A/N: Big thank you to all the lovely reviews, favourite and follows. A quick welcome to any new readers giving this fic a chance. And a thank you to be wonderful beta, Angela. Now, n extra long chapter for the wait. It includes lots of Klaroline goodness, hope y'all enjoy it!

Chapter Thirteen

Caroline got ready for her first date with Damon, unable to control the butterflies in her stomach or keep her hands from shaking too much. This was officially her first date with anyone and she wanted it to be perfect.

She straightened her hair, donned her favourite pair of jeans with a light, pink tank top and white cardigan. She looked almost angelic with the soft colours contrasting perfectly with her creamy skin.

The doorbell rang, sounding throughout the house. She threw the lip gloss she just applied into her purse and picked it up putting it over her shoulder. Thankfully her mother wasn't home so she couldn't interrogate her date or threaten him in any way, even if she knew him since he was young.

Caroline opened the front door to find Damon standing in front of her, clad in a light blue dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up to the elbows and the collar open with the top few buttons undone. The colour brought out his eyes, making them appear brighter and bluer than what seemed as humanly possible. His shirt was tucked into his jeans, which made her burst out with laughter.

"What?" he asked confused as he looked at her like she was crazy.

Her hand covered her mouth as she tried to calm down. She shook her head, breathing rapidly as the laughter subsided, "nothing, you just look like a dork with your shirt tucked into your pants like that."

Damon smirked, "I happen to look very dashing, my mother told me so."

"That doesn't help your case," she giggled as she stepped forward. "I agree, you do look very dashing." Caroline pecked his cheek before turning around to close the front door and lock it. "So where to, Mr. Salvatore?"

She hooked her arm with his as they walked the streets of Mystic Falls and towards the town square, talking about anything and everything. When they reached the center of town, a large patch of grass with a gazebo and benches, a blanket and picnic basket were waiting for them.

"This is for us?" Caroline questioned as she sat down with her legs folded underneath her.

Damon nodded, opening the basket and began to pull food out. He had sandwiches and juice boxes, a simple meal which he obviously made since he didn't know how to cook. "I know it's not much, but it's the thought that counts right?"

Caroline looked up and caught him blushing so she smiled and nodded as she picked up a sandwich and proceeded to eat it. She felt something crunchy and scrunched up her nose, the taste was bearable but the ingredients were not supposed to go together. Opening up the sandwich for inspection, she found lettuce with cucumbers and roast beef.

"Damon, what is this?"

"My favourite sandwich," he smiled as he took a bit of his own. The taste was unnoticed by him as he happily chewed on his meal.

Caroline took another bite, not wanting to upset him for turning up his nose at something he worked so hard for. Yet as she took her second bite, she really couldn't stand the taste as she found he had added an unidentifiable sauce.

Damon noticed her face of disgust which she really couldn't hide as she drained a juice box to try and get rid of the sour taste in her mouth. "Don't like it?"

"Not, really," she whispered, looking down to avoid his gaze.

"Oh," he said, putting down his sandwich. "We can go to The Grill?"

"It's fine, we don't have to go anywhere," she tried, placing her hand on his arm.

Damon shook his head and began to pack everything back up in the basket. "Come on, let's get you some real food," he smiled brightly as he got up and held his hand out and helped her up.

Caroline smiled shyly at him, 'if you insist."

"I insist," he said as he reached down and grabbed hold of her hand as he began to lead her towards the restaurant only a few yards away.

"Wait, what about the picnic basket and blanket?"

"Stefan will pick it up," he shrugged.

Hours later Damon walked her back home, her white cardigan stained with soda while Damon's' crisp blue shirt was stained with spaghetti sauce. The date was quite eventful with Caroline spilling her drink over the table and inevitably getting it on herself. Damon, being the messy eater he was, spilled sauce on himself. They just laughed at the misfortunate turn of events, but didn't let it get their spirits down.

Caroline turned around facing Damon as they stood under the porch light as they reached her front door. "I had a really great time," she smiled up at him.

"I'm really sorry about the picnic and dinner, I wanted everything to be perfect," he said sadly.

Caroline reached up, one hand on his cheek and brought him to look at her. "It was perfect."

His eyes lit up almost instantly as a new round of confidence passed through him. "Good." Damon lowered his head, his eyes locked on hers as his lips gently brushed hers. He pulled back, "goodnight, Caroline."

Caroline was speechless, she just had her first kiss and it was utterly perfect. "Goodnight," she managed.

Damon sent her a wink before retreating down the front steps and making his way back home. Caroline watched him go, her fingers on her lips as they tingled from his touch. Her thoughts were on the date they just shared and how it didn't go as planned but was still perfect.

Caroline was nervous for her date with Klaus, it wasn't just any date, it was their official first date. If there was one thing Caroline didn't do well, it was first dates. She only had one all her life and that was only with Damon, someone she knew extremely well; but Klaus was different.

She only knew Klaus for a few months, they had already had a date, if you could even call it that, and he was willing to date a single mother. Caroline was still nervous as she meticulously planned her outfit, needing something stylish but comfortable seeing as he wanted to spend the whole day with her.

It was suppose to be a happy day, a day that was all about Klaus and her so they could get to know each other; but she just couldn't get Damon and their first date out of her head. Caroline could stop thinking about everything that went wrong, their date was far from perfect even though she insisted that it was. She wanted to remember everything so she knew what not to do with Klaus because she wanted the perfect date with him. He deserved the perfect date, especially after she had been so back and forth with her feelings for him.

Caroline smiled to herself, thinking back on how honest Klaus had been with not only her but Nate. She was nervous taking a chance, it wasn't because it was Klaus, and it was because she hadn't dated in years. She wasn't sure if she would be able to hold a normal conversation that didn't revolve around why children had to eat their fruits and vegetables.

Nerves fluttered through her stomach as it twisted and churned. Caroline had no idea where he was taking her; she couldn't possibly imagine where they could spend all day together. She had expected him to be a dinner and a movie type of guy, but Klaus was nothing that she expected and she like that about him.

Caroline studied the clothes that she had laid out on the bed. There were dresses and blouses and shorts and jeans, all different types of clothing. It didn't help matters that she didn't know where she was going so how could she possibly pick an outfit?

What if they were spending all day inside, then she couldn't wear a dress because she would freeze from the air conditioning. Or if she wore pants, then she may sweat to death if they spent all day outside. Her mind ran wild with all the possible scenarios and locations of her date.

Caroline was broken from her thoughts when she heard a little voice come from behind her. "What are you doing?" Nate asked, sitting on the bed and looking up at her with confusion.

She stopped her pacing and stood in front of her bed, looking down at the clothes and then him. Her thumb went up to her mouth as she chewed her nail and studied her options. "I'm trying to pick out what I should wear for my date with Klaus."

Caroline had told Nate about her date with his favourite person earlier in the week and he was ecstatic. He told everyone that he saw about how his mother had a date with Nik and how much he loved Nik and that Nik was going to be his step-dad because Caroline was going to fall in love with him.

She knew she should be happy; her son liked the man she was dating. Yet, there was a small gut feeling that she couldn't get rid of, almost like a nagging in the back of her head reminding her that things probably won't work out between her and Klaus.

Nate was just a boy, he didn't understand the way adult relationships worked, and Caroline just couldn't bring herself to tear him down; she didn't have the heart to and hated seeing her son upset. So she let Nate talk about Klaus, feeling guilty for getting his hopes up for something that may not work out in the end.

"I like this one," Nate said, breaking her from her thoughts. She looked down to see a white sundress with a red floral design in his hands. A bright smile graced his lips as he looked up at her.

Caroline took the dress from him and examined it closely, it was an old favourite, and something she hadn't worn in years but fit her perfectly. She moved a pile of clothes over so she could sit on the bed beside Nate, the dress resting on her lap. "You're fine with me going on a date, right?"

"Yes!" he exclaimed, his blue eyes lighting up with excitement.

Caroline inwardly groaned but couldn't help be proud at his optimism, it helped silence her own pessimism. "Honey, I just want you to know that things may not work out with Klaus and I. Just because we are going on a date doesn't mean we are going to get married."

"Why?"

She didn't know how exactly to explain to her five year old how dating worked, hell she was twenty five and barely understood how dating worked. So she came up with the best answer she could, "you'll understand some day. I'm going to go get ready, why don't you wait downstairs for Bonnie?"

"Okay," he smiled, jumping off the bed and made his way out into the hall. She could hear him stomping and jumping his way down the stairs.

Caroline took the time to finish getting ready; she already had her makeup and hair done. So she slipped into the bathroom and changed into the dress, it fitting like a glove, just like she expected. Slipping on a pair of white, strappy sandals from her closet she joined Nate downstairs.

It was late in the morning, Klaus promising to pick her up before noon and Bonnie just before then. Surprisingly, she wasn't there yet and Klaus was due to arrive any second. As Caroline made her descent down the stairs the doorbell rang, "that must be Bonnie."

She opened the front door to Klaus, flowers in his hand and a small smirk on his lips. "Hello, sweetheart," he said walking into the house, dropping a kiss to her cheek as he passed.

Caroline closed the door and turned around, her mouth a gape. "Hi," she squeaked.

"These are for you," he said, holding out the flowers. She took them, peering down to a sea of purple, white and pink flowers.

"Thank you, I'm just going to go put these in water." She retreated out of the room and into the kitchen, flowers in hand. She could hear Nate already talking to Klaus about the date and how even though he wasn't going on it he was excited.

"Who said you weren't coming?" Caroline heard Klaus ask, his voice light and playful.

She strained her ears to hear what Nate was saying but only heard hushed whispers as Klaus replied. Caroline quickly unwrapped the flowers and dumped them into a vase with water so she could return back to where the boys were. She was curious as to what Klaus had up his sleeve.

When she re-entered the front hall Nate had disappeared and Klaus was standing there by himself, back turned as he took in a piece of art work that hung giving her ample time to take his appearance in. Klaus was wearing a fitted navy v-neck, most likely bringing out his eyes, and showing off his biceps. His wardrobe was put together with a pair of dark blue jeans.

He must have sensed her presence because he turned around moments after she entered, and he smirked at her. "I'm just going to call Bonnie, see where she is, she's supposed to be babysitting Nate today."

Before Klaus could reply, her phone went off from the pocket of her dress. "Hello?"

"Kol, get off me," Bonnie whined as she pushed at her boyfriends' shoulders. However, he never budged, still laying on top of her, running his lips down her neck with open kisses. "I have to go pick up Nate, we're baby-sitting today."

Kol pulled back, smirking down at her. "Afraid not, darling, Nik is taking Nate with him and Caroline on their date."

"Why wasn't I informed?"

"It's a surprise for Caroline and I forgot to tell you last night," he shrugged, lowering his head and began to attack her neck again.

Bonnie shoved him, pushing at his shoulders, Kol reluctantly pulled back. "You should have told me earlier, now I have to call Caroline, she's probably freaking out."

She slipped out from underneath him, Kol groaning in the process. Bonnie threw on a pair of shorts and tank top from the floor and made her way out of the bedroom and into the living room where her cell phone was abandoned. Picking it up she quickly dialled Caroline's number and heard the familiar blonde, "Hello?"

"Hey, Care, it's Bonnie," she smiled through gritted teeth, ready to hear an earful.

"Where the hell are you?" She screeched into the phone. Bonnie, instinctively pulled it away from her ear as to not harm her ear drums.

"I told Kol they didn't need to babysit today," Klaus said to Caroline on the other end.

"What do you mean they don't need to baby sit?" Caroline asked him confused. Bonnie now pressed the phone closer to her ear to hear the conversation on the other end. "What about Nate?"

"I invited him to come along with us."

"Why?"

"You'll see. Bonnie, thank my brother for me, and thank you for offering but your service will not be needed today," Klaus yelled into the phone.

"It's not a problem, have fun, Care," Bonnie said, unable to contain her smile.

She hung up after saying her goodbyes and wishing Caroline good luck, and returned back to the bedroom where her very unhappy boyfriend was waiting.

Kol was sat upright in bed, leaning against the head board with his arms crossed. Bonnie smirked, running over to him and jumping on top, straddling him. "You're brother's smooth."

"I'm smoother," Kol retorted, grabbing onto her hips and flipping them over so he was now on top. "Now, where were we?" He questioned before lowering his head, intentionally missing her lips and went right for her neck.

Caroline turned around after ending her phone call with Bonnie to see a smirking Klaus. She reached out and playfully hit his chest, "you could have told me you wanted to take Nate with us today."

"I thought I'd surprise you."

"I hate surprises," she said, trying to look upset but couldn't wipe the smile from her face.

"I'm ready! I'm ready!" Nate yelled as he ran down the stairs, jumping off of the last one and into the middle of the two adults. "Where we going?"

"It's a surprise," Klaus smirked

"Uh oh, mamma doesn't like surprises," Nate said, staring up at Klaus with wide eyes.

"How about you, do you like surprises?"

"I love them!" Nate exclaimed, jumping a little in the air.

"Excellent, we better get going then." Klaus turned around, opening up the door. "Coming, love?" One eyebrow was raised, questioning.

Caroline tugged on her lower lip and shrugged giving in. Her curiosity got the better of her and had to know where their date, if you could call it that because now it involved her son, would be.

Nate ran out the open door, "come on, mamma!"

Stefan grunted when he felt the weight of a body on top of him, his hands rose and skimmed the sides of said body. The curves only fit that of his fiancé, "may I help you?" His arms circled her waist, holding her on top of him; the morning light was rough on his hung over eyes so he kept them closed.

"Wake up," Rebekah whispered against his skin as she kissed his jaw.

Stefan brought one arm over his eyes to try and block out the sunlight that crept through the curtains in Rebekah's' apartment. "No, lemme sleep," he groaned, protesting.

Rebekah leaned forward placing a soft kiss against his cheek. "You knew we had errands to run today concerning the wedding so I don't know why you went out with Nik and Kol last night," she said softly, keeping his headache into consideration.

Stefan removed the arm over his eyes, "it was supposed to be one drink, your stupid brother tried to drink me under the table."

"You shouldn't have let Kol egg you on like that, you know how he gets," she replied with a roll of the eyes. "Get up, we have things to do such as a meeting with the wedding planner, a cake consultation and then we have to check out the location."

"Can't you do that?"

"No, because you asked me to marry you and you are supposed to be involved in some of the planning. So get up and get ready," she said, placing a soft kiss on his lips before getting off the bed and exiting the bedroom. "We leave in twenty minutes so you might want to get up sooner rather than later."

Stefan groaned, rolling over in bed and pulling the pillow over his pounding head. He heard Rebekah shout throughout the apartment, something about breakfast or the shower, he wasn't sure, her voice sounded mumbled and incoherent.

The last thing Stefan wanted to do was spend all day talking and planning the wedding but the very last thing he wanted was to upset his future wife. She had been amazing with everything so far, planning most of the event herself, the planner just helping her with the little details.

So Stefan sat up, taking a few seconds for his head to stop spinning and his stomach to settle before he got up and made his way into the shower. Half an hour later, much to Rebekah's dismay, Stefan was showered and ready to go. Luckily she didn't scold him too much even though they would be later for their first appointment of the day.

"Where are we going first again?" Stefan asked, following Rebekah out onto the busy city streets. Her hand slipped into his which he squeezed lightly.

"The wedding planner, she just wants to confirm the details of the wedding, the rehearsal and reception dinner. Like flowers and centrepieces just to make sure we still like what I had originally chosen," she listed off.

Stefan inwardly groaned, knowing the day was to be long and boring. If he had his way they would have a small court house wedding with family only. Yet, he knew that every girl wanted a big, white fairytale wedding; he really couldn't blame her. So Stefan put on a smile and prepared to agree to whatever his fiancé wanted.

"So where to first?" Caroline asked Nate as the three of them stepped through the front gates of the zoo. She looked around, large crowds already accumulating at surrounding exhibits. Being a Saturday and a late in the morning the zoo was already accumulating as the summer sun opened up in sky.

She knew it was going to be a hot day and was thankful that she dressed in a sundress and sandals. Nate was appropriately dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a red polo with his Lightening McQueen hat sitting atop his head.

Klaus opened up a map that was handed to him at the entrance where they paid, and leaned down far enough for Nate to see. "You choose, Mate."

"There," he said pointing to the upper left hand corner of the map which was the South American portion of the zoo.

"Alright, well how about we go through the North American exhibit first," Caroline suggested as she noticed that to get to South America they had to go through North America first.

She had taken Nate to the same zoo before when he was two but he hadn't been too interested at the time, mostly spent his time sleeping in the stroller. This time she knew he would be more excited and interested in all the animals.

"Okay," Nate smiled up at him as he grabbed first Caroline's hand and then Klaus's so he was in between the two adults. The three turned left along the wide path along with other families and children. Coming up on the left was a large flat field with trees for shades and inside were two large moose's, one male with large antlers and the other a female. Nate dropped both hands as he ran over to the fence to get as close as he could. Caroline shot Klaus an apologetic smile as she ran off after him, not wanting for him to get too far away.

To her surprise, Klaus was right beside her and the two stood back watching Nate as he watched the moose with large antlers curl up within itself and fall asleep. Other children and parents were at the fence line looking at the animals inside, Caroline and Klaus stayed back seeing perfectly from where they were.

When Nate got his fill he ran back, grabbing both hands and pulling him in the direction of the next exhibit. "Wolves," Nate said in awe as he read the sign, drawing close to the exhibit. Caroline followed Nate as they neared the first barrier that held guests away from the chain link fence that housed the wolves.

She felt Klaus slink up beside her, his shoulder gently brushing hers as Nate stood in front of them. The three watched amongst other guest the pack of wolves of varying colour, most of them were grey but a few were white and even black. Caroline watched on, much like Nate, in wonder.

"Fan of wolves?" Klaus asked from beside her.

Caroline blushed, "just a little."

"I think more than a little if you're willing to get one tattooed," he smirked, glancing down at her. Caroline blushed even more, forgetting that he had already seen all the ink on her skin. "Don't worry, love, I happen to like the tattoo."

"Do you like wolves too, Nik?" Nate asked, turning around to look up at them.

"I do, mate, they're actually my favourite animal," he replied, sneaking a glance at Caroline whose cheeks were flushed slightly. "Ready for the polar bears, I think they're supposed to be up ahead."

Nate's eyes lit up with excitement, polar bears happened to be one of his favourite animals.

"Let's go then," Caroline said, ushering Nate ahead of them who lead the way to the polar bears.

"You know, Caroline, as an artist I appreciate all forms of expression, tattoo's being my favourite form," he smirked.

Caroline rolled her eyes but the corners of her lips lifted up into a small smile. She was about to reply with a sarcastic comment when she noticed that Nate was far ahead of them with no signs of slowing down. She sighed before yelling out, "Nate, come back here before you get lost!"

She grabbed Klaus' hand and pulled him along with her, trying to close the distance between them and Nate. Klaus pushed forward past her, lightly jogging to catch up with the boy. When he reached him, Klaus bent down and grabbed him, "gotchya!" He scooped him up from under the arms and placed him on top of his shoulders.

Nate giggled as he felt like he was flying into the air only to be placed on top of Klaus. His hands held on top of his head with a big smile. Caroline caught up to the two, her own smile in place as she watched the two laugh together. She walked ahead of them, leading them into the top section of the polar bear exhibit.

Nate loved being on Klaus' shoulders, he was able to see over everyone's heads seeing as that particular exhibit happened to be the most popular with the addition of a cub. "This is so cool! Nate exclaimed taking in one polar bear that was floating upside down in the water. The other, slightly smaller one was swimming with the cub.

"Why don't we go underneath to watch them swim?" Caroline suggested, earning a nod from both men. She led the way through the crowd and edge and down the ramp to go underground.

Klaus gently lifted Nate up over his head to place him on the ground. Nate took off at a run, squeezing his way through the crowd so he was in front of the glass. Caroline and Klaus followed behind but settled a few rows back in clear view of the window and Nate. Other children lined the front row, many pairs of hands and noses pressed to the glass.

Hours later they had made it around the zoo and all continent sections but had resulted in a tired Nate. He had missed his afternoon nap during his regular scheduled time so he improvised and fallen asleep on Caroline's' shoulder only hours later, just in time for them to go home. They had made the decision to go home, seeing as Nate wasn't awake to enjoy the surroundings. They missed out on the new panda exhibit, as well as the elephants.

Nate adored all the different types of monkeys that varied from chimpanzees to gorillas and even the small spider monkeys. They even made it to a few shows, watching seals do tricks and watch a hawk be trained. As much as Nate loved it, Klaus seemed to love it even more.

"I can take him, he looks heavy," Klaus said, stopping up short beside Caroline.

She considered for all of two seconds before handing Nate off to Klaus. Her arms really had begun to hurt, she had hoped earlier that Nate would last until the end of the day and they were home before he fell asleep. "Thanks," she said, shaking her arms to regain feeling in them.

"No problem," Klaus smiled, adjusting Nate in his arms. As soon as Nate was transferred his head fell right onto Klaus' shoulder, his mouth slightly open.

"How's the gallery doing?" Caroline asked, picking up where their earlier conversation about her work had left off.

"Excellent, actually. I've picked up some new talent to showcase, as well as selling quite a bit of my own work. I seem to have hit some inspiration lately which has done me well," he smiled. "Also, commission pieces have started to flow in left and right, so business for me is doing phenomenally well."

"That's great!" She enthused. "I would love to see you work sometime."

"Drop by the studio anytime, love, you're more than welcome."

"That piece you did for Nate for his birthday was amazing, he made me hang it above his bed the next day. How did you even come up with that?"

Klaus chuckled and as Caroline looked up he saw his cheeks slightly colour as if he was embarrassed. He shifted Nate in his arms, now holding onto him with both hands, one under for support and the other rubbing his back. He shrugged, "I don't know, it just came to me. I'm glad he liked it though, I was nervous that he wouldn't."

"You could give him a pet rock and Nate would love it just because you gave it to him," she laughed. "I don't know what you did but that little boy loves you."

Klaus smiled, "I don't know what I did either but I can assure you that the feelings are mutual."

Caroline felt her heart warm at the words Klaus just spoke. His blue eyes were a light with sincerity and love. Caroline blushed, looking away, liking the way Klaus was looking at her. She had begun to notice the electricity shared between them, something she thought had disappeared since their first night together.

Klaus followed Caroline up the stairs to the second floor, Nate perched in his arms still fast asleep. He offered to take him, noticing how tired she was from the day they had that she didn't have the energy.

She led him into the familiar bedroom, one which he had been in many times already. Caroline walked into the room, Klaus following close behind. She pulled the sheets down for him, allowing Klaus to place Nate down onto the bed. He slowly pulled off his shoes, placing them on the floor and then took off his hat and placed it on the end table.

Klaus didn't back away even though he felt Caroline step closer, ready to finish off the job for him. Klaus pulled the sheets up and over Nate, and made sure he was tucked in with his teddy bear. He stepped back, allowing Caroline to place a kiss atop his head before retreating out of the room behind her.

As he was about to exist a small voice squeaked from behind him, "Nik?"

Klaus turned around to see Nate turned on his side and looking over at him, his small hands rubbing at his eyes. He looked back at Caroline who had stopped on the other side of the doorway, giving him a slight nod and smile. "I'll just be downstairs," she whispered.

He nodded, turning around and making his way back towards Nate. He sat down on the bed, turned slightly and bent over so he was facing the little boy that was now perched up on his elbows.

"Do you think she had fun?" He asked, his voice muddled from exhaustion.

Klaus smiled, "I think she had a blast. What about you?"

"Best day ever."

"Excellent."

"So our plan worked?" Nate asked, settling back down into his pillows.

"I think so," Klaus replied, noticing the small smile he wore. "Why don't you have a nap and I'll come wake you up soon and we'll have some more fun, alright?"

"Okay," he relented; his eyelids fluttering close merely moments later.

Klaus took one last look at the sleeping boy before retreating out of the room, quietly closing the door behind him. He smirked, remembering the plan he and Nate had made up only hours ago. He intended on taking Nate on their date with him, he just need some persuasion and ideas. So for those few seconds while Caroline had been busy, Nate and Klaus came up with the perfect date for the three of them.

He made his way down the stairs following the sound of Caroline humming, coming from the kitchen. He paused in the doorway, watching her gliding around, gathering supplies from the cupboards and drawers. The afternoon light filtering in through the large window, casting a soft glow around her.

Klaus admired form, drinking up every ounce of her. He was about to step forward, announcing his presence but she began to sing. A melodious tune, softly flowing past her lips. It wasn't something he had heard before, an old country song he assumed by the words.

Caroline went to grab something out of the fridge, jumping out of her skin when she saw Klaus leaning against the wall in the kitchen. A grin plastered across his fast, clearly amused. She blushed a deep shade of red, "how long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," he said, pushing himself off the wall and striding across the kitchen. "Let me make dinner tonight."

"Why, scared I'll set something on fire?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," he laughed. "I've heard many stories from Stefan and you, my dear, should not be allowed in the kitchen."

"Hey!" She pouted, putting her hands on her hips and giving him a mock offended look. Her features softened significantly as a thought crossed her mind and she immediately backed away. "If you insist on cooking, then by all means, go ahead."

She grabbed the wine glass that had been sitting on the counter and skipped over to Klaus, brushing past him and sat at the breakfast bar. She smirked, challenging him.

"Prepare to be amazed by the best meal you have ever tasted."

"Do you even know what you're going to make?"

"Of course I do, but that doesn't mean I'm going to tell you. You just have to wait and find out when it's time."

"Fine," she said, sticking out her tongue.

Klaus set to work, grabbing more ingredients from the freezer and pantry. He had an idea of what he wanted to make but was going to let inspiration lead him as he cooked, much like how he painted.

He set to work, placing the chicken into the preheated oven. Vegetables were chopped and being steamed, having an assortment of carrots, asparagus, broccoli and string beans.

"Do you know what you're doing?" Caroline piped up from behind him. He turned around, knife in hand, to see her squinting at him.

Klaus chuckled, "I do, actually."

"How?"

"My father taught me to cook," he shrugged, turning back around to finish preparing the sauce as he cut up mushrooms and began to heat them up. "Almost every night, he would make dinner, often letting me help him. He taught me pretty much everything he knew."

"About cooking?"

"About everything," he said, turning back around and leaned on the counter. "All about art, how to draw and paint. He taught me how to read, helped me with my homework, lots of stuff really."

"You really cared for him," Caroline realized.

He nodded, "He might not have been blood, but he was my father."

"When did you find out? Do your siblings know? What was it like growing up?" Caroline asked.

Klaus turned around, finishing off his preparations. Adding the now sautéed mushrooms with freshly cut tomatoes and sauce into a pot and putting it on the stove. Once he was satisfied with everything, giving himself a few moments to chat with Caroline, he stood across from her at the island, leaning on it for support.

He understood her curiosity; she wasn't the first person to ask such questions. He also knew that Caroline was a curious person by nature and that when he told her about his father last week; he knew he would be getting such questions from her.

"I found out when I was seven." He said, glancing down at the counter top feeling nervous all of a sudden. "I heard my parents arguing about this man-I can't remember his name-but he was my birth father. Mikael felt it was my right to meet him, get to know him but my mother refused. She didn't want to acknowledge the affair any more than she had to, saying how hard it was seeing her mistake every day in the face of her son."

"Klaus," Caroline said, reaching across the island and placed her hand over his. She squeezed it gently, causing him to look up at her. "She didn't mean it."

"I know, but it's hard sometimes, knowing that you're the result of an affair. That Mikael was never really my father, that I was a mistake and to know I'm different from my siblings? I hate it and sometimes I hate my mother for bringing this all on me."

Caroline hopped off her stool and walked around the island so she was face to face with Klaus without anything in their way. She turned him around so he was facing her, her hands reaching out to cup his face. He raised his eyes to meet her, blue staring into blue.

"You don't hate your mother, your just angry with her. Take it from someone who has never even met her father, you are incredibly lucky to have had Mikael. Things could have been different, he could have left then there would have never been Henrik or Rebekah or Kol. He could have acted out and separated you from the family. You are such a strong person, Klaus, all because of Mikael and growing up how you did."

"Caro-"

"No, listen. Be thankful for what you have. A beautiful family, one that's growing to add a few more. A mother who loves and adores you and only wants the best for you. Don't think about the bad stuff; think about how Mikael was there for you. How he would want you to move on from all this and to love yourself because you are different," she said.

Caroline removed her hands from his face and wrapped them around his neck, pulling him into her. Klaus was a little confused at first but quickly settled into the hug, wrapping his arms around her back and burying his face into her neck. He smelled her perfume and shampoo mingle together, creating an intoxicating smell.

He breathed out, feeling safe in her arms. How up until that moment he had been feeling numerous things about his origin and how it differentiated from his siblings. Yet, all it took was one stern talking to from Caroline and he felt immensely better. He would always feel insecure about it but it was easier to live with.

Klaus had to be thankful for what he had and stop swelling on all the negative aspects in his life. He was broken from his train of thought by the timer that he had set earlier went off. He pulled back, looking down at Caroline who offered him a small smile.

"Thank you, sweetheart," he said, kissing her forehead. Klaus turned around to finish off dinner, adding, "Can you set the table and maybe wake Nate up, this should be ready in ten minutes."

"Sure," she replied. He thought he heard her leave but felt two small hands wrap around his chest as she hugged him from behind. "I just want you to know you can talk to me about anything, I'm always here for you."

Klaus nodded, tensing as he felt her hands recede slowly from his torso. Her hands gliding over his muscles and he caught himself wishing there wasn't layers of clothes separating them. That he longed to feel skin on skin contact with the beautiful woman he was dating.

He was drawn from his thoughts again when he heard the sauce he had been heating begin to bubble over the edge of the pot. He cursed under his breath and began to finish off dinner.

Caroline sat across from Klaus at the dinner table, Nate sitting in between them. She stared at him, noticing the way he lit up when he talked to Nate or when he told a story about one of his siblings. She was in awe of the man in front of her; he was just filled with so much love. She took another bite of the delicious meal he had made, chicken parmesan with a side of steamed vegetables. The sauce he used had tomatoes and mushrooms, adding that extra little of flavour.

What surprised her above all was that Nate had eaten everything, his vegetables included. Normally he refused to eat them, put up a fight or threw a tantrum. All Klaus had to do was suggest he try them and within seconds they were gone from his plate. She looked up again, chewing what was in her mouth to stare at Klaus.

Something had changed between them. She felt a pull towards him; she didn't feel like they were just friends but something much more. It happened without her even noticing it but throughout the day as they learned more about each other she found herself growing fonder of Klaus and even loved his company.

Who knew he could be so charming and funny at the same time? Not Caroline, that was for sure. But her son had seen it, seen the man that Klaus claimed to be and not who Caroline thought he was.

"You're staring, love," Klaus said, smirking, breaking her from her trance.

She shook her head and blushed, "I wasn't staring."

"You were staring," Nate said, looking up at her, clearly amused.

"What were you doing then? Gazing?"

She rolled her eyes and huffed when the two broke out in a fit of laughter. "Mature," she said, giggling along with them.

"It must be my good looks that you can't get enough of," Klaus smirked.

"Actually, it's your big ego," Caroline replied sarcastically.

Klaus puffed up his chest, "thought so."

"That was so good, Nik!" Nate exclaimed, interrupting the couple from their shameless flirting. He pushed the plate away and rubbed his tummy, "really good. You need to cook for us more often, you're better than Uncle Stefan."

"I think that can be arranged," A voice from behind them said. Caroline turned around to see Rebekah and Stefan walk into the kitchen, shopping bags in hand. "Someone's going to have to hold down the house when I move out, we all know Caroline can't cook."

"Hey!" Caroline pouted, "Not funny."

"I would be honoured to pick up Stefan's slack and be your personal chef, Sir Nate," Klaus said, addressing the little boy.

"Awesome!"

"Sweetie, why don't you and Nik take Nate out for some ice cream," Rebekah suggested, placing her free hand on Stefan's shoulder.

"Why?"

"Because Caroline and I need some girl time."

"I like ice cream," Nate said, already getting out of his chair and pulling Klaus up out of his.

Stefan sighed, placing the shopping bags down at his feet. "Fine."

"Excellent," Rebekah clapped.

Caroline rolled her eyes, seeing right through her little scheme. Thought it would be good to have a little chat with her, find out all she can about Klaus. Who better to ask then his sister, right?

The two and a half men left the kitchen and to the front door. She faintly heard Nate ask a question, "Why is Aunt Bekah sending us for ice cream, she says it's fattening."

"Because your Aunt Bekah is crazy," Stefan replied, causing everyone but Rebekah to laugh.

"I heard that!" She yelled after them. "Ice cream is very fattening, Nathanial, which is why your Uncle isn't allowed to have any."

Stefan groaned while Klaus whispered very loudly, "you don't need to listen to her, she's just being petty."

"Niklaus!" She shrieked.

"I think we better go or else Aunt Bekah is going to come after us with a knife," Stefan said and within seconds the front door shut and the house was quiet.

Caroline got up and began to clean up from dinner, noticing that there wasn't even much to do except place all the dishes in the dishwasher. Rebekah sat at the island, back straight and watching Caroline intently as she worked.

After growing tired of whatever game Rebekah was trying to play she stopped at turned to face the blonde, "what?"

"How was your date today?" Rebekah asked, her face light and voice smug.

"Fine," she said, spinning around to finish cleaning up.

"Don't play coy with me, tell me everything!"

"Bekah," Caroline groaned. She needed girl time but she just didn't want to talk about her relationship-if that's what it even was- with her. "How was your day?"

"Good, we got all the final details settled, the rest is up to the wedding planner, plus we got in some shopping today." She smiled. "Now, how was your day?" Caroline didn't say anything, just finished the job at hand. "You can't avoid me forever, care bear."

"Fine," she said, turning around and walking around the island to sit beside her. "It was amazing. Klaus is amazing."

"That's much better, tell me everything."

Caroline sighed, thinking back on the amazing day she just had. "Well he planned the whole thing out, inviting Nate along to go to the zoo with us. Those two just clicked; it's amazing how much Nate loves him and you can tell Klaus feels the same."

"That's adorable. I knew Nate would take to Klaus; they are oddly alike in many ways. So what else?"

"The zoo was great! We came back, Nate had a nap while Klaus prepared dinner and then we ate and you came home," she shrugged, trying to play it all off like it was nothing.

"That's it? Nothing you want to add? Like how you feel about him? Or anything you want to know about him?" Rebekah questioned. "Come on, Caroline, I know you like him."

Caroline felt her jaw drop, her eyes widen as she gaped at her friend. "You, what?"

"I know you like him," she smirked. "Heard you and Bonnie talk about it during our girl's night and that was before you got to know him."

"Fine, I like him!" She exclaimed, throwing up her hands in exasperation and defeat. "A lot!"

Rebekah jumped up, throwing her arms around her friend and hugging her. Excitement radiating off her and onto Caroline. "This is so exciting. My brother and my best friend! You like my brother!"

Caroline pulled back reluctantly from Rebekah, breaking the embrace. "Relax, it's not like we're getting married. We're just dating," Caroline said.

"But it's something! You like him and he likes you!"

"He likes me?"

Rebekah rolled her eyes, "isn't it obvious? God, Caroline, you're so dense sometimes."

Caroline shot her a look, narrowing her eyes. "Yeah, and you can be pretty dense too."

"Shut up," she giggled, pushing the other blonde lightly.

"Since your here and sent my five year old for ice cream, you're going to be dealing with his sugar high while I have a relaxing bath," Caroline said.

"Fine," Rebekah relented.

Caroline couldn't contain her smile as she left her friend in the kitchen and made her way into her room. She flopped back on the bed, exhaustion from all the excitement of the day she just had. Her hands covered her eyes and she giggled, utterly happy for the first time in a long time. Things with Klaus were new and exciting, like all new relationships.

She got up, regaining control over her excitement when she was startled by seeing someone in the doorway. "Klaus," she whispered, her hand touching her chest above her heart, hear heart beating erratically at the scare.

"Bekah and Stefan said they'll watch Nate tonight, they're settling down for a long night of board games, I was just going to head out," he explained.

"Okay," she nodded.

Klaus took two steps towards her, placing a hand on the side of her arm as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. "I had a great day, thank you, Caroline."

She nodded again, not able to think with the close proximity. Caroline reached up and brought her lips to his, brushing them ever so lightly that he wasn't sure if she even kissed him. But a second later her lips pressed harder against his before they were gone completely.

"See you soon?" She asked, blushing slightly.

"Absolutely," he grinned.

A/N: So what'd you think? Was there enough Klaroline? Liked learning about Mikael? Liked seeing Klaus and Nate bond? But what about all that Klaroline?