Chapter 2

Waking to to the sun in your face was both a good and a bad way to wake. Bad: it means its time to get out of bed. Good: it is the beginning of a new day. Caroline blinked rapidly in the blinding light. With her new human hearing, she could hear the women below her cooking breakfast. Forcing herself to sit up fully, ignoring the throbbing pain, she looked around the empty room. Taking notice of the royal blue dress that had been placed atop the dresser.

Caroline stood from the bed, groaning and biting her lip to keep from making a noise. Walking stiffly towards the gown, Caroline had to rest against the dresser before she could stripe off Elijah's tunic and her trousers. She was taking deep and even breaths as she eased the dress over her head, letting it fall to the tops of her feet, reaching back she laced the back of the dress up to the back of her neck. Caroline took another deep breath as she walked back towards the bed, pulling on her boots, which were sat beside it.

She finished lacing them to her knee when there came a knock from her door. "Caroline? It's Rebekah. Are you awake?"

"Enter." she called, watched from where she sat as Rebekah slowly pushed open the thin wooden door.

"Good, you are awake." Rebekah smiled, looking Caroline up and down. "The dress looks good on you. Though worry not, we shall go to market and find more material for a few more."

Caroline nodded, looking forward to making another dress, like the one hidden away in her knapsack. She smiled up at the Original blond. "Was there something you needed, Rebekah?"

"Oh!" she looked away for a moment, glancing at Caroline from under her lashes, ashamed. "I've spoke out of turn, I apologize. Mother wanted me to come fetch you for breakfast. Though we must hurry before the boys wake, otherwise they will eat it all." Rebekah giggled, stifling it behind her hand.

Caroline smiled warmly at the teenager, finding her much more pleasant one thousands years in the past then she did in the 21st centenary. "Then we should go, should we not? Before they awaken?"

Rebekah looked pleased with her response as she took Carolines hand and guided her out and down the stairs, smiling the whole way. She led Caroline through the small "living room", which consisted of several leather covered, wooden seats, a large fire place and a massive bear fur rug. The glassless windows, covered only by wooden shutters let the sunlight pour into the house from every direction. There were two doorways Caroline could see, one was open and the smell of cooked meat washed over her, the other remained closed as it led outside. Rebekah pulled her through the open doorway, taking Caroline through their large dining room and into the kitchen just beyond the the last doorway. Ester moved about the kitchen in ease as she pulled biscuits from the lower level of the brick stove, cooked meat from the level above.

Ester turned as they entered the room. She looked Caroline over before nodding. "Very well, it is good to see you up and about."

Caroline inclined her head, a show of respect. "Thank you, for housing me." Caroline licked her lips as her speech twisted and turned to word things the way they should in that time. Though part of Caroline didn't like the change in her talking, she knew it was necessary to blend in with her surroundings.

Caroline was taken by surprise when Ester wrapped her in a hug. "No, my dear child. Thank you, for saving both my sons life, risking your own."

Caroline looked over at Rebekah, finding her watching with tears in her eyes. Caroline allowed her arms to return the embrace, fighting against the impulse to push the witch away. Caroline had to remind herself that Ester was not the same from her time as she was in that moment. "I would do it again without question."

It took another moment for Ester to compose herself and pull away. She sniffed and rubbed at her tear filled eyes. Caroline was, once more, reminded how very human they all were. Ester looked over to Rebekah, pulling the young woman into a tighter embrace before smoothing down the blonds hair. "Rebekah, go fetch your brothers. It is time to eat." Ester watched Rebekah leave to do as she was told before turning to Caroline. "Come."

Caroline followed after Mama original before helping her set the table. She was placing the last of the plates at the table when they arrived. The many foot sets ran from above, trampling over each other to make it to the bottom of the stairs first. Turning, Caroline watched with a smile as Rebekah ran amongst her brothers to hurry into the dining room with them. Caroline could hear Ester muttering to herself about 'feeding animals' she sighed from behind Caroline and watched as her children pushed passed each other to reach the table.

"That's not fair, you cheated!" Henrik shouted in outrage.

Everyone seemed to forget about poor Caroline in their hurry to reach the room, as Kol pushed the young boy out of his way. "All is fair when there is food involved, dear brother."

"Mother!" Henrik huffed, clearly agitated, before spotting her. "Caroline, make him stop!"

All movement stopped as her name left his lips, all seemed to remember her as they all turned to her, just as Finn entered the room, back straight and shoulders ridged. Rebekah was the first to speak. "Caroline," sh had to take a breath as she was out of breath from her hurrying. "sorry you had to witness that. Oh, um, Caroline this is my brother Kol, and that is Finn." Rebekah smiled as she pointed out the two she hadn't met the day before. "The others you know, Niklaus, Elijah and Henrik."

Caroline nodded. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Finn nodded before taking a seat, Kol smiled at her, though it was sly. "Well, hello there."

Rebekah rolled her eyes, slapping at the back of his head as he eyed the royal blue dress up and down. "That is enough of that, Kol. Besides, she's to mature for you."

Caroline smiled at their banter. "Good morning, Caroline." turning, she nodded to Elijah as he took the spot next to Finn. Niklaus sat beside him in silents, Kol followed. Rebekah ran from the room, retrieved another chair for Caroline and set it beside her seat. She smiled as she pulled Caroline down next to her, across from Niklaus. Henrik sat in the chair next to Caroline as Ester took a seat at the end of the table.

From what Rebekah had taught her, they all sat and waited patiently for the head of household, Mikael, before they would eat. "Mother, where is father?" little Henrik asked, breaking the tense silents.

Ester glanced at Caroline before answering. "He went to the wolves tribe, telling them about what had happened and returning their dead to them. He shall be here shortly."

Everyone sat quietly for awhile longer before Elijah cleared his throat. "So, Caroline, tell us a little of yourself."

She became self conscious as all eyes turned towards her. She straightened her spine, folding her hands in her lap. "What would you like to know?"

"What is your age?" Kol asked with a smirk.

"I will turn nineteen come this harvest."

"And you have yet found a husband?" Rebekah gasped, looking around the table before she smiled. "How have you survived for this long without anyone by your side?" noticing the slight furrow of her brow, Rebekah elaborated. "What did you eat? Where did you bathe? Were you not lonely?"

Caroline shrugged. "I ate what I could hunt. I bathed in streams and rivers. It is a solitary life, but it was all I had." Caroline looked down to her hands, forcing a look of dejection, though feeling guilt for lying.

"When did wolves kill your family?" Henrik was immediately scolded for voicing such a question aloud.

Caroline smiled at the boy. "They died when I was a child, a little older then you are now. I stayed in the woods as I grew, going into the villages only when needed."

Henrik and Rebekah both looked star-struck. "So, you are a huntress then? Living on your own, traveling?" Rebekah sounded as though she might start worshiping the ground Caroline walked on. When she shrugged, Rebekah let out a huff of breath. "That is amazing. You simply must teach me everything."

Before she could continue, the front door opened and closed loudly. "Ester? Children?" Caroline could only assume Mikael was home, and by the way Klaus tensed, she knew her guess to be correct. He walked around the doorway, looking over everyone at the table. He strode over to Henrik, taking a knee beside him. "Son, are you alright? Did the wolves hurt you?" Mikael looked Henrik over, the others all watched in silents as he nodded in approval at the boys unharmed figure before he walked towards Niklaus, who stood and braced himself for an attack. Rebekah gasped aloud beside Caroline when Mikael pulled Klaus into a tight embrace. "I am pleased you are well."

Niklaus stared blankly, wide-eyed over his shoulder at the wall. His arms slowly rested on his fathers upper back, feeling awkward in the unfamiliar action. All to soon, Mikael stepped away from Klaus and looked back at Caroline. Rebekah cleared her throat, sharing a puzzled expression with Klaus before she spoke. "Father, this is Caroline. She was the one to lure the wolves away from Henrik and Niklaus."

Mikael nodded to her. "I am in your dept, girl. If not for you, two of my sons would have been torn apart that night." everyone around them listened in awed silents, having never heard such gratitude from Mikael before.

Caroline remained silent as she returned his nod, watching as he took the last seat at the head of the table. He severed up his plate, taking two of the still warm biscuits and a thick slice of pork. All was silent as they ate their breakfast, no one seemed to want to break the quiet. Not until breakfast was over at least, as Mikael sat back, Ester and Rebekah cleared the table, waving Caroline off when she tried to help, Henrik spoke. "I know you can lose an arrow, but can you wield a sword?"

The first time Caroline had head Finn's voice, was when he was belittling her, with few words. "Now, Henrik, don't ask ignorant questions."

Rebekah scoffed before Caroline could attempt to reply. "Do not hide behind charming word brother, say what you mean. You do not believe a woman can wield a sword. Admit it."

Finn glanced at Rebekah before shaking his head with a sigh. "A woman should not even touch a blade unless it is used to prepare supper for her family."

Elijah and Klaus both sighed and reclined back into their seats, obviously this conversation had taken place more then once. "Oh, really?" Rebekah huffed. "Then what is a woman to do when the man is out hunting and someone breaks into the house? Would you not want your woman trained then?"

"That would never happen."

"Are you so curtain?" Rebekah scowled at her oldest brother. "Well, it just so happens that Caroline can wield a sword. Probably better then you can." Caroline glanced between the siblings, her eyes wide and mouth ajar, shaking her head, looking as if she was going to comment. Though Rebekah spoke over her. "In fact, I think she could beat you in a duel. Or are you afraid to lose to a woman?"

Finn looked insulted by the very idea of losing to Caroline. He stood and narrowed his eyes at Rebekah. "Fine. A duel. If I win, you will stop with the arguments that a woman is just as capable as a man, and you will learn your place."

Caroline suddenly wished to be a vampire again, just so she could compel Finn not to be a complete and total ass. "Deal." Rebekah puffed up her chest and smirked at Finn, looking all to pleased with herself, until she retook her seat and meat Carolines wide eyed stare. Her smiled slowly lowered until she glanced between her and the doorway Finn had walked through. "Oh. Oh. Caroline, I am so sorry. I wasn't thinking, I just-"

"It's a little to late for that Rebekah, you have already started a duel between your brother and Caroline. It is a wonder you have friends at all, the way you act." Niklaus was smirking, fighting off a chuckle. Caroline had to force herself to look away from his bright blue eyes and dimples. Though the image of his mirthful smirk and cheerful glint in his eyes would be forever imprinted in her memory.

Caroline looked up, meeting Klaus's gaze. "It's fine," turning in her seat she looked to the embarrassed blond. "when is this duel?"

Rebekah looked at her from under her lashes, a smile slowly working its way across her lips. "Are you sure you are up to a duel? Your shoulder-"

"I'm sure it will be fine in a few days." she could tell Rebekah was about to start arguing, or apologizing when she spoke. "Rebekah, it is fine, I swear. In a few days, when my shoulder is better, I will duel your brother Finn, and win. Perhaps even teach you a few things in the process."

Rebekah's eyes lit up like the fourth of July. "Really?" Caroline smiled and nodded, Rebekah lunged at her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Thank you, Caroline. I shall be a good student, I swear I will." the clearing of a throat brought her attention away from their teen-girl-moment. Rebekah straightened in her seat, lowering her gaze to the table. "I mean, if it is reasonable to you father. May, Caroline teach me to handle a sword?"

Caroline could tell they all anticipated his answer before he could consider the idea. Though they were once again stunned into silence when he found his reply. "I don't see why not. It could be beneficial to you. In case you are in need of help and your brothers are not around, I approve of your learning this."

The air left Rebekah in a huff. Her eyes were wider then Caroline had ever seen them. "Really?" she squealed before throwing herself into her fathers arms, Mikael laughed loudly as he wrapped his arms around his only daughter. "Thank you father! I will become an amazing swords woman, I swear to you. You will be proud."

"My dear child. I am already proud of you. All of you." he looked over his sons with a puffed out chest and a wide, proud smile.

Caroline smiled as she took in the amazed expressions on their faces. She stopped to watch Klaus, noticing the tears that had gathered, making his eyes glisten. He seemed to feel her stare cause he looked up to meet it. Caroline could see he was fighting between belief, anger and hurt. He wasn't sure if his father was being truthful or if he was simply putting up a front because of their guest. Caroline smiled slightly at him, watching in fascination as his checks turned a soft pink before he looked away.

"Come on, Caroline." Rebekah pulled Caroline from the table, being careful with her shoulder as she was led from the dining room. "I shall show you around the village."

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Caroline and laughed as Rebekah pointed out all the shops not to bother looking through, they charged way to much coin for their merchandise, and which shops greatly undervalued their stock. As they walked past the second blacksmiths, Rebekah quickly grabbed Carolines arm and steered her away from it, head tucked down, almost as if she were hiding behind Caroline.

"What are you doing?" she questioned quietly, looking around them to find what had caused Rebekah's nerves. She looked for a threat that made her sister figure feel such discomfort.

"It is nothing, I just do not wish to converse with Edmund." Rebekah looked back over their shoulders, catching sight of whom she was avoiding, she snapped around to look forward.

Caroline brow furrowed as she glanced back, catching sight of the blacksmiths first born son, who looked to be Finn's age. His brown, shoulder-length hair hung over a handsome, warm face. Sparkling aquamarine eyes, set low within their sockets, watch devotedly at Rebekah's back. Fire had left its mark, reaching from the bottom of the left cheekbone, running towards the left side of his lips and ending on his left nostril showing his upbringing as a smithy. "Why do you fear him? Has he done something to you?"

Rebekah turned to look at her, biting at her lower lip. "No, but he wishes to court me. Before you ask, no, father disapproved."

"Do you wish to be with him, Edmund?"

Rebekah shrugged, once more looking over her shoulder to meet his gaze. "I hadn't known about him until he asked father for permission. But, he seems nice, a bit shy and closed off, but sweet enough."

Caroline looked around them, before leading Rebekah away from the crowded market and took a seat on a large hay bail sitting outside the villages horse barn. "Tell me, could you see yourself building a life with him? Do you at least wish to know him better?"

Caroline watched as she looked back towards the smithies, nibbling at her bottom lip once more before she nodded slowly. "I would like to know him more then just Edmund, the blacksmiths son."

Nodding with a bright smile, Caroline spoke. "Then ask your father to reconsider."

"No, he has already decided on his answer, there is no need to bring the matter back to him." Rebekah shook her head, looking anywhere but Caroline or the blacksmiths down the road from them.

"Rebekah, if you truly wish, for even a moment of hope for your future, you must confront your father." before Rebekah could deny her again, Caroline continued. "Trust me on this, please. Ask your father to reconsider."

Rebekah sighed, shoulders sagging as if a great weight had been place on them, she nodded. "Alright, I will speak to my father at supper tonight. I swear I will."

Caroline smiled at her. "You will not regret trusting me. Everything will work out for the best." as she stood, Caroline taking the lead and walked back the way they had come, stopping by one of the cheaper clothing stalls. Caroline mentally check the box next to Rebekah's name on her list of the three Mikaelson's that she had grown close to and that she wanted to help with their human lives.

OoOoOoO

It was a few hours later, as Rebekah familiarized Caroline with the surrounding forest, when they stumbled upon the drama. "How can you say that? Just this past day you claimed to love me, and now you think I should move on to another? What are you saying?"

Caroline recognized the accent before they caught sight of the speaker. Niklaus looked almost broken as he gazed longing at Tatia. "I mean what I say, Klaus. I do not love you the way you wish. I am waiting for a man I can love, and that is not you. Go find some else to be grow old with, you deserve it. Goodbye, Niklaus."

"That wench!" Rebekah cursed beside her as they watched Tatia walk away from Klaus, who watched the dark haired beauty disappear within the trees.

Caroline felt the guilt that came with the look of lose on his face, though she also secretly rejoiced. Never had she felt such jealousy as when she caught the look on his face when he watched Tatia, the look she had seen on his face as he watched her, back in the 21st century. Caroline felt like she had just walked in on a private moment, which she kind of did, and noticing the slump of Klaus's shoulders and the scowl on his face, Caroline felt they shouldn't be there. She reached for Rebekah's hand to her side, only to grasp air.

Her blue eyes widened when she realized Rebekah was already halfway to her brother, and before she could stop her, Bekah had her arms thrown around him. It gave her pause however, when Klaus returned the embrace, looking as though it was exactly what he was in need of. Caroline was reminded, once more, that the past Klaus was much different from the human Klaus, in terms of he returned the comforting gesture instead of lashing out, even though Caroline was sure he wished to do just that.

They spoke quietly after a moment of complete silents, Klaus's eyebrows drew together, making his eyes narrow as he spoke to his sister, who shrugged her shoulders carelessly and waved her hand in Carolines direction, which was followed by his gaze. He straightened at the sight of her, muttering something to Rebekah, shooting her a dirty look before forcing a smile. "Good afternoon, Caroline. How are you faring with my sister for company?"

Rebekah made a sound of annoyance, a scoff combined with a snort, as she slapped the back of his shoulder, following as he walked towards her. "I fare quite well actually. It has been enjoyable thus far."

Rebekah smiled brightly as she returned to Carolines side, linking their arms together before turning to Klaus. "You see brother, I am a fair guide."

Klaus smiled softly at his sister. "Have you shown, Caroline to the pools yet?"

"We were just heading there when, um...well-"

"When we interrupted, which I apologize for." Caroline finished for the poor human Rebekah as she stumbling over her own speech.

Klaus looked back the way Tatia had come before his shoulders sagged, looking back to the two blonds in front of him. "All is well, Caroline. You interrupted nothing. Now, shall I lead the way?" he clapped his hands in front of him, rubbing them together as if excited.

Caroline smiled and nodded. "Please, lead." as he turned and walked down the narrow path they had been following, They trailed behind him for a moment longer before she caught sight of the look Rebekah was sending her. "What, we could hardly leave him by himself. Tatia was cruel to him. He needs to be around people that care for him. So he will be joining us."

Rebekah looked both confused and amazed. "How are you so wise and caring? How do you even know Tatia?"

Caroline felt her face go warm at Rebekah's words. "I ran into her in the market when I first arrived into at the village. She was rather hostile."

Bekah snorted. "That is Tatia the wench for you. But really," she looked Caroline in the eye. "How are you so...caring, so understanding?"

"Years of practice." Caroline smiled calming over to the original. "Now come, we've fallen behind." she didn't wait for Bekah's reply as she ran ahead, picking up the front of her dress to avoid tripping. Caroline reached Klaus's side moments before Bekah, who laughed and was grinning like mad.

Klaus glanced between them, raising a brow before shaking his head and facing forward. "We are almost there. What are the two of you doing? Acting like children."

Caroline shared a brief look with his little sister. "We were just enjoying ourselves, you must try it sometime. You may find you liking the freedom it gives you."

Klaus didn't reply as Rebekah cut in and grabbed hold of Carolines arm. "We're here! Come on, Caroline, hurry!"

Caroline allowed herself to be swept away, soon finding herself on a beach. Looking around Caroline took in the amazing sights of the "pools" as Klaus had labeled. The lake was large and round, keeping its deep, dark depth by the six story water fall on the opposite side of the beach from them. Caroline felt her mouth drop open and her breath leave her in a huff. "This is beautiful." she whispered, almost jumping out of her skin when a familiar voice answered from behind her shoulder.

"One would think you have never seen a waterfall before, traveler." she could hear the teasing in his tone.

Caroline spared a look over her shoulder, finding him not even a foot away. She stared into his deep blue, innocent yet mischievous, gaze. She could feel her breath leave her once more. "None like this." her answer was slightly more breathless then she had intended, and she could tell it had startled Klaus as he looked back into her gaze.

"Caroline, come look at this!"

Caroline tore her eyes from Klaus's, feeling annoyed that even though she was a thousand years in the past, Klaus still had that dizzying, charmed affect on her. "Coming!" she didn't look back as she walked to her friend, whom was trying to show her the small fishes that swam slightly off shore, reflecting the sunlight, making them glitter like a rainbows.

She chanced a glance back, only to meet Klaus's intense gaze that followed her, almost searching for something inside her. Caroline felt her face heat even more then it had the last time as she looked back to the fish, not catching Rebekah as she looked between Klaus and her, a small sly smile of her face.

OoOoOoO

Night had fallen faster then Caroline though possible, Rebekah hurried hem home, just in time to help Ester prepare the evening meal. They all worked in silents, ducking around each other as if dancing, their movements almost seemed rehearsed, never once did someone get underfoot, at least until Henrik came running into the room.

"Fathers home early from checking the properties." Henrik turned when the front door opened, a smile on his round face.

He laughed and squealed as Mikael growled in the back of his throat before throwing the boy over his wide set shoulder, walking further into the kitchen. "Good evening, my fare woman." he smiled as he leaned forward and kissed mama original gently.

Rebekah made a gagging sound in the back of her throat, looking way from her parents. Caroline followed her example, feeling as if she was interrupting a private moment. "How was your day, my love?" Ester asked once he wrapped his free arm around her shoulders.

Watching Rebekah and Caroline as they finished the supper, Mikael smiled down at his wife. "All went well. A newly wed couple has purchased the hut near the edge of the village. They were pleased with the price and I am pleased with the pair of them. A very responsible couple, moving forward in life, creating a family. There is no greater joy." Mikael looked from Rebekah to little Henrik, whom he slid from his shoulder to stand in front of them, his eyes shone with pride. "No greater joy." he repeated with a small smile.

Caroline could see the tears within Rebekah's and Esters eyes, and felt more the content for bringing them such happiness. She didn't speak as she gathered the serving platters holding the meat and bread into her arms before slipping out of the family moment, walking into the dining room to the food on the table, which had been set by Henrik. She stayed in the dining room, leaning her hip against the table, waiting for the tender family moment to be finished.

"Good evening, Caroline." jumping slightly, she turned to find Elijah walking into the room and slumped down into a chair.

"Good evening, Elijah." she paused and looked him over, noticing the slump of his frame and the eery look of devastation on his face. "Are you alright?"

"I am well." he nodded his head, smiling in her direction, though it was forced.

"You do not look well, you look sad." she took the seat next to him. "Would you tell me what is bothering you?"

Elijah looked between her and the doorway to the kitchen. "It is of no importance." he watched her out of the corner of his eye as she crossed her ankles, placed her entwined hands in her lap and him her full attention. He sighed loudly before facing her. "A woman from the village, who claimed to love me, told me she did not and that I should go love someone else. I just do not understand why she would do such a thing."

Caroline felt a pang of guilt once again, for causing him pain. "As a child, my father once told me 'Love is eternal, come hell or high water'. If she left you so easily, it was never love for her. And I know it may hurt right now, but it will get better." Caroline smiled softly as she spoke to the dark, long haired man. "Someday, you'll meet someone new and fall madly in love, and you'll have moved on without even realizing it."

Elijah stared at her for a moment. "You are very wise for one so young." his eyes seemed to have found a spark of life, as he nodded his head. "Thank you, for your kind words."

Caroline smiled brightly as Ester, Mikael, Henrik and Rebekah joined them. "It is no trouble."

They were all soon joined by Finn and Niklaus. Food was served and all was silent, giving Rebekah the perfect opportunity she needed. "Father?"

He glanced at his daughter. "Yes, Rebekah, what is it?" he set his fork and knife aside, giving Rebekah his full attention.

The whole Mikaelson family had stopped to watch her. "Do you remember, Edmund?" her father nodded slowly, Caroline watched her gulp, feeling sorry for the teen. "I would like it very much if you would reconsider your decision on his courting of me." she spoke quickly and loudly, making sure to be heard. "In the very least I could get to know him. In the most, I could love him. Please father."

Caroline could see her brothers holding their breath, waiting for the inevitable shouting that they had grown accustomed. They did not anticipate Mikael's nodding. "Alright," he sighed as he looked at Rebekah's stunned face. "I will go see him in the morning, give him my rules, and see what happens. But, you are not allowed to be alone with him."

"But, father-"

"No, Caroline will be your chaperone." Mikael looked to the wide eyes of the girl in question. "If that is agreeable to you?"

Caroline glanced between Mikael and Rebekah, finding her hands clasped in front of her chin, silently begging. If she didn't agree, one of her brothers would do it, probably Kol or Klaus, both being a bad decision. "Of course I will chaperone." her nodded to Mikael, he returned it. Rebekah looked like she had won a war.

"That is settled then. I shall speak to Edmund in the morning and Caroline will accompany you when he calls." he returned to his meal.

"Thank you, father." Rebekah smiled the rest of supper, sending Caroline thankful looks the whole way.

After the meal, Caroline shooed Ester away, leaving the two blonds to clean and put away the dishes. Though halfway through, Bekah couldn't hold back to squeal of joy. She jumped up and down, pulling Caroline into an awkward bouncing embrace. "Thank you, Caroline! Thank you!" she squealed again. "I'm going to see him tomorrow. Oh, Caroline, can you believe this?" she laughed jumped once more before running from the room, up the stairs and into her room.

Caroline laughed, smiling until she realized only half the dishes were done. Caroline sighed and shook her head before continuing with the chore. "Do you need some help?"

Looking over her shoulder, her gaze locked with deep blue. She shrugged, returning to what she was doing, trying not to pay to much attention as Klaus stood beside her, shoulders brushing against hers as they worked in silents.

"You convinced Rebekah to ask father to reconsider, didn't you?" she didn't answer, though she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "How did you know that he would? Reconsider, that is."

"Because he is a good father." she dried her hands as she finished, handing him the last plate to be put away after he dried it.

"He didn't used to be."

"But he is now." she met his gaze, noticing the question lingering just at the tip of his tongue. Though before he could voice it, Caroline smiled. "Goodnight, Niklaus." she walked past him, not noticing Rebekah as she crept away from them and back up to her room.

"Klaus." she looked back at him, raising a brow. "You can call me, Klaus."

Caroline smiled, feeling as if she had gotten a piece of her old life back. "Goodnight, Klaus." the smiled didn't leave her face as she walked into the guest room that had been assigned hers, changing into a nightgown, she lay awake, staring out the window and up at the moon. She found it ironic, that in her time, Klaus waited for her to realize her feelings for him, now she was waiting for him to start caring for her as he once did.

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I own nothing but the idea.

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