A/N: Happy Canada Day for my fellow Canadians, hope you had a good day. Thank you for all your kind reviews and reading, favouriting and following. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Five

Caroline had been stressing over the engagement party for the past few weeks. Rebekah had officially dubbed her the maid of honour minutes after the proposal, something Stefan didn't like because he was left without a best man.

Nate was excited; Rebekah had informed him that she would officially be his Aunt, though he already thought of her as one. She also explained his duties as a ring bearer.

Everyone was taking the news well, Stefan explaining how well the lunch with Rebekahs' mother went, how she welcomed him to the family. However he was nervous to meet the rest of the family who resided overseas.

The day of the party had practically snuck up on them all, Caroline had been so busy with preparations while Stefan and Rebekah lived in their own little bubble of bliss. All work had been passed off to Caroline who planned the party that she would want when she got engaged.

She had been running late, as always. She had gotten into a form fitting blue dress that hugged her curves in all the right places which was accompanied with a pair of black high heels. Her hair was curled to perfection and makeup applied meticulously. Not only did she have to get ready but she also had to round Nate up and dress him.

Caroline stood at the bottom of the stairs going over the list in her head of things that needed to be done for the party or things that needed to be checked on. She looked around to notice her son was nowhere to be found. Stefan had left earlier to pick Rebekah up so they could attend the party together.

"Nate, honey, hurry up we're going to be late!" She shouted up the stairs.

A few minutes later she heard feet stomping around upstairs and eventually down the stairs. Nate was dressed in his outfit, khakis and a light blue dress shirt which accentuated his eyes. A small purple bow tie was tied messily around his neck. "You look beautiful, Momma," he smiled up at her.

"Thank you." She bent down to fix his tie but he swatted her hand away.

"It's fine how it is, I tied it myself with no one else' help." He explained and so Caroline pulled away leaving the tie alone.

"Now remember what we talked about?"

"I have to be on my best behaviour." He answered with a roll of his eyes.

"Yes, and try not to get in trouble today, please, for Stefan and Rebekah?"

Nate stepped forward and kissed her cheek, "Anything for you, Momma."

"Thank you, now let's get going before we get in trouble from Rebekah." She said grabbing his hand and leading him out the front door.

When they arrived to the party it was already in full swing, yet the couple of honour were yet to make their grand entrance. It was being held at The Lake house, this fancy banquet hall on the edge of the city. It sat on a large manicured lawn with rolling hills and a small lake. The party was to be part inside and outside, large amount of space for the amount of people in attendance.

Rebekah had given her a list of one hundred people from both hers and Stefans' side of the family. All which seemed to be in attendance leaving a very crowded and busy party.

Not even a few minutes of Caroline entering the ball room, a loud voice was speaking over the speakers overhead. "Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome the future Mister and Missus Salvatore."

The room erupted into to cheers as the couple entered a set of oak doors at the top of a spiral staircase and made their way down to the bottom level where everyone waited.

Rebekah had on a stunning gold dress with a fitted bodice and flowed out at the hips. Her hair fell straight down her back with the front pinned back . Stefan stood beside her, arms linked, in a tailored black suit, white dress shirt and a skinny black tie.

The couple flitted accepting congratulations and sparing small talk with other guests. Caroline too talked with friends and family while holding tightly onto Nate's hand so he wouldn't get lost in the crowd.

Caroline was currently talking to Jenna Sommers, the aunt of an old friend of Caroline and Stefan. "So what's Elena up to?" Caroline asked politely. Elena, who had been an old flame of Stefan had decided not to attend, but sent her aunt as a replacement. Since Caroline and Stefan moved to the city from Mystic Falls, they had grown apart from Elena.

"I think she's in turkey right now, on an expedition. She's helping her archeology professor dig up some old bones. She's been travelling a lot lately but she's doing great. How are you and the little monster doing?" Jenna reached down to tickle Nate who giggled in response.

"We're doing good," she replied with a tight lipped smile.

Before anyone could say anything more, Rebekah slid up to her side. "Hey, Care, mind if I borrow my darling nephew?"

"No, go ahead, just make sure he behaves and keep him away from Kol."

Rebekah reached down and picked up Nate, giving him a kiss on the cheek which left a red mark of lipstick. She held him close, trying not to wrinkle her dress and walked outside where other guests were talking.

Caroline turned her attention back to Jenna who was happily talking about Elena who was doing all these incredible things with her life. Not once asking what Caroline herself was up to. When a waiter walked by with champagne Caroline grabbed a flute and almost downed the whole thing.

Eventually Caroline excused herself but got wrapped up in another conversation with one of Stefan's aunts asking her how Nate was doing and how she was handling being a single mother. She then proceeded to talk about how great of a father Damon would have been. Caroline took the abuse, thinking she would rather be talking to a rock than her.

Rebekah hugged Nate to her as she weaved her way through the crowd, sending sweet smiles to those who congratulated her along the way. Nate talked her ear off about how boring this party was and that he just wanted to have some fun but wasn't allowed.

When they reached outside, Rebekah carefully put him down and grabbed his hand and led him towards the small group. They were all deep in conversation, Stefan included.

She cleared her throat when she approached and they all stopped to look at her. "Everyone, this is my nephew, Nathanial."

"Hello," he waved with a bright smile.

"Nate, this is Klaus, Elijah, Katherine, Finn, Sage, Alexa, Henrik, and my mother." She said pointing to each member of her family that stood in front of them. "Of course you know Bonnie and Kol."

Nate stepped towards Bonnie, a smirk on his face. "Bonnie, 'my tender, oozing blossom, you're looking fabulous today. Is that a new haircut? Tell me it's a new haircut. It's got to be a new haircut. New makeup?'" He quoted using his best Mike Wazowski impression as he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles.

The whole group laughed, Kol bent down to give him a high five. "That was amazing, mate, have you been practicing?"

Nate nodded happily that he had gotten it right. He then went around the group giving everyone a proper handshake like he had been told to do when he was introduced to new people.

"He's very polite," Elijah noted.

"He's a devil in disguise." Bonnie said causing everyone to look at her with questioning glances. "Don't let the sweet face fool you, he covered my walls in cookie dough the other night, no thanks to this one." She pointed at Kol.

"Kol always was one for trouble." Esther commented.

"The best was when he flushed 'Lijah's watch down the toilet." Katherine added with a giggle.

"Wasn't that last week?" Stefan questioned.

"Yes, age never seemed to stop him from causing trouble. Stuck in the body of a twenty-six year old but forever a five year old, am I right, Kol?" Rebekah raised an eyebrow.

"Someone needs to be the life of the party, and we all know you lot are rather boring." Kol snapped before dragging Bonnie away from the group.

Stefan picked up Nate, preventing him from running away after Kol. Everyone could see the look in his eyes, that he was fond of the older man and his mischievous ways. "I think, your mother told you to behave, that means staying away from Kol," Stefan scolded lightly.

"So Nathanial is related to you how?" Elijah asked and Rebekah wanted to slap him for being so intrusive. Katherine beat her to it and he looked down at her, "what?"

"You can't just ask a question like that!" Katherine said, "How would you like it if someone came up to you and asked how Henrik was related to you?"

"It's fine." Stefan interrupted. "He's my brother's son."

"Don't even ask about his brother, 'Lijah." Rebekah snapped seeing his mouth open and then close instantly.

"How about we all go inside for some refreshments?" Esther asked and everyone nodded and followed her inside.

Rebekah paused for a moment seeing that Klaus wasn't following the family. He was fixated on someone in the distance, she followed his line of sight to Caroline who was laughing with an older man.

Klaus shook his head distractedly and followed the rest of his family. Rebekah followed inside, Stefan already inside with Nate she walked over to them and gave her fiancé a kiss on the cheek.

Caroline had been finally able to tear herself away from Stefans' family and all their inquisitive questions about Nate. She made her way inside the banquet hall and saw to the corner, Stefan talking to Nate at a small table that was set up. They seemed to be playing a game of some sort, probably something Stefan made up to entertain Nate.

Caroline strolled over to the bar that ran along the back of the room, leaning on the bar she motioned for the bartender.

"Bottle of your best champagne," the voice next to her said to the bartender who she had just summoned. Caroline looked beside her about to give the person a piece of her mind when she saw Klaus smirking down at her. "And two glass while you're at it." He slipped a bill across the bar which the bartender took willingly.

"What do you want?" She snapped.

"Take a walk with me?" he asked as he grabbed the glasses and bottle. Caroline looked up to see him giving her a dimpled smile and she felt herself give in.

They walked quietly outside along the path that lined the lake. When they reached a park bench Klaus took a seat but Caroline remained standing. He looked up at her expecting her to sit down but she was stubborn and was going to stand.

"What's wrong?" Klaus finally asked.

"What do you want from me? Why can't you leave me alone?"

Klaus sighed and dragged a hand over his face in exasperation, "I don't know, Caroline."

The way her name ran off his tongue in his accent sent her reeling but Caroline wasn't going to let up. Reluctantly she sat down beside him on the bench.

Klaus was pleased to feel her sit down beside him, she had given in, let her guard down if only for a moment. "I just want to get to know you."

Caroline didn't say anything but look ahead at the lake in front of her. "Talk to me, get to know me," he added.

Klaus was feeling desperate now, she hadn't said a word or even looked at him. "I dare you," Klaus whispered into her ear.

Caroline snapped her attention to him at those words. His voice was so sincere and challenging and Caroline couldn't resist. "Fine," she said finally giving in.

Klaus smiled so wide that his dimples showed and Caroline turned her attention back away from him. He looked so happy and at ease like he just got the best Christmas person.

He opened the bottle of champagne pouring them each a glass before setting the bottle down at their feet.

"So what do you want to talk about?" She asked after a couple seconds of awkward silence.

"I wanna talk about you." Klaus said getting straight to the point causing Caroline to blush.

Caroline laughed, "do you really think that line is going to work on me?"

"I was hoping it would," he responded with a small laugh, not wounded from her remark at all.

"You are relentless."

Klaus smirked, "maybe I am. Tell me Caroline…"

"About what?"

"You're hopes, your dreams, all that you want from life." He answered softly.

Caroline shook her head, "I don't think so buddy." She wasn't some naïve little girl, she wouldn't play into this game that he was playing.

"Why not?" He leaned forward, invading her personal space causing her to be able to smell his cologne that smelt so good on him.

She leaned back to get away from him, putting space between them. "That sounds like first date material and I don't date."

Klaus leaned back against the park bench and took a sip of his champagne as he eye Caroline. Beside him sat a beautiful woman who was rejecting him at every turn and yet he went back for more every time. "So I've been told." He replied with a faint smile. "I wonder why a beautiful woman as amazing as you doesn't date."

She finished off her champagne and took a deep breath before answering. "I have many reasons, one being my son."

"I see." He pondered the thought. "Family first, am I right?" Caroline nodded, "I understand." And he did, it wasn't a lie. Klaus knew how important family way.

Caroline watched him as he took another sip form his champagne. She wasn't going to let anyone come into her life and tear her away from her son, as he said: 'family first'.

"How about friends?" Klaus questioned breaking the silence not only taking him off guard but also Caroline.

He hadn't even been thinking about a friendship, he'd never been one for friends but there was something about Caroline that he couldn't just let go of.

"Friends?"

He nodded, "get to know me, Caroline, I am an excellent friend."

She smiled, "friends." She repeated seeming to contemplate the idea that they could have a friendship between them. " I would like that."

Klaus filled up her glass with champagne, also filling up his own. "To being friends," he toasted.

They talked a bit about Stefan and Rebekah, common ground. She learned that he had grown closer to Stefan from the weeks since the proposal and found that they oddly would make a good match. Both were quiet and broody but kind and compassionate. She quietly excused herself realizing that it had been awhile since she had seen her son.

Kol had been wondering around the party by himself. Bonnie had gone off with a relative of an old friend, leaving him to his own devices. He made his way to the bar for a drink and when he looked around the room he found Stefan and Nate sitting at a table in a far corner by themselves.

"Have you seen Rebekah anywhere?" Stefan asked when he made his way to the table.

"Afraid not," Kol responded as he sat down beside Nate. "I can watch our friend here while you go find her?"

Stefan eyed him suspiciously before nodding and getting up. "Nate you stay here with Kol, I have to go find your aunt."

Nate didn't say anything in return so Stefan walked off in search for his fiancé.

"Let's go for a walk," Kol suggested. The boy nodded and followed Kol outside. They broke away from the crowd and were on the edge of the patio when Nate stopped and looked at something off in the distance. "What's wrong?"

"Who's my mom talking to?" He asked as he pointed across the lake to a couple talking. He noticed the blonde hair of Caroline, his mother, ad the familiar dirty blonde head of his brother.

"I believe she's talking to Klaus, my brother."

"What does he want with her?"

"I don't know, mate." Kol said as he bent down so they were eye to eye. Nate looked upset as his eyes became glassy with tears. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he replied wiping his eyes. "Do you think there are snakes in that lake?"

Kol looked behind him to the small lake which was where Nate was also looking. "I don't know, why don't we go check?"

Kol grabbed his hand and lead him over the grass to the edge of the lake. He looked over to where his brother was but saw that the couple had left. Kol rolled up his pant legs and then Nate's after taking off shoes and socks and the pair waded into the lake.

Nate crouched down and began to run his fingers through the water with Kol copying his actions. "I have a snake at home, his name's percy. Do you think Percy would want a friend?" Nate questioned.

"I don't know much about snakes, but I would love to meet Percy." Kol mentioned. Nate nodded and turned around and made his way towards the thin sandy bank farther away. "Where you going?"

He watched as Nate pounced onto the sand his hands encasing something that Kol couldn't quite see. He made his way over to where the boy was kneeling, "I caught a frog!" He exclaimed holding up a frog between his hands who croaked. "Do you think Klaus likes frogs?" He asked with an evil smirk.

"I don't know; why don't we go find out?" Kol suggested putting on their shoes before they went in search of his older brother.

They found him rather quickly; Klaus was on the patio with scotch in hand. "Hello, brother," he said when he saw them approach. "Nathanial," he nodded down to the boy.

"We brought you something." Kol said with a smirk.

Nate raised his closed hands and opened them to reveal the frog. Klaus laughed as he looked down at the young boy, "how did you know I wanted a frog?"

"You're not scared of it?" Nate asked confused.

Klaus smirked and raised an eyebrow, he leaned down so he was closer in size to Nate. "No, but you know who would be?"

"Who?" Both Kol and Nate asked at the same time.

"You're lovely Aunt Bekah."

Nate's eyes lit up and nodded eagerly. "Let's do it!"

"If we're caught, you're the one who's going to get in trouble, Nik, not me." Kol said seriously. "I'm already on thin ice with Bonnie, don't need Rebekah mad at me too."

"Fine, let's just go."

The three made their way inside, Nate holding the frog close in his closed hands. Klaus told them to wait off towards the side while Klaus went into the back behind the bar and into the kitchen to grab something.

He returned a few minutes later with a plate and a silver covering. Nate gently placed the frog on the plate and Klaus put the round covering overtop and handed it to Nate.

"You are going to go up to Bekah and tell her you have desert for her and when you're ready pull the top up to reveal the frog. Make sure you hold it up to her face so she gets a good look, okay?" Klaus questioned, making sure he understood what he was supposed to do.

"Got it." Nate replied with a nod of his head.

Kol gave him a slight push, "go get 'em, champ." The two watched from the side as Nate made his way towards the middle of the room where their sister stood.

Caroline had looked everywhere for Nate but couldn't find him. She wasn't worried; he often got passed from family member to family member at these kinds of social events. She trusted Stefan and he wouldn't just pass him off to anyone.

She was inside sitting at the table that Stefan and Nate had been at earlier. She needed a break from the crowd and also to sit down, her feet were killing her thanks to her tall heels.

She heard the chair across from her scrap along the floor as someone pulled it out and sat down but she didn't bother looking up, instead taking interest in her hands that sat on top of the table.

Eventually her curiosity got the best of her and she saw who was sitting across from her. The woman smiled, "hello, Caroline."

"Hi, Mrs. Mikaelson." She smiled politely.

"Please, call me Esteher." The older woman smiled sweetly. "How are you?"

"Fine, and you?"

"Excellent." She replied happily. "You really did a good job with the party, I'm sure Rebekah appreciates it." Esther took a moment to look around and Caroline followed taking in the success of the party. Everyone was talking amongst themselves as light music played overhead.

"Thank you; I would do anything for her and Stefan."

"Rebekah told me what you did for her, giving her the ring that belonged to Stefan's mother. I heard that ring was meant for you, from Damon." Esther said and Caroline looked confused so she continued on. "Stefan told me about his brother and even about you and your son. It must be hard to live everyday with the reminder of what you lost."

"Some days are easier than others," Caroline admitted with a shrug. "Stefan is a big help and so is Rebekah."

"I bet she is. If you ever need my help, I'm available. I too know what it's like to be a single mother."

"You had to raise six kids by yourself?" She asked.

Esther nodded, "My husband passed away eighteen years ago after Henrik was born. Rebekah was seven, kol nine, Niklaus ten, Elijah twelve and Finn sixteen. Thankfully we had family money which kept us afloat, the older boys helped out with the younger ones. We faced hard times but only grew stronger, after all family is forever."

"Wow, I could never imagine raising six kids by myself; it's hard enough with one." Caroline gasped, "you really are a remarkable person. Rebekah always talks about how great her mother is but I never believe it until today."

"You are a strong woman, Caroline; I see why my son is so taken by you."

"We're just friends, I don't date." She responded quickly trying to avoid conversation about Klaus, especially with his mother.

"Why don't you don't?" Esther questioned; her eyebrows creasing with her light brown eyes concerned.

"I grew up with a lot of men coming in and out of my life, I'd rather not put my son through that."

"I understand your hesitation. However, take my advice of a single woman of eighteen years. Don't put your life on hold, take a chance. Go on dates, you don't have to introduce them to your son, just get yourself out there. Give Niklaus a chance; I think he would surprise you."

Esther gave her a small smile and before Caroline could make a rebuttal the older woman got up and left the table leaving Caroline there stunned and her words of advice sinking in.

She was ripped from her thoughts when she heard a scream echo throughout the room.

Rebekah had been talking to an old family friend when she felt a poke on the back. She turned and saw Nate looking up at her with something in his hands. "What you got there?" She asked sweetly.

"A wedding present for my favourite aunt." He replied holding the silver platter up to her as he pulled over the covering to a frog appearing before her. It croaked and jumped right at her. Rebekah screamed and fumbled backwards, her hands clawing at her front to get the frog away.

Nate began laughing hysterically and was joined by her two troublesome brothers. Caroline ran up to her, "what's going on?"

Caroline heard a croak coming from the ground in front of her and jumped back pulling Rebekah with her which caused the three boys to laugh even harder. Nate jumped forward and picked up the frog.

"What's wrong, Momma? Don't like frogs?" He asked teasingly holding the frog up so she could see.

"Nathanial, take that thing outside this second!" She scolded, placing a hand on her heart trying to calm herself down. Rebekah was doing the same but shooting her brothers with furious looks. They quickly ran after Nate who was taking the frog back outside.

Stefan and Esther ran up beside them to see what all the commotion was about. Rebekah was seething with anger, feeling her night was ruined, stating her dress had 'frog juices' on it.

"You're son," she yelled pointing at Caroline, "and you're two sons," now pointing at Esther, "are incorrigible, they are miscreants and they ruined my party! I am going to kill Kol and Klaus."

"Rebekah, it's fine," Stefan soothed as he rubbed her arms trying to calm her down.. He ducked his head looking into her eyes, "they were just trying to have some fun, besides we can get them back later."

"Like a prank?"

"Rebekah, you aren't a child anymore," Esther interrupted.

"I'm not, but your sons seem to be." She answered annoyed.

Caroline sighed, not liking where this was going, "Rebekah just let it go, and they didn't mean any harm." She turned to Stefan, pointing her finger at him, "and you, don't start a war you can't finish."

"It's my party and I'll do what I want," Rebekah snapped as she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Esther and Caroline staring after her as Stefan ran after her.

"This isn't going to end well," Caroline moaned dragging hre hands over her face.

"I'm afraid not, Rebekah grew up with five brothers, she knows how to get her revenge." Esther commented before walking off in another direction.

A/N: What's Rebekah up to? What'd you think of that Klaroline scene? Don't y'all love naughty Nate?

Next chapter will be part two of the engagement party, with some dancing, toasts, Klaroline scenes.

Thank you all for your support, I love hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Let me know what you thought about this chapter and if you have any suggestions for the story.

One last note, I will be working full time working hours starting tomorrow so updates may not be as frequent. But it'll only be for the month of July. So bare with me for this month I will try to update at lease once a week.