AN: Hello everyone, so I've been having a bit of a Vampire Diaries fix this past week and I came up with an idea for a Caroline/Damon fic, which I really hope you'll enjoy. It's an AU historic story which is set in 1861 and is basically all of the main characters in this era, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!

The Going Home Series

Chapter One: Misery Loves Company

The year was 1861 and although just the beginning of Spring the sun was set high in the sky, beating down on the small Virginian town of Mystic Falls with a ferocious heat, at first welcomed by the inhabitants of the town, after a long and incredibly wet winter, it was now fast becoming a nuisance, especially with very little to no relief. Sat idly underneath a magnificent oak tree, lulled the young, beautiful Caroline Forbes, making a rather pretty picture sat against the picturesque setting of rolling green hill and seemingly endless woodlands. Soft, blonde curls tumbled down to the crook of her back, tied back out of her face by a simple ribbon which perfectly matched her powder blue muslin gown, an eagerly accepted gift from her father upon his last trip up north. There was no doubt that Caroline was a classic beauty, with her soft magnolia white skin, so envied by other women, an oval face which held many features to be desired and envied over. Soft, plump, pink cupid bow lips, her rosy cheeks set beside a small, delicate nose. Yet arguably her best feature, were her large, blue orbs framed by thick, dark lashes, it was a common fact that men could get lost in her eyes and many were.

As the blondes head rested back against the trunk of the oak, she released a heavy sigh, fanning herself frantically with the book; she had lost interest in a few minutes prior, it was nearly impossible to focus in this heat and for the time being there seemed there would be no escaping it.

"Caroline!" her mother's voice beckoned from the veranda of the Forbes splendid home, Caroline's head immediately shot towards her mother's voice "We are leaving this very minute, if you are not in the carriage in the next twenty seconds we shall leave without you" Elizabeth Forbes called impatiently.

With a roll of her eyes, Caroline removed the lace gloves from her lap and pushed herself up from the grass "Coming now mother" she snapped back, in an equally impatient tone as she brushed the creases from her skirts. She had half a mind to tell her mother to go on without her, but they had argued enough this morning about where they would be spending the rest of the day and completely out of character she didn't fancy another argument, quite yet. Walking back up to the house, Caroline forced a smile towards her mother, before walking into the house, followed closely by Elizabeth. Stopping briefly at the mirror, mounted on the wall in the foyer of their home, she quickly ran her fingers through the few strands that framed her face before running her hands down the front of her dress a satisfied smile on her face.

"My darling you look wonderful" came her father's elaborate statement from behind her, causing the girl to chuckle lightly, turning to greet her father with a large smile and placed a loving kiss on his cheek "thank you papa, you look rather dashing yourself, new suit?" she asked curiously, retrieving her cream shall and parasol from Bonnie her, personal maid, smiling her thanks before the woman hurried off.

"It certainly is Care, I believe Damon's welcome home party was a good excuse for a new suit" Bill Forbes beamed.

Caroline groaned hearing his name, scrunching her nose up in distaste "Do I really need to go father? I really cannot stand to be around that rude, obnoxious man!" She protested with fierce, trying once again to wiggle her way out of this situation.

"Caroline" Bill's voice warned, sending her a slightly annoyed warning glance.

Frowning, the blonde folded her arms tightly across her chest "I'm sorry father but its true! The man is incorrigible" she protested stubbornly.

"Enough Caroline!" Bill's voice erupted through the house, starling his only daughter, it was very rare that her father would raise his voice to anyone, let alone herself but on the odd occasion that it did happen, Caroline had to admit it was a rather daunting experience. "Today you will be behave like a lady and be your usual charming and courteous self, especially to Damon Salvatore. The poor lad has just been through four years of hell at West Point, believe me I know and the last thing he will want are your sarcastic comments" he stated calm yet firm at the same time, placing his hands onto his daughters shoulders "Do I make myself clear Caroline?"

With a roll of her eyes Caroline nodded meekly "yes, yes, today I shall be nothing but charming but tomorrow can I please go back to finding him a poor excuse of a gentleman?"

Bill couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief, he released a sigh before placing a kiss on her cheek "tomorrow, my darling you can do whatever you please" Bill stated with a small smile "Now are you ready to leave?" Caroline nodded in response "Good" he exclaimed before turning to his wife "Liz, Are you ready my love?" Liz nodded with a soft smile, slipping her arm through her husband's "Splendid, no if you will ladies, Mathew has already ridden ahead, he grew impatient waiting for you."

Caroline smirked as she walked out the front door, surmising that his impatience had more to do with the Gilbert twins than anything else.

VDVDVD

A feeling of pure relief swept over Caroline as their buggy pulled to a stop in front of Salvatore mansion, a place which she loved perhaps more than her own home, her and Stefan had comically nicknamed it 'The boarding house' years ago, due to the many rooms and endless stray of guests they usually had, yes it certainly was a place that held a specially place in her heart. The Forbes journey to Giuseppe Salvatore's home had been filled with endless talk of war between her father and mother, or rather her father would talk and her mother would attentively listen, regardless, this so called inevitable war was on the lips of every man in the county and it was fast becoming a tiresome subject. All the men could fathom to talk about was how they were going to lick the Yankee's in a matter of weeks, but at what cost? That was a question, men seldom thought about, save for Caroline who had become prone to nightmares about her brother and father going off to fight a war and never returning. Those thoughts frightened her immensely.

As the buggy came to a sudden halt, her father stepped out, first turning to help Elizabeth before walking over to his good friend Giuseppe, the pair greeted each other with a broad smile and firm handshake. Her father often relayed stories to her and Matty about battles him and Giuseppe had participated in during the Mexican war back in '45 and he never failed to inform his children that the reason he was standing with them today was because of Giuseppe recuing him, when he was shot in the thigh, so Caroline could thoroughly understand their strong bond. Although she did frown slightly as her father had failed to help her out of the buggy but quickly smiled upon seeing, the ever-so handsome Stefan Salvatore rush towards her, holding out his hand, which she took before stepping down.

"Why thank you Mister Salvatore" she played flirtatiously, her soft southern accent becoming rather prominent as she beamed out at the dark blonde haired man.

Stefan beamed brightly "The pleasure is all mine Miss Caroline" he replied with a quick wink, he voice masculine yet smooth, in honesty it made her heart flutter at an alarming rate. Stefan and Caroline were the same age and therefore had grown up together, they were good friends or best friends, one would argue but over the past year Caroline's feelings had swayed away from the strictly platonic area and morphed into something a lot more passionate and deeper, she now truly believed she was in love with Stefan Salvatore. Although she wouldn't diverge these emotions, seeing as he was currently obsessed with that darned Elena girl as her brother was the Katherine, Elena's twin.

Caroline took in her surroundings and was happy to see how busy the mansion was "there sure are a lot of people here" she commented slipping her arm through the crook of Stefan's.

With a small laugh the youngest Salvatore laughed with a small nod "All dying to hear of ghastly tales of the North I presume, not that Damon would divulge any, you know he despises the thought of the war" he whispered the last part in fear that someone may hear them.

Caroline scoffed "I didn't know your brother was such a philanthropist" she replied sarcastically "besides I've had enough of war talk, it is all I hear these days so I warn you Stefan, it you mention it once more I shall scream" she groaned tiresomely, causing him to erupt in laughter. A satisfied smirk played on her lips, she loved to make him laugh and she doubted Elena could do that.

"Oh Care" Stefan sighed with a shake of his head "come, father wishes to see you."

The blonde smiled brightly as she approached her parents and Giuseppe "ah there she is, I swear Bill your daughter gets more and more beautiful every time I see her" Stefan's father gushed causing Caroline to blush slightly.

"That's very kind of you to say Mister Salvatore" Caroline smiled placing a quick kiss on the older man's cheek "It's is good to see you again, it has been far too long" she commented and it was true, she had been away at Lafayette girls academy for the past six months and had only just returned two weeks prior. Since then Stefan had been present at their home just about every day, something that she welcomed very much, in fact his visits had become the highlight of her day.

"Far too long my dear" Giuseppe smiled warmly "Now do you remember my eldest son, Damon?" he enquired.

For the first time she noticed the man stood behind Giuseppe, surely that could not be Damon Salvatore!? Caroline remembered him as a wiry boy, but the man stood before her had broadened out immensely and had become incredibly handsome, his raven black hair, which was slightly curly was brushed to the side and his blue piercing eyes bore into her, yet one thing she noticed that hadn't changed was his trademark smirk "of course I do" Caroline answered quickly a unstoppable sharpness coming out in her words, which caused his smirk to deepen "I trust your time at West Point was good to you?" she asked curiously, her tone much softer this time.

Damon replied with a curt nod, his smirk never faltering "it was thank you Miss Forbes."

"Just Caroline, will do" she smiled kindly, her father beaming behind her, pleased that she was playing her part well. Damon nodded and she waited to see if he would say anything else "Well it was good to see you again Mr Salvatore" she spoke retaking Stefan's arm as they began to walk towards the entrance of the house.

"As it was you Caroline" he called out to her, just as she was about to walk into the bustling house, causing the blonde to turn her head back towards him one last time. Handsome but still insufferable, Caroline quickly concluded.

VDVDVD

At noon Caroline had left the throngs of guests in the gardens as they ate and chatted mindlessly about silly little things or the war. Finding herself in the Salvatore library, she smiled gaily, having always been an avid reader and a fan of literature. Her slender fingers ran across the leather bound books, admiring the titles and making a mental note of which ones she would like to borrow as it was a marvellous collection.

"Not enjoying the party?"

Caroline jumped slightly upon hearing the voice, immediately she knew who it belonged to "Damon" she drawled in greeting as she turned towards the elder Salvatore brother.

Damon stood leaning against the doorframe, a glass of bourbon in his hand, eyebrow slightly crooked and his signature smirk plastered on his handsome face 'oh he is such a cad!' Caroline thought, refusing to admit that she felt a pang of attraction towards the man.

Caroline forced her best smile as she remembered her father words of warning "on the contrary Mister Salvatore, I am having a splendid time, I am simply sheltering from the heat" she answered his earlier question.

Damon peered at the blonde beauty over the top of his crystal tumbler, his eyes raking over her slender frame, making her feel slightly uncomfortable yet another emotion was present, although she failed to put her finger on just what that was. The dark haired man took a sip of his drink before chuckling lightly.

Caroline frowned, her blue eyes narrowing as she placed both hands, firmly onto her waist "Is something amusing to you Mister Salvatore?" she sniped.

"Oh on the contrary Miss Caroline, I find you rather amusing" he mocked and much to her dismay he began to approach her.

Taking a step back every time he took one forward, Caroline soon found herself back against the book cabinets "It isn't polite to mock people" she countered as he placed his right hand on the shelve behind her, trapping her in as he smirked.

"Well you see, sweet Caroline I'm not really one for politeness" he winked mischievously at her much like Stefan had done earlier but this time she felt something different shoot through her, more along the lines of fiery passion opposed to love and admiration.

Caroline frowned, despite her feeling she refused to let herself fall for his charms, like so many women had before him "can't you go and bother Elena? Last time I heard you were planning on betrothing her" Caroline replied with a small sneer, something which she hadn't intended but her rivalry with the Gilbert girl brought out the worst in her. Noting the way he tensed slightly and the flicker of anger to flash through his eyes she gathered she had hit a nerve.

"My brother has seemed to have taken over that roll for me" Damon replied bitterly and it was Caroline's turn to tense up, it couldn't be true? She knew Stefan like the girl, but Elena being his intended and that surely couldn't be true! Her breath caught in her throat as she felt that Damon had literally stomped onto her heart. "I gather by your expression he has not told you yet?"

Caroline weakly shook her head as she desperately tried to stop her eyes from glassing over as her breath hitched, she could not cry in front of Damon, no, she would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She was about to open her mouth to say something but he beat her too it.

"Are you okay?" he asked, surprising her with the softness of his words and the seemingly genuine concern of his statement.

Nodding, Caroline gave him the first genuine smile "yes, thank you, it's just a bit of a shock that's all" she admitted.

"He should have told you" Damon spoke firmly his lips forming a tight line as he straightened up.

Caroline couldn't help but agree, he had given her so many signals that he perhaps wanted to become her beau, she had fully convinced herself that one day he would ask her for her hand in marriage and that their life would be a loving and prosperous one, only now did the thought seem so silly. "Yes, well, there's no need dwelling on things that cannot be changed" she spoke bravely at a feeble attempt of not letting her hurt show, although her eyes betrayed her to Damon. "If you will excuse me, I must find my brother" she lied quickly leaving the room.

Damon watched her go, with waves of guilt flooding his inside, a feeling which was rather uncommon for the man, he hadn't meant to break the news to her in such a crass manner but he figured that Stefan and Elena's upcoming nuptials were common knowledge, even if it hadn't been formally announced yet. He sat down, releasing the long suppressed sight that he had been holding in and rubbed his clean shaven chin, he knew how Caroline must have been feeling, he had carefully watched his brothers actions around the beautiful blonde for many years and it was easy to see how she believed he loved her, he truly believed that during his time at West Point he would have received a letter telling him that Stefan and the Forbes girl were betrothed. Instead he received one informing him that indeed Stefan was to wed but to Elena, the girl he fully intended on marrying when he returned from the Point, the girl he had asked to wait for him, the girl who had wept uncontrollably when he left, the girl who wrote him all those romantic notions, he should have figured this had happened when he stopped receiving her letter, nine months ago. Finishing off his drink, Damon rose from the couch, leaving the library to rejoin the party, or rather replenish his drink.

Caroline's mind was awash with thoughts of Stefan and Elena for the rest of the afternoon, causing her not to be the greatest of company. She had engaged in idle chit-chat with various people, mainly the mayor's son, Tyler Lockwood, knowing Stefan's hated of the man, she tried her best to flirt but her thoughts always turned back to Stefan , was it right that she felt betrayed by him? Granted he had never expressed any interest in marrying her, but what about the flirtatious glances, hand holding on their walks and endless happy chatter, had that not counted for anything?

"Caroline!" Stefan's voice carried out to her from across the garden.

With a frustrated groan the blonde rolled her eyes, why did the Salvatore's have to have such bad timing! Quickly finishing off her glass of wine, she turned to face the youngest brother with a tight smile "Stefan" she greeted coldly.

"Where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere. I saw you with Lockwood earlier, I thought he may have said something to displease you" he spoke with a smile, although Tyler's name came out more as a snarl than anything. Reaching out to place a hand on her, she quickly dodged his grasp and his smile faltered "What's the matter?"

Caroline shook her head "Nothing is wrong, I've just been with Damon" she explained with a shrug of her shoulders.

"What did he do?" Stefan demanded, his green eyes bearing into hers, her legs immediately felt weak under his gaze.

"H-he did nothing" the blonde stammered and she noticed Stefan's gaze relax with relief, something which infuriated her, he shouldn't care! "He did however, tell me something of the up most interest" she stated firmly, regaining her composure.

The statement once again peaked the youngest Salvatore's interest, clearing his throat, he straightened up and furrowed his brow "and what would that be?" he asked with a mixture of interest and apprehension.

"About how your betrothed to Elena" she commented innocently and even added a small smile in his direction as her fingers played with the bark of the tree.

Stefan cleared his throat "Caroline, I have been meaning to tell you since you returned home but-"

"But you decided to play me for a fool instead" Caroline cut him off, hurt flashing across her face.

Stefan felt his heart crumble at her sadness; it was an emotion he had never wanted to evoke within the beautiful blonde. Releasing a shaky breath, he cast his cowardly gaze towards his feet "I'm sorry" he whispered.

Caroline's fists bunched at her sides, he was such a coward and he couldn't even bring himself to look at her. She could have almost looked threatening if it hadn't been for the tears glistening in her blue eyes "You led me on Stefan" she mumbled numbly.

Stefan's head snapped up at that comment "I did no such thing" he defended sharply.

Caroline could have laughed at his denial, everyone in the town believed that they would declare their intentions to marry one another any day now "You did! Why else would you spend so much time with me!?" she retorted, her fiery temper rising with every word.

"I am sorry if I misled you Caroline, but my intentions were nothing more than friendship" Stefan replied softly.

A tear escaped down the blondes cheek "oh" she breathed out shakily, she felt foolish and once again came second best to Elena "I kindly ask on you not to call on me again" she asked using her hanky to dab away her tears, the last thing she needed were puffy eyes, especially ones that he caused.

Fear shot across Stefan's face "Caroline please! I can't stand not to have you in my life" he pleaded grasping onto her arm.

"It's too late for that; you cannot have both of us. Good day Mister Salvatore" she spoke strongly as she wrenched her arm from his grasp.

Stefan watched her go with a heavy heart, resisting the urge to go after her, he didn't intentionally mean to hurt her but even with his engagement to Elena he still couldn't keep away from Caroline Forbes, a problem most men around town seemed to have. He was stirred from his thought when he felt two arms snake around his waist and light kisses flutter on his shoulder "Elena" he smiled with a sigh, before turning to take his fiancé in his arms "are you enjoying the day my love?"

Elena smiled with a nod "Yes, it's a wonderful day" she spoke softly placing a light kiss onto his lips "I saw you with Caroline, did you tell her?" she asked, Stefan frowned then nodded "I take it by your expression it didn't go to well?" she pushed.

Stefan shook his head "No it did not, she accused me of leading her on" he explained sadly.

"Well that is understandable darling, after all I even believed one day you two would marry, many people did" Elena explained.

Wincing at the statement, Stefan quickly replayed his actions towards Caroline, they were always together, even from an early age, he would often stare after her, they had even been seen holding hands around town, he could now start to see why Caroline though he would marry her "I feel terrible" he admitted.

Elena nodded "I know, as do I. But Stefan I love you and now at least she can begin to move on with her life, Damon included" the brunette beauty rationed, feeling her own fair share of guilt of breaking her promises to Damon yet the heart wants what the heart wants and her that was Stefan and vice versa. Stefan nodded placing a kiss on her head "She'll come around Stefan, just give her time."

VDVDVD

As they day dragged onwards and the sun began to set, casting a golden glaze over the town, the barbeque pits were slowly put out one by one but the aroma of smoke lingered densely in the spring air. Caroline stood in the corner of the ballroom in the Salvatore mansion having changed into her evening dress, a beautiful pale pink gown, earlier in the evening. Usually she would have been in the middle of the dance floor, waltzing around with any young beau that took her fancy. Yet there she stood with a faux smile on her face as she observed people enjoying themselves and politely declined any invitations to dance. "You know as your brother it pains me to see you miserable."

Caroline chuckled slightly as Matt approached, handing her a glass of wine, smiling her thanks in return "and what makes you think I'm miserable?" she asked with an arch of her eyebrow.

"Well first of all you haven't dance at all this evening and I know for a fact it's not because your dance card is empty." Matt spoke causing her to smirk slightly "And secondly you've not spoken a word to Stefan" with that Caroline scowled slightly, indicating to Matt that he had struck the source of her misery.

"And you noticed this, I thought you would to engross with Katherine, to pay attention to me" she scoffed.

Matt sighed "granted it was Katherine that pointed that fact out to me, she was worried about you Care. We both are. So were we right? Is Stefan the cause?"

Caroline huffed and greedily drank her wine "Is there a point to your meddling Mathew?" the beauty snapped.

Matt sighed once again, his expression softening yet became serious at the same time "I take it he finally told you about Elena?"

"No actually Damon told me" she replied curtly as the realisation dawned on her "Wait a moment, what do you mean finally? You knew?" she asked in shock.

Matt winced at the pain in his sisters eyes "Care I'm sorry but Katherine told me and asked me not to say anything, she thought he should be the one to do it."

Again a feeling of betrayal swept across her body as her breath hitched in her throat "you knew" she repeated, her voice no louder than a whisper.

"Care-"

"Matt you knew how I felt about him" she whimpered as tears spilt down her cheeks and with that she left. Pushing her way through the crowd, Caroline fled the ball; all she wanted was to be on her own. Stepping out to the front porch she quickly wiped away her tears "Pat, if you'd be so kind as too retrieve the carriage, I wish to return home."

"Right away, Miss Caroline."

Considering how warm the day had been, Caroline was surprised at how cold it had become, running her hands frantically up and down her arms in a feeble attempt to keep warm. The blonde would have gone back inside but could not bear the thought of being around people, especially when she felt this pathetically sad.

Feeling a jacket being placed over her shoulders Caroline jumped slightly "I'm sorry Miss Caroline, I didn't mean to startle you" came Damon's voice.

With a light sigh, Caroline turned to face him with a smile "thank you and no apologies are necessary" she replied genuinely.

"You're not leaving are you?" The elder Salvatore asked moving to stand by her side, hands folded behind his back. Caroline smirked, he could almost pass as a gentleman, she thought to herself.

"I'm afraid I lack the enthusiasm to celebrate" she replied sombrely.

Damon nodded with a small smile "I know the feeling, if this wasn't for my benefit then I would have retired hours ago."

Caroline couldn't help but chuckle at his comment "I do hope that you aren't leaving because of what I told you earlier" he spoke, awkwardly shifting his weight "It's wasn't my place to say. So I apologise if it caused you any distress."

Caroline cast him a quick sideways glance and saw sincerity lacing his features "don't apologies Damon" she smiled kindly, resting her hand lightly on his arm. "If anything I should thank you, you were the only person who had the nerve to tell me the truth."

Damon nodded slowly, if he would have been honest with her, he would have admitted that he only brought it up in hope that they could plot against his brother, although looking at her he knew right then that even though 'hated' Stefan at this very minute Caroline would never do anything to hurt him, some that he admired about the young woman. The pair fell into silence for a few moments before Pat pulled the carriage at the front of the house, Damon, playing the part of the gentleman helped her into the carriage before placing a light kiss on her hand "Good night Miss Caroline" he smiled.

"Good night Damon" she echoed with a small smile of her own, finding herself rather surprised that it had been Damon of all people to make her feel better, maybe he wasn't as absurd as she had first thought.

"Make sure she gets home safe Pat" Damon called to the driver, who nodded in return. When the carriage had left his sight, Damon began back up the porch steps, stopping when he spotted Stefan waiting for him at the top an angry expression settled across his face "Brother" Damon greeted with a small sneer.

"What are you doing?" Stefan asked pointedly, steeping down to the next step, so they were eye level.

Damon smirked "Whatever do you mean little brother?" he asked.

"With Caroline" Stefan snapped. Shrugging, Damon let out a small laugh, he knew putting his attentions onto Caroline would rouse the green eyed monster within Stefan "Stay away from her."

"You know brother, I think you gave up your right on Miss Forbes they day you asked Elena for her hand" Damon reminded.

Stefan sighed, Damon was right, he had no right but he'd be damned if he was going to sit back and watch the woman he considers a sister get hurt by his brother "You're only doing this to hurt me and Elena."

Damon shrugged "That may be partly true but Caroline is a very beautiful woman Stefan, bright and happy, she would make a man a very exquisite bride" he smirked. Stefan tensed, he wouldn't put it past Damon just to propose Caroline just to spite him "Now I must get back to the party and you to your fiancé" he sneered, pushing past Stefan and stalked back into the house.

Stefan remained on the steps for a few moments, running a hand through his hair, it pained him to be at ends with his brother, before he had gone off to West Point and they had been very close. He hated himself for 'stealing' Elena but he loved her and she loved him, that, he had no doubt but he had lost his brother and greatest friend in the process, had it been worth it? That was a question he was having such difficulty answering.

Well there we are folks! The first chapter is up; I really hope you enjoyed it and please review, I really would love feedback, positive or negative. Also if you interested in Caroline's dresses there are links on my profile so check it out. The next chapter will be up soon and will involve more Daroline, so keep an eye out!