A/N: I am both sad and excited that this story is almost over, with maybe three chapters left. The reason sad because this story has been so much fun to explore and I've enjoyed it so much, not to mention all the support and love it's gotten make me so happy, but all good things must come to an end at some point. The exciting thing is that when I planned out this story, I planned out a sequel and a sequel to the sequel. This story is one of three and I am excited to dive into the Originals version of this story, i like it and I hope you guys will like it too. But for now, enjoy this chapter and stay safe wherever you are reading this!
Summary: Klaus was not the only one affected by the hybrid curse, denying him his werewolf side. The curse had a second victim, his wife Caroline, who for a 1000 years he thought was dead. Only days before he is meant to break his hybrid curse, he learns she is alive and closer than he ever imagined. Klaroline!Time travel story
Chapter Eighteen
Caroline had a routine, one that she followed almost religiously. In the morning she would wake up a little earlier than everyone else to watch the sunrise with Niklaus, then she would help Rebekah and Esther with breakfast. After breakfast, Caroline would do chores with Rebekah for an hour then she would go off with Lexi and Kol in the woods for magic. Her magic lessons were coming along really well as far as she was concerned, Lexi believed she was a natural and Kol thought she was brilliant. Of course Caroline adored the praise she was getting, besides she was really getting the hang of the whole magic thing.
The only real problem she had now was the fact that she still couldn't get home or stop herself from leaving. Only a few months remained before Caroline knew she would be forced to go back to her time and while that should have made her happy, part of her was truly dreading it. She missed her friends and mom terribly, but she loved being here with the Mikaelsons, she loved being her with Niklaus the most. But she knew her was running out. When magic practice ended, Caroline would then help Esther with lunch.
After lunch Caroline would have some free time to do whatever she pleased, she wrote in her planner or would work on a new hobby. Her and Elijah would have some great discussion about the town, even had some really fun debates about anything that came to pass. Once her free time ended, she would take a walk through the woods and meet Niklaus at the tree he showed her all that time ago. Dinner would come, she would spend even more time with Niklaus and go to sleep only to repeat it all the next day. It was blissful if she was being honest with herself.
Though as she woke up this morning with the sky still dark, she couldn't stop thinking about what this particular day would bring. It was certainly different than her usual routine. Caroline takes her fingers through her messy blonde hair, she glanced to her right to see Rebekah and Lexi were still asleep which brought Caroline some mild comfort as she wasn't ready to face the day. Quiet as a mouse, Caroline rose from her bed on the floor and walked over to the window, to look at the sky and wait for the sun to rise. Sleep wouldn't find her, today was an incredibly important day.
"Something on your mind?"
Caroline shut the cloth immediately at the sound of the all to familiar voice. That was close, way too close for comfort.
"Are you insane," Caroline whispered yelled through the sheet.
Niklaus chuckled softly, she could hear the smirk as he spoke lowly, "Apologies, I hadn't meant to startle you. Though I wish you would let me see your beautiful face."
Caroline couldn't fight her own smile, she whispered "Nuh uh, you know the rule."
"A ridiculous rule I tell you," Niklaus complained with a sigh, "I'd never heard of such a thing. Can't see the bride until she walks down the aisle."
"It's superstitious and adds to the dramatic effect," Caroline told him lightly.
Niklaus laughed, Caroline could practically see the expression on his face, "Unbelievable."
Caroline was getting married. It was crazy, she knew it was crazy, but she just didn't care. Like a love struck teenager, all Caroline wanted was to be with the guy she was in love with. Her mind thought back to his proposal-
"Where are you taking me Niklaus," Caroline asked with a sweet smile.
Niklaus was pulling her along through the trees, the sun was getting ready to set giving the sky a golden glow. All day, Niklaus had been acting a little different and his anxious behavior had been driving Caroline insane. He cancelled their morning walk, something she had been looking forward to, skipped out on lunch, seemed to be scattered and even a bit irritated. When she asked if something had happened with his dad, he assured her that wasn't the case, but still gave her no answer. It wasn't until dinner ended that she was really at her wits end, but then he flashed her that damn smile and whisled her away.
"Well love it's a surprise," Niklaus said as he glanced back at her, his gaze knowing, "Don't worry, you'll love it. I hope anyway."
Caroline offered him a smile, "I love just about anything you do. Even if I can't stand surprises."
"Trust me, this is one you don't want spoiled," Niklaus replied.
A brief silence fell over them as they continued to make their way through the tree. Caroline could just barely spot a clearing up ahead, she wondered if this was the same place that his hideaway was. It seemed like it could be, though she was certain they passed it since they had to walk a bit farther.
"Alright love, close your eyes," Niklaus said to her, stopping several feet away from the clearing.
Most days, Caroline would have argued, but she decided to play along for once. Bring her hands to her face, she closed her and let Niklaus guide her through the trees. Their playful words were soft, filled with teasing and something else Caroline couldn't quite place, but it made her smile nonetheless. Niklaus was a ball of nerves, though he did his best to give off the air of confidence that Caroline pulled out of him. This was extremely important, this would determine their lives and he wanted her to enjoy this, for this story to be one they tell their children and grandchildren.
He wanted her, he wanted a future with her, a life where they were happy and he could provide everything she needed. When they reached the edge of the clearing, he released her shoulders and stepped away from her. Taking a deep breath, he got down on one knee and pulled out the wooden ring he carved for her. He had carved many of them, broken even more, but this one he finally got right. He hoped she would like it and the home he built behind him, the one his brothers and even father helped him build.
"You can open your eyes sweetheart," Niklaus said softly, staring up at her,
Caroline lowered her hands and her eyes fell on him. Her nervous smile turned to a watery one, her eyes shimmered at the sight of him on his knee before her. He was going to propose.
"Caroline, I know we have not known each other for very long and courted for even less time, but I know in my heart and soul that we are meant to be together. You have brought beauty and light to my life where I only saw darkness and pain. From the first moment I laid eyes on you, I could feel that we were desitned for something great. From the moment we danced together around the fire, I knew you were meant to be my wife and I your husband," Niklaus took a quick breath. His own eyes shimmered. "I will be the best husband to you. No one will ever hurt you and we will have a happy life together. I promise that I will be always and forever yours."
"Please ask me so I can say yes already," Caroline whispered softly, tears falling down her face.
Niklaus laughed sweetly, "Caroline, will you be my wife?"
"Yes," Caroline cried, she nodded quickly, "A thousand times yes."
Caroline smiled at the memory of his proposal. How she couldn't wait to start their new life together, how they were going to get started today. It was June, she always wanted a June wedding and was thrilled that this would be it, she would get it all. While her chest ached knowing she didn't have the time she wanted, that she knew that getting it all was unlikely, she still dreamed and hope for it to work out. That this was real.
"I'll see you soon," Caroline whispered to him, sticking her hand out the window.
Niklaus kissed her hand, he lingered a moment longer before saying, "I'm looking forward to it."
Reluctantly, he released her hand and darted away before Elijah could come looking for him. Caroline brought her hand to her chest, a gentle smile still on her face as she took in the moment of it all. If anyone had told her she would get married to someone she had known for less than a year, she would have told them they were crazy. However she would have thought vampires and witches and all things magic were crazy to yet here she was, a witch in time centuries from her own.
Life was pretty bizarre, but she knew it was one she couldn't ever trade. Soon enough, the sun had risen and it was time to get ready. The village had joined in the celebration, everyone would be there and even two village children would help out in the ceremony. While at this time the tradition of having flower girls and ring bearers wasn't around, Caroline had put in the request that it be done and Lexi had taken care of it. Caroline and Lexi had grown to be incredibly good friends, though they had their ups and downs when it came to witch training, Caroline was grateful for her and would be sad to see her go.
I was only meant to help you get the magic under control. Now that I have, it's time for me to leave.
Lexi would stay for the wedding, but by tomorrow night she would be gone, back to the time she came from. Their ancestors still never said anything to Caroline, while she was connected to them despite most of them not being in this time, she could never speak to them. They spoke to Lexi, but not to her. It drove Caroline up the wall. After everything they had done, they could have at least spoken to her at some point for guidance or to tell her why they brought her here. Lexi told her one day it would make sense, but today wasn't the day. As Rebekah braided her hair around her head, Caroline tried not to let her emotions get the better of her. Thinking of her ancestors always upset her, she would focus on the joy this day was meant to bring.
"You are the most beautiful bride," Rebekah said when she finished braiding her hair, "And your dress is a masterpiece if I do say so myself."
"Considering you made it, I can't say you're wrong," Caroline remarked as she faced her soon to be sister-in-law.
Rebekah flashed her a winning smile, "Now get the dress on. We cannot have you being late to your own wedding- oh your flowers are still out in the back. Ugh, stay here and get ready. Lexi, help her."
Lexi had been standing off to the side watching with amusement. It was an exciting day and she was thrilled to be here for Caroline's wedding, but also heartbroken to leave her here. There was so much that Caroline would have to face and Lexi hated that she likely wouldn't be able to help her with any of it. Today marked the beginning of Caroline's journey, one that would bring in all kinds of troubles and pain, but there would be beauty and joy too.
"On it," Lexi said moving to grab her cousin's wedding dress.
As Rebekha raced away, Caroline walked over to Lexi with a sorrowful stare, "Do you think I'm crazy for this?"
Lexi raised an eyebrow, "Crazy for what? Getting married?"
Caroline glanced worriedly at where Rebekah had gone, "Just that… You know how much time I have left and was it crazy for me to do this? To go through with it?"
"No," Lexi answered honestly.
Now she understood the worries of her cousin. Caroline had maybe four months left before she would be whisked back to the present or future by comparison. Today she was getting married and soon, she would be without the people she had come to love here. That was a heartbreak Lexi wished she could ease for Caroline, but she knew there was nothing to be said about it. Not to mention, considering exactly who this family would become shortly after Caroline was gone. It was the hardest thing Lexi had to hide, but knew was the most important for the sake of everyone here.
"Really," Caroline asked, "God, I'm getting married at eighteen in the past without my friends and mother and I'm just-"
Lexi put a hand on her shoulder, "Hey, I get it… Look, I know it's crazy, but what you and Niklaus have is, well it's epic. When love is epic, you can't just walk away from it and that is exactly what you would be doing if you didn't go through with this. No one is ever certain how much time they have, you knowing means you can make all of it count which is something not many can do."
Caroline looked to her feet then back at Lexi, "Perhaps. I just know it's going to kill me when I go."
"I know, but let's not worry about it now," Lexi said, she looked past Caroline, "Besides, our ancestors brought you gift. I'm going to make sure you aren't disturbed."
Caroline frowned, "A gift? What are you talking about it?"
"She means this."
Caroline felt her breath hitch at the sound of a voice she had only heard in dreams and memories. One she had been longing for and needed now, the one person she really wanted to be with her today. Caroline turned around to see it was her mother, dressed jeans and a peach shirt.
"Mom," Caroline said in shock, her eyes burning, "I, I how are you here? I can't believe it."
"And to think the craziest thing for me is that my baby girl is getting married," said Liz with a shake of her head.
Caroline walked, jogged, over to her mom grinning madly. When her mother's arms wrapped around her, she practically fell apart at the feeling and didn't know what else to do besides cry. To think the wedding hadn't even started yet, but all she could do was cry. How she had missed her mom.
"How is everyone," Caroline asked when their hug broke.
Her mother sighed, "I don't know. It's been not even twenty four hours since I last saw you and I haven't heard anything from your friends. Only that Elena called, wondering if I had seen you. She sounded fine, worried as I imagine they all are, but they're okay."
That hit Caroline hard, "Wow, well I'm glad they're all okay, but not even a day has passed? It's been more than half a year since I last saw you. So much has happened, I'm witch like a for real witch who make things floats and start fires and cast spells. I fell in love, I'm getting married today. I... I, I'm scared."
Her mother offered her a sweet smile, "I know, but you're going to be great. I am so proud of you, so proud and you are so strong that nothing can stop you. When you come home, I know you'll be just fine."
"Thanks," Caroline said softly, "I still have four months here. Do you think that makes me crazy for getting married?"
Her mother shook her head, "Not at all. I know this isn't exactly my department, but when you really love someone, it's worth it. If this is what you truly want and will make you happy, you have all of my support and love."
"I've missed you so much," Caroline wiped a stray tear, "Will you, will you be there? At the wedding or just for now?"
"I'll be hiding in the back, watching you. For now, you have a dress to put on," her mother said.
Caroline laughed weakly. She nodded and went to change into her dress that Rebekah made for her. As Liz waited for Caroline, she glanced around the room to get a gage at how her daughter had been staying all this time. It was still crazy for Liz to see, her daughter who couldn't stand dirt taking on vampires and living a thousand years in the past, falling in love with someone she hadn't spent much time with and more. With everything that had happened, Liz still couldn't believe it all.
Just last night she had said goodbye to her daughter, not knowing how long she would be gone, yet not even twenty four later her ancestors bring her to past for a bit so she can see her daughter get married. Married, to someone from this time. When Caroline did return home, Liz knew that would be the biggest heartbreak for her girl. After a few more moments, Caroline appeared in her view dressed in a plain white dress. The sleeves stopped at her elbow, though they flared out hanging freely. At the bottom were little pinky and blue flowers with some green swirling around them. In her hands she held a flower crown with thin white cloth, the veil.
"Beautiful," Liz said grinning happily, "You look so beautiful."
Caroline looked sheepish, she grinned, "Thank you. Will you put this on?"
Liz nodded, "I'd be honored to."
Liz took the flower crown and veil from her daughter gingerly. As Caroline turned around, Liz was hit with a memory of an eight year old Caroline dressed in light pink. Her hair was down, she held a bask of red petals and spun around. When she was a flower girl and Liz wondered what would her daughter's wedding be like. Liz put the crown on Caroline easily, even used a bobbie pin to keep it in place. Caroline turned around to face her mother, the veil over her face and Liz felt like she was getting choked up. This was her baby, getting married today.
"Go on, this is your day," Liz said, her smile more emotional than before.
Caroline nodded, but said nothing more. She hugged her mother tightly, enjoying the feeling that she knew she wouldn't have again for some time to come. At least she got this moment, at least her mother would watch her from a distance. It wasn't quite how Caroline pictured it, but it was wonderful just the same.
Niklaus felt like he was going to throw up. Getting ready hadn't taken long and he was able to make sure that everything was in place for the wedding, he wanted it to be perfect for Caroline. Currently, he was standing at the alter outside of the village, though everyone who lived in the village was here and joining their celebration.
Originally this was only going to be a family affair, but Rebekah had been the one to make him reconsider proposing that idea to Caroline. Since her family, besides Lexi, could not be here, it didn't seem right for it only to be them. Not to mention all the friends she had made in the town, it was only right that they join for this ceremony and chip in to help. There was food for miles it seemed and the party would be one unlike the village had seen for many years. It would be the perfect day. Niklaus took a breath as he watched everyone in the crowd sitting on logs, the walkway open and waiting for his wife to be.
"What if she doesn't come," Niklaus said quietly to his brother.
Elijah held back a laugh, "You have nothing to worry about Niklaus. Caroline will be here and you two will start your lives together."
"And if she changed her mind," Niklaus asked.
"She won't," Elijah replied confidently, "This is going to be a great wedding and you a great husband. I am proud of the man you have become, you will have a bright future ahead."
Niklaus smiled, "I certainly hope so."
It was then that Caroline made an appearance at the end of the aisle holding Lexi's arm. Rebekah appeared beside him, but he hardly noticed her when the only thing he could see was Caroline, dressed in a beautiful white dress. As Caroline walked forward behind a little girl throwing petals, her eyes met his and her smile was as radiant as the sun. His heart pounds rapidly in his chest as he returns her smile, he can't do anything, but smile at her and watch as she comes to stand before him.
Caroline spoke first, "Ready?"
"Born ready," Niklaus replied as he took her hand.
The officiator speaks and the vows are traded, it was a blur for Niklaus and for Caroline to. The rings are put on their fingers and they hold each other's hands as tight as they can without hurting the other. Weddings were something Caroline always loved, they were always so beautiful and magical. Standing at her own wedding, with the man she loves, she is filled so much joy. The kiss comes slowly, it is gentle and loving, it is perfect. This was perfect. She wished it would last forever, but seldom did her wishes come true.
