So, I've finally come out of shock and put this drabble together. I was feeling so many emotions from that finale, mostly happy (WE ARE ENDGAME) but some kind of nostalgic too. I came up with this offering, I hope you guys like it! Just my little interpretation of what could be. Thanks Ed Sheeran as usual for inspiration... First Give Me Love and now this.

Castle on the Hill

I'm on my way, driving at ninety...
And I miss the way you make me feel, and it's real. We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.

New Orleans (19 months post finale).

"Where is he?" Caroline demanded, as the door to the compound flew open.

"Well, good afternoon to you too, darling," Kol replied, raising his eyebrows in her direction. "Are you always this charming, or am I just lucky?"

"Nice to see nothing ever changes with you, little Mikaelson," she shot back. "I've been driving all night and am not in the mood. You also didn't answer my question."

"Nice to see nothing ever changes with those high strung and control freak tendencies, Forbes," he scoffed. "Plus, you're not doing yourself any favours on scoring an invitation inside."

"Kol."

"Fine, come inside, sunshine," he grinned, gesturing with his hand. Caroline stepped past him and made her way purposefully through the courtyard, realising only halfway that she had no idea where Klaus was and where she was going for that matter. "Can I get you something? Perhaps some AB positive or some much needed Xanax?"

"Kol," she repeated, turning around suddenly to face him. She didn't mean to be so abrupt but if she was being honest, Caroline was extremely nervous about their impending reunion and found that it was easier to be angry at Klaus and whomever was in her path because then she wouldn't betray her real feelings. "Where is your brother?"

"I'm right here but I have a feeling I'm not the brother you're seeking," his prim accent sounded out from the upper balcony, making Caroline look upwards at the familiar Original. He was just as she remembered, still dressed immaculately in a black suit. "Good morning Ms Forbes, it's certainly been a while." Caroline had to fight the urge to roll her eyes, why couldn't these people just answer a direct question?

"Yes and by the looks of it she's still just as annoying as when she was planning those school dances," Rebekah interrupted tartly from the other balcony. This time Caroline did roll her eyes, who was going to appear next? Finn, Esther or maybe creepy Mikael?

"While this whole Mikaelson reunion is absolutely charming, I need to find Klaus."

"What business do you have with him?" Elijah asked, always the protector.

"I'm pretty certain that's between him and I," she answered. "But let's just say I have something I need to give back."

It was burning a hole in her pocket as she said it, had been since she jumped in her car and finally made the journey she'd imagined the past nineteen months. It had taken her longer than expected but Caroline put that down to the fact she'd been busy with running her school and after what she'd been through she also needed time to process things. She was equal parts annoyed and confused and had every intention of sharing all of those pesky feelings with the Original Hybrid. When she eventually found him, of course.

"Enough with the drama, you owe me," Kol said, gleefully rubbing his hands together. "So, pay up Rebekah." Caroline whipped her head around and stared at Kol curiously. What the hell was going on? She always knew the Mikaelsons were different but this was just bizarre.

"Excuse me?"

"We had bets on when you'd show up in town," he explained. "Rebekah only guessed three months because she's always been a silly romantic and that desperate for male affection."

"I'm desperate," she shot back. "When was the last time you had a shag, little brother?"

"Seriously? Is this why you invited me inside so you could settle your silly bet?"

"I'm sorry, Ms Forbes," Elijah murmured. "Subtlety and decorum has never been something Kol or Rebekah fully understand."

"Says the guy who was livid about a certain $3m dollar donation made without his knowledge," he snickered.

"That's something I have every intention of rectifying," Caroline murmured, her residual guilt creeping its way back in again. She'd never expected his offering or asked for his money in the first place and that's why she had to return it. "But obviously I need to see your brother."

"Patience obviously isn't one of your best virtues, Caroline," Rebekah scoffed. "You'll find him at the property, like every other day of the bloody week."

"The property?"

"Let's just say it's an investment he's been working on the past year," Elijah shared. "I'll take you there if you like?"

xxxxxx

Caroline watched distractedly as the scenery flashed past the car window. After accepting Elijah's offer she'd been extremely quiet, trying to collect her thoughts. When she'd finally gathered the courage to drive to New Orleans she hadn't worked out exactly what she was going to say. After receiving his letter she wasn't in the right place emotionally to deal with its meaning and the familiar four words he'd expressed. Something that ran through her mind constantly. However long it takes.

The one thing she was certain about was she couldn't keep his donation, it wasn't right. She planned on sending it back but after such a grand gesture she believed he deserved it returned in person. Hence why it had taken her so long to make the trip, her nerves kept getting in the way. Caroline was scared about the emotions it would evoke seeing him. Their last time together had been in the woods and she still shivered at the memory of his touch.

"Don't listen to Kol. I was only upset about the donation initially. Once I found out about your school, I was supportive. It is a very decent thing you are doing, Ms Forbes." A noble future and virtous cause if she wanted to quote directly from his brother's letter. In fact every word he wrote was emblazoned on her brain, something she couldn't erase even if she tried.

"Thank you Elijah, coming from you that means a lot."

"The only thing that surprised me is that you haven't banked that cheque still," Elijah offered.

"I didn't realise you were the family accountant."

"Well, someone has to be given Rebekah and Kol's spending sprees and I've always been a stickler for the rules," he shared, his eyes firmly trained on the road. "You didn't answer my question this time." Caroline paused briefly trying to work out how she was going to reply given she had no idea what she was even going to say to Klaus at this point.

"I never had any intention of keeping the money, it's just taken me a while to get here what with the school and how busy it has been. But I'm trying to make it right now, Elijah."

"Niklaus obviously wanted you to use that money, Caroline."

"I know but I can't accept it," she conceded thinking back through their history, those familiar feelings rushing back as they did often. "What is this property he's invested in anyway?"

"You really need to ask him yourself," he responded mysteriously. They'd begun driving up a steady incline and Caroline was looking at her surroundings curiously.

"Where are we?"

"This is what they call Couturie Forest," he explained. "New Orleans is very flat in general but this is the highest point and home to some of the most beautiful flora and fauna, not to mention a stunning view over the city. New Orleans can be quite overwhelming at times and it is a peaceful place to rest and reflect." For some reason the fact that Klaus spent so much time here didn't seem all that unusual.

"It's beautiful," she sighed, looking at the lush greenery thinking that she didn't feel like she was in New Orleans at all. Growing up surrounded by the woods and lake in Mystic Falls, this was definitely her kind of place. It wasn't until they'd passed more trees that Caroline noticed a grand, white, southern style property beyond the forest. "What's that?"

"Our destination," he murmured. "I'm dropping you outside, I'd prefer to avoid my brother's wrath."

"Way to feed me to the wolf," she said, only half joking.

"We both know he'd never do anything to harm you, me on the other hand..." he drawled, the car coming to a stop outside the impressive property. "Whatever happens Ms Forbes, I'm glad you finally came to town. Some people find my brother evil and calculating but he is extremely loyal and protects those he loves. There's no denying his faults but I truly believe you've made him a better person and that sincere and heartfelt donation to your school is indeed proof of that fact."

"Thank you, Elijah," Caroline smiled, opening the car door and stepping out gingerly. His comments weren't altogether foreign, even through everything Caroline knew there was a big heart buried deep down inside Klaus Mikaelson. Especially when it came to her. She walked the long, gravel path, the stately house making Caroline feel strangely like she was home. It really was beautiful. Caroline knocked nervously on the blue door waiting for him to answer, the nerves swirling around her stomach.

After no response she made her way towards the side of the house and into the extensive backyard, noticing the half built structure which looked like a gazebo overlooking a small pond. Caroline had to admit this was beautiful with the nearby forest on one side of the house and the city on the other making for a stunning backdrop any way you looked. A very own castle on the hill for the King of New Orleans.

"Do you always break and enter?" A familiar English voice asked. Caroline turned not expecting the sight in front of her high atop a ladder. He was dressed in dark, denim jeans that hung low on his hips and a white, tank top that hugged his torso and accentuated some very toned arms tanned by the southern sun. Those necklaces she knew so well were peeking out from underneath. She swallowed trying to calm the residual feelings coursing through her body. Why did he have to look so damn delicious when she was trying to be serious?

"Only when rude people don't answer the door," she shot back finally coming to, Klaus always had that effect on her. Smartass.

"I was busy," he argued, moving down the ladder and towards her. From this proximity Caroline could make out the beads of sweat on his chest and the thick stubble on his face. It took all her willpower not to run her palms along his cheeks and massage those familiar dimples at the same time.

"I can see that," she admitted. "This place is gorgeous."

"Well, I did build it from scratch..."

"You built this from scratch?" Caroline baulked.

"Why does that seem so strange?"

"I thought this was what your hybrids and minions were for?" She couldn't miss the frustrated and weary glance that crossed his face.

"When something means a lot to me I don't leave it up to just anyone," he replied, gruffly. "Look, if you're here to try and return my cheque which is what I suspect, I'm afraid I won't be accepting it now or in the future, Caroline."

"And that's it? I have no say in the matter?"

"Pretty much," he uttered.

"How did you know? I thought Elijah was the family accountant."

"He likes to think he is," Klaus quipped. "Believe it or not after 1000 years, I can check a bank statement myself, love. I think I'd notice if a considerable amount of money had been withdrawn."

"I can't accept such a massive gift, Klaus. It wouldn't be right."

"It's not for you, it's for your school, Caroline," he insisted. "Think of all the wonderful things you could do with that money, think of what it would mean for the children."

"Great! You just had to go there and guilt me out about the children," she growled, making him chuckle. Caroline was trying to ignore just how gorgeous those crimson lips looked curved into an adorable smile. Her instincts were screaming to wipe that smirk off his face with her lips. This is what Caroline was afraid of, all those familiar feelings he caused rushing back.

"Well, did it work?"

"No," she replied defiantly while crossing her arms over her chest.

"Okay, I guess that's going to have to burn a hole in your pocket a while longer until you finally realise just how stubborn and pig headed you're being."

"Well, just for that comment I'm going to sit on this thing forever, mister."

"Well, given you're a vampire it's going to be a while, love. I have the time to wait, you know however long it takes and all." As soon as the four words were out of his mouth, Caroline couldn't help but search his face for some sign. Yes, he'd said it before. Twice in fact but Caroline couldn't help but be a little unsure still.

"So, is this your new castle? Or your fortress in case any of your enemies decide to attack?" She asked, changing the subject on purpose to quell the sensations he was causing while looking around the expansive property.

"This is going to be the New Orleans Children's Magic School one day," he murmured, his reply catching Caroline off guard completely. "Given the amount of supernatural youngsters living in the city it seemed fitting."

"Sounds like I've given someone a good idea," Caroline grinned, knowingly. "Just please tell me you're not going to let Kol near the kids, god knows what he'd teach them if he's left unsupervised."

"Trust me, it's already crossed my mind," he joked. "Actually I was kind of thinking this could be an offshoot of your school given it was your idea and everything," he mumbled, his dark, blue eyes now cast downwards. Caroline was taken aback, did this mean he wanted her to contribute in some way?

"What do you mean exactly?"

"I built this for you, love. I was hoping that if one day you wanted to come to New Orleans I could give you this small gift. I know that the children of New Orleans, including mine, would appreciate your expertise."

Caroline felt dizzy all of a sudden knowing that she needed to sit down and fast. Not only had he donated $3 million to her school in Mystic Falls he'd built her another one in New Orleans. She found the safety of the lush grass quickly, noting his concerned expression.

"You really know how to overwhelm a girl," she muttered. "Just when I think you've reached your limit you just have to go and surprise me again."

"I would never want to be considered boring, love," he smiled, joining her on the grass, his bare arm accidentally grazing hers. Caroline knew the shivers she felt weren't an accident and she was trying to ignore the spicy scent of his soap that had infiltrated her nostrils.

"I appreciate the sentiment, I really do. But it's not all about extravagant gifts, Klaus," she managed to utter. It had been her fear for so long and this latest confession wasn't helping alleviate her fears.

"I'm not trying to buy your love," he murmured, leaning across and surprising her by lifting her chin with his finger so their eyes met. Light blue on dark. "The donation was for your school because I believe it is a great investment. This house is for the children of New Orleans but not only that, I wanted to show you that there is a future for you. Only if you want it. I've already said I'm willing to wait forever."

Caroline could feel the tears that had been building finally spill down her cheeks. Every fear she'd had was coming at her full force. Within seconds his thumb was wiping away the water, making her shudder. It would be so easy to give in and capture his lips with hers right now.

"Why do you love me?" She manage to bite out, trying not to lose control completely. It was something she'd been scared to ask for so long.

"You are Caroline Forbes," he smiled. "That's only for starters but I think it's going to take a while to answer the rest because there are just so many reasons. If you've got some time, I'd be quite happy to tell you, love. In fact there's going to be a pretty gorgeous sunset from the back porch soon if you'd like to stay a while longer?"

"I think I could handle that," she smiled, realising that her trip to New Orleans had probably given her all the answers she needed. Maybe however long it takes was much closer than she ever expected.