Anything Can Happen

by missingstars89

Caroline Forbes has always strived for control and lives her life according to her plans. But when she takes a trip to visit her now estranged brother in New Orleans, she's reunited with his best friend and roommate, the enigmatic Klaus Mikaelson. It was meant to be a trip to reconnect with her brother, but in the Big Easy, anything can happen.

7. Chapter 7

Dedicated to the lovely anon on tumblr and all of you lovely people that took the time to message me about or leave a review since the last update. I read every single one and I can't express how much I appreciated your messages. Thank you all for returning my inspiration and reminding me why I had once wanted to tell this story. This chapter was written because of you :)

Fair warning, nowadays I'm writing a lot more reports than stories so please forgive me for being incredibly rusty. And sorry for making this incredibly long but I figured you guys had waited long enough right? :P

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Caroline sighed as she looked down at her outfit, the fourth outfit she was trying on to be exact. She told herself it was just because she was a little anxious about this girl's night and that it had nothing to do with the prospect of possibly seeing a certain dimpled Brit later.

Nope. Nothing to do with that at all.

Ever since their earlier conversation in the kitchen, she'd been even more distracted than she had been all day and well, that was really saying something. But try as she might, her mind inevitably wandered back to him.

The more frustrating part was that she just seemed to be going in circles with her thoughts. She alternated between being frustrated with herself to being frustrated with the entire situation, to being frustrated with him for saying things like 'I fancy you' and totally throwing her off her game like this.

Slipping into her heels, she straightened out and was looking her whole outfit over in the mirror one final time when she heard the doorbell and despite her anxiousness over the evening, she was almost grateful for the distraction.

She quickly moved to grab her coat and crossbody purse when she heard the doorbell ring again just seconds later.

"Seriously?" she muttered as she hurried down the hallway.

"Oh good, you're ready," Katherine said by way of greeting as she took her in when Caroline opened the front door. "And dressed to impress I see," she added with an almost amused smirk as she took in her outfit.

Caroline wasn't sure what it was exactly, but she suddenly felt like she was missing out on some inside joke.

"Anyone in particular?" Katherine added a touch too innocently, not fooling Caroline for a second.

"Myself," she smiled easily. "Should we get going?"

Katherine smiled, almost like she was impressed by the blonde, and simply nodded.

"Yeah, we probably should. I'm parked in a red zone and I really don't feel like getting another ticket," Katherine said perfectly nonchalant.

Caroline nodded and locked the door behind her and as she followed the brunette down the hall towards the elevator, she couldn't help but wonder yet again, what in the world she said yes to when she agreed to this girl's night.

xxx

After an interesting car ride where Caroline started to think that Katherine's likeness to Elena was probably only skin deep, the two women walked into a fancy restaurant that made Caroline feel suddenly underdressed in her dark fitted jeans and strappy top.

"Of all the places in New Orleans, I should've known Elena would pick the one where it looks like fun comes to die," Katherine scoffed as she took in the crowded, but surprisingly rather quiet environment. "Remind me to not ever allow her to organize a girl's night again."

Caroline had to bite back a laugh. As she'd really learned on the car ride over, the other woman had apparently no filter. Some of her friends always used to complain about the failure in her own brain-to-mouth filter but Caroline knows they would certainly stop complaining if they got to meet Katherine.

Thankfully, Katherine hadn't bombarded her with questions like the previous night, although maybe that's because she was busy blasting her music and swearing at all the "useless" drivers on the road.

After being greeted by the hostess and getting their party's name, one of the waiters led them out to the back patio where Caroline was happy to see the environment was livelier, the jazz music carrying from street certainly helping a lot.

"Hey," Elena greeted them with a bright smile when she saw her and Katherine.

"Hi," Caroline smiled back before her eyes fell on the blonde sitting next to Elena.

"Caroline, this is Lexi, she works at the firm with us," Elena said. "Lexi this is Caroline, Stefan's sister."

"Nice to meet you, Caroline," Lexi smiled as she reached over to shake her hand. "I've been dying to meet someone who could give me all the dirt and embarrassing stories on Mr. Perfect Hair's awkward years and who better than his sister?" she added jokingly.

"Sorry, after I spilled a story about a certain phase of his, he kind of swore me to secrecy, reminding me that it was a two-way street and I wasn't the only one who had stories," she replied laughingly.

"Typical brother move," Elena joked.

"Or is it just a typical lawyer move?" Katherine raised her eyebrows as she opened up her drink menu that the waiter had left with them.

"Hey!" Elena protested with feigned offense. "Let's keep the lawyer knocking to a minimum tonight yeah?"

"I make no promises," Katherine shrugged as she skimmed over the drink menu. "Especially when you guys make it so easy."

"Well at least she's honest," Lexi shook her head amusedly.

"It's part of my charm," Katherine smirked.

"I'm sorry I made you ride here with her," Elena jokingly apologized to Caroline, playfully glaring at her cousin when Katherine flipped her off without bothering to look up from her menu. "And I actually am sorry about yesterday," she added more seriously. "It's a crazy time at the office right now and I got caught up in meetings and with paperwork."

"Don't worry, I totally get it," Caroline assured her. "Things were pretty crazy at work for me too which is why I also needed to take this little break."

"Did you get to do anything fun?" Elena asked. "I know Stefan mentioned that you were going to do a little exploring and Katherine said you guys got to hang out for a little bit?"

"Uh yeah," she said suddenly a little nervous, hoping that Katherine didn't go into much detail about the previous night. "We ran into each other after the parade."

It wasn't exactly a lie but she still caught sight of Katherine arching a brow but thankfully said nothing.

"You got to see one of the parades?" Lexi asked, looking up from her own menu. "Aren't they great? I think they're my favorite part of Mardi Gras honestly."

"Yeah, I think I can certainly see why," Caroline smiled, a part of her more than relieved for the opportunity to steer the conversation away to something else. "I've only seen a couple but I've enjoyed every one."

"I forget, is this your first trip to Mardi Gras or to New Orleans?" Lexi wondered.

"Both actually," Caroline answered with a small laugh.

"Oh you definitely picked the perfect time to come visit," Lexi grinned. "How are you liking it all? I hope Stefan's showing you all the good stuff and not just the best hair salons in New Orleans."

Caroline laughed and saw as Elena shook her head with an amused smile.

"No hair salons yet but he's taken me to some pretty cool places," she replied.

"Have you visited all the tourist musts like the French Quarter, Jackson Square and those places?" Lexi asked.

"Yeah," she responded a little sheepishly. "Stefan had to work so Klaus kind of took on the role of tour guide and took me there and showed me some other great stuff that aren't exactly listed on tourist lists," she rambled a little nervously because she wouldn't be Caroline Forbes otherwise.

She caught the wickedly amused smirk that appeared on Katherine's lips as she continued perusing her menu and she decided she did not want to know what exactly was going through the brunette's mind in that moment.

"Hot roommate Klaus?" Lexi asked. "I'd sign up for a tour with him any day," she added, wagging her eyebrows playfully.

"Would you like a napkin for that drool?" Elena asked bemusedly.

"What? It's not my fault the guy is basically sex on legs and let's not even get started on that accent," she shrugged laughing when both Elena and Katherine wrinkled their noses.

"I prefer my men tall, dark-haired and dressed in suits," Katherine said simply. "But to each their own I guess."

"Whatever, you're both obviously biased," Lexi laughed. "You agree with me don't you, Caroline? Don't let these two affect your answer."

Caroline tried so hard not to blush or to have any type of visible reaction at all, but as she felt three different pair of eyes on her, awaiting her response, she could feel her face begin to burn, especially when she thought about how she would even begin to answer that question. It's not like she could say to his sister-in-law and her brother's girlfriend that she's basically been attracted to Klaus since she was in middle school and has had some less than innocent thoughts about him, especially recently, with the memory of his lips and feel of his rough hands still vividly clear in her memory.

Of all the things we could have ended up talking about...

"He's not bad on the eyes I guess," she tried to shrug nonchalantly all the while fervently hoping they could talk about something else.

"Not at all," Lexi agreed, smiling at the other two triumphantly. "But it seems to run in that family from the ones I've seen. I want to meet the rest of them to test out my theory and I want to meet their parents because I'm curious as hell to what they look like, but mostly to congratulate them on making such beautiful babies."

The other girls all laughed and Caroline almost sighed in relief when their waiter finally came over to their table just then.

As soon as their dinner and drink orders were in, only Elena opted not to drink, claiming she had a really early day the next day and didn't want to risk a hangover, Caroline quickly took the opportunity to try and steer the conversation away from a certain Mikaelson, and thankfully for her, it seemed to work.

Aside from serving as a distraction, it also provided the perfect opportunity for her to learn more about the woman that had so completely captured her brother's heart. She got to learn that she too only had one brother, her parents having passed away in an accident but Caroline didn't press for details, understanding the pain that came with that type of loss all too well.

Lexi, like Katherine, was a bit of a wild card, but she certainly knew how to make them laugh, especially when she started recounting some of her Mardi Gras stories.

In fact, once they got talking about their most memorable Mardi Gras stories, it seemed like it was one hilarious story after another, with Lexi and Katherine definitely taking the cake on craziest things done.

With every story she heard, Caroline was no longer surprised by what Marcel said about Katherine making the morning paper. She would actually be surprised if she'd only made it into the paper that one time.

"Honestly Kat, I have no idea how you haven't been barred from every place in New Orleans," Elena shook her head after Katherine shared a story about how she was no longer allowed into one of the bars on Bourbon street.

"Yeah, I'm surprised your boyfriend hasn't been either," Katherine retorted with an arched brow.

"Why?" Caroline asked curiously.

"Apparently Stefan, Klaus and their group had some crazy times back in college and they got thrown out of a few places on more than one occasion," Elena explained bemusedly. "I've heard some of the stories and let's just say I'm really glad they outgrew that phase."

"What did they do?" Caroline asked at almost the same time Lexi did.

"From what I hear from Elijah, more like what didn't they do?" Katherine snickered. "Apparently they spent more time sloshed and getting kicked out of places than anything else back then. One time they were so hammered, they started stripping for some bachelorette party they stumbled on before the owner kicked them out."

"Are you kidding?" Lexi laughed loudly.

"And let's not forget the time that Elijah went to bail them out after the idiots got arrested because Klaus had gotten into a fight with someone and Stefan had been caught streaking down the French Quarter on a dare," Katherine smirked.

"What?!"

"And he had the nerve to give me hell for sneaking into a bar?!" Caroline thought indignantly.

"Wow!" Lexi threw her head back in laughter. "I can't believe Stefan actually went streaking through the French Quarter!"

"Hey, that's a story you can tell your future child when you're tucking them in at night," Katherine snickered at Elena as she took another sip of her drink.

"Yeah, if you want to scar them," Lexi laughed. "Besides, who knows what type of crazy stories you'll have by the time you have kids. Maybe you'll have even better ones to tell," she smirked.

"Considering they're both basically all work these days and the clock is ticking on that bun in the oven, I'd bet not too many stories," Katherine smirked.

"What?" Lexi asked at the same time that Caroline snapped her head to look at Elena who looked like she could kill her cousin in that moment.

Lexi looked back down at the lemonade that Elena had been drinking before looking up at her friend again.

"Wait- are you?" she asked the suddenly too quiet brunette who's silence spoke volumes.

"Oh my God, this is huge!" Lexi exclaimed while Caroline felt like she momentarily forgot how to string words together, still busy reeling from the news. "Why didn't you say anything?!"

"Because I just took the test," Elena quickly explained. "I just set up an appointment with my doctor to get it confirmed since and I haven't even told Stefan yet so I would really appreciate it if you guys didn't say anything," she continued, bitterly glaring at Katherine who looked away a little guiltily, obviously not having meant to let that little bit of news slip.

"Alright ladies, can I interest you all in some dessert this evening?" the waiter asked as he came around to their table again.

"Uh I'm okay, thank you," Elena smiled politely.

"Me too," Caroline nodded.

"I think we're just going to take the check, thanks," Lexi told the waiter.

"I'm going to run to the restroom, here's my card-" Caroline started to say before Elena quickly interrupted.

"No, don't be silly," Elena protested as she pulled out her own card. "I invited you guys, it's my treat. And I actually need to go to the restroom too so I'll come with you."

Caroline nodded and the two women quietly made their way to the restroom, an awkward silence hanging around them the entire time.

"Sorry about back there," Elena started to apologize when they walked into the too fancy restroom that even had its own seating area.

Seriously?

"I didn't mean for that to come up and you hear about it that way," Elena continued. "I actually didn't want anyone knowing until I at least had it confirmed by a doctor and talked to Stefan about it first. Definitely not what I had planned for this girl's night."

"I'm starting to realize that a lot of this trip hasn't gone according to plan," Caroline tried to joke and Elena smiled weakly. "But you have nothing to apologize for. How do you feel?" she asked more seriously now, trying to get a read on the brunette.

"I feel… like I'm still processing honestly," she admitted. "I just took the test yesterday and I mean, I did picture it. A family with Stefan and I want it, you have no idea how much, but I just wasn't expecting to start it so soon," she added with a breathless laugh as she looked away.

Caroline studied her quietly for a moment before speaking again.

"You're scared," she said, not sure if she was asking or stating it as a fact.

Elena glanced away for a moment before nodding.

"I guess I am," Elena confessed. "It's just… like Lexi said back there, this is huge and I'm scared that I'm not ready and that Stefan's not ready… I'm trying not to get ahead of myself because I've only taken an at-home pregnancy test and I know those things aren't always accurate… and maybe I'm also scared that it's not and that I'll get my hopes up for nothing."

"When are you going to see your doctor?" Caroline wondered.

"I have an appointment for later this week."

Caroline nodded, still trying to wrap her head around this bombshell.

"Are you going to tell Stefan about it?"

She wasn't sure if she was asking about the appointment or the positive pregnancy test.

"Yeah…" Elena answered, though she didn't sound too convinced. "I am," she quickly added, and Caroline wasn't sure if she was trying to assure her or herself. "I just haven't really figured out how I'm going to tell him or found a good time. And I'm sorry for unloading on you like this and in a public restroom of all places," she laughed humorlessly.

"Better out than in right?" Caroline joked. "You don't have to say sorry, Elena, I get it. Well, as much as I can since I'm not in your shoes so I don't know exactly what you're feeling right now. And for what it's worth, I know I don't know everything about your relationship, but I do know my brother and I know that he loves you. Like I'm pretty sure it's the stupid, crazy, probably writing love songs about you type of in love with you."

She noticed the small smile that formed on Elena's lips at that.

"And that's why I think he would want to know. Because I don't think he would want you dealing with all of this on your own and I mean, you totally shouldn't have to."

Elena nodded, giving her a small but appreciative smile.

"Thank you, Caroline," she said. "Do you think you could just do me a favor and not tell Stefan anything? At least until I talk to him?" she added a little nervously.

"It's not my news to tell. And just… I know we don't really know each other, but if there's anything I can help you with, I'd be more than happy to."

"Thank you," Elena repeated earnestly with a smile. "Would it be completely weird if I gave you a hug right now? I know it's not the most ideal place but..."

Caroline laughed a little as she shook her head and allowed the other girl to pull her into a hug that was quickly interrupted when they heard the sound of heels and remembered they weren't exactly in a private location.

Elena gave her an embarrassed smile that she returned.

It was almost strange to think about the fact that this girl was almost certainly going to be her sister-in-law but it was even more surreal to think this same girl was possibly carrying her future niece or nephew at this very moment.

Stefan was going to be a dad.

She pictured it then, him with his beautiful wife and his own family and she couldn't help the rush of happiness that she felt for her brother, happy that after all they lost, he had found happiness again. But as she stood there, picturing it all, she couldn't help but think of her mother and couldn't help the knot that formed in her throat as she did.

xxx

After grabbing their things and Katherine's quip about almost sending in a search party for them, the four women all made their way to the front. After bidding Elena and Lexi a good night, it was decided that Caroline would be the one to drive Katherine's car back since Katherine had had more than one drink even though the latter claimed she was more than fine to drive.

Caroline had just finished adjusting the mirrors when she looked over at Katherine to get the directions to input into the GPS when she saw the brunette look up from her phone with an almost devious smirk that made the blonde almost wary of what Katherine was up to.

"So what are your plans for the rest of the night?"

"Did you have something in mind?" she asked with an arched brow.

"I just got a message from Rebekah. She's bored and considering we're not even close to being drunk which is unacceptable of any 'girl's night', I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to enjoy some booze that'll be on my generous brother-in-law. Apparently the boys also hired out some band that's supposed to be popular so that could be fun."

Caroline looked away hesitantly though she'd be lying if she said that the thought of seeing Klaus didn't make her stomach do a flip. While she had been thinking about his invitation most of the night, she hadn't entirely decided on going or not, still not sure how to act around him since everything that had happened, especially since their conversation earlier, and now here she was, having to make a decision. It would be so easy to say no, to feign tiredness and go back. Back to his place where she would try in vain to pretend that she wasn't thinking about him.

She glanced back at Katherine, noticing that the other girl's smirk had grown into an actual smile, an amused smile, and for a split second Caroline wondered if Katherine knew what was going through her mind.

"So," Katherine started with an almost daring look in her eyes. "What do you say?"

xxx

It turned out to be a crowded night at the bar, even more so than usual. The band and time of year pulling in a bigger than usual crowd, not only of drunken tourists in the city for Mardi Gras, but also many locals and many of their regulars.

It was a good thing they had decided to do this at their biggest bar and set up the band in the small patio, otherwise they wouldn't have been able to fit in nearly as many people.

All night they'd had a continuous swarm of customers filing in, so they hadn't had an empty table or booth almost since they opened. It had been one of those 'all hands-on deck' type of nights, so Klaus and Marcel found themselves working behind the counter most of the evening with their regular bartenders.

Klaus didn't normally mind taking on the role of bartender, especially on nights like this when it was easier to score bigger tips, especially from the ladies in town for Mardi Gras. In fact, Klaus and Marcel would make it a habit to have a competition on which one could score the biggest tip by the end of the night. Since they always ended up evenly distributing it among their staff, the competition was merely for bragging rights, but they took those bragging rights very seriously and while Klaus wasn't above a little flirting, milking the accent and flashing his dimples a little more than necessary to give him an extra edge, tonight he was a little… distracted. By someone who wasn't even there. Something his business partner had amusedly caught on to at some point that evening.

Klaus barely remembered to smile at the two women in front of him after he handed them their drinks as he looked up towards the door when he heard loud feminine laughter and saw a small group of women coming in.

He wasn't proud to admit it, and he sure as hell wouldn't do so out loud, but it wasn't his first time looking to see who walked through that door.

It was ridiculous, and he silently scolded himself for it, but still, he'd found his eyes wandering back towards the door every so often, a part of him waiting to see her walk through that door. Hoping for it, truth be told.

But just like every time before this, he felt that stab of disappointment as he once again didn't see the one face he wanted to see amongst the newcomers. It was all so disconcerting to say the least. He was not used to feeling this way.

"Do you think she's going to come?" he heard Marcel from beside him just then.

Klaus tore his gaze away from the entrance and glanced at the other man, trying not to give him any kind of reaction.

"Am I supposed to know what you're talking about?" he asked flippantly, trying to feign ignorance as he avoided his friend's annoyingly amused gaze.

Marcel merely cocked a brow, a too amused smirk gracing his face as he gave the Brit a knowing look.

"Oh my bad. I assumed there was someone you were waiting to show since you've looked at the door a few times now like you're waiting for it to grant you the secrets to the universe at any minute," Marcel said with a pointed look, laughing at the scowl that appeared on Klaus' face.

"You're imagining things," he scoffed, moving to refill some drinks for some customers and silently cursing himself for not being as inconspicuous as he thought. "And you clearly have a little too much time on your hands if you've had enough time to be monitoring me all night," he couldn't resist adding irritably.

"I can multitask," Marcel smirked, sticking a couple of bills into his designated tip jar. "And obviously I'm not the one who's distracted this evening," he added, pointedly looking at the tip jars.

While Marcel's was almost overflowing, Klaus was clearly lagging behind tonight.

Klaus grit his teeth, trying to keep from visibly reacting and focused instead on handing the rowdy patrons their drinks before moving on to helping another group, all the while trying to ignore the other man. All the while hating how Marcel was right and he just couldn't seem to focus for too long.

As he filled up some glasses with beer, the loud laughter of a group near the front caught his attention and he found himself thinking of Caroline again. He hoped that she was having fun tonight and that his sister-in-law didn't end up giving her alcohol-poisoning.

After handing some customers the drinks they ordered, he was just debating starting to restock some supplies since they were getting low on several things, when he heard a familiar voice calling out.

"Nik!"

Klaus bit back a groan and looked up to see his younger brother leaning against the counter with a gleeful smile. It seemed that despite the busted lip he was sporting from his fight the previous night, Kol had bounced right back.

"Here to start another fight?" he quipped with a pointed look, making the other man laugh.

"I told you, they were the ones who started it," Kol said simply. "But rest easy brother. Tonight I find myself with a full schedule that I'd very much like to stick to," he continued, looking towards one of the booths they usually kept reserved for their family or friends.

Klaus followed Kol's gaze and saw two pretty brunettes sitting at one of the booths, smiling in their direction when they saw the two brothers looking at them.

"They're here for Mardi Gras and I promised I'd show them a good time," Kol said as he turned back to him. "I thought you might like to join us? While I've already set my sights on Veronica, her friend Samantha also looks like a tasty little thing."

Kol looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to respond, no doubt waiting for him to take him up on the offer because isn't that how it usually went?

Yes, the two women were beautiful and it would be so easy to go over there, put on the charm and do what he usually did, but just like last night, he had no interest in this woman. There was only one woman he would like to spend his night charming.

"I'm afraid not this time, Kol," he responded, looking away and ignoring his brother's almost indignant look.

"Why?" Kol immediately and unsurprisingly asked.

"Well for starters, I'm sure you can see we're very busy tonight," he retorted.

"Oh come on," Kol protested. "It'll calm down around here. You're starting to turn into a cranky bore like Finn and Elijah. Besides, I'm sure the place won't fall apart if you leave it alone for the rest of the night. Isn't that right, Marcel?"

Klaus turned to see Marcel picking up some shot glasses beside him.

"Man, if you're asking me to agree with you on this guy taking the rest of the night off while I have to stay here and work my ass off, you're out of your damn mind," Marcel smirked.

"I wasn't saying the whole night," Kol argued. "You both know you're going to take the rest of the night off at some point. I've already seen Sophie here Marcel. So what are you going to be up to, Nik?" he added with a pointed and smug look.

Klaus rolled his eyes, beginning to grow irritated.

"I don't believe I have to explain my plans to you," he responded dryly. "Now I suggest you order something and get back to your lady friends or step aside so I can help actual paying customers."

"Oy, what's crawling up your ass this fine evening?" Kol laughed, looking at Marcel who merely smirked and shrugged. "Seriously, what's with you lately?" he asked, turning back to Klaus with a frown. "First you ditch that girl last night and you're saying no again tonight?"

Klaus sighed, wishing desperately that his younger brother would just drop it but knowing he would not be so lucky. He never was.

"Is something going on?" Kol wondered, his brow furrowed as if he were really concerned and Klaus was almost touched.

That was, until he heard Kol's next words.

"Is this- is there some type of dysfunction going on?" Kol asked with a frown.

"What are you talking about?" Klaus asked a little exasperatedly.

"You know, are you having... performance issues?"

Marcel tried to disguise his laugh as a cough but was unsuccessful -very much so- making Klaus turn to glare at his friend before turning to his brother with a murderous glare.

"What?" Kol defended. "It happens even when you're young. I mean, it's never happened to me but I hear it happens."

"I do not have bloody performance issues you imbecile," he growled.

Marcel didn't even attempt to disguise his laughter this time and Klaus turned to glare bitterly at him.

"I just want to say thank you, truly," Marcel said, the laughter still audible in his voice as he picked up the now full shot glasses. "This moment right here… Oh man, it's because of these moments that I went into business with you."

Klaus scowled as he watched him walk away before turning back to his idiotic brother who was just as visibly amused as Marcel.

"Order something now or leave before I ensure both your eyes match your lip," he snapped.

"Alright," Kol raised his hands innocently though the devious glint in his eyes betrayed him. "Can't blame a guy for trying to show a little concern for his brother."

Klaus glared at him one more time before Kol seemed to finally take him seriously and gave him his order that Klaus wasted no time in going to get. The sooner he got the half wit away from him, the better for everyone.

He came back with the three drinks Kol ordered after a couple of minutes, setting them down on the counter a little loudly to get his attention from where it had wandered back to the booth where his lady friends sat waiting for him.

"Thank you kindly," Kol grinned as he took the drinks. "And a word of advice? Lighten up a little. Come join us. It's not good for business if people see you all worked up like this. After all, nobody really likes a man who can't perform under pressure."

With that, Kol quickly slipped away before Klaus could grab him and wipe that stupid grin off his face.

Cursing under his breath, he moved to the back, deciding it was better to start restocking supplies instead of trying to deal with other people right now. It also wouldn't hurt to do so seeing as they were running low on several things and considering things slowed down enough for the others to handle it for now, this was the perfect time to do it. He could have sent their other bartender Josh to do this, but he wanted to use this time to hopefully get his head on straight.

He was restocking some bottles of scotch when he looked to his side after Marcel came up beside him, scowling when he immediately caught sight of the latter's still too amused expression as he put back a bottle of vodka.

"Does the fact that you're now hiding by choosing to restock mean you've given up?" Marcel asked with a smirk as he motioned to the tip jars. "You know, I'd be more than happy to sit out the rest of the night, maybe it'll give you a chance to try and catch up."

"You're really enjoying this aren't you?" he asked with an eye roll.

"Which part?" Marcel grinned. "The part where your brother legitimately asked you if you're having erectile dysfunction? The part where you really thought you were slick in checking the door half the evening? Or the part where I'm kicking your ass so badly tonight, I practically own it?"

"Your modesty is truly inspiring," Klaus said sarcastically.

"With your ego, I'm surprised you even know what that word means but what can I say? I'm an inspiring guy," Marcel responded amusedly. "You might want to take some notes. Maybe then you wouldn't be such a damn mess. Especially tonight."

Klaus rolled his eyes again, a scowl forming on his face when he heard Marcel's chuckle.

"Cheer up, man," Marcel laughed. "I have a feeling your night can still end up looking as good as mine."

"Do you, now?"

"Yeah, I do," his friend answered, sounding a little too smug. "Because your girl just walked in."

Klaus snapped his head up to look at his friend, finding him smiling knowingly as his eyes flickered back towards the door and damn it all if Klaus couldn't fight the urge to look too and his eyes finally landed on the one face he'd been hoping to see the entire night.

He barely noticed Katherine standing beside her saying something, his eyes glued to the blonde beauty that had captivated him since that first night in his lips parted slightly, his mouth growing dry as his eyes raked her in. She was stunning and the outfit she was wearing tonight only accentuated the fact that much more.

It wasn't until he heard his friend's quiet chuckle that he remembered he wasn't alone.

"I hope you're at least subtler around Stefan," Marcel said amusedly.

Klaus snapped his gaze away and turned to look at Marcel who was looking at him with that same knowing look as before.

A part of him immediately wanted to deny it, to once again tell him he didn't know what he was talking about, but the look on Marcel's face told him it would be of no use.

And perhaps there was some other small part of him that was almost relieved that somebody else knew. That it was no longer just a secret to be kept to himself.

So instead he looked at his friend, wanting to ask how he knew but not being able to bring himself to. It seemed he didn't need to however, as Marcel very clearly understood his questioning gaze.

"I saw you two earlier at your place and given what I'd already observed, it wasn't hard to figure out," Marcel explained simply. "Like I said, you're not always as slick as you think you are. And not that I needed it, but this right now was all the confirmation I would have needed," he added, shaking his head as his lips curled into an amused smile. "I knew since that first day I saw you two together that you were sweet on her."

Klaus rolled his eyes, but he knew there was nothing he could really argue and that was annoying him to no ends in and of itself.

"Do me a favor and at least wait until we don't have a line going out the door before you disappear with her yeah?" he added, throwing him a final amused look before walking to the other side to help some more customers.

Klaus glanced back towards the door where Caroline had been standing just moments ago. She was no longer there but as his eyes quickly scanned the crowd, he soon found her walking towards the counter, and his eyes met hers.

Truth be told, he didn't know what to expect since their conversation earlier. In fact, one of the things he feared was that the reason she wouldn't want to come is because he had come on too strong. While he was no stranger to pursuing women, he felt completely out of his element with Caroline.

So maybe that nagging fear that he had done it all wrong and scared her away had kept eating at him the entire evening, but when he saw the small, and almost shy smile that formed on her lips when her eyes met his, he felt some of that fear dissipate and he couldn't help but smile too. His first real smile since their earlier exchange in the kitchen.

He motioned towards the end of the counter by where they entered and exited since it was far less crowded there and watched as Caroline nodded before she started making her way over there with Katherine close behind.

"Hello, love," he greeted with a dimpled smile when she reached him.

"Hi," she smiled almost nervously, meeting his gaze for a moment before she looked away and glanced around the crowded place. "Looks like you guys have quite the turnout tonight."

While it had slowed down some since earlier, it was starting to pick up again up front and while he knew it was certainly good news business wise, at the moment, he couldn't help but internally groan.

"Yeah, does this mean we can expect a good Christmas present this year?" Katherine quipped as she came to rest against the counter too.

"Because providing you with free alcohol all year long isn't present enough?" he retorted dryly.

"It's not a bad start," she shrugged, making Klaus roll his eyes.

"You know, I'm sure Marcel and I could find it in our hearts to withdraw the free supply of alcohol if you find it to be so lackluster," he retorted with a sardonic smile before turning his attention back to Caroline who seemed to be watching the exchange amusedly.

Her eyes met his again and he smiled, an actual genuine smile that seemed to so easily appear on his face whenever she was around. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he could almost swear she seemed to grow a little flustered, almost like she was forcing herself to not shy away from his gaze.

"So," Caroline started, looking away towards the group of people crowding the front, waiting to get their drinks. "It looks like you guys are pretty busy so maybe we should get our drinks and get out of your hair."

He almost protested, he wanted to spend a little more time with her but he knew she had a point and Marcel would likely be less than pleased if he left him to deal with the chaos on his own.

Not to mention he was well aware of Katherine's prying eyes that he knew were always cataloguing everything.

"Yeah, we'll just take some of that aforementioned free alcohol and let you get back to it," Katherine smirked. "I'll start off with a Whiskey Sour. You?" she added, looking at Caroline.

"Make it two Whiskey Sours please," Caroline said.

"Make it three," came another accented voice from behind Caroline, causing Klaus to look up at the same time Caroline quickly turned her head.

He raised his brows in surprise and confusion when he saw his sister joining the two women.

Is she really joining them for drinks?

It would appear so and given Rebekah's and Caroline's tumultuous past that still seemed to be a little too recent for both women, he was more than a little surprised by this sudden development. And perhaps a little suspicious.

"I didn't know to expect you tonight, Bekah," he said almost conversationally but the question was clear in his eyes.

What are you up to?

Rebekah merely shrugged.

"After the day I've had, I could use with a drink," she said simply.

"So happy we could be of assistance then," he smiled wryly, noticing Rebekah expression and knowing very well she was about to respond with some witty response but wisely refrained.

"I'm going to go look for a table since I see the usual one is already taken," Katherine said bemusedly as she eyed Kol and his latest paramour. "Make sure he doesn't skimp out on the good booze," she added over her shoulder as she walked away with Rebekah close behind her.

Klaus rolled his eyes while Caroline smiled amusedly.

"Don't worry, I won't tell her if you do," she joked when he turned to her.

"Thank you," he chuckled. "But trust me, she'd probably be able to smell if I did. Not that I would ever dream of it of course," he smirked.

"Of course," she repeated laughingly as she dug into her purse and pulled out her wallet.

"Don't worry, love, I'm not going to card you," he said amusedly, smiling when she rolled her eyes as she pulled out her credit card and tried to hand it to him. "What's that?" he asked with a quirked brow, not even attempting to reach out and take the shiny plastic from her.

"Take a guess," she deadpanned, still holding out the card and quirking a brow when he still made no move to take it from her. "I'll give you a hint: it's used in place of cash to pay for things sometimes."

"Yes, but what are you doing with it?"

"I don't know how you like to do things here. Do I pay for drinks now or are you going to keep a tab I close out at the end of the night sort of thing?"

He scoffed and raised his hand dismissively.

"Please put that away," he said. "You're a guest. It's on the house. One of the beauties of being one of the owners," he added with a smirk.

"I don't mind paying for my own drinks," she frowned.

"I'm sure you don't. Just like I don't mind giving them to you for free," he replied, a smile tugging on his lips at the way she tilted her chin out slightly, a challenge in her eyes that he so enjoyed.

She raised her brows in mock challenge and he did the same, his smile growing more amused as the two engaged in a silent battle of wills.

He watched triumphantly as she finally huffed out a laugh and shook her head.

"You're impossible," she said laughingly.

"I've been called worst," he smirked.

Flashing her a dimpled grin, he moved away to gather the necessary things for the drinks they ordered, trying not to seem too eager to return to her as he mixed the drinks.

When he turned back to her, he found her watching him and he felt a smile tug on his lips.

"Three whiskey sours as requested," he said as he set a tray down in front of her.

"Thank you," she smiled. "Are you sure you don't want me to pay for at least my drink?"

"Yes," he chuckled. "I'm sure. Just enjoy it on my behalf. Lord knows I'll definitely be wishing for a drink by the end of the night," he sighed as he glanced around the crowded bar.

"Well, maybe you'll be able to take a break later and come have a drink with m- us. Later. If you want," she rambled slightly, and he caught sight of the slight flush that spread on her cheeks before she ducked her head and he couldn't stop the wide smile that spread on his face at her flustered state.

"I'm already looking forward to it," he grinned.

"Good," she responded with a small smile that still had the ability to make his heart skip a beat.

She picked up the tray then, and with a final smile, left him to watch her walk away into the crowd with a lingering smile on his face.

As he watched her disappear into the crowd however, he saw another familiar blonde approaching him and the look on her face told him she was very much aware where his attention had been.

"Still hung up on that one, are you?" Rebekah drawled, thankfully waiting until Caroline was at least out of earshot. "I'd have thought you'd have grown bored of her by now."

He glared at her, the warning more than clear in his eyes.

"We've established that it's none of your concern, haven't we?" he retorted, the irritation audible in his voice. "Now tell me the truth. What are you up to?"

"Oh relax your overinflated head," Rebekah rolled her eyes. "I'm not here to torture your pretty little girlfriend if that's what you're getting at," she continued, smirking at the low growl that escaped him. "Anyhow, do you think you can pry yourself away from your girlfriend for a little while the day after tomorrow?"

"Why? Don't tell me you miss me already?" he quipped sarcastically instead of outright answering, knowing that his lack of confirmation or denial would drive his nosy little sister crazy.

Sure enough, he watched with satisfaction as she rolled her eyes exasperatedly.

"I'm asking because Henrik will be flying in that day."

That certainly caught his attention.

"He's coming home?"

Rebekah nodded.

"Just for a couple of days. Mother let me know today and if you bothered to return any of my calls, you would already know this," she quipped.

"Why is he coming home?" he asked, ignoring her last comment. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, he just wanted to come out here to spend some of Mardi Gras with the family and mother thought that it would be good for him to spend a couple of days with all of us. She's wrapping up her business as well, so she'll be flying back tomorrow."

He nodded and noticed the way Rebekah looked at him almost warily.

"Do you think father will use him as an excuse and try to come around while he's here?"

"No," he immediately shook his head, his voice sounding harsher than he expected and he exhaled, forcing himself to relax. "He won't dare come around. We'll ensure it."

Rebekah looked at him, still unconvinced but nodded.

They would deal with Mikael if need be. And their mother had a point. It would be good for Henrik to enjoy himself with his family and he truthfully missed his younger brother and was already looking forward to spending time with him. They did Facetime when the time allowed but it certainly wasn't the same as seeing him in person.

"Send me his flight details," he told Rebekah. "I'll pick him up from the airport."

"And I'll be coming with you," she added unsurprisingly. "I see Kol is wasting no time in being a trollop tonight," she added as she looked at the table where their brother was sitting with the two women. "And an ambitious one at that."

"Rebekah," he started, very much wanting to get back to their initial discussion.

"Oh I'm sorry was that offensive of me to say?" she smirked, making him huff in exasperation because they both knew that's not what he wanted to talk about.

"Rebekah-" he said again, only to have Marcel interrupt when he joined them just then,

"What is it with the Mikaelson siblings showing up to distract this guy tonight like he wasn't lazy enough?" Marcel jokingly said as he reached out for some more shot glasses.

"Oh Marcel, if you also want attention all you have to do is ask," Rebekah smirked while Marcel shook his head with a chuckle. "But as it is, I'll gladly let my lazy brother get back to work, especially since it looks like you have several customers in need of some service. And I should probably get back too. The girls are waiting after all."

Klaus watched her walk away, silently cursing the fact that she was right, and they did have a small crowd forming around the bar area again. He would just have to sneak away at a later time to ensure his darling sister and sister-in-law weren't badgering Caroline too much.

Unfortunately for him, he had a bar to tend to for the time being.

While his sister and sister-in-law got to have drinks with the person he'd been hoping all night to show, he got to serve drinks to complete strangers.

No, he wasn't bitter at all.

xxx

After listening to Rebekah vent about her day (Caroline could certainly understand her need for a drink after the day Rebekah had) and finishing their drinks far too quickly, Katherine had dragged her and Rebekah out to the patio where the band was playing to dance. Well, dragged might have been a slight exaggeration.

Truthfully, Caroline didn't mind the idea of dancing and something told her that Rebekah didn't exactly mind either.

Marcel hadn't been lying about how good the band was and the whole environment they managed to create was exactly what Caroline imagined when she thought of Mardi Gras and New Orleans. The music was fun and upbeat and impossible not to dance to. They danced until Caroline felt like she was burning up and in desperate need of a cold drink. She communicated as much to the other girls who agreed but first, a bathroom trip was definitely in order.

While she went to wait in what was probably going to be a long line for the restroom, Rebekah and Katherine said they would go find another table and get them some more drinks, and Caroline hoped those drinks included some water.

As she was making her way back from the restroom, she glanced towards the front and smiled when she caught sight of Marcel doing some bartending tricks while some customers cheered him on. She also caught sight of Klaus on the other end of the counter, smirking as he mixed some drinks and she took a moment to admire how he good he looked in his Henley's, especially with the sleeves pushed up to his forearms the way they were now.

She subconsciously bit her lip, remembering those strong forearms banded around her, holding her against that firm chest she wished she could run her hands across.

"Whatcha looking at?" she heard a too familiar and too amused voice from beside her just then, making her almost jump out of her skin.

Damn it.

She quickly turned to find a too amused Katherine looking at her expectantly, before looking in the direction Caroline just had been looking seconds ago.

"I guess not bad on the eyes indeed," Katherine chuckled, and Caroline could feel her face burn, silently cursing the fact that the brunette caught her staring at Klaus. "Did you maybe want to go get the drinks? I'm sure the view is much better from up there."

She was opening her mouth to say something -what, she wasn't entirely sure- but Katherine spoke before she could.

"Relax, I'm not going to grill you on what your intentions are with my brother-in-law are or whatever. I don't know why you tried to hide it from Elena, but if you want to ogle Klaus or do whatever it is you're doing with him, be my guest. You're both adults. No judgment here. On the contrary actually. I find it endlessly entertaining watching you two," Katherine snickered. "I don't think I've ever seen Klaus this nervous over a girl and you are just as entertaining to watch. Anyway, we're sitting back in that corner there if you want to join us when you're doing checking him out," she added with a smirk as she walked away.

Caroline stood there for a split second longer, fighting back the color that was now staining her cheeks before she turned and headed in the direction Katherine pointed, not daring to look back.

It wasn't long before she found Rebekah sitting in a small booth by herself, scrolling away on her phone and Caroline smiled a little tentatively when the other girl looked up.

"Katherine's gone to get us drinks," Rebekah said as Caroline slid into the small booth.

"I know, I uh ran into her."

Caroline had never really been one for stretches of silence in social settings, especially awkward ones like the one that befell them just then. She could pull out her phone and pretend to be engrossed in it like Rebekah was apparently engrossed in hers, but she was determined to fill this silence instead. Maybe she and Rebekah would never be best friends or anything, hell, they may never even be friends period, but maybe it didn't have to be so awkward between them all the time.

Here goes nothing.

"Looks like the guys are doing really good tonight," she said, not sure what else to say.

Rebekah looked up at her, an almost amused smirk playing on her lips.

"I never knew you to make attempts at small talk with people you hate," Rebekah responded. "I guess some things have changed since high school."

Caroline rolled her eyes again but could feel a tiny smile on tug on her lips that she was certain the other blonde also caught.

"I don't hate you," she argued. "Anymore," she added after the pointed look that Rebekah shot her.

"Good, because this would make for a terribly awkward night otherwise," Rebekah said.

"So, does the fact that you're here for a girl's night that includes me mean you don't hate me anymore either?" she asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Maybe I was simply bored and decided you didn't make such terrible company when we went dress shopping, but I guess we'll find out won't we?"

Caroline shook her head slightly and glanced at the other blonde again.

"I know you told Klaus about the dress for your party," she said a little awkwardly, still wrapping her mind around the fact that Rebekah Mikaelson had done that for her.

"I should have known that Nik wouldn't be able to keep his big trap shut," Rebekah scoffed.

Caroline winced, silently hoping she didn't just land him into any kind of trouble with his sister.

"He only told me because I asked but I kind of figured it was you since you and Priscilla were the only two who saw me in the dress," she explained. "But anyway, I just wanted to say thank you... You didn't have to do that."

She noticed that the other blonde shift uncomfortably and Caroline would have laughed if she wasn't feeling the same way.

"Yes well," Rebekah started after a split second. "Nik was the one to pay for it, I merely mentioned it. I couldn't let you show up looking like a peasant and having you ruin the whole aesthetic of my party after all."

Caroline rolled her eyes but there was no real annoyance behind it. Normally she'd respond with some sarcastic comment, but she was starting to think she was finally getting a better understanding of Rebekah and felt this was just her way of trying to play what she did off.

"But you're welcome," Rebekah said glancing over at her and Caroline almost swore she saw a hint of a tentative smile on the other blonde's lips, but it disappeared just as quickly. "Besides, that dress was perfect for the theme and you. It didn't make sense for you not to wear it."

"Wow," Caroline smiled a little. "That may be the nicest thing you've ever said to me," she said jokingly.

Rebekah actually cracked a smile at that.

"Don't get used to it," Rebekah said.

"Of course not," Caroline joked. "Pretty sure we'd mess up the entire balance of the universe if we were nice to each other for too long."

"Precisely," Rebekah agreed but Caroline could see another hint of a smile there.

Caroline shook her head with a small laugh but was distracted when another Mikaelson took a seat beside her.

"Well if it isn't some of my favorite people," Kol said happily as he looked at the two of them.

"What do you want, Kol?" Rebekah immediately asked.

"To spend time with my favorite baby sister and an old friend," Kol replied innocently, making both women roll their eyes simultaneously.

"Let me guess? Those two women you were with earlier came to their senses or you scared them off so now you're here bothering us instead?" Rebekah retorted.

"I resent the word 'bothering'," Kol argued. "I'd use the word 'blessing' if I had to choose just one. And no, I didn't scare anyone off. They had to go. It's all Nik's fault for refusing to come out with us tonight. The bloody wanker," he grumbled.

Caroline didn't miss the way Rebekah glanced at her before answering.

"Go bother him then," she drawled.

"Bekah don't be rude. We have company," Kol chided and Caroline couldn't help but snort.

"When has that ever stopped you?" Caroline asked with a pointed look.

"That was then, darling. I think I'm a more refined man now."

"You're the only one who thinks that," Rebekah smirked.

"Why don't you-"

"Dry your tears, your favorite sister-in-law has returned bearing gifts," Katherine announced as she set down a tray carrying a brand new bottle of and several shot glasses and Caroline was extremely grateful to see that she had remembered water too. "Already scared your new girlfriends off?" she asked amusedly as she glanced at Kol. "Doesn't that part usually take a few more hours? I think this is a new record for you isn't it?"

Caroline tried to bite back a laugh at Kol's affronted expression.

"Oh look who thinks she's a comedian," he grumbled as Katherine slid in besides Rebekah.

"Yes, I know I'm hilarious. Now too much talking, not enough drinking," Katherine said as she started serving shots for all of them. "What are we drinking to this time?"

"Who cares? Let's just bloody drink!"

xxx

It was late and the crowd had finally calmed down enough for Marcel and Klaus to both feel comfortable to leave their staff to handle things on their own and Klaus had never been more grateful for the chance to get to call it a night.

It had been a night that both seemed to have blurred by but somehow had seemed to drag on as well. Probably because all night he'd wanted nothing more than to slip away and join Caroline, but every time it would seem to calm down some, a new wave of customers seemed to come in.

He'd caught sight of her a few times throughout the night and he'd been happy to see her enjoying herself. He'd been thrilled to see her and his sister apparently getting along. While she and Rebekah may not exactly be friends yet, it certainly seemed like they weren't enemies anymore either. Even Kol had joined them and while he'd initially worried about the type of nuisance his brother would be, it seemed the three women knew how to deal with Kol. Whenever he'd catch sight of their little group, he would mostly catch them smiling or laughing or throwing back yet another drink.

And so, while he lamented the fact that he wasn't able to enjoy her company earlier and have that drink she mentioned, he was happy to see her having fun, and with his family of all people.

"Heading out soon?"

Klaus looked up and saw Marcel standing by the edge of the counter, already changed into a dark button-up shirt.

"Yeah, I think Josh and the guys have it from here," Klaus answered.

Marcel nodded.

"So are you going to go meet your girl now?" Marcel asked with an amused grin, making Klaus shoot him an annoyed look.

He did not like how much fun Marcel was having with this.

"What?" Marcel chuckled. "After all the shit you've always given me, did you think I wouldn't return the favor? I've earned this and you bet your pompous ass I intend to make the most of it."

Klaus rolled his eyes but knew that the man had a point. Not that he would admit it out loud of course.

"Want my advice?"

"Something tells me you're going to give it to me no matter what I say," Klaus responded with a knowing look, not surprised when Marcel chuckled.

"If you really like this girl and want her to put up with your moody mug for more than a weekend, you have to give her a reason to want to. The superficial charm can only work for so long. At some point, you have to give them something real," he said simply. "And for what it's worth, I think that a girl that can put that goofy ass smile on your face, she's not the one you want to let get away so easily."

Klaus looked away, uncomfortable with how vulnerable he felt all of a sudden. In all the time they'd known each other, they'd never had a conversation about a woman like this one. Not pertaining to a woman Klaus was interested in at least, and now here he was, struck mute as Marcel's words struck more than one cord.

Earlier he had vowed he would show her he meant it when he said he fancied her, that he would prove to her that he cared for more than a fling and he was still determined to do so, but he realized he had no idea how. Marcel's words made sense and seemed simple enough but yet the thought of opening himself up that way to someone, making himself vulnerable in that way, well, it was a new form of terror he was not familiar with.

He looked up when he felt the other man clap him on the shoulder, giving him a knowing but almost sympathetic smile.

"And now if you'll excuse me, I have a gorgeous girl of my own waiting for me too," Marcel smirked.

With that, he left Klaus alone to ponder his thoughts for a moment before he seemed to shake himself out of his stupor and glanced around the bar again, looking for any sign of Caroline or his family.

He'd seen Kol slip out with a giggling redhead earlier, so he looked around for the rest of the rowdy group. It turned out they weren't hard to find. He quickly found the three women dancing out in the patio along with others in the crowd to the band's final set that they'd decided to extend due to the warm reception they'd gotten from their audience.

He stood there for a moment and felt a smile tug on his lips as he took in Caroline dancing, totally off beat and like she had no care in the world. Klaus wasn't sure if it was because she felt his gaze on her, but Caroline looked in his direction then and he felt something tug at his chest at the wide, beatific smile that formed on her lips when she saw him and quickly rushed over to him.

"Klaus!" she greeted happily, her already rosy cheeks seeming to grow a little more flushed. "You're finally here! Why are you just standing there instead of dancing?" she added with a slight frown.

"I haven't been standing here long," he assured her with a chuckle. "I've only now been able to get away from those pesky bar duties."

"Does that mean you're free for the rest of the night then?" she wondered.

"I am," he confirmed. "Though I fear it's getting rather late so that may not mean very much."

"Please," she said dismissively. "I thought the party never ended in New Orleans," she grinned deviously, like a little girl about to get into some mischief. "Besides, you said you'd have a drink with me remember?"

He took in her flushed cheeks and the slight far away look in her eyes, coupled with her slightly slurred words and it wasn't hard to figure out that the beautiful blonde in front of him was in fact drunk.

"I think we're going to have to take a rain check on that drink," he chuckled.

"Why?" she asked with an adorable pout.

"How much have you had to drink tonight, love?"

"I kinda lost track," she admitted with a shrug. "But we decided to blame Kol for that though since that drinking game was his idea."

He laughed and looked down at the infamous beads adorning her lovely neck.

"Is that why I saw him flashing those poor souls?" he asked amusedly, recalling how he'd seen his brother flashing some drunken patrons who in turn proceeded to throw beads that Caroline, Rebekah, and Katherine had quickly snatched up and obviously got to keep.

"Not exactly," she shook her head with a smirk. "It was mostly part of our deal to get me to be his wingwoman," she rolled her eyes bemusedly.

"Come again?" he asked, both in surprise and amusement.

"Yeah," she sighed. "But that was short lived. Turns out helping guys get laid isn't one of my strong suits. Though in my defense, it was totally his fault for having the lamest pick-up lines. I mean, hello! Give me something to work with here buddy!" she huffed. "Though maybe I shouldn't have said that to him in front of the girl," she mused.

He couldn't help the loud laugh that escaped him and he caught sight of the way her smile widened just a little more.

"I'm terribly sorry I missed this," he said.

And he meant it too.

"You didn't miss that much," she shrugged. "And the important thing is that you're here now," she added with a bright smile. "Felt like I was waiting for you the whole night."

He blinked in surprise, not sure what to say but it seemed Caroline was distracted in that moment and no longer paying attention to him.

"Hey, isn't that your brother?" she asked suddenly, making him turn to look in the direction she was looking and sure enough it was.

He was surprised though when instead of being greeted by the sight of Kol, he was greeted by the sight of Elijah walking out into the patio instead, his eyes scanning the crowd before seeming to land on him.

"What's he doing here?" Klaus wondered out loud as he nodded to Elijah in acknowledgment, though he was fairly certain he had a pretty good idea what would bring his older brother here at this hour.

"Ugh Lexi's right," Caroline said just then. "Your parents deserve some congratulations."

"For what?" he asked, the confusion clear on his face.

"For your beautiful face and I mean, your siblings were all clearly blessed in the gene department too," she said matter-of-factly.

Klaus tried to stifle his laugh but was unsuccessful, not that Caroline seemed to mind.

"Good evening," Elijah greeted the pair politely as he reached them. "Or rather morning."

Klaus chuckled and looked at his brother before looking at the blonde silently standing beside him.

"Elijah this is Caroline," he introduced the two. "Caroline, this is Elijah, my older brother, or rather, one of them at least."

"It's very nice to formally meet you, Caroline," Elijah smiled as he reached out to shake her hand. "I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to at the ball but unfortunately it appeared our paths never properly crossed."

Klaus stiffened a little at his brother's comment and the subtle but knowing smile on Elijah's face as he quickly glanced at him. Of course Elijah recognized her from the ball.

"Well I'm glad we got to meet today," Caroline smiled, ever the gracious one even in her drunken state.

"So to what do we owe this pleasant surprise?" Klaus asked his brother. "Surely it's past your bedtime," he couldn't resist adding with a smirk.

"As a matter of fact, I was indeed sleeping," Elijah said simply. "But I've received a number of calls from my lovely wife, the last one including a message from a lady named Antebellum about how she needed me now."

Klaus laughed, wishing he had been able to witness these calls.

"Well your charming bride is right over there with our dear sister," he informed him, pointing to where the two women were still dancing.

Elijah smiled amusedly as his eyes landed on Katherine who appeared to be dancing to her own beat.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go see if my wife or sister are ready to go home," Elijah said with a fond smile as he kept his gaze glued on the brunette.

"They're a cute couple," Caroline remarked as she watched the elder Mikaelson walk away. "I think they're also going to make some really cute babies. I wonder if they'll be cuter than Stefan's and Elena's."

Klaus choked back a laugh as he turned to look at her.

"I suppose we'll have to wait and see," he smirked.

"And in the meantime, I think I'll go pee," she announced.

She started to walk back inside before stopping suddenly and turning to look at him again.

"Don't go anywhere," she added, pointing a finger at him for good measure and Klaus didn't even attempt to hide his amusement as he nodded subtly in agreement.

Seemingly satisfied, she turned away and he watched her amusedly for a moment before he was distracted by a familiar voice.

"Nik and Elijah are here!" he heard Rebekah shout and turned to see his sister walking towards him a little unsteadily, while behind her, Elijah wrapped his arms around Katherine who appeared to have jumped into his arms. "Quick Nik, get us another round!"

Klaus arched a brow at his sister's demand and made no move to leave.

"One, I've been here the whole night and two, I think you've enjoyed more than enough rounds little sister," he responded simply.

It was clear as day that she was also drunk and he couldn't help but pity the poor soul that would encounter Rebekah with a hangover in the morning.

"You're not the boss of me," Rebekah huffed.

"No, but I am the bartender tonight and I'm afraid I'm cutting you off," he retorted with a smug smirk.

"I'm afraid I have to agree with Niklaus," Elijah's voice came from behind their sister and they both turned to see him all but carrying a very drunk Katherine. "I think it would be best if you went home and got some rest, Rebekah. You know how terrible your headaches can get after you've consumed too much alcohol and aside from saving yourself that pain, I don't think you want to risk still being indisposed when Henrik flies in?"

Klaus bit back a smile as he saw Rebekah grumble under her breath but they both knew she wouldn't risk anything when it came to Henrik. Trust Elijah to smoothly play the card that would trump all of Rebekah's arguments.

"If that's all good and settled can we get this damn show on the road?" Katherine asked, her words also slurring. "I have a very hot husband I'd like to get home and do if you all don't mind."

Rebekah glared at the brunette with disgust while Klaus was more amused than anything at Elijah's sudden coughing fit.

"At least have the decency to wait until you've dropped me off," Rebekah sniffed.

"I make no promises dear so I suggest we hurry this along."

"You heard your wife," Rebekah drawled, looking at Elijah. "I hope you're parked close."

Elijah shook his head, a small and mostly amused sigh slipping past his lips as he glanced back at Klaus.

"Would you like me to help you see her home?" Klaus offered, feeling for his older brother in that moment.

"No that's quite alright," Elijah assured him. "It's on my way anyway. If you could just help me move Katherine's car so it's not towed-"

"There's no need," Katherine interrupted. "I had Caroline park it in the back. It's fine."

Elijah nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"Well in that case, I think we're all set here," Elijah said. "You and Caroline just enjoy the rest of your night."

"Yes, you two do that," Katherine snickered. "Just remember to use protection kids."

Klaus glared at his sister-in-law in annoyance but the woman remained completely unfazed. Of course. Even sober she wouldn't be fazed.

"Oh bloody hell, let me get out of here before I vomit," Rebekah huffed before she started walking away, grumbling something about being surrounded by nothing but 'bloody rabbits'.

"Yes, I think that's our cue to go," Elijah agreed. "Have a good night brother and please wish Caroline a good night on my behalf as well."

"Mine too," Katherine chirped in as she turned to look at Klaus. "I like this one so don't fuck it up."

Klaus rolled his eyes and watched as his brother tried to hide an amused smile before bidding him good night a final time and hurrying after his sister.

With a sigh, Klaus walked back inside to wait for Caroline and see if she was also ready to head out. He waited for a few minutes at one of the booths near the restrooms when he saw her walking back out.

He stood up and met her halfway and felt that tug again when he saw the smile that split on her face when she saw him.

"Hey," she smiled. "Where is everyone?"

"I'm afraid they've decided to retire for the night," he informed her. "I was wondering if you were perhaps ready to do the same?"

"Nope, can't go home yet."

He tried not to react to the way she called it 'home' and forced himself to focus on what she said.

"Why not?" he asked with furrowed brows.

"Stefan and Elena are going to be talking about their baby and I don't want to interrupt."

"They're talking about their what?" he repeated, certain he had to have misheard her or that she was confused.

"Oh shoot!" Caroline immediately slapped her forehead. "I wasn't supposed to say anything! Elena's going to kill me and I'll totally deserve it!"

"Relax sweetheart, no one is hurting anybody," he tried to say soothingly.

"Please. You didn't see how Elena looked at Katherine for letting the whole pregnancy thing slip at dinner," Caroline argued.

"So she's truly pregnant?" he couldn't stop himself from asking and watched as Caroline nodded.

"Well she only took a home pregnancy test but it was positive so yeah," Caroline responded. "But you can't tell anyone you know this," she added suddenly sternly.

"Don't worry, love," he couldn't help but chuckle. "Your secret's safe with me."

"Thank you," she sighed.

He smiled but he couldn't help but be a little distracted by the news she had revealed. It was surreal to picture Stefan not only married, but as a father soon enough. He almost laughed to himself thinking that boy he used to get into trouble with on these very streets had indeed grown up.

"Are you hungry?" Caroline asked suddenly, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Are you?" he asked in surprise, mostly by her sudden change in topic.

"I'm starving," she replied a little dramatically.

"The kitchen's closed for the night but we might have some-"

"No that's ok, I don't want food. I want beignets," she announced excitedly.

"Beignets?" he repeated with raised eyebrows and mentally tried to remember the nearest place that sold good beignets that would be open at this hour.

She nodded in confirmation before she happened to glance down at her feet and a slight frown marred her features then.

"My shoes…" she said, still looking down at her feet.

"What about them?" he wondered, looking down as well to see what the problem was.

"I was wearing heels," she frowned.

Klaus had to stifle a laugh, an almost affectionate sigh slipping past his lips instead as he looked back up at her.

"Come on, love. I think it's really time to go," he said, placing his hand on the small of her back to lead her towards the exit. "I'll have my staff keep an eye out for a pair of heels while they're closing up tonight. Maybe they'll turn up."

Assuming she didn't happen to trade shoes with someone.

She gave him an appreciative smile and allowed him to lead her through the crowd that had thankfully thinned since earlier, stumbling slightly once as she did and making him hastily try to get a better grip on her. As they walked near the front, he caught sight of Marcel sitting at one of the booths, sharing a drink with his girl. Marcel saw him too, saw who he was with, and smiled as he raised his drink slightly in his direction. Klaus rolled his eyes half-heartedly before looking away and focusing on the blonde beside him.

After giving quick instructions to Josh and another member of his staff to keep an eye out for Caroline's heels, he and Caroline stepped outside onto the somewhat crowded street and the cold night air immediately hit them. There were no patio heaters out here.

He glanced down at Caroline and noticed the way she instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, prompting him to quickly take off his jacket and set it around her shoulders.

"Thank you," she said, giving him a grateful smile. "I put my coat in Rebekah's car because we got hot in there when we were dancing," she explained and he nodded.

"My pleasure sweetheart," he replied earnestly.

"You smell good," she commented as she pulled his jacket tighter around her.

Not even bothering to hide his amusement, he quickly dug into his pocket for his keys, out of the corner of his eye noticing Caroline slipping her arms into the sleeves of his jacket, and he felt something tug on his chest again when he looked back at her and saw her standing there in his jacket that was too big on her, waiting for him.

"My car is right over here," he said, clearing his throat after staring at her for a beat too long.

"Wait, what about the beignets?" she asked with a sudden slight frown and he felt his lips twitch in amusement.

She really was a fan of those beignets.

"I think I know of a place where we might be able to find some at this hour but it's not exactly walking distance from here," he replied amusedly.

"Oh. Okay then," she nodded and he felt his smile grow a little more as she once again let him lead her towards where his car was parked.

After helping her into the passenger seat and helping her secure her seatbelt (trying desperately to not invade her personal space too much so she wouldn't think he was trying on something on her), he made his way around to the driver's seat and as he started the car and saw the time light up on the dashboard, he couldn't help but smirk as he thought about the way he was ending his night, so unlike the ways he was used to. But he felt that smirk slip into a small smile as he snuck a glance at the blonde sitting beside him, wearing his jacket, and he knew, there was no place he'd rather be tonight than grabbing beignets in the middle of the night with this girl who'd utterly captivated from that moment he saw her rummaging through his refrigerator in the middle of the night.

He caught sight of the small but content smile on her lips as she settled back into the seat, making herself comfortable and his own smile grew a little more.

Yes, there was no place he'd place he'd rather be.

xxx

The place where they sold the beignets appeared to be as crowded as the bar had been earlier, with a line going out the door. While he had been willing to wait for Caroline's sake, the blonde soon grew impatient and opted to grab some pizza instead from a place a few stores down that was also still open.

Since there was no place for them to sit, he carried the pizza box out, ready to drive them back to the apartment, certain that Stefan and Elena would both be asleep by this hour. But Caroline had other plans however, surprising him when she grabbed his hand and started leading him down the street, surprisingly fast given her alcohol addled state.

"Where are we-"

"There's that bench right over there," she interrupted, still holding his hand as she lead him towards the empty bench that appeared to be a bus stop.

"Are you sure you don't want to go someplace else?" he asked as they approached the small bench. "Somewhere warmer perhaps?"

"Nope, here is good," she grinned as she took a seat before patting the seat next to her. "Plenty of room for one more."

He shook his head with a small smirk and took a seat beside her, watching her amusedly when she quickly leaned over to open the box of the greasy pepperoni pizza. It wasn't exactly the meal he'd have opted to get her, but Caroline seemed perfectly content with the food before her, eagerly taking a bite out of the cheesy slice.

"Mmm this is really good," she all but hummed. "It might be the best pizza ever."

"I take it you've never had pizza from New York," he chuckled.

"Ssshh don't knock on my pizza," she said. "Try some and see what you're missing out on instead."

He laughed but obliged her nonetheless. It certainly wasn't the worst pizza he'd ever had, but far from being the best.

"So?" she asked, looking at him expectantly after he swallowed his first bite.

"Eh. I give it a solid 6," he said simply, doing his best to hide his amusement from her reaction.

Truthfully, he would give more like an 8 but he really wanted to see her reaction and she did not disappoint.

"A 6?" she repeated incredulously. "You're such a pizza snob!"

He only laughed, making her roll her eyes before she took another bite out of her slice.

The two sat in companionable silence for a moment, quietly eating their pizza and watching the the people walk down the still crowded streets.

Klaus turned to look at her, watching the way she silently chewed on the pizza with a content smile, her eyes twinkling with laughter as she took in some drunken tourists dancing the 'Macarena' down the street.

She must have felt his gaze on her, because her eyes flitted to his then, and her smile grew just a little wider.

"Did you have fun tonight?" he asked her curiously and maybe a little apprehensively.

While it had appeared like she had had fun with his family, he was well aware of how intrusive and bossy they could be.

"I'm having fun right now," she smiled and he felt the corner of his lips twitch up of their own accord. "But yeah I did. A lot of fun actually. Katherine's crazy but she's hilarious and I kinda wonder if Rebekah and I would've gotten along since high school if we hadn't wasted so much time hating each other."

"It sounds like you're making some new friends, Caroline Forbes," he teased making her roll her eyes amusedly.

"Yeah, didn't you hear? We're getting matching tattoos and I'm making us all friendship bracelets," she winked, and he couldn't help the laugh that spilled past his lips.

"And here I was hoping those would be our things," he joked.

The sound of loud singing and someone playing the trumpet distracted them and Caroline turned to look at the loud group and cheered them, laughing when they in turn started cheering for her.

"Do you ever get tired of it?" she asked him as she watched the group make their way down the street. "New Orleans. All of this. Do you ever get tired of it?"

"I'm not overly fond of the traffic," he smirked. "But truthfully no. I may not like some aspects of living in the city but some things grow on you, others you learn to live with or work to improve. And ultimately, for better or worst, this is my home."

He almost told her how this is the first place that felt like home, the first place where he felt that he belonged in so long, but he refrained, feeling he'd already shared too much.

"Do you think you could ever live somewhere else?" she wondered.

He considered it for a moment before answering.

"I don't know," he answered honestly before glancing at her. "Could you?" he asked her curiously and almost tentatively, eagerly waiting for her response.

He remembered a few times Stefan had mentioned trying to convince Caroline to move out of the small town over the years, but she had refused every time, almost like she had some strong loyalty permanently tying her to the small town.

She didn't answer and he almost thought she wasn't going to, when she finally spoke after a moment.

"I don't know," she echoed his words. "Mystic Falls is the only home I've ever known you know? It's where I was born, where I grew up. Where my family grew up. Where my parents are buried. Where all of my friends live."

She sighed and an almost sad laugh escaped her, making him turn to look at her curiously.

"I did think about it," she confessed. "My senior year of high school, when I was getting ready to apply to colleges. I thought about going someplace far like Stefan did. I used to imagine living in the big city, living out my own version of Sex and the City," she added with a laugh.

He smirked but didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue, knowing there was a 'but' coming.

"And I did apply to a school in New York," she recalled with that small smile. "I wanted to attend their journalism program. And I got in!"

"What happened?" he asked after she fell quiet.

"When it came down to it, I thought of my mom. She was getting older and I thought of her all alone all the time except for the holidays maybe, always coming home to an empty house… I was the last family she had left there and I couldn't be one more person that left her," she explained quietly. "Because I knew what it was like to be left behind by everyone you love."

He noted the sadness in her voice and he wanted nothing more in that moment than to take that sadness away but he was more apt at causing pain, rather than easing it.

"So I chose Whitmore. It didn't have a journalism program but it was close enough that I got to go home every weekend or she could come up and visit me," she continued. "So it all worked out."

They both fell quiet again for a moment before she spoke again.

"It's crazy because being in Mystic Falls now, it makes me feel close to my mom now that she's not here. Like going to her favorite spots, visiting her grave, I feel like I'm close to her but I swear, I've thought about her so much since I got here, like she's everywhere. And since Elena told me the news, all I think is how my mom would've been so excited to know she was about to be a grandma even though she would complain that didn't make her too old to still be sheriff," she laughed but he caught the tears forming in her eyes. "And I look at Stefan. She would've been so proud of him. He's made a career and a life for himself in an amazing city. He's met his soulmate and he's about to be a dad and I just know that my mom would've loved to be here for all of this."

He watched as she looked away and wiped away some tears that escaped her and he gently took her chin and turned her back to look at him again.

"She would've been very proud of you too, Caroline," he spoke quietly but honestly.

Even if there was a chance she wouldn't remember this conversation in the morning, he needed to tell her this. He needed her to know how much he meant what he said.

"You're strong, you're beautiful, you're full of light," he continued, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're one of the most captivating persons I've ever met. I didn't know your mother very well but I know she would be very proud of the woman you are."

She gave him a watery smile and tried to wipe away the unshed tears in her eyes.

"You just know all the right things to say don't you?" she teased and he looked away, feeling a little embarrassed.

If only she knew how incorrect she was. Yes, he knew the things to say to superficially charm others, but beyond that, it seemed his gift was saying and doing all the wrong things. It's why he didn't bother trying to relate to others beyond his family and his very few close friends anymore.

But here he was, trying for her and even now, he feared he would terribly fuck this up with her. It was his gift after all.

"It's so not fair," she said then, breaking him out of his thoughts.

"What isn't?" he asked with a slight frown.

"How easy you make it to like you."

He glanced back at her again, feeling his smile grow uncontrollably though he tried not to let it show.

"Did you know I used to have like the biggest crush on you back when you lived in Mystic Falls?" she continued and he couldn't help but laugh, a part of him a little thankful for the change in topic.

"I know," he replied with a cheeky grin, making her scoff and roll her eyes.

"Yeah, because I just told you," she argued and he couldn't help the laugh that escaped him again.

He looked at her, his eyes drinking in the marvel that was Caroline Forbes and wanting nothing more than to kiss her but again, he refrained.

"I'm glad you came, Caroline," he said quietly. "And I don't just mean tonight."

She responded with a small and still watery smile and he felt that tug in his chest again.

"Me too," she responded before leaning in and brushing her lips against his in a soft kiss that he forced himself to end.

Klaus wanted nothing more than to kiss her again but not like this. Not when she was drunk like this.

He looked down at her and saw the small smile playing on her lips before she moved back a little and rested her head against his shoulder. He tensed, mostly in surprise but he quickly relaxed and allowed himself to enjoy this moment with her.

"Me too," he heard her repeat.

She didn't see the small smile that seemed to light up his whole face at her words as he rested his head against hers.

xxx

It was about an hour later that Klaus was quietly pushing the door to his apartment open, careful not to wake a sleeping Caroline he was currently carrying in his arms.

They had sat on that bench for a while longer, both falling into a comfortable silence but when he had asked if she wanted to head back, she had quickly shaken her head that was still resting against his shoulder, claiming she didn't want the night to end just yet.

Eventually, she'd fallen asleep against him, just like that night in his apartment, and just like then, he'd carefully lifted her in his arms and carried her back to his car. She hadn't woken the entire car ride or even when he'd lifted her out of the car, but now she stirred in his arms and muttered something against his neck.

"Sshh, it's alright sweetheart," he said soothingly. "It's me."

"Klaus," she murmured sleepily as she shifted, her hand coming up to grip his shirt, almost like she was keeping him close.

"Go back to sleep, love," he said quietly as he carried her down the hall to her room, taking extra care to be quiet so as to not risk waking Stefan.

She murmured something unintelligible as he slipped into her room and turned on the lamp on the nightstand before he carefully set her down on the bed. He then tried to uncurl her fingers from where they were tightly tangled in his shirt before setting to remove her shoes so she'd at least be a little more comfortable.

Klaus then moved to cover her with the throw blanket at the foot of the bed, a small and involuntary smile forming on his lips as he took in her sleeping form, the shiny beads still hanging around her neck making him shake his head slightly in amusement. He thought of their night together and felt his smile grow just a little wider and without thinking, he gently pushed back some of the hair that had slipped onto her face.

"Good night, Caroline," he spoke quietly.

He turned to leave her room then, but was startled when he felt a smaller and warm hand wrap around his arm, pulling him back.

Quickly turning back around, he found her blinking up at him with heavy eyelids.

"Caroline-"

"Stay," she said softly, not releasing him.

He tensed at her request. He would love nothing more than to slip into the bed beside her, but he knew he shouldn't.

"Please."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea, love," he said regretfully. "Stefan-"

"Please," she repeated, looking up at him with those soft blue eyes and he could see some of the sadness from earlier still swimming in them and he knew he would give her whatever she wished for if he could just make that sadness disappear.

He nodded and moved away from her again, but this time to shut the door quietly. He intended to stay only long enough for her to fall asleep again, but just in case Stefan randomly woke up and decided to come out before then…

After shutting the door, he quietly made his way back to the bed, finding her watching him the entire time. He sat down on the bed beside her and quietly slipped out of his shoes so as not to sully the light duvet, before easing himself down beside her.

As soon as he was lying down, she quickly curled up beside him and wrapped an arm around his middle. He froze for a moment, taken off guard. While he was used to sharing a bed with a beautiful woman, he was unused to this level of intimacy, different on an entirely different level, and while he would recoil from it with anyone else, with Caroline he couldn't help but welcome it and think how right it felt.

So he slowly let himself relax, resting his head against the pillow and slowly wrapping an arm around her too.

And as he lied there, listening to the soft sound of her breathing and feeling her chest rise and fall against him, it wasn't long before he succumbed to sleep too.

---

I hope it was worth the wait :)

If you guys have time and feel so inclined, please share your thoughts with me?