Okay so BIG apologies for not updating this story. I didn't write for so long, as you'd know if you read my other stories, and now I'm back at it again but Political Persuasion has taken precedence. This is the final chapter of Saving Caroline; it was fun to write and was something different for a change. If you are still reading I hope you enjoy it.
All flashbacks are in italics.
Chapter 10: The Grand Finale
October 31: (13 months later)
"You are not going out in that outfit missy." Elijah said taking in Davina's short black dress.
"Aw come on Elijah it's Halloween, I'm supposed to be a cat." She pouted. "Josh is going as a mouse, get it?"
"Since when did cats wear black belts?"
"This is actually a dress." She shot back attempting to pull it down as far as she possibly could given its stretchy material.
"I don't care what it is Davina; you're not wearing that out." He cried. Davina regarded him closely knowing that he wasn't going to budge. "Why don't you wear a sheet, you know go as a ghost."
"She's not five years old Elijah." A voice called out walking into the room. Elijah looked up the biggest smile gracing his face.
"No but she's also not going out in that poor excuse for a dress." He smiled pulling her towards him and placing a chaste kiss on her temple.
"You see Katerina understands." Davina argued hands on hips.
"Ah no you don't." Katherine replied wiggling her fingers at the teenager. "I never said that."
"Ha!" Elijah said poking out his tongue cheekily.
"That's mature Elijah." Katherine said shaking her head in his direction. "You're not wearing that or a ghost outfit but I'm sure we can think of something nice too sweetie."
"Fine." Davina conceded poking her tongue out at Elijah before walking out of the room.
"You spoil her." He said turning around to face Katherine.
"Maybe a little." She said looping her arms around his neck and drawing him closer. "She's been through a lot, including missing out on a proper childhood. I like that she can do normal things like go out on Halloween."
"You're right, but don't think that means I'm going to let her traipse around in that top and….." He said before Katherine cut him off with her lips. He moaned the feeling of her smooth lips on his sending him into the usual frenzy. After a few drawn out moments, he reluctantly pulled away. "Why is it that every time I try to give my opinion you kiss me?"
"Don't tell me you're complaining." She asked raising her eyebrows curiously.
"I don't think I'd ever complain about my fiancé kissing me." He smiled pulling her in for another deep kiss.
"Mmmm I love when you call me your fiancé." She cooed nuzzling her nose against his when they'd finally parted.
"Yes it never gets old does it?" He grinned squeezing her tightly. "I, for one, was absolutely shocked when you said yes."
"Why?"
"Well you've always been so independent, not to mention ridiculously stubborn." He said earning a glare from her. "I thought you wouldn't say yes just because I wanted you to say it."
"I have to admit the thought did cross my mind, but I think this marriage thing might be okay." Katherine said.
"Well I'm glad considering we're getting married in less than a week."
"Yes we are." She beamed. "It's only taken us what, hundreds of years."
"About that but finally we'll be together for good, with nothing to stop us." He smiled. "You'll be a wife as well as a mother." Elijah said nudging her playfully.
"What does that mean?"
"Oh come on don't tell me you don't love being a mother to Davina."
"Maybe." She admitted. "I mean it's like my very own doll I can look after and dress up."
"I think Davina means a lot more to you than that." Katherine nodded thinking about their history.
"Well she did save my life." She said thinking back to that night in the compound.
"She did and because of her spell I can look forward to spending infinity with you as my wife." He said warmly thinking that because of Davina's spell to save her Katherine was able to become a vampire again.
13 months earlier…..
"Okay now we need to place the coins around her head and chant this verse three times." Davina said her hands shaking as she tried reading through the spell.
"It's okay." Sophie soothed placing her hand reassuringly over the young girl's hand. "We'll save her."
"I'm glad you're so confident." She replied. "I just can't seem to concentrate." Sophie looked around the room at the crowd around them watching their every move.
"Okay you five out." She instructed pointing towards Rebekah, Caroline, Stefan, Josh and Matt.
"Talk about feeding us to the wolves." Matt muttered.
"Last time I checked you had three vampires and an Original with you, I think you'll be okay." Sophie shot back sarcastically earning a dirty look from the blonde.
"Okay out everyone." Rebekah instructed. "Keep your eyes peeled." The room descended into much needed silence as they left the room.
"Are you okay Elijah." Davina asked looking at him seriously.
"I will be." He said nervously. "I know you can do this Davina." She nodded turning around and taking Sophie's hand to start the spell.
After three attempts the spell still hadn't worked. Davina was frustrated because she knew her powers were stronger than that. But with everything happening she was clearly distracted. How could Marcel do that to her? He never really cared obviously and was just pretending the whole time.
Sophie looked at her sympathetically obviously knowing what she was thinking. "Sometimes things don't work out like we'd want them to Davina, it's okay." She whispered squeezing her hand. Davina looked at poor Katherine lying there helplessly as tears sprung to her eyes.
"Davina." His raspy voice said from behind. She couldn't look him in the eye at first her guilt was that great. She knew how much Elijah loved Katerina and it just didn't seem fair. "Davina." He repeated and this time she looked up her vision blurry from the tears.
"You have done your best." He whispered. "Thank you for that." She shook her head thinking this wasn't the way it was supposed to be.
"I haven't Elijah, Katerina should be awake."
"You have." He said placing his hands on her shoulders his voice trembling. "Katerina would have been so pleased that you tried."
"It's not enough, it can't end like this." She cried noticing the tears forming in his eyes.
"It's okay Davina." Elijah murmured his eyes watering. He was usually so reserved with his feelings but his devastation was obvious. "Katerina will always be my greatest love and I'm thankful that I had her in my life and in my heart."
"Well that's good to hear given I don't plan on going anywhere." A raspy voice said making them all look over in surprise.
"Katerina." Elijah said in amazement his face breaking into the biggest smile.
"You're awake." Davina grinned.
"Thanks Davina." She smiled gratefully as Sophie helped her up from the bed. "You should know it's pretty hard to get rid of me."
Elijah rushed over enveloping her in his arms and squeezing her tightly. "You don't need to hold me so tight."
"Yes I do." Elijah murmured in her ear. "And no matter how much you fight I don't plan on ever letting you go again."
"I think I can live with that." She smiled placing her hands on his wet cheeks and pulling him closer. She brushed her lips against his softly at first savouring the moment they'd both been waiting for. He deepened the kiss his tongue finding her warmth.
"Ah em." Sophie said a minute later feeling guilty for interrupting. "Sorry to interrupt this moment but if you hadn't noticed there are a few bad guys out there trying to kill us. It might, you know, be handy to have an original on hand."
"Of course." Elijah said smiling briefly at Katherine before returning to his usual self. "See you soon." He said kissing her quickly on the lips before walking out the door to exact his revenge.
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November 1
"You do realise that babies don't just stop crying right?" Caroline groaned half asleep.
"I realise that Caroline." Klaus growled turning over in their bed and facing her flashing his deep blue eyes in her direction.
"Well if you realise that why aren't you in the nursery right now?" She shot back smartly. "It is your turn after all."
"Have I mentioned how much I love your sarcasm?"
"Not lately, but you know I love hearing how much you love me." She giggled as he began to tickle her mercilessly. "Klaus there's other pressing matters if you couldn't hear the noise coming from the intercom."
"Alright but I have some unfinished business with you when I get back." He laughed climbing out of bed. Caroline watched his bare muscly back and snug fitting grey boxers saunter away and had to physically stop herself from attacking him.
Caroline realised early on in their relationship that she couldn't get enough of him and that was an obvious sign given their healthy sex life. It wasn't just the desire either, Caroline had never been as deeply in love as she was right now.
Klaus had turned out to be a complete surprise, in a good way. Everyone knew Klaus's tough side but it was only Caroline who really saw his other side, well her and Hope. She never imagined he could be so loving and considerate but he'd proven her wrong and she couldn't be happier.
"Shhh gorgeous girl." She heard him say his voice floating through the intercom. She continued to cry his words having little effect on a grisly Hope.
"Shhh, what's there to cry about sweetie?" He asked. "I mean you have me as your father which is really enough said." Caroline let out a laugh thinking modesty was never his strong suit. "Not to mention the most beautiful mother in the world." Caroline grinned unable to hide her happiness.
"Okay obviously talking about your parents doesn't work." He said obviously trying to think of something else to do. "How about I sing then?" Caroline jumped out of bed realising this was too good an opportunity to pass up. She crept down the hallway and peered around the corner, the sight before Caroline making her entire insides turn to mush.
"Shhh." He was standing in the corner of the room looking down lovingly at his beautiful daughter, cradling Hope in his arms. Just when it couldn't get any cuter he began to sing softly.
Hush little baby don't say a word.
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat
And if that billy goat won't pull,
Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull
And if that cart and bull fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town
Caroline couldn't believe they had managed to get to this point after everything that transpired a year earlier with Marcel, Tyler and Hayley.
13 months earlier…
"Be careful." Caroline whispered cupping his cheeks affectionately.
"Aren't I always love?" Klaus replied warmly placing a lingering kiss on her lips. "I am the most powerful creature on earth after all. Now it's time to finish this once and for all."
He stalked out his resolve even stronger than before. He would get rid of Marcel, and take back New Orleans with his queen by his side.
The news of the baby's paternity had hit him hard not that he'd admit that to anyone. Deep down he'd been looking forward to being a father and Klaus realised that would never happen now. He balled up his fists, his anger only spurring him on.
"Well look who finally decided to come out of hiding." Marcel exclaimed upon seeing Klaus on the balcony in the compound.
"I wasn't hiding Marcel; you know that's not my style." He smiled sarcastically. "Now where were we? That's right I was about to kill you." He lunged over the balcony landing on the ground in one swift move.
"I think you need to work on your maths skills Klaus." Marcel said gesturing towards the hoard of seething vampires behind him.
"Numbers were never really my thing." He shot back launching himself at Marcel impatiently wanting things to be over so he could be with Caroline.
They began to fight, landing blow after blow on each other, the blood beginning to flow from their injuries. Klaus couldn't believe it had come to this given everything he'd done for Marcel over the years.
Sensing an Original victory, Marcel's minions converged upon him and Klaus knew he was in trouble. Maybe he really did need to work on his maths. At least he couldn't die that was one thing. As his minions surrounded him Klaus noticed a silver dagger in Marcel's hand realising his plans.
If they managed to hold him down Klaus knew he'd be sentenced to life daggered and in a box.
"When do I get my turn?" Rebecca pouted appearing from nowhere and making everyone stop.
"This isn't your fight Rebekah." Klaus managed to cry out even in pain.
"Damn straight it's my fight." She said. "Nobody daggers me and gets away with it."
"You always did know how to hold a grudge sweetheart." Marcel laughed waving the silver dagger in her face. "I'd be happy to finish where I left off."
"Not bloody likely." Elijah called out from behind the throng of vampires. "I've been gone for ages, can't believe you're still alive."
"Am I supposed to be scared?" Marcel said obviously not afraid to bait three Originals.
"Well you're obviously just as dumb as when we hooked up." Sophie drawled with Davina by her side. "You might want to add two witches to that tally."
"And some vampires." Stefan shouted next to Caroline and Josh. Klaus looked up at her his heart lurching, he never wanted Caroline to get involved.
"Hey what about the humans?" Matt asked his arm securely around Katherine. They all looked at him and shook their heads.
"Looks like it's quality over quantity Marcel." Klaus said his smile only getting bigger. "Do you want to rethink your little strategy?"
"I'm not afraid." He baulked although his eyes said differently. "We can take you." His minions suddenly didn't look so confident. Klaus could feel the wind begin to blow through the compound picking up speed as it swirled around them just as the lights began to flicker. Klaus looked up noticing Davina was lending a helping hand.
The wind became stronger the glass lamps around them smashing from the pressure causing sparks to fly before they were plunged into complete darkness. Sensing defeat the hoard dispersed running in different directions to avoid the impending doom.
Marcel stood still his surprise evident. Klaus took his opportunity and lunged at him managing to disarm him knocking him to the ground. Rebekah, Elijah and Klaus surrounded him ready to pounce.
"Go on kill me then." He spat.
"I don't think you're worth it." Elijah said shrugging his shoulders. "But I'll divert to Niklaus and Rebekah on this one."
"I could think of an even better punishment." Rebekah said looking at Klaus who was nodding obviously aware of what she meant.
"The garden." He said shortly as they pulled him up and walked towards the cellar.
"Not the garden." He hollered trying to get away.
"I think that's quite fitting." Klaus said. "It will give you time to think about what you've done for the next hundred or maybe thousand years."
Caroline, Stefan, Josh, Katherine, Sophie, Matt and Davina looked on knowing that the war was finally over, Klaus had reclaimed New Orleans. The witches would be able to practice magic, the vampires would have a new leader and the humans would be left alone to live their lives.
Six months later….
"Have I told you how much I love you lately?" Klaus asked holding her hand as they walked through the dark New Orleans Street.
Klaus had taken her out to Nola, an eatery nestled in the French Quarter for their six month anniversary and they were on their way home. Over the past six months Caroline had settled in at the compound and had transferred her studies to the University of New Orleans.
Caroline never imagined her life would have turned out this way but she was happier than she'd ever been. Not only did she have her studies and Klaus but she also had a great group of friends. Stefan had decided to stay on for Sophie, Matt for Rebekah and of course Davina, Elijah and Katherine the ready-made family.
"No but you can tell me again." She giggled nudging him playfully.
"How about I show you instead." He smiled leaning in closer brushing his lips against hers and combing his hands through her silky hair. She looped her hands around his neck and pulled him flush against her. Klaus moaned at their close contact thinking they really needed to get home soon otherwise he might just take her on the public street.
"Mmmm, you definitely showed me." She murmured against his lips. "If that's just the preview then I really want to see the show."
"Well I don't want to give anything away but I can promise there will be fireworks." He said raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"What are we waiting for then?" She smiled giving him a lingering kiss before pulling him up the street towards the compound. As they approached they could hear faint whimpering. Klaus and Caroline looked at each other not sure of the source.
As they neared the front door they could see a cream bassinette and realised the noise was coming from there. Caroline peered in at the gorgeous little girl with big brown eyes, her skin slightly red from crying.
"Who is this beautiful little girl?" Caroline asked. "Those brown eyes look awfully familiar." Klaus rummaged around the bassinette finding a blue envelope with his name on it. He opened it reading the cursive aloud for her benefit.
Klaus,
I know after everything I put you through I don't deserve any favours but this is my daughter Hope. A daughter you once thought was yours. Even though you won't admit it I know you were looking forward to being a father. Please look after Hope for me and give her the home I can't.
Hayley
"What does she mean by give her the home she can't?" Caroline asked curiously.
"Well they have been on the run from me since leaving New Orleans." He said looking down at the little girl. "She didn't mention Tyler though."
"I wouldn't be surprised if he left them, Tyler has always been selfish." Caroline muttered thinking about what she ever saw in him.
"Well he won't get too far I have my men on the lookout."
"Do you think she's doing this so you'll leave her alone?" Caroline asked.
"It wouldn't surprise me." He said as Hope latched onto his little finger and began to giggle.
"Looks like you're a natural." Caroline observed putting her arm around him. "I can't believe Hayley would just abandon her baby like that and all to save her own skin."
"You can't believe that?" He asked incredulously.
"Well maybe I can but there's no way I'd ever leave my baby." She said. Klaus noticed her sad expression.
"You would have made a wonderful mother." He said sincerely.
"I guess we'll never know." She said her eyes firmly trained on little Hope.
"I felt the same way after I found out she wasn't mine." He said sadly. "Maybe this is our shot at a second chance."
"Are you serious?" She asked inhaling sharply.
"I know it's not something we've ever talked about before but why not?"
"I'm game if you are." She smiled. "Little Hope needs to know someone loves her." She squeezed his hand excited for their future together.
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November 3
"I can't believe you still don't like my gumbo." Sophie cried throwing her hands up in the air in frustration. Since he'd moved to New Orleans full time she'd tried everything but he wouldn't budge. They were in the kitchen at Rousseau's while Sophie prepped for lunch service.
"Hey I can't help that I don't like gumbo." He said shaking his head. "Give it to Matt you know how much he loves it."
"Yes but there's only so much Rebekah I can take." She joked.
"Agreed." He chuckled catching her by surprise and pulling her towards him and placing a chaste kiss on her lips. "I may not like your gumbo but I most definitely like you."
"Oh you like me do you?"
"Okay I suppose I love you." He replied rolling his eyes earning a playful slap from his girlfriend.
"That's so kind of you." She grinned holding onto him tightly. Sophie had never let herself fall for anyone but Stefan Salvatore had to enter her life and throw it into complete disarray, not that she was complaining.
They had been living together for about six months now and she hadn't killed him yet a sure sign that she was completely in love.
"Way to keep me hanging." He shot back.
"Oh yeah I suppose I love you too." Sophie joked kissing him back. She would never have believed they'd be where they were a year ago.
13 months earlier….
Sophie busied herself in the kitchen knowing things had to go back to normal even after the drama of the previous few days. Klaus had reclaimed his throne in New Orleans, something she had never wanted but he seemed to have changed his ways.
Sophie had to remember to thank Caroline for his change of heart. She also had to thank Caroline for bringing a certain best friend to town. Sophie was very cautious when it came to her feelings but ever since the witty vampire had come to town she was smitten.
He constantly made her laugh and she had to admit her feelings towards him were growing stronger every day.
"So I'd casually ask you for some gumbo but you know I'd be lying." Stefan said frightening her.
"Don't scare me like that." She cried holding her hand on her heart.
"Sorry it's probably the last thing you need after all the drama."
"Yeah probably." She admitted. "So if you don't want gumbo then what exactly are you after?"
"Well I suppose it was my lame way of trying to ask you out."
"So you think by insulting my gumbo I'd go out with you?" She asked hands on hips.
"Well maybe it's not the best way to ask you out but you have to give me points for trying." He said smiling sweetly.
"I suppose it is different." She conceded. "Say I agree to said date what would you have planned?"
"Well I could tell you but then it wouldn't be a surprise."
"You have nothing do you?" She asked raising her eyebrows thinking casual and unplanned was exactly her style.
"No but I can definitely be spontaneous."
"Okay." She replied simply.
"Okay?"
"Um that's what I said." She reiterated noticing his surprised look.
"Well okay." He said his face still showing signs of shock. "Tonight 8pm?"
"See you then." She smiled. "Now get out of here, I have gumbo to make and we both know how much you don't like it."
Stefan had stayed true to his word and been spontaneous but casual. They played a few games of pool then ended up on the roof top drinking late into the night. They had never spent any time alone and it was good to get to know each other.
One date turned into many and Stefan decided to stay in New Orleans for the time being. Sophie knew if he did want to leave she would have no qualms in joining him.
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November 5
"Matthew, we're going to be late." Rebekah yelled up the stairs.
"You realise calling me Matthew is going to make me go even slower." He called back.
"Typical." She muttered taking a seat on the couch. It seemed like she was always waiting for Matt to get ready, talk about being a girl.
"I'm ready." He said walking down the stairs making her look around. She broke into a smile unable to take her eyes off him in his black tuxedo.
"Well at least the wait was worth it." She smiled leaning up unable to stop herself from fixing his wonky bow tie.
"Well I had to try and look half decent if I was going to be next to you." He murmured kissing her sweetly on the nose when she'd finished tweaking his tie. "You look beautiful, although that's hardly surprising."
"You're just biased." She said self-consciously looking down at her long, flowing magenta dress.
"Maybe but it's true." He teased. "Now let's get this show on the road."
"Yes given you've taken so long we'll be lucky to make it there before the bride." She teased as they raced out the door.
13 months earlier...
"Just another day." Matt groaned joining Rebekah at the bar. After sending Marcel to exile in the garden they'd gathered at Rousseau's for a well-deserved drink. Not surprisingly Klaus and Caroline and Elijah and Katherine had left for some alone time. Sophie and Stefan were chatting in the kitchen.
"Oh come on you'd be so bored if you were living a normal mundane human life, admit it."
"Maybe. Although I could do without all the injuries." He said rubbing his neck from the damage Marcel inflicted on him.
"I'm sorry." She said leaning across and rubbing it gently Matt looked at Rebekah her close proximity having an effect on him.
"Why are you sorry? Last time I checked you didn't do this." He said his voice breaking slightly.
"You never asked for any of this but you keep getting dragged into everything."
"Last time I checked I chose to come down and help Caroline." He said warmly.
"That's right you came to save Caroline." She said her voice tinged with sadness. For once in her life all Rebekah wanted was someone to save her.
"I never stopped thinking about you after our summer together." He whispered placing his hand on top of hers.
"Well I didn't know that." She replied. "I mean you never called and apparently you didn't want anything after that summer."
"I didn't know what I wanted Rebekah." He said slowly obviously trying to process his thoughts. "Things had been so crazy. It was only after I lost Bonnie that I really put things into perspective. Seeing you with Caroline in Charlotte was fate."
"Well you had a funny way of showing it." She thought back to the way he'd spoken to her.
"I may have been slow to come to the party but last time I checked I kind of threw myself into the path of danger for you a few times today." He said shaking his head. "I have no idea why given you're invincible."
"You did." She said moving closer and rubbing his neck lovingly. "That's one of the reasons I love you Matt Donovan." He raised his eyebrows curiously.
"So while we're on the subject why else do you love me?" He asked leaning in so their noses were touching.
"How about I take you home and tell you." She giggled mischievously rubbing her nose against his.
"Now that sounds like a plan." He grinned pulling her up and racing out of the bar.
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November 5
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The celebrant said looking at the happy couple as they sealed the ceremony with a kiss. Elijah looked handsome as usual in his black tuxedo and Katherine a vision in cream vintage lace. Her dress was fitted to the waist, flaring out slightly over her hips and falling in a pool at her feet. She was beaming, they both were.
The guests cheered as they walked back down the makeshift aisle. The couple had chosen the Chicory, a historic building that was once a coffee warehouse in 1852. It was a grand structure with exposed beams, brick walls and gas lanterns which just added to its charm.
Caroline and Klaus linked arms following close behind as Maid of Honour and Best Man respectively. Caroline looked stunning in a blush pink off-the-shoulder gown while Klaus was his usual handsome self in a matching black tuxedo like his brother.
Davina followed behind them her rosy cheeks matching her blush pink dress which was similar to Caroline's except for the scooped neckline. She smiled at Josh who was sitting on the aisle as she carried her matching bunch of pale pink and cream peonies.
Matt and Rebekah, Sophie and Stefan looked on their smiling faces matching those of the bridal party. None of them could have ever imagined being here a year ago but they were so happy those dramatic events had led them here to this point.