.
hvmmingbirds - Yeah, gotta say, even when writing it "pet" made me cringe. It was just so perfectly horrible.
Skyla71 - Awww! No tears! (Okay a few tears.) Sorry to have caused you pain, but it was necessary pain? No. No it wasn't. But I'll make up for it! Yes. Yes I will. Thank you, love!
jahamai - Me too!
klarolineagainnaturally - Pure evil!? Eh, I'll take it. :P
April420 - I hope not with ME!
Jewelz642 - She will be.
Lavendor Queen - *waves* I love new/binge readers! There's no relation between Elena/Katherine/Tatia. It's just something we're ignoring in this fic, as I am not planning to have any of them cross paths.
AKateF2705 - Of all time?! ZOMG you're absolutely fabulous, I feel so honored. Thank you so much, sweetie!
TwilightHybrid - Gosh, you hit like every nail on the head. I love it. Thank you for reading!
1Jemmagirl22 - Hey, I never said the fam would go down without a fight. ;)
Carrie281 - Thank you for continuing to read!
Gah! I had this update ready a week ago and then life happened. Apologies for the delay, lovelies.
You're all beautiful and I thank you so much for reading, favoriting, following, and reviewing. It means the world to little ol' pure evil me. ;)
Anyhoo!
Part 21
Mystic Falls Elementary – Miss Caroline's Classroom – Friday, May 15th, 2:43 p.m.
After the emotional unraveling of his family, a semblance of normalcy was all anyone could hope for Henrik. Thankfully, it seemed Esther still had a shred of humanity inside her and stayed in town, allowing for Henrik to continue his education at Mystic Falls Elementary. In fact, she was more than pleased to take on the duties of dropping him off and picking him up each day. There were never any words exchanged between parent and teacher, as Esther never came within proximity. Ensuring that she was the first car at the end of the walkway, in perfect view of the doors to the school, she would roll her window down so she would be visible to both Henrik and his teacher. The little boy would trudge down the path and get in, and then they were gone.
It had been a week since the trial and, in that short span of time, Henrik had reverted completely back to the reclusive boy Caroline first met. He was ignoring the kids around him and no longer participating in class. He wouldn't speak to her, even when addressed, but more alarming was that he no longer wanted to read or pay attention to the books she read during story time. He turned his back when they gathered on the carpet, and soon the little bookshelf at the back of the room was long forgotten by the six-year-old who once favored it as his little slice of Kindergarten heaven.
Caroline's heart ached to watch his progress crumble, and while she desperately wanted to try to coax him back to the light, he was too fragile to push right now. Just like his brother.
Since disappearing from her apartment that morning, Klaus refused her calls and ignored her texts. The family seemed to distance themselves as well. She saw Kol by chance during the week when she'd stopped in to see Bonnie, but he didn't have too much to say. The house was quiet, he had told her. Elijah and Finn were working on an appeal, Rebekah was back to cutting classes, and Klaus hadn't been seen since he left, except once by Elijah who saw him coming out of Henrik's room one night.
The weekend was fast approaching and Caroline's friends had planned a girl's night to try to shake her out of her sad funk, but even that prospect didn't excite her. She was worried, and worry only led to unstable avenues. While her class anxiously waited the last few minutes before the bell that released them would ring, she scrolled through her contacts in her phone, the ghosts of exes past tempting her.
It wasn't that she harbored any feelings for Tyler. Not after everything he had done. It was just...when things went wrong, she had a bad habit of revisiting the wrongest parts of her life. Especially when people abandoned her. Their history was long enough that he knew her inside and out, knew how her neurotic brain worked, so well that he could talk her out of the darkness in her mind and make sense of the irrational. It took a long time to realize that he'd learned to use that superpower to manipulate the hell out of that pedestal she'd put him on.
Still, he'd been the one person whom she'd been the most vulnerable with. The familiarity was a crutch and she knew it. He was an easy fall back, considering he wouldn't leave her alone anyway.
The bell went off and Caroline turned her phone upside down, readying to lead her class outside, one by one. The first thing she noticed when they got to the door – Esther's car wasn't outside. She and Henrik exchanged a glance and continue waiting. Minutes passed and children became scarce until they were the only ones left standing. His mother hadn't been known to be late, and suddenly her heart was pounding against her chest. She hated that she had hope.
When it neared 3pm, she brought Henrik back inside and he sat silently in his seat, his backpack still on his shoulders.
"I still have some reading worksheets," she tried quietly, but he made no movement. She frowned sadly and sat at her desk again. She picked her phone back up and found her address book stopped at the letter T. Her fingers tapped and she chewed her lip, debating.
Just as she started to contemplate what she would even say to him, there was a shuffling at her door. She looked over and her heart stopped upon seeing Klaus. Their eyes connected instantly. There was shame in his eyes, beneath layers of sorrow. He looked tired, disheveled even. He clearly hadn't shaved all week, or used a comb for that matter. She thought he might say something, have some excuse for her to shoot down, but, after a moment, he finally broke contact to look at Henrik.
"Hello, monkey," he said quietly.
Henrik's head snapped toward Klaus and his face lit up, but the flash of remembrance flickered across his eyes, dulling his spirit. He turned away again, hanging his head back down.
Klaus frowned as he sauntered over. "Not even going to say hello?"
Henrik bit his lower lip, fiddling with his fingers. "Why are you here?" he asked quietly.
Klaus crouched down beside his desk. "To take you home."
Instead of joy, Henrik was puzzled. His brows knit as he tried to work it out, and then he looked away in anger. "Mommy takes me home."
It was a direct blow to the heart. Klaus swallowed, trying to decide what to say when Henrik struck again.
"You lied," he asserted. "You said you wouldn't leave me."
Klaus swallowed again. "I know."
"You made me go with her."
"I did." Henrik set his glare on him and Klaus felt his chest tighten. "I wish I didn't have to. More than anything I wish I could take it back."
"You can't." He whipped his head away sharply, his fists balling on the desk. His breaths heaved, loud and fast. "I'm mad at you."
Klaus blinked, once, twice, unsure of what to do with this information. He glanced back at Caroline but she vaguely mirrored Henrik's sentiment before ducking back into her work. He exhaled softly, deciding to handle one thing at a time.
"I know you're unhappy with me," he started. "I shouldn't have done what I did. I was scared. And angry." Caroline peeked up at them, listening quietly. "Not only did that judge let Esther take you away from me, but she took me away from you." Henrik's fists uncurled. "She made me so angry that I broke my promise, to always be there and to protect you. I hate that I've failed you."
Henrik's lips pouted in an adorably tragic frown before he turned and threw his arms around his brother, and slid off of his chair into his embrace. Klaus sighed, closing his eyes and hugging him back.
"I'm so sorry," he mumbled into the mop of brown hair.
"I wanna come home with you."
"And I want you to." Henrik pulled back and looked down, toying with his brother's necklace. "We all do. Finn and Elijah are working hard to find a way to fix this. We just have to give them a little time."
"...And be brave?"
He nodded, smoothing Henrik's hair out of his face. "And be brave." He stood up and Henrik cuddled into him, little legs wrapping around his waist. He smiled complacently. "On a happier note, she agreed to let you visit with us on weekends."
Henrik drew back, his eyes lighting up for the first time in a week. "Starting right now?"
Klaus smiled all the way to his heart. "Starting right now."
"Miss Caroline, too?"
The world came to a screeching halt as Klaus remembered where they were and that she was there. His eyes went to hers, wide and unprepared.
Caroline smiled calmly, but her tone was bitter. "I actually have a few things I need to catch up on."
She barely glanced at Klaus' apologetic eyes before pretending to file papers away, despite the prickling urge to look up. She heard him readjust his hold on his brother before they both retreated from the classroom. She sat back with a sigh, rolling her shoulders to try to ease some tension. It wasn't that she was a grudge holder, but she'd grown past instant forgiveness and being taken advantage of. Relationships were a two way road. There were no detours.
Caroline's Apartment – 9:25 p.m.
Girls Night started early with Happy Hour at the Mystic Grille, where Caroline and Bonnie were regaled with Elena's eternal tale of Salvatore woe. Usually Caroline liked to try to convince her sometimes friend that she could do better than a husband who was obsessed with starting arguments with his brother, but tonight she was enjoying her drinks and letting the girl rant her heart out. It was a welcome distraction to her own questionable male choices. When Elena finished focusing on herself, she turned the tables and tried to get Bonnie to spill the beans about her new mystery man. It was a valiant effort, and many secret glances between Bonnie and Caroline were exchanged, but ultimately the topic fell wayside as the next round of drinks came by.
By 9 o'clock they were several drinks in and cat-walking the town, their collective heels clacking in unison as they made their way, arm in arm, toward the town square. The cool, fresh air was a welcome reprieve and she didn't even mind when they almost fell on top of each other when Bonnie tried to seat them all at once on the park bench. It was a successful night of drinks, nostalgia and reminisce, and much needed quality girl time. They'd even gotten her to open up a little about Klaus, but as soon as she did, the heart pangs signaled it was time to go home.
She let the girls talk her into sharing an Uber – Elena had picked everyone up earlier – and continuing the night at her apartment, but by the time they'd gotten there she decided she wanted some alone time. Arguments abounded and suddenly she was being mocked and prodded, all the way up to her doorstep. Caroline was able to barricade them behind her front door, but the giggling pair continued tipsily taunting from the other side until the laughter died down and she was sure she heard the car drive off. Ridding herself of her coat, shoes, and tension, she walked a wavering line toward her kitchen for a much needed glass of water. A knocking at her door almost threw her off balance. Her shoulders dropped.
"Oh my god, you guys! Go home already!"
Caroline shook her head walking back to her door, mentally noting her friends limited alcohol tolerance. She opened the door with a laugh, ready to ward them off, but her laugh quickly vanished down her throat in an unwarranted gasp. Instead of her friends, Klaus stood in the dim light of her stoop.
Her grip on the knob was slipping. Blinking too many times, she let go of the door to cross her arms in a swift maneuver of coolness but the door bumped into her and she almost lost her footing. Klaus caught her arm and kept her upright but her cheeks betrayed her with their warmth. She pulled away from his hold and collected herself, regaining her stance of sass.
"What are you doing here?"
"I wanted...I hoped you'd let me apologize."
"Why should I?"
"I made a mistake," he tried. "Although, given the circumstance - "
"Nope. Try again."
He sighed, growing frustrated. "I'm sorry."
"For?"
"You're not giving me much room to breathe."
She scoffed a laugh in disbelief. Maybe it was her lowered inhibitions making her brave, or maybe it was the latent anger finally coming to fruition. "I gave you an entire week of room, Klaus! Not once did I march down and bang your door down demanding an answer. And believe me, I considered it."
"Well you certainly didn't refrain from haranguing me in voicemails..."
"And you didn't answer them!" His blink was a wince as he realized his misstep. "I was worried, Klaus! You – you snuck out of my house while I was asleep and then basically just fell off the face of the planet!" Her arms flailed angrily and she almost stumbled again but recovered.
His brows furrowed in concern. "Were you drinking?"
"Don't deviate!" She pointed her index finger in his face, trying to ignore its sway.
Klaus turned his cheek with a sigh. "I am sincerely sorry if I've hurt you."
"Try royally pissed me off."
"What do you want me to say, Caroline? Yes, I did wrong by you! I'm a coward!" His eyes were shining with undecipherable emotion. "I did what I always do. I shut down and shut you out. I don't know how to handle this."
She sighed and it was like an ocean of air pouring out in acceptance. She stepped out onto the stoop with him, nearly closing the distance between them. "First step? You don't have to do it alone." He looked up, his tired gaze softening, and she finally let her guard all the way down. "You scared the hell out of me," she admitted in a murmur, then hugged him, burying her face in his chest. "I didn't know if you would come back."
His breath was a stream of relief. "That was never a question."
She drew back with a smile. "Come on," she gestured toward her open doorway. As he went into her apartment she looked discreetly around the courtyard, muttering, "My neighbors are nosy as it is."
. . . . .
Deciding they could both use it, Caroline decided to make a pot of coffee while Klaus sat wordlessly at her kitchen table. Things were still rocky between them, but they were on the upturn at least. She handed him his mug and sat across him with her own, wrapping her hands around it to warm them.
"How is he?" she asked.
Klaus licked his lips, heavily sighing. "He's acclimating. Happy to be back with us." He drew zigzags in the hot liquid with his spoon. "Has he been in school the whole week?"
"Yeah." She nodded, chewing the corner of her lower lip. "But he hasn't really been there, you know? He's quiet. He doesn't talk. He doesn't talk to me. He doesn't even want to read anymore."
He swallowed, his heart hurting. "I should never have forced him."
She frowned, knowing this song and dance too well. "Klaus, he'll forgive you. He knows you didn't abandon him."
"Does he?" He clenched his jaw, his fist curling as his eyes began to glisten. "I didn't fight for him. I pushed him right into her arms."
"You had to. If the cops came, you know what would have happened."
"I should have let it. Given Finn and Elijah more ammunition."
"It wouldn't have. It would only have looked bad on you." She threw her arms up, frustrated and out of breath. "It's a freaking web of legalities!"
"Right. Her web. That she weaved so intricately."
"Look. I know it hurts but you did the right thing."
"I wish I believed that."
She put her hand on his arm in comfort. "Together you guys will figure this out."
"Perhaps." His eyes slid to hers tentatively. "Or there may be an alternative solution."
"What do you mean?"
He cast his gaze toward his coffee, his jaw wavering in hesitation. "I went to see my father."
The silence was nearly impenetrable. Her voice barely sliced through it when she asked, "You went to the prison?"
"The hospital." It took a moment to comprehend but the revelation hit her like a ton of bricks to the gut, knocking the wind out of her. His voice was quiet, foreboding. "I thought perhaps enough time had passed. That he might have recovered enough…" He met her gaze and she truly couldn't find the words to say. All the while he looked as though he was baring his soul and when she couldn't respond he shut down. "Well the point is, he hadn't. His lawyer was there." She nodded, not fully registering yet. "His lawyer is also the prosecutor in Mikael's appeal."
The look in his eyes was so weighted it didn't take her more than a few seconds to understand. There was only one reputable criminal law attorney in the county. Her heart pitter pattered as a chill washed over her.
"You spoke to Tyler?"
He clenched and unclenched his jaw. There was a dare in his eyes and it made her angry. "I did."
Tyler's involvement in the case was obviously how he knew everything about the family and why he kept trying to ward her off. To stay out of the legal fray and not cause issues for his case. Typical selfish Tyler.
She crossed her arms, getting colder. "And?"
"And," he continued, hesitantly, "He claimed to have information about Esther that could help with our situation."
"What kind of information?" His lips pressed thin in refusal. "Well, what did your brothers say?"
"I haven't told them."
"Why not?"
He shrugged, oddly nonchalant. "I just haven't."
She peered at him, leaning back. "Why do I get the feeling you're not telling me everything?"
"Caroline – "
"Did Tyler say something? Did he threaten you?"
"No." His adamance paused her. "I can't discuss the details."
"Can't or won't?" He closed his mouth, eyes averting. "Right. And we're back to that." She pushed her chair back and stood. "When you feel like cluing me in you know where to find me."
"Caroline, please." Klaus sprang up after her. "I promise you, I will explain everything when this is over. I need you to trust me."
"Well I don't!" She whipped around, furious. "Seriously, you're teaming up with Tyler? You know what he's capable of."
"I'm trying to make things right! If he has the means, then I will gladly let the enemy of my enemy be my friend."
"He's my enemy, Klaus." Her arms flopped. "Where does that leave me?" He had no answer and she nodded knowingly. "You know, someone is always collateral damage in these things, and if Tyler is involved then that someone is usually me."
"Caroline, I swear to you – "
"Just forget it."
He grabbed her arm before she could turn fully away. "Please don't go." His voice suddenly thickened, his eyes shining with the threat of emotion. "I am just trying to do everything in my power to keep the pieces of myself that are shattered together."
She frowned, swallowing her own burgeoning feelings. She hated to impose when he was already drowning, but, "What about me? I have done nothing but be by your side through this whole thing and you just left me."
"I needed time."
"And now you're shutting me out. Again. And working with my ex? What am I supposed to think?" She put her hands on her hips, catching her breath. "Look. I know I can't possibly understand what you and your family are going through. But I want to be there for you, and I can't do that if you won't let me."
He cupped her face, wondering at the miracle that she was. "I'm sorry," he repeated softly.
She closed her eyes instinctively, damning the way he could calm her just with his touch. "Promise me you'll at least tell your brothers. Whatever it is that Tyler has up his sleeve, don't let him have the upper hand for free."
He nodded. "I will."
Mikaelson Mansion – Study – 10:34 p.m.
After sorting through their issues and on the rocky road to mend, Klaus parted ways with Caroline for the night. Under the circumstances, he thought it best he was home with Henrik as much as he could be for the little time they had together. When he walked into the mansion, the house was utterly silent. He looked up the staircase, debating checking in on his sleeping brother, but rustling papers nearby caught his attention.
It was rare that Elijah or Finn went to sleep before midnight. They were often poring over case files, immersing themselves wholly in their work. Klaus was envious of their drive. His inspiration had run dry lately and he hated to feel like he didn't contribute and relied too heavily on them. Maybe when this was all over, he'd find his way back to design and paint the town of Mystic Falls with his architectural palette.
Deciding to trade checking in on one brother for two others, he strolled toward the study and found them each at their respective desks. Neither looked up but they knew he was there.
"You're back earlier than anticipated," Elijah remarked with a lilt of teasing.
"I wanted to check on Henrik."
He lowered the document he was reading. "Niklaus he's not going anywhere."
"Not today," he said pointedly. He took up residency on the armchair diagonal from both of them.
Elijah frowned as he watched Klaus sink into a slow despair. "How is Caroline?" he tried. There was a cautious flit of a glance but Klaus said nothing. And he didn't have to. "You know, time is a fickle thing, brother. Losing it is far less difficult than lying in its wait."
Finn glanced over with a smirk. "Remember that in your approach to fatherhood."
Elijah grinned. "I think taming Rebekah and Kol has given me sufficient training in patience."
Finn chuckled while Klaus watched the two of them curiously. "You're not afraid?"
Elijah looked up, undoubtedly surprised. It was the first time Klaus had acknowledged the topic since the news had broken. Elijah leaned back in his leather desk chair, rocking it slightly with a sigh. When it stopped, his eyes were deadly serious.
"I am terrified."
"Of fatherhood or of pregnant Katerina?" Finn teased.
A ghost of a smile passed over Elijah's lips but Klaus saw through it. So much of their lives had been about fear. Even the happiest of moments were filled with it.
"I'm sorry for what I've caused," he said softly. Both of his brothers looked up in surprise.
"None of this is your fault," Elijah gently assured him. "You did nothing that wasn't necessary."
"I could have prevented it. If I had just gone to the mediation – "
"We would have, eventually, been in the same predicament as we are now."
"Some good news on that front," Finn announced.
"Oh?" Klaus humored him.
"I spoke to Caroline during the week and she put me in contact with her mother, the former Sheriff of this town, who then put me in contact with the current Sheriff."
"He relayed our concerns to Social Services," Elijah clarified.
He glanced between them. "Am I supposed to infer your meaning?"
"Esther is already bound to monthly spot checks during her probation," Finn told him. "Our inclination that Henrik is enduring emotional trauma was just cause for them to perform a spot check earlier, and to do an assessment."
"However," Elijah went on, "when they attempted to assess Henrik he refused to speak with them."
Klaus frowned. "What does that mean?"
"It means, Niklaus, they will be coming to us next," Finn explained. "This could shift in our favor."
"Since Henrik is with us this weekend on visitation," Elijah continued, "I suggested they come by and attempt to talk to him here, in a more familiar environment."
Klaus nodded, understanding at last. "And if he manages to open up to them while here..."
"We cannot sway him," Finn warned. "You cannot sway him."
"If he appears coerced, we will lose all credibility," Elijah agreed. Klaus sighed, pacing away from them in thought. Elijah frowned immediately. "Niklaus?"
"It's a solid plan," he said, not facing either of them. "I have no doubt in your abilities."
Finn and Elijah exchanged a glance. "Then why is there dread in your voice?" Finn asked.
Klaus turned, guilt written all over his expression. "I also had a plan." It was uncanny how much his brothers looked alike when they were worried, he noticed. "I spoke with my father's defense attorney."
Their eyes widened. "Why would you do that?" Elijah implored.
"That could jeopardize everything," Finn added.
"I thought, perhaps, he had information about the incident. Something to use against Esther."
"Blackmail." Elijah squeezed the rim of his nose. "You know all legal consultation should go through us, Niklaus."
"Obviously I wasn't in the most coherent headspace."
"Does he have anything?"
"Nothing from his client, but he claims to have dug up some incriminating evidence. He wants to meet Monday morning."
"I'm going with you," Elijah declared. At his brother's hesitance, he added, "He's already in violation having spoke to you without counsel present."
"That's irrelevant," Klaus argued. "I'm not part of his case."
"It's still a conflict of interest given that you are related to both parties in his case, so to speak." He rubbed his chin. "Has he expressed an interest in involving you?"
"Not yet. Why?"
"I'm curious as to what he would want in exchange for the information he's offering you. Or if he's using coercion in an underhanded way."
"To disclose evidence is not a lightly taken measure," Finn agreed. "Elijah will go with you. I would join you, but I have hearing Monday morning. We can reconvene for lunch."
Klaus nodded though an unease was burgeoning inside. Elijah clapped him on the shoulder. "In the meantime, we should get some sleep." He smiled. "Henrik will be waking us all up early with demands for his favorite breakfast."
Klaus smiled at that. For once he looked forward to the Saturday morning aroma of maple syrup and chocolate, and the sticky sweet laughter that came with it.
