A/N: Thank you all for the amazing support, I love hearing your thoughts on each chapter! And a huge thanks to my beta, angelwings202, who's amazing as always. Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter, I think it's my favourite so far.

Chapter Ten

Sunday's were always busy in the Salvatore/Forbes household as they almost always meant family dinners, and this week was no different with the exception that Nate had invited Klaus. Caroline couldn't refuse when he had given her the puppy dog eyes, in hope that she'd be ok with having a guest, after all he was soon going to be family, with Rebekah marrying Stefan.

Caroline was running all around the house, like the weekend before, as she prepared for Sunday dinner with the family. This Sunday would be different, she had invited Klaus. Of course, it was Nate who sent the invite and Caroline agreed.

These family dinners were always important to everyone, being that it would be the one day of the week where everyone got together for dinner and spent time with each other. It was time to catch up with one another for everyone led busy lives something which Caroline in particular cherished.

It had been in practice for years, an idea passed down from the Salvatore family and their Italian heritage. Sundays were family time spent at church accompanied with quality time spent together and dinner. Caroline modified it so it was just dinner where everyone participated and finished off with a movie.

Being Sunday and with a guest coming over soon, Caroline was scrambling to clean the house. It had been a disaster, as always, with Nate leaving toys everywhere. Stefan had a habit of taking off sweaters and leaving them around the house, forgetting to put them away.

The kitchen too was a disaster area; she had gone grocery shopping earlier and had yet to put the items away. Instead they sat on the counters still in bags waiting to be put in their proper place.

She rushed into the play room to clean up, Nate occupied with his toy trains. "Nate, can you start cleaning up in here, Klaus is going to be here soon."

"He's here?' Nate asked, rushing to his feet

Caroline laughed, "no, not yet. Can you clean up in here, please?"

"Okay," he frowned before moving around the room to put his toys away. Caroline watched for a moment before returning to the kitchen to set to work on putting away the groceries.

She wasn't at it for long when Stefan and Rebekah waltzed in. Stefan helped her with groceries while Rebekah watched on, sitting at the island flipping through a magazine.

"I'm thinking we should have chicken quesadillas tonight for dinner, we haven't had them forever. We should have all the ingredients, if not I could quickly run to the store or you could. What if Klaus doesn't like them, we should have something else but I don't know-"

"Caroline!" Stefan snapped, interrupting Caroline who was aimlessly talking to herself as she stuffed the cupboards. She stopped what she was doing and slowly turned around to face Stefan and Rebekah. "We're not going to be staying for dinner with you guys."

"But we always have dinner with me and Nate on Sundays."

"I know but Bekah and I made plans, I'm sorry we can't stay."

"Oh, okay," She replied, turning to finish putting the groceries away, suddenly feeling nervous that it would only be her, Klaus and Nate.

Stefan reached forward, and turned her around to face him. "Everything will be fine," he smiled.

Caroline took a deep breath and managed a smile of her own. "Okay."

"See you tonight," Stefan leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

Rebekah stood up behind him, waiting to go. Stefan let go of Caroline, sending a wink her way before turning to walk with Rebekah out the door. "He likes chicken quesadillas," she shot over her shoulder.

"Thanks," Caroline replied, sighing in relief. She heard the front door shut and the sound of Nate running into the kitchen.

"Is he here yet?" He asked excitedly.

Caroline chuckled, "not yet, buddy. Why don't you help me with the groceries while we wait?"

Nate nodded, allowing Caroline to pick him up and place him on the counter. He handed her items while she put them in their proper place. Once their task was completed, Caroline took Nate upstairs to get cleaned up before their guest arrived.

She concentrated on the task at hand and not that in mere minutes Klaus would be showing up. This would be the first time since their date a few weeks back since she had really spoken to him and they wouldn't be alone, Nate would be joining them.

Stefan had told her about the week before at the guys' night about how well Nate and Klaus got along. She almost found it comical, hearing stories of Klaus following Nate around most of the night.

A loud knock on the front door travelled up the stairs and into Nate's room. "Shit," she whispered to herself. Nate had just finished getting dressed but Caroline still needed to get ready.

"I bet that's Klaus!" Nate exclaimed as he turned to run out of his room to answer the door.

Caroline sighed as she followed behind. Nate was already opening the door by the time she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Klaus!"

"Hello," he said walking into the house, smiling down at Nate. "These are for you, love," handing her a bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you," Caroline took them, not paying too much attention to the flowers but the man that brought them. He was wearing a dark v-neck coupled with a blue jeans. He smiled at her before turning his attention downwards to Nate who was tugging on his hand.

"Come on, Klaus, I have to show you something."

"I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything," Caroline said before heading into the kitchen to put the flowers away.

She grabbed a vase from the cupboard and filled it up with water before removing the plastic covering the flowers and placing them inside. They were beautiful and elegant, white rose placed with light purple lilies.

After placing them on the kitchen table, ready for dinner, Caroline made her way back upstairs. Laughter was flowing out of Nate's room, from both him and Klaus. She peaked her head inside to see them both huddled together over Percy's tank, Nate no doubt telling him all about the snake.

Caroline let them be deciding that a few minutes of them alone wouldn't hurt for her to get changed. She decided on a white fitted blouse and a pair of jean shorts. Throwing her hair up in a loose pony tail and applying her makeup lightly, Caroline took to heading downstairs to prepare on dinner.

Klaus was nervous as he headed over to Caroline's' for Sunday dinner. He was jittery and anxious, not knowing what was in store for him. He smiled remembering when she asked him, saying that it was Nate who wanted him to join them. It seemed all his efforts at winning over the boy worked, somehow.

Rebekah had given him advice before hand, telling him to pick up flowers. Lilies were her favourite, so he picked a bouquet that had light purple ones accompanied with white roses.

When he knocked on the door, he expected to see Caroline, yet was greeted by Nate. He was taken back to a month ago when he first met Nate and had the door slammed in his face.

"Klaus!" Nate yelled, a big smile on his lips.

"Hello," he smiled, walking past him into the house to see Caroline standing at the bottom of the stairs. She looked breathtaking, a little flushed if anything, but natural none the less. "These are for you, love."

Before he could say anything more, Klaus was being dragged up the stairs by Nate. "I have to show you something!" He explained, pulling him into his room.

In the corner of the room sat a large tank with bright lights, a small snake inside. Klaus kneeled down in front of it, Nate standing beside him. "Are you still scared of snakes?" Nate questioned, watching his snake, Percy through the glass.

"Not really, no."

"Good, I have something to show you." He fiddled around with something on the other side of the tank. In his hand was a dead mouse and Nate was holding it by its tail. "He's supposed to eat one small mouse once a week. We keep them in the freezer downstairs and usually Uncle Stefan helps me feed him but he's not here today."

"I see, so what do you do?"

"You just have to place the mouse inside and then Percy eats it. It's really cool to see, watch." Nate explained as he stood up on the stool in front of the tank, opening the lid and carefully placing the mouse inside.

He stepped back down beside Klaus and watched as the snake slithered over to where the dead mouse was and opened its jaw taking the mouse in with one bite.

"Woah!" Nate yelled, his laughter filling the room. Klaus couldn't help but chuckle at the boy and how excited he got, his blue eyes alight with joy. "That was awesome!"

"Yeah, amazing," Klaus smiled.

"I want a dog, do you think you could help convince my mom?"

"That's your battle, afraid I can't interfere with that," he smirked. Klaus caught Caroline pass by the doorway out of the corner of his eye and saw her returning back downstairs, most likely going to prepare dinner.

"Come play with me, Klaus," Nate said, getting up and pulling him again out of the room. He followed the boy down the stairs, past the kitchen and into a playroom.

It was a small, bright room filled to the brim with an assortment of colourful toys of all sorts. A wooden train track that looked as though it had been abandoned at a moment's notice with the train on its side and the track incomplete sat in the middle of the room.

Nate dove down on the ground, eager to finish his work. Klaus kneeled down beside him, unsure of what to do, when Nate handed him a piece of track. He placed it down, attaching it to another piece already installed, happy with his placement, Klaus grabbed another.

Klaus worked in silence, listening attentively as Nate rambled on excitedly about trains and all what he knew about them. He explained why Thomas the Train was his favourite show and had many replicas of the show. Thomas was his favourite and had five toy trains of him, all in his room on a shelf.

Klaus listened and watched as he played one ear on Nate and the other on Caroline who was working in the kitchen. He felt guilty, wanting to help her with dinner but Nate wanted his attention and so he stayed with the boy.

A loud ringing erupted throughout the house, the fire alarm. A thick, burning smell wafting into the room. "Shit" Caroline yelled, being heard from the other room.

Klaus sprang to his feet, grabbing onto Nate and ran into the kitchen to see Caroline waving a towel at the open oven which was emitting smoke. He let go of Nate, stepping forward to help Caroline out by opening up windows around the kitchen. Burnt chicken sat on top of the stove, the smoke slowly filtering out of the room, allowing the alarm to rest.

Caroline flopped onto one of the stools, her hand holding up her head. Nate peered over the stove, trying to get a look at their dinner. "I don't think we can eat this," he commented.

Klaus chuckled while Caroline rolled her eyes. "I know, honey." She turned her attention to Klaus who was standing in the middle of the kitchen awkwardly. "This is why I didn't want Stefan to leave, he's the cook of the house, and I just burn things."

"I think I have a solution," Klaus smirked, reaching into his pocket and drawing his phone out.

"I'm a genius," Rebekah stated triumphantly. She was seated beside Stefan and across from Kol and Bonnie, the four of them on a double date.

"Why's that, sister?" Kol questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Bonnie just rolled her eyes, placing a hand over Kol's. "Klaus and Caroline are at home having dinner together and Bekah orchestrated it."

"Always the matchmaker," Kol commented. "Can you not leave anything alone?'

"Oh shut it, Kol," she snapped, glaring at her older brother.

Stefan sighed, "Can we not have one evening without any family arguments?"

Rebekah squeezed his hand and smiled up at him, trying to ease the tension. It was her idea after all to go on a double date with her brother and his girlfriend.

Though they had all grown up together Rebekah wasn't as close to Kol as she was to Klaus, but despite this she wanted the best for him, and wanted to make sure Bonnie was the best. While Rebekah and Bonnie were acquaintances, friends through Caroline and Stefan she wanted to be able to make her own opinion. Stefan had known Bonnie for a majority of his life since they grew up together and they seemed to be good friends. It also seemed as though he and Kol were getting along well despite only having just met.

The four were seated at a small restaurant, a place frequented by Rebekah and Stefan regularly. It was by no means fancy with tables closely placed together to fit in the small space. The menu was an array of various items to cater for everyone.

An awkward silence had settled over the table as the foursome ate their meal. Nothing more had been said on Caroline and Klaus, deciding that would be dangerous territory.

Bonnie broke the silence first, "so how is the wedding planning going?"

Rebekah looked up from her meal, surprised at the question but grateful for the interruption. "Great, Caroline is a big help! We have most of it planned already; we really tackled the planning with our time off. Which reminds me, would you be a bridesmaid?"

"I would love to!" Bonnie exclaimed, smiling happily.

"Excellent, and Kol, of course you'll be one of Stefan's groomsmen along with Elijah and Klaus."

"Doesn't your lovely groom get a say in who his own groomsmen will be?" Kol asked.

Stefan chuckled, "nope. I'm fine with it, whatever Bekah wants she'll get." He winked Rebekah, squeezing her leg under the table.

Kol coughed, "whipped."

"Kol!"

"Bekah, it's fine," he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Enough with the PDA at the dinner table restrain yourselves please, for the love of God!"

"Kol!" Bonnie and Rebekah yelled at the same time.

He just rolled his eyes at the two women in his life, "kissing at the dinner table is impolite."

"Kissing, like this?" Bonnie questioned before leaning closer to Kol who was beside her, turning his face and captured his lips with hers. She smirked pulling back to see Kol eyes wide and in shock.

"Bonnie, people are staring!" He whined, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Rebekah and Stefan laughed, happy that Bonnie put him in his place. "You're good for him," Rebekah commented, nodding towards Kol who was ignoring the others as he finished up his steak dinner.

Bonnie smiled, "thanks. So how do you think Caroline is doing making dinner on her own?"

"I'm hoping she hasn't burned the house down," Stefan responded, laughing slightly.

Everyone knew that although Caroline liked to cook and bake she wasn't very good at it. There had been a few occasions where she had burnt dinner or set something on fire by accident. That was why Stefan had resorted to cooking meals for her and Nate, wanting to prevent any food poisoning.

"We'll find out when we get home," Rebekah agreed, laughing.

Kol finished his dinner before everyone else was ready to talk to the rest of his company again, "so tell me how you met my dear sister, Stefan."

Stefan put down his fork, knowing he wasn't going to get a chance to continue with his dinner unless he appeased and answered Kol. "I was buying a gift for Caroline for her birthday and I got lost in the department store, and that's when I met Rebekah."

"I found him wandering around looking at woman's shoes, we talked for a bit and I found out what he was really looking for and set him straight. We found Caroline the perfect present," she added.

"I also asked for her number and the rest is history," he smiled over at her.

"Awe!" Bonnie cooed, she knew the story, being around when they started dating, but always enjoyed that story.

"What a suitable way to find your mate, Bekah," Kol smirked.

She narrowed her eyes, "tell us how you met Bonnie."

"Easy, we met at a club, she found me so irresistible that I had to take her home."

"In typical Kol fashion," Rebekah sneered.

"Hey! It worked out, I found Bonnie," he said, reaching over and hugging her into his side.

"Good save," she kissed his cheek before pulling away from his grip.

Rebekah just rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to her meal. The rest of dinner was finished in relative silence, the odd topic of conversation being brought up. Everyone ordered desert, not ready to go home yet.

When all was finished, they congregated outside the small downtown restaurant, preparing to say goodbye. Bonnie stepped forward, hugging Stefan and then Rebekah. Kol did the same, whispering a few remarks to his sister, causing her to smack him.

"Don't forget, I'm planning Nate's birthday party so keep the weekend of the tenth open," Rebekah ordered. "I'll send invitations in the mail this week with all the details."

"Alright!" Bonnie smiled.

"I have the perfect present in mind," Kol smirked, earning him glares from both women.

"See you guy's soon," Bonnie waved, heading back to her apartment, pulling Kol along with her.

Rebekah and Stefan waved in return, she stepped in front of him smiling, "you should come back to my place."

His eyebrows raised, "I should, shouldn't I?"

"Yes," she smirked, stepping up on her tip toes to kiss him.

"Lead the way," he said when he pulled back. Holding hands, the two made their way back to Rebekah's apartment.

"I'm so full," Caroline moaned, shoving her plate with a half-eaten piece of pizza away from her.

They had resorted to ordering pizza, the chicken was unsalvageable and Caroline had lost all motivation for cooking after the little mishap. Caroline, Klaus and Nate were curled up on the couch, watching Finding Nemo which was a rarity in their house. Klaus opted for a beer while Caroline had wine.

The casual feel calmed her nerves. It helped that Nate occupied Klaus' attention, constantly asking him questions or telling him about himself. She applauded Klaus, he was patient with Nate, letting him guide the conversation and not once did he interrupt him. He let him talk about whatever he pleased and asked appropriate questions.

The two had a bond, so it seemed. It surprised Caroline at how well Nate took to Klaus once assured that he wasn't a threat. The two bonded on another level, one that Caroline didn't quite understand how or why.

"I'm sure your cooking would have been phenomenal but that was exactly what I needed," Klaus said, nodding towards the box of pizza that sat on the ottoman in front of them.

Nate was hunched over sitting between the two, still chewing on his piece of crust, quiet for the first time all night. He stopped what he was doing and looked up at her, "I agree with Klaus."

"Of course you do," she laughed, running her fingers through his hair. "Why do I get the feeling this was all Rebekah's idea? Her and Stefan not being here for dinner when they never miss Sunday night dinners."

"Knowing my sister, you're probably right," Klaus agreed.

"Figures," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"I'm not complaining," he laughed.

"Me neither," Nate added, even though he probably didn't know what they were talking about as his attention was trained on the television.

"I think you have a new best friend," Caroline whispered, looking over her son's head to see Klaus.

He looked down at the little boy between them, and she studied him as he studied Nate. A small smile played at his lips and his eyes alight with something she could only identify as happiness, her heart warmed at the sight. "I think you're right."

They locked gazes, blue eyes piercing blue eyes. Her stomach flipped and felt unsettled as feelings began to stir within. She felt heat rise up to her cheeks and immediately pulled away, blushing slightly.

"The movie's over," Nate pouted, pulling their attention towards him. She glanced up at the television and sure enough the end credits were rolling.

"Well what do you want to watch next?" She asked, getting up to remove the DVD from the player.

The television was situated in a black TV unit, which held their extensive movie collection. A majority were catered to Nate and his age group with Disney movies or other various cartoons. While the other half were Stefans' and Carolines' being chick flicks or action movies.

"Spiderman?" Nate questioned, looking up at Klaus, seeking approval.

"Sounds good to me," he nodded.

Caroline found the movie, assuming he wanted the first one of the trilogy and plopped it in the player. She made her way back to the couch but before she sat down she decided to clean up the mess they had made from dinner.

At the same time, Klaus reached forward to help and knocked over her wine glass which rested on the large ottoman. The spilled contents landed on his pants, Caroline saw it all happen in slow motion. She gasped when she saw what happened, seeing the wine land on his jeans.

Caroline reached forward, with a napkin in hand, to clean up the mess on his jeans. She began wiping and only then realized her hand was in a suggestive place and blushed. Klaus' hand encased hers, taking the napkin out of her hand to clean it up himself.

"Sorry," she blushed, quickly picking up the mess and running into the kitchen. After dumping the contents on the counter, she rubbed her hands over her face in embarrassment.

The only thing worse would be if Klaus walked into the kitchen, which he did. "That was completely my fault," he said, his sudden presence startling her and causing her to jump.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, love."

"Its fine," she replied, turning back around to finish her task of putting everything away.

Caroline felt his presence draw near and soon he was right behind her, she braced herself against the counter, her heart quickening in anticipation. Klaus reached around her, his arm brushing hers and she looked down to see him placing her wine glass in the sink.

She turned slightly to look up at him. "You forgot that in the other room," he said quietly.

It was only then did she notice how close they truly were as she stared up into his eyes, she could see every line and crevice in his flawless face. Caroline took a step to the side, allowing distance between them, breaking the hold he had over her.

Klaus shook his head, like he himself was lost; "I'm just going to go clean this up," motioning to his pants, "I'll be back."

Caroline nodded, watching him retreat out of the kitchen. Once he was out of sight she allowed herself to breathe. He had been too close for comfort, something with unnerved her. Her hand reached up to where their skin met merely seconds ago and she still felt the area tingling.

She broke from her daze when Nate yelled out to her. She quickly brushed herself off, returning to the task at hand and cleaned up. Caroline was back on the couch moments later, beside Nate who was watching the movie contently.

"Everyone loves Spiderman but I think Iron man is my favourite," Nate admitted, turning towards Klaus.

"Really, why's that?"

"He has a suit of armour and can fly, what's not to love?"

Klaus chuckled, "I suppose your right. Although, I was always a fan of batman."

Nate groaned, scrunching up his nose. "I hate batman!"

"How could you hate batman?" Klaus questioned in mock horror. "He's just like Iron man but better because he has less technology."

"He can't fly," Nate state simply.

"But he has a bat-mobile, Alfred, and a mansion, what's not to love about all that?"

"And he's not an avenger."

"Well neither is Spiderman," he huffed.

"But Spiderman can fly," Nate smirked.

"I give up," Klaus sighed.

"Good, now maybe we can watch the movie in peace and quiet," Caroline

"Who's your favourite, mommy?"

"Oh no, we're not getting into this tonight. Just watch the movie," she said but both turned and looked expectedly at her. "Fine, black widow!"

"I knew it," Nate stated happily turning his attention back to the movie.

The threesome watched the movie in relative silence, Nate fighting to stay awake but dozed off close to the end. Caroline could feel Klaus glancing her way on occasion but refuses to meet his gaze.

When the end credits rolled, Caroline picked up Nate, waking him up in the process. He blinked a few times, getting his bearing and trying to figure where he was.

He saw Klaus over his mothers' shoulder and wiggled to get down, "I want to stay up with you guys, I'm not tired."

"Nate," Caroline warned as she held him tighter.

"I don't want to go to be!"

"It's bed time, Nathanial," Caroline tried but to no avail, he wiggled out of her grasp, sliding down her legs and jumping onto the couch. She pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on.

"I'm not tired," he whined, "please, let me stay up a little later."

It was already past his bed time, she couldn't let him stay up any later, as much as both she and he wanted. "Nate, please," she begged, wanting him to just behave and not make a scene in front of a guest.

Nate turned to look up at Klaus, "I want to stay up and play with you more."

"I'll come back another day, and we can play all you want. But I think right now your mother wants to put you to bed, mate."

"You promise, you'll come back?" Nate questioned softly, innocence and insecurity thick in his voice.

"I promise."

Nate gave him a small smile, "good night, Klaus." He stood up on the couch, wrapping his little arms around Klaus' neck, leaning into him.

"Good night, Nate." Klaus wrapped his arms around the boy, giving him a gentle squeeze before letting go.

He hopped off the couch and ran past Caroline and up the stairs to his room. "I'll be right back," Caroline said, before following after him.

Klaus felt bad for the boy, wanting to stay up later with the adults but forced to go to bed. As a child, he often held the same experiences, and understood where Nate was coming from.

The night had been enjoyable; he loved spending time with Nate and Caroline. It was easy being with them both and Nate seemed to enjoy his company, even though he led the conversations.

He watched Nate trample up the stairs and Caroline follow after him. Noises and protests were heard overhead as Caroline tried putting him to bed. She returned ten minutes later, looking slightly exhausted.

"Everything alright?" Klaus asked, his voice laced with concern.

She offered him a small smile, "yeah, as soon as his head hit the pillow he was out like a light."

"Good."

"You shouldn't have promised Nate that you'll come back to play with him," Caroline said, suddenly serious.

"I take my promises very seriously, love, and intend to fulfil it," he replied, "but something tells me that you don't believe me."

She shrugged, "I grew up with many men walking in and out of my life, and I don't want that for Nate."

"Caroline-"

"My mother never cared about me, she always had one man after the other, inviting them into our lives and he would leave when he grew tired of having a kid around. She promised many times that it would just be us to, do you know how many times she kept her promises?"

"I-"

"None... Not once did she ever keep a promise. Not many people do, but I will keep mine and protect my son. I know you're a good person, but you can't lie to him, don't make promises you can't keep."

"Caroline!" Klaus shouted, grabbing onto her shoulders to stop her from rambling. He lowered his head, looking directly into her eyes. "I fully intend on keeping my promise to that little boy."

"You-"

"Caroline," he warned, "I'm not finished." Caroline shut her mouth, waiting for what he had to say next causing Klaus to smile. "I understand where you're coming from, I truly do, but you have to trust me when I say I would never do anything to hurt you or Nathanial."

"Klaus," she whispered, closing her eyes. When she opened them again she was met with deep blue eyes, "I want to believe you."

"Look, Caroline, I'm all in. Whatever you want, whatever you need, I'll be there."

"But-"

"All I'm asking for is a chance, love," he said, eyebrows raised, questioning if she would accept what he has to offer.

"Fine, but you let Nate down I'll come after you with a knife."

Klaus chuckled, holding up his hands, "I would never dream of it."

"Good," she smiled.

"I better get going it's getting late," Klaus said, standing up from the couch. Caroline got up, following him to the front door. "Thank you for an amazing night, I'll be seeing you and Nate soon."

Before Caroline could even say anything, Klaus leaned forward, placing a kiss on her cheek. He pulled back, giving her a smile and let himself out, leaving Caroline standing in the doorway gaping after him.

"Bye," she managed to say before he was too far away. Klaus turned, giving her a small wave.

Her hand flew up to her cheek, her fingers running over the spot that he just kissed. She wanted to believe the sensation she felt was all in her imagination, and that she wasn't beginning to have feelings for Klaus.

A/N: So what'd you think? Did you like the Klaroline?

Next chapter will include Daroline and Damon history, just a heads up. I have wanted to do this chapter from the beginning, it's important to the story. I know some have been asking for it, and I intend to deliver. It will just be flashbacks, nothing to with interfere with Klaroline.