Notes: As expected, this is the longest chapter of this one yet. Hope no one minds. One more to go!

KLAUS – MARCH

FRIDAY:

Caroline's been texting him since she'd left her flat so when a cab pulls up to the curb outside of Rebekah's building Klaus is reasonably sure she's in it. He approaches, planning on helping her out, but Caroline's obviously impatient. The cab's door pops open and a foot clad in a glittery golden heel emerges. Klaus recognizes Caroline's lucky shoes. She'd worn them on their first date, had told him the story later. Klaus is sure they'd been ridiculously expensive given both Rebekah's shopping habits and their purpose as a bribe but, given all that's transpired since Kol had moved in with Caroline, he'd say they'd been worth every penny.

He quickens his steps, eyes lingering on the bare length of her calf – the patterned tights Caroline often wears in deference to the weather have been the bane of his existence a few times over the last few weeks and he can't help but find the flex of muscle under her pale skin mesmerizing – until she slides out full, tugging down the hem of her coat once she's upright. She catches sight of him and smiles, open and brilliant, like she's been eagerly waiting for him to appear.

It's a look he's still getting used to, finds he has to check the urge to glance behind him. He's a lucky man.

When they'd been acquaintances Caroline had always been polite to Klaus, as she is to all those who've never done anything to earn her ire. He'd spent enough time with her, observing her though he'd succeeded in being subtle, to make a study of her reactions, and he'd known there'd been nothing particularly personal in the smiles she'd given him back then.

It's different now and Klaus enjoys the change. She's genuinely pleased to see him, not just offering a perfunctory friendliness because of her close relationship with Rebekah. Her attention on him is always focused, slow to wander. Now, she barely seems to notice the couple who brush passed her to claim her cab, nor the other people on the sidewalk behind Klaus.

He basks in her regard, just a bit, knowing he'll soon have to share her.

He's comforted with the knowledge that, should his long term plans come to fruition, and Klaus has no reason to believe they won't, he'll be enjoying the smiles Caroline reserves for him for a very long time.

Her eyes travel over the length of his body as he comes to stand in front of her. Rebekah, never one to miss an opportunity to dress up, had instituted a dress code for the evening's festivities and Caroline's evidently appreciative of the fit of his blue-grey suit. He might have picked it because she'd expressed a fondness for seeing him in shades other than his usual black.

Not that he'd willingly admit such a thing. Caroline's the type to let such power go to her head.

Caroline rests a hand on his chest, her thumb stroking over the jacket's lapel, "You clean up nice. Is this new?"

"Not especially."

"Really?" she elongates the word teasingly. "We're going to have to go to some fancier places, I think. So I can get the full effect of your more extensive than I realized wardrobe."

Klaus laughs, resting a hand on her waist, following the curve to the small of her back to usher her away. They head for the door, Bekah's doorman nodding as he lets them inside. "Elijah tends to gift us with clothes. I suspect more for his benefit than ours."

She looks over at him, leaning closer than strictly necessary. "Elijah has good taste."

Klaus rarely needs to dip into his extensive collection of more formal clothing options but he's not going to say no to an opportunity to take Caroline out. Particularly not when she looks at him with such heat. "We can go anywhere your little heart desires."

She beams, her glee making her radiant. "It's a date. Dates. My Instagram is gonna be amazing."

He sighs, more dramatically than he really means to but her answering laugh makes it worth it. "I suppose I can endure a few photos."

She grabs his hand, squeezes absently, likely already plotting her captions. "Your glower-y murder face is pretty hot, don't worry. I won't make you smile."

He'll take the compliment gladly, as well as the reassurance.

"Bekah's going to be pissed you're not wearing a tie," she says but she's not the least bit put out at the prospect. She presses the button for the elevator, her eyes lifting to check its progress.

"All part of our plan."

Her brows rise, curious. "Oh?"

They'd discussed strategies to manage this evening extensively last night. Klaus' wardrobe hadn't factored in but, while staring at the row of ties in his closet earlier, he'd had an epiphany. "If Rebekah's vexed at me perhaps she'll be less likely to direct her temper at Kol and Kol's date, hmm?"

"You should probably commit to calling her Bonnie. Since you're being a supportive brother this evening."

Right. He'll have to remember that. It's been ages since Kol's liked anyone enough that Klaus had needed to bother learning a name.

Truthfully, he just hadn't wanted to wear a tie, thought it rather ridiculous that they're going to such lengths for a small family celebration. Their parents had often insisted upon such things, and the pretentiousness of it had been part of the reason Klaus had left England and never looked back. He knows Kol had held the same distaste for the stiltedness of their formal family dinners.

"Thought I was the optimistic one here. Bekah's got temper to spare."

A valid point.

Klaus is distracted from answering when the elevator doors slide open. Once they're inside, blessedly alone, Caroline turns to him once more. Her hands land on him, slides up until her fingertips brush over the necklaces his open collar leaves visible. She strokes the notch between his collarbones, her lips curving in a way that's distinctly flirtatious, "Though I'm certainly not going to complain about your sartorial choice."

"I thought 'obnoxious PDA'" – her phrase, not his – "is supposed to be a last resort? Somewhere before starting a fire but after recounting drunken college shenanigans if I recall your list correctly."

"God, I hope we don't have to resort to fires."

"But you've got a lighter in your purse, don't you?" Klaus asks knowingly.

Caroline shifts, the movement not quite an embarrassed squirm but nearly. "No."

He waits expectantly, certain she's not being entirely truthful.

She's quick to cave. "I might have looked but we didn't have one in the junk drawer. A lighter would have been too obvious anyway."

And more likely to lead to arrests, something Caroline's sheriff mother would be most displeased by. Klaus is set to go to Mystic Falls with her for Easter and a spot of arson would certainly make things tense. Best they refrain.

"I should have texted Stefan to see how good their insurance is," Caroline mutters. "Just in case."

Klaus locks his teeth together, fights to keep his expression even and Caroline glances at him, his silence causing her to grow suspicious. She shoves him away lightly, exasperated. "It would be a very small fire!" she exclaims. "Bekah spends more on candles in a year than some people do on their cars. I would just briefly knock one over as a distraction. I'm not that crazy."

He'd be alarmed by how detailed her plan is but he knows that's just how Caroline operates. Even her most far-fetched hypotheticals have layers. Klaus decides to refrain from commenting on the word 'crazy', recognizing a minefield when he hears one. "What you are is a good friend, love. Kol's lucky to have you on his side."

She goes still, a little wide eyed and it takes her a moment to reply. She laughs a little first, shakes off her surprise. "And to think, I once thought you were awkward. But nope, you are smooth."

A ding announces their arrival on Rebekah's floor. Caroline loops her arm through his before he can ask about her remark and Klaus follows her lead. Together, they make their way towards Rebekah's flat, "Y'know," Caroline says, "this is the first time I've been your plus one at a Mikaelson family thing."

Truthfully, Klaus hadn't realized. The new dimensions of their relationship have come easily, have been fantastic, and it's not like he hadn't spent most of his time at such gatherings in her company back when they'd just been friends. This time he's just going to have the additional pleasure of her accompanying him home. He twists his head to look at her, trying to gauge her mood. "You can't possibly be nervous."

"I'm actually not," Caroline confesses, sounding mystified. "Weird for me but I'm rolling with it."

He knocks on Rebekah's door. "Perhaps you should take it as a good sign?" It's a suggestion he rather hopes she takes.

She meets his eyes, smiling once more. This one's softer, like it's not entirely voluntary, and Klaus might like it more than all the others he's earned this evening. "I just might."

The door flies open and Rebekah's loud harrumph has Caroline pulling away from him. "Kol's right. You two are nauseating."

Sisters. Such a trial.

"Rebekah!" Caroline greets brightly. She enfolds Rebekah in a quick hug, and then slips into the front hall, working the buttons of her coat. "I love your dress. And it smells fantastic in here."

The initial step of Caroline's plan? Kill Rebekah with kindness.

He watches Rebekah carefully, her struggle between her instincts – she wants to preen at the compliments, of course, brag a little about the hard work she'd endured to throw together this event last minute, but she's well aware of Caroline's intentions. She smooths a nonexistent crease in her stark white dress. "Of course you like this dress. You insisted I buy it."

"Because I'm a genius, duh." Her coat slips off her shoulders as she turns and Klaus eyes the deep green dress she's got on underneath. It's satin, fitting tight to her waist and then flaring out into a full skirt. The bodice's short sleeves sit just off her shoulder, and she wears no necklace. Later, he'll run his mouth down the smooth column of her throat.

There's a compliment on the tip of his tongue, one Rebekah will surely object to, but another knock interrupts him. "That'll be Kol," Bekah says grumpily. "And his…"

"Date!" Caroline chirps, before a less polite term can be uttered.

She widens her eyes in his direction and Klaus takes his cue. He snags Rebekah's elbow, "I need a drink, sister dear. Show me to the wine." He'll likely need something stronger before the evening is out but best to keep things civilized for now.

Rebekah's reluctant to be moved. "I need to…"

Again, Caroline talks over Rebekah, smothering her protest with a cheerful laugh. "I know where the closet is, Beks. I'll hang up my coat. Letting the rest of your guests in is no big deal." She shifts her weight, putting her body directly between Rebekah and the door. It's an unmistakable challenge, her chin lifted at a jaunty angle.

Rebekah allows herself to be led away though her noisy exhale conveys her deep displeasure. He hears Caroline opening the door, her voice raised in a warm greeting. Klaus knows exactly where the Rebekah and Stefan keep the liquor when they're entertaining and he doesn't stand on ceremony, heading directly for the kitchen. He snags a few glasses, turns to the kitchen island where there's a spread of hors d'oeuvres and wine. The first bottle of red he finds has already been uncorked. "You've already been imbibing?" he asks as he pours. "And yet you're still in such a mood."

"Do shut up, Nik."

"Is Elijah here already?"

"He's on the terrace. Had a call he had to take."

As if on cue Klaus sees a dark streak from the corner of his eye. It's Elijah, visible from the wall of windows that line the Eastern side of Rebekah's home. He's pacing but it's more absent than agitated so at least he's not receiving bad news. "That's our brother, all work and no play."

"Maybe he should take up with a caterer," Rebekah snipes.

Klaus sets his glass down, the base clinking sharply against the marble countertop. "Rebekah. Must you?" He hopes Elijah wraps up his business quickly, taking on the role of the disapproving big brother is much more his forte.

Rebekah takes a healthy sip of wine, avoiding his gaze. "You weren't there but Kol was awful to Stefan when I introduced them."

Ah, so there is something underlying the aggressive snobbery. Perhaps this evening won't be quite the disaster he and Caroline had braced for. "Kol was awful to all your boyfriends. I was awful to all your boyfriends."

"Is this really the time to remind me of that? What with your fresh new relationship seemingly flourishing?"

The threat is less than impressive. "Please. You've had ample opportunity to sabotage things with Caroline and I. I'd not have let you, of course, but you haven't even tried. You helped."

Rebekah slides onto one of the tall chairs that line the island, propping her elbow on the countertop and resting her chin in her palm. Her expression turns morose. "Because I am the very best of sisters."

It's tempting to laugh but that might make her angry and undo Klaus' progress. "The very best of sister's would be graciously greeting the woman her brother's brought to her home," he points out. "Would make small talk and attempt to get to know her."

She seems to mull his words over, doesn't seem especially thrilled by them. "He's been seeing her for ages, did you know?"

"A bit. From what I've gathered she was a bit reluctant to succumb to Kol's charms. Speaks well of her taste, don't you think?"

That coaxes a smile from Rebekah. "Maybe," she concedes.

If he were to place a bet Klaus would wager he's successfully redirected Rebekah's ill intentions. She'll go after Kol but it's no more than he deserves. If Bonnie the Caterer's interest is genuine she'll find the embarrassing stories amusing and will have to learn to deal with the bickering Rebekah and Kol are incapable of keeping a lid on.

The glass door to the patio slides open with a whoosh, and a burst of city noise spills into the kitchen. Elijah joins them, slipping off his suit jacket and laying it over the high back of one of chair next to Rebekah. "Niklaus," he murmurs. "When did you get here?"

"A few minutes ago. I hope everything's alright at the office?"

"That call was regarding a personal matter. The one you asked me to look into. I won't have the full picture until next week but, so far, things look very promising."

Kol's business venture is likely on the up and up then. A relief, certainly. "Glad to hear it."

Elijah studies Rebekah for a long moment and his eyes show a touch of concern when they swing to Klaus. "And what are you two discussing?"

Klaus decides to let Rebekah answer. They're much too old for tattling, after all. She pastes on a bright smile, "Nothing of any importance. Just waiting for Caroline, Kol and…"

"Bonnie," Klaus supplies.

"…to join us. They're taking quite some time so perhaps…"

Caroline breezes into the room before Rebekah can think to go look for them, Kol and Bonnie just behind her. She's got a tray in her hand, its foil top peeled back. She hastily swallows when she sees them, "Sorry. You know I can't resist these." She sets the tray down, nudges it towards Rebekah. "Have you tired these? They are amazing."

Caroline comes to stand next to Klaus, bumping him lightly with her hip in greeting. He lifts a hand, trails a fingertip across the skin her dress leaves bare at the top of her spine. Her shiver is small and the look she shoots him is a warning.

He does it again because he likes living dangerously. This time, her elbow meets his stomach and he reluctantly stops touching her.

For now.

Their moment has seemingly gone unnoticed. Kol's got his hand resting on Bonnie's back – she looks nervous but is doing a respectable job of hiding it – and they've joined the loose circle around the island.

"I think I might have managed to sample one or two at Elijah's party before you inhaled them," Rebekah says. The smile she gives Caroline isn't entirely friendly but it's not as hostile as it could be. She plucks a potato, speared on the end of a toothpick, from the tray and pops it into her mouth. Her small hum of enjoyment is involuntary and quickly cut off. She grabs a cocktail napkin, wiping the corner of her mouth daintily. Her shoulders straighten and she stands, taking a quick breath and directing a reasonably polite smile at Bonnie. "We haven't met officially. I'm Rebekah, Kol's favorite sister."

Bonnie takes her offered hand, "I've heard a lot about you."

"None of it nice," Kol interjects. "All of it true."

Bonnie ignores him. A sign that she might just be a good match for Kol. "Your apartment is beautiful." Her attention drifts to the huge windows. With the sun just setting, the city's lights beginning to flicker on, they're certainly something to look at. "And the view! Wow."

As far as tactics go, flattery is an excellent one to use with Rebekah. "Thank you," she says, and there's even a hint of genuine warmth. Can I get you a drink? I thought we'd head outside until Stefan returns with dinner."

Bonnie agrees and she's quickly got a glass in her hand. Elijah asks her a question, leads the way out onto the terrace. Caroline moves quickly, darting forward a few steps and latching on to Kol's arm to hold him back. Kol attempts to shake her off, gently, then more insistently as Caroline proves reluctant to be moved. "Stop," she complains. "I'm wearing a strapless bra and my boobs popping out of this dress would ruin the classy vibes."

Klaus laughs and Kol makes a noise of disgust but stops his jostling. Caroline shoots Klaus a triumphant grin. She sidesteps so she's directly in Kol's path, makes a show of adjusting her dress. "Honestly, the fact that you don't want to see my boobs anymore is such a marker of personal growth. My little Kol is all grown up!" She reaches for Kol, attempting to pinch his cheeks or possibly ruffle his hair but he swats her hand away before she can attempt either.

"You cannot possibly be drunk already, Caroline. Unless you were sneaking something while you were hogging the bathroom."

"I did not…"

"You did," Kol insists.

Caroline crosses her arms, peeved. "Fine, whatever, it takes time to look this good."

"Time well spent," Klaus interjects. It's probably a good thing Kol's back is to him because he's quite certain his brother would object to the way he's looking at Caroline.

Kol scoffs, tossing him a lethal look over his shoulder. "You can tone it down, Nik. Caroline's not playing hard to get anymore." He doesn't wait for a reply, whipping back around. "I thought you liked Bonnie. Why are you giving Rebekah the opportunity to toss her over the railing and make it look like an accident?"

"Sooo dramatic," Caroline drawls.

"Says the woman who was talking about setting fires fifteen minutes ago," Klaus mutters. She leans around Kol to glare at him and he lifts his glass in her direction, unrepentant. She smiles, reluctantly, and Klaus is fairly certain he won't be paying for that dig later.

She turns her attention back to Kol, her tone turning lecturing. "Rebekah's wouldn't commit a murder with a witness. Besides, Klaus worked some kind of magic. Didn't you see it? She had a perfect opportunity to make some kind of joke about Bonnie being the help but she didn't."

"Doesn't mean she won't take the next one. Last time I checked Nik's not a magician."

"Oooh, that had kinky roleplay possibilities."

Caroline shoots Klaus a quick naughty smirk, and he has to look away lest he laugh. When she turns back to Kol she's the picture of angelic innocence.

"Caroline!" Kol exclaims and he actually manages to sound scandalized. He runs a frustrated hand through his hair. "I recognize that I likely deserve such remarks, a taste of my own medicine or some such nonsense, but must you?"

Caroline nods vigorously, "Yup. I'm distracting you."

"Why would you need to distract me?"

"Call it a hunch. I think Rebekah will behave a little better if you're not hovering."

"Mmm, given our earlier conversation I imagine she's eager to pepper your new friend with anecdotes from your wayward youth."

Kol spins to face Klaus, horror dawning. "That is not a good thing."

Klaus has little sympathy. "Think back for a second, Kol. How many love interests of Rebekah's have you met over the years?"

"Ugh, how am I supposed to remember so many dullards?"

"Perhaps you remember a few of the stories you regaled those dullards with?" Klaus asks pointedly. "You do like to hear yourself talk. And you're quite fond of embellishments."

"But…"

"Take your medicine," Caroline taunts.

Kol makes a low noise of aggravation and this time, when he attempts to brush past Caroline, she lets him go. She watches him join Elijah, Rebekah and Bonnie, evaluates the scene. She seems satisfied with the tableau, approaching Klaus where he stands. She keeps going until she's resting against him, looping her arms around his neck, "Am I nuts or is this actually going really well?"

They might not need to scandalize his siblings but Klaus isn't going to squander their small bit of privacy. He cups her hips, leaning back and widening his stance, drawing her closer. "I suspect there will be no need for any of your more drastic distractions."

"Or the pile of booze Enzo's supposed to bring later."

Klaus laughs, "Well, Rebekah might be grateful for that once she's obligated to endure Enzo's company."

"Good point."

There's a few curls spilling from her pinned up hair and Klaus glides a hand up her back, toying with one. "I admit, I'm relieved I didn't have to run the gauntlet Kol is faced with. You already like my siblings enough to let their… eccentricities slide."

"They love you and they mean well."

That's a diplomatic way to put it. "They mostly mean well." Rebekah's plans for revenge are hardly selfless.

Caroline's fingertips come to rest on his jaw, tipping his head to the side, and she brushes a light kiss against his cheek. Her lip gloss must have left a mark because her brows furrow and she rubs his skin with her thumb. "Had I been a stranger, if I'd had to go toe to toe with Rebekah and deal with Kol's stories and insinuations, I'd have done it."

She's perfectly serious, absolutely confident. "Yeah?"

Caroline smiles, that one that's just for him, "I like a challenge. And you are worth it."

The shock of her words has him freezing, just for a moment. The fierce rush of emotion that follows – joy and affection and satisfaction – jolt Klaus into action. He's suspected he's in love with her. Now he knows. It's the wrong time for the words but, as he sets his mouth to hers, he does his best to show Caroline the depth of what he feels.

He swallows her soft little moan greedily, relishes her restless hands roaming over him. She's panting when he draws away, too early, because he's well aware they'll be interrupted soon. Caroline licks her lips while looking regretful. "To be continued?" she asks hopefully.

"As soon as I can possibly manage."

She's slow to pull away and it takes a fair amount of his will power to allow it. Caroline's hand finds his and she gestures to the terrace, "Let's go see if Rebekah's best behavior was a fluke, shall we?"

Klaus follows her out and he's pleased to find the atmosphere outside is relaxed. He vows to ensure it'll stay that way, even if he has to resort to bribery, that he and Caroline will make their excuses at the earliest opportunity. Dinner, dessert, one after dinner drink, he decides. Their obligations will have been met and they can leave.

They won't fool his siblings. He's sure Rebekah and Kol will set aside their animosity to mock their hasty departure but Klaus doesn't care.

He's got a promise to keep.