It's been a long ride but this is the final chapter of Political Persuasion. I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It took a while but I'm glad I was able to finally finish it.

I usually would do an epilogue but am happy to leave this one right where it is :) Thank you so much for the love you've given Political Persuasion and all the nice reviews. I hope this ending satisfies everyone.

Also I couldn't go without saying thank you so much for the Klaroline award for best fluffy fan fic. Not sure how many of you read Keeping Up Appearances as well but I'm sure there's some out there.

So now I've got that all out here you go...fyi fluff alert xox

Chapter 32: Political Persuasion

One year later…..

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride." The celebrant smiled at the happy couple before they shared a sweet kiss.

"Finally!" Kol whistled as the rest of the guests applauded heartily. Bonnie looked over at her boyfriend and rolled her eyes.

"A little decorum wouldn't go astray Kol."

"I'm sorry but not all of us are psychic and could see this happy ending Bon."

Bonnie had to smile thinking how far they'd come, a year ago he wouldn't have believed in her gifts. Granted he was still cynical but that was just his nature and she could deal with that.

"It really is a happy ending." Katherine murmured sitting next to Bonnie.

She was staring dreamily at the bride and groom and Bonnie knew what that look meant. She may have been able to predict what was going to happen with her and the eldest Mikaelson but she'd never ruin it by giving away the ending. Where was the fun in that?

"Are you crying Elijah?" Kol exclaimed noticing a few stray tears sliding down his cheeks.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Elijah replied gruffly.

"Leave him alone Kol, at least he's comfortable with his emotions."

"We are talking about my brother right?" Klaus lent in contributing his thoughts on the matter.

"Oh come on don't tell me this isn't the most beautiful happily ever after." Caroline grinned thinking about all the trials they'd been through as a couple.

"Well I'd like to think our story has been pretty spectacular so far."

"I don't think anything could top Rebekah and Stefan's story though."

"True but Caroline did get shot, you thought you had an illegitimate love child and don't forget our favourite psycho stalker." Lexi added.

"Yeah good riddance." Matt muttered. "I wonder who she's terrorising now."

"Who cares as long as it isn't one of us." Caroline sighed gratefully.

"I know it was a gift she decided to up and leave town like that." Klaus admitted.

"Well given how much we knew about her past there was no way she was going to risk staying in town." Katherine said.

"And we came clean about our relationship so she didn't have anything to hold over us." Caroline said thinking back to the announcement they'd been dreading for so long.

One year earlier…

Alaric had decided they should put out a statement so they could get maximum coverage and then hopefully the story would disappear as quickly as it began.

The first few days had been hell. They'd been tailed by the press everywhere they went, they were practically prisoners in their own homes. You'd think it was the first time something like this happened the way the media were acting.

As much as Caroline hated to admit it some were vultures and she was starting to question her choice of profession. Not all journalists were bad but she was realising just how far the media would go for a story.

As Klaus had said their relationship had been a story for a few weeks but then that political scandal he predicted had broken, and it was a massive one.

The Attorney-General was caught DUI by the DC Police, although that wasn't the whole story. Lionel Johnson was caught, not only with a skimpily clad prostitute in the front seat of the car, but with a large amount of cocaine on the dashboard.

Caroline felt bad for the President who was facing a storm of negative media but she'd be lying if it hadn't been a welcome break. Plus it was good that the world had finally seen the Attorney-General's true colours, after everything they'd discovered with Hayley.

Alaric had kept her on as a political correspondent citing her professionalism as the main reason, and as honoured as she was Caroline couldn't shake the feeling she was doing something she no longer loved. It was hard to realise that all those years studying journalism had gone to waste but Caroline came to the conclusion that this was fate and maybe she was meant to follow a different path.

Fast forward six months and Caroline and Katherine had started their own public relations firm called Mystic Communications. With their combined number of contacts they had attracted a record number of clients in the short period they'd been in business.

Caroline realised there was always probably going to be a political conflict in DC with Klaus but they'd weathered the worst of the storm and were stronger for it.

"Typical." Rebekah remarked approaching the group, Stefan's arm firmly intertwined with hers. "I get married and you're all too busy having a conversation to pay attention."

"We were just saying how beautiful you looked." Kol stuttered.

"At least if you're going to lie Kol make it believable." She shot back not missing a beat.

"Well I think you are the most beautiful woman in the world." Stefan cooed staring into his new bride's eyes.

"He's your husband now he has to say that you realise?" Kol replied unable to help himself.

"Charming Kol." Caroline groaned rolling her eyes. Rebekah really did look beautiful. Her empire waisted, antique, ivory gown was simple but stunning and her hair was swept up into a simple chignon revealing her slender neck and rosy cheeks.

"We were actually saying what a happy ending you've had."

"Well it's been a long time coming that's for sure." Stefan agreed.

6 months earlier…..

He'd been determined to give Rebekah the happiness she deserved and had decided he needed to pull out the big guns for this so had called in for some reinforcements, and Kol.

Stefan knew they had a long ride ahead of them with Alexander's trial but had been pleasantly surprised when he'd pleaded guilty to all charges and agreed to a divorce. This meant Rebekah didn't have to testify and dredge up the past all over again.

They had all been shocked, Alexander was always so stubborn but whatever the reason it meant he could move on and start planning the next phase of their lives. Stefan knew Rebekah wasn't going to get better straight away but she was seeing a psychologist regularly and her friends and family had been extremely supportive.

He knew this proposal had to be epic but he didn't know how to execute it so needed some assistance. Although as he listened to Kol, Klaus and Elijah bicker he wasn't sure they were the best choice.

"How about a plane that spells out Marry Me?" Kol suggested gesturing dramatically with his hands.

"How ostentatious can you get little brother?" Elijah scoffed.

"Well what do you have then?"

"How about a nice intimate dinner?"

"Boring." Kol shot back adding a snoring sound for extra emphasis. "At least mine is original."

"Original but over the top Kol, Elijah is right for once." Klaus interrupted their squabbling.

"Oh and what's your bright idea?" Kol asked hands on hips.

Stefan realised he was no longer part of the conversation so decided to take a seat on the couch while they fought it out. It reminded him of when they were younger and it was nice to see nothing had changed.

"How about a getaway somewhere?" He smiled. "You know sun, surf and cocktails with mini umbrellas."

"Not exactly original." Kol spluttered.

"Do you know how many people have proposals written in the sky? A lot." Klaus countered. "And I'm not even going to acknowledge Elijah's suggestion with a response."

"Well at least we agree on something." Kol muttered. They suddenly turned around for Stefan's input. He'd begun to nod off but sat up with a start when they all looked at him expectantly.

"I should have recruited the girls."

"I'm offended." Elijah baulked.

"Sorry it's just your ideas are all pretty lame, I need to do something really special for Beks after everything she's been through."

"Well did you ever think maybe you're trying too hard mate?" Klaus asked earnestly sitting next to his friend. "She'll be happy whatever you do."

"You realise that doesn't help me right?"

"Klaus is right for once." Elijah said returning his earlier compliment. "Just do whatever feels natural, don't try to force it."

"Is that what you're going to do with Katherine brother?" Kol teased making him blush.

"I'd hardly say we're ready for marriage just yet." He stammered. "Anyway this isn't about me."

Stefan realised they had a point; maybe if he stopped trying so hard it would just come to him. And then like a lightning bolt it did.

One week later Stefan proposed at the basketball court where they rediscovered their feelings. The Mikaelson brothers had been helpful, stringing up fairy lights and lighting candles for the perfect proposal. It was simple but it turned out that was all she ever wanted.

Now they were married and Stefan couldn't believe how lucky he'd been to find his first love again and now he was going to spend the rest of his life with her.

There was another surprise coming but Stefan and Rebekah knew that was for another day. He couldn't believe that in seven months he was going to be a dad. He was already imagining teaching him or her to play basketball on the same court that held so many memories for them. He'd noticed Bonnie peering at them curiously but Stefan knew their secret was safe with her.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So have you stopped crying yet?" Katherine teased sitting down next to Elijah at the reception. Rebekah had not disappointed choosing historic Dumbarton house in Georgetown for their ceremony followed by a marquee reception on its beautiful grounds.

"It was one tear, maybe two." Elijah admitted. "Anyway I thought you liked that I was in touch with my emotions."

"Of course I do." She grinned placing a sweet kiss on the tip of his nose. "So they finally did it."

"They did." He smiled. "It's so good to see my sister happy again."

"Her and Stefan, they've certainly been through a lot."

"You and I have been through a lot too." Elijah said rubbing her arm affectionately. She was wearing a strapless, blush pink dress and he still couldn't believe someone this beautiful was his girlfriend.

"Well there was that time I offered to be your relationship tutor."

"How do you think you did?" He asked sending her a cheeky grin.

"Oh definitely a ten, I mean you did get me after all." She shot back. "Maybe I should pursue that business on the side."

"Over my dead body." He growled pulling her towards his chest and placing a chaste kiss on her temple. "Maybe I need you closer so I can keep an eye on you."

She turned her head curiously wondering what he meant. They'd been together for over a year now and things seemed perfect. She'd been so busy with her new business venture with Caroline that Katherine didn't really think she needed anything else.

"Oh really?"

"Yes." He replied simply. "How about you move in with me?"

"I could do that I suppose." She joked turning around to face him.

"You could definitely do with some more fencing tuition on my roof top too." Elijah commented making her whack him on the arm. "Ouch."

"Just wait until I have a sword in my hand you won't know what hit you." She promised.

"How about a truce to prevent further bruising." He pleaded fishing around his pocket and producing a Tiffany's key ring.

"You knew I'd say yes." She smiled splaying her hands on his broad chest and gazing lovingly into his chocolate brown eyes.

"I had a hunch. I know it's no wedding but you and I both know that's only a matter of time."

"Is it?" She asked inhaling sharply, it was the first time he'd even mentioned a wedding let alone marriage.

"Well when I become the next Attorney-General I'm going to need an amazing woman on my arm and I think you more than fit the bill."

"Well you can't do any worse than the last Attorney-General." She chuckled. "I think I could manage that."

Elijah pulled her towards him hungrily finding her lips with his. He'd always had the career but didn't realise just how much he was missing out on until Katherine Pierce stormed into his life and heart last year. Things were looking pretty rosy for his future, and he didn't even need Bonnie to tell him that.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So how about some caviar and white chocolate?" Bonnie suggested as she and Kol danced together on the makeshift wooden floor blanketing the grass.

"Where?" He asked excitedly searching the garden. Bonnie laughed remembering him trying to feed her that at the Meridian Ball.

"Made you look." She quipped nudging him playfully. "Anyway we just finished a four course meal."

"I have a big appetite so don't tease me like that." He whined leaning in for a kiss. "I can't believe we've gone from poison pen pals to this."

"I wouldn't say it was always poisonous." She conceded. "As warped as your ideas were it was never dull."

"No that is something we could never be." He agreed. "Although I will miss our little exchanges."

"I can write to you if you really want?"

"As nice as that would be somehow I don't think it will be the same." He laughed. "So what do you see in our future?"

"Even if I knew, which I don't, I would never say. There's a lot to be said for surprises Kol." She answered thinking about the impending arrival of Stefan and Rebekah's baby.

"I'm sorry what have you done with my girlfriend?"

"I just decided that I'm quite content living in the here and now with you."

"I thought you liked knowing what was going to happen?" He asked curiously. "I seem to recall your frustrations when you couldn't read me." She giggled thinking back to then and how close minded and naïve she'd been.

"I know, I was so caught up in trying to work you out and what we had that I nearly missed the best part."

"Which was?" He grinned knowingly.

"Falling in love and finding happiness." Bonnie said squeezing him tightly as they swayed side by side. "That's all I need."

"That makes two of us." Kol leaned in nuzzling his nose against hers affectionately. Maybe they didn't know what was going to happen tomorrow or next month but they had all they needed, each other.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So be nice." Stefan warned his best man. Klaus was just about to do his wedding toast and the groom was more than a little worried.

"I was only going to mention that time you got so drunk that you…."

"Not if you want to stay in your little sister's good books Niklaus." Rebekah interrupted their conversation.

"Well in that case I'll only mention that day when…."

"Suddenly asking my brother to be best man isn't sounding like such a good idea is it now Stef?" Rebekah drawled.

"Well he was the one that brought us back together so he does deserve some credit."

"Naming rights for your first born should do." He winked cheekily not realising the importance of what he'd just said.

"Oh please I can't fit in the room with your inflated ego." Rebekah joked brushing off the previous comment. "Just hurry up and get it over and done with."

"Whatever you say little sister." Klaus grinned standing up and tapping his glass to get the guest's attention.

When he'd been asked to be the best man Klaus had immediately worried about what he was going to say. He'd written about twenty drafts and he still wasn't happy with the final product.

He breathed in slowly taking in the ambience and looked around at his close friends and family. Lexi and Matt were kissing sweetly, Katherine was happily nestled in Elijah's arms, Bonnie and Kol were gazing into each other's eyes and his sister and Stefan were sitting hand in hand on their wedding day.

Everyone he loved was finally settled and happy and as he looked over at a beaming Caroline sending him a sly grin Klaus finally knew exactly what he wanted to say.

"To say this place is filled with love would be an understatement." He began slowly. "This place is filled with love but it's also filled with happiness and excitement not just for today but into the future." He looked at Caroline when he said that knowing exactly what it meant to him.

"Rebekah and Stefan are two of the dearest people to me. Rebekah, not just because she's my little sister, but because she is the strongest person I know.

"Stefan has always been my best friend, he looked after me when we first met and he's been doing that ever since. He's the only guy I'd trust to look after my sister because I know just how capable he is in that department.

"Their story began a long time ago and even through all the ups and downs they are here today more in love and more resilient than ever. Rebekah may be younger than me but today I'm looking up to her and hoping I'm lucky enough to experience the same.

"So everyone please raise your glasses and let's toast to the Bride and Groom, not just for today but for every day and to their exciting future ahead." Everyone drank and applauded. Klaus turned to hug his sister and brother-in-law in turn. "Welcome to the family mate, hope you can handle it." He joked.

He turned around to look for Caroline but noticed she wasn't there. His eyes darted around the marquee but he couldn't place her anywhere.

He walked outside his eyes searching the garden noticing a lone figure at the fountain. Although it was dark now the fountain was lit up festively with fairy lights and he could make out her gorgeous blue dress. As he approached Klaus could see she was crying. What had happened between then and now?

"Hey what's wrong?" He asked sitting next to her and rubbing her shoulder affectionately, she looked up obviously startled by his presence.

"Don't look at me I'm all blotchy."

"You're not blotchy, you're beautiful." He sighed pushing a stray blonde lock out of her eyes that only seemed bluer from the tears. "Now do you mind telling me what's wrong love?"

"I didn't want everyone to see me bawling like a baby." She mumbled.

"Okay, but why were you bawling in the first place?"

"Well because it's a wedding and your speech was so heartfelt."

"You do realise it's okay to cry at weddings right? Did you not see Elijah tearing up during the ceremony?"

"I know." She conceded sending him a small smile. "I don't know for some reason it felt like you were only talking to me so I got all emotional."

"I was."

"You were?"

"I had no idea what I was going to say today, I've been agonising for months about it but it wasn't until I looked at you and our friends and realised it had been there all the time."

"What do you mean?"

"That, like Stefan and Rebekah, we've been through so much but yet here we are today on the other side of that craziness and happier than ever. I know I want to be with you not just today but every day of my life. You make me a better person Caroline Forbes and I couldn't imagine my life without you in it."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" She inhaled sharply.

"I don't know, what do you think I'm saying?" He smiled knowingly.

"Are you really going to tease me at this moment?" She squeaked.

"Yes I'm asking you to marry me Caroline so we can spend the rest of our lives teasing each other."

"Are you serious?"

"How can I prove that I'm serious?" He implored thinking this proposing thing was a lot harder than it looked.

"I believe you." She replied. "And…"

"Wait." He ordered before pulling a velvet black box from his pocket.

"You actually planned this?" She asked incredulously.

"I've had the ring for a couple of months now but the time never seemed right." He explained.

"So what you've been walking around with it in your pocket just like that?"

"Pretty much." He shrugged his shoulders. "Now that the journalistic inquisition is over would you like to see the ring." Her face broke into an excited smile and he knew she was ready.

He slowly opened the box watching her eyes get wider with every movement. Klaus had agonised over which ring to pick but luckily had some good advice from the most unlikely of sources. Her hands flew up to her mouth and she wriggled around restlessly, hopefully that was a good sign.

"Yes, yes, yes." She cried.

"Well I was going to ask if you would marry me and make me the happiest guy alive but I figure we're good." He laughed sliding the white gold cushion cut diamond onto her left hand. She stood up jumping into his arms as he twirled her around.

Klaus looked at the beautiful fountain and the grand old house in the background thinking he'd done pretty well as far as spontaneous proposals went.

"I love you." She whispered when she was back on solid ground.

"Well lucky I love you too then isn't it?" He grinned madly thinking nothing could ever top this moment, expect maybe their wedding.

"Just think this all started in an elevator, what a story we'll have to tell our kids."

"Maybe a G rated version of events." He qualified. "And you might not want to admit the part where you wolfed down a brownie and some chocolate cake."

"Oh you secretly loved it. Just as much as you liked teasing me."

"There was that." He laughed. "And then you had to go kiss me, therefore ruining me for every other girl."

"You're welcome." She chuckled before inspecting her new jewellery again. "And by the way this ring is just stunning, I had no idea you had such impeccable taste."

"I'd love to take the credit but it was all Elijah."

"Your brother Elijah?"

"Yes, turns out he knows a thing or two about rings."

"Well now Katherine has something to look forward to." She shook her head. "I'm not sure I want to be you when Rebekah finds out you proposed on her big day though."

"Trust me today was the only day I thought I wouldn't be proposing given how much my sister likes being the centre of attention." He groaned.

"And yet you still did."

"I was taken by the moment; she can't hate me for that." He spluttered knowing full well he was in big trouble.

"How about we tell everyone tomorrow?" She suggested. "I don't want to endure Rebekah's wrath any more than you do."

"Okay deal." He grinned shaking her hand. "Just make sure Bonnie is aware, no doubt she already knew this was going to happen even if I didn't."

"Probably but she's pretty discreet about these sorts of things." Caroline said. "We probably should get back so people don't suspect anything."

Klaus took her hand and they walked the gravel path towards the illuminated marquee. It was a clear spring night and they both couldn't think of a better way to celebrate.

"You realise I'm not voting Republican just because we're getting married right?" She clarified before they walked back into the marquee.

"Damn you've just seen through my cunning plan love." He groaned pretending to be upset.

"Oh it's on come election time Mikaelson, I promise you that." She grinned slapping him playfully.