A/N: Thank you, every single person who read, reviewed, favourited, or followed, I really appreciate it all and love hearing everyones thoughts. Glad your all enjoying it.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter Three

"You slept with Klaus Mikaelson?" Stefan asked when she returned into the house, purse in hand. She looked up at him, blushing. "Really, Care? What happened to staying at Bonnies?"

"Bonnie went home with some guy! I was slightly drunk and it was all just a mistake okay?" Caroline cried throwing her hands up in the air out of frustration.

He stepped towards her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest. "Sorry, Care. You know he is Rebekahs' brother and when she gets wind of this she's not going to be happy."

"They're related? Oh god." She groaned as she hid her head in shame.

"It's alright, Care, I'll make sure she goes easy on you."

"Thanks, Stef." She replied half distracted as she pulled her vibrating phone out of her purse. There was a few missed calls and one unopened text message from Klaus. Apparently he took the time to exchange numbers.

She opened it and almost laughed out loud when she read the text. It read: Take a chance, get to know me. I know the perfect place for a date, almost as beautiful as you.

Caroline snorted and typed away her response: I'm too smart to be seduced by you.

Stefan was watching her closely and raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What's so funny?"

Caroline was about to respond with a witty remark but a loud crash echoed throughout the large house which came from the kitchen. It was followed by piercing wails. Caroline quickly pulled away and ran towards the sounds, her heart beating fast in her chest.

When she entered the kitchen with Stefan right behind her, they saw a small body crying on the floor with the cookie jar smashed to pieces around him. Caroline flew to her son, placing him onto her lap she inspected for injuries. "Are you okay?" She asked as calmly as she could, her hands running over his head and body.

Nate nodded in reply and cried louder, Caroline scooped him up in her arms and holding him tight to her. "It's okay, baby," she soothed rubbing small circles on his back.

Stefan stepped around them and began to clean up the mess on the floor. Nate cried into her shoulder, wiping his nose onto her clean shirt. "I'm sorry, Mommy, I just wanted a cookie."

"You should have asked me first, you could have hurt yourself." She scolded lightly.

"I'm okay." He said calmly as he shed the last of his tears. Nate climbed out of her arms and walked to Stefan, whipping his eyes he held one hand out to his uncle.

Stefan picked him up and held him close, Nate rested his head on his uncles' shoulder. "I'm sorry for messing up your kitchen, Uncle Stefan."

"It's okay, buddy." He whispered, looking over the kitchen that had now been cleaned up.

Caroline walked over to the two. She noticed Nate fighting to stay awake but eventually he fell in unconsciousness. Caroline kissed the top of his head, "I think it's time for his nap."

"I think so too," Stefan agreed, feeling his nephew go limp in his arms. So Caroline followed Stefan up the stairs and into the first room on the right which happened to be Nate's room.

The walls were a medium blue with animal wall paper strip running around the top. His bed sat in the middle with dark blue sheets with many stuffed animals on top. In one corner sat his tank with his snake, Percy; it was a small thing just over a foot in length. A wooden bookshelf was by the large bay window which overlooked onto the backyard. Pictures framed the wall, all of family or drawings of his favourite things.

Stefan placed Nate safely into his bed; Caroline pulled the blankets up to his chin and kissed him on the forehead with Stefan following suit. The two retreated out of the room, leaving the door open so they could hear for any problems. Having an open house worked to their advantage, one could always hear anything going on from any room in the house.

Caroline made her way down the stairs and back into the kitchen, quickly grabbing things out of the cupboards and placing them on the counter. She set the oven to temperature and set to work on mixing the ingredients.

"What are you doing?" Stefan asked from behind her.

Caroline turned around to see him studying her, she shrugged, "what does it look like? I'm baking."

He laughed, "you don't bake."

"Well I'm baking now." She answered annoyed as she turned around to stir the wet ingredients that were in the large bowl.

Stefan walked cautiously towards her and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Care, what's wrong?"

She turned around and sighed frustrated, "nothing."

"Something's wrong, your baking and you can't bake."

"I can too!" Caroline squealed, punching his shoulder. "Nate will want a cookie when he wakes up and seeing as he dumped them all on the floor I have to make new ones. You know I like to bake."

"Only when you're upset about something; so what's going on?" Stefan asked his voice full of concern.

"I feel terrible for spending the night at some guys' house when I should have been home with my son. Nate is supposed to come first and last night I put myself before him and I shouldn't have." She explained. "I'm a horrible mother."

Stefan chuckled, "you're not a horrible mother. You deserve at least one night out every once in a while, Caroline. Nate is getting older; he doesn't need his mother around all the time. Besides he loves his uncle Stefan."

"Well I'm never leaving him again." She huffed turning around to face the counter which held her bowl of ingredients. Caroline added the remaining ingredients and began to stir furiously.

"You can't be with him every second of the day."

"It's the least I can do." She said simply but implying so much more. Caroline turned around again to finish her batch of cookies; they were to be ready for the time Nate woke up from his nap.

After the cookies were placed into the oven and the timer set Caroline joined Stefan in the family room. As she sat down on the couch Caroline felt her phone vibrate indicating another text message. When she opened it her heart skipped a beat and stomach flipped at who the sender was and what the message said.

I believe I already had the pleasure to seduce you.

Caroline paled at the message and mentally face palmed, not believing he actually just said that. She sent quick text back in return.

Stefan seemed to notice the expression of disgust and embarrassment on her face. "Text message from Klaus?"

"What?" She asked confused, coming back to reality and the fact that Stefan was talking to her.

"I heard he asked you on a date." Stefan stated in a non-threatening and more curious demeanour.

"It was nothing."

Stefan chuckled at her attempt to brush it off so easily. "Didn't sound like 'nothing'. First you sleep with the guy and now you won't even go on a date?"

"I thought you didn't like him."

"I would dislike any guy who tries to take you away from me. But, Klaus? He's a good guy, Care. Really cares for his family and would be good for you and Nate."

Caroline rolled her eyes, "you know I don't date, Stefan."

"I know but maybe this could be an exception to one of your rules." He cajoled.

"I already broke one too many rules with him already, I'm not budging on this one." She said annoyed and got up off the couch, effectively ending the conversation.

Klaus quickly made his way to his sisters apartment knowing she was exactly who he needed to talk to at the moment. It was all making sense now, he remembered countless times of her talking about a Caroline and Nate. Though he had never heard about them he knew a few basic details about their lives. Such as Caroline being a single mother and living with Stefan.

That had put his mind to ease for the time being. It meant that he would be able to pursue Caroline until she gave into him. There was something about the blonde, something he was unfamiliar with that drew him to her. He wanted her, all of her, and he wasn't going to stop until she was his. He could be relentless when he wanted something and Klaus wanted Caroline.

He made it to her apartment on the other side of town in record time. Racing up to the top floor, he pounded onto the door non-stop waiting impatiently for her to open.

"What?" She yelled as she flung the door open.

"Hello, sister." He said smoothly as he glided past her and into the large apartment. It was a penthouse suite, putting his apartment which was a three bedroom and two bath to shame. It was decorated to her taste of white walls and black furniture.

"What do you want, Nik?" Rebekah asked annoyed as she followed him into the apartment. She pushed a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear, her blue eyes narrowed.

Klaus turned around with a small smile. "Tell me what you know about Caroline," he practically demanded.

"Caroline Forbes?" She questioned and he nodded. "How do you know, Caroline?" Then she noticed the small smirk and glimmer in his eyes, her jaw dropping in surprise. "Tell me you didn't! Tell me you didn't sleep with her, Nik!"

Klaus looked away and when he turned back to face his sister he had a huge smile on his face. Rebekah nearly crumbled at seeing him smile and look happy, the first time she's seen him like that in a long time. "Will you please just tell me everything you know?"

Rebekah rolled her eyes and nodded. She led him over to the black leather couch and sat down beside him. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything." He answered.

"Very specific, Nik. You know, it would be easier if you asked her yourself."

"Are you not a fan of the girl?" Klaus wondered.

"We're close but not as close as Stefan and her," Rebekah smiled. "She's a sister to him and I've known her since Nate was born. You do know she has a son, right?"

"Yes I had the pleasure of meeting him earlier today. Cheeky little thing."

"He is but very sweet when he wants to be but most of the time he's causing trouble. Stefan said he's just like his father which explains a lot if you knew Damon." She explained.

This spiked Klaus' interest, "What do you know about the father?"

"It's not my place to tell you about him, you'll have to ask her yourself. But he was Stefans' older brother and he's unfortunately not around. That's why Stefan and Caroline are so close. Why are you so interested in her, Nik?"

"I fancy her." He replied with the shrug of his shoulders.

Rebekah scoffed, "you barely know her."

"I intend to know much more about her when she gives me a chance."

"She won't, she doesn't date."

"Why?"

"It's something you'll have to ask her, Nik; it's none of my business."

"Bekah." He whined

"Niklaus." She mocked. "She has a child, you know. You can't just waltz into her life, Nate will always be there whether you like it or not."

"I know."

"You can't leave when things get tough because there is a little boy in the picture as well as Caroline. He will expect you to be around, you can't just get up and leave one day."

"I know." He snapped.

"I'm just making sure you know," she smirked. "I have my anniversary dinner with Stefan soon so I have to get ready." she said standing up. "Be careful with Caroline, Nik; don't hurt her or else not only will you have me after you but you'll have Stefan and Nate."

"I won't, Bekah." Klaus answered.

"Just think about things before you go and sweep her off her feet."

"Yes, dear sister." He stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek before leaving her apartment.

Their little chat shone a light on the enigma that was Caroline Forbes. Although it wasn't everything he wished to know, there was so much about her that was unknown.

Klaus pulled out his phone realizing he had one unread message. It was from Caroline and he smiled as he read it. She had sent him one word, whatever. Very mature, he laughed to himself clearly he was getting under her skin.

He made it back to his apartment and headed straight into his studio feeling the inspiration to paint. He set to work on a new piece after already finishing the one of Caroline.

This one was different than anything he had done before. It set in the woods at night, A wolf sat howling up at the full moon with a pup playing by its side. It was dark but not gloomy; there was a light coming off the wolves. He realized that the larger wolf was similar to the tattoo Caroline had on her thigh. He was beginning to notice his paintings revolve around one thing, or rather person.

Caroline.

Stefan found Caroline sitting on the back porch looking out onto the garden, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. He sat down beside her and bumped shoulders hoping to grab her attention.

She looked over at him with sad blue eyes, "I'm sorry about earlier."

"It's fine, sorry I pressured you." He replied as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. "What's wrong?"

"I'm scared, Stef."

"About what?" Stefan questioned looking down at her to see a tear escape one of her closed lids.

"Everything. Klaus, Damon, turning into my mom."

Stefan reached down to wipe the stray tear with his thumb. "Damon would want you to move on, Care. He would want to see you happy and Nate happy. As for your mom? I don't think you'll end up like her; you've got a pretty solid head on your shoulders, you won't be repeating past mistakes."

"I feel like I already am." She confessed.

He shook his head, he put two fingers under her chin and brought her face up to his so they were eye to eye. "You're not, I promise. Nate loves you, I love you, Bonnie loves you, and even Bekah loves you. You have a great life here, Care and you are not repeating any of your mothers mistakes. I think you've learned from them, if anything."

Caroline smiled, "you're amazing you know that?"

"Me? Amazing? I don't believe it." He quipped.

"Well you are." She said and stood up pulling him up with her. "Come with me," Caroline demanded.

Stefan gave her a confused look but she didn't notice as she had already headed inside the house. Stefan shut the back door behind him and followed her up the stairs.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

"Just follow me, I have something for you." Caroline replied walking into her bedroom and then her closet.

Stefan took a seat on her bed and peered into her closet, watching her dig through boxes on the floor that she had pulled off the top shelf. He watched on in amusement as she riffled through numerous boxes, sending belongs across the room with her mumbling under her breath.

"What are you looking for?" Stefan inquired.

"It's in here somewhere-found it!" Caroline shouted as she jumped up off the floor and ran back into the bedroom. She sat down beside Stefan, pulling her feet up under her.

Caroline grabbed his hand and opened it and placed a small box into his hand. "What is it?" He looked down to see it was a small dark blue ring box.

"Open it." She lightly commanded nodding down to the box.

Stefan slowly opened the box and saw an engagement ring; more specifically a princess cut diamond with a smaller diamond on either side set on a white gold band. It looked familiar, the one his mother had worn for many years and the one meant for Caroline.

"I think Damon would want you to have it." She whispered eyeing the ring in his hand.

"I can't take this, it's supposed to be yours."

Caroline shook her head, "I can't keep this, it wouldn't be right. It was never my ring. Besides, I think this would be perfect to give to Rebekah. It belonged to your mother, Stefan, both her and Damon would love for you to have it and give to your future wife."

Stefan looked down at the ring then up at Caroline, then back at the ring before settling on Caroline. He saw the determination and honesty in her blue eyes. She put her hand over his and closed the box, "give it to Rebekah tonight."

"Caroline-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer." She interrupted and shot him a small smile.

"Thank you so much."

"You deserve it, Stefan." Caroline said, standing up and pulling him into a hug.

His arms went around her and he squeezed her tight, "I love you, sister."

"Love you too, Stef." She pulled back and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Now go get ready, Bekah will be here any minute."

Rebekah's was swarmed with thoughts of her brother. She had never seen that look in his eyes or heard the intensity and seriousness in his voice before. He really did fancy Caroline. Rebekah was going to do something about it, maybe get Stefan on her side; he could talk Caroline into anything.

She got to Stefan and Carolines' house and knocked on the door. She decided on wearing an elegant, knee-length olive green dress. Her hair was pinned up articulately around her face, the back falling in loose curls. She matched the outfit with black heels and a diamond necklace that Stefan had given her for last year's anniversary.

Nate opened the door and when he noticed who it was jumped into her arms. "Auntie Bekah!" He shouted.

"Hey, little guy." She laughed as she reacted fast and caught him, holding him close.

"I'm sorry about last night," he whispered into her ear.

"It's quite alright."

"I just wanted to show you how much Percy has grown since the last time you've seen him," Nate continued innocently.

"Next time you can show me with him still inside the cage." She said putting him down onto the ground.

"You look very pretty, Aunt Bekah." Nate remarked looking her up and down. The two heard footsteps walking down the stairs and saw it was Caroline. "Doesn't she look pretty, Mommy?"

"She looks beautiful." Caroline agreed when she reached the pair. "Did you apologize to Rebekah for chasing her with Percy?"

"Yes."

"Good," she patted down his hair which was sticking up all over the place from his nap earlier. "Why don't you go help Uncle Stefan finish getting ready?" Caroline suggested. Nate nodded and ran off up the stairs calling out to Stefan along the way.

"You really do look beautiful, Bex," Caroline said. "Sorry about last night, I always tell him he's not allowed to take Percy out without permission but he never listens. I swear he is more like his father every day."

Rebekah laughed, "it's fine, really, Nate keeps me on my toes."

"He does love you, in his own way and you're so good with him." Caroline smiled and ran over and hugged Rebekah. "I'm sorry, I'm just so happy."

The other blonde raised one of her perfectly sculpted eyebrow and was about to speak when Stefan walked down the stairs dressed in a crisp black suit with a white dress shirt and grey tie. He walked right over to her and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Nate stood beside Caroline as he looked up at the couple. Then he pointed to his uncle and wiggled his index finger signalling for him to come closer. Rebekah and Caroline watched as Stefan crouched down as Nate whispered into his ear. Stefan smirked and nodded and stood back up when Nate was done.

He turned to Caroline and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Don't wait up."

"Don't worry, I won't." She smirked.

Stefan held out his fist and Nate bumped it with his own tiny one. "See you tomorrow, Uncle Stefan."

"Shall we?" Stefan held out his arm and Rebekah grabbed onto his elbow and the couple walked out of the house.

Caroline and Nate yelled their goodbyes in unison from the doorway. Rebekah turned and gave them a slight wave before turning back to Stefan. "So where to?"

"I was thinking about that little Italian restaurant where we had our first date?" He asked as they got into a hailed taxi cab.

"Sounds perfect," she replied kissing him on the lips.

Stefan sat across from Rebekah at their favourite restaurant, Donatello's. It was a small place but rather fancy, presenting only the finest of Italian cuisine. It had been where they had their very first date and their fondest memories.

He fiddled with his hands and could feel the little box sit inside his coat jacket. He was ecstatic that he had his mothers' ring but also a little saddened that Caroline didn't have a reason to wear it anymore. His was worried how Rebekah would react to having the ring been used before.

His girlfriend or future fiancé was eating her meal quietly when she suddenly stopped to look up at him. She had caught him staring at her, he couldn't help but watch her, smiling as he thought of their future together.

"What?" She asked when she noticed him staring.

"Nothing," he mumbled looking down at his plate of food and began to eat again.

"Did you know about my brother and Caroline?" She questioned.

"Yes, actually he showed up at the house today looking for her."

"He stopped by my place too asking all about Caroline."

"He didn't." Stefan shook his head which caused Rebekah to laugh.

She nodded, "he did."

"Why?" He asked.

"He fancy's her." She smirked. "To be honest I think they would be perfect for each other."

"I agree; Klaus is exactly what Care needs right now whether she thinks so or not." He paused looking at her as an idea came to mind. "And I have the perfect plan."

"Tell me!" Rebekah squealed hitting his forearm that rested to the side of their square table.

"Later, babe." He winked and returned his attention back to his food as he worked up the courage for what was to come next.

The couple talked about little things like work and family. Rebekah told him stories about Kol causing trouble and reminding her of slightly of Nate, in that he acts like a four year old most the time. She spoke about Elijah and Katherine and how they were trying for a baby. Stefan mostly talked about Nate, his greatest joy in life besides Caroline and her.

Conversation settled into a comfortable silence as they ate their desert, vanilla ice cream for her and chocolate cake for him. Stefan took a deep breath trying to conjure up all his strength for what was to come next. He set down his fork and looked at her pointedly, "Bekah, I think we need to talk."

Rebekah dropped the spoon she was holding and looked at him, shock registering on her face. Blue eyes bulging as fear crossed across her features after hearing those dreadful words.

"Oh, not like that." He backtracked. "That's not what I meant, I'm not breaking up with you but we need to talk." Stefan smiled weakly feeling the nerves rack his body, he placed his hand over top of hers.

Relief took over and Rebekah sighed and settled back into her chair after taking a sip of her wine.

"So I had this idea, and it came to me one of the early mornings we spent together at the beginning of our relationship. You had stayed over at my place and we had breakfast with Caroline and Nate, he must have been barely one at the time and he threw his bowl of yogurt at you. You didn't yell or get mad even though you had bits of strawberry in your hair and everyone was laughing at you."

"You were amazing, you never got upset with him and were always patient. You even understood my relationship with Caroline without jealousy or malice. Well that very morning, even though we had been dating for a few months, that was the moment I knew I was going to make you my wife."

Stefan stepped out from the table and kneeled down in front of her, grabbing her hand. "You know I love you right?" He asked and she nodded. "You know I want to spend the rest of my life with you, right?" She nodded again. Stefan smiled and pulled out the dark blue velvet box from inside his jacket pocket and opened it, "will you marry me, Rebekah Mikaelson?"

Rebekah nodded trying to blink back tears, "yes I'll marry you." Stefan quickly placed the ring on her finger and stood up, dragging her upwards off her chair with him and kissed her. The whole restaurant erupted into applause. "I love you, Stefan Salvatore."

"I love you, Rebekah Miakelson-soon-to-be-Salvatore." He replied capturing her lips with his for another heated kiss.

After a few minutes they were able to pull away and sat back down at their table. Both had huge smiles on their face and felt unbelievably happy. Rebekah sat there staring at her ring and Stefan sat there staring at his fiancé one hand on top of hers.

"The ring looks familiar." She said studying her finger where her new ring sat.

Stefan coughed suddenly feeling very nervous again, he wasn't sure how she would take to having a used ring. He cleared his throat, "the ring was my mothers, the same ring that Damon was going to give Caroline when he proposed to her. Caroline wanted you to have it, for it to stay in the family." He explained and then looked up to see her shocked expression, "Are you mad?"

Rebekah looked down at the ring again then back up at Stefan, she shook her head. "No, I'm honoured to wear it, to become a Salvatore," she replied with a grin.

Stefan sighed in relief and leaned forward and kissed the top of her hand that he was holding.

"So since we're engaged can you tell me this big plan for Klaus and Caroline?" Rebekah asked, fluttering her lashes.

"Engagement party," he winked leaving her to put the rest together. Rebekah nodded and smirked, knowing that would be the perfect place to start. He could already see the wheels turning in her head and that she was in planning mode.

A/N: What's going to happen at this engagement party? What does Rebekah and Stefan have up their sleeves?

I would love any suggestions you have for next chapter, it should be a fun one, especially when it'll be including everyone! Let me know what you thought about this chapter, I would love to hear your thoughts.

I have one question, I only intended for this to be a five shot, would you like it to remain a five-shot and have a sequel OR just continue on with the story and make it more than five chapters. Let me know what you think.