You're all too kind! Lovely crowd who keeps me going! Delighted to write stories for you batch of lads.

Terrible Love

Chapter 5: Little Bit Competition Little Bit Doofus

Kol's head throbbed from the beating Rebekah gave him for putting Klaus in the hospital. She had stayed behind at the hospital along with Camille and Elijah to watch over Klaus while the rest of them headed home. It probably would have been a good idea to check himself at the hospital while they were there for a concussion. To top off a shitty night Davina had been pretty upset with him too.

It wasn't all that bad though. He'd won the game. Although it felt bittersweet considering the only reason he'd set it up was so that he could shoot Finn.

Meh, there would be other opportunities, He thought.

Henrik was waiting by the door when they arrived. The boy didn't even greet anyone. He simply took Kol's wrist and dragged him back out.

"And just where do you boys think you're going?" Freya called out.

"We're getting milkshakes!" Henrik yelled as he kept continued pushing Kol. "And no you can't come! It's a boy's only thing!"

Kol smirked. Now he wouldn't have to put up with his angry siblings. "Yeah, almost forgot about that." Truth is he was eager to just pass out on his bed but he wasn't looking forward to more scolding and lectures. Besides a promise was a promise and Kol Mikaelson may be known to be a douche but never to his little brother.

Freya narrowed her eyes. "Don't think I will be letting this go. I'll be here when you get back Kol."

"Whatever mom," Kol shrugged before pulling Henrik along with him. "Come along Henrik, I could really go for a milkshake right about now."

After Klaus had to deal with being in the damn hospital and getting stitches in his mouth he now had make a trip to the dentist. He wasn't in the best of moods. Especially after what happened in the hospital.

He was in the middle of getting checked out and couldn't be more relieved, that is, until he saw a man talking to Camille. The person looked familiar but he couldn't quite pinpoint who he was. Hating himself internally for what he was about to do he crept a bit closer to eavesdrop. God how low had he sunk?

It worked though because when she spoke he began putting the pieces together.

"Will? Hey!" Camille cheerfully greeted the man with a hug much to Klaus' displeasure.

"Cami, it's good to see you again! You look wonderful! Are you living back in Mystic Falls?"

"Yeah! How about you?"

"Me too. What brings you here?"

"Oh, my friend got hurt earlier and I'm waiting for him." She replied, unaware of how the accursed word made Klaus' blood boil. "And you? Why are you here?"

"I was interrogating a victim for a case I'm working on. Hey, how about I give you my number and we can go out when I'm free? Case could be done by tomorrow morning with a bit of luck. So, what do you say?"

"Sure!"

Klaus would drop his jaw in surprise at the ease of how the conversation flowed if it weren't for worry of opening his stitches. And that's when it sunk in. Will. Will Kinney! He used to be in their high school up until their junior year when he moved away.

"Lucien? What can you tell me about Will?" He asked while Lucien worked on his teeth.

"You mean Will Kinney?" If there was any Will being asked about in the little town of Mystic Falls it was definitely Will Kinney.

"Yes."

"He's a nice lad I suppose. Moved to Mystic Falls about four months ago and works as a detective. Why?"

"I had a run in with him after the rather fun paintball experience."

"Oh?"

"I should rather say that it was Camille whom ran into him. I was just there."

"Just there," Lucien chuckled, not believing him. "How awfully convenient."

"Don't test me Lucien. I'll shove these tweezers down your throat."

"Right, right, carry on."

"They chat and Camille gives him her number. Just like that." Klaus said. He'd growl in frustration if Lucien weren't prodding around his mouth with his tools.

"Forgive my dodgy memory but wasn't he crazy for Camille back in high school? If he chooses to reignite past cravings you may be in for quite the competition Niklaus. He's well respected around here. And did I mention he's a nice lad?"

"Camille didn't have the best track record when it came to boyfriends." Klaus exclaimed as he recalled the douchebags she'd gone out with during their sophomore and junior year. "Nice guys weren't her thing."

Then again he never stuck around to see if the guy at the graduation party was nice or not. Part of him wondered what happened with him?

"Yes, I recall you telling me," Lucien spoke breaking his musings. "She's changed a bit since then. She's a lot more mature now." With that he patted Klaus' shoulder indicating that he was finished.

"Mature? Is that why she went with him?" He questioned more to himself than actually asking. "Was I not mature while were together? Perhaps I should've been more sensitive? Yes," He nodded. "I'll be the most sensitive pansy Camille has ever seen!" He finished with a dark laugh.

"You said it, not me." Lucien murmured to himself before pulling out something he knew Klaus wouldn't like. "I need you to wear this little thing for a few days now Niklaus. It's only until those stitches come out."

Klaus eyed the object in absolute horror. "No. No."

"Kol," Rebekah began with fake politeness as she lingered by the open door to Klaus' door. "It really adds insult to injury raiding Nik's room to watch TV after sending him to the hospital."

Kol looked from his baseball game to Rebekah. "Don't stand there like a creeper sister, join me. And for your information I'm waiting for Nik so I can apologize like a good little brother."

Rebekah scoffed. "Sure you are. Now unlike you I have class. I will not stoop to barging uninvited." Quickly she went defensive when he neared her with the infamous look he wore whenever he'd plan mischief. "What?"

In one swift motion Kol threw her over his shoulder and forced her inside with her flailing her arms.

"Kol you bastard what are you doing!?"

He ignored her and dropped her onto Klaus' bed. "Oh no Rebekah now we have two siblings breaking into their brother's room. The shame!"

"You are the biggest wanker on the planet!" She snapped and tossed a pillow at him.

He only laughed in return. "Hush now Bekah and let me watch my game. Feel free to join me."

"As if," She huffed stubbornly and remained on the bed.

And that's how Klaus found his room upon reaching it: Kol cheering at what was apparently a home run and Rebekah sprawled on his bed while browsing on her phone. "Am I to assume you two have somehow locked yourselves out of your rooms?"

"No actually—" Kol started saying but instantaneously stopped like a man hitting the breaks after failing to speed through a red light. His eyes narrowed and that's when Klaus knew what he'd seen. Bloody hell.

"Are you wearing braces?"

"It's a retainer or can you not see you idiot?"

"Hah you look like a doofus!" Rebekah mocked with her pointer finger aimed at him.

"Doofus!" Kol joined in before rolling over to where Rebekah was on the bed and the two began a chorus of 'doofus' insults.

Klaus tolerated the sing song for five seconds before dragging Kol off the bed by his legs.

"Aaaah! Truce, truce, mate!" Kol wailed as he flung his feet and held onto the footboard. "Rebekah help!"

"Niklaus!"

Upon hearing Elijah's voice he dropped Kol unceremoniously onto the floor and went downstairs.

"Yes?"

He held up a basket. "This was left in the front door for you. It appears to be a get well soon' gift basket from Camille."

Interesting. There was chocolates, scented candles, and a letter inside reading: Hope you're feeling better!

"Oh dear brother, you are in the friend zone."

Klaus shot his younger brother -who'd been reading over his shoulder- a glare. "And how would you know what a friend zone is? You have no friends."

He feigned a hurt look. "How could you think that?" Kol then snatched the card from Klaus and pointed at the bottom. "Look here for example, it says 'XOXO'."

"It means hugs and kisses, and?"

Kol only laughed more. "You can't be serious? Mother writes those on my bloody birthday cards! Face it Nik, friend zone. Tell him Elijah!"

"I'd prefer not to meddle. If you need me I'll be out back with father." Elijah replied before leaving the two. Truth be told he was having some issues of his own but wasn't going to tell them about how he was in some twisted love triangle. Or that there was a law student clearly into him whom could play Beethoven really well despite being more of a jazz woman.

Klaus turned back to Kol. "I am not in the friend zone that I can assure you. To prove it I'll call her right now and ask her out."

Kol dropped onto the couch and folded his arms behind his head. "I'm all ears brother. And be a dear and put it on speaker will you? Don't want you pulling a fast one."

With that settled Klaus searched for Camille's contact and began dialing.

Remember, be sensitive, He thought.

"Klaus? Hey! How are you feeling?" The cheery voice of Camille greeted him.

He could practically feel her smile.

He coughed lightly before speaking in an overly enthusiastic voice. "Camille! I'm doing marvelous, even better with your gift basket. Thank you for that."

Kol eyed him like he'd grown two heads. "Why are you speaking like a fruitcake?"

"Huh?" Camille said.

"Oh that was the television love." Klaus replied before hitting the mute button and turning to Kol. "Mind putting a lid on it? And if you must know the sensitive side of a man seems to appeal her."

"You sound like a proper twat but whatever floats your boat."

"Oh shut up for once."

"Um, Klaus? You there?"

"Sorry, sorry! Seems my phone is in need of repairs. I wanted to know if you had any plans?"

"No, not at all. Did you have something in mind?"

"The local revival theater in town is showing The Notebook." It doesn't get anymore sensitive than this.

Kol immediately began making puking noises. "Have you lost it?"

"Pardon me for a moment love, I think I'll shut off that television." Klaus exclaimed and muted his phone once more. "Kol shut the bloody hell up!"

Kol was now dramatically in the fetal position. "The Notebook!? This is torture Nik! Please tell me you'll at least be shagging her tonight?"

"Yes!" Klaus snapped having lost his patience. "Are you satisfied?"

Kol didn't reply as he was still in a heap instead he motioned with his hand for Klaus to carry on.

"Terribly sorry," Klaus spoke into his phone. "I've been trying to get rid of that television for the longest. In fact, if my father wasn't so fond of it I'd have sent it to the bin myself." Which wasn't really far from being the truth. "So, where were—"

"Oh, sorry Klaus I'm getting another call give me a minute!"

"What? You're putting me on hold?" Klaus asked in vain as he was already put on hold. "You do not put me on hold!"

Kol shook his head in disapproval. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Being put on hold isn't good. That means she's valuing someone's presence over yours."

"It's probably an important business call."

Kol scoffed. "Like what? The bar ran out of curly fries?"

"Does anything relevant ever come out your mouth?"

"Yes, good advice for one."

Klaus was about to retort when Camille spoke.

"Sorry about that Klaus."

"That's quite alright!" He answered a lot more cheerfully than necessary. "So what do you say?"

"About going to the movies? I'd love to. Why don't I pick you up in an hour?"

"It's a date!" Klaus said and ended the call.

Kol burst out laughing. "You pansy! You total pansy. I'm telling you Nik if you don't plow her by tonight I will never let you forget this. And believe me I have quite a knack for storing embarrassing memories. In fact—"

With one swift fist to his groin Kol was effectively shut. Klaus left to get ready with a satisfied smirk as he heard Kol's cries of truce.

He was still on the floor tossing and turning in pain when a familiar voice spoke up.

"Do I even want to know?" Davina asked as she eyed the man on the floor.

Instantly Kol was off the ground and grinning, pain seemingly forgotten. In someone else's eyes it would probably look hilarious but he could care less. "Davina Claire! Come to pay me visit darling? Can't keep away can you? Wait, how'd you get in?"

"First of all, Elijah let me in, and second, no. I didn't come to see you, like I'd ever. Freya called to tell me she brought the books I left with her here and I came to get them. I need to return them before graduation or I'm screwed."

"Well now that you're here why not stay?"

"I'd rather not. Look I just came for my books."

He was having none of it and swung his arm around her shoulder. "But if you go now you won't get the chance of seeing my brother Nik make a fool of himself."

"What are you talking about?"

"He asked your lady friend Cami to what he defines is a date."

It certainly caught her attention. "He did?"

"Yes, she's due to arrive later to pick him up. And I just know it's going to plummet faster than your history grades."

Davina shoved his arm off. "I'll have you know my grades have steadily improved thank you very much. As a matter of fact I made honors."

"I'm only joking love," He paused. "At least about that dig on your grades. Now I'll enjoy Nik's demise more if I had an audience. What do you say?"

Davina pondered her options briefly and eventually shrugged. "Fine. Don't have much else going on."

"Splendid!"

A ridiculous looking vest and khakis laid sprawled on his bed with Klaus hovering by the foot of the bed in contemplation. Leave it to his father to have some of these appalling clothing lying in his closet. Most likely kept from the 70's or from his father's own father's closet. Because there's no way Mikael would be caught dead wearing this; normally neither would he. As they said, no pain no gain. If he wanted to be a sensitive pansy then he needed to dress like a sensitive pansy.

What's the worst that could possibly happen?

As soon as he entered the (rather crowded) living room the worst happened. An outburst of laughter encased the room, bounced off the walls, and drilled its way into his head.

"What in heaven's sake are you wearing!?" Rebekah managed to say through her laughter.

Marcel did his best to cover his chuckles but it was pointless. "Sorry, but you look ridiculous. You look like Steve Urkel man!"

That managed to make Davina (who'd valiantly tried not to be rude by laughing) explode with laughter.

Finn and Freya saved him some face and muffled their laughter.

"I had no idea I needed to dress to appeal to you."

"Says the guy dressing up to appeal to his imaginary girlfriend!" Kol shot back as he clenched his sides. "I dare say you're a walking comedy Nik! Quite suiting considering your choice of location for a date."

Realization sunk in for Klaus. They knew. They all knew.

"You told them?"

"To be fair I only told Davina, who was initially here to meet Freya so she got involved. Rebekah overhead and begrudgingly had to invite Marcel over because, hey, that sounds like a grand idea! And Finn, well, he just popped in."

Klaus felt the urge to slam a hand to his forehead. He hadn't even noticed the doorbell had rung until Elijah came to inform him.

"Niklaus, you—" Elijah came to a total halt upon seeing him. The corner of his lips twitched upwards before it disappeared just as quickly as it had occurred. "You have guests."

Klaus frowned at the use of a plural. "Guests?"

There at his doorstep was Camille and Will Kinney.

Klaus stood awestruck until Camille greeted him with a hug.

"Hey! I bumped into Will and told him we were going to the movies and he was so excited about us seeing The Notebook. I thought why not invite him. Nothing wrong in inviting another friend. We can all catch up now." She was oblivious to how he twitched at the mention of friend. "Is that okay?"

"Sure." He uttered with a forced smile.

Camille was then left to wonder why Kol had suddenly erupted into a fit of laughter while Klaus began pondering where to bury Kol's corpse.

Author's Notes

Klaus can't seem to catch a break can he? But nothing stops him.