Okay, so I have been reading a lot over the past few days and one of the novels I've been reading is The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes - such a good book recommend it to everyone - and I had an idea for a two-shot.

[I do not own TVD or any of the characters. Nor do I own any plotlines that are similar to TLDORH.]

Caroline knew that her time on this earth was coming to an end. The blonde - well she was blonde - was content with the life she had lived, the love she had in her short life. Sometimes things just happen that are out of our control and she knew this more than anyone. She had been fighting a battle with breast cancer for the better part of her thirties and it was coming to end, maybe it was for the best.

It was a cold March day and 37-year-old Caroline Forbes, the beloved daughter of Elizabeth and William, mother of 13-year-old Lily, "little sister" of Katerina 'Katherine' Petrova and Stefan Salvatore, best friend to Bonnie Bennet and the one true love of Klaus Mikaelson's life, was on her way to a hospice to die.

Liz looked at her once bright and full of life daughter was now a shell of who she used to be, frail and easily breakable but still containing the light that was so distinctly Caroline, she adjusted the fleece blanket so her daughter was comfortable as they made their way to the hospice. Caroline moaned and her mother knew that she was in pain and as much as she wished she could take her pain away, she simply couldn't. The retired small-town sheriff wiled herself to not cry. She had to be strong for her only daughter. Even if seeing her like this was killing her. Ha! Killing me? It's Caroline who has days left, she thought bitterly, be strong for her, Liz. She needs you now more than ever.

As they reached their destination, Caroline awoke and tried to make her way out of the car. Her mother easily stopped her before she got too far and ended up hurting herself more than she already had.

"Easy there, sweetheart. I'll get you a wheelchair," Liz held onto Caroline and tried to place her and her crutch back into the car.

"I don't need a wheelchair, Mom. I'm perfectly capable of walking in," she groaned suggesting that she was not, in fact, capable of walking on her own. "Besides, I have this," she said holding up her crutch, "and I have you with me. Broken leg or not, I am not getting in a wheelchair." She fixed her mother with a glare that held as much energy as she could muster and Liz chuckled at the sight. Yep, Caroline was still Caroline.

"Okay, okay, let's go in. Without a wheelchair." The older woman held onto her daughter and smiled at the fact that, even now, Caroline was still herself.

"Thank you," she inclined her head in a gracious manner before making her way in. Caroline smiled as one of the nurses greeted her but in truth, she was terrified. She knew exactly why she was here and even if she was okay with it, it didn't mean she wanted to die. But Forbes women didn't complain and Caroline sure as hell wasn't going to start.

As soon as Caroline was settled she was allowed to have visitors. They didn't have visiting hours or many restrictions. Only when it got too much for the patient or others would the nurses intervene and ask them to leave. Of course, everyone showed up. Katherine, Stefan, Bonnie, Enzo, Rebekah, Kol, Henrik, Elijah, Matt, Penny, Kai and Lily, were all at her bed after Caroline had spent a few hours resting.

Caroline woke up with a groan, held her head in her palms and for a moment, had no idea where she was. The only thing she could truly process was the intense pain but she didn't make a sound even though it was evident on her face. The pains were bad. It was when Jo, one of the hospice nurses and coincidentally Kai's older sister, walked in that she remembered what was actually going on.

"What's the verdict, doc?"

"Same as always," Jo looked at Caroline with a small smile. "Describe your pain to me, Caroline."

"Deadly."

"That bad, huh? I just changed your patch over an hour ago. Whilst you were asleep," Jo adds sending her patient a confused look.

"I don't know why I'm in pain then, do I?" she snapped. Something Caroline hadn't done in a very long time. "Sorry, Jo. It's just..." Caroline took a deep breath and let her sentence hang in the air because she knew that her nurse would get it.

"I'll give you a shot to ease the pain." Caroline simply nodded as Jo gave her whatever she did. "They should be on their way in now. I told Meredith to let them in after I checked up on you so they should be barging in now."

Jo was right. They all made their way into Caroline's room and made themselves comfortable. There was only a handful of couches but they all made it work. Rebekah and Stefan sat together on a one-seater, perks of being husband and wife, the same with Bonnie and Enzo. Katherine sat on the large couch with her husband Elijah, Kol, Henrik with Kai sat at the end who somehow made himself comfortable. Matt and Penny just stood to the side along the large window to the left of Caroline's bed. None of their children was here except for Lily.

Lily looked at her family and realised just how lucky she was. Her cousins weren't even here and the place was full. So many people unaccounted for in this room but she knew just how loved she and her mother were. All Caroline had to do was wake up and get better.

No one would tell her outright but Lily had never been a stupid child, they're in a hospice for crying out loud! She knew exactly what was happening and as much as she appreciated her family trying to keep her from it, she had a right to know. Her mother was dying and by the looks of things - the hushed conversations, the meetings with different lawyers and insurance companies - Lily knew it would be soon. Maybe days. But she couldn't think of that now. She couldn't bear to think that her time with her mother was limited. So she kept quiet, acting like she didn't know better and her family went on acting like her mom would get better.

"How's the pain, Care?" Stefan asked.

"Hurts like hell but I'll live." At that moment, it was as if all the air in the room had been taken out but only Lily didn't seem to notice. I'll live. Oh, how they all prayed she did. She looked at her family and gave them a strained smile which, despite the situation, they all returned. "I'm good now, guys."

"How've you been, Mom? It's not getting worse is it?" Lily frowned indicating to her mother that she really needed to hear that she was fine. To lie to her and assure her that everything would be okay even if it wouldn't.

"Same as always, Lilypad. Forget about me! How's school? Any boys in your life?"

"Mom!' She gestured to their family who was intently listening in on the conversation.

"What's this about boys, darling?" Enzo's accented voice filled the room and he had a tone that meant he would be speaking to these 'boys' which Caroline, Lily and well every girl in the room, rolling their eyes at. Even Elijah rolled his eyes at Enzo's ungentlemanly behaviour.

"Nothing, Uncle Enzo. No need to get your knickers in a twist," she smirked at her uncle and Caroline's heart clenched as she saw just how much her daughter resembled her father.

"I taught you that phrase to use against Bonnie love, not me. I know just how much she hates it." He wrapped his arms around his wife who just smiled despite it all.

"So, Henrik, your birthday is coming up. You'll be, what, 16?" Caroline moved the conversation onto the boy who she knew full well was no longer in his teen years.

"Ha, ha, Caroline. You know I'm going to be 27."

"You'll always be a sweet 9-year-old in my head."

They all laughed and the tension in the room had gone. The dying blonde in the bed was glad for that. She couldn't handle her entire family walking on eggshells around her.

"How's Nadia, Katherine? Still the world's toughest 11-year-old?" Caroline addressed her sister and her husband.

"She is a Petrova, Forbes. It's in her blood," the brunette shook her head as if to reprimand her.

"Don't forget Mikaelson! That kid has 'Lijah's grace and nobility down to a T that it's almost scary." Kol shuddered as he spoke of his brother's daughter. Caroline laughed at his antics ignoring the pain shooting up her sides.

"Let's hope the next one isn't as much of a handful," Bonnie commented but she loved her niece dearly. Katherine was thinking about having another child but wouldn't consider it until Caroline was better.

"What about Alexia and Thomas?"

"Perfect as always," Rebekah smiled as she thought about her kids.

"Alexia is turning 10 soon and Rebekah wants to have a ball," Stefan scoffed at his wife's ridiculous ideas.

"So?"

"She's 10, Bekah. Not 18."

"Spoilsport."

"Any funny stories about the twins, Enzo?" Caroline changed the subject before Rebekah needed to have her way.

"Have I got a story for you!" He clasped his hands together and begun telling them about how the boys got in trouble at middle school because they locked their teacher in the cupboard and then proceeded to act as military officers by ordering their classmates around. Their reign lasted about an hour before another teacher came in and saved the poor teacher. "I'm surprised they weren't excluded! The look on the teacher's face when she finally got rescued...priceless! She still had the same expression on her face when I came to pick Damon and Leo up. And they obviously acted like perfect gentlemen when they saw me and gave the teacher the puppy eyes as they said sorry. That the door got jammed and they were just controlling the class."

"They're going to be a pair of heart-breakers, them two," Caroline spoke gently as she thought about the future she would never see them in. She would die only knowing them as the 13-year-old troublemakers they are now. Nadia would be the tough princess who is Petrova through and through. Jack and Sam would forever remain the polite but mischievous Matt doppelgangers at only ages 12 and 14 and Hannah, with her mothers doe-eyes would always be the toddler who had a smile that would make any heart melt. Lizzie and Josie would be the 19-year old sweethearts. Alexia would be the golden girl and future Miss Mystic Falls and let's not forget about her brother Thomas, oh how she wished she could see how they all turned out. To see them graduate; have families of their own; to see the world; fall in love.

Caroline's eyes were drooping and the pain meds that Jo had given her were slowly taking over. But she didn't try and fight it because she knew that she'd see him again. And wasn't that a good enough reason than any?

Mystic Falls- 2006

The day Niklaus Mikaelson met Caroline Forbes he knew that she would be the woman that would be- if he ever decided to get married- his wife. One look at her and he was reeled in. His heart was no longer his own and he knew Caroline would always have it. In fact, he was so sure that she was the woman for him, after their initial meeting he immediately rang his sister.

"Nik! Two phone calls in one day? How is a girl to cope?" Klaus could practically hear his little sister's smirk. After all, Rebekah lived to annoy her brothers. "To what do I owe the pleasure? And it better be worth my time."

"I just found the woman I'm going to marry."

"Of course, whatever you say, brother," she scoffed obviously thinking Klaus was drunk. "And I've just trekked the Andes in my heels. You've never had a relationship that's lasted longer than two weeks. Trust me, I'll trade all my bags for fakes if you ever fall in love."

"I'm serious, Bekah." Rebekah could hear the smile in his tone and she knew that there was nothing that she could possibly say that would put him in a bad mood. "I'm going to marry Caroline Forbes."

"I'll take your word for it, Nik."

-A few hours earlier-

Henrik had been playing in the gardens for a few hours and Klaus decided he should check up on him, make sure the youngest Mikaelson wasn't bored out of his mind. As he stepped outside he couldn't help but think about how much things had changed. After living 22 years in England, moving to Mystic Falls, Virginia was a major change. But it was for the best.

"Henrik! Where are you, mate?" He called out and then saw that his little brother was no longer there. "Now where could he have gone?" Klaus tried not to panic but the thought of something happening to his brother...no! Henrik would be fine. Then he noticed the distinct gate that led to the woods and knew that his little brother had gone to explore.

It had taken Klaus approximately 30 minutes to find his little brother and by then he was filled with dread. What he found was definitely not what he expected. Henrik was sat with the most beautiful woman Niklaus had ever laid eyes on. She was absolutely perfect, her blonde hair in delicate curls, wide almond-shaped blue eyes, a smile that made his heart race. Klaus was sure that his brother had stumbled across an angel, no matter how cheesy it sounds.

And then he heard her laugh. He could've listened to the sound for days. And because Klaus was too busy admiring the blonde, he didn't notice the pair turning his way.

"Nik!"

"I've been looking for you, mister!" Klaus said in a mock stern voice.

"I came for an adventure and I found Caroline. She's my new friend." Henrik smiled a toothy grin and looked very proud of the fact the blonde was his new friend. So that's her name. Caroline.

"I can see that, mate. What I want to know is why you ran off in the first place."

"I only came for a few minutes. Promise. Then Caroline was 'ere. And we talked. I told her jokes to cheer her up. Did'n I, Caroline? They were so funny, you missed it, Nik. So you can't shout at me. Or tell me off. I was being polite like 'Lijah says. Or else I'll tell Caroline over you."

"I guess you've got me there. How could I ever be mad when you were just helping your friend?" He heard Caroline chuckle in the background and he noticed how her eyes were just a little red.

"Can we stay here! Please! Caroline isn't going home so she can look after me. I have'n explored proper yet."

"I'll stay here and wait for you then, Henrik."

"You can sit with Caroline. I'm sure she'll let you be her friend too. She's really kind. But Caroline is my friend so you better not steal her." And without waiting for a reply he ran off. Not far enough so that he wouldn't know his way back but enough that Klaus was left wondering what exactly had happened.

"So, Nik, is it? What brings you to our small town? Judging by your accent, you're not local." Caroline spoke up. Usually, he would correct her and say his name was Klaus, not Nik. But he liked the sound of it coming out of her mouth.

"Mother fancied a change."

She shrugged as if she was deeming his answer acceptable. "What do you do then, Nik?"

"Work for the family company. In the financing part of it. What about you, Caroline?"

"Waitress. Getting a degree in broadcast journalism."

A silence had enveloped them as the pair looked on at the scene in front of them. The crisp autumn air surrounded them and a small breeze caused Caroline to pull her jacket further towards her.

"Do you usually come here and make friends with unsuspecting little kids?" Klaus needed to fill the silence and apparently, that was the best he could come up with. His eyes widened at his words but she simply just shook her head and chuckled at his attempts at carrying on their conversation. But soon enough, the conversation was flowing and there was definitely sparks in the air.

After about an hour, Henrik approached them with a sleepy look and Klaus nodded towards Caroline and she smiled back in response. "Come on, big guy. Time for us to head back."

"But...[yawn]...Caroline. We can't...leave..."

"I'll be fine, Henrik. And you look like you need some sleep."

"But-"

"No buts. And stop laughing because I said butts. You too, love." He gave Caroline a pointed look as she giggled behind her hand. Klaus picked Henrik and threw him over his shoulder. "You asked for this!" He replied as Henrik protested.

"Goodbye, Caroline. Hopefully, this isn't the last time we see each other."

"Hopefully not, Nik. See you soon, Henrik."

"Bye, Care," Henrik sleepily replied into his elder brother's shoulder and gave her a half wave. Caroline smiled to herself as she made her way to her empty house.

Henrik and Klaus met up with their new friend every day for a week. On the following Friday, he finally asked her out to dinner and with a shy smile, Caroline replied: "For a second there, I was worried I would have to ask you." And that was the beginning of an epic love story.

A month later Rebekah had realised that her brother was deadly serious. Klaus would marry this girl; the infamous Caroline. and from the moment she set eyes on the pair, it was clear that they were meant to be together. The love she had seen in her brother's eyes was something she never thought she'd see. The way they laughed together, smiled at their own private jokes, the secret looks they would pass each other, the fact that their hands always found each other all but showed her just how right they were for each other. They were it for each other. Things were looking up for her brother and she, for one, could not be happier. Hopefully, he didn't actually make her trade in her designer purses in for cheap knock-offs.

The next day came and went. Caroline could do nothing but watch the day go by as the pain was almost too much to bear. Doctors walked in and out checking on the blonde and they all gave the same sad smile with a shake of their head towards her mother. Liz sat there all day with her daughter, holding her hand as she cried out in pain and with every head shake and pursed lips, silent tears made their way down the older woman's face. Even when Kol and Katherine arrived, she still stayed by her side, never letting go of her hand. Once she was sure her daughter was fast asleep she darted out of the room leaving Kol and Katherine behind.

Somehow, she found herself in the prayer room. She laughed at herself as she took in the crosses that were ornately displayed across the wall. She remembered the words of the social workers, support groups, and the many townsfolk that had said the same thing, 'Pray'. What a joke! "What the hell is praying, going to do? Is it going to somehow cure my daughter?! What kind of God are you, huh! Letting my Caroline die. And for what? She has been through so much and now you're taking her away from us? If you do exist, I hate you," the former sheriff spat. Elizabeth Forbes burst into tears. "I just want her to live. Why do you want her? Th-this isn't right. A mother- I am no-not supposed to outlive my child. Don't take her away from us. Please. I need her. We need her. We can't lose her. Not after Klaus. You can't just take them both." By this time Liz was on the floor gasping for air through every word she spoke and Katherine has joined her, hugging her close to her.

"Why Caroline? What has she done?"

"She hasn't done anything, Liz. It doesn't make sense but it doesn't change anything."

"We're going to lose her, aren't we?" Katherine just nodded and they held each other on the cold linoleum floor. Life truly was a bitch.

"I'll...just go...check-"

"I'm gonna hang back here for a bit." The older woman nodded as she slowly made her way out of the room and composed herself as if she did not just have a breakdown and curse everything that was holy for taking her daughter away.

"She's right. Why Caroline? There are so many other people you could take. People who have done bad things. Out of all of us, you picked the one we all need the most. This isn't fair and you know it. If you really were a loving God you would let her get better. You would give her life back. You would give her back to us. W-we...need her. I'll believe in you, I'll go to church and pray - I will do anything if you just let her live." Katherine spoke to what she believed to be a non-existent God.

"Katherine," a soft voice spoke behind her.

"What?!" The brunette snapped and turned her head towards the voice not caring if they were going to see the tears that were trailing down her face. She was too angry to give two if someone saw her cry; she's still Katerina Petrova for crying out loud.

"You can't be angry. It doesn't change the fact that we're going to lose her."

"Anger is all I have, Stefan! If I can't shout, I cry. And I realise that Caroline isn't going to be here anymore. I need to do something, anything, so I don't have to think about funeral arrangements. Or what she's going to be buried in. How long I have left with her. If Lily will ever be okay after losing both her parents. I can't think about any of it! Not how- no matter how hard I try- she's going to die. And I don't want to lose her. So if I want to scream and blame the world, I sure as hell am and not anything you or anyone else can say will stop me!"

"You can be angry after all this but right now, she needs us. We need to stick together, Kat. I know that you always have to have this brave facade up but we're all falling apart. It's okay to not be okay. But we have to stay strong for Caroline," Stefan, ever the saint, calmly retorted.

"Everything I do is for Caroline!"

"How is shouting in a hospice prayer room helping her?"

"She's just accepting it. No fight or anything. Like she's given up. I refuse to give up on her too."

"Caroline has accepted it so it's easier for us when we finally have to let her go. She's stopped fighting because she has been for the past 4 years. We have to be there for her, no matter what the decision. And unless a miracle cure is discovered in the next couple of days, we have to say goodbye. This is her fight, not ours. And she gave a hell of a fight."

"I know," Katherine replied quietly.

"Hm?"

"I know that by the end of this week, she won't be around anymore. I'm just scared."

"We all are."

Stefan took his friend into his arms and they walked back to their friend's room. She was talking to Kol and Rebekah, chuckling at one of Kol's crazy stories. The pair exchanged a smile before they sat next to Liz on the sofa and joined in with the laughter.

It had been three days since Caroline had been moved to Mystic Falls Hospice and her mother was scared of having to say goodbye to her only daughter. But she was more concerned about how Lily would take Caroline's passing than herself. "I think we should discuss where Lily is going to live after all this."

"Wherever she's happy and is best. I'll be okay with whatever you all choose. I know that everyone will do an amazing job," Caroline said sleepily.

"But-"

"Mom, I trust you all to make the best decision for my daughter. If not, I'll come back to haunt you all. Trust me, I'll find a way to come back if you do wrong by Lily."

"I know you will, honey. I know," Liz chuckled at her.

"I want to say goodbye to the kids. Not the little ones. I don't really want them to remember me like this," tears made their way down her face despite her internal struggle to control her emotions. "Finn and Sage are arriving today, aren't they?"

"Yes, sweetheart. They'll be here in a few hours."

"Why don't you bring the kids over with Sage and you guys can sort living arrangements out." Her voice was strained as if she had been screaming for hours on end. Caroline couldn't recall the last time she had eaten or drank since everything made her physically sick. Every part of her hurt so much that she couldn't remember the last time she had been pain-free. She knew that her days were limited so she had to make sure that she said goodbye to her loved ones.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Sage can hold her own. Of course, the little ones will stay home but I'm sure Henrik and Davina can look after the kids. Plus, I don't think that Kol would want to adopt a teenage girl, no matter how much he loves her. Kai will definitely have fun corrupting the little ones for a couple of hours."

"Can you...call...Jo. Pl-please," she clutched her sides as the pain she had been ignoring was taking over her and was soon becoming unbearable. Her mother rushed to find a doctor and after Jo had given her her prescribed drugs, she was soon off to sleep. And she smiled knowing who would be waiting for her.

"You look absolutely ravishing, Caroline," he smirked at her and she rolled her eyes as he handed her a glass of champagne. It had been nearly a year since their original meeting and Caroline couldn't remember a happier time in her life.

"I have to admit, Nik. You do have great taste."

"Give us a twirl, love."

"You are so cheesy. I don't even know why I bother with you," she said complying to his request with a smile of her own. He chuckled and grinned back at her.

"Maybe because I'm amazing, handsome, and perfect in every way."

"And humble too, I see," she rolled her eyes for the third time that night. Caroline couldn't believe how drastically her life had changed since meeting Nik ten months ago. She definitely did not picture herself in love with the mysterious new guy in town. But looking at him now, she wondered why she ever doubted the man in front of her. He was perfect. To Caroline at least. Kol could pick out a million and one faults when given the time. Rebekah, Elijah, Kol, and Henrik had become like family to the blonde and she was close to them all in their own unique ways.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes, darling?" Kol had somehow magically appeared next to them with a smirk on his face. "Glad you're here now because this party has been such a bore. I mean, does Bekah honestly expect us to dance to this drab music?"

"Don't," the blonde pointed her finger at his chest," and I repeat, do not ruin this party for your sister. Or I will hurt you in ways your little mind can't even imagine. If you know what's good for you, you will behave."

"Looks like Nik's threatening personality is beginning to rub off on you. Can't say I'm thrilled," but the smirk on Kol's face grew as he looked from his brother to the supposed love of his life. "You two are sickeningly adorable. I'm gonna need back-up if I have to deal with this."

"You know, you don't have to be here. Go annoy some other unsuspecting guests. Please."

"Are you begging me, Miss Forbes? When you put it like that how could I ever refuse?" A grin made its way onto Caroline's face and turned to Klaus who had a less than pleased face. He knew Kol could never be swayed so easily. "It's not that hard, actually. See? I'm still here."

Caroline groaned which was very unladylike of her. The blonde rolled her eyes once her boyfriend gave her an 'I-told-you-so' look. "Oh shut up, Nik."

"I didn't say anything, love," with a smirk of his own, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Kol? Leave."

"Don't make me socialise, Nik!" The younger Mikaelson pouted and Klaus was surprised he didn't stamp his feet in a tantrum.

"Now, Kol."

"Fine!" He stalked off, probably to find Jeremy and see if he wanted to have some fun. Normally, Caroline would be all for creating havoc in the Mikaelson household with Kol and Henrik. But Henrik was in bed and this was Rebekah's night and she'll be damned if something goes wrong. The blondes may be great friends but Rebekah Mikaelson could hold a grudge like no other. And Caroline definitely did not want to get on her bad side.

Klaus held his hand out and guided them to the dancefloor. Placing his hands in the right position, he smiled down at the blonde in his arms, content with having her here forever. Caroline returned the smile as the pair danced to the slow paced music that Rebekah had chosen for the ball. "I'm still amazed how you can control Kol of all people. You sure you haven't got mind-control powers? Any tricks I should know about?"

"I assure you, love, I don't have any tricks up my sleeve."

"Well, you've got to teach me whatever you just did."

"You already have the basics. Anyway, if Kol saw just how mad you can get, then he'd be quaking in his boots."

"Hey! I am not an angry person and I resent that last statement," she gave him a pointed look as she swayed in his arms. Her hands wrapped around his neck and she had to fight to restrain the smile that he always seemed to bring out of her.

"A certain memory involving an unfortunate monopoly game and some cheating on my part, which I honestly did not think you would pick up on," Caroline glared at him at the reminder, which just made him smirk in return, "would beg to differ, love."

"So, you did cheat! I knew it!" She looked into his eyes and burst into a fit of laughter and in turn, Nik chuckled at the memory. "I'm glad you came into my life, Nik."

And under the ballroom lights, Klause knew he wasn't afraid to say what he said next. After all, it was probably the truest statement he'd ever say in his life. "I love you, Caroline."

"I love you too, you idiot."

"Way to ruin the moment, love," this time, Klaus rolled his eyes at her but he smiled despite the annoyance he tried to pull off. He could never be mad at Caroline Forbes. He loved her way too much.

Check part two out now!

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