Notes: A trio of drabbles for the Klaroline Valentine's Weekend event happening this weekend on Tumblr! Today's theme was 'Feels' and I of course went fluffy.

Perfect Fits

(Prompt: AH-AU where Caroline loses a bet and has to dress up in the gold bikini from Star Wars. She is not amused. Title from 'Putting on the Ritz.' Rated T.)

"You have got to be kidding me."

"'Fraid not, love. What's that saying? Oh, yes. Read 'em and weep."

Caroline was honestly close to tears, of the angry variety, staring down at the cards laid out on the table. She'd been so sure her three aces would win. But no. Somehow Klaus had pulled a flush of clubs out of his ass.

She really, really regrets agreeing to 'sweeten' the final pot, with a favor of the winners choosing. Leaning back in her chair, Caroline crosses her arms, pinning Klaus with a hard look that does nothing to dampen the smugness he's exuding. "Okay, guidelines."

He has the nerve to throw his head back and laugh, "I'm quite certain those would have needed to be specified before you lost."

"Sexual favors are off the table," Caroline continues, as if he hadn't spoken. "As is nudity of any kind. And I am not massaging any part of your body."

Klaus appears insulted, "You and I both know I don't need to coerce you into have sex with me, Caroline."

She stiffens before looking around to see if anyone had heard that. Luckily their friends had drifted off, having quickly grown bored with Klaus and Caroline's battle of wills masquerading as a poker game. Some of them (okay fine, mostly Katherine) had been encouraging her to sleep with Klaus ('Because the sexual tension is killing all of us, Cupcake. Just do it and get it over with. Maybe he'll be more tolerable after you've seen his dick!') for weeks. But they didn't know that she already had. And Caroline would like to keep it that way.

Mostly because it allowed her to live in a blissful state of denial about that little incident. If Katherine knew she would never let it go. She'd want details, the dirtier the better, and Caroline wasn't willing to relive the night she'd spent with Klaus.

Because she might be tempted to do it again.

Which was so not happening. It was a onetime thing. A thing that Caroline hadn't even really meant to do in the first place. It had just been some weird twist of fate. Klaus had somehow appeared, after a miserable week. Irritatingly good looking, offering to buy her a drink. And he had turned out to be a surprisingly good listener. Had distracted her by challenging her to a game of pool, and their trash talk had been good natured, without the biting undertone that usually colored their interactions.

But at some point the jabs had turned flirty. And the eye contact had grown heated.

Before long the charged banter became tactile. They'd started touching, deliberate brushes in the close spaces around the pool table. And before she knew it they'd paid the bill and left, and she'd been pressing Klaus against the brick wall of the building, her hands in his hair and his tongue in her mouth.

And Katherine maybe had a point, because Klaus was way more likeable when he was naked. And his mouth was occupied.

That same mouth which was, at the moment, tilted at the corner, into an infuriating smirk. Like he knew what she was thinking.

Caroline leans forward hissing, "That never happened, remember?"

"And I'm certain that it did. Took ages for the scratches on my back to heal."

Ugh, if only the table was smaller. Her shoes were good and pointy and he deserved to be kicked.

She forces herself to smile, and subside in her chair, straining to look relaxed. She did not want to call any more attention to this little stand-off. As tempting as violence was, with her hands itching to wipe that self-satisfied look off of his face, she wouldn't give in. Because Klaus would probably like it if she did.

"Fine," she says, sickeningly sweet. "You won. Fair and square. What would you like?"

"Oh, I'd like many, many things, love," Klaus murmurs, his eyes dropping to her lips. And then lower. And damn it if her body doesn't react. Stupid hormones.

"Wouldn't we all?" Caroline snaps. "You've got twenty seconds, before I'm leaving."

He's quick in making his request. Like he'd been plotting all along. "I simply need you to accompany me to an event next Saturday. In the outfit of my choosing."

That almost sounded too easy. It made Caroline suspicious, "This isn't like some weird fetish thing, is it? Latex and leashes? Because that's not happening."

Klaus rolls his eyes, "No, sweetheart. Simply a costume party. My younger brother and I have a competition going. He's won the last two years and I'm dying to take the crown. He's insufferable, you see."

"Runs in the family," Caroline taunts.

He pouts exaggeratedly, like he's wounded, and she takes the opportunity to push away from the table, "Leaving so soon?" he asks. And if Caroline didn't know any better she'd say he was disappointed.

She drains what remains of the glass of wine she'd been nursing, setting the cup on the table, "Yeah. Perk of living in the neighborhood. Tell Kat I went home, if she asks." Which Caroline kind of doubts. Katherine had been making serious sex eyes at a dark haired man in a suit the last time Caroline had seen her. "I'll see you next weekend, Klaus," she says grudgingly, because he was the host of this party, and she hadn't been born in a barn, before turning to leave.

"If not before!" he calls to her retreating back, sounding amused.

She hated that he was probably right about that.

They run into each other at the door to the parking garage. On Monday, less than 48 hours since she'd left his apartment. Klaus had taken the stairs, but she wasn't walking down eight flights in heels, no matter how slow the building's elevators were.

She's surprised to see him, at this time of day. Caroline's job, producing a morning news show, requires an indecently early wake up call. They've never run into each other before noon, that she can recall, in the three months she'd lived next door to him. Klaus is self-employed, and keeps weird hours. It's part of the reason why they'd clashed initially. He had a tendency to work late into the night, to lose track of time, and not realize that his music was still on.

Caroline had endured it for two weeks. Tried earplugs, and her own music. But she'd still been able to hear his through the thin wall that separated her bedroom from his place. Finally, unable to take it, she'd ended up banging on his door at midnight. She'd paused for a moment to register the fact that her, until then, unseen neighbor was incredibly attractive. He'd raised a brow, in the face of her silence, "Can I help you, love? It's late, and I'm busy, though you are a lovely surprise."

And something about him, the way he'd drawled the words, had set Caroline off. She'd taken a deep breath and had railed at him for being an inconsiderate dick.

He'd let her rant, calm as could be. Leaned against the doorframe, his eyes trained on her with great interest. When she'd run out of words, he'd held out a hand, "I'm Klaus. You must be my new neighbor? It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Caroline had shaken his offered hand, somewhat wary, just a little out of breath, "I'm Caroline."

"I'll try to keep it down. My last neighbor an older gentleman, a bit hard of hearing, so I'm afraid my music was never a problem. And the woman on the other side is a nurse, works at night."

She'd just been starting to feel embarrassed, like maybe she'd overreacted, but then his eyes had drifted down, the appreciation in them unmistakably sexual.

And at that point she'd realized that, in her rage, and sleep deprived haze, she'd marched over to his place wearing very little. That the silky tank hid nothing, that the lace edged boyshorts showed a lot of leg. Caroline had felt her face flush, knew the redness was visible, and likely creeping down her neck. Klaus' grin had widened, tongue peeking out to wet his lower lip. He'd been about to say something, Caroline had been sure, but she'd spun on her heel and fled, before he'd had the chance.

She'd only barely caught his faint, "Night, Caroline. Be seeing you," before she'd escaped back into her apartment. At the time she hadn't been sure if it was a promise or a threat.

He'd teased her about it, the next time they'd seen each other. Greeted her with, "I hardly recognized you with your clothes on," when they'd shared an elevator. And maybe he'd followed it with a compliment, about how incredible she looked either way, but Caroline hadn't appreciated the reminder of making an ass of herself. She'd made a noise, low and disgusted, and pointedly stared at the numbers above the elevator door, pretending he didn't exist.

He'd been quiet afterwards on the ride up. Almost contemplative from what she'd seen, when she snuck glances at him from corner of her eye. Caroline had darted out of the elevator as soon as the crack in the doors was wide enough.

She'd resolved to avoid him like the plague, and it had been easy, for a couple of weeks. Until Caroline had been given definitive proof that the world really was too freaking small.

When she met her good friend Enzo's new girlfriend. Who was also Klaus' sister, Rebekah.

She hadn't known at first, because she'd only gotten Klaus' first name and it wasn't even the one his family used. The occasional references the other woman made to a 'Nik' went right over Caroline's head.

But then one night Rebekah had hosted a dinner party, her friends (and her brothers) and Enzo's. Caroline had shown up, bottle of wine and dessert in hand. Both of which she'd almost dropped when Klaus had opened the door.

He'd lit up, when he saw her, his quick reflexes the only thing that had saved the peach cobbler she'd been holding. "Do you know Rebekah, love?" He'd asked. "She does so hate to introduce me to her friends."

"Because I don't trust you not to try to sleep with them," Rebekah's voice had come from inside the apartment. "It's amazing how little taste some women have."

"Nonsense," Klaus had replied, his eyes on Caroline, "I'm an excellent catch."

An arm had been slung over his shoulder, a dark haired man leaning heavily on Klaus, eyeing her with intrigue, "But not nearly as handsome as I. Who's this tasty little thing?"

"This is Caroline," Klaus had replied, with a sharp elbow to the leering man's ribs. "And mind your manners."

"Caroline," the other man had drawled. "Why is that familiar?" Klaus had looked pained briefly, and then the man brightened, "Say, isn't that the name of your neighbor, Nik? The one with the naughty nightwear and the legs?" He'd punctuated it with a long slow perusal of Caroline's form. "Don't know if it's the same bird, but those legs are nothing to scoff at," he'd continued.

Caroline had grit her teeth, seriously considered turning and running. Enzo would forgive her, she was certain. Klaus had let out an aggravated sigh. "Please excuse my brother, love. I'm fairly tempted to murder him on a regular basis, but I'm afraid that would upset our mum."

"Kol Mikaelson, at your service," the stranger had introduced himself, bowing over her hand. "Tell me, darling, what does one need to do to get a peek at the tiny things you sleep in?"

Luckily (or not, since escape was then out of the question) Enzo had walked over, at that very moment, edged past the brothers in the doorway. "Gorgeous!" he'd greeted. "So glad you could make it. Let me take your coat."

Klaus had stepped forward, relieving her of the things in her arms, and hustled his brother away. It had been an effort to smile, to answer Enzo's polite inquiries about how her week had gone. She'd refused to look in Klaus' general direction, had done her best to avoid Kol too.

She silently seethed at the idea that Klaus had told his brother about what was maybe the most embarrassing incident of her adult life. And who knows who else he'd told? How many people were laughing at his stories of what a nutjob his neighbor was?

She'd switched her tactics, after that night. From willful avoidance to deep freeze. Klaus had seemed mystified, maybe a little hurt, at the change. But he'd adjusted, lobbying back when she sniped at him, with wit that she was grudgingly impressed, and occasionally amused, by.

Until that night at the bar. It had been the first time they'd spent more than a few minutes together, without supervision, since she'd pounded on his door in little more than her underwear.

And Caroline can't say that the time they'd spent together hadn't muddied things for her a little bit. Made her wonder if maybe Klaus wasn't as bad as she'd assumed. But she was only human, and several truly excellent orgasms would soften anyone, wouldn't they? It takes effort now, to keep up the pretense that she hates his guts.

Like now, where she almost finds herself smiling at him, has to fight the instinct. Which is completely unacceptable.

Klaus opens the door with a flourish, gesturing for her to go ahead. Caroline does, with a roll of her eyes. It was too early in the morning for Klaus' attempts at gentlemanly charm. "And how are you this morning, love?" he murmurs, as she passes.

"I'm fine, thank you. How are you?"

He blinks, like he's surprised she'd asked. "Wishing I was still in bed, to be honest. I've been commissioned for a portrait, and it seems as though the subjects one of those odd people who like to watch sunrises, wants it as the background."

Caroline finds herself smiling, at his seemingly genuine mystification, "Not my idea of a good time either. But a girl's gotta pay her bills."

He hums, flashes her a smile, as he walks towards his SUV, "Have a good day, Caroline."

She says, "You too!" automatically, unlocking her own vehicle. And she might still be thinking about him, as she drives away. But she chalks that up to the novelty of their interaction, the easiness of it. Klaus remains the worst. Period.

Even as Caroline repeats it like a mantra she'd not sure she believes it.

The knock on Saturday, at two in the afternoon, is unexpected. There'd been an invite slipped under her door earlier in the week (because she'd once again been avoiding Klaus like the plague, so he couldn't confuse her anymore) that stated that tonight's party began at eight. She'd expected him to drop by sometime around then, with whatever outfit he was planning on forcing her into.

She'd been cleaning out her refrigerator (because it needed it, not because she was stressed!) and she's sure she looks terrible, in her sweats and ponytail.

But hey, at least she's fully clothed.

When she throws the door open it's not actually Klaus on the other side but Rebekah. She's got a large box under one arm and a tote bag thrown over the other shoulder. She gives Caroline a small smile, "I've been drafted for hair and makeup."

Caroline steps back and Rebekah walks in setting her things on the table and shaking her arms out. Caroline's not sure what to say. She doesn't know Rebekah very well. The other woman's a little standoffish, and Caroline senses that she'd never really had much in the way of female friends. She's made an effort with Caroline, likely in an attempt to make Enzo happy. And Caroline can appreciate that, because Enzo does seem thoroughly besotted. It's both freaking adorable and kind of nauseating.

"You really don't have to, Rebekah," Caroline offers, as an out. "I'm sure I can manage. Did a couple beauty pageants when I was in high school so I know my way around a curling iron."

But Rebekah shakes her head, "No, it's not trouble. And trust me, you'll appreciate the hand. Plus, Nik'll owe me one, and he's ever so stingy with the favors. It's always nice to have one in the bank. Now, since he's awful, I'll wager he's not informed you of what you'll be wearing tonight, has he?"

Caroline feels a tiny prickle of dread, creep up her spine, "No. Why?"

Rebekah wrinkles her nose, "Let's just rip off the band aid, shall we?" She opens the box and steps back, and it takes Caroline a few moments to understand what she's seeing. There's little to the costume, bits of chain link, metal and a few pieces of fabric. "Now, I've read all the instructions. The underpart is rubber, so we'll need to heat it, and mold it to you. Possibly cut bits, but I've brought cutters for that."

Caroline looks at Rebekah, then back to the costume. Repeats the motion. "You have got to be kidding me."

Rebekah sighs, "I'm afraid not."

"No. Freaking. Way," Caroline spits. She turns, about to storm over to Klaus' apartment, and tell him that he can wear the freaking metal bikini, but Rebekah's quick, stepping in front of her, holding up her hands in a placating gesture, "If I might make a suggestion?"

Caroline clenches her teeth together, reminds herself that Rebekah can't help the gene pool from which she'd emerged, "Sure," she manages. "Why not?"

"Nik wants to provoke you. It's sort of a nasty habit of his. If you go over there, ready to give him hell, you'll be giving him exactly what he wants."

Caroline pauses to consider, turning her interactions with Klaus over in her head. There's a ring of truth to Rebekah's words. "Go on. I'm listening."

"Now, I'm not entirely sure what has happened between you two. Kol's got wild theories, but I tend to ignore most of what he says. In the interest of saving my sanity. But you've gotten under Nik's skin. He hardly seems to take his eyes off you, when you're in the same room. It drives him crazy, the way you ignore him."

"Ugh. Is he twelve?" Caroline grumbles, crossing her arms.

"Hardly," Rebekah says, cracking a smile. "Just not used to women refusing to fawn over him. Doesn't know how to act, I think."

"Well, for starters, he could've kept that time I completely humiliated myself private."

"Hmm," Rebekah murmurs, raising an interested brow. "I feel like there's more to that story. Why don't we move into your bathroom, and you can tell me all about what a wanker my brother is? I'd be happy to share a humiliating tidbit or two. To even the playing field. And when we're done he won't know what hit him."

Caroline cracks a smile, reaching to heave up the tote Rebekah had brought. She wasn't sure before, but she's totally going to end up liking Rebekah. A double-edged sword, because that meant she was extra stuck with Klaus.

After a very interesting afternoon, and half a bottle of wine, Caroline says goodbye to Rebekah. And then she waits approximately three seconds, before darting down the short span of hallway, between her apartment and Klaus'.

It's gratifying, the way his jaw drops, at the sight of her, in all her gold bikini-ed glory. Caroline had known she looked good, and it had been confirmed from the tiny, evil smirk Rebekah wore when they were finished. Almost makes how crazy uncomfortable the thing is, and the extra careful job she'd had to do shaving, worth it. "I want to see the painting," she tells him, sensing it'll take a minute for him to be able to form words.

He blinks and runs a hand through his hair, looking faintly embarrassed. Klaus tears his eyes away from her mostly bare torso, which seems to take some effort, "What painting?"

Caroline shoves him aside, and slips into his apartment. "The one that Kol saw. The one of me."

Klaus mutters something under his breath. Caroline doesn't catch it all, but it's not exactly complimentary of his brother. Klaus sighs, motions for her to follow him. In the opposite direction from what she'd expected. Away from her apartment. He leads her to a doorway, and pushes it open. There's tarps on the floor, canvases stacked on walls. Tubes of paint, and an insane amount of brushes, and various other paraphernalia that's purpose escapes her, organized neatly on shelves that take up most of one wall.

"I thought you painted on the other side of the apartment? The room that shares a wall with mine?"

"I did," Klaus tells her, walking over to a wall, sliding frames aside, "I switched my bedroom and studio, after…"

"After I ripped your head off for keeping me awake," Caroline finishes. "That's…" really sweet. And considerate. And she's starting to feel like an evil bitch.

But Klaus brushes it off, "Was no trouble, love. And here, this is it. I know I should've asked, but it just wouldn't leave my mind, so I painted it. And I never meant for it to be seen, but Kol's not really one to mind little things like privacy and found it."

Caroline's eyes widen, in surprise, at the painting in front of her. It's just her, standing in the hallway, lit from behind, her hair a wild mess and color high. She looks amazing in it, strong and determined and just a little sensual. "Wow," she breathes. "Rebekah said you were good, but it's beautiful."

"An easy thing, given the subject," Klaus says quietly.

She feels herself blushing again, turns her head to look at him, is not the least bit surprised to find he's watching her. Caroline bites her lip, "I think we maybe got off on the wrong foot," she starts hesitantly. "I was super embarrassed, when I realized that I marched over here half naked. And then when Kol knew about it... I just assumed I was a punchline in some raunchy joke."

Klaus sighs and shakes his head, "You were nothing of the sort, Caroline. I'm afraid I got quite angry, when Kol snooped. And he read in to it. It's probably why he was so gleeful, when he realized who you were."

Looking back at the painting, at the excellent likeness of her features, Caroline groans. "Oh, he totally knew, that dick."

"And delighted in making things difficult for me. It's something of a habit of his."

"I am so glad I'm an only child right now."

Klaus laughs softly, setting the painting aside. His hand grazes her back, and she jolts, at the feeling of his skin on hers. She's taken back, to what it had felt like to have his lips on her spine. Suddenly Caroline feels warm, despite her lack of clothing. Klaus' palm settles low, as he ushers her through the door, not helping her temperature situation, "Do you want to sit and wait, while I finish getting dressed?"

Caroline grimaces, "Sitting's not really in the cards in this thing. Too many poky parts."

Klaus pauses, grips her arm and turns her to face him, "We don't have to go, Caroline. Honestly. I just wanted you to talk to me again, even if you were angry."

She considers the offer. And her childhood crush on Han Solo, which is surely Klaus' costume. And the fact that Kol is probably the brother Klaus was intent on beating at this costume party. Caroline leans back against the wall, lets her smile grow flirty, "No, I'm already in it. And it took a lot of work. Fair warning, I might need some help cutting it off later. Can I count on you, neighbor?"

Klaus' eyes widen, tracing down the barely concealed curves of her body reverently, "It would be my pleasure, love. So long as you let me take you to dinner tomorrow."

Caroline glares, but it's playful, "Sweetening the deal again?"

His dimples flash when he smiles, obviously pleased with himself, "Well, you have to admit it worked out well the last time."

She won't admit any such thing, not out loud. But she's no longer the least bit peeved about losing that poker game.

Which Road (Part Two)

(A follow up to the Viking!Caroline and Klaus drabble in Chapter 26. Rated K+).

It is far easier then Klaus had expected, in the end, to let Tatia go. She passes him several days after his conversation with Caroline, gives him the look he has come to covet, the one that means she wishes for him to follow her deep in to the woods, where they won't be disturbed. And he does so willingly. But he stills her wandering hands, when she presses him against a tree. Because there is a question he needs answered, one he's not stopped dwelling on.

"Have you been speaking to the other women in the village about us?"

She appears shocked for a moment, before her dark eyes turn wide and beseeching, "It is the way of women, Niklaus. I only want them to know that you are mine." Tatia presses her body into his, and perhaps once he would have been swayed by her tempting curves. By her lush mouth, so near the skin of his throat.

But not with Caroline's words ringing in his mind. She had told Klaus, with such conviction, that he deserved better, and maybe she was right. Tatia considered him hers, but did not allow him to claim her in the same manner. Expected devotion but did not return it. Klaus is not stupid, he is aware that he is not the only man who visits the woods with Tatia Petrova. He and Elijah do not speak of it, and Klaus has always hoped that she would choose him. But it has been months upon months, and still she dallies with them both.

"And if I asked you to be mine? Only mine. From now on?"

He watches her carefully, as he asks. Notes the tiny flickers that cross her face. The briefest instance of annoyance, a blink of shock. And then Tatia is all soft eyes and tempting smiles, "I need time, Niklaus. To make the best decision possible for my future. Surely you cannot begrudge me that? Not when we enjoy one another so."

He had hoped for a moment that her answer would be different. That Tatia would choose him. The stab of disappointment is swift, and gut churning, but there is peace that comes after. He grasps her wrists, and steps aside, "I do not begrudge you that, Tatia. But I believe it may be time to consider my own future."

Klaus does not turn back, as he walks away. Not even when she calls after him, plaintive and dismayed. He feels lighter, with every step he takes.

Rebekah is the first to notice that something is different. She eyes him, narrow eyed and suspicious, for days before she corners him near the hearth, when the rest of the family is occupied. She speaks quickly, and quietly, "What has happened, Nik?"

He feigns confusion, "Nothing, sister. Why do you ask?"

Her face turns hard, "You have not been sneaking off, as you usually do. And Tatia Petrova has been giving me the blackest of looks at our every interaction, when before she was sugar sweet. Do you think me stupid?"

"Stupid, no. Meddlesome? Certainly." Rebekah scowls, but Klaus is unmoved. "It's none of your concern, Bekah. Truly."

"I will find out," she tells him threateningly, before she picks up the water buckets, and flounces outside.

Klaus helps himself to a bowl of stew, and a hunk of bread. He'll be kept busy in the stables for the remainder of the day, preparing the horses and supplies for a long journey. Mikael is leaving, heading south. It's an exploratory outing, to find new people to trade with. Elijah will accompany him this time, Finn being too busy courting a redhead from a nearby village. Kol will be going as well, which is considered a slight to Klaus by most.

But he does not mind. Is very much looking forward to Mikael's absence, and the small bit of breathing room it allows the family and Klaus in particular. Perhaps it is selfish, because his mother and Rebekah and Henrik worry. But Klaus cannot bring himself to feel guilt.

He has a plan brewing, has had little pieces of it coming together, ever since that night he had wandered out to the Forbes' land. And it will be easier to set in motion with his father not around to sabotage it.

If things go well Finn will not be the only Mikaelson introducing a bride to be to the family when they return from their voyage.

The first step of Klaus' plot requires Rebekah's assistance. Assistance that she cannot know she's providing. Klaus must be subtle, drop hints, steer her mind in the direction he needs it to go. He knows he has been successful, when she is up early one morning, speeding through chores she usually takes her time with.

"Why the haste, sister?" he asks innocently, holding back a smirk.

"I'm going to visit Caroline, after the mid-day meal. It has been ages since she's been able to come to town, and it will be even longer since harvest begins soon."

It's a trial, not to smile, at a job well done. "I will accompany you," he says firmly.

Rebekah shoots him an odd look, "Whatever for?"

He's already prepared a lie. "The full moon's in three days. There have been whispers of men from the wolves' village nearby. It may not be safe, Bekah. That small knife of yours will only do so much damage."

Rebekah's head whips to the side instinctively, checking that they are alone, "Hush, Nik. If father knew…"

Klaus makes a derisive noise, "As if I would break your confidence and tell father," he spits.

"I know," she says, relaxing somewhat. "He would just be so very angry with me. And with Caroline's mother. And likely Caroline. I couldn't bear it if he were to forbid me to see them, Nik."

"He will never hear it from me," Klaus vows. "I'll come and collect you later. Agreed?"

Rebekah doesn't look happy about it, and Klaus regrets infringing on her small freedoms, since she's allowed so few. But she nods. And Klaus leaves to complete his own duties.

Klaus is greeted with far less hostility this time, when he steps onto the property. The dogs seem pleased to see him and Rebekah both, barking happily and circling them with frantically wagging tails. Caroline sticks her head out of an upper level of one of the outbuildings, to check what the commotion is. She shades her eyes with a hand, and calls out questioningly, "Bekah?"

Rebekah waves, before turning to Klaus, and telling him dismissively, "You can go now, Nik. Collect me at supper, if you must continue to be overbearing." She strides towards Caroline without waiting for a reply.

Klaus thinks about admonishing her for her haughty tone, but he has another goal to complete. And it will be easier with both Rebekah and Caroline occupied.

He needs to find Caroline's mother, because Klaus has things he wishes to discuss with her.

It's not difficult to find Elizabeth Forbes. The farmhand Klaus had spoken to had given Klaus her direction without asking questions. She's in one of the larger barns, and looks up when he enters. A fleeting look of surprise crosses her face, and she says a few quiet words to the man who she'd been in discussion with, before coming to meet Klaus. She looks puzzled, and Klaus introduces himself, just to be on the safe side. She wouldn't be the first person to mistake him for one of his brothers, despite the fact that all are darker than he. "My name is Niklaus. I am…"

"Son of Mikael and Esther. Rebekah's older brother. You also had supper with my daughter, unsupervised, not long ago."

It has been years since Klaus has felt his face heat, but the arch look he's favored with changes that. "I did," Klaus confirms, dipping his head. "She was kind enough to offer. I meant no harm."

There is the slightest softening, and when Caroline's mother speaks again it's with a note of fondness, "Caroline said as much, when she told me of it. And I believe her. My daughter is not one to take slights kindly."

Klaus finds himself smiling, remembering the way Caroline had pushed back, and unable to conceal her fire in the face of his doubtful inquiries, for all that she was attempting to be agreeable. He remembers himself, and his purpose, when he finds Elizabeth Forbes' gaze has turned measuring. Klaus clears his throat. "She is certainly spirited."

"Some men wouldn't use that term in a complimentary manner, when speaking of a young woman. Your father amongst them."

"I am not my father," Klaus states firmly.

Klaus thinks he detects the faintest glimmer of respect, in Elizabeth Forbes' eyes. "Why have you sought me out, Niklaus?" she asks knowingly. And he realizes she must have had this conversation before.

He straightens, and speaks seriously, "I would like your permission to court your daughter."

She has no reaction for a long moment, her head tipping to the side, "You have lived in the village your entire life, is that true?"

It's not the question he'd been expecting. "Yes," he confirms. "My family moved here just before I was born."

"What do you know of running a farm?"

"Little," Klaus admits. "But I would learn."

She nods, like the answer had pleased her. "Next week. Come and work. I usually don't hire village boys, but we shall see how you do. Perhaps you will decide this is not the life for you. You will earn a fair wage, either way."

She turns to leave. "And if I do well?" Klaus ventures.

"Then you will have to speak with Caroline. It would be her life tied to yours. I think she should get a say, would you not agree?"

Klaus has to admit he has never really thought about it. He's a grown man, in the eyes of the village, capable of taking this action on his own. He knows that his father would not seek Rebekah's counsel, when it came time to choose his sister's husband.

But Klaus did not wish to group himself with his father in any matter. And had Caroline not shown that she knew her own mind, could read his accurately even, in their last conversation? Surely she knows what she wants in a husband better than her mother could.

"I will be here when harvest begins," Klaus vows.

Caroline's mother lets out a laugh, "I think you will find the work the least of your challenges, Niklaus."

Klaus isn't certain what she means, or of the source of her amusement. But with his plan in motion he's even more determined to find out.

Klaus wakes before the sun rises, on the day he's due to begin work at the Forbes' farm. It is cold, his breath visible as he trudges out of the village. He had told his mother and Finn what he'd be doing, had been met with surprise and disapproval. But neither had tried to dissuade him. Not that such an attempt would have been successful.

He makes good time, walking quickly to keep warm. He seems to be one of the first to have arrived and he pauses, not sure where he should go. The front door of the Forbes' home opens, and Caroline bustles out, a large pot gripped in her hands. She sees him immediately, and stumbles, liquid splashing onto the worn leather boots she wears. He's surprised at her clothing, the wool trousers and tunic, having never seen her in anything but a dress.

"Niklaus," she greets, her face open with surprise. "What brings you here?"

"Work," he answers, moving closer. "And you, Caroline."

She swallows, busies herself with setting down her burden, "My mother mentioned that you spoke with her."

"Did you think I would change my mind?"

Caroline whirls back towards the house, her steps determined, and Klaus follows. Her tone is brisk, "You have been obsessed with one woman, and one woman only, for ages now. One far more beautiful than I. I doubted a single conversation would change your mind. Thought it was just a passing fancy, that Tatia would ensnare you once again."

She doesn't look at him when she speaks, rummaging around and gathering cups. Klaus takes a stack from her hands. "And within that conversation, love, you proved that you know me better than most. Tell me, am I the sort of man who makes decisions lightly?"

Caroline still refuses to glance in his direction, and once again Klaus finds himself at her heels. He's dismayed to realize that they're no longer alone, that several men have shown up, and are milling about. Caroline smiles at them, and Klaus is less then pleased to note the way several eyes follow her movements covetously. Caroline seems oblivious, handing out cups and instructing the farmhands to help themselves to the warmed buttermilk in the pot.

Her fingers brush his when she hands him one, her blue eyes finally meeting his. She pauses, for several long moments, and Klaus reads the swirl of confusion in her expression without trouble.

And he vows to make his intentions perfectly clear before the end of the day.

It is backbreaking work but Klaus finds he does not hate it. There is something satisfying about watching the piles of grain grow, to know that it will be what feeds him, his family, and their village in the cold months to come. His body aches and he knows he will sleep well tonight, wonders if his mother will deign to make him some sort of remedy.

Elizabeth Forbes favors him with a nod of approval before she disappears into the house, after dismissing all the workers for the day.

Caroline lingers, tired and covered in dust. She's loosened her hair from the tight braids it had been caught up in and it's bright in the fading light. She's biting her lip, and her brows are furrowed. Every so often she opens her mouth. Klaus waits patiently knowing that she will only be able to swallow her words for so long. It's with a deep breath, and a forceful exhale that she finally cracks, "Why?" she blurts out. "Why me?"

Klaus grins, because it's an easy question to answer, "Because I had not noticed that you had grown up, Caroline. And once I really looked at you I found I did not want to look away. You are beautiful and lively and so very strong. Everything I could ever want."

She appears stunned for a moment, before she shakes her head and laughs. "I'm nothing special. I talk too much and I'm too free with my opinions. It's a good thing my mother can afford servants, because I burn everything I attempt to cook. You could do better in a wife."

Klaus steps forward, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. He traces her jaw with his fingertip, nudging her chin up, "And you are the only person who would think that. I want you, Caroline. Your words and your mind and your heart."

"I…" she stutters for a moment, before her eyes shift to the side. She makes a noise of distress, grabbing his hand and pulling it up to her face to examine it. It's littered with little cuts and scrapes he'd gotten from the rough stalks and occasionally sharp leaves he had been handling all day. "These need to be cleaned," she tells him, just a touch scolding. "Honestly, Niklaus. Your mother's a healer. You should know better."

She's pulling him around back before he can tell her that the wounds are nothing, leading him to a well and pinning him with a demanding look. "Wait here," she tells him. "I'll be back in a moment."

She darts away, heading towards the house. Klaus pulls up a bucket of water, guessing her aim. She'll not be happy about it, but he's truly not injured, has long since adjusted to the pulling and mild stinging of his cracked skin. He's weathered far worse pain, after all.

Sure enough she glares at the water he's raised and at him in turn, her lips pressed together. "Sit down," she instructs, in a tone that tells Klaus she'll accept no arguments. He lowers himself to the ground, leaning against the stone of the well. She seats herself beside him, and takes his hand again, setting it one her thigh.

And Klaus is distracted for a moment, by her warmth. It's a struggle not to flex his fingers, to test the feel of her, with only a layer of fabric separating her skin from his. She's gentle, and careful, rubbing away dirt with a soft scrap of fabric. She's gathered her hair over one shoulder, and he itches to reach out and touch the bared skin of her neck, to know if it's as soft as the rest of her. He lets out a hiss, because he'd not noted her opening a jar, coating her fingers in some sort of salve, and spreading it on his skin. It's cool and tingles faintly but feels pleasant after a moment. But perhaps that's just her hands rubbing it into his flesh.

"It will get better, if you continue," she tells him absently, focused on her work. "The skin will toughen, won't break so easily."

"I plan to," Klaus says. "I'll be a proper farmer by the end of the week."

Caroline bites her lip, but Klaus sees the smile around the edges. "I guess we will see."

It is an opening, one Klaus is thrilled by. He's determined that she will see. That Caroline will come to understand that he's serious about wanting her, firm in his plans to court her. He senses it will be a challenge, and he understands what her mother had meant with that final, cryptic remark. But Klaus had never shied away from difficulties, and he'll not start now. Not when the end goal is Caroline, her warmth and her tenderness, and all her endless light.

Oh How Strange (Part Three)

(Crack fic. The continuing adventures of Caroline and WerewolfPuppy!Klaus. Part One found in the final third of Chapter 11. Part Two found in the second half of Chapter 19. Rated K+).

Caroline knows she needs to get up. She's got a list, and it isn't exactly short. But her bed's so warm and cozy. And once she gets out of it she's diving right back into a situation fraught with awkwardness. And danger, but she's totally used to that. The possibility of being tortured by hostile witches barely phases her.

The conversation she needs to have with Klaus, before they leave her apartment? Yeah, that's gonna be terrible.

Maybe it'll be better if they have it here. Casual was good, right? She'd let the fact that he snuck into her bed slide, maybe he'd keep the disdain to a minimum, out of gratitude.

Caroline had always been an optimist.

She rolls over, on to her side, and Klaus' tail twitches but his eyes don't open. Seems she wasn't the only one who was a fan of lazy mornings in bed. Although, if he wasn't currently cursed into tiny furry body she imagines she'd have woken up very differently. She shoves the thought away quickly, refusing to dwell on it. It's entirely possible Klaus' senses are still hyper sensitive, and thinking naughty thoughts was strictly a no no when he might be able to pick up the scent of her arousal.

She tucks the covers more firmly around her body. Just in case.

Caroline lays her hand on his head. Is unable to resist running it down his back. He doesn't seem to mind, shifts closer, his eyes opening to look at her. Caroline smiles brightly and clears her throat, "Morning! So, a couple things. First, before we tackle everything we need to get done, so we can leave tomorrow, I need to go see Bonnie. And you need to stay here while I do it."

Klaus does not seem to appreciate that, letting out a huff and standing tall. Well, as tall as he's able. He even shakes his head. Caroline sits up, making an effort to seem reasonable, "She's my friend and she's not going to hurt me. And I won't tell her what happened to you, I promise. But I was thinking that she might know of some way to mask that I'm a vampire. Or at the very least have something that'll say, 'Hey, I'm friends with a Bennett witch, so I'm cool, and you don't need to make my brain explode.' Because aneurysms suck and some witches are so touchy about the whole vampire thing."

Klaus lets out another agitated noise – more of a threat of a growl then an actual growl - his little body stiff. "And you can't come with, unless you want her to see you like this. She'll know I didn't just randomly decide to get a dog. Because I'm me. And that's the sort of commitment that requires a ton of research. And who knows, maybe she'll do something witchy, and one touch and she'll know there's an evil hybrid under all that cute."

He bares his teeth, and Caroline rolls her eyes. "Oh, relax. I don't think you're totally evil anymore. But Bonnie does." She hesitates, biting her lip, because the next part was a tiny bit stickier. "I was hoping that you'd agree to help out a little, with what's going on with Elena. Bonnie won't want to help you, and I could make something up, about what I need whatever magical doohickey she'll whip up for. But then there's always the possibility that she'll demand to tag along, thinking I'm in danger. And I try not to lie to her anymore."

He's settled down, sometime during her rant. Sitting on her bed, looking far too serious for his current form. He makes a quick jerk of his head, and Caroline assumes it's a nod. But it never hurts to make sure, with Klaus. She holds out her hand. "Was that a yes? Tap my hand for yes."

He heaves a tiny sigh, and does so.

Caroline beams at him. "Thank you, Klaus."

He manages another nodding motion, and pads to the end of the bed. He leaps down and Caroline winces, worried in spite of herself. Her bed was tall, and he was pretty little. She didn't want him to hurt himself. Both because she could admit that she cared about him, and because the idea of taking Klaus to a vet, the thought of kind of tests that a vet would have to run, is completely horrifying.

Caroline was certain there would be no saving that veterinarian, no matter that the person would have simply been doing their job. Klaus would murder them, simple as that. His dignity could only take so many hits.

She peeks over the end of the bed and is relieved to find that Klaus is fine, steady on all four paws, waiting with an air of impatience. How he manages that Caroline has no idea. Throwing back the covers she gets up, and walks to her bedroom door. Klaus motions for her to go ahead, his nose cold on her calf, old world manners intact, evidently still believing in ladies first.

Caroline walks to the kitchen, busies herself with setting up the coffee and putting down a bowl of water for Klaus. He waits until her eyes are averted, until she's rummaging in the refrigerator for a blood bag, before he starts to drink.

She feels a pang of sympathy, and a little flare of anger. Honestly, it's entirely possible that whatever witch had cast this spell had a legitimate grudge. But would a little sportsmanship be too much to ask for? Honor amongst adversaries, or whatever? Try to kill Klaus? Fine, he was used to that. But this? Kind of uncalled for, in her opinion. Caroline couldn't feel bad about the extra painful death Klaus had in store for whoever was remotely connected to the plan that had resulted in his predicament.

She moves slowly, listening until he's done. "Are you hungry?" she asks. "Josh said you've been eating regular food. Not sure that's good for you, but I'll add that to my research pile. And I doubt you'll be like this for long enough for it to matter."

She hopes not anyway. It's become slightly easier, carrying on this one way conversation. She's learning to read his facial expressions, imagines what he'd say. Really wants to not have to imagine anymore.

Klaus nudges the leg of one of her dining room chairs and Caroline assumes that means yes, he'd like to eat. She lifts him onto it the table and he promptly lies down. She begins pulling eggs out of the refrigerator. "You're lucky," she tells him. "Breakfast I can do. Other meals, not so much. Except dessert. My brownies would blow your mind."

She works quickly and has a hashbrown casserole in the oven in minutes. She figures it'll be easier for him to eat. Sitting down in the chair across from him Caroline braces herself for the second thing they need to discuss. The one that's even worse than the first.

Caroline takes a deep breath and leans down, propping her head on her forearm so they're nearly eye to eye. "Okay, I'm going to need you to listen to this next part and not freak out. I get that this whole thing sucks. And honestly, you're probably dealing better then I would've." And far better than she had anticipated, once the reality had set in after Rebekah's phone call.

Klaus looks wary but his ears are perked up so she knows he's listening. "When we're out in public," she says evenly, holding his gaze, "I'm going to need you to act like you're an actual dog."

He does not take that well. He gets to his feet, fur bristling, tail making angry slashes. Caroline grimaces, and holds up her hand. "Just hear me out, okay? You don't want anyone to know what's happened, right? For a whole host of reasons, not the least being that right now you're kind of less indestructible and not nearly as capable of ripping out a heart if someone looks at you the wrong way."

He's relaxed, if only the slightest, taking in her words. Caroline presses on. "Me, talking to you like I actually think you understand me, is the opposite of inconspicuous. People love to rubberneck at crazies. We're laying low and any attention we draw is a bad idea, right? We can't know how many people know about this spell, know you're under it."

He lets out a soft bark, clearly not happy, but perhaps seeing her point. Klaus was a strategist, two steps ahead of everyone else. A guy who always had plans A through G. And a fan of sneaking up on people. It had been the whole reason for the Alaric body swap. He liked the advantage that came when people didn't see him coming.

"I will do my very best," Caroline promises, "to make it easy. I will physically throw myself in front of people who want to pet you. I will buy you the most badass collar Petco sells. And I will remove it the minute we're in private. I will not take a single photo or video. And I swear that once this is done we never have to speak about any of it again, okay? Vegas rules."

He's wavering, she thinks. He had trusted her. She just needs him to trust her a little bit more. "And I'm not saying we can't communicate. We'll work out a system because, like I said, hunting enemies is clearly more your bag then mine. It just has to be subtle. And, you know, reasonably puppy-like."

She holds her breath, watching him carefully. Klaus concedes with the barest twitch of his nose up and down. Caroline exhales with a woosh, slumping back in her chair. She'd been prepared for a tantrum, figured she'd have to sacrifice a table leg or two to Klaus' teeth. And maybe that was still coming. Him agreeing, grudgingly at that, was very different from them going out, and him being forced into the role of house pet.

Still, it was a tiny victory. And it would help move their aims forward. The sooner Klaus was back in his usual body the better.

For her and for him.