had put her through.
Couldn't she see that he was just trying to be better. Trying to be a constant in her life as well as the twins'?
"I'll leave you too it then." He shot her a brief smile before walking away
Ah shit.
Caroline mentally cursed at herself for being so awkward.
Couldn't she just act all like he had no effect on her whatsoever, even if that weren't true.
What did he think this was easy for her? that she enjoyed this current situation of theirs'?
How are you suppose to live with a guy that you're insanely heed over heels in love with when said guy, is the reason you moved out in the first place.
"Note to self... No more dabbling on the darkness of ex boyfriends past." She stated before walking to the twins room with renewed sense of hope for a good day.
Besides, she was going to be so busy house hunting with Stefan, that she wouldn't even have the time to dwell on he who shall not be named.
XXXXXXXXXXX
"Hmmmm." Caroline hummed in approval as she took a tasty bite out her chocolate croissant savoring the explosion of chocolaty goodness on her tongue
"That good huh?"
"Oh yeah." She nodded
"Never pegged you for a desert for breakfast kinda girl Care," Stefan mused as he sipped slowly on his hot coffee
"Well I didn't have time for breakfast this morning so I'm kinda really starving." She shrugged refusing to think back to the rather awkward tension this morning at La casa de Mikealson-Forbes.
Having Klaus around again was one thing, but having Klaus cook breakfast and walk around the house shirtless was another.
Caroline really admired the restraint she has showed over the past few days. On days she'd want to rip his clothes off, she took an extra long shower. On days when he was being extra loving and adorable with the twins, she opted calling one of her friends for a quick escape.
It had come to her attention though that he was giving her space. Only the fact that the intended space was secretly saving time to get a new place.
Again.
The space Klaus was thinking about was space to sort out her feelings and realize that they belong together.. Only which half were true according to Caroline.
Naturally Katherine, Elena or Bonnie were the first that came to mind when it came to the days' activities but in all honesty they were Team Klaroline at the moment, and hearing how strongly they felt that Caroline and Klaus should be together was not something she needed.
Of course she understood where they were coming from with regards to thinking about the twins, but in actual fact she wasn't thinking about anyone else but the twins and what was best for them and according to Caroline.. this was it.
Besides, Stefan proved to be a much better at shopping and house-hunting not to mention an excellent brunch companion than she thought
And as quick as the thought flew into her mind, she was brought back to another predicament that put her in an awfully terrible and uncomfortable position.
Elena was trying to get pregnant and Stefan didn't know.
Should she tell him? She couldn't. Elena didn't even know that she knew. Hell, she didn't know how Stefan felt about having a baby. But the way he was with the twins eased her to some extent... maybe Elena just wanted to surprise him. Yep that had to be it. Caroline being Caroline was just reading to much into it, as usual
"How are the twins doing?"
"They're amazing. I finally got the hang of the whole nursing thing." She beamed
"Oh?"
"Yeah" Caroline smiled feeling rather satisfied with her latest accomplishment
Although it was something she would never admit out loud, but when Henry refused to latch on the first day she attempted to nurse them Caroline feared that there was something wrong with her. Claire assured her that given her absence it was normal for Henry to act this way and perhaps they should stick to bottles with him instead. The anxiety that she'd never truly bond with her son like she had with her daughter was disheartening.
That all seemed to change on the third attempt however. And having Henry latch on to Caroline elicited the greatest joy inside her. Funnily enough it was now Henry that drank more than Charlotte. Klaus would always tease him stating that he was drinking all mommy's milk up and that there wouldn't be any left for Charlotte.
Not that he could even understand what his father was saying but all in all it was a cute sentiment
"Are they home?"
"Hmm yeah, they're with Klaus." She replied
Stefan nodded as he swirled the spoon in his filter coffee round and round
He looked up and Caroline could almost see him mentally shifting gears as he directed the conversation in another direction
"Speaking of Klaus, how are things between you and him?"
Oh great. Now Stefan was shipping Klaroline too.
At the mention of Klaus and their relationship, Caroline couldn't help but let out a huge sigh.
"Well that sounded depressing." Stefan said with an arch of his brow
"Did Kat and Elena put you up to this?" She sighed
"What does Elena and Kat have to do with this?" Stefan frowned
Kat and Elena are up to a lot of things.. If only you knew
"Can't we just have a normal brunch where we eat and laugh and talk about normal things like oh I don't know.. Your upcoming wedding!" Caroline smirked
"You know you've got dibbs to the planning.. Stop changing the subject Caroline."
"Everything is just so complicated. Not to mention that my emotions are in a million different places right now and let's not forget the fact that I'm playing house with a guy I am completely in love with but who's hurt me and I don't think I can ever get past that." Caroline slumps in her seat choosing to stuff another croissant in her mouth "And it isn't easy you know.. Living with a guy who likes walking around half naked and tells our kids stupid cute love stories all the freaking time. I go from wanting to suffocate him in his sleep to crying in his arms to wanting to push him up against the wall, rip off all his clothes and-"
"I think I get the picture Care," Stefan said with a wince and yet Caroline kept talking as if he hadn't said a word as she normally did when she was anxious or nervous.
"And what sucks even more is that no matter how much I try to hate him like really really hate him, I just can't. I don't think if being emotionally unstable and a rough childhood equates what he did to us.. but I can't also just sit here an pretend that he hasn't been the best father to the twins ever since they were born."
Caroline sighed gripping her mug closer "I've forgiven him and I still love him but I'm afraid he will make up something in his head and leave me again and then again what if it isn't that and its blaming us for loosing his chance at opening a Gallery"
Caroline must have sounded overwrought because Stefan was suddenly in the chair next to hers, pulling her into his arms and rubbing her back soothingly.
Feeling the hot tears that threatened to give way she automatically wrapped her arms tightly around Stefan taking in the comfort of her friend.
"You talk too much." Stefan said with a smile in his voice and Caroline laughed in his arms. His humor bringing her back from the emotional pit of gloom called Klaus that was about to suck her down and dry her out
Blinking the tears away furiously, she allowed herself to just take a moment and relax in the comfort that her friend was providing.
A few moments had passed and Caroline refrained from feeling like she was about to burst into tears, an annoying habit that she blamed now entirely on Klaus Mikealson.
"I want the twins to have a family. A real, full-time people on TV family. Klaus and I broke up before they were even born, but I have never stopped loving him. I don't want the twins knowledge of male and female relationships to be this weird and tense communication between their father and I because I want to tell him I love him but I can't."
Drawing back from Stefan's arms she gave him a wobbly smile and he smiled back
Stefan smiled back reassuringly before becoming serious and took hold of her hand
"You can't have any sort of relationship with someone if you don't trust them Caroline."
Was that what he and Elena had at the moment? Trust?
Or was that what he thought they had.. The whole keeping Elena trying to get pregnant a secret was just too much right now, if anything Caroline felt like the biggest hypocrite in the world, not to mention the worst friend.
He paused letting her lull a little bit over those words before he continued
"What kind of chance would you be giving Klaus, even the kids if you're going to be constantly worried that he'll leave you again?"
And Stefan was right of course. Every time she thought about giving Klaus a second chance at a romantic relationship with her she was besieged with constant thoughts about him leaving her again and breaking her heart.
"He can leave me again Stefan.. I'm use to that by now. But what will I tell my kids? That their dad loved them but he was so confused because his too fucked up to stick around?" Caroline pressed her lips together and looked down at her trembling hands
This was the first time she actually voiced her real fears and of course it was the constant thing buzzing around her head every time
What if he left again? The twins wouldn't understand, that someone could love you so much and then just leave like you meant absolutely nothing to them at all.
"Has Klaus recently given you reason to believe he wanted to leave again?"
"No..but-"
"Then you just have to take that chance Caroline. If you want your children to have a father who I'm most certain; loves them unconditionally.. You have to trust that he'll be there for them. Even for you."
After everything that's happened .. she couldn't ignore the fact that his been incredible since the hospital and bringing the twins home. And it seemed only fair that she had to trust he was going to be a good dad.
Being with him though, that wasn't something she'd want to do. Not if it would risk the relationship he had with their children.
"Besides.. I'm pretty sure Katherine would really kill him this time if he ever hurts you again."
Caroline smiled at that.
Stefan was such a good friend to her. He had been incredible with both her and the twins when they were in the hospital. It was not within her place to just blurt out that his fiance was trying to get pregnant and it would risk the relationship she had with both Stefan and Elena if she got involved.
There were many things she wasn't sure about at this point, but one thing was for certain;
She was going to confront Elena.
It was nearly dark when she returned home from a fun and yet also emotional day.
The fact that Stefan could get her to admit her deepest darkest fears out loud was outrageously alarming. It was only a matter of time before Klaus forked it out of her too
Shaking those bipolar feelings away with a quick rub of her face, she etched closer to the nursery slowing down her pace when she heard his voice.
"It started off rather dull and somewhat vexatious… but soon after, it turned out to be rather splendid; the day I met your mother." Klaus smirked as Henry stared up at him with big eyes, he seemed completely taken with his father's voice. Charlotte on the other hand couldn't care less about what her father was saying as she seemed much more interested in the necklaces around Klaus's neck.
"It was Aunt Kat and Uncle Elijah's wedding.. I know right, weddings are not really daddy's sort of thing but alas.. You'll come to learn how persistent your Uncle Elijah can be little wolves. Nevertheless, weddings do bring people together after all." Klaus chuckled looking down to his children held in each of his arms
"Your mother was a bridesmaid, the prettiest bridesmaid by far actually. But don't tell Auntie Bex that, she might just kill me in my sleep."
That one nearly made Caroline giggle but she refrained as it would give her away at her hiding place
"You mother hated me at first." Klaus recalled fondly smiling at the memory "Shouted at me for ruining her seating chart and being late for the ceremony." He giggled
"But all in all she couldn't resist. The Mikealson charm is something you will become too well familiar with Henry." He said proudly looking at his son who had his chubby little fingers in his mouth
"We danced under the sunset. No shoes, no crowd.. just us and the faint music breezing around us on the beach front."
Caroline didn't know if she could to listen to this. Bedtime stories to their kids about their undying love..
Should she listen to this?
"From the moment I saw her I knew she would be mine. And I have never loved anyone as much as I love her." He trailed off "That is until you two showed up. Now I have three people that I love more than anything." He smirked kissing them each on their heads before he carefully stood up to put them back into their cribs
She knew that her forgiveness was what he was counting on. She could forgive him - had forgiven him - But, she also wondered if she could ever love and trust him the way she wanted to love and trust the father of her children. As she continued to listen to Klaus speak to their kids, she felt more confused than ever.
She didn't want to listen anymore. Caroline figured now was the best time to make her presence known. As beautiful as the memories form their past were, it was always full of so much pain and heartache..
"Er.. Hey." She coughed out feeling really stupid for sounding so awkward like she hadn't just eavesdropped on his little bedtime story to the twins but in actual fact she had been eavesdropping and so excuse the shit outta her for feeling super awkward.
"Hello mommy." Klaus beamed
Caroline couldn't help but chuckle at his term of endearment.
Okay.. someone is in a good mood
"Hi babies." She cooed peering down into the cribs. Her mood had seemingly been lifted as soon as she saw her little angels
Charlotte in a stare off with the little stuffed horse in her crib and Henry who recently discovered that he could put his fingers in his mouth and suck them.
"Have they been changed?"
"Already done love. Just waiting on you for their last feeding." He grinned sheepishly
"How am I doing?" He asked smirking obviously referring to his fatherly duties which she quickly caught on to given that Klaus was a little self-obsessed. No, more like a lot.
It had taken a lot of convincing to get her to leave them alone at home with Klaus. She insisted Kat come over and help but she shewed off that nonsense saying that he had been doing this way more than Katherine.
"You're...perfect." She started "Which is so beyond annoying I can't even look at you." She rolled her eyes brushing past him causing Klaus to chuckle
He watched with loving eyes as she picked Charlotte up to get ready to nurse while he helped by bringing Henry to her other side
An incredible sense of peace stole through him as he watched Caroline nurse.
She didn't chase him away and never made it feel awkward or weird. He was glad that it was something she felt comfortable doing around him.
For Klaus it meant a step in the right direction for Caroline.. not exactly sure.
Watching very proudly how well she could provide them with the best food possible; seeing his son and daughter suckle and slurp and push their little faces against her breasts, instinctively latching their rosebud shaped mouths to her.
Caroline was in her element. She looked completely at ease as if she had done this a billion times before. He hadn't missed the new glow she had about herself and he smiled knowing that it was all due to their children.
"What?" She asked bringing him out of his revere
"I could watch you do this all day."
It was only when Caroline's eyebrows shot to her hairline that Klaus realized how perverted that must have sounded
"I mean not in that way.. In a totally non-perverted way like you giving them the-"
"It's okay Klaus. I get it." Caroline giggled
"Right then. Have you eaten?"
"Yeah. I had a big lunch with Stefan"
"I'll make us some dinner then." Klaus stated
Oh no.. Dinner alone with Klaus was a situation she should be avoiding at all costs
"No. That's okay, you probably have work to do. I'm sure Lexi is eager to have you back in the studio."
"Lexi was actually the one that suggested I stay home with you and the twins as long as need be. Don't worry about it love. You finish up here and I'll get started on dinner." He walked out before Caroline could argue further.
"Your father is going to be the death of me."
Well dinner was... tense to say the least
And tense in the sense that Klaus wanted to reminisce and thought that it would be cute to have a little dinner on the floor with candles like they use to.
It was too much too soon. She shrugged it off saying that the feedings had taken strain on her back and so she wasn't up for a floor dinner.
Well Klaus knew that she was lying and Caroline probably knew that too.
Klaus exhaled loudly revealing a hint of his impatience.
After the dishes which she insisted on doing... alone, She sleepily made her way to the bedroom where she was shocked to find Klaus sitting on the bed in nothing but his pajama bottoms
"Well then where should I sleep?" He asked after she gave him a questioning look
Caroline stifled a smile, her small, insignificant but oh so enjoyable revenge.
She wasn't ready.
Klaus and her were in a good place right now as parents and friends and she feared that he might have had another perception on the nature of their relationship
"The couch." She offered sweetly
He wasn't to be deterred so easily. He strode across the room and sat down beside her on the bed
Caroline felt her heart quicken and her palms become clammy. The alluring scent of his cologne not helping her situation in the slightest.
He leaned in and kissed her cheek, tangled his hand in her hair "Your hair's gotten longer." He said
"I like it." He whispered in her ear in that annoyingly sexy tone she knew all too well.
Without attempting to speak, afraid her husky voice would give away at her inner need for him, she took both her hands and placed them on his shoulders pushing him away.
Having the little although significant physical space between them had seem to create the desired effect as Caroline was able to find her voice
"Nik.." she said, "I told you it was too soon. After everything that's happened, you can't possibly just expect to pick up where we left off."
Caroline saw the disappointment etched on his handsome face as he rose from the bed.
"No Caroline, I wasn't expecting that at all. The truth is, I don't want to pick up where we left off. Because where we left off was a terrible place. I wanted to start something new here, this week, with you and the kids" He walked to the door and turned back to face her once more "And I hope some day you will let me do that."
"Remember when you told me that you made a list of all the ways that loving me has ruined your life? Believe it or not, I actually get it. I haven't made it easy on you, but I made a list too." He stated "You didn't make it easy at first, but eventually we became friends. I'd like to think that you were by my side when I needed you. You made me laugh, you made me dance. You told me that in spite of what others have said, I was capable of loving and therefore I could be saved. I understand if you need time to heal and to live your life without me. I understand if I have to wait for you. And I will, I will wait. And when you're ready for me, I will be ready for you." And then he was gone.
XXXXXXXX
"Hey, you know it's probably for the best though."
"Oh yeah, why is that.." Klaus asked, trying to keep the anger out of his voice.
"Two things I know Niklaus and that is chess and women."
"Chess? what the bloody hell has that got to do with anything Elijah?" Klaus groaned into the phone as he tried to get more comfortable on the couch. His efforts to however failed terribly and knew for a fact that he would wake up tomorrow morning with a stiff neck.
"Yes chess. It has rules, pieces, rooks, knights and bishops. They move in predictable patterns." Elijah started and as much as it annoyed Klaus to be lectured by his elder brother like a petulant child, what he said actually made sense to him.. sometimes.
"Somebody wins and somebody loses... But women, they don't have rules. They move in unpredictable ways too. Nobody ever wins or loses when it comes to women Niklaus." Elijah sighed and in that moment it brought a sneaky smile to his face knowing that Elijah was speaking from experience. Katerina was a loyal and loving wife to his brother and a wonderful mother to his niece don't get him wrong, but there isn't a day that goes by that he thanks his lucky stars that he doesn't have to be the brother married to her.
She was a force to be reckoned with indeed.
"You can talk about your feelings until your breath is sucked out from your body. But the fact remains that all men are pawns when it comes to women Niklaus.."
"Especially a smart one like Caroline."
Hope it was okay
Once again thank you to all the reviews, fave's and follows. Your responses to the twins' traits are appreciated :)
Also, I'm starting a new Klaroline fic based on another rom com One Small Hitch so keep an eye out for that
xx