I know :( I'm terrible. I feel awful for not updating in so long but truthfully all the stuff going down in TO/TVD had made me so depressed about writing this fic. I started writing it last year when I had just discovered fanfiction and Klaroline inspired me to write. The stuff going on in the shows at the moment has shaken my love for the couple. However, I've decided to man up and deal with it because I will never give up on Klaroline :)

This chapter is kind of info heavy. The next one will be a continuation of this one but will have a bit more drama and drastic decision making from our couple.

Anyway, I hope people are still reading and you don't hate me too much. I haven't got a beta and only did a brief spelling/grammar check so sorry for mistakes! Don't own TO/TVD.

Caroline's eyes fluttered lazily as she awoke from slumber. Her neck throbbed and her head ached and the feeling was eerily reminiscent of the morning she had woken up to find that Damon had fed on her. The only difference was instead of feeling drained, confused and afraid Caroline felt full and satisfied. Her body felt warm and comfortable and her brain felt deliciously fuzzy. She turned her body to the left slightly upon feeling a feather-light touch skimming up and down her arm. Instinctively knowing who it was, Caroline opened her eyes to come face to face with a pair of swirling gold-blue eyes gazing down at her fondly and smiled sleepily.

"Good morning." She mumbled.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Klaus smirked lazily at her. His face seemed to mirror what she felt, looking relaxed and content. His gaze shifted to her neck and instantly became dark and hard.

"What's wrong?" Caroline asked a little worry seeping into her voice.

"My bite...you haven't healed yet." Klaus ground out, his fists clenching angrily.

Caroline raised a hand and tentatively touched the flesh of her neck. She winced a little at the sensitive wound but that was all. She knew if she were dying from the bite she would be feeling a lot worse. Hell, she would probably be dead by now.

She tried to catch Klaus' eyes but he was staring fixedly at her neck with what looked like guilt written all over his face. She placed her hands gently on either side of his face and was surprised to find that this gesture, this whole moment between them didn't feel awkward at all. He raised his dark eyes to hers shame spinning in their depths. Caroline smiled brightly at him.

"Klaus, I'm fine." She assured him.

"I hurt you, Caroline." Klaus choked out in an anger that was directed only at himself.

Caroline's hands found their way into his hair to soothe his agitation.

"Hey, you didn't hurt me. I wanted this, I wanted you to bite me. Oh god, I just wanted a new experience. I'm sorry, I didn't realise you would regret last night." Caroline said.

Klaus inhaled sharply.

"Is that what you think? That I regret bloodsharing with you?"

Caroline flushed with embarrassment and nodded slightly.

"Well, you kinda look like you regret it." She said quietly.

Placing his hands over hers and pulling them down so they rested gently between them, Klaus stared into Caroline's eyes that were wide and swimming with insecurity. It seemed that even as a vampire, Caroline's human self still bled into her personality.

"Sweetheart, last night was...indescribable. I was telling the truth when I said that I hadn't bloodshared before and I'm glad that I didn't because sharing that experience with you was extraordinary."

Caroline beamed happily at him.

"I'm glad because I thought it was pretty 'extraordinary' too." She said mocking his sultry accent.

They shared a small smile before Caroline gasped and brushed her fingers lightly across the mark she had left on his shoulder.

"My mark's still on you too."

Although Klaus shivered at the gentleness of her touch, he had to restrain himself from frowning at her revelation. It was one thing if a baby vampire still had a mark on their neck after they had been bitten by a werewolf or hybrid hours ago but it was another thing entirely if a thousand year old Original Hybrid had yet to recover from the mutual feeding. His supernatural healing ability should have prevented any mark from forming for very long if at all. The fact that he hadn't healed and Caroline had yet to heal completely despite the fact she had consumed more than enough of his blood the previous night was enough to give him cause for concern. Apparently Caroline noticed his concern too for she was looking at him in confusion.

"Are you okay?"

"Of course, sweetheart. Unfortunately, I must bid you farewell for the day as I have a meeting with a company I'm thinking of investing in. Antiquities and the like, a very lucrative business."

Caroline grimaced.

"You lost me at 'company'. Whatever, I'll just see if Bonnie's free or something. Will I...see you tonight?" She asked tentatively.

Klaus swallowed thickly when he saw her slightly unsure expression and felt a wave of guilt wash over him at the lie he had told her but he knew that it was essential to protect her. He didn't know what these bite marks and their bloodlust meant and he was determined to find out before they could potentially harm her.

He nodded and she kissed him swiftly before leaving for her own room. As soon as Caroline had left, Klaus leapt up from the bed and stared at his reflection in the mirror. There was the bite mark she had left on him standing out proudly on his shoulder. It was little and clean but bold just like the baby vampire herself. He pulled out his phone and sent a text to Kol mindful that vampire ears could be listening if he called him.

Brother, find me a witch and not the Bennett witch. I need to speak with one urgently. Meet me in the lobby in 30 minutes - N

Klaus sent the text and immediately began to get ready. Despite his worry, his body felt amazing and his brain hummed contentedly. He ached to taste Caroline again and that in itself was worrying. He had refined his excellent self-control over the years and the craving he had for her blood was unlike anything he had experienced before. He looked at his reflection again, surprised at what he saw there. His eyes glowed yellow and black veins crawled around them his fangs just barely elongated and he knew he was barely in control. The thought of tasting Caroline's blood again had caused this strong reaction.

What on earth was happening to him?

xoxoxo

Caroline was practically skipping on her way to meet Bonnie by the pool. She felt giddy with delight at what had transpired between her and Klaus the previous evening. She was proud of herself for finally taking a step into the mysteries of vampirism and it felt good. Klaus' blood tasted amazing and last night was no exception and she knew it was extremely powerful which was why she felt so good. She couldn't wait to taste him again and her stomach did flips at the very thought of it.

But it wasn't just the thought of feeding from him again that had Caroline feeling so happy. She knew she was falling for him. How could she not? He had an abundance of charm and good looks and he was clearly into her. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't into him too. She couldn't help but compare him to every boy she had ever been interested in. She had loved Matt she was sure of it and he was incredibly sweet and kind but he had never inspired the heart-skipping and sweaty palms reaction that Klaus did. With Tyler it was different. Yes, they had been in love but he was a teenage boy only preoccupied with getting into her pants. Of course, she was guilty of exactly the same thing and their entire relationship had been lust driven. She felt similar lustful feelings towards Klaus but it wasn't just that, despite how overwhelming it could sometimes be. He made her question the world around her, her life and he was a great teacher introducing her to different things. She wanted to discover more and she wanted him to show her. He didn't just physically stimulate her but emotionally and intellectually as well.

Truthfully, she had never felt like this before and although there was a gnawing pit of what felt like confusion and nervousness in her stomach, she felt like she was floating.

Caroline caught sight of Bonnie waving at her from by the pool and quickly ran to join her. She clasped her best friends hand in hers and grinned broadly.

"Hey! Guess what?"

"You shared blood with Klaus?" Bonnie said in a shocked voice.

Caroline frowned. She had missed the way Bonnie had closed her eyes upon skin contact with her.

"Uh, yeah...how did you know?" Caroline asked.

"I could tell the moment I touched you. Caroline, your entire aura is pulsing!" Bonnie exclaimed in awe, her hand gripping Caroline's tightly.

"What aura? What are you talking about?" Caroline said confused.

Bonnie shrugged.

"It's something I've been learning about. Everyone has an aura that surrounds them and it's unique to who they are. It's just like a swirl of colour that surrounds you. Witches can see them once we learn about them but most of the time we tune them out because they're distracting. Yours is different though. It's super strong it broke through the barrier in my mind that blocks me from seeing them and it's completely different to the last time I saw it."

"Different how?"

"Your aura is usually gentle and doesn't move and it's mostly light yellow. Today it's bigger than before and there are swirls of dark grey and black in it which are the colours I see the most in Klaus' aura. It's moving really fast around you as well. You're practically glowing. It's like you've exchanged energy with him which can only come from bloodsharing."

"Is it a bad thing?" Caroline asked tentatively.

"Not at all, really. I suppose you run the risk of forming a blood bond but I highly doubt that as they're extremely rare. Besides, you'd notice some side effects by now. Increased blood consumption and unexplainable emotions. I think you're all right." Bonnie grinned at her and replaced her sunglasses on her face.

Caroline tried to take the relaxed approach Bonnie was but couldn't. She was experiencing an increased craving for blood, specifically Klaus' but she had downed six blood bags in just twelve hours. She tried to sort through her emotions and recognised anger and confusion some of which was her own but much stronger. Could she be feeling what he was feeling? She thought back to the nervousness she had felt earlier despite being happy. It didn't belong to her.

Caroline chewed on her lip nervously and anger radiated through her mind. She had no idea what was happening but as soon as Klaus returned she was find out.

xoxoxo

The witch that Kol had found for Klaus lived in Henderson, only a short drive away from where they were staying. The brothers pulled up outside a quaint little house that had wind chimes hanging from the porch, tinkling in the slight breeze. No sound came from inside.

"Well? Where is she then?" Klaus demanded angrily, anxious for answers.

Kol rolled his eyes at his brother's impatience.

"Calm down, brother. She's quite adept at hiding. Come out, Georgie, I know you're there."

There was a slight shimmer in the air before a rather angry looking woman appeared directly in front of them. Her hair was a vibrant red that fell in waves to her shoulders and her eyes a piercing emerald green. She seemed to crackle with energy and fire seemed to dance at the very ends of her hair. Her cat like eyes narrowed visibly as she took in the two Original brothers that stood before her and her many bracelets and bangles jingled on her arms as she shook with rage.

"You know I don't like it when you call me that." The woman spat at him.

"Oh, but Georgie, darling, you know I'm supposed to annoy you." Kol winked at her flirtatiously.

"I know you're supposed to be dead."

"A story for another time, Georgina dear. Right now, we need your help."

Georgina chuckled darkly and folded her arms across her chest.

"Yes, I know you need my help. I know what your problem is and how to solve it. However, I seem to remember banning you from asking for my help after you slept with my best friend." She sneered at him.

"Okay, okay, darling. I understand you're angry but Nik here would really appreciate some help."

Klaus sighed exasperatedly.

"For goodness sake, Kol. Must you sleep with every single witch you come across?"

"I can't help it brother. They have an exquisite taste." Kol replied raising his eyebrows at Georgina who blushed scarlet at his innuendo.

"I should hope the Bennett witch doesn't hear you say that." Klaus remarked.

"Ah, but Bonnie is my other half and knows all about my past. I must say, she is the most exquisite witch I've ever come across." Kol said proudly.

"Well, this is nauseating." Georgina sighed.

"Yes, enough with the chit-chat. Georgie, Nik here wants your expertise on a certain delicate matter." Kol implored, summoning his most charming grin to his face.

"If you're involved with a Bennett witch then why are you coming to me for help? Their lineage is far more powerful than mine."

"It's a rather delicate situation, sweetheart." Klaus grimaced.

"Ah, she must be friends with the pretty little vampire who gave you that mark on your neck and you don't want to seek her out in case you worry your little love." Georgina said knowingly.

The brothers looked surprised as Georgina smirked at them.

"I possess some rather wonderful magical gifts but my favourite is the one I inherited from my mother. I'm part Seer and I can see that you mean my no harm. Come inside."

The witch strode into her house confidently as the Originals trailed behind. They stood awkwardly in Georgina's living room as she settled comfortably onto her sofa and looked at them expectantly.

"So, Niklaus Mikaelson, the infamous, evil, Original Hybrid. It seems that you are curious about the bite that your lady love has branded you with." Georgina stated happily.

"Why hasn't it healed? What does it mean?" Klaus demanded.

"You're asking the wrong questions. In fact, you shouldn't be asking questions at all as it is I that needs answers. Does she have a bite from you too?"

Klaus nodded.

"And when did you too engage in your...intimate activities?"

"Sometime last night and around 3am this morning." Klaus growled in annoyance.

"And did the two of you share blood with each other or consume each other's blood before these moments occurred?"

"Yes. Several times. I have healed her twice from hybrid bites with my blood but the second time was caused by my feeding on her." Klaus admitted ashamedly.

Georgina cocked her eyebrow in amusement and Kol grimaced at his brother's actions.

"Do you or her still have bite marks from the last time you bloodshared?"

"Yes."

"How do you feel right this moment?"

Klaus tilted his head to think about it.

"I feel...annoyed and confused because I'm not in control but I feel happy and full. In fact, I feel almost giddy and my stomach keeps fluttering. But that can't be right! They don't even feel like my emotions."

"That would be because they aren't all your emotions." Georgina sat back satisfied.

Klaus and Kol looked at the witch in confusion who sighed in resignation at the fact that other supernaturals just didn't seem to understand witches and their need to be vague at all.

"You're experiencing Caroline's emotions. That is her name isn't it?"

Klaus frowned and nodded, gesturing for Georgina to continue.

"You and Caroline have created a blood bond. They are rare but not unheard of and are extremely powerful, even more so in your case."

"Why specifically my-our case?"

"You're the Original Hybrid, the only one of your existence. I guess that extremely rare things are more than likely to happen to you. The sire bond, for example."

Noticing Klaus' confusion and frustration, Kol decided to step in before he could rip the redhead's throat out.

"I'm sorry, Georgie darling but I think you will need to explain this a bit more clearly. I have no idea what any of this means." Kol said.

"A blood bond is something that can occur between two supernatural beings who have mutually exchanged blood. It is common for vampires in a relationship or with strong feelings for each other to feed on each other as blood is an essential part of their lifestyle. You crave it and must consume it to live and when sharing blood with a lover it can be euphoric and intimate. Because it is so common among vampires, blood bonds are rarely formed otherwise the entire race would be running amok in a feeding frenzy as the bond heightens your craving for blood, specifically the person you are bonded to. It's important to remember that a blood bond can only occur when there are strong feelings from both parties involved. In your case, Niklaus, your very species has played a part in this bond forming. As the only one of your kind, you are more susceptible to things such as blood bonds and sire bonds manifesting between you and other vampires, perhaps even humans and werewolves. Of course, that is just one of the reasons this has occurred. The feelings between you and Caroline and the fact that you are mates were also contributing factors." Georgina stated.

Klaus was stunned. He had of course heard of the term and even come across mated couples in his thousand year existence. It always occurred among werewolves and he had seen it tear apart other relationships as it was animalistic and couldn't be broken. He had come across alpha males who had ripped apart humans who were attracted or involved with their female counterparts. He had thought about the idea of being mated rarely over the years as he concluded that his vampire half was the more dominant one until the curse was broken and he sincerely doubted that someone would be matched to him.

"Excuse me, but what do you mean by 'mates'?"

"Well, I use the term loosely for it has a number of different meanings. For example, mates can refer to the relationship between two vampires or two werewolves maybe even two humans. In vampires it's cemented by an emotional bond but can easily be broken and replicated such as in the event of the death of one mate the other could eventually find a new partner who would then become their mate. The vampire mating bond is strong but can be broken. For werewolves and humans, the mating bond is something that occurs when two beings are physically and emotionally matched to one another the purpose of which is to reproduce to maintain the existence of the species. When I use the term to refer to you and Caroline I mean that you are, for lack of a better term, soulmates or predestined partners. Again, it is incredibly rare and this is the first time I have ever come across it but I have no doubt about what it is and I am not surprised that it has happened to you for you are one of a kind."

Klaus ran a hand through his hair trying to process the information. It was distressing to him for he couldn't understand it.

"Soulmates? Predestined partners? Love, you must be completely out of your mind if you believe that." Klaus exclaimed.

"Oh come on, brother. Isn't this what you wanted? You and little Caroline are destined to be together. It's written in the stars!" Kol snorted causing Klaus to glare at him.

Georgina folded her arms in annoyance and narrowed her eyes at the younger Original.

"Laugh all you like but it won't change the truth. You have been lonely and incapable of loving someone all these years because you were waiting for your lover to arrive, Klaus. Now, she's here and neither of you can escape destiny. Anyway, this isn't even the information you should be most concerned about right now." She said haughtily.

Klaus' eyes widened.

"What could possibly require more concern right now?"

"You blood bond, stupid. You and Caroline are going to go through some pretty intense shit soon if you haven't already."

Of course. Caroline's bloodlust, how he only felt sated when he fed from her and apparently he was now feeling her emotions.

"How do I fix this?" Klaus demanded.

Georgina tilted her head and eyed him with amusement.

"Do you really want to fix this, Klaus? Think about it, Caroline is your soulmate, the blood bond only intensifies that. Don't you want another reason to keep her by your side forever?"

Of course he did, he wanted Caroline with him always. He had no doubt that what Georgina was saying was the truth. He had seen mating bonds first hand and he knew, a part of him had known since he met her he supposed, that Caroline was the woman he was destined to be with. But not like this, not with a blood bond that he barely understood keeping them together. She deserved to be with him on her own terms not with him holding blood bonds and destiny over her head.

He looked back to Georgina again whose eyes glazed over before looking at him in confused admiration.

"You don't, do you? You already love her."

"Look, witch, just tell me how I can fix this situation?" Klaus growled.

"The only way to fix it is by breaking the bond altogether."

"Fine. Do it."

"I need Caroline here to break it and having a Bennett witch perform the spell with me wouldn't hurt either." Georgina said with a glance to Kol.

"Consider it done. We'll be back tonight." Klaus said moving towards the front door before Georgina's voice stopped him once more.

"I must warn you, Niklaus. Breaking a blood bond is no easy feat. It will be...painful."

Klaus shrugged off her warning and continued back to the car with Kol in tow. Now he had to prepare himself for telling Caroline.

xoxoxo

He wasn't expecting Caroline to be sitting on his bed waiting for to get back to the hotel and he definitely wasn't expecting her to be scowling at him angrily. He swallowed hard at her expression and could feel her potent anger within himself.

"I think we need to talk." She ground out.

Yeah, they did.