Chapter 1

Klaus was on a high, he was happy, he was smiling, he was enjoying his newfound freedom of his werewolf side. The doppelganger lived yes, but considering how useful her blood was he let that little tiff slide. He had his family back, they weren't getting along by any means, but they were civil, and after a thousand years that's all anyone could ask for. He was officially the Original Hybrid, the monster in the shadows with yellow eyes and a toxic bite, he was strong, ageless, fearless. He took down dear old daddy dearest at the Lockwood's days before and his family was finally safe. All was well for the Mikaelsons family and Klaus couldn't be anymore chipper.

Then things took a turn.

His younger brother Kol, ever the trouble maker, decided to start trouble with the little Mystic Falls gang and before any serious damage could be made, he overheard a conversation that sent Klaus' sky rocketing good mood, to the bottomless pit of the abyss never to be seen again.

''They need to leave Stefan! This is out of control, they have Elena's life in their hands and aren't thinking of letting go anytime soon!'' Damon exclaimed.

''You don't think I know that Damon! We are trying, but there's nothing left! Mikael didn't work out! His siblings aren't against him at the minute! What's your big idea!'' Stefan yelled.

''I've been looking in the grimoires and there's nothing new, we could try to manipulate Klaus wolf side, so we can attack when vulnerable but there are a lot of holes in that plan.'' The Bennett witch explained.

''Thank you so much Sabrina for the STALE PROOF PLAN!''

''Hey! I don't see you coming up with any brilliant ideas now do I!''

''Okay okay let me think!''

Damon paced back and forth in the living room of the boarding house, while Stefan and the witch comforted the doppelganger on the couch. Literally how much of a baby is this girl? Practically allowing all her friends to go into the slaughter for her. Geez! It was only a bag of blood from a needle no less. Nik isn't ripping out her throat or anything. What's next? They tuck her in and sing her a little lullaby.

''Well Damon while your mastermind brain thinks of a sensational plan, Elena needs sleep, I'm going to take her upstairs and lay her down.'' Stefan said.

''I can spell some herbs just in case, you never know. She's been restless with all this going on, it'd be good for her to get a full 8 hours.''

''Good thinking Bonnie, thank you.''

Kol threw his hands in the air while saying ''of course''.

As soon as the witch and Ripper returned Damon had on a smirk on his face and his arrogance seemed to reach sky high.

''Okay so let's wait until after I tell you my plan before you bow down to my greatness'' Damon stated proudly.

Stefan and Bonnie both rolled their eyes.

''Okay so Mikael didn't work right? What if we knew someone stronger, a friend that would help save Elena?''

''Damon there's no one else, anybody stronger than them died a thousand years ago''.

''Except a certain blond hair mutant type supernatural that's so powerful she doesn't even have a name yet''.

Kol looked on in confusion, he thought his family knew all the supernatural creatures in this town. Stefan and Bonnies eyes glowed with understanding

''Caroline''. They both said with a little hope in their voice.

After staying a little while to see if this girl was a true threat, and later finding out she really was Kol rushed home to tell his brothers of this development.

It appeared while taking stock of all the supernatural in Mystic Falls they over looked one. An 18-year-old curly blond haired resident. The daughter of the towns Sheriff, staying with her divorcee father and his partner out of town. According to the Scooby Gang Caroline goes to her dads every other school break, and it just so happened this break took place when all the excitement was going down. They don't officiously know what Caroline is only that she has a unique heart beat paired with glowing almost crystal like blue eyes that go not completely white but white in color of the original blue of her human eyes. Depending on which trait she wanted to show she could show red or yellow eyes. She can phase into a wolf, while keeping her magic in wolf form. Apparently the girl, when one day in a foul mood had managed to give the Salvatore an aneurism, blood to ice vapor, and paralysis but conscious of all pain from just looking him. No words. No spells. The fact that she had all these powers and apparently in addition make up her own spells and still have her wolf side too, all of these things the Mikaelsons did have to worry. From the description the Salvatore gave, this girl did value loyalty and her loyalty definitely wasn't to the Originals.

With this knowledge was how Klaus found himself at the door of the good Sheriff, who was working late that night, waiting for the peculiar creature to come to the door. He convinced his siblings to stay back and let him handle this, and whatever he found out he would share with them when he returned, or push came to shove he would just take the girl and drag her away whether she liked it or not. Things were finally going his way and his family was safe, he wasn't going to let that rag-tag team have the upper hand. They've spent a thousand years running and they weren't going to start again. EVER. With that in mind Klaus knocked on the door, maybe a tad too hard and waited for the girl. He heard the patter of soft footsteps and the door swing open and when he looked up he was caught in the most innocently beautiful sparkling blue eyes he has ever seen. Long curly blond locks down to waist with perfect pink lips and button nose. Klaus had to step back for a minute. From the elder Salvatore's point of view Klaus thought he was dealing with a bothersome child. One with a hot-temper and impulsiveness that'd be quick to use as a weakness. Another naïve follower in their group, nothing important. But as he looked at this girl, this creature. Toned legs that go on for miles that could be seen seeing as she just had on a thin off the shoulder blush pink sweater that reached her mid-thigh, little curves, and from his angle a nice firm ass that he would love to get his hands on, breast that looked like they could fit his hands perfectly, leading up to a long slender neck where he can hear the blood flow. A blood different than any mere vampire, werewolf human, blood that he was dying of curiosity to taste. Klaus looked up back into those blur eyes and couldn't help but smirk at the blond with a rosy blush on her face. Knowing the reaction, he pulled out of her pulled him out of his thoughts and gave him the will to speak again.

''Hello love, mind if you let me in to have a chat.''

The blond looked surprised, whether from the accent or his cocky disposition altogether and stood up straight and looked him dead in the eye.

''So you want me to let you come into my house, probably compel me, then drag me back to answer questions about myself that you could have asked me in a civil way like a normal person, but instead jumped to kidnap. Probably has something to do with what I am, who I am, why I am this way, and what I have against your family. Sorry Niklaus the Salvatore's beat you to it. But since you dragged yourself all the way here I guess I can give you a small Q&A session.'' Caroline finished with a sweet little genuine smile despite the facts her words had a little snap to them.

''Oh and I'm not inviting you into my house, we will talk outside in between an invisible barrier, where you cannot touch me, and before you get angry, you do realize you were about to kidnap me and probably torture me for information. I'm just looking out for myself. I'm blond, not stupid.''

Again snappy response, gentle smile. A wolf in sheeps clothing. Klaus didn't know if he liked it, or would have to put the girl in her place.

Klaus didn't like the fact she had the upper hand so while it might have been useless, he charged at the supposed barrier only to get knocked back all the way into the lawn, but before he could land, he was gently placed down instead of the hard landing he was expecting. He looked up confused to see Caroline standing in the doorway with two coffee cups and an annoyed expression on her face.

''Are you done yet?'' she remarked.

Klaus growled at her and brushed himself off. Caroline didn't seem phased at all and took a seat down on the porch after sitting Klaus' cup down on the porch swing. Klaus looked confused but grabbed it and looked down at the cold cup of water, with a single tea bag into it. He looked confused and was about to refuse when Caroline held her hand out for the cup, but instead of grabbing it like Klaus thought she would, she put her hand underneath it, and the water heated up considerable and left a steaming warm smell of chamomile and peppermint in the air. Caroline sipped her tea and gave Klaus a warm smile again, that Klaus was getting strangely used to if not a tad bit attached to, seeing those smiles weren't usually used in his presence let alone given to him. Caroline sipped her tea again and looked at Klaus with an amused expression on her face

''It's not poisoned Niklaus, I'm not trying to kill you, and even if I was, you can't die from poisoning. I just figured you would want a cup of tea while sitting and talking. It's a little nippy out her at night.''

Klaus couldn't help but smile at the young girl's gull and the way she spoke to him. Not disrespectful, but at ease. Like they've known each other forever. It was new for him and he found it refreshing.

''I'm aware of my immortal status sweetheart, but the reassurance is very welcomed. Oh and love, call me Klaus''.

''I'll pass, I'll stick to Niklaus, thanks.''

At this Klaus didn't know what to say. No one has ever dared to defy an order from him, and while asking to be called Klaus was not really an order, he still didn't like that she would continue calling him Niklaus. Niklaus was the weak human boy that kept all his anger in, and never raised a hand to Mikael's wrath. He isn't that boy anymore. Only Elijah his older brother still called him that, except he thought of it as Klaus humanity days, where Klaus was actually nice, weak, but still nice nonetheless. To him though the name would always remain an annoyance, but before he could correct her, Caroline continues on

''It's nothing defiant or anything, I'm not trying to annoy you. Strangers, and Enemies call you Klaus, your family, and close friends call you Nik. I'm neither, so for now your Niklaus to me.''

Klaus looked at the girl surprised. Her logic was reasonable, and when she put it that way then sure, yes, she can continue calling him that.

''Well then sweetheart, were in a stale safe. I hate the name, and you're currently residing in no mans land. Not a stranger, but not a friend. What do you suppose we do about that?''

A little more comfortable but not letting his guard down Klaus leaned back and took a sip of his tea, which was actually quite delicious.

''Well Niklaus I don't have an answer for you, but ask me again at the end of our conversation.''

As she said this Caroline handed him an oatmeal raisin cookie from a plate, he didn't see beside her before.

After finishing a cookie, and a few sips of her tea, Caroline looked expectantly at Niklaus. She has heard stories about the most feared Original Hybrid. His cunningness, monster behavior. His impulse. Looking at him right now. Blue eyes, curly hairs on the top of his head, raspberry lips and a nice amount of scruff on his face. Caroline looked back into his eyes and saw humor and lust reflected back with that smirk on his face. Instead of looking away and blushing at being caught, Caroline look at him and smiled.

''Ahhh'', she signed. ''Nothing is going to be the same after this. Is it?'' She said

She didn't say it rudely, or accusingly, she said it almost as if she was welcoming the change. Like she wouldn't mind having conversations like this with Klaus again. Honestly, Klaus wouldn't mind either.

''So…'', Caroline drawled out. ''What do you want to talk about?''

Klaus just smirked at her for her moment before leaning back while thinking, oh no little Caroline, nothing is going to be the same.

Klaus looked at the young girl asking her question and couldn't help but analyze her a little. Where others usual are rigid and frightful from being in his presence, Caroline had a nonchalant attitude about her. Not pushing her luck but also not about to let him run all over her. So far their conversation has been setting boundaries, getting a feel from their disposition, their actions to things. Klaus was deeply entertained and if this was him in the first few minutes, he can't wait to see how the rest of the conversation goes.

Caroline was waiting for Mr. Big and Bad to get his eyes off of her. Eye contact is polite. Staring is rude. She didn't really realize or understand why she offered to answer his questions tonight. She had just got back from her dad's in Miami, she was tired and annoyed. Like she is every time she has to visit. She loves her dad, she's grown to love even Stephen, but it doesn't change the fact that Daddy Dearest chose Stephen over his 5-year-old little girl. The plane ride home sucked. Partly because the flight attendant was too busy flirting with the business man beside her to get her order right and an annoying call from the one and only Damon Salvatore was irritating. She didn't lie to Niklaus when she said the Salvatore's beat him to it. They did, but they didn't convince her of anything. Just called to ask for help with their precious Elena. Don't get her wrong, Caroline does like Elena, but it was more of a friend of a friend type of relationship, than BBF's with just a hello type thing. Caroline sat in her seat on the plane with Damon asking, well more like telling Caroline to come back home and help. He called the Mikaelson family every name in the book. Telling her their plans for Elena, how stuck-up and pretentious they are. How they need her help, and she'd make an awesome secret weapon. Seriously! They don't even know what she is! Their brains can't even comprehend what she can do. After reassuring Damon she'd think about it, which she really did for like 3 minutes, and telling him she was already on her flight home, she hurriedly hung up the phone. Caroline sat and thought about all was told to her. She isn't stupid. Damon probably exaggerated some of the things, and out more emphasis on the bad parts, not the okay ones. They were trying to get her to help with every lame plan they had, and Caroline wasn't feeling it. She wanted to remain neutral, which according to Damon wasn't an option. Caroline however wasn't one to let others think for her, and she had better places to vacation than up Elena Gilberts ass. The Salvatore's maybe have been the first to speak to her but they would not be the last. She heard their side, and now it was Niklaus turn. Caroline however knew this visit though was more about protection of his family than the Gilbert problem itself. As sad as it may sound, already Caroline was feeling more inclined to sympathize with Niklaus than the Salvatore's.

''Niklaus?''

''Sorry love, I was thinking about something. Anyway right you are, I want to talk about you, your hopes, your dreams, everything you want in life.''

Caroline looked at him skeptical for a second then settled with a quit shitting me expression on her face

Niklaus chuckled. ''Okay love and maybe along the way tell me what you are, who you are, and how you became this way, as well as if or when you plan on attacking my family.''

Caroline raised both eyebrows at the hybrid and looked truly confused and taken back.

''Why would I harm your family? I don't know you, you don't know me, you haven't done anything to me and vice versa. There's no reason why I would harm them.''

''Ah you see I would love to believe you there; however, I know your ties lie with my families' enemies at the moment.''

''My ''ties'' as you put it, lie with whoever I deem worthier to have them. You just heard whatever the Salvatore had to say and immediately thought I was on board, not even giving me the benefit of the doubt.''

''You said it yourself love I don't know you.''

''Exactly. So how about instead of making assumptions, just ask me about it. Had it even accrued to you that they could have lied? Or was just profusely over-thinking the influence they think they have on me''.

''It may have crossed my mind once or twice, but then was replaced with the fact my family could very so be in actual danger right now. Besides would you even tell me the truth if I asked about your affiliations.''

''YES!''

Klaus looked shocked at this answer. She said it with so much exasperation, like it was as clear as day that the thought of lying never crossed her mind at all.

''Well then sweetheart, do you plan on attacking my family in anyway shape or form?''

''No''. she said clear as day. Cut and precise. Caroline Forbes was not a threat to the Mikaelsons.

With that said Caroline took Klaus cup, hers, and the plate of cookies and went inside, then coming back out with a plate full of cookies, and more tea. She handed Niklaus his cup back and settled back into her spot.

''So whose oldest?'' she said.

''I beg your pardon''

''Who's oldest. Your coming her trying to protect your family, I don't have siblings but I'm guessing it's the oldest who would look out for his younger siblings.''

''Uhmm no love, I'm the third oldest. Elijah and Finn are older, Finn being Eldest, and like the saying goes, if you want something done right, do it yourself.''

''Ohh so you're a control freak. Noted.''

''Well if I don't have control then everything around me goes haywire, and if I can I will fix it and get it back to order.'' He explained, for some reason felt the urge to explain himself for the first time to someone.

''No need to explain, I completely understand. I mean we live in Mystic Falls, the hot shot place for every supernatural individual. This place needs someone to get it back together after every other wolf, vampire and/or witch tears it apart. My vacations away from here are a blessing, even control freaks need a break.''

Klaus again gave pause to what she was saying. Again no one has every looked at things from his point of view or even tried to, let alone understand him.

''Careful sweetheart, I might actually come to like you.''p

She gave this carefree harmony laugh that had him memorized.

''Well Niklaus that is the point isn't it? Now, what's your favorite color?''

''Oh no you don't love, my turn. Why don't you wait hand and foot on the little rag-tag team of this place, helping my doppelganger and all that nonsense?''

''Who says I don't?'' she shot back teasingly.

''Now love, let's not lie, besides you have too much of an independent attitude about you, and I would be deeply disappointed that I was wrong in my assessment about you.'' He pouted.

Caroline laughed and reached over to stroke his stubble cheek. Not in a sexually way like a lover, but a friendly caress, like they have been doing it for forever.

''Don't pout Niklaus. Your correct, I'm not like that. It's nothing to do with them, just not my style.

''What isn't?''

''Having my world solely revolve around one person and not getting anything in return.''

''Like compensation?'' He asked

''Oh god no! Nothing like that. Just like, you spend your whole life making sure this person is okay, their feelings not hurt, or they have everything they need to feel content. You're their shoulder to cry on, friend to laugh with, and ride or die to have adventures with. All sounds fun in dandy except when the roles are reversed and when your feelings are hurt, their overlooked, when you need someone to cry to, you apparently all of a sudden have to grow up and be a big girl, and when you just need a break and instead of being alone, want someone to run with you, you need to stop being selfish and go home, because apparently everyone is worried about you, and. Oh, I'm sorry I'm rambling, I do that sometimes.''

Klaus on the other hand, couldn't help but agree with everything she said. He and his family saw it as soon as they came to town. The reasoning right there was probably why his sister Rebekah wasn't her biggest fan.

''The bottom line I'm trying to say is it's not compensation, it's loyalty. I'm only giving as good as I get. Why waste it on someone who doesn't appreciate it, compared to someone that can give it back hole hardily''. She said

Now that was something Klaus got. Loyalty. Something he craved. Something Genuine. Not by fear or Coerce, but because two people had an understanding, an affection for the other. Love. Love was a vampire's greatest weakness, but then again, he wasn't an average vampire, not anymore.

''Anyway, so, what's your favorite color?'' She drew him out of her thoughts.

He smirked and said ''You're not going to let this go are you love''. He teased while reaching to pull a lock of her curly hair.

Caroline just smiled and looked at him waiting.

Still playing with her curls, he said ''crimson, or black, either or really.''

''Well that's boring and so typical. It's like the official colors of villains everywhere.''

''You think of me as a villain love?'' He asked teasingly but a little hurt at the same time, for some reason he wanted her to like him, he wanted a friend. He hadn't had one since the Ripper in the 20's and that fried out now thanks to his doppelganger, and the memory thing. He missed that feeling. The acceptance. The comfort that came with knowing you had someone to talk to who wouldn't judge. To just be there by his side.

''Well you're not exactly Santa Clause Niklaus, buts that's okay, we'll be villains together.'' She said as if it was just a conversation about the weather, and not that that simple phrase meant a lot to Klaus. He was expecting her to say yes, but then take it back, or try to mold and portray him as the misunderstood bad guy. She was the first person who just said honestly, yes, buts that's fine, because I'll be one with you. Beside you, and there it was again that feeling of acceptance.

Klaus smiled at the blond who he just realized that instead of sitting inches in front of him, was beside him on the bench. Klaus smirked and went to play with another blond curl he'd been growing fond of.

Caroline smiled a warm smile full of promise, genuine, sunshine, maybe still a tad of caution, but still a smile Klaus was not used to seeing.

Klaus was going to smirk back but somehow his smirk turned into a true smile.

''So love, whose turn is it?''