Anonymous asked: Hey for your prompt list (if you're feeling a little angsty): 700 years ago Mikael tired (and failed) to make himself a vamp army, Caroline's always been too much of a rebel for that nonsense (and really good at withstanding torture). Cue mystic fall 2010, Our girl and Klaus have a common enemy, a common goal, and some common trauma. (Possible title name if you want: Of All the Vervain Joints)

Klaus walked into the Grill, all too aware of a new vampire sitting at the bar and watching his every move. "You know, love," he greeted as he slid onto the seat next to her, "most people know better than to surprise me."

Her eyebrow arched as she sipped her red wine. "Hello to you, too. You've never minded my surprises before."

"You've never shown up at such a delicate time." He checked his phone for updates on the party, having left Mindy in charge of the details at the Lockwood estate. With Mikael finally dead, it was only right to celebrate, and she only brought trouble - delightful as it often was, the trouble was finally supposed to be over. "What are you doing here, Caroline?"

"Katerina called, worried she might have gotten herself in over her head," she shrugged, though the feigned ease was largely ruined by the fear in her eyes. "She said she awoke Mikael."

He smirked. "And soon he will die. Don't worry, love, you know I already have a plan."

Swallowing, she set down her glass. "It takes a lot to scare Kat. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"It's been a thousand years," he hissed quietly. "Don't presume to know my capabilities."

"And don't you dare to question my intent," she bit back. The veins under her eyes darkened only slightly, but the fierce lack of control made him worry. He didn't like to worry for her. "I want him dead just as much as you do."

Nearly baring fangs, Klaus barely held onto his temper. "I've been running from him my whole life."

"He actually held me for half of mine," Caroline reminded him, her tone steely before she let out a defeated sigh. "I didn't come here to compare your father's torture techniques, I came to help. If you don't want me-"

"We both know that's not the issue."

She nodded, the argument long left unspoken between them despite the absolute knowledge that they'd come to an agreement someday. "I'm here," she said plainly. "You can trust me in this."

Klaus wet his lips, and lifted her glass to finish the wine inside. Rather than answer her offer, he made one of his own. "You're lucky to have gotten one of the few bottles lacking vervain here. Come back to mine, I'll get you a real drink."

Interest and suspicion warred on her expressive face, and he hoped she stuck around long enough this time for him to paint her. Maybe, just maybe, he could let her watch his victory at the party. If anyone outside the family deserved to see Mikael's final demise, it would be Caroline. He wanted to give her that peace of mind, he found, even if it meant trusting her with the plan.

When she picked up her purse to follow him out, he couldn't help a grin. Drinks first. One could never be too careful, and best to keep friends close and enemies closer. Klaus always did enjoy figuring out which role Caroline would play.