A/N: Thank you all for the follows, favorites and reviews! It really makes me smile knowing people enjoy the story, I can't thank you enough for it!

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 Ten

Caroline had met up with Niklaus that night, it was late and all do his siblings had fallen asleep. It was ironic that he would sneak the tow of them out in the middle of night without letting any of them know. After all, she just did that the night before. However she decided not to question it so much, her curiosity of where he would take her was enough to keep her distracted from the worry of being caught. His hand was intertwined with hers as he pulled through the trees, the pair of them laughing softly. Eventually after several minutes of running through the darkness of the night, they stopped at the base of a thick tree.

"You had me run," Caroline panted slightly, "All the way out here in the middle of the night to show me a tree?"

Niklaus gave her hand a squeeze, "Oh I assure you love, this is more than just a tree."

Caroline tilted her head to the side, she looked up at him to study his face with an expectant look on her own. The light of the half moon allowed her just enough light to make out his features, though it was still a little difficult as they hadn't brought a torch with them. His cheeks were smooth, there was stubble along his chin and upper lip, Caroline wondered what it would feel like for her hand to cup his cheek and let her fingers move around his face. She forced the thoughts away as he spoke.

"Allow me to show you how," Niklaus told her as he released her hand. She missed the warmth it brought it her instantly.

Niklaus moved his hands around the base of the tree for a few moments, the sound of their breathing to fill the silence. Finally, he found what he was looking for and released a laugh that made Caroline's breath hitch. With a little force, he pulled the bark back to reveal a little room.

"As a boy I would come here to escape the world," Niklaus told her as he stepped away, "I would hide from father here, make some paint, carve some items, the usual."

Caroline smiled at him, "Just the usual things you do so well."

Niklaus nodded, his smile faltered as his nerves showed on his face, "Only myself and Rebekah know of this place. If you ever want or need to get away, I recommend this spot here."

"I'd hate to intrude on your hideout," Caroline said honestly.

"I would not have brought you here if I did not want you here," Niklaus informed her, he took her hand in his own again, "What do you think Caroline?"

Caroline squeezed his hand, "I can't wait to visit here again when the sun is up and I can actually see it clearly. Thank you for trusting me with this."

"Anything for you."

The days began to blur together as Caroline formed a routine with the family. She would start the day by helping to make breakfast with Rebekah and Esther, then go on to do chores with either woman. She would then help prepare lunch, do some more chores before having downtime. During that hour that she had to herself, she often found herself walking around the woods or going to watch Niklaus train with his brothers and father. Rebekah would often join her along with Kol and Henrik.

The only reason Mikael never told them to go away was because he simply didn't care, so long as they remained off to the side and not a distraction. Besides, he would bring Kol and Henrik over to train as well, leaving Rebekah and Caroline to watch. Caroline wished that she was a vampire in those moments, though she had never used a sword, she could figure out the dynamics as she went. Her speed and strength would have been her allies and she could have proved to them just how tough she was.

Of course she didn't want to think that her only value came from vampirism, but given the circumstances, she felt inclined to believe it at times. However it was thanks to Niklaus that was changing. Every day, the two of them would sneak out of the house to the clearing or to the hideout he had taken her to nights before. Whether it was simply to talk about their day or to play games, it was exciting and fun.

On one night, two days ago, when Caroline had told him her insecurity about being weak and powerless, he asked her if she would like to learn how to fight. It surprised her that he would offer it. When she asked why, his answer blew her away.

"You call yourself weak where I only see strength," he said to her softly, "If learning to use the weapons my brothers and I fight with will show you just how strong you are, then I will help you. Besides, a wise woman once told me that just because she has, to put it bluntly, boobs and a vagina did not make her fragile."

Caroline laughed lightly, "Seriously?"

"Seriously, if teaching you to sword fight will prove to you that you are more than capable, then I would be happy to teach you," Niklaus told her with a smile.

Caroline smiled to herself at the memory as she continued to watch Niklaus fight Elijah. It was clear Elijah was better in technique and strength, but Niklaus was just a bit faster and had sharper reflexes. Not to mention, Niklaus had a knack for catching his brothers off guard when he fought them. Using something either on their person or nearby to gain the advantage, which Caroline thought was brilliant, but Mikael detesteted it.

Caroline honestly wasn't sure she had ever truly hated someone until she met him, the way he treated his children was horrible. It made Caroline sick to her stomach every time one of his children returned the room later than usual with bruises or cuts. Usually it was Niklaus and that infuriated her further due him being a primary target. Caroline has gotten caught up in her thoughts that she was jerked awake from her thoughts by the shouting of Mikael at of course Nikluas. She suppressed a growl.

"We need to go," Rebekah said as she grabbed Caroline's arm.

Caroline resisted slightly, she looked at Rebekah with a pleading gaze.

Rebekah frowned at her, "Watching does neither of us any good. We should return home and prepare the bandages and medicine for them."

Caroline opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when she heard Niklaus cry out in anger and pain. Her head snapped back in the direction to see Mikael had cut his chest, the cut hadn't gone deep, but it was across his chest and the bleeding quickly spread. Niklaus kept his sword up, blocking his father who had yet to stop his attacks. Caroline bit down on her tongue hard. If she interfered, it would be worse for him. If she tried to defend him, it would end poorly for him.

Their swords continued to clash, Niklaus was holding his own, but it became clear that Mikael was taunting him as his son grew tired. Finn and Elijah stood off to the side, Finn seemed indifferent while Elijah looked pained. Kol and Henrik has matching expressions of anger and powerlessness. Caroline watched as Niklaus barely defended another aggressive attack from his father, the blood from his wound covered his white shirt. She had to stop this, this wasn't a training session, this was Mikael trying to prove himself alpha male and his son inferior. It pissed her off. Rebekah saw the shift in Caroline and while she admired her friends bravery and determination, she feared for her as well.

Rebekah's grip tightened around Caroline's arm, "Carol, please."

Caroline didn't look away from Mikael and Nikluas, "If it goes on much longer, I have to do something."

"It will make it worse for him," Rebekah reminder her softly.

Caroline shut her eyes, she shook her head, "It's wrong not to do anything."

"Yes," Rebekah agreed, "but it protects him more than-"

Niklaus cried out again, louder than before and in more pain. Everyone flinched at the sound. However Nikluas then attacked his father with more ferocity and anger than anyone was expecting. His blue eyes were ablaze with fury as his swings grew more frantic and filled with the anger he had been holding within himself. For the briefest of moments, Mikael appeared scared and uncertain, it was enough to fuel Niklaus further. He had the upper hand now and he was relentless, using his pain and anger to propel him further, to strengthen him. The time was now, he had a chance to strike his father like he had been struck so many times before. The timing was right, he was in position, but something happened.

It wasn't that Niklaus hesitated, though that was how it appeared, it seemed to be something more than that, but Caroline couldn't be sure what it was. However it didn't matter, Mikeal used the slip up to his advantage, taunted Niklaus with the familiar shouts of "boy" and "weak". Mikael knocked Niklaus off his feet and onto the ground, Niklaus now lay on the leaf covered ground without his sword and exhausted. Caroline couldn't stop herself. She was moving as fast as she could, as Mikael raised his sword to attack Niklaus once more, Caroline had thrown herself in front of him to horror if everyone. Mikael stopped his swing just barely from contacting her.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, we are in the middle of training," Mikael shouted at her, his eyes burned with anger.

Caroline exhaled, "You've already won this battle. What more do you have to gain by continuing to injure your sons? You have done it to all of them and for what? It proves nothing."

Mikael hissed, he moved his sword closer to her "You have no business in this training. You are weak, pathetic-"

Niklaus' sword moved his father's away, a new kind of anger in his eyes, "Do not move that weapon any closer."

Mikael was surprised for a second, but anger replaced it, "You dare to challenge me boy!?"

"I dare to do a number of things father,"

Niklaus said as he continued to move his father's sword away and put himself between him and Caroline.

There was an air of confidence around Niklaus that hadn't been there before, maybe it was arrogance actually. A switch had gone off in his mind when his father moved too close to Caroline, his weapon almost touching her flawless skin. He wouldn't have it. Caroline was to be his partner, he hoped, and he wouldn't allow anyone to treat her in such away. The last time his father had made a move against her, he hadn't been there. He would be damned before he allowed such a thing to occur in his presence.

Mikael forced Niklaus' sword away, he stared into his son's eyes and was inwardly surprised to see Niklaus did not back away like he usually would. The older man glanced at Caroline who was glaring at him as well before his gaze turned to his son. It had taken a woman being threatened for Niklaus to show a bit more of spirit and fire, a new weakness that Mikael would be sure to exploit. How or when, he couldn't be sure, but it was there in his mind.

Although he despised Caroline, he held a small bit of respect for her. Hardly anyone had the courage or strength to stand against him, it was almost refreshing to see it happen. Without a word, he forced Niklaus's sword out his hand and stormed past him, bumping his already sore chest. Niklaus hissed at the jab and stumbled slightly, Caroline steadied him instantly, her hands gentle and strong.

When Mikael was gone, Niklaus called to his siblings, "Leave us."

His brothers and sister exchanged looks, but did as he asked and left the area in order to return home and get back to their chores. Once they were alone, Niklaus released a heavy breath as he slumped slightly.

"I am sorry," Caroline said, "I know that getting in the way, but how, I can't just-"

"You don't have to explain yourself to me, I understand," Niklaus told her with a genuine smile.

Caroline held his gaze for a moment, then she looked to his chest, "You're cut, we should take care of that."

Niklaus tugged at the cut fabric to see the inflamed red line across his chest, along with several lines. Most had faded with time, but it was not hard to see them and count them. Nervously, he looked at Caroline's face and expected to see disgust or awe at his scars. Scars were deemed as honorable when it came from true fights, from true battles and wars. From training, they meant you were weak and incapable. To Mikael, they were a reminder of his power over his sons. Caroline's expression was angry, her brow scrunch and jaw clenched as she tried to reel in her emotions.

"All these from your father," she said darkly, it was a tone he hadn't expected, "He's a piece of shit."

Niklaus laughed loudly, but cut it off as it hurt his chest, "Ah, there's that sharp tongue I love."

Her eyes found his, "Come on, I'll help you clean it and when we get back to the house, put some paste on it."

"I'd rather we just wander around out here," Niklaus told her.

"And risk infection," Caroline asked incredulous, "No way. Come on."

Caroline took his hand in her and she started walking, but Niklaus did not budge, much to her annoyance at first. However the look in his face was pained and she could tell it wasn't from the cut along his chest. She stepped closer to him, concerned written in her expression.

"What are you thinking about," she asked softly.

"My father meant to kill me," Niklaus said in a whispering tone, "I could see it in his face. He truly hates me and would have ended me-"

"No, no he wouldn't have done that," Caroline said, she shook her head. There was no way Mikael would actually try to kill his own son.

Niklaus inhale sharply, "He meant to. Or he meant for me to believe it. Regardless, it had the desired effect. All my life I just wanted his approval, but all my life he's wanted me gone. I suppose I'm just too weak."

Niklaus swallowed thickly, he licked his dry lips as he looked to the floor away from Caroline. Weak and fragile was how he felt, the opposite of how he should feel. All his life, he knew his father seemed to hate him, but still a part of him hoped that his father did care about him. Surely he pushed him so hard because he wanted him to better, right? Could it be that his father hated him so much?

Feather soft hands cupped his cheeks, it startled him for a moment, but he did not show it on his face. Those gentle hands lifted his face so that he looked into the shining blue eyes of Caroline, her face set in a determined expression he grew to love.

"You are not weak," Caroline said, her tone left no room for argument, "Niklaus, you are by far the strongest person I have ever encountered in my life. Your father is a fool and horrible man, you shouldn't listen to him or believe what he says. Now, don't say such things again. Should he come for your life, I will not stand for it."

"Jumping in front of me was dangerous," Niklaus told her.

Caroline smiled, "My middle name is danger, well actually it's Eli- yeah, danger."

Niklaus raised an eyebrow at her. He hadn't been aware she had a middle name or last name. It wasn't terribly common for people to have a last name, though for those of Norwegian decent it was always the name of their father with son or daughter added on. Niklaus was technically Mikaelson, but no one went by the last name and didn't have a name in between.

"I wasn't aware you had a middle name or surname I believe it is called," Niklaus commented.

Caroline's eyes widened, "Uh yeah. My mom wanted me to have one, to protect from fae. Superstitious and all that."

Niklaus nodded in understanding, although as far as he knew there was nothing to be concerned when it came to fae, he understood why many cultures were. Well, Kol knew the inner workings of it all much better than he did.

"I see, perhaps one day you will share it with me," Niklaus said after a brief pause.

Caroline smiled, "Maybe one day. Now, can we please take care of your cut?"

"If you insist," Niklaus replied a grin of his own.

The pair returned to the house and went straight for their small well in the back. Niklaus would have objected to the help from his siblings, but he would not argue with Caroline. If he were being honest, he truly wanted to know what it would feel like to have her hands on his chest. Ever since her arrival, he had craved the feeling of her touch and to touch her. Of course he couldn't act on it, but it haunted him and he just couldn't wait for a time when he could hold her and love her the way she deserved.

Caroline knelt before him, she delicately wiped the dried blood away. Her touch was magnificent as far as Niklaus was concerned, it took every ounce of his self control not to react as her fingers brushed across his bare chest. Caroline did her best not to be distracted by the fact he had a great chest and ignore the urge to let her fingers run across his faded scars.

It was so intimate and part of her had to wonder if this was deemed inappropriate given the time. Niklaus didn't seem bothered and wasn't complaining, though he occasionally winced. However there was a look in his eyes that she barely caught onto when her fingers went too close to his more defined areas. Once it was cleaned, she adored his chest for a moment longer and than abruptly turned away.

Niklaus smirked, "Like what you see?"

Caroline glanced at him, her cheeks turned pink, "I have no idea what you're talking about. The cut's cleaned, all that's left is the medicine and bandage."

"Is that all," Niklaus asked with a playful smirk.

"Shut up," Caroline said with a quick laugh.

He opened his mouth to say something, but paused at the warmth that shot through him. The sting of his chest changed to a dull ache and he looked down to investigate to find the red line was replaced with a mostly healed cut, almost a scar. His eyes found Caroline's, she was still looking at his chest, but when she felt his gaze, she turned away. It was a funny thing magic, Niklaus was familiar with it and it made him happy to see Caroline had some within her. However based on this reaction, she seemed ashamed and imagined it unsettled her. He wouldn't draw attention to it.

"Shall we my lady," Niklaus said.

Caroline smiled at him, grateful, "We shall."

Niklaus could only smile at her, his eyes alight with mischief and happiness as he watched her. One day, this woman would be become his wife. He had no idea when or how exactly, but he knew in his heart she was the one. He just hoped she felt the same. Little did he know, similar thoughts had appeared in her mind. Only instead of excitement for the future, dread filled her.