I just want to let you all know that this is a Klaroline fanfic and good things come to those who wait.

Also, thanks to all of you who took the time to favourite, follow and review. I really appreciate your support :)

Caroline woke to the blaring sound of her alarm clock. Today, she was finally going to leave Mystic Falls for good. And though the initial days of planning and preparing for this trip had been full of excitement, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. The memory of her dream last night still weighed heavily on her mind. She didn't know what came over, but it was beyond embarrassing that Stefan had to bear witness to her apparent nervous breakdown.

Finally getting up from bed, she was wafted by the smell of chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage. Which was strange because her mother rarely ever cooked. Daring to venture into the kitchen, she was greeted by Stefan.

"Good morning sleepy head" he leaned over the kitchen counter to put a kiss on her forehead.

"Good morning" she smiled shyly. "Where's mom?"

"She already left for work."

After giving him a quizzical look, he added, "She decided to switch her night shift to a morning shift so she would be free to see us off at the airport tonight."

"Oh" Caroline said nonchalantly, picking at the plate of breakfast Stefan laid on the counter for her, "that's thoughtful." He was looking at her with an amused expression on his face.

Gathering up her courage she finally blurted out "I'm really sorry about last night Stefan."

"You have nothing to apologise for Caroline. You had a bad dream."

"No. Well yes, but, I woke up crying and hyperventilating. I think I was having a panic attack. I was inconsolable" she explained. "I've never felt like that before" she said as an afterthought.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked concerned.

"No" she nearly shouted. He looked at her worriedly. "No, thank you," she said in a much softer tone. "I think the anxiety over leaving home, manifested itself in a dream" she reasoned.

He looked at her unconvinced.

"I don't really remember what it was about any way. I just got a bad feeling, thus why I woke up crying" she quickly added, forcing a chuckle. The effort was futile of course. She was a horrible liar. And Stefan could see right through her anyway.

After a moment he rounded the counter, to stand in front of her. Cradling her face in his hands, he looked at her solemnly. "You don't have to hide from me Caroline" he said, his voice so utterly sincere, she felt a pang of guilt.

She placed her hands on his and interwove their fingers. "I know Stefan" she said honestly, "I don't want to talk about it."

He nodded. Then he slowly leaned in to touch his lips to hers. He gave her one, two, three chaste kisses on her lips. Kissed the tip of her nose. And finally placed another soft kiss on her forehead, before releasing her.

Walking to the door, he said "I'll see you tonight."

"So they just left?" Caroline said, disbelief colouring her tone. She slammed the box of books she finished packing a little too hard. The coffee table groaned in protest. She absolutely hated when things didn't go according to plan. The flight had been booked, reservations had been made, suitcases were all packed. But the journey hadn't even started yet and there was already a hitch.

"They had to leave. Jeremy said it was really important" Bonnie explained, clearly annoyed.

"But why couldn't the other hunters handle it? And why did Elena and Damon have to go too?" Caroline questioned, as she gathered a few folders to organise Bonnie's manuscripts. Books littered the floor and pages of notes were scattered every where. It looked like a tornado blew through the living room. But Caroline didn't comment.

"I don't know, Care" Bonnie replied, irritation colouring her tone. "Two hunters came to collect him. Practically demanded that he leave with them. I don't think Elena would have just let Jeremy go by himself. And Damon wasn't going to let Elena go by herself."

"And besides, I would have had to postpone the flight anyway" Bonnie added. "The faculty is throwing me an early retirement party tomorrow. It was supposed to be a surprise but I caught them decorating when I went back to look for something in my office." Bonnie frowned slightly but it was gone in an instant. A bright smile formed on her face.

Seeing Bonnie smile easily rid Caroline of her earlier frustration. "That's great Bon" Caroline said ardently. "After you graduated, they practically begged you to take your grams' place at the College. You're an amazing teacher. I'm sure they hate to see you go."

"I think I'll miss them too" Bonnie said softly. "But I've had more than enough students and members of staff telling me how good I look for my age." Both girls giggled.

"Yeah, I know exactly what you mean." After graduating Whitmore, Caroline became a certified event planner and coordinator, organising every single event in Mystic Falls. This mean't that she was well known in and around Mystic Falls. She should be in her early thirties, married with two kids. Instead, she was forever seventeen and still lived with her mom. People were bound to notice something was seriously wrong with her. It was the same problem Stefan, Damon, Elena and Bonnie had, but to a much lesser degree. It was time to move on.

She hadn't even left yet and she already felt homesick.

Mistaking her silence for disappointment, Bonnie reassured her, "Hey we're just a few days off schedule. I didn't cancel the flight, I postponed it. Jeremy and they are coming back here to meet me, and all of us are going to meet you and Stefan, in Paris" she said enthusiastically. "Aren't you excited? You and Stefan. In Paris. Alone. Well, for a little while."

Caroline did not welcome the change of subject. She frowned.

"Why aren't you excited? Caroline what's wrong?"

After a moment's hesitation, "Stefan kissed me this morning" Caroline whispered as though she was giving a confession.

Bonnie laughed, "that's what boyfriends do." "Unless you didn't want him to" she added hesitantly.

"No. I mean, yes. I wanted him to. I just... he's never kissed me before."

"Never?"

"Never."

"Wow." Bonnie sounded shocked.

"What?"

"Well after the grand romantic gesture he made last weekend, I thought you two had, you know..." Bonnie admitted. "There were a lot of candles, and roses, and he asked me to steal your copy of The Notebook with deleted scenes and commentary, for you two to watch."

"Well we haven't. And I guess I'm not used to romantic Stefan showering me with his affection" Caroline answered honestly. Elena had been the object of both Stefan and Damon's affections for a long time. As time went by, Elena kept going from one brother to the other, seemingly unable to choose which one she wanted to be with. It was a tortuous cycle. While Caroline was just Stefan's best friend. She stood by him as he endured Elena. And he stood by her, as she had a string of meaningless, unfulfilling relationships.

Then one day, two weeks ago, she bravely voiced what they'd all been thinking about for quite some time. She talked about leaving Mystic Falls for good. And Stefan offered to take her any where she wanted to go. She had blurted out Paris because it was the first place that came to mind and in a few short days he turned her dream into reality. They were leaving for Paris tonight.

"I thought this is what you wanted," Bonnie said sincerely.

"It is" Caroline answered automatically. So she was leaving home, but to go to Paris with Stefan, which was the first stop of their European tour. And like Bonnie had said, the rest of them would meet her and Stefan in a few days. Speaking of which, "Did Stefan know Jeremy had an emergency hunters meeting last night?"

"Yeah." Bonnie nodded. "As soon as Jeremy and they left, Stefan left for your house." "Why? Didn't he come over last night?" she asked.

"Yeah, he did. I just was wondering why he didn't say anything" Caroline replied. Although she knew exactly why Stefan hadn't said anything last night.

"He was probably hoping to avoid the reaction you gave when I told you" Bonnie chuckled, clearly amused. "Stefan really cares about you Caroline. And as more than just your best friend. I really think you should give him a chance. I mean, how bad can Stefan showering you with his affection be?" she stated more seriously.

"You're right Bon. I am excited. This is exactly what I want." Caroline said, hoping she sounded convincing. She was going to shake off this terrible mood she was in and try to have a good time. Bonnie was right. Stefan was looking forward to this trip. Everyone was. And she was not going to be the one to ruin it.

He felt a warm mouth on the side of his neck, as another trailed soft kisses down his stomach, licking and sucking his skin. A low growl rumbled in his chest as a tongue licked from the base of his shaft to the tip. She licked him slowly, tortuously, until finally taking him all in. The feeling of her hot mouth on him was exquisite. He noted the absence of the mouth on his neck and opened his eyes to see the vivacious blonde making her way down the bed to the side of her brunette friend. "I want a taste" she purred seductively, nibbling on the girl's earlobe. Without a moment's hesitation, she grabbed the girl's hair, pulling her head back, and her mouth was on him. He chuckled at the wild display. They took turns sucking him off. His hands grabbed at the sheets as he gave himself over to pleasure.

"Niklaus, I am sure you are content to spend the entire day in your room, but it is late afternoon and we have important matters to discuss." Elijah's voice boomed from right outside his bedroom door. Both vampires startled and looked up at him questioningly. He sighed. Elijah had effectively ruined the mood. Sitting up to give a quick peck on both pairs of lips, he got off the bed to put his clothes on. After one final glance at their glorious naked bodies, that were now wrapped around each other, he exited the room.

Elijah stood at the door patiently waiting, a blank expression on his face.

"What do you want Elijah?" Klaus asked dejectedly, leading the way to the foyer at the far end of the compound.

"It seems as though we have a birthday party to organise."

Klaus rolled his eyes. A habit he had picked up. "Brother, you know as well as I that her preferences are exact. There is nothing we would do to her liking. Best wait 'til she gets here tomorrow and simply accomplish whatever task she deems us worthy to perform."

"Our darling girl has sent a list of tasks each of us are to perform in her stead" Elijah announced "as she has postponed her flight until the end of the week."

"And she thought it fitting to tell you of her change of plans instead of me?" Klaus asked bitterly.

"Jealousy does not suite you Niklaus," Elijah admonished. "To answer your question, no, this news has come to my knowledge through Rebekah."

"Oh" Klaus said, regretful of his moment of childish insecurity. "What are we to do?" he asked genuinely curious, as he saw the sheets of paper in Elijah's hands. Elijah passed them to him wordlessly. On the first page was a guest list. There were 200 specially invited guests. He noted some familiar names which included very old vampires, leaders of large wolf packs, and powerful witches. A few of them were friends of hers, but the list reflected that it was her every intention to broaden her social circle.

"There are also rules."

"Rules?"

"Yes, rules that would serve to ensure that the party runs smoothly." Elijah explained, pointing to another sheet.

Going over the guest list again, Klaus knew without a doubt that rules would in fact be necessary.

"Also, the party will not be held in New Orleans this year," Elijah said, looking wary of his reaction.

Klaus should be angry. He remembered those first few years. New Orleans had been in a total state of chaos. It was by no means an easy task, but both he and Elijah had made great strides in rebuilding their family home, making it a safe place to raise a child. But as the years went by, she made it known that her home was her family. She felt no attachment to New Orleans as he did. Preferring to frolic across the globe. She yearned to experience and enjoy all that the world had to offer and who was he to deny her, her heart's desires? So long as she was happy. After a moment, Klaus asked "Well then, perhaps Athens or fancy Dubai this time of year brother?"

"She is currently in Dubai" Elijah stated matter of factly. "And it has already been decided that the party will be held at our London estate."

Klaus hated when decisions were made without consulting him. He tried hard to refrain from asking if either his brother or sister's opinion had been taken into consideration, while he was so blatantly ignored. Of course it had already been decided. She had every single detail all figured out. How could he have expected anything less from her? Rebekah had given him sufficient forewarning weeks ago and though he knew his little girl was far from innocent, he failed to accept the reality that she was no longer a child. She no longer needed his permission.

"It's more suited to the theme of the party." Elijah added, by way of explanation.

"It's fine Elijah" Klaus said with begrudging acceptance. "Best we get the first flight out. Plenty to do and I don't want to disappoint her. Lest we not be granted this privilege again" he grumbled.

Elijah nodded approvingly, a smile slowly spreading on his face.

Damon sat at the bar, quietly nursing a glass of scotch. While Elena was pacing back and forth like a crazy lady, obviously drawing more attention to themselves. All eyes were on them from the moment they stepped in. This was werewolf territory. Vampires were supposed to have the good sense to stay far away from werewolf territory. And the wolves would not invade vampire territory. It was just the way things worked. But the hunters had chosen this little witch's bar to hold their secret meeting. And Elena just couldn't let her baby brother, who now looked old enough to be her father, to come all by himself. Her over protectiveness was endearing. Her stubbornness was not. She would literally be the death of them both one day.

"Elena, have a drink" he stated non- committally, but eyeing her expectantly, trying to convey that they were in a very dangerous situation. There were far more wolves now, than when they had walked in. She needed to calm down. He reached over the counter for a bottle of cherry brandy and a glass, to pour her a drink. The bartender glared at him, but didn't say anything.

Elena looked at him long and hard. With a sigh, she finally sat down. "Something's wrong. They're taking too long," she whispered, but Damon knew the werewolves still heard what she said.

"The last time they all hung out was over fifteen years ago. I'm sure they have plenty to talk about" he commented, idly taking a sip of his drink.

Elena downed her drink in one shot. "Exactly. The last time was over fifteen years ago Damon. When the other side was torn apart and all hell broke loose. What could be so important that they'd have another meeting now?"

She could not have picked a worse thing to say. Damon had hoped that Elena would have taken the subtle hints he was throwing her way. But it seemed like her frustration and worry clouded her judgement. It didn't surprise him when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Finishing his drink, he slowly turned around.

He smelled Elena's spike in fear, as they noticed two wolves standing too close to her, one directly in front of him and another on his other side.

"Hello, Damon and..."

"Elena."

"Elena. What a pretty name for a pretty little vampire," the werewolf standing in front of him commented, giving her a once over. "What brings you two to town?" he asked, taking a sip of his beer. Damon noted that this bar wasn't just full of werewolves. This was a wolf pack. This guy was the pack leader, as all eyes and ears were trained on him. He and Elena were severely outnumbered.

He replied tersely, "business," giving the wolf a tight smile.

"What kind of business?" the guy asked patiently, clearly amused.

"Family business" Elena piped up. Damon glared at her. The wolf looked at her, interest piqued. "My brother's in there" she explained, nervously motioning to the door behind the bar. "We're waiting on him."

"And what's your brother doing in there?" the wolf asked her, moving closer to place his now empty beer bottle on the counter behind them. Damon saw her flinch. The wolf grinned.

"Now that's really none of your business" Damon replied sharply, standing up and angling himself infront of Elena.

"This is my town. Every thing that happens here is my business" the wolf said, motioning for the others to join him. "You can either tell me what's really going on here, or I can beat it out of you" he stated menacingly.

Several things happened simultaneously. Damon felt Elena grab a hold of the back of his jacket. As Damon grabbed the empty bottle on the counter and swung it at the guy's head, but before the bottle could make impact, it shattered. Confusion swept over them, as windows blew out. The bottles that lined the shelves exploded, glasses shattered, shards flying every where. Then there was pain. The most excruciating pain crippled him as he fell to the floor. Damon's vision blurred, but not before he saw everyone else slumped on the floor in pain too, Elena still beside him. There was a flurry of blazing red curls at the entrance of the bar. His head fell smack against the floor. Darkness descended upon him.

"Oh honey, I'm going to miss you so much." Liz Forbes didn't want to let go of her daughter. Stefan had never seen the sheriff so emotional.

"I'm going to miss you too mom. But it's not like you'll never see me again" Caroline consoled her.

"Promise you won't forget me," Liz insisted, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"Mom..."

"I'm serious Caroline! You'll get so caught up travelling across the world that you'll forget all about Mystic Falls."

"Mom, I'll never forget about you," she emphasised, "You're my mom! I love you!"

"I love you too Caroline."

The final call had already been made. If Stefan didn't pry Caroline away from her mother soon, they were going to miss their flight.

"Caroline, we have to go" he said softly, looking between her and the sheriff. He didn't know which one of them looked more distraught.

"Mom, I promise I'll keep in touch. I'll call you every day. We'll skype." Caroline reassured her mother.

"Of course, honey" she said, a gentle smile on her face. She stroked Caroline's hair softly, before pulling her into a tight embrace. "Stefan, you take good care of my baby girl." Liz looked at him with a penetrating gaze. He could see the worry, uncertainty and heartbreak written across her face, but in her eyes, he could see something else. Fear. Liz was afraid of losing her daughter. Terrified that she would no longer be there to keep Caroline safe. It didn't matter that Caroline was a vampire.

"I will. I'll keep her safe. And happy" he promised. Grabbing Caroline's carry-on with one hand, he wrapped his other arm around her waist.

After giving her mother one final hug, Caroline hesitantly let go. "Goodbye mom," she said, voice wavering slightly. She sniffed.

"Goodbye Caroline."

As they walked away, to board the plane, Caroline leaned into Stefan's side for support. He knew their farewell would have been emotional and heartfelt. He knew they were close but he had never known the depth of the bond Caroline and her mother shared, until now. This wasn't just a trip, or simply moving away from Mystic Falls. This was Caroline leaving her old life behind, to begin a brand new one. And she was starting a new life with him by her side. She chose to be with him. And he was going to make sure, she never regretted that decision.