A/N: For the record, I do not nor would I ever condone the whole Enzo/Bekah relationship given the age gap and legal implications. But this is fiction and there is a sizeable group of us that ships these two characters. Unfortunately, I didn't choose the best way to pair them in this case. If I wasn't already this far into the story, I would revise but honestly, I don't put a lot of stock into my fanfiction writing so it is what it is! If I do ever make this into an original novel, I will absolutely create a better situation for the characters. That is all. 😊

Hey hey! I'm still here. It took a year for me to get back to this with everything going on in my life, but I'm so glad I did. Kind of missed these knuckleheads. And obviously all you lovely readers! Thank you all for the congrats on my engagement! I can't believe the wedding is 3 months away...Ahhh!

This is a bit of a filler chapter, I guess. But I kind of enjoy it. Hoping to be back with the next one soon!

PART 24

Tuesday – Caroline's apartment – 7:17 a.m.

After a grim night, the sun seemed patronizing with its amber rays shining down in a smile, as if to say today will be a lighter day. These days, there was no such promise. Caroline sat at her kitchen table with her coffee mug between her palms, the warmth of the ceramic a comfort on her skin. Klaus was still asleep and she was reluctant to wake him, but her nerves ticked as the minutes counted down until she had to leave for school.

Last night had been a lot to process. She couldn't have imagined the story of Tatia being as tragic as it was, and on a certain level, it made her high school woes feel all the more pathetic. Her heart ached for Klaus. A toxic family life coupled with a volatile relationship, and all his heart really wanted was security. Stability. She echoed the sentiment.

Her conscience nagged at her with things she wasn't supposed to know. If Tyler was sincere, if the allegations held true…what would that mean? What kind of effect would it have on Klaus? On their relationship? She heaved a deep sigh, trying to catch her breath. There were too many things floating around her head, almost all of them out of her control which only put her more and more on edge. Her Type A personality couldn't handle it. Henrik. Rebekah. Tyler. Klaus. Tatia. She'd been so wrapped up she hadn't even called her mom in a week and completely forgot to go down to the station to reinstate the restraining order on Tyler. If she still even needed it.

The door opened down the hall startling her. Moments later, Klaus came padding into the room, yesterday's clothes wrinkled from sleep. His curls were awry and his eyes were bloodshot. He stopped abruptly in the doorway, almost surprised to see her. She saw his Adam's apple jump as he swallowed.

"Hello," he greeted her awkwardly.

"Hi," she returned, feeling equally nervous. Why was this so weird? She let go of her mug and stood. "Coffee?"

He nodded and they crossed paths as he entered the kitchen. Their arms brushed and she felt her skin tingle. The electricity was still there, but it felt…different. As she busied herself at the coffee pot, she asked, "How are you doing?"

"Better, I think." He ran a hand through his hair with a sigh and took a seat across from where she had been. "I apologize for unloading all of that on you last night."

She turned in alarm. "You don't have to apologize. I'm glad you told me."

But he shook his head. "You have more than enough going on. It was unfair of me–"

Caroline held a hand up and he stopped. "Any time you need to talk–literally any time–I am here. No matter what's going on, or how heavy it is."

Klaus smiled gently. "Thank you."

"Of course." She smiled as she handed him his mug and her nose wrinkled. "Besides, I don't scare that easily."

He bowed his head with a little chuckle. "Good to know."

She sat with him and the bridge between them began to rebuild itself. She took a sip of coffee and avoided his gaze when she said, "So, you never told me how things went yesterday."

Klaus sighed and brought his mug to his lips. Maybe he needed a dose of caffeine bravery, too. "Things are…complicated."

"Complicated good? Or complicated…not so good?"

"That remains to be seen."

"You know you're being super cryptic, right?"

He smiled. "Only because I'm legally bound to be."

Caroline's eyes rolled. "Right."

"Just be patient, love. As soon as I'm allowed to, I will tell you everything."

"Oh, believe me. I can be patient," she promised, getting up to put her empty mug in the sink. "I once waited in line for sixteen hours at the box office to get tickets to a Taylor Swift concert." She let the water run and began rinsing the remnants of coffee down the drain. "It may not have been my proudest moment, but I was determined."

Klaus smiled fondly at her back. "I have no doubt."

She shut the faucet and turned around, leaning against the counter with a little huff of breath that blew one of her curls up briefly. "Totally worth it, by the way." He nodded and silence filled the room once more. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked him.

"Just tired. It was a long day." He downed the rest of his coffee and got up to bring it to the sink. "All will be resolved, soon enough. I hope."

Caroline nodded, pressing her hands to his chest when he lingered. "I just hope reopening the case doesn't mean opening another can of worms."

Klaus stiffened and she snapped her eyes shut realizing her mistake. She opened them back up with a wincing glance at him.

"How did you know that?"

His voice was so demanding she almost shivered. Caroline licked her lips as she let her hands slide off him and began to wring them. "I went to see Tyler last night," she confessed after a beat. "While you were asleep."

He took a step back, his eyes darkening. "You went behind my back?"

"No! I mean, kind of?" His jaw set and he turned away, shaking his head. "I just–I had to hear it for myself," she told him. "I wanted to believe you, but I don't trust him."

"You promised me you wouldn't do that again."

"I never promised you," she started to argue, and when he finally set his angered sights on her she almost backpedaled. Almost. "But yes, I probably shouldn't have gone to see him without telling you." Her shoulders sagged. "Klaus, I needed to do this. Not just for you, but for me. I needed him to know where he stood. And that he can't hurt me anymore." He didn't move but she could tell the gears were turning so she waited him out, watching his back for any sign of, well, anything. "Are you mad?" she asked quietly.

"No." There was hesitance before he finally turned back. His eyes were softer but there was still a drop of disappointment in them. "Know that I admire your strength," he told her, meandering back toward her. "And I am aware you are fully capable of handling yourself, but please don't do that again." He caressed her cheek when she frowned. "There's only so much worry I can take."

"You don't have to," she said softly.

"I don't have to, but I do." He rested his forehead against hers. "You mean a great deal to me, Caroline. Even when I've been too distracted to show it." She reached up to touch his cheek and he let out a breath. "If he hurt you again, I don't think I could control myself."

"I won't do it again." She smiled a little. "Now I'm promising."

It won her a smile. "Thank you."

His lips were lingering dangerously close and she saw a flicker pass through his gaze. She grinned, reminding him, "I have to get to school." But he kissed her weak argument away with such tenderness she nearly melted away. As his fingers started to trail from the napes of her neck down the lines of her body, she felt herself buckle. She whispered his name and he smiled against her lips.

"To be continued," he declared in a whisper, drawing back.

Caroline's breath shuddered out in frustration and her eyes opened to a narrow, playful glare. "You are so annoying," she teased.

"Can I offer you a ride?" he quipped, his smile broadening when her lips pursed. She gave him a little shove and he laughed. "Wouldn't want you to be late to class."

"No, we wouldn't." Her smile waned at the edges. "But I don't think that's a good idea." At his expression, her body immediately sobered. "She's been dropping Henrik off a little early lately. I'm not sure why."

He nodded in understanding, his expression turning solemn.

"You can stay here," she told him. "If you want to."

"I should probably get home. Talk with Elijah." She nodded absently, not realizing he was sauntering over until he was almost in front of her. "However," he began, his hand snaking to her hip to pull her against him. "I fully intend to finish what we started."

She bit her lip, smiling. Leaning up on her tiptoes, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes dropped to his lips and she flicked her gaze back up to his from beneath her lashes. "Good."

Mystic Falls Elementary – Miss Caroline's Classroom 12:07 p.m.

The morning seemed to drone on. Even the kids were restless. It was a record day of telling her students to raise their hand, stay in their seat, and to stop throwing their snacks at each other during snack time. None of them could sit still for story time so she extended their free time, just for the sake of her sanity. It was definitely a second cup of coffee kind of day.

Lunch couldn't come soon enough and just as she was starting to breathe again, a gentle set of knocks interrupted her peace. When she looked up to see who was in her doorway, she nearly choked on her teacher's lounge latte.

"Enzo!" she hissed, immediately hurrying to usher him in and shut the door behind him, after checking the hallways for any passersby. She turned one set of overhead lights off. For posterity. When she whipped around his hands were raised in surrender.

"Before you say anything–"

SLAP!

The sound reverberated through the empty classroom and she could feel her hand tingling with a stinging pain. She hadn't meant to hit him that hard.

Enzo rubbed his cheek with a half nod. "While that was well-deserved, you should know better than anyone that violence never solves anything."

"What are you even doing here?! Are you trying to get caught?"

"What are they gonna do, arrest me?" He smirked lazily.

"That's not funny."

"Lighten up, gorgeous. I just came to thank you."

"Do not thank me. And do not ask me to lighten up. Not after what you did."

"What did I do?" He pouted then smiled immediately after. He maneuvered around her and observed the papers on her desk. "We were just blowing off steam. She's had a rough go of it the past two weeks."

"Oh I know. I was there. But that's no excuse, Enzo, and you know it."

He'd picked up one of the worksheets she'd been reviewing. "Do you actually give grades to five-year-olds?"

She scoffed and snatched it from him. "They get check marks." She set it down and turned back to him. "Seriously, Enzo. What were you thinking?"

"So I facilitated her rebellion a little. She needed an ally."

He brushed past her and she gaped at his back. "You're not an ally, you are an adult. You're supposed to know better!"

He sat at one of the student tables and kicked his feet up, his too-large body looking out of place in the tiny chair. "I think you're taking this a bit too personal."

"Just because you've always been on a destructive path doesn't mean everyone else should be, too. Instead of "facilitating" you should have been talking her out of it. Offering support. Doing your goddamned job!"

"These were extenuating circumstances."

"I don't care! Do you know how upset her brothers would be? Klaus would literally kill you."

"He doesn't know?" He eyed her curiously, sitting up as her lips wavered and shut. Enzo made a little sound of revelation and grinned. "Who's facilitating who now?"

"That's not the point," she gritted out, fists curled in frustration. She sighed out a long breath in an attempt to regain her composure. She shook her head, her eyes meeting his with a sense of defeat, underscored with empathy. "Why would you do that to yourself?"

His eyes narrowed at her and he set his jaw before smirking. "She's worth it."

Caroline's lips were pursed to one side. "Enzo, that's sweet, but you realize this is on your record now."

"Not after the way I sweet-talked the desk clerk." Her jaw literally dropped and he laughed. Enzo raised his hands as he rose from his seat. "Kidding. Bloody hell, learn to take a joke."

"Oh, I'm sorry, is this supposed to be funny?"

"Rebekah fessed up to bringing the alcohol onto the premises. We both got a slap on the wrist. Life goes on."

"Getting fired is not a slap on the wrist, Enzo. You'll never get another teaching job."

He shrugged. "I'll explore other avenues."

"You know you can't see her again."

"Debatable."

She shook her head with a scoff. "Why do I even bother?"

"Why do you?"

Before she could even think of an answer, the tiny creak of her door opening turned their heads. Bonnie's head peeked in.

"Is this a bad time?" Caroline's shoulders dropped. Bonnie glanced to Enzo, her brows knitting. "Aren't you…?"

"Leaving," he finished for her. "Always a lovely visit, gorgeous." He reached the door and turned back with too jovial a grin. "See you at the next family dinner?"

Her eyes widened, but before she could retaliate, he'd slipped out the door.

Mikaelson Mansion – 1:30 p.m.

Rebekah was on a mission. Leave school early, go home and change, and slip out of sight before anyone could notice. What she hadn't counted on, however, was anyone besides Finn being at the house. Since Esther's return, he and Elijah took turns working from home. Tuesdays and Thursdays were Finn's days, and usually the house was empty–conducive to his preferred work environment. Unfortunately, that was not the case today.

"What are you doing home?"

Rebekah jumped at Kol's voice echoing from the sitting room into the foyer. He was sitting on the far couch that peeked out the doorway, almost like he was waiting for someone to come through the door. She set her shoulders to regain her poise, turning her nose up.

"My schedule was shifted so I could do my community service," she said, starting for the stairs before he could dig any further.

But Kol was quicker. He was up and walking into the foyer before she was three steps up the staircase.

"They didn't even assign your case yet."

She held onto the railing, trying to think quick.

Kol peered at her, carefully. "Are you playing hooky?" When she didn't respond but instead continued up the steps, he began to follow her. "You'd better not be going to see him."

Rebekah turned so sharply her hair almost whipped in his face. "Do us both a favor, Kol, and stay out of my life. I don't need you, or anyone else, to look out for me."

He grabbed her arm, thwarting her escape. "I helped you, Rebekah. And this is the thanks I get?"

"I never asked you to," she shot back, trying to pry her arm from his grip.

He laughed, letting her arm drop without a care. "Fine, then. Go ahead and throw your life away."

She held her arm, frowning with a biting glare. "I'd rather take a risk than end up like you!"

Kol stopped, his heart dropping. They always bickered and bantered something fierce but it was the first time she intentionally tried to hurt him. They were supposed to be partners in crime, and since Enzo had come along, she'd begun to look down on everyone. Anger began to churn in his stomach, heating him to his core. He glared at the marbled tile, his grip on the railing tightening. He always tried to hold back when it came to his sister, but his temper was past the point of no return.

"I'd be more worried about ending up like our mother."

Rebekah froze. He heard her disbelieving breath he began to descend.

"Take that back," she demanded, cursing the lump in her throat.

He paused, turning over his shoulder with a twisted grin. "A cold-hearted, manipulative bitch only out for herself? With a man who treats her less than she deserves?" He nodded. "You're right on track, Bek."

"Stop it!" Her lip quivered and tears began to well but they had no effect.

"I mean," he laughed when he reached the base gesturing back up to her. "You even let him take the fall for you."

She growled in frustration and tramped down the steps, stopping just one step so she was above him. "I. Am not. Her."

He leaned in, meeting her glare. "Prove it."

Rebekah pressed her wavering lips together as she tried to hold back her tears and find a retort but there were no words. "I hate you," she said with such desperate loathing that it was almost a whisper. With one last huff, she turned and stomped upstairs, letting him hear her cry freely along the way.

Kol stood staring at the empty spot. Mission accomplished, he thought miserably to himself, not even jumping when her bedroom door slammed. He knew she would stay there all night, just to spite him.

Finn walked out of his office, peering up the stairs with wild confusion. "What was that?"

Kol heaved a deep breath, relief and regret intermingling in his chest. "Nothing."

Mystic Falls Elementary – 2:55 p.m.

After lecturing Enzo and then enduring a lecture of her own from Bonnie for even humoring his visit, Caroline was spent. So when the afternoon went awry with a finger painting fiasco and having to stop yet another child from trying to eat Playdoh, it was all she could do to keep from walking out the door as soon as the dismissal bell rang. Whatever was in the air today, seriously needed to chill.

Caroline was counting off the glasses of wine she'd have tonight for every parent that came to collect their kid. It wasn't until a little hand tugged eagerly at hers that she realized Henrik was still standing beside her.

She smiled at him then checked her watch with a tiny frown. Esther was never late.

"Come on, Miss Caroline!" Henrik urged, gaping up at her with big, hopeful brown eyes.

She laughed to see him so candid again. They both knew what it meant that he was the last one there and no Mikaelsons in sight. But Esther was supposed to be picking him up, wasn't she?

While her stomach was knotting with nerves, she let Henrik lead her back to the classroom. He ran to his chair, dropping his backpack off his shoulders and onto the floor beside it.

"Can we read a story?"

. . .

The anticipation was killer. Caroline and Henrik had gone through three different books, and she'd almost forgotten what he was like when he was happy. Please let it be Klaus that walks through the door, she kept telling herself. She couldn't take another thing going wrong, and she guessed neither could Henrik.

It was nearly 4 o'clock when there was finally a knock at the door.

"Nik!" Henrik bolted out of his seat and ran to his brother, jumping up and throwing his arms around his neck.

Caroline watched, sighing internally in relief. She strolled casually over, crossing her arms with a wry grin. "You're late."

Klaus smirked back. "Thought I'd give you two some time to reacquaint yourselves."

"What's acquaint?" Henrik asked.

"Reacquaint," Klaus corrected. "It means getting to know each other again."

"I already know Miss Caroline."

Klaus laughed. "Yes, well perhaps it was a poor choice of words."

"Since I already know her, it would be A quaint. Not RE-quaint."

"Oh…" Klaus' brow went up and he crouched to the six-year-old's level, smirking. Henrik began to back away, bumping into Caroline's legs. "You think you're smarter than me, do you?" he teased, tickling Henrik's sides and snatching him up. Henrik giggled as he squirmed.

"Y-eee-sss!" he squealed. As Klaus relented and let him down, Henrik clung to his leg, catching his breath. He looked up, feigning innocence. "I think Lijah's smarter than you."

"He likes to think so."

"And Miss Caroline, too."

Klaus glanced slyly toward the teacher in question. "Is she?"

Caroline crossed her arms with a challenging purse of her lips. "Choose your next words wisely, Mr. Mikaelson."

Klaus laughed, raising his hands in the air.

It was then that Henrik realized, "How come you're here? Did the judge change his mind again?"

"Not exactly. Esther had a meeting." He shot Caroline a knowing glance and crouched down again. "Which makes today a bit of a freebie."

Henrik smiled. "Am I sleeping over again?"

"No. Elijah will take you back to her before bedtime. But until then…" He cocked his head at Caroline with a conspiratorial gleam in his eyes. "What do you say we kidnap Miss Caroline from her teacherly duties and take her to an early dinner?"

"Yeah!"

Caroline laughed, shaking her head. "I have work to finish."

Klaus' eyes sparkled as he tried to repress his smirk. "And then, perhaps, dessert?"

"Yeah!" Henrik cheered again. "I'll get my bag!"

As he dashed off to his desk, Caroline was trying and failing to give Klaus a look of refusal. Immune, he stepped forward, nearly closing the distance between them, and dropped his voice. "What do you say, love?"

As she looked into the blues of his eyes, her stomach fluttered with excitement. Responsibility beckoned her, but looking at his earnest expression, and the tiny twitch in his smile, her heart was already swaying.

"Please, Miss Caroline?" came a tiny voice.

She looked down and saw Henrik's lower lip pushed out in pleading. With a soft sigh, she looked back to Klaus in defeat. "Fine." She winked at Henrik, and added, "But there better be hot fudge sundaes involved."