A/N: Hey, back again and hopefully sooner than expected! So this is a filler chapter, rather boring but I have the rest of the fic planned out and it's all action packed. There's about 5 chapters left, so this is the beginning of the end but always remember that there's a pot of gold at the end of the rain bow;) anyway, big thanks to my beta Angela and Jay for helping out. Now go read and hope y'all enjoy!
Chapter Fifteen
"Nate, honey, time to get up!" Caroline sang, waltzing through the closed door and into her son's room. The little body on the bed didn't even move an inch, he was such a heavy sleeper. "It's the first day of school!" She threw open the curtains, allowing light to filter into the room.
A groan came from the lump on the bed, eventually a head peeking out over the covers. Caroline moved over to the bed, pulling the sheets down from over his head to reveal a smiling Nate.
He burst up from underneath and jumped on Caroline, sending her sideways to lie on the bed. "I take that you're excited?" She guessed.
"Super excited!" He exclaimed, jumping up and down on the bed.
"Let's go make some breakfast," Caroline said, pushing herself off the bed.
"Is Nik coming over? He said he was going to but maybe he forgot. I hope he didn't forget. I wanted him to come with us to take me to school," Nate rambled, jumping off the bed.
"He'll be here soon, don't worry."
"Okay," he nodded, walking off into the hallway, Caroline following close behind.
When both walked down the stairs, the smell of bacon wafting through the house. Nate took off, eager to see who was cooking. Caroline entered the kitchen, seeing Nate kneeling over the island, perched on a chair, reaching out to grab at the pile of bacon. Klaus was standing at the stove preparing scrambled eggs.
Caroline smiled to herself as she walked into the kitchen. Nate turned around, his eyes bright with excitement. "Nik's here!"
"I see," she replied, moving to sit down beside him at the island.
"Morning, love," Klaus said, turning around from the stove.
"Morning," she blushed, embarrassed that she hadn't gotten ready yet and was still in her pajamas while Klaus was dressed in a blue Henley and dark jeans. As he turned around, she let her eyes wander, enjoying the sight of him making her breakfast. "I can get used to this," Caroline mused.
Klaus turned, smirking and one eyebrow raised, "So can I, love, but would make it even better would be waking up-"
"Shhh," Caroline snapped, going bright red. "Little ears in the room."
"I'm not little," Nate pouted, drawing the attention back to him.
"No, your most certainly not," Klaus chuckled. He finished up the breakfast, turning off the stone and moved to sit beside Nate.
In front sat an array of breakfast food, bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast. Caroline licked her lips, placing food on both hers and Nate's plate, helping themselves. Klaus following suit, fitting right in with the family.
Thankfully Stefan or Rebekah weren't around that morning, opting to stay the night at Rebekah's so they could get more work done on the wedding. It had been a few weeks since they found out there wouldn't be a wedding, Stefan seemed almost relieved while Rebekah was freaking out.
Caroline hummed in approval as she bit into the bacon, Klaus having cooked it just right. She always burnt it, and wasn't particularly a fan of crispy bacon.
"Good, love?" Klaus questioned, looking up at her over Nate's head.
"So good."
Nate nodded, his mouth full. The three ate quietly and quickly, soaking up everything in front of them until there was nothing left. The house phone rang and Caroline got up to get it. Stefan was on the other end, wanting to speak to Nate. Caroline handed it over to Nate who spoke animatedly to his Uncle on the other end.
The conversation was short. Caroline was able to hear Stefan wish Nate luck on the first day and to make sure to talk to the girls. Nate agreed, saying he remembers everything Stefan talked to him about on how to get a girlfriend. Caroline had to roll her eyes at that, but smiled none the less.
"Go get dressed and don't forget to brush your teeth, I'll be up in a second," Caroline said, taking the phone from Nate once the conversation came to a close.
She watched him run up the stairs before turning her attention to Klaus who had begun to clean up. Caroline made her way over to him, smiling as she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him from behind. "Thank you," she whispered, kissing his back.
Klaus turned around, arms wrapping around her back. "For what?"
"Being here," she smiled looking up at him.
"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," he replied, kissing her forehead.
Klaus lowered his head, eyeing her lips, Caroline saw what he was going for and jerked her head away, a hand clamping over her mouth. "I haven't brushed my teeth yet."
He laughed, pulling her hand away, "I really don't care, Caroline." He continued his actions and Caroline gave in when she felt his lips touch hers. Klaus pulled away after a few moments, surprising Caroline. She wanted more but as she caught a look at the time pulled away.
"Shoot, we're going to be late!" She exclaimed, racing out of the kitchen and up the stairs. "Nate, hurry up or we'll be late for your first day."
Within twenty minutes all three were out the door, dressed, clean and ready for the first day. Luckily the school was just down the street and they would be there on time within a few minutes. Nate walked a few feet ahead of Klaus and Caroline, eager to get to school already.
"I'm so nervous and it's not even my first day," Caroline admitted in a hush whisper so that Nate wouldn't hear her concerns.
Klaus wrapped an arm around her shoulder and brought her into his side, "he'll be fine. It's only kindergarten."
"Only kindergarten," she mumbled with a roll of her eyes. "Next thing we know he'll be off to college and getting married." Klaus laughed his chest rumbling with amusement. "Glad you find this funny."
"I think you're getting a little ahead of yourself, he won't be off to college for at least another thirteen years."
"Thirteen years will go by in a flash!"
Klaus stopped her, pulling her in for a quick kiss. "Let's just focus on today, shall we?"
Caroline blushed and nodded, grabbing his hand and pulling him with her to catch up to her son who was oblivious to the lack of adults that were following him.
They reached the school moments later, Nate waiting for them within the front gates. Caroline knelt down in front of him and gave him a hug, pulling the boy into her chest. She felt the swell of tears threatening to fall but she wasn't going to cry. She would survive the first day.
"Have fun," she said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before pulling back. Nate's face twisted in disgust and wiped his cheek furiously to make sure he got all the germs off. "I love you, be safe."
Klaus chuckled from beside them, drawing Nate's attention to him. "Have fun, mate, and make sure to get into lots of trouble."
"Klaus," Caroline hissed, hitting him in the chest. She turned her attention back to Nate, "I'll be here after school to pick you up."
"Will Nik be there too?"
"Wouldn't miss it," he said before Caroline could say anything. Nate smiled launching himself at Klaus, who easily scooped him up for a hug.
The school bell rang and Klaus quickly put Nate down. Caroline took his hand, leading him into the school to find his teacher and classroom. Klaus stayed behind, watching them as the disappeared through the front doors.
Rebekah had been a mess the past week, scrambling to find a new venue for the wedding. Unfortunately everything was booked two years in advance, and she had to wonder how she had even managed to find a place in the first place, even if that place had fallen through.
Thankfully, her mother was there to help her. Since a majority of her family now lived in the United States, minus Finn and Sage, Esther decided to move too. She wanted to keep a close eye on Henrik, with him being in a new country and entering higher education. There was also the matter of her daughter's wedding and the birth of her second grandchild. Rebekah couldn't be happier to have her mother around more. She was staying in Klaus' apartment until she found a place of her own.
Lunch with her mother was all Rebekah needed, she knew exactly how to calm her daughter down. As she sat across from her mother at a small restaurant, tucked away in a corner, Rebekah couldn't help but feel relaxed in her presence.
"So the wedding is postponed?" Esther questioned after hearing the whole story of the disaster Rebekah was currently dealing with.
"I'm trying to find another place for as soon as possible, but everything is booked. That wedding planner wasn't much help so I fired her."
"Rebekah."
"Well she wasn't and she's not doing anything to solve the problem," Rebekah huffed.
"How about a small wedding, a private place with just close friends and family?"
"But-"
"It will still be your princess wedding you've always wanted. A smaller wedding is more intimate, special. It will also be easier to find a venue with a smaller guest size," the older woman explained.
"Fine, I'll look into it," she said, giving in just to appease her mother.
"Good, and think about re-hiring that wedding planner of yours?" Rebekah nodded causing Esther to smile. "Now, tell me everything about your darling fiancé and nephew."
"Stefan is good, putting up with everything about the wedding. Nate's good too, he starts his first day today at kindergarten. Nik no doubt taking him to school with Caroline, did he tell you that they're dating?"
"Caroline and Niklaus?" Ester asked, shocked.
Rebekah nodded eagerly, "a few weeks actually. Nate absolutely loves Nik and the same for Nik, you should see them together."
"So he took his mother's advice, I didn't think he would," Esther mused thoughtfully.
"What advice?"
"That's between mother and son. He's happy isn't he?"
Rebekah smiled, "I think so"
"Good. Let's eat, shall we?"
"I think I'm more nervous than he was," Caroline said when the two walked through the front door, returning home for the day.
"He'll be fine, love," Klaus repeated for the millionth time in the past twenty minutes, his hand rubbing small circles on her back as he followed her into the living room. "What are we going to do today?"
"We? You don't have to work?"
"Nope, took the day off," he smiled. "I hope you don't mind the company."
"I would love the company!" She exclaimed, pulling him into the living room and dropping him on the couch. "How about a movie marathon?"
"Sure," he shrugged, no knowing exactly what he was in for.
"I have the perfect movies for a day like today," she said, kneeling in front of the television and plopping the dvd into the player.
She was at his side in seconds, blanket and remote in hand and snuggled into his side. He was slightly surprised at her actions but quickly brushed it off, throwing his arm over the top of the couch and around her shoulders.
Klaus groaned when the dvd menu showed up on the screen, 'The Notebook'. He had seen in countless times thanks to his younger sister and despised the movie but wouldn't voice his complaints in front of Caroline. If he was completely honest with himself, he didn't completely hate the Nicolas Sparks movies.
"Do you think Nate's doing okay?" Caroline questioned, turning slightly to look up at him. Klaus had patiently sat through The Notebook and Safe Haven with Caroline tucked into his side. He could feel her worries take over as she began to get a little fidgety as time progressed throughout the day.
"He's fine," he assured her for the umpteenth time that day. "Why don't we do something to take your mind off things?"
Caroline caught the underlying meaning and was tempted but jumped up from the couch, "like make some cookies?"
"Sure, although I'm not a very good baker."
"Well you're in luck, I'm an excellent baker!"
Klaus pushed himself up from the couch and followed Caroline into the kitchen where she was grabbing ingredient and bowls from the cupboards. He paused at the threshold of the kitchen, watching as she reached up overhead for something that was just out of reach.
He couldn't help but admire her backside, his eyes raking up her long legs over her ass and across her shoulders coming to rest on her exposed neck. He licked his lips, striding forward but she turned around quickly catching him off guard.
"Coming to help?" Caroline question, an eyebrow raised.
"Sure," he smile, stepping closer.
"Good, you can start with cracking the eggs," she ordered, thrusting the package into his hands.
Klaus just stood there, watching as she reached for other various ingredients until they were all laid out on the counter in front of them. When she was finished, she turned and noticed that he hadn't moved an inch, a confused expression crossed over his features.
"Fine, you go sit and I'll bake," she said, grabbing the eggs out of his hands and began to get to work. Klaus moved back, leaning against the island as he watched her. "I don't know why you don't like to bake, you like to cook."
"Yes, but they're too completely different things. Cooking you don't need to use exact measurements and it's more go with what you feel. Baking, you mistake one ingredient and the whole thing takes like foot."
Caroline laughed, "I take it you weren't one for math?"
"Not at all, I fancied art and music instead."
"Typical," she remarked, turning around to roll her eyes at him.
"And you? What did you fancy in school?"
"English, math and science, the real subjects," she smirked. "Here, come help me put the dough on the pan."
"Yes, dear," Klaus replied exaggeratedly but also with a small smile. Caroline proceeded to show him how to spoon out the dough into perfect balls and placing them on the pan.
They were placed in the preheated oven while Klaus and Caroline sat in the kitchen talking about everything and nothing. He made sure that every time she voiced her concerns over Nate he would quiet them by rubbing her back and with reassuring words.
When the timer went off not only fifteen minutes after placing them in the oven, Caroline got up and retrieved them and placed them on top to cool down.
"Would you like some tea?"
"Sure," he smiled.
Caroline turned on a burner for the stove, the kettle sitting on top. She slid over, reaching up to grab tea bags from the top shelf. No one in their house was really a tea drinker besides Rebekah but she had turned more into a coffee lover over the years. Hence why the tea bags were on the highest shelf, just out of Caroline's reach.
Klaus noticed her struggle and got up, moving across the room to help her. She felt his body mold around her as he reached up around her to grab the intended item. The action caused a shiver to run down her spine and a jolt of electricity passed through them when one hand ran down the length of her arm.
Caroline turned around slowly to face him. Klaus leaning in slightly as he placed the box of tea bags down on the counter, both hands resting on the edge as he leaned forward. Her breath hitched when she noticed how close they really were, their noses practically touching.
His hips pinned her against the counter, she felt the edge digging into her lower back. His nose moved slightly to the left, dragging over her cheek and down her neck as he breathed in her scent; vanilla.
He placed a kiss to her neck, lingering and soft. Caroline felt her heart rate increase, her breathing becoming almost labored as she waited for his next move. Her eyes drifted closed as he placed another kiss to the shell of her ear. He lightly bit down on her ear lobe before moving back an inch, his breath caressing her ear.
"I have waited too long to kiss you, love. I don't think I can wait any longer," he whispered.
Caroline shivered, her hands reaching to his neck and pulled him back to look at her. She opened her eyes, meeting his blue ones as they stared down at her. "You don't have to wait," she smiled softly, giving into everything she's been feeling for the past few months since meeting Klaus.
It was a pull towards him. An attraction. No amount of long gazes or lingering touches would be able to sedate the hunger she had for this man. That when he touched her, he ignited everything she had suppressed. All the feelings of want and lust came bubbling to the surface.
Caroline pulled his lips down to hers, effectively closing the distance between them until their lips touched briefly before Klaus pulled back. She protested, her hands that were curled around his neck bringing him back down to her as their lips crashed together in a heated kiss.
Klaus gave in, quickly reacting and moving his lips against hers. His hands moved from the counter to her waist and up her back, hugging her close to him so their bodies were flushed against each other's.
Klaus ran his tongue along her lower lip, begging for entrance which she allowed. His mouth slanted over hers, tongues battling dominance over the kiss. He allowed her to take over, his hands travelling along her body, roaming over every inch.
His hands travelled down her sides to her thighs, giving them a light squeeze before he picked her up and settled her onto the top of the counter. Caroline moaned, feeling Klaus step in between her legs as she wrapped them around his waist.
He smiled into the kiss as he pulled away, moving over to her cheek as he peppered her skin with kisses, sliding down her neck. Caroline arched her back and tightened her legs, bringing his body flush against hers. He loved every inch that her body met his, groaning when her nails raked down his covered back.
Caroline settled her hands on his lower back, nails digging into his skin as she pulled his lower half closer to hers. She moaned loudly, the bulge in his pants meeting her center.
Klaus pulled away smiling as he looked down at her meeting her lust filled gaze, his hands cupping her face. He opened his mouth about to say something when he was drawn from his thoughts when he smelt something in the air. He turned around, finding smoke coming from the oven.
He leapt forward, pulling himself away from Caroline and towards the stove. He noticed the cookies were burnt and the pan was smoking. He looked up to see the dial for the burner was on, but not the correct one for the tea kettle.
Klaus quickly turned off the burner, grabbing the pan with an oven mitt and moved the cookies onto a cool part of the stove. Caroline was at his sides moments later, examining the ruined cookies and seeing that a large portion were burnt to a crisp.
"Oh for fu-" she cried before clamping a hand over her mouth. "Shit," she whispered.
Klaus laughed, stepping back and watching Caroline flutter around the kitchen, disposing of the burnt cookies and trying to save the pan that now had a large round black spot from the burner in the middle.
Caroline turned on her heel, eyes narrowed at Klaus who was trying and failing to stifle his laughter. "It's not funny."
"I know, I know," he laughed.
"Then stop laughing," she demanded, pouting slightly as her arms were folded across her chest.
"Don't be mad, love, anyone can make that mistake. Maybe we can make more?" He asked, stepping forward, peering down at her.
"There's no time, we have to go pick up Nate soon."
"I'm sure he'll be happy with the three cookies that were saved," Klaus remarked, eyeing the remaining cookies on the counter.
"Whatever," she said before stepping forward to walk past him.
Klaus grabbed her arm, pulling her back in front of him as she tried to walk past. "Caroline."
She looked up and gave in, not able to hide anything from him, especially when he gave her those puppy dog eyes. "It's his first day, what if he hated kindergarten and all that would make him feel better are his favourite cookies? Well I ruined that, so now I'll have nothing to cheer him up with."
"I'm sure your presence is just enough to bring a smile to his face," he smiled, cupping her chin. "Well that, and his favourite person, me."
"Shut up," she giggled, hitting his chest.
Klaus smiled pulling her chin up as he lowered his head and captured her lips, wanting to pick up right where they left off. Caroline held onto his shirt, bunching it up in her fists as she yanked him closer to her.
Klaus wove his fingers through her curls, cradling her head as he deepened the kiss. Caroline wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him into her. She smiled into the kiss, pulling back. "I need to clean up here and then we should go pick Nate up from school."
He smiled, "I'll help."
"You didn't have to take a day off work just to be stuck with me the whole day," Caroline said as they waited for the school bell to ring and the kids to be let out. They were waiting in the courtyard, amongst other parents waiting for children.
"I wanted to, besides I had fun," he replied smirking down at her. Caroline blushed but Klaus pulled her into his side and kissed her temple.
Before anything more could be said, the bell chimed and the front doors opened with children filtering through. Both sets of eyes were scanning the crowd for Nate when a small body ran into Klaus' legs and arms wrapped around. He looked down seeing a familiar set of blue eyes looking up at him.
Klaus bent down, picking Nate up and settling him to one side, "hello."
"Hi!" He grinned.
"Hey, sweetie, have a good day?" Caroline asked from beside Klaus.
Nate nodded enthusiastically before squirming out of Klaus' grasp and was set on solid ground again. The little boy, reached for Klaus and Caroline's hand and began to tell them all about his day. He told them about all the friends he made and the art he created and the games they played. He talked the whole way home, finishing off with stating how excited he was to go to school the next day.
Hours later the three sat at the kitchen table eating Nate's favourite dinner which he had begged for all afternoon. Caroline gave in but warned him that it wasn't healthy and he needed to have at least one vegetable at dinner and so he settled for Macaroni and cheese with broccoli mixed in.
Thankfully Klaus didn't mind too much and enjoyed the meal as he listened to Nate talk more about his day. Caroline watched as the two chatted quietly and laughed loudly. She didn't miss Klaus' wandering gaze to her or when Nate smiled up at Klaus with such adoration expressed across his face.
Their little family moment was ruined when Stefan and Rebekah returned home, again in the midst of another fight over the wedding. She heard the tail end of the argument, Stefan wanting a quick wedding at city hall and Rebekah wanted her fairytale. The two rounded the corner into the kitchen, their bickering halted when they saw there was company.
"Sorry," Rebekah blushed, pushing forward to sit at the kitchen table, Stefan following and sitting beside her.
"How was your first day, Nate?" Stefan questioned, his body tense.
"Good," he answered with a bright smile.
"Just good? No details?"
"He already spent the past four hours telling Klaus all about it," Caroline said, sending an apologetic smile to him.
"Later than," he brushed off.
"Can I get down?" Nate whined causing all the adults to look over at him.
Caroline smiled, "yes, go wash up and then you can play with your trains in your play room."
They all watched on as Nate followed his mother's instructions, washing his hands in the kitchen sink and practically running into the play room that was attached to the kitchen where they could keep an eye on him.
When he was out of ear shot, Caroline spoke up. "I take it the wedding planning hasn't been turning out so well?"
Rebekah huffed, folding her arms across her chest, "no and it doesn't help that we can't find a venue. If we don't then I'll have to cancel on everything, the florists and the caterers and that's not something I'm willing to do."
"I think we should just get married at city hall, simple and quick," Stefan stated.
"That is not every little girl's fantasy, Stefan," Rebekah gritted out. "I want fairytale wedding not 'simple and quick'."
"What about the lake house?" Caroline suggested, causing both Stefan and Rebekah's heads to snap over in her direction.
"The what?" Klaus asked.
"The Salvatore lake house," she shrugged. "It's big enough to hold a small wedding for friends and family and you can have the ceremony overlooking the lake with the reception dinner outside. That way you're not looking for a venue because you own the venue!"
"No!" Rebekah snapped, quickly shutting down the idea.
"Rebekah," Klaus growled. "Have you thought this through? It's a fabulous idea."
"I agree with Klaus and Caroline. The lake house would be the perfect place and imagine getting married by the lake around sunset. You can still have your fairytale wedding."
Rebekah looked between the three, mulling the idea over in her head before a small smile appeared on her lips. "Fine, we'll have the wedding at the stupid lake house."
"Don't sound so excited, sister," Klaus joked.
Rebekah rolled her eyes, still deep in thought, "it could be the perfect place, I'll let the wedding planner know tomorrow and we could be getting married at the end of the month just like we planned!"
"Perfect!" Stefan cheered, leaning over to kiss his future bride.
Caroline turned away, catching Klaus staring intently at her and offered him a small smile. Happy that things were settling down for everyone and things were settling into place.
A little while later, after dessert and a lengthy talk with Rebekah about wedding stuff and putting Nate to bed, Caroline stood at the front door in front of Klaus. "I had a fun day," Klaus smiled, his hand rubbing up and down her arm.
"It was perfect, thank you for spending the day."
"Any time, love," he replied before leaning forward and pressing his lips to hers. It was feather light, barely touching and he pulled back seconds later. "Would you like to go on another date with me this weekend?"
"I would love to."
A/N: So what'd you think? Enjoy it? Next chapter should be more action packed.
p.s. the kitchen fiasco, with burning the pan by turning on the wrong burner actually happened to me, so it is possible! Anyway, hope to see you soon, probably after exams are over in two weeks :)