Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing.

Note: Previously, in "When You Least Expect It," Klaus and Caroline meet for coffee at the Grill, where they discuss both the loss of Klaus' patient and Caroline's rape at the hands of her ex.

Hey, guys! I just got the idea for the next chapter of this AU/AH a couple of days ago, but wasn't sure if it sounded better in my head or not. Anyway, only one way to find out and that's to actually take it for a spin, so to speak.

ON WITH SHOW!

That Evening…

Klaus let out a sigh as he pulled into the driveway after returning from the Grill. He had learned that Caroline had been raped by her ex, which had led to her giving up on the male species altogether. Even though he knew that he couldn't change the past, tempted as he was to do so, during the drive home, he worked out a way to help her take down the protective barrier that she placed around herself and convince her to get to know him.

She shouldn't have to suffer like this, he thought. Not all men are as evil as the subhuman scum that forced himself on her. It may take a little time, but eventually, she'll see that she needs someone who will love and respect her.

No sooner did he finish that thought than he noticed an unfamiliar car. That was strange, he didn't remember anyone coming over to visit, especially without so much as a phone call in advance first. His curiosity piqued, Klaus stepped out of the car and walked up to the porch, where he saw…

"Mother. What an unpleasant surprise."

Esther Mikaelson smiled at her estranged son. "Hello, Niklaus. I do apologize for not calling, but..."

"What are you doing here?" said Klaus. "You know that the restraining order against you is still in effect, and that by here, you're in violation of it." He reached into his jacket pocket and took out his cell phone. "I suggest you leave before I call the police."

Esther's smile faded when she saw him take his phone out of his pocket and knew that if he did call the police as he threatened to, her plan would be for naught. Quickly, she decided to stall him, even though it would probably blow up in her face.

"Before you do, Niklaus, there is a reason why I'm here."

Klaus raised an eyebrow. "Really? Well, what could that possibly be? You already caused this family enough grief as it is."

Esther sighed. "I can see that Mikael wasted no time in poisoning you against me." She shook her head. "I can assure you, if my plan was to cause trouble, I would be here alone and not with the person that I want you to meet."

Klaus was still confused. Who did his mother possibly want him to meet? That was when a rather well-dressed man came out from where he had been hiding. Esther's earlier smile returned and went toward the man, taking his arm.

"Mother, who the bloody hell is this?"

"Niklaus, this is Ansel Bradbury," she replied. "He's your father."

"No, you're lying," said Klaus. "This has to be a trick! There's no way in hell that this man is my father!" He looked at Ansel. "How much is she paying you to go along with this little charade of hers?"

"It's no charade," said Ansel. "Esther is telling the truth. You are my son, Niklaus. We had an affair while she was still married to Mikael, which, coincidentally, was the same time Mikael met the woman he's currently married to."

"I still don't believe a word you're telling me," said Klaus. "In fact, I refuse to believe a word you're telling me!" He looked at Esther. "Get the hell out of here, you filthy whore, and take your 'Ansel Bradbury' with you!"

Not letting them speak, he walked past them and went into the mansion, shutting the door behind him. Ansel sighed and looked at Esther, who had jumped at the sound of the door slamming.

"I told you that this wasn't a good idea," he said after a brief silence. "I told you that my son wasn't going to react well to the news that I'm his father and not Mikael, like he believed all of his life." He shook his head. "Esther, I know that your heart is in the right place, but let's be realistic here. He's never going to accept me."

"Fear not, my love," said Esther. "This was just a minor setback. Believe me, he'll accept you. He just needs time." She tugged on his arm. "Come, let's get out of here before he makes good on the threat to call the police."

Ansel nodded and they walked off together toward the car and drove off.

Inside…

Klaus watched as Esther's car drove off and switched his phone on, scrolling through his contacts. When he got to Elijah's number, he dialed it. Although he was probably bothering his brother at work, but since Elijah was a lawyer, he'd be able to give him some advice. After what seemed like an eternity, he heard his voice pick up on the other end.

"Yes, Niklaus?"

"Elijah, I apologize if I'm disturbing you at work, but we have a problem," the younger man replied. "Mother was here to see me."

"Mother was there?" said Elijah. "The restraining order against her is still in effect. She was clearly in violation of it if she came to see you. What could possibly have possessed her to violate the restraining order?"

"You're not going to believe this," said Klaus. "She had a man with her. His name is Ansel Bradbury, and she claims that he's my father. Have you ever heard of anything so ridiculous in your life? We all know Mother was a bit unhinged, but this is beyond unhinged."

"We could investigate him," said Elijah. "I happen to know a private detective who can help us. You might say he owes me a few favors and if I ask him to do this for us, I'm sure he'll be more than willing to oblige."

"Sounds like a good idea to me," said Klaus. "I don't trust Mother any further than I can throw her. I sure as hell don't trust this Ansel Bradbury."

Note: Well, if this isn't a life-changing drama, I don't know what is. I just hope that this sounded just as good written out as it did in my head. Stay tuned!

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