Notes: GUBY turns one tomorrow! And the jumping ahead bits (of course) got away from me. So they'll each be a smallish-medium sized chapter, spread out over the next week or so. Friendly reminder that there may be other love interests (briefly!) for Klaus and Caroline in these ones, because that's all part of growing up! I'm continuously amazed by the love for this story, so thanks to everyone for the reviews and alerts!
Part Eleven: Caroline: Age 21, Klaus: Age 28 (May)
Klaus resists the urge to fidget, as he sits stiffly in an armchair in his mother's hotel lobby. The whole family was gathered in the city for Rebekah's graduation tomorrow and his mother had insisted they get together for a celebratory dinner beforehand. Formal, of course, which is why he's in a suit, and cursing the tie around his neck.
Klaus hasn't seen Rebekah since February, and they've communicated more sparingly than usual. He'd received a blistering email, when Rebekah had returned home from her birthday trip, and Caroline had, as promised, confessed to what had happened between her and Klaus.
Rebekah's outrage had been a mixed bag, one part horror at what had happened, between her brother and her oldest friend, one part anger that she'd not been consulted beforehand, and two parts outrage that she'd been kept in the dark the whole time. And a dash of indigence, once Kol made it clear that he had known.
Kol never could resist making a situation worse.
Klaus had replied that he was sorry that she was upset, but he had been very firm in telling Rebekah that what he did with his personal life was none of her business.
And then he'd been treated to radio silence, for five weeks. No calls, no texts, no further emails. Rebekah's best attempts at giving him the cold shoulder long distance.
Klaus had refused to give in, knowing that if he did, she'd likely attempt to insinuate herself, her judgements, into his relationships in the future. She'd never been short of opinions, none of his siblings were, but Klaus had rarely had anything other than flings, so it had never been a problem before. In fact, he'd not introduced a woman to his family (on purpose that is. Kol had met one or two, with his penchant to visit unexpectedly) since university. Caving to Rebekah now, in this situation, would send a terrible precedent, one that Klaus could not allow.
But the standoff had ended when Klaus' phone had rung, on a Tuesday evening at the end of March. He'd been surprised, and a little smug, to see that it was Rebekah calling. But it hadn't been his sister who'd responded to his greeting. It was Caroline's voice, clipped and angry, that had come out of the speaker on his phone, "For the love of God, would you just get over yourself, Klaus? Bekah's driving me insane and I have finals coming up."
He'd not had a chance to formulate a reply, before he'd heard fumbling over the line, and Rebekah making protests. Caroline had issued a few threats, including something about cock blocking that Klaus wished he hadn't heard, before things had gone quiet. And then Rebekah's voice had come across, haughty and cool, "Hello, Nik," she'd said, reluctance clear.
And Klaus had reminded himself that he was technically the elder, so he really should be able to be the bigger person. Just this once. He'd asked about school, how she was preparing for graduation, and they'd had a perfectly polite conversation, almost warm, by the end of it, if not quite back to normal.
Caroline's name was only brought up in relation to things she and Rebekah were planning for Europe, and that's how it had stayed ever since, a tacit agreement between the two of them that the subject was off limits. Rebekah wouldn't butt in, Klaus wouldn't draw attention to it. Perhaps it was avoidance, but it worked for them.
Klaus had received a text from Caroline afterwards, a 'Thank you! And thanks from my GPA too!', with a smiley face.
He'd not replied, unsure of what he'd wanted to say. He and Caroline had never kept in touch, only spoken when they were in the same room, and Klaus wasn't sure if that was something she'd want to change, as hell bent on leaving their weekend together in the past, so she could focus on her future, as she'd seemed to be. And she'd never contacted him afterwards, so Klaus assumed she wanted to go back to their previous, more distant, relationship, where they'd been more acquaintances, tied together through Rebekah, then friends.
It grated a little, and Klaus had sworn off blondes, for the time being, finding them a pale imitation of his memories of Caroline. No need to embarrass himself, by slipping up and saying the wrong name, at an inopportune time.
Caroline had been absent over Easter, spending it with her father, and Klaus had found himself missing her, despite his relief over Rebekah's melting frostiness. He'd not brought up her name, though Kol had, and Rebekah had stiffened and glared each time.
Klaus is faintly uneasy, at the idea of seeing her again, and it bothers him greatly. It's the reason he refuses to allow himself to shift, to pull at his sleeves, like he's itching to do, while he waits for the rest of his family to assemble. It's been months, and she's still under his skin, and Klaus sort of hates it. It's not like him, not at all. He's not entirely sure what to expect, of this evening, either. Will Rebekah continue to be loath to mention Caroline's name to him? Will Kol, sensing a golden opportunity to be a pest, make innuendos and suggestive eyes, in front of their mother?
Klaus hopes not. Because this is not a situation their mother needs to be privy to, and he'd hate to mar Rebekah's big day by committing fratricide.
His musings are interrupted when his name is called, and Klaus glances behind him, to see Henrik, tugging irritably at his tie, walk up behind him. "Mum'll be another couple minutes," Henrik informs him, throwing himself down on a couch, all gangly limbs and teenage poutiness, "Elijah's picking up Rebekah."
Klaus wonders if Elijah had volunteered, or if he'd just sort of been given the task as the designated responsible sibling. They'll likely be late, since Rebekah is nearly incapable of being ready at a designated time, and Elijah will be cranky, since in his mind tardiness was practically a cardinal sin.
An excellent way to start off a family gathering. "Finn and Kol?" Klaus asks.
"No idea where Finn is," Henrik replies, his neck craning to look over the back of the sofa. "But I thought Kol would be here by now. Sent me a text that he was on his way nearly an hour ago."
Kol, much like Klaus, had chosen a hotel away from their mother's, but it's nearby, not more than a ten minute walk. Klaus stands, and motions for Henrik to follow him. He peers into the bar, that's off the lobby, and sure enough, Kol's seated on a stool, a glass in hand.
Klaus is torn between annoyance, and envy that he'd not thought to do the same. Alcohol was something of a staple at Mikaelson family gatherings, but Esther frowned on anything other than wine with dinner.
He and Henrik make to enter, but the maître d raises a hand, and glances at Henrik, who's obviously underage, pointedly, "He can't go in there."
Henrik looks affronted, but shoots him a warning look, "We'll be two minutes. Just going to collect our brother and then we'll go to our table."
The man wavers, before asking, in that mildly snooty way employees at five star establishments have, "Do you have a reservation?"
"Mikaelson, should be for seven."
The maître d checks his list, before nodding, grudgingly. "Two minutes," he says, before stepping aside to let them pass.
"Thank you," Klaus returns, unable to help the edge of sarcasm.
He taps Kol on the shoulder, and Klaus is relieved to see no obvious signs of intoxication when Kol swings around. It seems Kol has been pacing himself, and he's steady and clear eyed, "Brothers!" he explains jovially, reaching past Klaus to swipe at Henrik's hair. "Good to see you both. Henrik, you look more and more like me with every passing month. Congratulations."
Henrik makes a face, batting Kol's hands away, and Klaus huffs out a laugh, "Hopefully, he'll not inherit your startling lack of modesty."
"Modesty's for ugly people, Niklaus. And the poor. Sit and join me for a drink, won't you?"
Klaus shakes his head, "Can't," he tells Kol, gesturing behind them where the man who'd let them in is watching their exchange intently, "American drinking laws being what they are. Come to the table, and we'll order a round, alright?"
Kol grumbles, but hops out of his seat, obligingly, draining his glass. "Right, then. Lead the way."
They're shown to a table immediately, and both he and Kol order bourbon. Henrik settles for a coke.
"How was the drive up, Hen?" Klaus asks.
"Fine. I mostly slept. Mom and Liz listened to terrible music and talked about how worried they are about Caroline and Bekah going off to Europe."
Kol's face turns gleeful, "Ah yes, I forgot the esteemed Sheriff Forbes would be around. Hopefully she didn't bring her gun."
"Why would she bring her gun?" Henrik asks, confusion evident.
Klaus is just about to snap at Kol to shut it, but he's too slow, and Kol talks over him easily, "Why, because Nik and Caroline had a torrid little fling, a couple months back. Can't imagine her mother wouldn't have an issue with it, Niklaus being an older man, and all. And I'm sure mother has bemoaned his appalling inability to settle down to her dear old friend."
Henrik's eyes widen, as he turns to Klaus. And it really makes Klaus wish that he had a drink in his hand. "You? And Caroline?" he says incredulously. "Is that why Bekah was being so snippy at Easter?"
"Yes, and yes," Klaus confirms shortly. "But we're not talking about either of those things, understand? Especially in front of mum. Or Rebekah. Not when she's finally over her little fit."
It's something of an unspoken agreement, between the siblings, that certain things stay between them. It's impossible that Henrik's not noticed, over the years, the significant looks and words laden with more meaning then they deserve. They've mostly kept Henrik out of it, his tendency to be absentminded meaning he wasn't much of a secret keeper. But he's older now, nearly sixteen, so perhaps it's time he be allowed in on a confidence or two. Henrik puffs up slightly, a sly look coming across his face, "And what's in it for me?" he asks.
And obviously his youngest brother takes after Kol in more than just looks. Klaus senses that'll become a problem, someday.
Kol laughs loudly, "Nicely done, Henrik," he says approvingly.
"What would you like?" Klaus replies, familiar with this sort of bargaining.
Henrik doesn't have to think about it. "Mum's going to visit Aunt Dahlia in July and she says I can't stay at home alone. And Aunt Dahlia's place is so boring and rainy and terrible and I really don't want to go."
Klaus can work with that. "Done. I'll invite you to stay with me, how's that?"
"That'll work nicely," Henrik says, with a satisfied grin. "Pleasure doing business with you, Nik."
"I am so proud," Kol declares, though his attention is quickly captured by the returning waiter. So much so that he doesn't notice Esther and Finn, coming up behind them, "I don't think I've ever been prouder in my life."
"Oh?" Esther inquires, placing a hand on Kol's shoulder, "and just what has brought this on?"
Kol freezes, ever so slightly guilty, in the way that only their mother can inspire, eyes darting over to Klaus, "Henrik was just telling us…"
"About my football team," Henrik covers smoothly. And Klaus is honestly impressed. But then again, he'd never lied to his mother so often as when he'd been in high school. Perhaps Henrik is just more practiced, then either he or Kol.
Esther beams, as Finn pulls out her chair, "Yes, you've done so well, darling. And likely to make captain, next year."
Conversation flows easily then, Finn picking it up to inquire about Henrik's schooling. Rebekah and Elijah breezing in a few minutes later, Elijah looking just a little pinched and irritable, and then they mostly discuss Rebekah, and her achievements, while she basks in the attention.
Later, once dessert and coffee is put away, Klaus finds himself volunteering to be the one to drive Rebekah back to her apartment. The one she shares with Caroline. He ignores her suspicious look, along with Kol's knowing one, focusing on Elijah's barely concealed relief, as he passes the keys to his rental car over.
It's only practical, Klaus tells himself, to get this meeting with Caroline over with. To do it tomorrow, in front of her family, and his, could be disastrous and would likely be far more awkward.
Rebekah glares, when he exits the car along with her at her building, stalks in front of him, inside and towards the elevator. She doesn't say anything on the ride up, however, doesn't try to force him to go back to his hotel. Klaus isn't sure what that means, but he's willing to weather the annoyed silence.
It won't be the first time, or the last, that he and Rebekah have silently battled.
She's noisy with her keys, and stomps into her apartment, leaving the door open for him. Caroline's on the couch, and she looks up with a smile when Rebekah enters, though is turns a touch uneasy when she spies Klaus, "Hey," she greets neutrally. She's got her feet on the coffee table, the remote control in her hand. But she's still wearing a pretty floral dress, and there's a pair of heels discarded on the floor, a sweater piled next to her, so it seems like she's also just come from dinner with her parents.
"I'm going to shower," Rebekah announces. She points at Klaus, "If you're still here when I get out there had better be at least a meter of space between you two."
She doesn't give him a chance to reply, which is probably a good thing. Klaus didn't much care for orders, particularly from his family. Rebekah disappears down a hallway, and Klaus listens for the sound of her door shutting before walking further into the living room.
There are a few moments of silence, and then Caroline stands, "I need ice cream," she says. "Do you want some?" She walks past him, barely glancing his way.
Klaus trails her into the kitchen, takes the spoon she offers without comment. "It's mint cookie," she tells him, tone falsely cheerful, while digging in the freezer. "There's regular chocolate too, but it's Rebekah's, and I'm thinking we don't want to poke the beast tonight."
Klaus chuckles at that, takes a seat at their kitchen island, "Don't let her hear you refer to her as a beast then. You'd never sleep, for the tantrum she'd throw."
"Please," Caroline scoffs, "Do you think I'm an amateur?"
She seems to hesitate, glancing at the open stools, before finally settling on the one beside him, though she's careful not to touch him, as she does it. Klaus can't help but feel a little annoyed, "Careful, sweetheart," he bites out, "I do believe that this is considerably less than a meter. Wouldn't want to go against Rebekah's orders."
Caroline shrugs, "I'm honoring their spirit, if not their letter. I am strictly forbidden from engaging in any more casual sex with you. That's what Rebekah meant. Its middle school dance rules."
Klaus almost drops his spoon, at the blunt statement, his jaw clenching briefly in irritation. "It seems as though my demands that she not meddle have not been heeded," he mutters tightly. "I'll have to rectify that."
"Don't," Caroline says, with a sigh. "Trust me. It's better if you don't. And she'd not meddling, technically. She's just being protective. In an obnoxious way, but she means well."
Caroline offers him the carton, and the beginnings of a smile. It's a peace offering, and Klaus takes a spoonful, considering Caroline's words. He decides he'll wait and see, before initiating another conversation about boundaries with his sister. And his mind is stuck on the fact that Caroline had specifically said 'casual.'
But that's a thought for later. Klaus finishes his bite of ice cream, before speaking again, trying a lighter subject, "Are you excited?" he asks. "About graduation."
"Yeah. And nervous. And kind of terrified, too."
She chews on her lip anxiously, eyes on the countertop. "You'll be great, Caroline," Klaus finds himself offering sincerely. "You're far too stubborn to be anything else."
She rolls her eyes, but a small smile begins to form, and Klaus is immensely satisfied with its appearance, "I'm just going to take that as a compliment, coming from someone as ridiculously stubborn as you."
"Nonsense. I am the most accommodating of individuals."
That gets a laugh from her, as Klaus had intended. And she actually turns toward him, when she speaks, her bare knees brushing his thigh, arching a skeptical brow, "Come on. How long would you and Rebekah have ignored each other if I hadn't stolen her phone, called you, and threatened her? I almost had to murder her favorite pair of boots, I'll have you know."
It would have taken quite a bit longer than a few weeks, Klaus is sure. It's entirely possible that they'd still not be on speaking terms, both invested in winning their battle of wills, neither willing to concede defeat, and wouldn't that have been difficult to explain to their family?
"I'm sure she'd have attempted to be civil," Klaus says, "at least until I'd handed over her graduation present."
Because he also thinks that he'd have gotten Rebekah's very detailed list of acceptable presents, even if they hadn't put things behind them.
Caroline shakes her head, "I take it you've learned your lesson about going off list?"
"I followed it to the letter." And spent a pretty penny on the exact monogrammed luggage Rebekah had had her heart set on. Despite the fact that it was altogether too fancy for the trip Caroline had a heavy hand in planning. "I like to think I'm not a stupid man," Klaus continues.
He'd gotten something for Caroline too, a camera that had come highly recommended. He imagines she'll want to document her trip, remembers how she'd practically bounced with excitement when they'd spoken of it at the bar in New York.
The silence that falls between them is easy, this time, Caroline no longer holds herself stiffly. And they share the carton if ice cream companionably until Klaus hears the water in the bathroom shut off. He hasn't very much longer, until Rebekah returns, and he's sure she'll be full of barbs, even if they're not as venomous as they could be. So he stands to leave, tugs a strand of Caroline's hair, when she looks up in question. "Send me a postcard, or two, yeah? Let me know your favorite places."
Her eyes widen, in surprise, "Uh, sure," she murmurs. "I can do that, I guess. I just assumed…"
Her mouth closes with a snap, and she looks away. "Assumed what, love?" Klaus presses. Because if their brief history has taught him anything it's that Caroline's assumptions about him, about them, are rarely favorable or accurate.
"Well, I texted you," she hedges. "And you never replied."
Klaus is watching her closely, so he sees the little hint of a wound there, in her eyes, for all that she's attempting to be blasé.
He lets out a sigh of his own, "And I assumed that you didn't want a reply. That you wanted things to be as they were, before that weekend."
Caroline rolls her eyes, expression turning exasperated, "Geez, we really are terrible at this, aren't we?"
Klaus laughs ruefully, "Well, we've nowhere to go but up. So, friends? The type who communicate, occasionally of their own volition?"
Caroline grins, holding out her hand playfully, "Deal."
Klaus shakes it, and uses his grip to pull her out of her chair. And perhaps the kiss he places on her cheek lingers a little too long to be friendly. "Excellent," he says, letting his lips brush against her skin. "And, if I don't get the opportunity to say it tomorrow, congratulations, Caroline."
She's a little bit flushed, when he pulls back, but she doesn't attempt to move away from him. Her thank you is quiet, and Klaus is certain her eyes dart down to his lips.
But, apparently taking up Kol's mantle of being a bloody nuisance when he and Caroline are having a moment, Rebekah makes a loud, disgusted noise when she enters the room. "That is not a meter. Honestly, Caroline."
Caroline looks annoyed, and then apologetic, stepping back. "I was just going," Klaus says, turning to face Rebekah, leveling her with a hard glare, in hopes of preventing further commentary. He quite likes the step he'd just made, with Caroline, and he'll not have her ruining it. "I'll see you tomorrow at the ceremony."
"We'll be the ones in the robes and awful hats," Rebekah returns blithely, throwing herself down on the couch and waving him away dismissively.
Caroline sees him to the door, opening it for him, and offering a small smile, "'Night, Klaus"
He runs a hand down her arm, out of Rebekah's sightline, thinks he sees her fight a shiver, at the touch. "Goodnight, Caroline," he returns softly, before exiting the apartment.
Klaus can't resist turning back, as he waits for the elevator, not having heard the door close. And he's gratified that Caroline's watched him leave, that she seems to be lost in thought, lingering in the doorway. It's nice to know that he's not alone, that she'd not shaken off whatever's between them so easily. Because they might have agreed to be friends, but Klaus has made her other promises, ones he still intends on keeping, when the time is right.
Next up: Klaus' 30th birthday…