Thank you as always to my wonderful beta Laura (eternityofklaroline) and Nicole (nfinneman) for the cover!
HXHXH
Caroline threw another dress onto the increasingly large heap gathering on her bed.
Her phone began to ring just as another dress was selected from her large closet.
Picking up the phone Caroline didn't even bother looking at the dialer name, she knew who it was, "Just calling to make sure you're not bailing on tonight." Katherine chimed from the other end of the phone.
"I don't even know why I'm going. Esther and Mikael are going to know something's up straight away when I, Klaus's ex-wife, shows up for family dinner."
"Not true, Esther asked me to invite both Stefan and Rebekah's wedding party too." Katherine replied.
"What? Why?" Caroline asked in the confusion.
"I guess Momma Mikaelson isn't pleased she's missed most of the wedding planning because of Mikael's business abroad. I think she wants a full recap of what's been planned so far so she can take over the reigns before the wedding in a few weeks."
"Bonnie didn't even tell me she was coming too." Caroline frowned. Her roommate had been locked in her room all day after her date with Luca the night before. Caroline didn't want to bother her until she was ready to talk but now she was getting worried.
"Last I heard she was coming. What is that sound?" Katherine asked when one of Caroline's hangers fell to the floor.
"It's the sound of my wardrobe falling apart. I can't find anything to wear." Caroline sighed.
Katherine chuckled, "You have the second best closet in all of New York, I'm sure you have something that would work."
"I assume you have the best closet yes?" To which Katherine laughed even louder, "It's just harder to dress when you're pregnant."
"Please, you're like three months." The brunette scoffed at Caroline's absurd statement.
"I woke up this morning with a bump I swear." Caroline ran her hand over the slightly protruding stomach that she could have sworn wasn't there yesterday.
"Fine then wear a peplum and don't be late!" Katherine promptly hung up before Caroline could reply.
"Rude." Caroline muttered before grabbing a white peplum top and black pencil skirt from the floor. She may be blunt but Katherine Pierce was nearly always right.
"Bonnie?" Caroline called out as she walked into the living room after changing.
The doorbell rang loudly before she had the chance to knock on the brunette's bedroom door.
Caroline walked over to the front door, swinging it open to see Klaus dressed in an impeccable suit, as always. He was clearly on a business call, his face serious and tone demanding as Japanese angrily poured from his mouth.
He only briefly paused the conversation to speak to Caroline, his left hand covering over the mouthpiece for a moment, "Did you just open the door without checking who it was?" He asked with a frown before returning to the call.
Caroline narrowed her eyes as he walked into her apartment, "Good to see you too."
Klaus sent her a look before pointing to his watch.
"Yes yes we can't be late I know." She rolled her eyes before walking over to Bonnie's door.
Before her knuckles even grazed the wood, Bonnie flung the door open, marching out into the hall, "Let's get this over with." She announced before continuing out the front door.
Caroline and Klaus stared after her in surprise before sharing a look.
Caroline coughed awkwardly, "Well you heard her." She said before following her friend out of the apartment.
HXHXHXH
"So are you going to tell me what's going on or what?" Caroline whispered.
Bonnie looked over at Klaus on the other side of the limo, still talking away on his cell, "What's there to talk about?" She replied in an equally hushed tones.
"Seriously?!" Caroline replied a bit too loudly causing to Klaus to glance over at them.
Caroline sent him a 'thumbs up' to continue his call before she looked over at a rather bemused Bonnie, "Nice."
"Shut up. Don't avoid my question. What happened last night?" Caroline responded.
Bonnie sighed, "Well I told him everything."
"Okay so what now?" Caroline replied.
"I don't know." Bonnie said honestly, "He understands it was just a kiss but he's not comfortable with me working with Kol so much now. He says he needs time to think."
"Was it 'just a kiss'?" Caroline asked.
Bonnie let her head fall against the leather seat, "I don't know. My brain says everything about this is a bad idea."
"And your heart?" Caroline asked as the car pulled to a stop.
"We're here." Klaus interrupted before getting out of the car.
Caroline frowned at the interruption; things were just about to get good.
"Time to face the music I guess." Bonnie sighed.
"For us both." Caroline agreed following her friend out of the limo.
Klaus walked ahead of the girls, ringing the doorbell before they even had a chance to catch up.
"Something up?" Caroline asked him after he finally ended his call.
"No." Klaus replied firmly as the front door opened revealing a smiling Stefan.
"Does Katherine know you're answering her door?" Klaus asked before walking past his friend.
Stefan looked after him for a moment, "Someone's in a mood."
"Someone's always in a mood." Caroline laughed as her best friend drew her into a hug.
"Which way is the bar?" Bonnie smiled tightly at Stefan before walking after Klaus.
Stefan frowned, his arm still around Caroline, "Why do I get the feeling that this dinner isn't going to go well?"
"Because you're incredibly intuitive." Caroline sighed, her good mood at seeing Stefan slipping slightly.
"Hey no frowning, it's bad for the baby." He whispered before closing the front door and leading Caroline through the townhouse.
Caroline chuckled lightly, "How's work?"
"Do you mean the firm or the wedding?" Kol joked as he appeared in front of the two blondes.
"Very funny but maybe quiet down on the teasing until after the wedding. Bex is a bit stressed right now." Stefan replied.
Kol rolled his eyes, "Bekah is a drama queen."
Caroline frowned when she saw Kol look over their shoulders, his eyes scourging the hall for a third person.
"Looking for someone?" Caroline narrowed her eyes at Kol, letting him know she disapproved at whatever was going on between him and Bonnie.
Kol glared back at her before they were interrupted by another person, "What are you all doing out here in the hallway?!" Katherine rebuked, "To the living room now!" She began shooing them in the direction of the large room where the rest of the dinner party had gathered.
Caroline eyes searched the room but obviously Esther and Mikael had yet to make an appearance. Klaus was in the corner, flicking through Elijah's old records with a large scotch in one hand. Bonnie and Rebekah were sitting on a large chaise by the fire, probably discussing wedding plans considering how quickly Bonne was consuming her drink.
"Finn and Sage are helping Elijah bring the food out. Are you able to eat fish, Care?" Katherine turned to her friend.
Caroline frowned as she watched Kol make a move towards Bonnie and Rebekah, "Uh huh, fish is great."
Damon Salvatore appeared next to Caroline, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, "May I say you're glowing, Caroline?"
"You may say it but you risk sacrificing your tongue by doing so." Klaus arrived beside them, his lips curled in a smirk but his eyes glowered at the older Salvatore brother.
Caroline rolled her eyes before engaging in conversation with Damon and Stefan, talking about one of their firms' latest cases.
"Oh, Katherine dear, you're looking so thin!" A familiar voice rang out from behind Caroline.
Her blue eyes shut for a moment before turning around at the sound of her name.
"Caroline, I don't think I've seen you since the engagement party. How is the world of fashion? Taking down everyone in your path I assume?" Esther asked, her words seemingly harmless but Caroline could hear the underlying tone present.
"Something like that." Caroline gritted her teeth as Esther moved over to Klaus before Caroline had even finished speaking.
"Oh, my boy, could you have not at least shaved for your dear mother?" Esther cooed as she kissed both of his stubbly cheeks.
"Where's father?" Kol asked, coming up the side to give his mother a welcoming hug.
"Beijing. He just couldn't get away I'm afraid. But you'll keep me company tonight right, Kol? I couldn't possibly sit at the table by myself." Esther smiled widely at Caroline before walking into the dining room.
She sent Klaus a look, hoping he would understand what she was trying to convey; that his mother sent a dig to Caroline nearly every five seconds. Klaus looked utterly dumbfounded at her expression and just shrugged before following the rest of the party inside.
"Come on, Care, you can handle a few hours of passive aggressive comment." Katherine spoke lowly to her before taking a large gulp of her wine, "Too skinny my ass." She muttered into her glass.
"Let's just get this over with it."
HXHXHXH
After Esther finished recounting her travels to the group her focus shifted elsewhere just as Katherine went to retrieve the dessert.
"So Stefan, are you getting excited about joining the family?" She turned to her future son-in-law who was sitting across the table.
Stefan smiled widely before kissing Rebekah softly on the cheek, "It will be the best day of my life."
Rebekah giggled as Kol pretended to throw up in his napkin.
Bonnie couldn't help but laugh at Kol's antics, trying to hide her amusement in by bringing the wine glass to her lips. Kol looked up at her chuckling, a wide smile dancing across his face that she was finally acknowledging his existence after ignoring him the whole evening. Feeling his gaze on her Bonnie turned to Caroline but caught the eye of a different blonde woman.
Esther, eagle-eyed as always, tilted her head with a smirk before looking at her son, "And Kol, what about you? Any plans to give me another daughter-in-law? Seeing how I lost one already." She quipped in a bright voice.
Caroline stared into her cranberry juice, willing it to turn into wine before her eyes.
Kol coughed awkwardly, breaking his gaze from Bonnie, "No, no plans mother."
Esther narrowed her eyes, "I don't think I've ever heard you so quiet dear. Is everything alright?" She turned to look at Bonnie who now felt all eyes gather on her.
Bonnie could feel the tears begin to fill her eyes, "If you'll excuse me, I need to visit the bathroom." She pushed her chair back before practically running out of the room.
She brushed past Katherine who was returning with a large soufflé. Katherine turned to stare after her before looking to Elijah who shrugged in confusion.
The room stayed in silent for a moment, everyone sharing looks, before Kol's chair screeched against the wooden floors.
Caroline looked on in surprise as the young Mikaelson went in the same direction as her friend.
Rebekah looked around at everyone, "What the bloody hell is going on?"
"It looks as though something has been happening between Kol and your friend Bonnie, my dear." Esther replied, taking a sip of her wine.
"What?!" Rebekah asked in shock, "Did you know about this?" She turned to Klaus and then Caroline, asking her the same question.
"Look let's just have dessert and talk about something else." Caroline argued.
"Actually mother there's something I wanted to tell you." Klaus announced.
Caroline's eyes widened in shock, "Klaus I don't really think now is the time."
"Oh lord, please don't tell me the two of you are back together." Esther rested her forehead in her hand.
Caroline opened her mouth to finally give Esther a piece of her mind when Klaus interrupted, "Caroline's pregnant mother." Klaus looked over at Caroline and said more softly, "We're expecting a baby."
The whole table, which already knew of the news, were steadily watching Esther absorb the news.
Esther frowned, "Have you two reconciled whilst I was away?"
"Not exactly-" Klaus attempted.
"So this child is a result of what? A drunken tryst between exes?"
Caroline stood up, having the sudden urge to throw up. She wasn't sure if it was the baby or if she was just sick of Esther as she ran out of the room.
Klaus stood to go after her before turning to his mother, "I'm going to be a father so please get on board sooner rather than later." And he left the room.
Esther swallowed her sons' words, half in shock at his threatening tone.
Damon looked around the room awkwardly before raising his glass, "To Grandma Esther!"
HXHXHXH
"Bonnie can you stop?" Kol caught her arm just before she reached the front door.
The petite brunette didn't resist his attempt to turn her around to face him.
"I thought you were using the loo." He said quietly.
Bonnie felt tired and emotionally drained as she looked up at him, "What do you want Kol?"
"I just-I just-"
"Realistically what do you see happening here?" Her voice came out bitter, her own anger at herself influencing the tone, "Best case scenario? I dump my boyfriend of two years to start hooking up with my new boss?"
Kol shook his head, "It's not like that and you know it."
"Do I? Because all I know is your reputation and guess what? Pursuing a girl you know has a boyfriend? It just solidifies what I've heard about you." Bonnie's voice breaks as she finishes.
Kol takes a step back, as if her words have physically hurt him, "Is that what you really think?"
Bonnie's eyes fill with tears again before she shakes her head willing them to disappear, "I think that I don't want to hurt anyone any more than I already have."
"You mean him?" Kol asked quietly.
"Luca. His name is Luca and I care about him, Kol." Her eyes flitted down to the drink still in his hand. She laughed bitterly at the realization that her words were true. Her and Kol were too different; they would never survive together.
Kol followed her eyes to his nearly empty glass of whiskey. His eyes closed briefly, did he have to bring that with him?
"You're not being fair here, Bonnie. I haven't even gotten a chance to prove myself and you're already writing me off." Kol argued.
"You're right." Bonnie sighed, "It's not fair, to you or Luca. But I was with him first and the least I can do now is see this out."
"So what? You're staying with him 'cause it's easier?" Kol spat.
Bonnie winced at his tone before turning around to leave.
Before Kol could say another word Bonnie's voice filled the room once again, "On Monday I'm handing in my two weeks' notice." Her eyes brimmed with tears as she met Kol's shocked brown orbs, 'I'm sorry." She whispered before walking out the door.
HXHXHXH
"Caroline are you alright?" Klaus knocked on the bathroom door once again.
"Go away!" Caroline hollered from the other side.
"Fine!" Klaus exasperated but didn't move from his spot leaning against the doorframe.
Within a few seconds the door opens slowly to reveal Caroline.
"I thought you were gone." Caroline glared at him.
Klaus ignored her statement, "Are you okay? I thought morning sickness only came in…well the morning?"
Caroline's eyes narrow at his confused expression, sometimes she just wants to punch him, "No it pretty much happens all freakin' day but thanks for the concern." She begins to walk towards the front door when he grabs her arm.
"Hey don't leave like that."
"Like what?"
"Pissed off. Esther will come around." Klaus replied.
"So what if she doesn't? I'm not her daughter-in-law anymore, I really don't care what she has to say."
"That's not true." Klaus argued.
Caroline scoffed, "You know what? I think I've had my fill of Mikaelson drama for one day, now if you don't mind I'm going to check on my best friend."
Caroline stormed out of the house, not bothering to give Klaus another look.
"Fucking hell." He muttered under his breath before another voice sounded out.
"You're an idiot, you know that?" Kol voiced from his spot on the winding stairs across the foyer.
"Have you been there the whole time?"
"Seriously the biggest fool that ever existed." Kol continues as he takes a large gulp of his drink.
Klaus sends a glare over to his younger brother, "If you have something to say then just say it and cut the crap, Kol."
"Fine." Kol stands up, his eyes burning with a certain fury Klaus is unfamiliar seeing in his brother, "You had her. The girl of your dreams and you fucked it up. And now? She's carrying your child and yet you continue to fuck it up."
Klaus feels his blood begin to churn at Kol's words, "You have no idea what you're talking about."
Kol keeps walking until he's nearly face to face with Klaus, "I think I know exactly what I'm talking about. You're just too caught up in yourself to see the truth."
"Back off Kol, I mean it." Klaus threatened, after this whole evening he was in no mood to battle whatever demons Kol was dealing with.
"Or what?" The younger man pushed his brother slightly.
Klaus immediately pushed him back, so hard that Kol stumbled to the floor.
Klaus rolled his eyes; clearly aware now just how inebriated Kol was, before reaching out to help him back up.
Kol grabbed his outstretched hand but used his right hand to swing out against Klaus's jaw.
"What in the name of-" Katherine cursed as she came out into the hallway where both boys where now rolling across the marble, "The crystal vase!" She ran to grab the precious vase before they ran into it.
Elijah quickly followed her into the room, grabbing Kol and pulling him back, "Both of you stop this now. Do you realize how ridiculous you are?" Elijah had separated their fights before but it was usually over something worthy, which he knew could not be the case tonight. Kol groaned in protest against his brother but eventually nodded at his request. Sharing a look with Klaus he turned in the direction of the bathroom, quickly deserting the other three.
"I'm leaving." Klaus pressed his hand to his bloody lip before turning to Katherine, "Thank you for a lovely dinner."
Katherine glared, "Please never come again?" She responded sarcastically.
"Are you alright? What happened?" Elijah stepped forward.
"Kol just picked a fight, it's over now I'm fine. Nothing a few bottles of scotch won't fix." Klaus attempted to lighten the mood.
Elijah patted his shoulder, "We'll go golfing tomorrow. Get out of the city for a few hours."
"Sounds good." Klaus smiled tightly before abiding his brother and sister-in-law goodnight.
HXHXH
Also a lot of people obviously want to see Klaroline get back together which obviously will happen however I love me a slow burn. So please be patient as they work through their issues (both individually and as a potential couple further down the line). They divorced for many reasons and none of them have really been worked out.
That being said, if you don't hate me please do leave a review with your thoughts
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