Only two days after Stefan and Elena's wedding, things in Mystic Falls were calmer. Things were going much more smoother, and for some reason, Caroline loved such an idea. The peaceful small town that it was supposed to be, was finally being a quite small town. No more impending doom, or hybrid crisis to deal with, and she felt like she had something to do with that. Not just because she and Klaus were now a thing, but because she cared about him. If he wasn't hurting or plotting evil, that meant she'd done something right.
A warm Spring breeze floated throughout the town square, children ran around, parents took long walks, couples were shopping, The Grille was alive with the normal ruckus. Stefan and Elena were on their honeymoon in England, Damon and Bonnie had become a thing in only a matter of days, Tyler and his girl, Maria, had gone off on a 'surprise' vacation, and Jeremy was back from school with his girlfriend. Who would've thought all the bad in their lives could suddenly just…disappear?
"Caroline," his voice rang in her ears, like velvet.
"Hm? I'm sorry, I was just…thinking." She returned softly.
His hand brushed her knee gently, a genuine smile on his lips, "You seemed to be in deep thought. Was something troubling you, love?"
She shook her head, No. "No, not really. I was just thinking back on everything, and how all the bad in our lives just suddenly disappeared."
" You mean, when I stopped trying to kill Elena, and create hybrids?" he asked, a wave of guilt suddenly coming over him.
A sigh escaped her lips, "No. It wasn't just that. Though that was part of the equation. Just, anything bad in general." She said, looking at him now.
He felt the need of a subject change, and cleared his throat. "Would you still want to travel the world with me?" he asked.
" Klaus, we talked about this."
"I know." He said, turning so his body faced her, his gaze held hers. He reached over and took his hands in hers, holding her gaze. "I know, that you said you wanted to live a life here, with Elena and Bonnie, Stefan, Jeremy, Damon, Me. I know that's what you want, and that it'll make you happy." He said, pausing to take a breath.
"I know where this is goi-"
"I only want, what's best for you. Believe me, I do." He whispered, glancing around for a minute. "Don't you think though, that in a year or so, Damon and Bonnie could be married? Jeremy and his girl, they could move in together, that doesn't mean in Mystic Falls though. Stefan and Elena? Who says they want to stay here, their whole lives?" he asked, shaking his head.
"May I?" Caroline asked, feeling the need to speak up.
"Of course." He said, watching her carefully.
"I love you, you know that. Of course, I only want what's best for you, but I think there is a compromise to be made here, am I wrong?"
"No, not in the slightest."
"Right. I know that you want to travel the world, and see places, and do things. I've wanted to do something like that my entire life, and I've never had the chance until now. I just, don't know if I'm ready to leave the place I call home. I'm sure even you can understand that?"
"Of course, love. Sometimes you need to let things go, though." He reminded gently.
"I know."
Both were silent for a moment, thoughts racing through Caroline's mind. There are so many things I can do! So many things I'll get to see. At the end of the day though, yes, I'll miss Mystic Falls, and all the family and friends I have here. He's right though. I do need to move on, and we can always come back and visit. Here goes nothing.
"I've, after internally battling myself, come to a decision."
"Which would be?" he asked, with a raised brow.
" I remember the first time you asked me to the travel the world with you. That was the night I had first rejected you, and thus, the stalking began. And now, not even a month later, here we are. Together, and we're back on the same topic." She paused, momentarily.
" Go on. I'm all ears." He encouraged gently.
Taking a deep breath, she locked her gaze with his. " You're right. Change is a good thing, and I do need to get out of this town. Go out and see things, meet people. And if I'm doing that all with you? That's all that matters. At the end of the day though, Mystic Falls will always be my home, though."
"Is that a yes then, my dear?" he asked, a smile slowly creeping onto his features.
Returning the smile, she answered, "Yes. I would love to travel the world with you."
Klaus picked her up, and spun her around in his arms. Setting her back down on the ground, he kissed her for all that he could. Pulling away he smiled.
"So, where's our first stop?" she asked, with a raised brow.
" I was thinking somewhere exotic. Maybe, The Rain Forest?"
"I like the way you think." She smirked.
He kissed her forehead gently, bringing her into a hug, his chine rest gently on top of her head.
"I love you." He whispered.
"I love you too." She smiled.
It was in that moment that Caroline realized, love really did work in strange ways. At the end of the day though, love would find you. Maybe, it wouldn't. Whatever the situation was, you'd find love, and love would find you. You just have to want it bad enough.
A/N: I'm so sad to see this story come to an end. Yes, this was the last chapter. How did you like the way it ended? How did you like the whole story over-all? Please, let me know in the reviews!
There was one song I listened to in particular, while finishing this chapter. It's called "The Wind" by the Fray. Look it up, and listen to it while reading this story. I think it fits it well. THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH. For all your reviews, love and support. It means a lot.