Chapter 25: Clothes Maketh the Man

Elijah woke to the feeling of someone climbing onto his bed. The room was dark, but he had no problems seeing, one of the perks of being an Original; his eyes didn't even have to adjust. He look to the side and saw Darwin crawling under the green sheets. He shook his head, feeling a bit groggy.

"North Star, what are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

He frowned. "Yes, you did. Why are you here?"

"Well, Kol kicked me out of our room, because I was having nightmares and kept talking in my sleep, "he explained, "I didn't want to sleep alone and I figured you were the one who were less likely to turn me away."

"Unlike you, I do prefer to sleep alone."

"Yeah? Well, get over it."

Elijah rubbed his forehead tiredly. He was in no mood for an argument. "Fine, but don't make a habit of this."

"Thanks, "Darwin settled down and closed his eyes, but Elijah poked him.

"Don't lay on your back. Lay on your side or stomach, then you won't have nightmares."

Darwin turned his head toward him, blinking in the dark. "You lay on your back."

"I don't dream."

"Fine, "Darwin rolled over on his side.

Elijah closed his eyes again, feeling sleep returning, but before he could drift off, Darwin spoke again.

"Elijah?"

He ignored him.

"Elijah?"

He still ignored him.

"Father?"

"Yes."

"You said that if we were to trust each other I couldn't keep secrets from you, right?"

"Right."

"So, can I show you something cool?"

He sighed, keeping his eyes closed. "Alright, but then you go to sleep."

"Sure."

He felt Darwin grab his hand and press it to his chest. For a long time, nothing happened.

"Look, I really don't ..."

"Just a moment. It's been awhile since I 've done this, I need to concentrate."

He was starting to feel annoyed. He had never appreciated being woken in the middle of the night, and the older he got, the less he liked it.

"Darwin ..."

Thud.

He almost pulled his hand away in surprise.

Thud.

"What the Hell?!"

Thud. Thud. Thud.

"Cool, huh?" Darwin had a half-smile on his face.

Now, he was fully awake, the fog of sleep having lifted completely from his mind. He looked at his hand, which were still pressed against Darwin's chest, to check that he was really feeling what he thought he was feeling.

"You have a heartbeat?" He could feel Darwin's body starting to warm up and the distinct smell of something human filled the room.

"Yes, "Darwin sounded strangely happy, "I can turn it off and on as I please."

"But how?"

"I'll tell you tomorrow." Darwin let go of his hand and closed his eyes. The heartbeat slowed down and eventually disappeared, the smell of human disappearing with it.

Elijah glared at him for several minutes. As if he could sleep now!

(Break)

"You seriously need a shower and a change of clothing, "Klaus observed.

Caroline snorted, but knew he was right. It was Thursday morning and they were sitting together in Klaus' clean, black wood and chrome kitchen. Sleek and modern. She hadn't washed since Monday before he had caught her and her scalp was itching and her nails dirty. Her clothes were wrinkled and even though she didn't sweat, they were a bit smelly. She didn't like it at all, always having put a great effort into keeping neat and clean.

"I have nothing to change into, "she pointed out, doing her best not to sound friendly.

He lowered the newspaper he was reading and looked at her. "You haven't checked the closet in your room? I've had one of the servants purchase some new clothes for you. Although if you feel the need to walk around without, be my guest.

The smirk on his face was infuriating, but after the days they'd spent together, also reassuringly familiar.

"No thanks." She quickly took a sip of her glass of blood.

Don't smile, Caroline! Don't you dare!

In truth, she hadn't taken a shower, because she felt watched somehow no matter where she was in the house. And she had slept fully dressed for fear of having Klaus sneek up on her. She wouldn't put it past him to do something like that. Wouldn't put anything past him, really.

They still spent their days sitting together in silence, but the silence had changed. Now it was companionable rather than angry.

He smiled slightly, and with a jolt she remembered what it had been like to kiss him. That had happened in a dream, of course, but still ... It had felt so real.

His smile widened, showing his dimples, as if he knew what she was thinking.

"Fine." She jumped out of her chair a liitle too quickly and left the room, running up the stairs. She went into the room, he had assigned her and opened the closet. She stared with equal amounts of fascination and dismay at the long row of ball gowns.

They were all amazing; some with silver or gold threading, some glittering with diamonds and crystals. She looked through them, letting her eyes linger on a sky blue dress with glittering diamonds around the neckline. She longed to try them on.

Then she abruptly slammed the closet shut and walked over to the dresser, opening one of the drawers. She found some underwear in her size and shut it. Then opened the next, digging out a pair of designer jeans. Another drawer contained tshirts and tops and she chose a shirt that were a couple of sizes to big. Maybe that would keep Klaus from ogling her every now and then.

She went into the bathroom, turning on the shower and starting to undress. She hesitated, finally stepping under the stream of water, keeping her underwear on. She sighed in relief, washing her hair twice, then stepping out of the shower and wrapping one of the soft, white towels around herself.

She opened the door to her room, sticking her head out and looking around.

No one.

She stepped over to the bed, discarding the towel and her wet clothes on the way. Then quickly dressed herself in the fresh ones. She was about to pull on the tshirt, when ...

"Ah, perfection."

He head snapped up. Klaus was leaning against the doorframe, smiling and looking like he'd been standing there all along, but she knew he hadn't been there seconds earlier.

"I knew this would happen, "she snapped angrily, pressing the tshirt against her chest.

He slowly crossed the floor, stopping right in front of her, but for some reason she couldn't step back and she realised that the vervain she had ingested four days ago would have left her system by now.

He leaned in, softly brushing his lips against her and she felt like a million stars exploded behind her eyes and in her stomach. His pale blue eys were sparkling, when he drew back smiling secretively at her.

"Stop it, "she hissed. "Stop compelling me!"

He took a step back, frowning at her and looking genuinely confused for a second.

"I wasn't." He left her, sending her a smile over his shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."

Then she was alone and shivering.

(Break)

"Would you focus. I am trying to tell you something."

"I know, but it's very complicated."

"No, it's not. If you listen you'll find that it's quite simple."

"Alright. One more time, then."

"Number one; always eat a decent meal first. Second; stick to one type of booze. Third; make sure that you do not cunsume more than one drink per hour, and last; always order a diluter after each drink."

Alaric nodded. "Yes, I think I've heard these rules before!"

Elijah frowned at him. "Then why do you keep on breaking them?"

Alaric sighed. He had tried to explain to Elijah that you didn't have to keep a promise you'd made while you were stoned, but the man was adamant.

A promise was a promise and now Alaric was a student of poshness and smartness and everything ethical and honourable.

Elijah was eyeing Alaric critically. "Sit up straight."

Alaric went absolutely rigid, holding his breath. His eyes were large and staring.

"Not that straight."

Alaric let out his breath, almost collapsing at the kitchen table.

Elijah still seemed to be considering him, looking at his torn jeans and red sweater. "You don't have a suit?"

Alaric shook his head, then halted. "I still have the black one I bought for Isobels funeral."

"You only wear black on special occasions."

A strange flopping sound came from the hall and Darwin entered the kitchen, an elated smile on his face. "It's so good to be able to go outside again."

"Why don't you comment on his attire?" Alaric asked indignantly.

Darwin was dressed in pyjama pants, a torn Metallica tshirt and Finn's heavy boots, the shoelaces untied. They were many sizes too big and made that flopping sound when he moved.

He smiled at Alaric. "I am beyond help."

Elijah looked at him, dismayed. "I wish you would let me buy you some new clothes."

"I would, "Darwin insisted, "If you take me to a used clothing store. I know one in Harrisonburg that sells some vintage clothing that Rebekah might like."

Elijah did not comment. "You still owe me an explanation."

"For what?"

"Heartbeat, "Elijah elaborated, "Remember?"

"Oh, yes."

Darwin kicked off the boots, setting them off to one side. Then sat down at the table.

"I don't know anything for certain, but I was once examined by a doctor, who had a theory. You see ..." He was interrupted by Finn's enraged voice.

"Kol, you Devil spawn! You are dead!"

The three of them looked at each other and Elijah sighed. "Oh, he did not just do it again."

(Break)

Stefan, Bonnie, Elena and Jeremy sat together in the school's cafeteria, Elena and Stefan holding hands across the table.

They normally sat outside, but right now it didn't feel safe, especially after Klaus had taken Caroline.

Caroline. They were talking about her.

"It just doesn't feel right without her, "Bonnie said flatly, fingering her water bottle.

She could feel Jeremy's eyes on her, but refused to look at him. She knew she had been acting cold toward him, ever since she had kissed him in the Boarding House's parlour, but she had to sort out her feelings. If there really wasn't anything there, she didn't want to ruin their frendship.

Though that may already be too late, she thought ruefully.

"Have you come up with a way to free her yet?"

"No, "Bonnie leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest, "We can't break in again. Klaus would be expecting that. And we don't even know if ..."

If she's still alive.

They all knew, she didn't have to finish.

"Hello there!" Someone plunked down beside Bonnie rather unceremoniously. "What are you talking about?"

Bonnie looked horrified, her mouth hanging open.

"What are you doing here, Kol?" Stefan asked tiredly.

"Well, "Kol sent them all a brilliant smile, "Elijah thought it would be best, if I left the house for awhile, so here I am!"

"I hope not permanently, "Elena narrowed her eyes at him, showing clear dislike, but Kol didn't seem offended.

"No, it's just for today." A cheerleader in costume went past, smiling flirtatiously at him. "Or maybe ..."

"No, Kol, "Bonnie said quickly.

"Don't worry, you're still my number one girl, "he said, but the words in no way reassured Bonnie, instead her eyes widened in fear.

"Oh, don't worry, "he laughed, "Just kidding."

But he still squeezed her knee under the table, making her jump in her seat. "Wouldn't want to shaggravate you ..."

Stefan shook his head. "Not this again."

Kol put his feet up on the table: "So what's my first class going to be?"