Thank you to The Speed Force, , Epitomeofme, OKBooey31, StefanxKlaus14, lily94, Magic Janet, .5, Roswellian98, redbudrose, Ellavm18, Clara, Steaksauce, PsychVamp, BlueJean452, isabellasnow, shadowfaxangel, Psyc0gurl0, AlwaysToStay, livingdeadblondegirl, ultimateitgirl, Marina Sushi loves Whitlock, arielmermaid, shawol-cassie-elf, ilyreid, LadyKlaus, babyvfan, klarolineisendgame and Element Siren for reviewing!

So guys, this is it, the epilogue. Can't believe we're already done… Anyways, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: As always, I don't own TVD!

Epilogue

New Orleans, Louisiana 2013

Caroline's eyes fluttered open, her mind still drowsy with sleep. She rolled over, planning on going right back into dreamland when she noticed her usual sleeping companion was not beside her. She reached over, her hand drifting across the now-cold silk sheets. He's been gone for a while then. Looking towards the window, she saw the afternoon sun as it filtered through the curtains, shining across the wedding band on her finger.

Caroline wasn't surprised at how long she must've slept in, considering yesterday's late night… activities. Still, she wished Klaus had woken her up when he did; she hated being alone in their bed. It reminded her too much of their painfully long separation. She knew for a fact that Klaus felt the same but, as she had learned in recent months, it took a lot more work that either of them had expected to control the supernatural population of New Orleans. Still, Caroline sighed lightly, knowing she wouldn't be able to sleep without him by her side and the blonde vampire was quick to get up.

After making herself look presentable, she flitted downstairs, going straight to the kitchen for her daily blood bag. Though her husband constantly tried to wean her off the things, wanting her enjoy some fresher blood from the source, the younger vampire refused; her moral compass was still very much intact, thank you, and the thought of harming people like that, even if they were compelled and enjoyed it, bothered her too much. Klaus tried, she knew, for her. He tried his best not to return his ripper ways, to the killing and slaughter he had been so grievously accustomed to but old habits died hard. For nearly three years now though, he had not killed a single innocent. Still there was no way he was giving up fresh blood, Caroline knew that and she accepted it, just like she was accepted everything else about him. She had known from the get go that Klaus would not just be able to completely change, not after a thousand years.

To her, it was the fact that he still tried that mattered… the fact that he seemed to want to better himself for her. She had never even asked him to change, not since the days she was human, and still he did.

He knows me too well, knows that it would have hindered my happiness if he kept on killing people with so much ease.

Caroline took a long sip of her blood bag, brows creased as she remained deep in thought.

The last three years had gone surprisingly well from them all. After Esther's death, it seemed everyone could finally take a breath. The threat of the Original siblings' parents was gone and they could finally live as they all had always wanted to. Yes, there were still dangers out there for them; Katherine was still on the loose much to her disgust. For the most part, however, she knew they could live safely, without the fear of death hanging over their heads at every minute. This was especially true considering the fact that her friends had finally decided to put down their proverbial stakes after their combined efforts in Esther's ultimate demise. Klaus and his siblings no longer had anything to fear from them; the Mystic Falls gang wasn't going try anything, however futile it would have been.

The day that everything had worked for her was still one of the best in her life, though. After everything being so crappy for such a long time, it had truly been a relief to her.

Caroline opened the door warily, surprised at the fact that it had rung so early in the morning. She was cautious, her mind and body still going haywire after her near death experience with Esther. Only last night did Caroline believe that the Original Witch was going to kill her, that she had already killed Klaus, her Klaus. It had been, to say the least, one of the longest days she had ever had.

Sleeping had been difficult though. She had found herself trying to keep her eyes open all night in order to reassure herself that Klaus was still beside her. In return, he had held her close, his arms tight around her naked waist even as his breathing evened in sleep.

As dawn approached, Caroline had remained wide-awake, nerves wracking through her system along with a strange happiness and contentment; the odd mixture of emotions had her nearly buzzing. She had Klaus back for sure. It had been hard, yes, but with the end of the whole ordeal came everything she had ever wanted. Well nearly everything…

Which brought to where she was now, standing in front of the door, her mind still half on Klaus whom was sleeping alone in their bed. As she opened the door wide enough to see who was on the other side, she looked at him in surprise.

"Stefan." She said by way of greeting, a little awkwardly. She wasn't quite sure how to act around her friend anymore. She knew Stefan had been more on her side than any of the others but the fact remained that he still hadn't really defended her. And that stung. Still, according to Klaus, he had been one of the first to be convinced into helping the Original siblings with their little plan to 'save' her. She supposed that counted for something.

Stefan smiled slightly at her, looking unsure himself. "Hey, Care." He said quietly, kind eyes weighing heavily down on her. The blonde was tempted to give up this pretense of anger and disappointment and simply jump in his arms. But she wouldn't. She couldn't just shove their problems to the side anymore. He was her best friend; had been for nearly one hundred years. They needed to figure out what to do next.

Neither of them moved for a moment. How am I supposed to fix things with him if I can't even think of anything to say?

Finally she spoke. "Would you like to come in, Stef?" It seemed her use of his nickname brightened him up immensely. He smiled at her, one of his rare real smiles, and stepped across the threshold of Klaus' home. Maybe it's my home now too…

Once they were situated in the parlor, Caroline was once again unsure of what she should do next. This time it was Stefan who came up with the answer, however.

"I'm sorry I barged in so early, Care. I just needed to make sure you were ok after yesterday…" He paused for a second, hesitating, "… and after that happened between all of us." He finally said, his eyes holding hers firmly.

Caroline stayed silent, her shoulders slightly tense as her mind suddenly panicked. What if he doesn't want to make it better? What if he's decided this friendship doesn't mean anything to him? Her traitorous thoughts whispered.

"I'm… I'm so sorry, bella." Stefan words broke through her whirring thoughts and filled her with immediate relief and affection. Why was I thinking that? This is Stefan we're talking about. He's one of the best people I know. "We should have been better friends to you."

Just as Stefan was about to continue with his apologies, he found his arms full of blonde vampire as Caroline hugged him fiercely. It made his stricken heart unclench and soon enough he put his own arms around her.

"It's ok, Stef. I'm sorry too. I should have tried to explain myself better, make you guys understand." She rambled in her best friend's ear, practically lying across his lap as she hugged him. "I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too, bella." Stefan's reassuring voice told her.

Just as she was about to get out of her somewhat awkward position, she heard a familiar voice growl something out.

"Am I interrupting something?" Klaus asked, causing Caroline to jump up in surprise, making her nearly fall to the floor. Whatever happened to vampiric grace? But luckily, it seemed Klaus still had some himself because in the next instant he was across the room, catching Caroline before she fell completely before pulling he upright again, his arm tight yet comforting around her waist. She glanced up at him, noting his rumpled appearance from having just woken up, the shirt he had haphazardly thrown on.

"Stefan just came by to talk to me, Klaus." Caroline finally answered his question, once she got over slight embarrassment at having been taken by surprise like that. The Original, who had been looking at friend with distaste, now brought his eyes down to her. They immediately softened at what they say in her face; Caroline looked… happy; less tired than she had in weeks. Her friends mean a lot, Klaus found himself realizing, still not used to the idea of a friendship that wasn't based on power-mongering or intimidation.

He still has so much to learn, even after a millennium, Caroline thought in wonderment, smiling gently at him.

"I guess that's my queue to go." Stefan spoke up, quickly standing. He was already headed to the door when he turned back around for a moment. "Oh, and Care? Why don't you meet me at the Grill later, there are some people that want to talk to you."

Caroline waited a minute, hesitating a bit, before deciding to just do it and nodding her affirmation. "I'll see you there."

"Great." Stefan smiled again approaching as if to hug her, but his wary eyes then noticed the protective stance Klaus had taken and he thought the better of it. "Later then." He said instead and, with a small wave, he was gone.

Caroline watched the door a little longer after her friend's departure, contemplating. Only when she calmed her turning mind did she turn around and burrow herself deep into Klaus' arms.

When Caroline arrived at the Grill, Stefan was already waiting for her outside. He didn't say anything but only smiled before leading her in to where the rest of her friends were apparently waiting for her. For a moment, she felt her nerves sparking, an empty pit emerging in her stomach but then she felt Stefan's comforting hand on her shoulder, his presence silently supportive.

With a deep and unnecessary breath, Caroline approached the table where she saw her friends sitting.

Her nerves were all but gone when Elena immediately stood upon seeing her, tears in her chocolate brown eyes. The next thing she knew, the blonde vampire had her arms full of doppelgänger.

"I'm so sorry Caroline." Brown eyes sparkled at her sincerely as Elena clutched her hand between hers, pulling away from her embrace. "We should've believed in you. We weren't exactly being the best of friends."

"I'm sorry too Elena. You had reason not to trust what I was telling you and I should have taken that into consideration." Caroline replied softly, her throat dry with tears of relief. Finally, she could have her friends back.

"No, really, Care-" Before Elena could finish her protest, a familiar voice cut her off.

"Yeah, yeah, we get it, everyone's sorry." Damon interjected with his usual sarcasm, though it was slightly downplayed by the look of relief in his eyes. It had barely been twenty-four-hours before the gang's latest possibly fatal adventure; they were all still a little high strung but she knew that seeing everyone safe helped them, even Damon.

"Is everyone really?" Caroline raised her eyebrow, letting go of Elena and turning to look at Damon, directing the question to him. When he only inclined his head slightly, Caroline knew she had his answer. Looks like everyone's grown these last few months, even stubborn asses like Damon… She nodded in return, accepting his unspoken apology. She then turned to look at Bonnie who was gazing at the floor somewhat ashamedly. Caroline just hugged the witch, knowing no better way to make amends; she was simply too old a vampire to hold a grudge over such small arguments and she wasn't going to let such a thing in the way of a rare friendship.

When she pulled back, Bonnie's face had widened in a tentative smile and Caroline gave one last reassuring squeeze before releasing her.

For a moment, they all stared at each other silently, none of them knowing what they should say next. Finally, Caroline let out an awkward laugh before finding she couldn't stop. It seemed that her laughter broke the ice because Elena and Bonnie soon joined her, coming over to hug her again. From the corner of her eye, the blonde could see Stefan sporting a small smile and Damon rolling his eyes in pseudo-annoyance.

By the time Caroline went back to Klaus, her cheeks ached from all the smiling.

Everything had really gone surprisingly well for them from then on, Caroline thought now as she finished up her blood bag. Caroline had ended up staying in Mystic Falls until she graduated; it was a bit mundane, in all honesty, but it gave her a chance to be with her friends and family. She left them in good terms; they had even accepted Klaus and his siblings by the end. Stefan even went so far as to make a wary friendship with Klaus again; in fact he had visited her just last month.

Even though their lives in Mystic Falls had been oddly perfect, they couldn't stay there forever; so Caroline and Klaus had decided to return to the one of the few places in the world that was vampire aware and friendly; New Orleans. Kol and Elijah had also decided to join them; the only Mikaelson sibling that wouldn't be joining them there permanently, at least for now, was Rebekah. Instead, she and Richard had once again joined forces; though Caroline was sure that this time Richard wasn't simply the Original's manservant. No, their relationship was much, much deeper than that and she was certain that in a few short years they would both admit to it. It was only a matter of cracking through their thick shells.

Caroline couldn't wait for the moment she could say I told you so. She could already imagine her uncle's exasperated face but she knew he would understand; she only wanted him to be happy, after all.

Her content thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she realized she wasn't as alone in the kitchen as she thought.

"Caroline." The blonde vampire nearly jumped out of her skin by the sudden appearance of her brother-in-law. She turned around at glared at him from where he was watching her from the doorway of the kitchen.

"Elijah, why are you here?" She asked, a bit snappily.

"Well, I did think I lived here." Elijah intoned, an amused glint in his eyes.

Caroline rolled her own, though the effect was lessened by the smile that was now playing at her lips. "You know what I mean… How come you're not with Klaus?" She inquired instead, knowing a direct question was probably a better route with all of the Original siblings. They were a fickle bunch.

"Ah, yes, it seems my brother is in need of some alone time. It has been a particularly trying morning for him." The eldest Mikaelson said now and despite the slightly playful tone in his voice, his eyes conveyed seriousness and concern.

"What happened?" Caroline asked worriedly.

"A few things got… out of hand, is all." He didn't elaborate, knowing her well enough to realize she would easily come to the right conclusion by herself.

"It was another rebellion, wasn't it?" She spoke quietly, frowning. She didn't wait for a reply, feeling that she was right. "Oh and let me guess, you were sent here to be my protection?" Caroline's voice dripped with sarcasm, one perfect eyebrow raised as she stared at her brother-in-law.

Elijah needed to only give her a look.

"When is he going to learn that I can take care of myself?" Caroline muttered, annoyed. Always so over-protective. Part of her appreciated the effort but the other part of her was simply irritated by Klaus' over-protective tendencies. He seemed to forget that she was no longer that weak human she once had been. She was now a strong centuries-old vampire, closely connected to the Originals; most would not dare to threaten her in any way. But, she supposed, perhaps Klaus thought Elijah's protection necessary for those that would.

Regardless, it still pissed her off.

"I'm afraid that might take a while, dearest Caroline, my brother is, after all, the most stubborn person alive." This time Elijah was really teasing her, his brown eyes twinkling with an almost childish glee.

"Won't argue with you there." Caroline replied dryly, internally smiling Elijah's display. "Tell me that he, at least, has Kol with him?" Two Originals is better than one, after all.

"He does indeed, though I don't know if Kol will be of much help to him."

Caroline shrugged at Elijah's comment. "Kol has a way of surprising people; I'm sure he'll be there if Klaus needs him." He was there when we needed him before…

"Regardless, I would think it best if we joined them both." The eldest Mikaelson suggested.

Surprised, the blonde sent him an incredulous look. "I thought you were on protection detail."

"Well, dearest Caroline, I am certain I could protect you just as much there as here." Elijah replied, his face completely serious but his voice containing no small amount of amusement. It had been odd these past few months, for Caroline. It's not that it was difficult or anything of the sort; it was only that this was the first time she was really getting to know the eldest Mikaelson brother. Yes, she had known him well enough in the 1500s but there had still been that veil of Lord and servant; one she had never dared to cross, at least not with him. To Caroline, Elijah had always seemed somewhat untouchable, kind and moral. These things were true, of course, but she was also learning that the man had a wicked sense of humor.

Caroline smiled widely. "I like the way you think, 'Lijah." She told him as Elijah gestured for them to leave the kitchen. She only paused on their little trek to grab the essentials before they both out the door, laughing heartily when her brother-in-law offered her his arm.

She took it gladly.

Caroline was silent as she entered the bar that served as Klaus', well, office, for lack of a better term. She immediately noticed the commotion, wondering what it was all about as she approached the rowdy crowd of vampires, Elijah close behind her. There were a few humans dotted within the mass of people and Caroline even saw a few of the wolves from the local pack. And all their eyes were trained on the person standing in the middle; Klaus.

The blonde vampire didn't alert her husband to her presence, knowing that he needed to assert his power in this situation. She watched as he stood before the people she just noticed were being held in a kneeling position in front of the hybrid.

"For this uprising you and your kin will be banished from the lands of New Orleans and ostracized from the community." Klaus said, his voice carrying the authority his one thousand years have garnered him. His face was impassive, as if he hadn't a care in the world; Caroline could see through his façade, however, see his wariness. Marcel is getting smarter, using other vampires as scapegoats and naming them martyrs for his cause, the blonde found herself thinking. Ever since their arrival in New Orleans, Klaus' former protégé had caused them nothing but trouble, even after they retook power. Caroline only hoped they would be able to keep that power.

"We'll come back, mark my words, we'll come back and kill you and your siblings." One of the accused vampires hissed, trying to sound threatening but failing. This one's half my age and he thinks he can actually intimidate Klaus? Honestly, what an idiot. The next comment out of the vampire's mouth only confirmed her thoughts. "Maybe we'll keep that little bitch of yours, though… we could use the entertainment."

In the blink on an eye, a loud snap was heard and the vampire was suddenly sprawled fully on the floor, writhing in pain as Klaus' hand continued to stay wrapped tightly on the now broken arm. The Original wanted to inflict as much pain as he could, seething with anger as he was. Caroline only hoped he'd remember their precarious position and spare the idiot, as much as they both would hate it. The commotion around them was now completely silenced, everyone waiting warily for the hybrid's next move.

"You speak one more word of her like that, and I won't just break your arm." Klaus growled, before stepping even closer to the vampire, his face looming over the injured man. "Also, fair warning, if you do decide to step back into my territory – it won't be one of my friends here to bring you your death…Do you understand?" He hissed out, eyes flashing yellow, the threat terrifying to everyone who knew what that meant; Klaus was not known for giving quick deaths, after all.

"Yes, I understand." The vampire managed to grind out pathetically. Klaus unceremoniously released him, dumping him back to the floor.

"Now leave." He commanded and immediately both accused vampires scrambled away as those around them parted for them. Caroline nearly let out a sigh of relief; Klaus had made the right move this time. He'd avoided killing them, given them a fair sentence for their betrayal; Marcel would have a hard time trying to make martyrs out of them now. Sometimes Caroline wished they would just be able to get rid of the guy already, but unfortunately he still had a lot of followers of all species in New Orleans. If they did anything rash, they most likely lose control of the city completely.

That just couldn't happen.

Her eyes flashed to where Marcel was standing not far away, a look of distaste clear on his features. She smirked at the sight of him. You've lost this one. Turning away from the man, she looked towards Klaus, only to find him staring back at her. Well, more like glaring.

Well, looks like we were caught. Oops.

"Caroline, love, what are you doing here?" Klaus asked her as soon as he reached her, his hands coming to rest on her waist as he stared down at her. There was concern is his gaze along with some anger as he realized there was nothing wrong with her that would merit a visit. His burning eyes immediately found his brother. "Elijah I thought I told you to protect her!" He growled.

"As I am doing, brother." Elijah replied, unfazed.

"Don't blame 'Lijah, Klaus." Caroline spoke up, pulling attention back to her, as she placed her hands on his chest reassuringly, peering up at him with a gentle smile. "I wanted to come; I was worried about you." Her tone was soft, so only he could hear her. They didn't need any more attention from the rest of the vampires in the room. "You really should have woken me up this morning. I could have helped you with this." She told him, slightly reprimanding.

Klaus was silent at this, his face almost grievously sad, showing the many years he had spent walking this earth. "You don't like to shed blood, love." He reminded her.

"I don't." Caroline confirmed unnecessarily. "But that doesn't mean I won't." Klaus looked surprised; it was an odd expression on him, there really wasn't much that could surprise him anymore. Most of the time it had something to do with Caroline, however. "Do you really think I could have survived nearly five hundred years if I hadn't at least spilt a little blood? My hands aren't clean either, Klaus. And, for you and I? I would gladly spill blood." Now her husband looked down at her in wonder, his eyes alight.

He smiled at her, a real, beautiful smile that sent her dead heart aflutter. "I love you, were you aware?" He informed her, his voice gravelly and serious but his face and eyes expressing joy.

Caroline smiled widely. "I was, but you could stand to say it more." She moved closer to Klaus now, until their breath was intermingling. His arms encircled around her waist, holding her firmly to him and Klaus moved down towards until his lips barely touched hers –

"I am so sorry to interrupt, Nik, truly but I'm afraid I must pull you away from our little Caroline for a bit." An annoyingly familiar voice said with all too much glee, causing them to pull apart. Caroline glared at their new companion with irritation. Great timing, Kol. Thanks.

Kol remained delightfully obtuse to his brother and sister-in-law's death stares. "There is still some business to attend to." He said, looking at Klaus, before sidling up to Caroline's side, throwing an arm around her shoulders. "In fact, why don't you go do that and I will stay with Caroline..." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively at her. "Keep her company; I'm sure she'll tire of yours very soon." He said mockingly, a sly look on his face, trying to get a rise out of his brother.

"There's no need, Kol." Klaus replied with only the smallest hint of exasperation. He then did something that surprised both her and his brothers. He tugged Caroline to his side and said something she had never expected him to say. "Caroline is coming with us."

Wait, he's actually doing it? He actually thinks I can do this with him?

Caroline was kind of amazed at this. He's changed so much, become the great man I always saw him as. Her face broke out into another one of her sunny smiles as she looked up at Klaus. Impulsively, she gave him a quick, but passionate peck on the lips.

"I love you too; you know that right?" She whispered, her words only for him.

Klaus nodded, his own smile returning as he held her close to him "I do… but you could tell me again." He replied smartly.

Caroline laughed but complied with his request anyways.

"I love you, Klaus."

The business Kol had spoken of took longer than Caroline would have thought, watching as the sky darkened in front of her until nothing lit it but the stars and the streetlights. At least in the end they had gotten everything done and now Elijah had gone back to their home for a peaceful night in, whereas Kol had probably decided to do quite the opposite; to be honest Caroline wasn't sure she wanted to know what trouble Kol was causing about town.

So she let all her worried thoughts drift from her head, instead enjoying the brisk night air around her, looking out at New Orleans from her perch on the top floor balcony of the bar. Who had known she would ever end up here? With the people she had been searching for most of her undead life?

Her family.

She soon felt another presence beside her as he leaned against the balcony railing, staring over the city with her. "Caroline, do you like it here in New Orleans?" Klaus asked after a moment, breaking the silence.

Caroline only hmmed in response, a small smile gracing her face.

"Do you not miss your friends?" Klaus tried again, this time turning to her completely, his eyes looking at her almost anxiously.

"Yeah, of course I do…" The younger vampire replied, now curious as to what he wanted. "What's this all about, Klaus?"

"I just want to make sure you are happy here, love." He shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant and she immediately knew what he actually meant. Klaus did this sometimes, checked that she was ok. It was like he was constantly expecting himself to fail.

He doesn't know that I've been happy ever since I walked down the isle and said 'I do'. He doesn't know that I'm happy every moment I'm with him, even when it's hard and painful. He doesn't think he's worth it.

But I'm happy. Because I think he is.

So Caroline did what she always did when he got like this. She put her arms slowly around his neck, pulling his head to her until their foreheads were touching. She smiled up at him, blue eyes sparkling with love and joy and all manners of things better left unspoken. "I'm happy." She said simply, the truth in her words undeniable. He grinned at her, relieved, so Caroline decided to reaffirm her statement. "Klaus, I will always be happy as long as I get to be with you." She told him in a whisper before laughing lightly. "Now, be a good husband and kiss me."

Klaus smirked, all traces of doubt wiped away.

"If you insist."

This time when his lips touched hers, there was no one around to interrupt them.

So, a lot of you guys have been asking if I plan on continuing on in this 'verse and writing a third installment. Unfortunately, for the foreseeable future that won't be happening. It's been a fantastic journey everyone but this is as far as I originally planned to go when I started this almost two years ago. However, if inspiration does hit me – I will let you know ;)

Anyways, that's really all I have to say so one last time, thank you all again. I am so happy you've read this story to the end.

Much love,

Emilie