Thank you to GGirlxoxoA, sunshinegold, MurphMurph98, Guest, Lilyzinha, KCer, Jen, bloodysirebond, foreverwishing (x5), zohrax3, Sylvia, veronica, OKBooey31, redbudrose, Guest, vulnera-sapientia, keiko-uchiha, jojem, Sophia Chase, babyvfan, MurphMurph98, shadowfaxangel, ilovetvd, Jackizn, DreamsBeatReality, jessinicole, Ellavm18, elijahlover, EmmaRedVelvet, mscyanide, and klarOlinelOver17 for reviewing!

As you might notice, this fic has new cover made by the wonderful and incredibly talented approvesomuch (from tumblr). It's just gorgeous and beautiful, just like the rest of her work. Big thank you to her!

And, as always, thanks to carasedrin for being such a huge help ;)

Disclaimer: Don't own TVD… :(

Chapter 5

Friends

"It's amazing that we got this far. It's like we're chasing all those stars, who's driving shiny big black cars."

"Wow, so he's really the father, huh?" Bonnie commented when she was finished examining the paternity test papers, her tone conveying some disbelief.

"Bonnie!" Caroline exclaimed, shocked that her friend still thought that there had been someone other than Klaus, when she'd told her so many times that there hadn't.

Her friend had the decency to look at least somewhat abashed. "Sorry, I'm just saying." She put the papers down slowly, joining Caroline on where she was lounging in one of the living room sofas. "What are you going to do? What's he going to do?" She asked.

"He said he wants to stick around, help out." The blonde shrugged, her eyes shifting to her hands as she thought about the encounter she'd had with Klaus yesterday; it had been surprisingly not horrible, not even unpleasant in all honesty.

"What? Really?" Bonnie exclaimed, sounding completely shocked.

"Yeah." Caroline nodded, looking back up to her friend in confirmation.

The other woman seemed to take a figurative step back, looking at her friend appraisingly. "Wow, it's just… from the way you talked about him…" She paused, not sure how she could continue without saying some probably offensive things, even if she didn't intend to do so.

Luckily, Caroline perceived her own mistakes enough that she knew when to take over. "I've decided to give him a chance, maybe not judge him as harshly as I've done before." She said quietly, still slightly ashamed at how she's been handling the whole thing before.

"Looks like our little Care's all grown up." Bonnie teased after a long minute of silence.

"Shut up." The pregnant blonde rolled her eyes dramatically, whilst cracking a wide smile that quickly gentled when her friend spoke again.

"No but really, I'm glad you've had this change in heart." Bonnie said sincerely, reaching over to give Caroline's hand a quick squeeze, showing her support. "I think you might've regretted it later on otherwise."

"I know. Thanks, Bon." She replied softly, completely agreeing with the other girl. It was true, of course. If she hadn't opened herself up enough to give Klaus a chance, her baby might've ended up never knowing his or her father. Caroline wasn't completely sure whether or not Klaus would stick around now, but at least she knew that that was what his intentions were. And for now that was enough for her.

Caroline cleared her emotion-clogged throat abruptly, wanting to put her mind of the subject for a bit. She clapped her hands together, immediately gathering Bonnie's attention to her as she sent her a bright smile. "Now, how about we try to get pregnant girl's mind here off the topic of babies and fathers and onto something a little less responsibility-filled?" The blonde suggested with her usual level of snark.

Bonnie laughed lightly, standing up and heading to the DVD cabinet. "Well then, I'd say we're long overdue for another one of our movie nights."

"Definitely. Should I call Stef too?"

"You can, but I think he's got the night shift today so he might not be able to make it." Bonnie shrugged, shuffling through their movies, pulling a few possibilities out here and there.

Caroline smiled and settled deeper into the couch. "Ok, well then it looks like it'll be girl's night." Her hand shifted to her swollen belly, laying it gently there.

Well, girl's night plus one.

It had been nearly a week since she had seen Klaus when Caroline finally got up to the courage to call him again like she said she would. It wasn't that she was angry at him or anything like that, it's just… he confused her, made her nervous in a way that she shouldn't be. It was Klaus, after all; it's not like she was calling him to ask him out on a date or anything like that so this should definitely not be feeling this way. At all. Ever.

Luckily, Caroline managed to get passed her raging hormones enough to dial his number and hold the phone to her ear. Of course, she was contemplating simply hanging up now and turning her phone off, thereby detaching herself from the entire world… But, before she could make her decision, he picked up.

"Klaus Mikaelson." The deep, gravelly and familiar voice came from the other end, sounding crisp and professional.

Caroline swallowed dryly, attempting to quell her nerves. "Hey Klaus. It's-

"Caroline." His tone conveyed warmth as he cut in smoothly; the blonde could practically see the way her name rolled of his tongue. She felt a shiver run through her and briefly wondered if she was perhaps coming down with something. I should really get that checked; can't be good for the baby.

"Um, yeah." She replied.

"I was wondering when you would contact me." Klaus said, rather cockily. No surprise there.

She rolled her eyes, nervous spell broken. "Of course you were." Caroline said wryly before continuing somewhat unsurely, but more confidently than before. "Look, I was just thinking that maybe we should get together sometime this week and talk about things…" Trailing off, she found herself shrugging, beginning to wonder why she was calling him. Come on, Caroline, get your head in the game, you idiot.

"I have some time tomorrow if you're willing." The reply came quickly, assuredly.

"Really?" She asked surprised at his keenness, and hating the way her voice kind of squeaked when she said it. Clearing her throat again, she tried very hard not to be awkward. "Um, ok, great. When?"

"My lunch break is from one onwards."

"Yeah, that's fine with me. Same café as last time?" Caroline questioned, referring to where they went when they first found out the results of the paternity test. She heard him shuffling some papers around as he answered.

"Sure. I'll pick you up, love." He said firmly, still shuffling.

"Klaus, that really isn't necessary. I can make my way to you on my own." She replied sharply, trying not cringe at how that last bit could be taken. Yeah, that could have gone better.

Klaus' tone went suddenly serious. "I've no doubt, Caroline, but it'll go much quicker if I simply come and get you, for the both of us. And quite a bit more comfortable too, I'd wager." He tacked on at the end, his voice still conveying his firm resolve in the matter.

Caroline sighed after a long moment, deciding to pick her battles. As much as it bothered her that he felt obligated to do this, she didn't want to get into an argument about it right now. And, really, a ride wouldn't be that bad; at least she could give Stefan a break from being her chauffeur. "Fine, fine. Whatever. I'll text you the address." She ended up saying, her mind staying on the perks of a ride instead of the anxious tumbling of her stomach; a tumbling that had nothing to do with the life growing near there.

"See you soon, sweetheart." Frustratingly, Caroline could practically feel Klaus' smugness, even after he hung up shortly after.

Cocky ass.

Still, there was a fond smile on her face before the thought even had a chance to leave her mind.

When the sleek black car pulled up to her measly apartment building, Caroline suddenly wondered why'd she given into Klaus so easily. She didn't recognize the make of the car or anything like that but she could tell it must've been pretty damn expensive, considering the loud but smooth roar of its engine and the insignia at the front. How in the hell? No wonder he's so arrogant.

She waited impatiently for it to stop in front of her, her previously good mood already darkening. If that isn't a sign then I don't know what is…

Soon enough, the car rolled to a stop and out stepped a very good-looking and very frustrating man. Klaus waved in greeting to her, sending her a half smile that Caroline couldn't help but feel obligated to return, though a tad less enthusiastically. She approached him slowly, taking a deep breath to calm herself and get her head straight. It was definitely not the time to make things between them any worse; they were in this together (for now at least) and the both of them would have to adjust to that. Including Caroline. Of course, that outlook quickly dimmed at Klaus' first comment.

"Well, well so this is where the illustrious Ms. Forbes lives. How very…" Klaus began after he reached over to open the car door for her, watching her as she stepped in.

"Say anything derogatory and you're signing your own death sentence." Caroline glared at him, cutting him off, as she adjusted herself in the annoyingly comfortable seat. Why does everything he has have to be so damn perfect?

"I was going to say charming." Klaus replied with a wide smirk, his eyes dark with mirth as he glanced towards her.

"Oh." The blonde startled at this, not expecting the sincerity in his voice. Klaus and surprises, a riveting new romance, Caroline found herself thinking sarcastically, her frustration shifting to herself; why couldn't she for once keep her cynicism and doubt about Klaus down a little? She would likely scare him off if she kept acting so standoffish towards him. Naturally, however, there was a little voice in her mind that was reminding that Klaus was a big boy, and that if he couldn't handle a little mockery, he clearly wasn't ready to be a father of any caliber. For once, Caroline decided it might be best to ignore that voice. "Well thank you. I'm glad you think so." She ended up saying, in earnest.

"Do you really, love?" The Brit replied with doubt, raising an eyebrow in her direction as he started the car and pulled away from her apartment building, eyes focusing on the road in front of him.

She rolled her eyes, sighing slightly; two things she seemed to do quite often in his company. "Are we really going to do this whole back and forth bickering thing right now?"

"I quite enjoy it." Klaus said with a chuckle, his voice low with something Caroline did not want to identify, did not even dare to.

So she, of course, replied in the best way she knew how, with derision. "Yes, well, some of us are actual adults, so…"

Klaus chuckled again, amused and surprisingly undeterred at her usual spitfire attitude towards him. There weren't very many women that were like that around him. "Very well then Caroline. Onto more mature subjects if we must… How have you been feeling?" He ended up asking, noting her stunned expression from the periphery of his vision.

Suddenly feeling somewhat intimidated by the whole situation (you know being alone in a car with Klaus), Caroline found herself rambling nervously, one hand idly playing with a blonde curl, the other protectively over her stomach. "Good, I've been good. This little guy has been keeping me up quite a bit but other than that everything's been surprisingly-" Luckily, she was interrupted before her case of awkward word vomit got any worse.

"Good?" Klaus finished for her, teasing her.

The blonde nodded briskly, not wanting to show the sudden thrill of something she'd felt when he was so casual and carefree with her. Something… more like nothing, she tried to convince herself. Yes, nothing. "Yeah." Caroline finally answered curtly, trying to get out of her increasingly frustrating circling thoughts.

"Well, for that I'mglad." Klaus smirked at her, loving to see her riled up as she was now. Still, he decided to give her a break and stay silent for a little bit. She was carrying his child, after all; chances were Caroline could use some relaxation.

"Ah, here we are." He only spoke again when they arrived on the street where the café was, parking smoothly. With the same odd masculine grace he always had, he swiftly got out and went to the other side of his car, wanting to help the very pregnant blonde he had with him. Of course, said blonde was very… independent as well, and tried to exit the low car by herself. Which, naturally ended with her nearly falling flat to the ground, had Klaus not been there to quickly catch and right her.

"Alright there, love?" He asked quietly, looking down into surprised blue eyes. He felt the ends of his lips tug into another smirk when he noticed the embarrassed blush stain her cheeks.

"Fine." Caroline replied, a bit shakily, before pulling away from him, the arm that had been encircled around the small of her back falling away. Then, with what he was beginning to realize was typical Caroline attitude, she strutted towards the café entry, her blonde curls bobbing up and down.

Klaus shook his head as he followed behind her, his smirk turning into an indulgent smile.

"So what was it you wanted to discuss then?" Klaus asked after they settled into their seats, the waitress having gotten their orders, Klaus going with his usual coffee and Caroline abstaining from everything caffeine considering her state. Chocolate, however, she was definitely not abstaining from.

The blonde was pulling her coat off as she answered. "I don't know, I just thought we should both know a bit more about this and each other so we can move forward with everything…" Caroline trailed off, suddenly very uncertain about this whole thing. It had been her idea but… This was going to be a lot harder than she thought it would be, she realized.

"You're certainly right there." Klaus conceded, surprising her with the lack of mockery in his tone. Ok, maybe it won't be that bad.

"I am?" She let out in shock, before her cheeks reddened and she cleared her throat, not wanting him to see how he flustered her. "I mean, yes, I am." She nodded firmly, internally wincing at her words. I just can't keep it together around him, can I?

Klaus simply raised a brow at her before, thankfully, moving past her awkwardness without comment. "I'll be honest with you Caroline, I myself don't really know how we're supposed to continue from here." He shrugged, leaning back slightly back in her chair. "I'm quite unfamiliar with fatherhood." He admitted lightly, though sincerely.

Caroline smiled, some of the tension around them breaking. "You and me both. Though, in my case motherhood." She elaborated after a moment, her foot-in-mouth syndrome continuing.

Still, it seemed like Klaus might actually have some class when he again just moved on, only giving her the smallest of amused glances. "Well then, maybe we should start by getting to know each other a little more." He said, once more agreeing with her, much to her shock. "We may have had some rather intimate moments, but I really know nothing of you. And I gather you do not know much about me either."

"Not really." Caroline replied, deciding not to let his little insinuation get to her as the waitress brought Klaus his coffee and a hot chocolate for her. And, of course, the waitress just had to make sex-me-now eyes at Klaus; he, however, ignored them and only focused on Caroline. She wasn't going to admit how much that pleased her. Take that coffee-girl.

"How about this; we play a little game. I ask you a question, which you must answer, truthfully, and then you can ask me one. Simple." Klaus suggested, his voice deep with command, before taking a sip from his steaming coffee.

The blonde across from him considered it for a moment. It wasn't exactly the most conventional of methods but when had either of them during this whole ordeal been conventional? So she nodded, assenting. "Fine. But the minute either of us decides to stop answering, the questions stop too. Deal?" She said, adding her own conditions, and cornily holding her hand out for him to shake. Klaus looked at if for a moment, before humoring her and taking it strongly in his own. Caroline felt a sudden thrill rush through when his calloused palm touched hers. She met his blue eyes for only an instant before having to look away because of the intensity of his gaze. Klaus finally shook her hand once, firmly, and pulled away from her; Caroline let out a small smile of relief when the penetrating feelings she was having floated back into the background.

"Where were you born?" Klaus started after a long moment, leaning forward onto the table, his eyes once again trying to catch her gaze. Caroline, for her part, did not need the distraction and avoided them.

"Mystic Falls, Virginia. You?" She answered quickly, copying his movements and leaning forward as well.

"Near London. England of course. Birthday?" Klaus questioned, cocking his head curiously.

"October 10th, 1989. What about you?" They were gaining a rhythm now, going back and forth.

"May 16th, 1984. Only child?"

"Yes." The blonde nodded firmly. "You have any siblings?"

"Several." At Klaus' answer, Caroline almost snorted. Well that satisfyingly vague, wasn't it? Is he trying to keep some intrigue or something like that? "Current employment?" He continued, cutting through her thoughts.

This time Caroline really did snort, because really? What kind of person asks what someone's 'current employment is', instead of just asking them what their job is… "What is this, an interrogation?" She replied snarkily, before moving on with no little amount of Forbes sass. "Yes I am currently employed. As a nurse, actually." Klaus nodded, watching her intently. "When did you start your business? Mikaelson Art & Antiquities, I think it was." She continued quickly.

"I started it a couple years after I graduated from Business School." He answered steadily. "Now, how are you enjoying life as a nurse?"

"It's tough, but rewarding, cheesy as that sounds. Did you always want to go into business?"

"Not particularly, but it's just a job." Klaus said, once again being exasperatingly vague. "Hobbies?"

"Singing, I guess." Caroline shrugged. "You?"

"I dabble in a few things." Here we are, another non-answer. "Are you any good?"

"Can't say." Oh, yeah, two can play at that game buddy. "Are you going to answer my questions straightforwardly at all?" The blonde raised a brow as she crossed her arms, only succeeding in making Klaus' eyes shine roguishly.

"Perhaps…" Caroline looked at him balefully, just causing him to grin widely. Even though her look turned into a glare, Klaus continued with his next question, leaning his chin on the palm of his hand. "That bloke that drove you to the clinic the other day… boyfriend?"

Who's he-? Oh. Stefan. The blonde let out a small laugh at the carefully (and very transparent) curious expression Klaus wore, seeing right through it. "More like best friend." Caroline replied after a moment, before cocking her head at him coyly. "And really, Klaus, do you honestly think hooking up with someone else after being knocked up is a good idea?" She asked, shaking her head slightly. I know where my priorities are.

"I was just curious, love." Klaus said before quickly moving on and not letting them linger on the topic. Looks like I'm not the only one who's feeling the tension. "And that ex of yours, Tyler, is he going to bother you anymore?"

She immediately froze, her friendly feelings freezing over at the mention of her former boyfriend. She really didn't think about the guy right now. Not after the way he treated her. "No. He won't." She said shortly, her frigidness conveyed on her face. Klaus noticed and seemed to back up a bit. "What about you? Any crazy exes I need to worry about?" Caroline swiftly went to her next question.

The man only smirked back. "Not particularly." The blonde could have rolled her eyes at his response, internally berating herself for forgetting whom she was talking to. Right. Womanizer. "Would you like our baby to be a girl or boy?" Now that question threw her for a loop. She'd have thought Klaus would work around this particular topic. Guess not.

"I don't actually know. Either." Caroline suggested with a nonchalant shrug. She didn't feel the need to explain her reasoning to him, particularly not when his own answers were so vague.

Klaus chuckled sardonically. "That was diplomatic."

Caroline flicked her blonde curls over one shoulder, sending him her thousand-watt smile. "What can I say? I'm a natural-born public speaker." She said, laying her sarcasm on thick as she batted her eyes at him.

"I'm sure." This time the laugh was real and even Caroline found her smile gentling, turning friendlier.

"And you Klaus, what do you want?" She asked quietly as she referred to her-their baby, her expression serious.

Klaus watched her carefully for a moment, seemingly contemplating how he should answer. He was surprisingly hesitant, which, Caroline guessed, was not a usual state for him. "I just want to know my child. Make sure she or he is safe, I suppose." He ended up saying, his eyes shifting away from hers.

The corner of her mouth tilted. "And happy?" She tagged on, seeing through his seemingly flippant attitude; Klaus, Caroline was starting to understand, wore a careful façade for the world. Maybe their situation would allow her to see though that mask, at least a little bit.

Klaus half-smiled, coming as close as she expected to admitting it, before masterfully deflecting it. "That was more than one question, love." He said, his grin shifting seamlessly into his usual smirk.

"Guess that means game over then, Mr. Mikaelson." Caroline teased gently, smiling at him in understanding. Maybe all the nervousness and drama of this whole thing was worth it, because she was finally seeing a little more of the other side of Klaus, the side that helped show her what type of father he would be. Caroline had the feeling that he might actually take to fatherhood.

Klaus returned her teasing with a mischievous grin. "I suppose you are correct, Ms. Forbes." He said, playing along. They sat in silence then for a little while, both of them finishing their drinks until he looked down at his watch, pleased grin turning into a sigh. "My lunch hour is just about over." He admitted, looking to meet her eyes. "I'm afraid it's time to depart, love." He stood quickly then, dropping a few bills on the table before she could argue against it and swiftly moving to her side, pulling the chair out. "After you." He invited, face close to her ear, before moving to stand before her, hand held out.

Caroline looked to his eyes for the slightest moment, hesitating, before reaching and taking his hand, allowing him to pull her up. She didn't comment when he held it a tad longer than strictly necessary.

By the time they reached her apartment again, Caroline was feeling quite… satisfied with their little meeting. They hadn't gotten to talk too much about arrangements for their situation and such but at least she was getting a bit more of a feel for the father of her child. This whole trying not to judge him (key word; trying) was actually kind of working out.

"Thank you, Klaus." Caroline said sincerely when they came to a stop in front of her building. She turned to him with a small smile, for once not using her usual snark and sass.

"You're welcome." He replied, voice gravelly as his eyes drilled into her. The blonde nodded in acceptance after a long moment, before smiling one last time at him in farewell. She opened her door and got slowly out of the car then, managing not to have the same mishap as before this time. Just as she was about to shut the car door in triumph, Klaus' voice made her pause.

"Caroline, love, I have a question for you."

The use of her full name caused Caroline to freeze for a moment before she turned back to him, bending down slightly and looking at him with a bit of confusion. "What you didn't ask enough before?"

"I could never ask enough questions about you." Klaus replied, turning on the charm as he sent her a suggestive look. Caroline just rolled her eyes, used to his comments by now.

"Ok. What is it?"

He gestured to her building. "Do you think you'll have enough room for the baby?" Though his tone didn't suggest offense or any such thing, Caroline still took some, hating the mere thought that she couldn't support herself and her baby.

"Yes. Of course. I mean I'll make room." She replied defensively, glaring at him now. I'm not helpless; I can do this. I could do this even without you.

"Alright, I believe you sweetheart…" Klaus replied, placating, but he still moved on with the topic, much to her annoyance. "But I feel living arrangements are something we should discuss." He spoke firmly, pinning her where she was with his stormy blue eyes.

"Well obviously the baby will stay with me, seeing as I am the mother." Caroline replied, her voice strong and resolved. Don't even try it.

"Oh there's no doubt about that." Klaus said like it was obvious. "I'm just wondering if that flat of yours is the best location for the both of you to stay."

Now that comment puzzled Caroline. "Wait, Klaus, what do you-?"

However, before she could even finish her question, Klaus was reaching across the front seat to her door, pulling it towards him. "I'll see you soon, sweetheart. Until then try not to trip to your death." He teased, referring to her two earlier cases of stumbling, before firmly closing the door to his car and starting the engine.

"Klaus!" Caroline exclaimed, bewildered and somewhat annoyed. But it seemed she went unheard because the next thing she knew, Klaus was driving off, all the while throwing her roguish wave, a wicked smirk present on his face. And Caroline, overwhelmed as she was, could only watch him go, her thoughts swirling.

What the hell was he even going on about? I mean, where does he come off? Thinking my place isn't good enough?

I mean, is he actually… is he actually suggesting that I move away?

Maybe I'm looking too much into it… but… is he suggesting I move in… with him?

…

What the hell?

So this gap between updates wasn't nearly as long as the last but still longer than I wanted it to be. Luckily, most of the work I had to do for school is now finished so I should be able to devote more time to my writing ;)

Next chapter, some of Klaus' POV and a surprise visit :D

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think,

RW